In Madelynn's almost two and a half years of life she has been examined, poked, prodded and just down right been invaded. She has handled it some days better than I ever thought she would. Whenever we go to the doctor for whatever reason she is not afraid of anything except when she sees a needle coming but who wouldn't.
For Christmas, Santa brought her a little medical kit and it has become her favorite present. The tools that the doctor uses to look in your eyes, ears, nose and throat even light up like the real ones. She just loves it.
Madelynn decided recently that Mommy needed a check up. It stated out by taking my 'hairbow' out and giving me a haircut with her new cool (pretend) medical scissors. Even though the scissors don't really cut, they can get stuck in your hair and it is REALLY painful to get out. After we confirmed Mommy didn't need to donate her hair earlier than expected we moved on to all the really cool tools that light up.
The one for examining your nose was crammed up my nose and turned on I think I could have been a stand in for Rudolf thank god I have 362 days to recover. Then she decided it was time to examine my eyes. All I have to say is it was ten times worse than the puffs of air for the glaucoma test. So here's the scene.....
Mommy I need to check your eyes
Ok
Mommy I need to take your glasses and I need to hold them.
Ok but can mommy hold them
No I do it.
The next thing I know she is coming at me with something red with a light at the end and I shut my eyes.
Mommy you have to open your eyes
Ok (It is kind of hard to open your eye when the tool is pushing in your eyeball and you suddenly feel the light on the tool go on.)
No, Mommy open your eye like this.
Suddenly I feel little fingers pulling my eye lid open and bright red light coming at me.
Maddie, Honey are we done yet??
Ok, Mommy time for a shot.
As long as it isn't in the eye we are good. At this point I pretend that the shot hurt and say, "ouch!"
Maddie looks at me and says, "Mommy that didn't hurt!"
True, compared to the bright red light being crammed in my eyeball I didn't feel a thing on that shot. Oh and did I mention during this examination I was folding and putting her clothes away. I can't tell you how much I really dislike laundry.
Happy Wednesday!
TTFN~
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Christmas Surprise......
There is so many pictures to share and stories to tell but the biggest news in the Addler household comes from Katie May.......
Christmas Day night right before bed she lost her first tooth. She was so excited she came running in to say, "Mommy my tooth fell out!!" Thanks to Grandma Bacho we were able to use the Tooth Fairy pillow case I used as a child. Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy all in 24 hours what is a mom to do.
TTFN~
Friday, December 17, 2010
Space Heaters
So for those of you that don't know I work for a local Church in Charlotte , in the finance department and love my job. I don't usually talk about my job very much but today was different.
The Church is incredibly generous to the community in so many ways, I sometimes have to step back in awe. Outside of the Tithing Committee meetings and decision on who to help, during the Christmas Season there is always extra to help that last minute request. Being in the finance department I only hear stories third and fourth hand about the families we help. I always get excited when we cut the checks for those families in need, especially when they don't expect it.
Today I had an incredible luxury to be the call someone has been waiting/praying for. Some families have been having a terrible time in Charlotte's coldest winter in 100 years. Another non profit was giving away space heaters but ran out of money and needed a donation to buy more heaters. Once the check was in my hand I called them to see if they wanted to pick up the check.
It went a little something like this.....Thank you for calling.....I introduced myself and where I was calling from, there was this sudden silent excitement on the phone. I said guess what I have..... She said what do you have..... I told the girl I had a check in the amount of......she was almost speechless. It wasn't that much but they needed it so badly. When I offered to let her come pick the check up she couldn't get 'where are you located again' out fast enough. I couldn't tell if it was just excitement or tears on the other end but the Church was an answer to their prayers.
I have never experienced being that person to make that call. It is the best part about my job, helping others. It has been a crazy week, I still have Christmas presents to buy, wrap, make and mail but today stopped me and reminded me what was really important.
As you rush around stressing to finish, try to keep in mind what Christmas is really about.
TTFN~
The Church is incredibly generous to the community in so many ways, I sometimes have to step back in awe. Outside of the Tithing Committee meetings and decision on who to help, during the Christmas Season there is always extra to help that last minute request. Being in the finance department I only hear stories third and fourth hand about the families we help. I always get excited when we cut the checks for those families in need, especially when they don't expect it.
Today I had an incredible luxury to be the call someone has been waiting/praying for. Some families have been having a terrible time in Charlotte's coldest winter in 100 years. Another non profit was giving away space heaters but ran out of money and needed a donation to buy more heaters. Once the check was in my hand I called them to see if they wanted to pick up the check.
It went a little something like this.....Thank you for calling.....I introduced myself and where I was calling from, there was this sudden silent excitement on the phone. I said guess what I have..... She said what do you have..... I told the girl I had a check in the amount of......she was almost speechless. It wasn't that much but they needed it so badly. When I offered to let her come pick the check up she couldn't get 'where are you located again' out fast enough. I couldn't tell if it was just excitement or tears on the other end but the Church was an answer to their prayers.
I have never experienced being that person to make that call. It is the best part about my job, helping others. It has been a crazy week, I still have Christmas presents to buy, wrap, make and mail but today stopped me and reminded me what was really important.
As you rush around stressing to finish, try to keep in mind what Christmas is really about.
TTFN~
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Comedic relief from the dentist.
The last two weeks have been an emotional roller coaster that I am choosing to disembark from immediately.
We came home from our 11 glorious days in Florida to below freezing temperatures. It took my body a few days to adjust. I think I wore four to five layers of clothes. I simply could not get warm. There was an announcement yesterday that this is the coldest December in 100 years in our area. Pleas note: I HATE, LOATHE, DESPISE the cold. Not to mention it totally ruins the morale of the household.
We celebrated Kaitlynn's birthday and the life of a remarkable young man, Jacob, who was called home to Jesus after complications of a successful heart surgery (We will miss you Jacob).
Although Kaitlynn and Jackson are succeeding in school, socially they are having difficulty. This time instead of taking their toys away I started to ground them from TV. Amazingly enough their bedrooms are INCREDIBLY clean (LOL!!!).
Speaking of incredibly clean....Have you ever taken a 7, 5 and 2 year old to the dentist!? Not really sure what I was thinking when I made the appointment but the results were most excellent. Kaitlynn is doing very well, no cavities, teeth look great and she has two 'wiggly' teeth as she calls it. It looks as though she might come to the Christmas dinner table with a gap in her smile. She is so excited.
Jack on the other hand is cutting his 6 year molars and is completely miserable. However, his check up was also good with no cavities. He does have an issue with his bite but the Doctor believes it will correct itself when his permanent teeth come in. Madelynn stole the show at the dentist not that it should shock anyone. She did GREAT with the teeth cleaning loves her new princess toothbrush and also had no cavities.
But then we come back around to the 'wiggly' teeth. Kaitlynn and I were talking about them and the one tooth is very loose and the tooth fairy came up. So I explained the tooth fairy, the very special pillow case that was only allowed on your pillow if you had a tooth to deposit in the special pocket. How the pillow would jingle in the morning because it had money in it in exchange for the baby tooth. Thank God my mom found it in the back of the closet.
I thought the kids eyes were going to bug out of their heads. You could see the wheels turning in their little minds. Suddenly I saw something that really worried me. Jackson and Madelynn had their fingers in their mouth checking for loose teeth. Jackson told me he had two 'wiggly' teeth too. I explained that this was not what the dentist said. These two teeth are brand new and you will keep them forever, THEY ARE NOT LEAVING YOUR MOUTH.
The best conversation came from Madelynn when she tried to tell me she also had 'wiggly' teeth. I looked in her mouth and told her those teeth just got there how about we let them stay there for a while before we take them out. Very disappointed she told me 'oh ok mommy'.
My new fear is that one day I will walk into one of there rooms only to find them trying to use Jack's tools to remove a tooth. I don't even want to think about how I would explain that to the dentist. I didn't realize I made the tooth fairy so exciting to want to walk around and yank your teeth out.
So after an emotional up and down two weeks, the laughter was great. Now if I can keep all the teeth in until they are supposed to come out life would be wonderful.
TTFN~
We came home from our 11 glorious days in Florida to below freezing temperatures. It took my body a few days to adjust. I think I wore four to five layers of clothes. I simply could not get warm. There was an announcement yesterday that this is the coldest December in 100 years in our area. Pleas note: I HATE, LOATHE, DESPISE the cold. Not to mention it totally ruins the morale of the household.
We celebrated Kaitlynn's birthday and the life of a remarkable young man, Jacob, who was called home to Jesus after complications of a successful heart surgery (We will miss you Jacob).
Although Kaitlynn and Jackson are succeeding in school, socially they are having difficulty. This time instead of taking their toys away I started to ground them from TV. Amazingly enough their bedrooms are INCREDIBLY clean (LOL!!!).
Speaking of incredibly clean....Have you ever taken a 7, 5 and 2 year old to the dentist!? Not really sure what I was thinking when I made the appointment but the results were most excellent. Kaitlynn is doing very well, no cavities, teeth look great and she has two 'wiggly' teeth as she calls it. It looks as though she might come to the Christmas dinner table with a gap in her smile. She is so excited.
Jack on the other hand is cutting his 6 year molars and is completely miserable. However, his check up was also good with no cavities. He does have an issue with his bite but the Doctor believes it will correct itself when his permanent teeth come in. Madelynn stole the show at the dentist not that it should shock anyone. She did GREAT with the teeth cleaning loves her new princess toothbrush and also had no cavities.
But then we come back around to the 'wiggly' teeth. Kaitlynn and I were talking about them and the one tooth is very loose and the tooth fairy came up. So I explained the tooth fairy, the very special pillow case that was only allowed on your pillow if you had a tooth to deposit in the special pocket. How the pillow would jingle in the morning because it had money in it in exchange for the baby tooth. Thank God my mom found it in the back of the closet.
I thought the kids eyes were going to bug out of their heads. You could see the wheels turning in their little minds. Suddenly I saw something that really worried me. Jackson and Madelynn had their fingers in their mouth checking for loose teeth. Jackson told me he had two 'wiggly' teeth too. I explained that this was not what the dentist said. These two teeth are brand new and you will keep them forever, THEY ARE NOT LEAVING YOUR MOUTH.
The best conversation came from Madelynn when she tried to tell me she also had 'wiggly' teeth. I looked in her mouth and told her those teeth just got there how about we let them stay there for a while before we take them out. Very disappointed she told me 'oh ok mommy'.
My new fear is that one day I will walk into one of there rooms only to find them trying to use Jack's tools to remove a tooth. I don't even want to think about how I would explain that to the dentist. I didn't realize I made the tooth fairy so exciting to want to walk around and yank your teeth out.
So after an emotional up and down two weeks, the laughter was great. Now if I can keep all the teeth in until they are supposed to come out life would be wonderful.
TTFN~
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Art Work....
Stunned into speechlessness is the best way I can describe it.
It doesn't happen very often but today I truly had no words for it. Everyday after school we sit down one child at a time and we go through homework folders, agendas, discuss the school day and get started on homework.
However, today I received a letter from Kaitlynn's art teacher that I was completely unprepared for. The letter asked me to fill out an attached form because Kaitlynn's Art work had been chosen to be displayed in the county court house for a YEAR! Kaitlynn said that only one other child had art work chosen.
I didn't even know what to say to her. I wanted to see the art work!!! I really don't think Kaitlynn understood what was happening. So probably sometime in January I will take her down the the court house and walk the halls to find her peice displayed.
The things you can accomplish by 7 years old never ceases to amaze me.
Congratulations Kaitlynn!!!
I am very proud of you!!!
TTFN~
It doesn't happen very often but today I truly had no words for it. Everyday after school we sit down one child at a time and we go through homework folders, agendas, discuss the school day and get started on homework.
However, today I received a letter from Kaitlynn's art teacher that I was completely unprepared for. The letter asked me to fill out an attached form because Kaitlynn's Art work had been chosen to be displayed in the county court house for a YEAR! Kaitlynn said that only one other child had art work chosen.
I didn't even know what to say to her. I wanted to see the art work!!! I really don't think Kaitlynn understood what was happening. So probably sometime in January I will take her down the the court house and walk the halls to find her peice displayed.
The things you can accomplish by 7 years old never ceases to amaze me.
Congratulations Kaitlynn!!!
I am very proud of you!!!
TTFN~
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Pray for Jacob's Family
After Madelynn's surgery two years ago, throughout her recovery we would find gifts in her room. Different non-profit groups left gifts as she recovered. One of these groups was Levine Cardiac Kids (LCK).
One night while Madelynn was recovering in the hospital Phil and I went down to one of their meetings. What a stellar group of people! I came to know an Amazing LCK mom, Kim. Her son, Jacob, had a few defects with his heart; one was the same defect as Madelynn.
It always gave me some sense of relief when I would see Jacob because he was a teen-ager. One of the oldest cardiac kids in the group, he gave me hope. Just looking at his infectious smile and watching his teenager antics, he showed us life would find normal again after Madelynn recovered.
Over the last two years as I have attended meetings and events I have talked to Kim some about Jacob and his needing surgery this year. The surgery took place Wednesday December 1st. I didn't want to pry so I would check his caring bridge page or face book pages of other LCK moms for an update. Thursday a one sentence post took my breath away. "Jacob needs a miracle. Pray Hard."
I just started to pray harder.
This weekend was Kaitlynn's Birthday and Party so I was trying to stay focused on that. But Saturday Morning something struck me as I got dressed, I put on my Camp Luck shirt said a little prayer and started my day. Finally, late Saturday Night I checked a few web pages to find an update.
Jacob passed away from complications of that surgery.
This was a wonderful young man who will be missed by so many. He was a true leader among the cardiac kids in so many ways. It has been difficult to explain to the younger children that he is gone. However, it was nice to hear they were able to donate his liver and kidneys to save other lives.
Please just pray for Jacob's family as they mourn his loss and celebrate his life it is going to be a long road.
TTFN~
One night while Madelynn was recovering in the hospital Phil and I went down to one of their meetings. What a stellar group of people! I came to know an Amazing LCK mom, Kim. Her son, Jacob, had a few defects with his heart; one was the same defect as Madelynn.
It always gave me some sense of relief when I would see Jacob because he was a teen-ager. One of the oldest cardiac kids in the group, he gave me hope. Just looking at his infectious smile and watching his teenager antics, he showed us life would find normal again after Madelynn recovered.
Over the last two years as I have attended meetings and events I have talked to Kim some about Jacob and his needing surgery this year. The surgery took place Wednesday December 1st. I didn't want to pry so I would check his caring bridge page or face book pages of other LCK moms for an update. Thursday a one sentence post took my breath away. "Jacob needs a miracle. Pray Hard."
I just started to pray harder.
This weekend was Kaitlynn's Birthday and Party so I was trying to stay focused on that. But Saturday Morning something struck me as I got dressed, I put on my Camp Luck shirt said a little prayer and started my day. Finally, late Saturday Night I checked a few web pages to find an update.
Jacob passed away from complications of that surgery.
This was a wonderful young man who will be missed by so many. He was a true leader among the cardiac kids in so many ways. It has been difficult to explain to the younger children that he is gone. However, it was nice to hear they were able to donate his liver and kidneys to save other lives.
Please just pray for Jacob's family as they mourn his loss and celebrate his life it is going to be a long road.
TTFN~
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Seven Years...
To think seven years ago today....I became a mom.
Happy 7th Birthday Kaitlynn!!!!
Today as I looked at the the new clothes you received I was in shock and awe. Just completely speechless at how long the pants were...are you really that tall??? I don't wonder where the time has gone because I was there when it all happened...when you took your first steps, said your first word, started pre-school, walked into kindergarten, swam 50 meters or suddenly evolved into some type of math wiz.
However, like any good parent I can't do it all, I did miss a few things (more than a few) when Madelynn was recovering. The amount of guilt a parent can feel some days is astounding. I have spent too many hours/days/weeks trying to make up for it. Until suddenly one day I just decided to accept what I can't change. I also decided to celebrate today and make every day count. Had it not been for you I am not sure when or if I would have ever discovered that for myself.
Thank you for helping me enjoy everyday. You are a great big sister and I could not be prouder of you. Hope you have a great!!!
Love, Momma
TTFN~
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving 2010.........
Thanksgiving Day is my favorite holiday. I like it better than Christmas or any other Holiday throughout the year.
I remember working the early shift a the grocery store and it being non stop until about 2pm. I remember coming home and smelling everything cooking, I couldn't wait to eat. I remember the table being so full with people and food. I would look around the table and just smile. No matter what the year had brought us good or bad we were still all together as a family.
Today our family is very extended and all over the place. So we have to take turns visiting different family. Regardless of where we are, it doesn't change how thankful we are for how far we have come.
We are Thankful to our parents for never giving up and always being there when it mattered most. We are Thankful for our children, regardless of what we have been through with them, they are truly treasures from heaven. We are Thankful for friends, if it wasn't for their generosity and kindness sometimes we wouldn't make it through the day.
We wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Enjoy the day where ever you are.
TTFN~
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Today I.....
Two years ago today we were at this point here.
There are certain dates that will forever be burned into memory, today is one of those days.
I am incredibly grateful that we are way beyond this point. Yes, we have stumbled on to different struggles and some just as difficult and challenging, but they are different.
Today I struggle how am I going to help my daughter succeed in the Math Stars program. I have to understand it myself before I can help her. Kaitlynn's Math assessment was very high and the teacher sent home materials that will better challenge her. Phil calls her his 'Charlie Epps'.
Today I work with Jackson, just like almost every other day lately, reminding him that he is special, I am very proud of him and my ultimate goal is for him to succeed and be happy about it. He really got lost during this whole ordeal. I feel like I finally have him back. To see his face completely change and light up like Christmas when I encourage him, and congratulate his success is worth every penny.
Today I laugh at Madelynn. She is treading through the terrible two's and cutting some teeth at the same time. Certain parts of her life are incredibly normal and I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world. I like reprimanding her, correcting her and teaching her. Sounds strange I know but I no longer treat her as if she were made of glass.
I know it is not wise to post you will be out of town. But starting tomorrow, thanks to the generosity of others, we will be going on vacation as a family. We have not been on vacation since before Madelynn was born. We reached a milestone two years to the day of her release from the hospital and I want to savor every dripping moment of it. I just want to enjoy my family.
So as we inch closer to the Thanksgiving Holiday, I am most Thankful that God fulfilled his promise to us and we reached the other side and we just get to enjoy family time.
TTFN~
There are certain dates that will forever be burned into memory, today is one of those days.
I am incredibly grateful that we are way beyond this point. Yes, we have stumbled on to different struggles and some just as difficult and challenging, but they are different.
Today I struggle how am I going to help my daughter succeed in the Math Stars program. I have to understand it myself before I can help her. Kaitlynn's Math assessment was very high and the teacher sent home materials that will better challenge her. Phil calls her his 'Charlie Epps'.
Today I work with Jackson, just like almost every other day lately, reminding him that he is special, I am very proud of him and my ultimate goal is for him to succeed and be happy about it. He really got lost during this whole ordeal. I feel like I finally have him back. To see his face completely change and light up like Christmas when I encourage him, and congratulate his success is worth every penny.
Today I laugh at Madelynn. She is treading through the terrible two's and cutting some teeth at the same time. Certain parts of her life are incredibly normal and I wouldn't trade it for all the money in the world. I like reprimanding her, correcting her and teaching her. Sounds strange I know but I no longer treat her as if she were made of glass.
I know it is not wise to post you will be out of town. But starting tomorrow, thanks to the generosity of others, we will be going on vacation as a family. We have not been on vacation since before Madelynn was born. We reached a milestone two years to the day of her release from the hospital and I want to savor every dripping moment of it. I just want to enjoy my family.
So as we inch closer to the Thanksgiving Holiday, I am most Thankful that God fulfilled his promise to us and we reached the other side and we just get to enjoy family time.
TTFN~
Monday, November 15, 2010
For Aunt Jenni....
To Aunt Jenni:
The other day I was trying to get a nice picture of Kaitlynn to update on the blog. After sitting for all the nice pictures she asked if she could do a silly one. Above was the result.
TTFN~
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Pure Joy
For those of you who are having a rough week I thought these would breathe new life into whatever ails you.
No matter what my day has brought me frustration, tears or pure exhaustion I am suddenly rejuvenated by this bright smiling face. Don't get me wrong the sight of any of my children restores my world. To see the pure joy on Madelynn's face makes the rest of my world so completely right. I thought I would share her smiles with the rest of you.
Happy Thursday!!
Or as we like to call it....Happy Weekend Eve!!
TTFN~
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Out of Control
So it is midnight and I am still awake. For some reason wide awake. It has been such a long day and I should be asleep, but I am not. After my normal routine of taking Katie and Jack to school and heading off to work with Maddie, the mad rush began.
I left work with Maddie and headed to the carpool line to get Katie and Jack. We had about 30 minutes at home until we headed off to swim lessons. Katie did her homework and Jack read his books and we were in the car again. We only have one more swim lesson until after the first of the year. I am very excited about this.
Watching the kids succeed at swimming is very exciting but I have been driving to the rec center and back for months. A break would be nice.
However, today there were no breaks in sight. We arrived home from swim lessons to eat and help Katie finish her homework and off to a "Make it and Take it Night" at the school. While the kids were in one of the classrooms watching a movie and reading books the parents were able to go to the cafeteria for a little fun.
In the cafeteria were little stations to make games to help your child study and learn and still have fun. For example there was a station with 5 or 6 pages of words. Words the kids have to know to leave the 1st grade. The words are used instead of the color block cards like in the game of Candyland. If the child can tell you the word on the card they can move forward. If they get a card with the word bang on it they lose a turn.
With these same word cards the kids pick the card out of a can if they can say it they can keep it. If they pull the word "bang" out they lose all their cards. There were a few other games you could make however, according to Maddie I had been gone long enough.
It the short time I had to myself I met some of the mom's in Katie's class, one of which works at the hospital we know only too well. But is was nice to have normal adult conversations. That is until I look up and see some stranger caring Maddie looking for which parent is going to claim her. Funny thing is I had just finished giving a small story about Maddie and her fight, when who should grace us with her presence.
The mom's were stunned at how good she looked. However, Maddie made it very difficult to enjoy my last few minutes before we needed to head home. So I cut my losses and grabbed Katie and Jack and went home. The best part about my day was that by 8:45 all three kids were passed out in their own beds.
It is too bad I didn't try to do the same. Maybe tomorrow I will try to gain control again.
TTFN~
I left work with Maddie and headed to the carpool line to get Katie and Jack. We had about 30 minutes at home until we headed off to swim lessons. Katie did her homework and Jack read his books and we were in the car again. We only have one more swim lesson until after the first of the year. I am very excited about this.
Watching the kids succeed at swimming is very exciting but I have been driving to the rec center and back for months. A break would be nice.
However, today there were no breaks in sight. We arrived home from swim lessons to eat and help Katie finish her homework and off to a "Make it and Take it Night" at the school. While the kids were in one of the classrooms watching a movie and reading books the parents were able to go to the cafeteria for a little fun.
In the cafeteria were little stations to make games to help your child study and learn and still have fun. For example there was a station with 5 or 6 pages of words. Words the kids have to know to leave the 1st grade. The words are used instead of the color block cards like in the game of Candyland. If the child can tell you the word on the card they can move forward. If they get a card with the word bang on it they lose a turn.
With these same word cards the kids pick the card out of a can if they can say it they can keep it. If they pull the word "bang" out they lose all their cards. There were a few other games you could make however, according to Maddie I had been gone long enough.
It the short time I had to myself I met some of the mom's in Katie's class, one of which works at the hospital we know only too well. But is was nice to have normal adult conversations. That is until I look up and see some stranger caring Maddie looking for which parent is going to claim her. Funny thing is I had just finished giving a small story about Maddie and her fight, when who should grace us with her presence.
The mom's were stunned at how good she looked. However, Maddie made it very difficult to enjoy my last few minutes before we needed to head home. So I cut my losses and grabbed Katie and Jack and went home. The best part about my day was that by 8:45 all three kids were passed out in their own beds.
It is too bad I didn't try to do the same. Maybe tomorrow I will try to gain control again.
TTFN~
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The more they stay the same
Recently I have been sharing with you about how life has changed for us in the journey we have been on. I thought I had writer's block and was getting frustrated. Then I read about my sister discontinuing her blog which disappointed me. She inspires me and reminds me why we as mothers do certain things.
Then I started thinking is she right should I discontinue the blog.......
After a week or so of stewing I have come to a conclusion.......
I don't know yet what I am supposed to do with the journey I am on. How am I supposed to help others with the information I have learned. I did not walk this road for nothing. I need to do something. Life has changed so much for us I need to do something with it.
But what......
My conclusion, certain things in life stayed the same and needed to be shared. Blogging sometimes is a form of therapy for me and I am going to continue doing it. Whether anyone else reads it or not one day my children will.
So what stayed the same......my dad, my best friend and my husband.
As soon as my parents found out they wanted to be at the hospital. My poor mom needed to work out the day and joined us later. But my dad it was like he just magically appeared as soon as we completed that dreadful walk from the cardiology office to the hospital. I remember he asked questions at just the right moment (to help fill the silence and pass the time). I don't think I had ever seen him so calm and patient.
He waited until we finished talking to the doctors, would let us explain and then asked us questions in case I left something out. Even when Phil had to leave and go home to get me some clothes and personal items, my dad was still there.
I don't even remember when he left that first day but every time I turned around he was still always there. My hope one day is that I will have that same patience, calmness and the ability to contain my composure to help my children when they need it most. Even if it is nothing more that just being there in the silence.
Most people do not have the good fortune to have a best friend as a nurse either. After I contacted my employer to say I would be out of work for awhile, called my parents and broke down, I needed my best friend (of 25 years and counting). She has always been the one to bring me back to earth and create a plan of action to face everything head on.
As she traveled the world whenever I needed her she was there. I could call her anytime and we would talk like we just chatted yesterday. When I explained what was happening she wanted every detail. I didn't realize it at the time but, had it not been for those conversations I would have never been able to cope.
She helped me comprehend what was happening so I could understand it. Being a nurse and having a father with heart issues she knew what questions to ask. If I left something out she would ask me questions that put it all in the right order again. There are always questions that arise after the doctor or nurse leaves the room she helped me remember to ask them or she could already answer them.
I burned the battery in my phone twice that night. After my dad left and Phil had to go home to take care of Kaitlynn and Jackson and wait for his mother and sister to arrive, I was in the hospital alone watching the monitors tick away. I was reliving certain comments made that day that really struck a cord.
"She should not be alive"
"What a miracle"
"She would have died at home"
There were so many and suddenly so overwhelming I was starting to cry and lose it. Being alone with all of these scary emotions I felt my world spinning out of control. Then my cell phone rang. There she was, my best friend, without skipping a beat. Even 500 miles away she still saved the day.
Someday I pray Madelynn will be so lucky to have that one friend that no matter what battle scars she acquires; she will have that one friend that will be her Florence Nightingale, bind up her wounds and remind her to carry on no matter what. That one friend that will walk your journey with you no matter what.
After being at the hospital watching over Madelynn for days Phil sent me home. Kaitlynn and Jackson needed to see me. I needed to see them. Phil promised me Madelynn would be fine he would stay the night and I could sleep in my own bed with Kaitlynn and Jackson piled in. It was great, I didn't realize how much I missed them until I hugged them.
I know inside he was an emotional mess but he didn't show it. He was a rock. He held my hand and hugged me at just the right moments. He made sure I ate and wouldn't let me get lost in my thoughts too long. One of the nights he was there and I was home Madelynn quit breathing. They needed to resuscitate her and Phil witnessed the whole thing alone. When I found out I cried and apologized that he had to experience it alone. I can't imagining witnessing that alone. It takes my breath away, the true anchor of strength he is.
As my world was rocked forever, I was very lucky that God surrounded me with people that helped calm the rumbles. Looking back at what life was, and how it changed I was gifted with people that made my life make sense. These people are always their every day. They just knew it was time to step forward.
So for as much as life changed for us the more it stayed the same being surrounded by family and friends to help along the way. It still amazes me everyday how I am reminded of God's perfect timing.
Thank you again to my dad for always coming to my side when it mattered most and to my best friend for never letting miles come between us. As for Phil, you are a great Dad and your strength is heart stopping. Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn are truly blessed to have you.
TTFN~
Then I started thinking is she right should I discontinue the blog.......
After a week or so of stewing I have come to a conclusion.......
I don't know yet what I am supposed to do with the journey I am on. How am I supposed to help others with the information I have learned. I did not walk this road for nothing. I need to do something. Life has changed so much for us I need to do something with it.
But what......
My conclusion, certain things in life stayed the same and needed to be shared. Blogging sometimes is a form of therapy for me and I am going to continue doing it. Whether anyone else reads it or not one day my children will.
So what stayed the same......my dad, my best friend and my husband.
As soon as my parents found out they wanted to be at the hospital. My poor mom needed to work out the day and joined us later. But my dad it was like he just magically appeared as soon as we completed that dreadful walk from the cardiology office to the hospital. I remember he asked questions at just the right moment (to help fill the silence and pass the time). I don't think I had ever seen him so calm and patient.
He waited until we finished talking to the doctors, would let us explain and then asked us questions in case I left something out. Even when Phil had to leave and go home to get me some clothes and personal items, my dad was still there.
I don't even remember when he left that first day but every time I turned around he was still always there. My hope one day is that I will have that same patience, calmness and the ability to contain my composure to help my children when they need it most. Even if it is nothing more that just being there in the silence.
Most people do not have the good fortune to have a best friend as a nurse either. After I contacted my employer to say I would be out of work for awhile, called my parents and broke down, I needed my best friend (of 25 years and counting). She has always been the one to bring me back to earth and create a plan of action to face everything head on.
As she traveled the world whenever I needed her she was there. I could call her anytime and we would talk like we just chatted yesterday. When I explained what was happening she wanted every detail. I didn't realize it at the time but, had it not been for those conversations I would have never been able to cope.
She helped me comprehend what was happening so I could understand it. Being a nurse and having a father with heart issues she knew what questions to ask. If I left something out she would ask me questions that put it all in the right order again. There are always questions that arise after the doctor or nurse leaves the room she helped me remember to ask them or she could already answer them.
I burned the battery in my phone twice that night. After my dad left and Phil had to go home to take care of Kaitlynn and Jackson and wait for his mother and sister to arrive, I was in the hospital alone watching the monitors tick away. I was reliving certain comments made that day that really struck a cord.
"She should not be alive"
"What a miracle"
"She would have died at home"
There were so many and suddenly so overwhelming I was starting to cry and lose it. Being alone with all of these scary emotions I felt my world spinning out of control. Then my cell phone rang. There she was, my best friend, without skipping a beat. Even 500 miles away she still saved the day.
Someday I pray Madelynn will be so lucky to have that one friend that no matter what battle scars she acquires; she will have that one friend that will be her Florence Nightingale, bind up her wounds and remind her to carry on no matter what. That one friend that will walk your journey with you no matter what.
After being at the hospital watching over Madelynn for days Phil sent me home. Kaitlynn and Jackson needed to see me. I needed to see them. Phil promised me Madelynn would be fine he would stay the night and I could sleep in my own bed with Kaitlynn and Jackson piled in. It was great, I didn't realize how much I missed them until I hugged them.
I know inside he was an emotional mess but he didn't show it. He was a rock. He held my hand and hugged me at just the right moments. He made sure I ate and wouldn't let me get lost in my thoughts too long. One of the nights he was there and I was home Madelynn quit breathing. They needed to resuscitate her and Phil witnessed the whole thing alone. When I found out I cried and apologized that he had to experience it alone. I can't imagining witnessing that alone. It takes my breath away, the true anchor of strength he is.
As my world was rocked forever, I was very lucky that God surrounded me with people that helped calm the rumbles. Looking back at what life was, and how it changed I was gifted with people that made my life make sense. These people are always their every day. They just knew it was time to step forward.
So for as much as life changed for us the more it stayed the same being surrounded by family and friends to help along the way. It still amazes me everyday how I am reminded of God's perfect timing.
Thank you again to my dad for always coming to my side when it mattered most and to my best friend for never letting miles come between us. As for Phil, you are a great Dad and your strength is heart stopping. Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn are truly blessed to have you.
TTFN~
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Pre-School
Eventually, during the month of October I won't be such an emotional train wreck. I thought I was doing so well until I went to Madelynn's Halloween Hullabaloo. It was so cute and unfortunately I did not take a single picture. Instead I took in the moment. It hit me so hard that right in the middle of it I could not stop crying.
I thought the different classes of Madelynn's school were going to be doing something different for Halloween, for example little skits and songs. I was wrong. The director hired a 3 piece band to come in and play kids music that required their involvement. If someone would have told me I was about to witness a miniature size mosh pit I would have never believed them. It was hilarious.
As Madelynn's class was led into the room for the concert these little two-year olds were terrified. They were not familiar with the room they were in. They did not recognize that many people and were very confused. Madelynn didn't even realize I was right behind her for the first five minutes. It then took her another 10 minutes to get out of my lap and start dancing.
Watching her dance and fully enjoy a kids show where she could dance and be herself was amazing to watch. It took my breath away. To think two years ago almost to the day she was about to undergo her open heart surgery. As I realized that and how far we had come I couldn't stop crying. We had reached a monumental point in her life, I remember begging God to please get us to this very point one day and He did not let us down.
As I see her blossom in her new school, she is experiencing things I would have never imagined. She has this gentle soul that the children in her class even know about. There is a little girl in the class that is blind. First of all, to see her mother interact with her and explain the world around her is humbling. But Madelynn knows she is different. Only Madelynn sees it differently. She picked up on the fact that the little girl's mother explains the things she can not see. When Madelynn sees the girl's mother she wants to help her get her things (backpack, lunch box, etc). Her compassion for others is amazing.
But then one day one of her classmates acquired a boo-boo that just needed a hug and a little TLC. However, the injured child did not want the teacher to help the boo-boo go away. Instead the child asked for Madelynn to give him a hug instead. Madelynn even kissed his boo-boo for him. It was very sweet; the teachers we disappointed they could not get it on video.
I can't imagine how my two year old little girl already knows how to show compassion and empathy to others. Most days it is unfathomable to me. I just hope I can help her continue to develop these wonderful attributes as she grows older and she can put them to good use in her every day life.
I am continually astonished and humbled myself everyday.
TTFN~
I thought the different classes of Madelynn's school were going to be doing something different for Halloween, for example little skits and songs. I was wrong. The director hired a 3 piece band to come in and play kids music that required their involvement. If someone would have told me I was about to witness a miniature size mosh pit I would have never believed them. It was hilarious.
As Madelynn's class was led into the room for the concert these little two-year olds were terrified. They were not familiar with the room they were in. They did not recognize that many people and were very confused. Madelynn didn't even realize I was right behind her for the first five minutes. It then took her another 10 minutes to get out of my lap and start dancing.
Watching her dance and fully enjoy a kids show where she could dance and be herself was amazing to watch. It took my breath away. To think two years ago almost to the day she was about to undergo her open heart surgery. As I realized that and how far we had come I couldn't stop crying. We had reached a monumental point in her life, I remember begging God to please get us to this very point one day and He did not let us down.
As I see her blossom in her new school, she is experiencing things I would have never imagined. She has this gentle soul that the children in her class even know about. There is a little girl in the class that is blind. First of all, to see her mother interact with her and explain the world around her is humbling. But Madelynn knows she is different. Only Madelynn sees it differently. She picked up on the fact that the little girl's mother explains the things she can not see. When Madelynn sees the girl's mother she wants to help her get her things (backpack, lunch box, etc). Her compassion for others is amazing.
But then one day one of her classmates acquired a boo-boo that just needed a hug and a little TLC. However, the injured child did not want the teacher to help the boo-boo go away. Instead the child asked for Madelynn to give him a hug instead. Madelynn even kissed his boo-boo for him. It was very sweet; the teachers we disappointed they could not get it on video.
I can't imagine how my two year old little girl already knows how to show compassion and empathy to others. Most days it is unfathomable to me. I just hope I can help her continue to develop these wonderful attributes as she grows older and she can put them to good use in her every day life.
I am continually astonished and humbled myself everyday.
TTFN~
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween............
Happy Halloween!!!!
It was a little bit cooler tonight when the kids went trick or treating so Madelynn wore the monkey costume compliments of the Schmichel's (Thank's Aunt Jenni and Uncle Dave). Kaitlynn and Jackson were too excited to sit still. However, Madelynn was having a ball walikg around and making monkey sounds so I decided to share some of them.
TTFN~
Friday, October 29, 2010
A Different Perspective
So two years ago we were pacing the floor in the hospital, waiting for tests to be completed, and trying to mentally prepare for this:
This year, although quiet and peaceful it will always be lingering around remembering where we have been. But the pure simple joy that today brought is something I would like to always cherish.
Today started out very early as I greeted Phil's parents about 12:30am when they arrived at the house. After sleeping a few hours and getting Kaitlynn and Jackson off to school, Madelynn and I took Phil's parents to Trader Joe's. After lunch, I put Madelynn down for her nap and headed to the elementary school to Kaitlynn's class. Her teacher was doing something really fun for the afternoon and needed volunteers.
For most people not only is this an uneventful day it might even border on boring. But two years ago I had to trust someone else to care for two of my children while I lived at the hospital, Phil traveled back and forth I missed so many day to day things it made me cry. Today, I savored the hour and a half that I spent at the school hanging out with Kaitlynn and her classmates.
After dinner, the five of us and Phil's parents headed off to the rec center for the Halloween Spooktacular. The kids dressed up and we took them to a free indoor activity where they played games for candy and prizes, jumped in the bounce house and had their faces painted. They had a ball and were completely exhausted and I didn't miss a minute of it.
Trying to be proactive about my father calling me to make sure I get a picture of the kids dressed up for Halloween I tried to take a photo. I figured the weather was nice, they were already dressed up, get the picture, send it to dad and surprise him. As you can see the kids were too excited and not very cooperative.
If her eyes would have been at facing the camera we would have been in business....
This was a much better way to spend the 29th of October then that in 2008.
TTFN~
There is no way we could have ever been prepared for this.
Last year, we were preparing for a Celebration of sorts. We decided to throw a party to say THANK YOU. We were finally able to breath, to sit down with our family, friends and co-workers and tell them how much we appreciated everything they did to help us in whatever capacity we needed. We would have never been able to make it without them.This year, although quiet and peaceful it will always be lingering around remembering where we have been. But the pure simple joy that today brought is something I would like to always cherish.
Today started out very early as I greeted Phil's parents about 12:30am when they arrived at the house. After sleeping a few hours and getting Kaitlynn and Jackson off to school, Madelynn and I took Phil's parents to Trader Joe's. After lunch, I put Madelynn down for her nap and headed to the elementary school to Kaitlynn's class. Her teacher was doing something really fun for the afternoon and needed volunteers.
For most people not only is this an uneventful day it might even border on boring. But two years ago I had to trust someone else to care for two of my children while I lived at the hospital, Phil traveled back and forth I missed so many day to day things it made me cry. Today, I savored the hour and a half that I spent at the school hanging out with Kaitlynn and her classmates.
After dinner, the five of us and Phil's parents headed off to the rec center for the Halloween Spooktacular. The kids dressed up and we took them to a free indoor activity where they played games for candy and prizes, jumped in the bounce house and had their faces painted. They had a ball and were completely exhausted and I didn't miss a minute of it.
Trying to be proactive about my father calling me to make sure I get a picture of the kids dressed up for Halloween I tried to take a photo. I figured the weather was nice, they were already dressed up, get the picture, send it to dad and surprise him. As you can see the kids were too excited and not very cooperative.
Not too bad but could be better....
She liked the Pom-Pom's just a little too much.....
If her eyes would have been at facing the camera we would have been in business....
So although I did not get the Halloween picture I wanted lucky for me I still have another chance when they actually trick or treat this weekend.
Before I forget, THANK YOU Uncle Jon and Aunt Dixie for the University of Notre Dame cheer leading uniform. When Madelynn was born they sent it as a gift. I carefully put it away and saved it, never thinking I could use it for Halloween. Since our weather has been crazy, 85 degrees and humid at the end of October, I figured it would be a great costume that she wouldn't melt in. She loved her little pom-pom's. I think I was only whacked in the head twice.
This was a much better way to spend the 29th of October then that in 2008.
TTFN~
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thank You Dr. Kendrick......
Today, or should I say this date in my mind I will always remember Dr. Alfred Kendrick. You see Dr. Kendrick in my mind will forever be the one who saved Madelynn's life.
Yes, we had a huge staff of very gifted medical professionals but, had he not found the condition Madelynn would have died at home, daycare who knows where.
Except for seeing us pass by getting x-rays in the Urgent Care facility it has been almost two years to the day that he has seen her. As soon as he saw us come in it was like we were celebrities. He told the nurse, "Please put them over here I will see them asap." We did have to wait a short time but when he walked in the room. He was just floored at how well she looked.
Madelynn did have a sinus infection and was treated. But he could not stop staring at her. He said it is very rare that in the Urgent Care business that you get to follow up with patients, especially due to the HIPPA Laws.
As we left that visit, he thanked us for bringing her to him. He believes treating Madelynn is a privilege. As I thanked him I tried to shake his hand. He said that it would never due I must give him a hug. As we were leaving it was almost closing time for the urgent care and word got around that we were there. The x-ray techs, nursing staff all came to see how good she looked.
So this day will forever be bittersweet as it began a very treacherous journey. I hope in the end it will eventually be filled with more smiles than tears as the years go on.
TTFN~
Yes, we had a huge staff of very gifted medical professionals but, had he not found the condition Madelynn would have died at home, daycare who knows where.
Except for seeing us pass by getting x-rays in the Urgent Care facility it has been almost two years to the day that he has seen her. As soon as he saw us come in it was like we were celebrities. He told the nurse, "Please put them over here I will see them asap." We did have to wait a short time but when he walked in the room. He was just floored at how well she looked.
Madelynn did have a sinus infection and was treated. But he could not stop staring at her. He said it is very rare that in the Urgent Care business that you get to follow up with patients, especially due to the HIPPA Laws.
As we left that visit, he thanked us for bringing her to him. He believes treating Madelynn is a privilege. As I thanked him I tried to shake his hand. He said that it would never due I must give him a hug. As we were leaving it was almost closing time for the urgent care and word got around that we were there. The x-ray techs, nursing staff all came to see how good she looked.
So this day will forever be bittersweet as it began a very treacherous journey. I hope in the end it will eventually be filled with more smiles than tears as the years go on.
TTFN~
Monday, October 11, 2010
Things I have learned Part: 4
I can't fix everything no matter how badly I want to, nor is it my job too. Some days I have the patience of a nat buzzing around. Throughout my adventure with Madelynn I have learned patience and I have learned to wait and wait and wait.
Whether I was just waiting, watching and praying for her to get well, waiting in the doctor's office, waiting at the pharmacy I was always waiting. I believe most of the time I handled it well; although we all have our days.
What I did not handle well was everything else that came with it. The stress of taking a leave of absence from work, not being able to work a full time job, then the full time job wasn't available anymore. How in the world would I be able to take care of Madelynn, work a part time job and with the lack of money coming in, making sure that everything seemed ok on the outside to Kaitlynn and Jackson.
For a long time I put up a pretty good front and tried to control it all. I literally carried a portable filing cabinet around. I tried to handle it all, going to social services getting help so Kaitlynn and Jackson could stay in daycare while I worked part time and took Madelynn to all of her appointments. We were able to get some help with some of the medical bills but I had to fight for that and it took me 6 months to get that money. Emotionally it was simply too heavy to carry.
Until finally one day, all the money was gone. I had no idea how we would make it. But that was just it. I didn't have to do it, all I had to do was trust God to show us the way.
One of my favorite stories was around my birthday. My mom asked what I wanted. I told her I didn't need anything because she had done enough already. Her response was, "Suit yourself I am still going to buy you something don't blame me if you don't like it. Two days later I was stressing. I paid all the bills but we were really short on grocery money.
I called my mom and we were going to the store together. She had no idea how much we needed money for groceries and I didn't tell her. As I was driving to the store I just prayed for God to show me that everything would be ok. I asked for guidance to buy the right things and not be selfish with the items I would buy.
As we were turning down the street to go into the store parking lot my mom says, "Oh by the way I figured this year I would just give you some money for your birthday to use how you needed. I transferred it this morning." It took all I had not to cry. As usual it was enough to get us through.
"Open my eyes to all that is before me. Teach me how to wait for life to unfold in it's own way."
This is probably the biggest lesson I have learned this year. I am reminded daily that I am not in charge and I need to trust that God will take care of it as long as I do my part. As long as I am responsible with our money, God will make sure the we always have enough.
Phil would call me and say he got paid from this job or that job and ask me if it was enough to cover the short fall. I used to say I need to check and let you know. Now I either know to the penny what we need so I can answer him or I just tell him it will be enough. I don't want him worrying that it wasn't enough mostly I trust that God will make sure it is enough.
I have also learned that it is not about I or me anymore. It is not my burden to carry alone anymore. I carry it with Phil to remind us to be wise in how we spend our money but I also give the burden over for God to carry.
Honestly, I am not sure I would have learned this as well had I not walked this journey. Overall, it truly had made me a better person and I am grateful for it.
TTFN~
Whether I was just waiting, watching and praying for her to get well, waiting in the doctor's office, waiting at the pharmacy I was always waiting. I believe most of the time I handled it well; although we all have our days.
What I did not handle well was everything else that came with it. The stress of taking a leave of absence from work, not being able to work a full time job, then the full time job wasn't available anymore. How in the world would I be able to take care of Madelynn, work a part time job and with the lack of money coming in, making sure that everything seemed ok on the outside to Kaitlynn and Jackson.
For a long time I put up a pretty good front and tried to control it all. I literally carried a portable filing cabinet around. I tried to handle it all, going to social services getting help so Kaitlynn and Jackson could stay in daycare while I worked part time and took Madelynn to all of her appointments. We were able to get some help with some of the medical bills but I had to fight for that and it took me 6 months to get that money. Emotionally it was simply too heavy to carry.
Until finally one day, all the money was gone. I had no idea how we would make it. But that was just it. I didn't have to do it, all I had to do was trust God to show us the way.
One of my favorite stories was around my birthday. My mom asked what I wanted. I told her I didn't need anything because she had done enough already. Her response was, "Suit yourself I am still going to buy you something don't blame me if you don't like it. Two days later I was stressing. I paid all the bills but we were really short on grocery money.
I called my mom and we were going to the store together. She had no idea how much we needed money for groceries and I didn't tell her. As I was driving to the store I just prayed for God to show me that everything would be ok. I asked for guidance to buy the right things and not be selfish with the items I would buy.
As we were turning down the street to go into the store parking lot my mom says, "Oh by the way I figured this year I would just give you some money for your birthday to use how you needed. I transferred it this morning." It took all I had not to cry. As usual it was enough to get us through.
"Open my eyes to all that is before me. Teach me how to wait for life to unfold in it's own way."
This is probably the biggest lesson I have learned this year. I am reminded daily that I am not in charge and I need to trust that God will take care of it as long as I do my part. As long as I am responsible with our money, God will make sure the we always have enough.
Phil would call me and say he got paid from this job or that job and ask me if it was enough to cover the short fall. I used to say I need to check and let you know. Now I either know to the penny what we need so I can answer him or I just tell him it will be enough. I don't want him worrying that it wasn't enough mostly I trust that God will make sure it is enough.
I have also learned that it is not about I or me anymore. It is not my burden to carry alone anymore. I carry it with Phil to remind us to be wise in how we spend our money but I also give the burden over for God to carry.
Honestly, I am not sure I would have learned this as well had I not walked this journey. Overall, it truly had made me a better person and I am grateful for it.
TTFN~
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Things I have learned Part:3
Sometime last year during the Summer I learned that Madelynn's heart surgeon had left the hospital. I was very disappointed. This doctor had a little place in his heart for Madelynn. I wanted him to see her succeeding in life. I wanted him to see that his extraordinary gift and talent of repairing these tiny little hearts created incredible joy.
One day I was compelled to find this doctor again. I only knew the state and possibly the city he now resided in. Lucky for me his exemplary talent makes him easy to find. I wrote him a letter telling him of her amazing progress (including pictures) and thanking him because with out him surly she would have died.
Stunningly enough he hand-wrote a letter back. I never expected to hear back from him, not to mention to take the time out of his insanely busy schedule to hand write the letter. He even addressed the letter himself. Today a copy of the letter I wrote and his response letter are in Madelynn's treasure box.
Since that letter I found out when we were at heart camp that he is now plays a major role in the pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Boston's Children's Hospital. For those that don't know, in his field this is the ultimate, cream of the crop, you can't get better than this position. I was very excited for him.
For whatever reason, one day several months later it finally struck me. In God's infinite master plan, Madelynn was to be born when she was because this doctor would be there to save her life. Not only did he save her life but we were told on her birthday this year that the repair was executed in such stellar fashion you can almost not tell it was ever repaired or broken to begin with.
On top of that, we took her to the urgent care to see the doctor who initially found her CHD. Madelynn was treated for a sinus infection a few weeks ago and when he was listening to her heart he said looking at her today you can't tell anything was ever wrong with her heart.
"Suddenly the things that seemed so certain, prove themselves to have been stepping stones not the destination."
This is so true on so many levels.
There are truly no words to express how humbled I am that as I was screaming at God for giving me a child and with a broken heart to boot; He already had everyone in place to save her life and change mine forever.
TTFN~
One day I was compelled to find this doctor again. I only knew the state and possibly the city he now resided in. Lucky for me his exemplary talent makes him easy to find. I wrote him a letter telling him of her amazing progress (including pictures) and thanking him because with out him surly she would have died.
Stunningly enough he hand-wrote a letter back. I never expected to hear back from him, not to mention to take the time out of his insanely busy schedule to hand write the letter. He even addressed the letter himself. Today a copy of the letter I wrote and his response letter are in Madelynn's treasure box.
Since that letter I found out when we were at heart camp that he is now plays a major role in the pediatric cardiothoracic surgery at Boston's Children's Hospital. For those that don't know, in his field this is the ultimate, cream of the crop, you can't get better than this position. I was very excited for him.
For whatever reason, one day several months later it finally struck me. In God's infinite master plan, Madelynn was to be born when she was because this doctor would be there to save her life. Not only did he save her life but we were told on her birthday this year that the repair was executed in such stellar fashion you can almost not tell it was ever repaired or broken to begin with.
On top of that, we took her to the urgent care to see the doctor who initially found her CHD. Madelynn was treated for a sinus infection a few weeks ago and when he was listening to her heart he said looking at her today you can't tell anything was ever wrong with her heart.
"Suddenly the things that seemed so certain, prove themselves to have been stepping stones not the destination."
This is so true on so many levels.
There are truly no words to express how humbled I am that as I was screaming at God for giving me a child and with a broken heart to boot; He already had everyone in place to save her life and change mine forever.
TTFN~
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Things I have learned Part:2
Over the last two years I can tell you I have felt the true definition of Rage and Defeat. To have Rage and Anger over take you is very exhausting. Sometimes you have to let it takes it's course and get it out or you can not move on.
It is no secret that I was really angry when I found out that I was pregnant with Madelynn. Don't get me wrong all children are a gift from God. But I already had two truly beautiful gifts and a third was just plain selfish. There are hundreds even thousands of families begging God everyday for the gift of a child why did I need another one. Still not understanding why I accepted it and moved one so I could have a healthy pregnancy.
The Rage and Anger set in a few days after Madelynn's surgery. Thinking....more like yelling at God, "So you insist that I have this child and then she is born with a broken heart...talk about unreal." I could feel the anger all the way down to my core. To make matters worse she suffered a serious complication and was very sick. The illness was due to the ventilator. I just had to watcher her struggle every day to fight and get well. I was beyond defeat.
If it wasn't for a few friends that would call and check on me the nights I was sleeping at the hospital, I would cry myself to sleep or be so angry in those wee hours of the morning I couldn't sleep. Then one day it was gone. I can not tell you why or how, there was no epiphany that told me she would be alright or maybe there was and I don't remember.
What I do remember is being at peace with the thought that whatever the reason she needed to be born this way....She would live, I mean really live.
Watching her today, her pure joy for life reaches so many people. Seeing strangers in public just smile when they see her, watching her run up and hug the grandmothers I work with who are missing their own grandchildren or just seeing Phil's face light up when she runs to him screaming, "Daddy's Home!" every single day.
I am reminded..... "I should look at life with gratitude; even when things fall apart something greater Always Prevails."
She is my greater that prevailed.
TTFN~
It is no secret that I was really angry when I found out that I was pregnant with Madelynn. Don't get me wrong all children are a gift from God. But I already had two truly beautiful gifts and a third was just plain selfish. There are hundreds even thousands of families begging God everyday for the gift of a child why did I need another one. Still not understanding why I accepted it and moved one so I could have a healthy pregnancy.
The Rage and Anger set in a few days after Madelynn's surgery. Thinking....more like yelling at God, "So you insist that I have this child and then she is born with a broken heart...talk about unreal." I could feel the anger all the way down to my core. To make matters worse she suffered a serious complication and was very sick. The illness was due to the ventilator. I just had to watcher her struggle every day to fight and get well. I was beyond defeat.
If it wasn't for a few friends that would call and check on me the nights I was sleeping at the hospital, I would cry myself to sleep or be so angry in those wee hours of the morning I couldn't sleep. Then one day it was gone. I can not tell you why or how, there was no epiphany that told me she would be alright or maybe there was and I don't remember.
What I do remember is being at peace with the thought that whatever the reason she needed to be born this way....She would live, I mean really live.
Watching her today, her pure joy for life reaches so many people. Seeing strangers in public just smile when they see her, watching her run up and hug the grandmothers I work with who are missing their own grandchildren or just seeing Phil's face light up when she runs to him screaming, "Daddy's Home!" every single day.
I am reminded..... "I should look at life with gratitude; even when things fall apart something greater Always Prevails."
She is my greater that prevailed.
TTFN~
Friday, October 8, 2010
Things I have learned: Part 1
As we are approaching Madelynn's second Heart birthday I wanted to start sharing the things I have learned over the last year.
Shortly after Madelynn's surgery there were many days I would write. I would write letters to Madelynn sharing my exact feelings that day as we were living this terrible nightmare. Until recently I never realized how much I wrote and wrote and wrote.
Last year I decided to make changes in the house as to who was in each room. Phil rolled his eyes and me and I am sure all he could think was, 'what in the world do I need to help with now'. Knowing that look I told him not to worry I did not need his help I would handle it myself. And away I went......
I had to move the girls and re-paint the room to make it Jack's room, move everything out of the bonus room and move the girls in to the bonus room, move the bonus room items into Jack's old room. Sounds simple enough right. It took me about 3 months after work, on days off and any chance I could find. By the time we celebrated Madelynn's first heart birthday I was finished. That is except for a few boxes of stuff I had no idea what to do with.
In hindsight, I suppose this was my therapy on how I kept it together during those ridiculous times.
For almost a year the boxes sat. That is until one day I got sick of looking at them and started going through them. Oh the stuff I found.....gifts from friends I had in another life, a few pictures of much younger days and lots and lots of writings that I knew some day I would do something with.
At a Levine Cardiac Kids meeting there was a therapist that came in an spoke. Not about the parents or child's heart journey but about the other healthy children in the house and how you can help them cope and bring the closest thing to normalcy into your home as much as possible. She really was a great speaker and I learned so much that evening.
Then one thing stopped me in my tracks. 'For all of you parents who are dealing with this on a regular basis remember you were chosen for this job'
CHOSEN.....are you kidding me. There are many things in life I want to be chosen for but this was not one of them. I want to be chosen to win awards and be acknowledged for all of my hard work and success'. This was not what I had in mind. But I suppose what I had in mind was not the road I was to travel.
When I looked up the definition of the word chosen I came up with ...preferred above others....once I accepted that life changed. I was chosen above all others to be Madelynn's Mom. To get her healthy again I had my work cut out for me.
I learned that no was not in my vocabulary and no matter what the result, we could always do better. In less than a year, Madelynn went from being a very sick, 5 month old who could not hold her head up and not being able to keep a bottle down to......walking, talking, learning to love, eggs, peanut butter and chicken nuggets.
What I supposed I learned most is the following........
"I am challenged to receive life just as it is to experience all that is serene and all that is difficult."
TTFN~
Shortly after Madelynn's surgery there were many days I would write. I would write letters to Madelynn sharing my exact feelings that day as we were living this terrible nightmare. Until recently I never realized how much I wrote and wrote and wrote.
Last year I decided to make changes in the house as to who was in each room. Phil rolled his eyes and me and I am sure all he could think was, 'what in the world do I need to help with now'. Knowing that look I told him not to worry I did not need his help I would handle it myself. And away I went......
I had to move the girls and re-paint the room to make it Jack's room, move everything out of the bonus room and move the girls in to the bonus room, move the bonus room items into Jack's old room. Sounds simple enough right. It took me about 3 months after work, on days off and any chance I could find. By the time we celebrated Madelynn's first heart birthday I was finished. That is except for a few boxes of stuff I had no idea what to do with.
In hindsight, I suppose this was my therapy on how I kept it together during those ridiculous times.
For almost a year the boxes sat. That is until one day I got sick of looking at them and started going through them. Oh the stuff I found.....gifts from friends I had in another life, a few pictures of much younger days and lots and lots of writings that I knew some day I would do something with.
At a Levine Cardiac Kids meeting there was a therapist that came in an spoke. Not about the parents or child's heart journey but about the other healthy children in the house and how you can help them cope and bring the closest thing to normalcy into your home as much as possible. She really was a great speaker and I learned so much that evening.
Then one thing stopped me in my tracks. 'For all of you parents who are dealing with this on a regular basis remember you were chosen for this job'
CHOSEN.....are you kidding me. There are many things in life I want to be chosen for but this was not one of them. I want to be chosen to win awards and be acknowledged for all of my hard work and success'. This was not what I had in mind. But I suppose what I had in mind was not the road I was to travel.
When I looked up the definition of the word chosen I came up with ...preferred above others....once I accepted that life changed. I was chosen above all others to be Madelynn's Mom. To get her healthy again I had my work cut out for me.
I learned that no was not in my vocabulary and no matter what the result, we could always do better. In less than a year, Madelynn went from being a very sick, 5 month old who could not hold her head up and not being able to keep a bottle down to......walking, talking, learning to love, eggs, peanut butter and chicken nuggets.
What I supposed I learned most is the following........
"I am challenged to receive life just as it is to experience all that is serene and all that is difficult."
TTFN~
Thursday, October 7, 2010
School Picture Day!!!
Wednesday was Madelynn's Picture Day at her new school. So my day started at 5:30am making sure Phil was up and in the shower. After getting myself ready I then needed to get Kaitlynn and Jackson ready so I could have a few minutes to get Madelynn as cute as possible for her pictures (not like that takes much).
Madelynn and I talked about her pictures and how beautiful she was in her her dress. You should have seen her twirling in the dress. Then we talked about how she needed to smile big for her pictures. As we practiced that fact, she needed to smile for the camera I managed to take a few pictures of my own. Did I mention I still got everyone out the door and made it to work on time.
Well if my picture is any representation of what the professional photographer will do I can not wait to see them. Until I get those results back this will have to do.
Madelynn and I talked about her pictures and how beautiful she was in her her dress. You should have seen her twirling in the dress. Then we talked about how she needed to smile big for her pictures. As we practiced that fact, she needed to smile for the camera I managed to take a few pictures of my own. Did I mention I still got everyone out the door and made it to work on time.
Well if my picture is any representation of what the professional photographer will do I can not wait to see them. Until I get those results back this will have to do.
TTFN~
p.s. when I think about where we have come from this photo almost makes me cry.........
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Fall School Pictures
Thursday and Friday Jackson and Kaitlynn brought home their school pictures. For Jackson's first school picture it turned out really cute. My only comment is too words, "Opie Taylor".
As for Kaitlynn she has experienced a camera most of her life and just knows how to smile on cue. She looks so old in this picture. However, I am not sure the short hair will stay. She is tired of me blow drying it to control her cowlicks she might just let it grow long. This won't hurt Phil's feelings one bit. These are the pictures that will be in the school year book.
Have lots to post about but thought I would share the new pictures of the kids. Yes, I know I have three children but they go to two different schools. Madelynn's pictures I believe will be taken this week and will post as soon as I get them.
TTFN~
As for Kaitlynn she has experienced a camera most of her life and just knows how to smile on cue. She looks so old in this picture. However, I am not sure the short hair will stay. She is tired of me blow drying it to control her cowlicks she might just let it grow long. This won't hurt Phil's feelings one bit. These are the pictures that will be in the school year book.
Have lots to post about but thought I would share the new pictures of the kids. Yes, I know I have three children but they go to two different schools. Madelynn's pictures I believe will be taken this week and will post as soon as I get them.
TTFN~
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Fort Macon State Park
(I did not take this picture.)
So this is Fort Macon State Park. This ariel view is cool but does not do the fort it self justice. I was just in awe at how beautiful it really was. I hope one day we can go back to see it again.
(I took this one)In May of 2009, Phil's brother was married at Ft. Macon State Park in NC. It was truly one of the best times we have ever had as a family. I could have spent all day at this fort. It was stunning in all of it's history.
(I took this one)
This is the road you travel on through the fort. The days we were there the sun was so bright and beautiful it just made the colors in the cobblestone just jump off the road. It was easier to travel on the brick part of the road but you know me I LOVE a challenge so I walked mostly on the cobblestone.
It reminds me of my life. I could travel the smoother, simpler surface but why? I believe I was designed to ride the bumpier, more colorful road in life. I am strong enough to handle it and by choosing it the reward is so much greater.
Look at the journey I have finished so far and not alone I might add. The cobblestones were big, bold and brash. There were days that I did not feel I could go on. I was stuck between the stones where the water flows when it rains and I was going to get washed away. But it takes more than water to get me down or to stop me from swimming against the water flow.
Some days I wish I could go back to the orchard to where my life made sense but I don't wish it for long. Today I just have to remember to be happy for the road I am on and accept whatever cobblestone throws me off course and keep moving. Think of all the things I would have missed had I stayed in the orchard or on the smoother surface.
Here's to the bumpy ride I have made it this far.
TTFN~
Monday, September 13, 2010
Apple Orchard
Fall Weekends are really a lot of fun. There is so much to do between the pumpkin patches, apple orchards and other fall festivals. One weekend my parents, Phil, Kaitlynn, Jackson, Madelynn and I all drove up to what they call High Country in NC to pick our own apples out of an orchard. The kids had a ball.Right next to the orchard on this farm were some horses. Boy were they spoiled. As soon as they spotted you they started walking toward you. They knew you would pull an apple off the nearest tree and feed them. Kaitlynn and Jackson remember but, Madelynn won't.
Personally, I will remember this day like it happened yesterday.
This was the last time my life seemed to make sense. Five days after I took this picture Madelynn was diagnosed with a CHD and had open-heart surgery. She was 10 weeks old.
It is funny the things you remember when you see a picture. I remember the morning was cold, colder than we had anticipated. But by lunch time we found a picnic table at the bottom of a mountain, near a stream to have lunch. The sun was just beating down and warmed you instantly like a hug from God. Just His little reminder that he created all of this for us. It was such a beautiful day.
I will never forget.
TTFN~
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Washington, DC
One weekend Phil and I went to go visit his sister. Her house was the usual chaos with the four dogs (at the time), parents, kids, grandkids and siblings and their families all invading her home. Phil and I decided we would make up an excuse to leave for a while and went to DC. His sister lives in a suburb of DC so we decided to go to the capital.
This was the first time that I had been to DC. Let me tell you Arlington Cemetary is breathtaking. My best friend's mother is buried there. If you have never been, there were no words to truly describe the hallowed ground. As we were leaving, Phil and I decided to just paruse through DC. As we did I snapped a few pictures, above was one of those pictures.
I can't wait till the kids are a little older so one day we can go back and just be a tourist.
TTFN~
Love this picture....too.
Over the Summer we loved the water park. I was only able to take my camera twice because I was afraid I would ruin it. However, those two times I came home with some of my favorite pictures of the summer.
Not sure if I love this picture for the simplicity of the water spray or the fact that Phil and Madelynn are in the back ground coming off the slide. I love it either way.
Not sure if I love this picture for the simplicity of the water spray or the fact that Phil and Madelynn are in the back ground coming off the slide. I love it either way.
TTFN~
Friday, September 10, 2010
Just a picture.....
One night after Madelynn had come home from the Hospital the second time, in 2008. I was spending a little time with Kaitlynn and Jackson. It was right before Christmas, I was feeling pretty bad about the way I had to push them aside to care for Madelynn for the past six or seven weeks. We were goofing around with my camera....don't tell Grandpa B. This is one of the pictures that I took.I love her big beautiful eyes, those long eyelashes, and her cute little smile. Just to see her smile brings me Joy everyday. I am not sure I will ever be able to make up the time she missed due to Madelynn's needs. But I told her one day there is a special place in my heart that only she and I can go too. That special place was the same size as Jackson and Madelynn's special place and it would never get smaller and Jackson and Madelynn could never go in there. Then she smiled.
Just thought I would share.
TTFN~
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day Weekend
It has taken me a few days to get my bearings. All three kids are now in school and for the most part loving it. Madelynn's pre-school is loving her.....more on that later.
Over the Labor Day Weekend my family was in town for a fun filled weekend. Everyone finally arrived before dinner Friday afternoon. Phil had to work late so Kaitlynn, Jackson, Madelynn and I invaded my parent's house for the initial meeting of the weekend. All of the grand kids just jumped right in and started playing.
Earlier this summer I was feeling bad that I could not take Kaitlynn on her summer trip until late in the summer. However it proved to be the best thing. Kaitlynn, Ruthie, Anna, Lily and Madelynn all had a weekend to play when we went to Mason. When the girls all got back together this weekend it was as if we never left. Jack just had to find his own way in to this girls club to get along.
Saturday we took the family to the Rec Center Water Park with a free pass. It was a great time and lots of smiles all around. Not to mention a few hundred pictures were taken. Sunday Morning we all met for the Family picture. Amazingly enough it only took 30 minutes to get all 7 adults and 6 children (6 years and under) to smile and/or be looking at the camera.
We all wish visits with family could be longer but Monday early morning The Schmeichel's and Ted headed back to Ohio to get back to work and for the girls to start school. It was a good time to be had by all and a great way to end the summer. While they were all traveling Phil, the kids and I decided to find out if we could find the yard.
Over the summer it was simply too hot to work on some of it or too difficult for me to do, and keep an eye on the kids while Phil was working. I carefully planned the yard when I planted it, (years ago) that something is blooming in the yard all year round. It is spread out through the yard so that I only have to maintain certain flower beds at a time. This is the time of year that I clean out all the summer ones, cut all the spring ones back so they will be ready and make sure nothing is choking back to winter ones to bloom.
We were exhausted and the next day 5:30am came very early. Getting myself and three children ready for work and school is quite a circus act. Phil is usually walking out the door before the kids are awake. It has taken me a few days to get my bearings. Phil has helped with some of the meals and the dishes. It was funny I fell asleep for a power nap while he was cooking dinner and was suddenly awakened by Madelynn tapping me saying "Soups on Mommy".
Attached are a few pictures from the weekend. It was exhausting but lots of fun. Can't wait till Christmas.
TTFN~
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
My Dining Room Table.....
Everyone organizes their home different. Everyone has those little tweeks that they like things this way for a reason, whether we see it valid or not. Some people have both a kitchen table and a dining room table. I only have room for a dining room table.
But my dining room table to the naked eye is nothing to write home about. It comfortably seats the five of us daily. It will eventually need more chairs but that is another day. However I love this table. I love every meal we have at it whether bad or good. I love to look around at family dinner and see all the little faces.
Besides meals, we have celebrated almost all of the kids birthday's on it, we use it for homework and other projects and sometimes just for sitting and watching out the window as the world goes by. We have even celebrated Thanksgiving, with good friends, on it one year (my favorite holiday).
If you look at the table very carefully you can see the marks of our family journey gone by. When Kaitlynn and Jackson were first learning to write there names they pressed so hard they imprinted their names forever in the wood. While Madelynn was learning to use a fork, you can see fork stab marks in the wood where she missed the plate.
To most people this table has many imperfections. While most people see these as deficiencies I see them as memories. One day I will rub my hands over the stab marks and remember the frustration I experienced everyday trying to get Madelynn to eat. Although I will also recollect the daily tears that went along with that; it is the time in her life I fought the hardest just for her and succeeded.
On that bright sunny afternoon when I am cleaning the dining room table in the future Kaitlynn's and Jackson's names will jump right off the wood. I will reminisce about the days long gone of teaching them to write their numbers and letters, encouraging them to do their homework or signing their first card.
Hoping as time goes on and they grown up I have lots of great stories to tell to help remember earlier days gone by.
TTFN~
But my dining room table to the naked eye is nothing to write home about. It comfortably seats the five of us daily. It will eventually need more chairs but that is another day. However I love this table. I love every meal we have at it whether bad or good. I love to look around at family dinner and see all the little faces.
Besides meals, we have celebrated almost all of the kids birthday's on it, we use it for homework and other projects and sometimes just for sitting and watching out the window as the world goes by. We have even celebrated Thanksgiving, with good friends, on it one year (my favorite holiday).
If you look at the table very carefully you can see the marks of our family journey gone by. When Kaitlynn and Jackson were first learning to write there names they pressed so hard they imprinted their names forever in the wood. While Madelynn was learning to use a fork, you can see fork stab marks in the wood where she missed the plate.
To most people this table has many imperfections. While most people see these as deficiencies I see them as memories. One day I will rub my hands over the stab marks and remember the frustration I experienced everyday trying to get Madelynn to eat. Although I will also recollect the daily tears that went along with that; it is the time in her life I fought the hardest just for her and succeeded.
On that bright sunny afternoon when I am cleaning the dining room table in the future Kaitlynn's and Jackson's names will jump right off the wood. I will reminisce about the days long gone of teaching them to write their numbers and letters, encouraging them to do their homework or signing their first card.
Hoping as time goes on and they grown up I have lots of great stories to tell to help remember earlier days gone by.
TTFN~
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Summer Part II
Even thought Kaitlynn had to start school last week, it didn't feel like summer was officially over until today. Tomorrow, Jackson will start Kindergarten. Thinking about the second half of our summer I don't think the kids could have really had it any better.
In the third week of July as we celebrated Jack's 5th birthday, Kaitlynn and Jackson spent a week at Camp Gabe and Loved It! Some of the friends Kaitlynn made at VBS were also and her camp week. She was ecstatic. Jack was able to have a little party with his camp friends plus a family party. I think we celebrated for a week.
Following Camp Gabe, Kaitlynn and Jackson discovered swimming lessons. We have spent so much time at the water park and they just love being in the water that I signed them up. Tonight I watched Kaitlynn swim one complete length of the pool without help or a life jacket. I am not sure who was more excited me or Kaitlynn.
At the end of July, I was able to do something I hadn't done in two years. Travel a great distance from home with Madelynn. There were several people who had not met Madelynn or had only seen her in pictures. I introduced her to her Great-Great Uncle and his wife, she was able to see Grandma Angie again and she met my mom's step dad for the first time, who I fondly call Grandpa.
During this visit I also went to my 20 year school reunion, WOW have things changed but yet the important things stayed the same. You see I made this trip with my best friend, we met the first day of high school and we walked back into those halls 20 years later together. She also brought her two year old daughter. Talk about funny times. Madelynn and Isabelle became fast friends it was cute to watch.
Weeks after Jackson's birthday we celebrated Madelynn's 2nd Birthday. Phil's sister and her husband were able to come and visit to help celebrate along with my parents and some of our close friends. You know those friends the ones that when I needed to take Madelynn to the ER at midnight I could call and wake them up and they were at the house in seconds. Most days they are more like family. We are most grateful for them.
This year Phil and I also celebrated out 11th wedding anniversary. We were able to go to dinner and not worry about any of those kids things. We even went to a restaurant that had very few children in it. It was nice to be in an adult world even if it was just for a few hours.
Our last hoorah for the summer, I took Kaitlynn and Madelynn to Mason, OH to see their Aunt and Uncle (my sister and brother-in-law) and their three daughters. Holy Tons of Girls! Batman! it was crazy but fun. This trip however was just Kaitlynn, Madelynn and I. Phil took Jackson to see his sister and brother-in-law in DC.
As our summer came to a close Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn were able to go to the Carolina Panther Stadium and meet Sir Purr. This trip was not what I expected but at the end of the day they were very excited about meeting Sir Purr and couldn't stop talking about when I was trying to put them to bed.
At the beginning of the Summer I had no idea how I would keep the three of them busy but under a budget. It was not done without an incredible amount of help from friends and family. The kids had a wonderful summer and we just wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU for those that made it happen it did not go unnoticed.
Normally, I would not point anyone out but I have to give a huge THANK YOU to Ms. Amy. She took care of the kids on the days I had to work. She was always there when we needed her most. She has a huge heart and a very gentle soul to care for Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn. We would have never made it through the craziest days with out her and her family. You truly are a Godsend and very much appreciated.
TTFN~
In the third week of July as we celebrated Jack's 5th birthday, Kaitlynn and Jackson spent a week at Camp Gabe and Loved It! Some of the friends Kaitlynn made at VBS were also and her camp week. She was ecstatic. Jack was able to have a little party with his camp friends plus a family party. I think we celebrated for a week.
Following Camp Gabe, Kaitlynn and Jackson discovered swimming lessons. We have spent so much time at the water park and they just love being in the water that I signed them up. Tonight I watched Kaitlynn swim one complete length of the pool without help or a life jacket. I am not sure who was more excited me or Kaitlynn.
At the end of July, I was able to do something I hadn't done in two years. Travel a great distance from home with Madelynn. There were several people who had not met Madelynn or had only seen her in pictures. I introduced her to her Great-Great Uncle and his wife, she was able to see Grandma Angie again and she met my mom's step dad for the first time, who I fondly call Grandpa.
During this visit I also went to my 20 year school reunion, WOW have things changed but yet the important things stayed the same. You see I made this trip with my best friend, we met the first day of high school and we walked back into those halls 20 years later together. She also brought her two year old daughter. Talk about funny times. Madelynn and Isabelle became fast friends it was cute to watch.
Weeks after Jackson's birthday we celebrated Madelynn's 2nd Birthday. Phil's sister and her husband were able to come and visit to help celebrate along with my parents and some of our close friends. You know those friends the ones that when I needed to take Madelynn to the ER at midnight I could call and wake them up and they were at the house in seconds. Most days they are more like family. We are most grateful for them.
This year Phil and I also celebrated out 11th wedding anniversary. We were able to go to dinner and not worry about any of those kids things. We even went to a restaurant that had very few children in it. It was nice to be in an adult world even if it was just for a few hours.
Our last hoorah for the summer, I took Kaitlynn and Madelynn to Mason, OH to see their Aunt and Uncle (my sister and brother-in-law) and their three daughters. Holy Tons of Girls! Batman! it was crazy but fun. This trip however was just Kaitlynn, Madelynn and I. Phil took Jackson to see his sister and brother-in-law in DC.
As our summer came to a close Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn were able to go to the Carolina Panther Stadium and meet Sir Purr. This trip was not what I expected but at the end of the day they were very excited about meeting Sir Purr and couldn't stop talking about when I was trying to put them to bed.
At the beginning of the Summer I had no idea how I would keep the three of them busy but under a budget. It was not done without an incredible amount of help from friends and family. The kids had a wonderful summer and we just wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU for those that made it happen it did not go unnoticed.
Normally, I would not point anyone out but I have to give a huge THANK YOU to Ms. Amy. She took care of the kids on the days I had to work. She was always there when we needed her most. She has a huge heart and a very gentle soul to care for Kaitlynn, Jackson and Madelynn. We would have never made it through the craziest days with out her and her family. You truly are a Godsend and very much appreciated.
TTFN~
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Carolina Panthers and LCK
Earlier today we had the opportunity to take the kids to the Carolina Panther Stadium for a tour and for the kids to meet and play some games with Sir Purr. This event was sponsored by LCK (Levine Cardiac Kids) and the kids had a ball.
(Kaitlynn)
(Jackson)
We were in the group that met Sir Purr first and I had no idea what I was about to witness. Sir Purr comes roaring up on a four wheeler and the kids and parents are all cheering. All of the sudden Katie, Jack and Maddie are gone. Phil tells me they are hiding behind a sign. I find all three of them crouched in a corner sobbing.
They are afraid of Sir Purr.
I assured them that he would not harm them and went with them to stand in line to meet him. They were so afraid if they could have found a way to velcro their bodies to me they would have. Between the three of them every time I took a step it was like dragging an extra 100 lbs (Literally!!!). Maddie wanted nothing doing with the big black cat though. She wouldn't stand next to him for anything.
By the time it was our turn I had calmed them enough to meet him, hug him and stand long enough for a picture. Once they saw that the other children weren't afraid they relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the visit. I couldn't get them off the mini football field or to stop running.
After the visit with Sir Purr we were scheduled to tour the stadium. We had to cut it short as we had a mandatory meeting at church for Katie and Jack to meet their Faith Formation teachers. I was disappointed that Phil didn't get to tour the rest of the stadium but the kids had fun.
Overall it was a great day and hopefully one the kids won't soon forget. THANKS LCK!!! We had a great time.
TTFN~
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Crashing with Sugar and Spice 2
So I am finally getting around to posting the rest of the pictures of the girls and the visit to Mason. The drive there was uneventful except for the nervousness of driving almost 500 miles without Phil and carrying the precious cargo of my girls.
Holy Cow!! when we arrived it took only a few minutes and there was giggling everywhere. Within minutes you couldn't see the floor in the playroom. It was really nice to see all of them playing together.
The girls were all able to go swimming together. Katie thought is was cool she was able to see Ruthie's school and Anna's first soccer practice and then Grandpa Bacho arrived....and without any question...camera in tow. He had just as many photos as I did he will have to post some too.
In the evenings Madelynn had a very difficult time getting to sleep. She is used to Daddy putting her to bed and Mommy just wasn't cutting it. Fearing I would keep the other four girls awake I brought her down to sleep in my lap as we watched a little TV. It took a little longer that usual because Grandpa Bacho was having too much fun making her smile.
We also were able to take all the girls to the zoo. Watching the Polar Bears swim and fight was interesting. I had never seen Polar Bears fight. It didn't last very long. Listening to Madelynn as we entered the Monkey Habitat or Kaitlynn's eyes as she looked at all the snakes was priceless.
It was a wonderful visit and we will definitely have to do it again. Kaitlynn asked if we could go there every year...which has promise. However, one of the best laughs I had was Monday morning as I was getting ready for work and Madelynn came in to my room she asked me where Uncle Dave was.
She will see Uncle Dave this weekend.
TTFN~
Holy Cow!! when we arrived it took only a few minutes and there was giggling everywhere. Within minutes you couldn't see the floor in the playroom. It was really nice to see all of them playing together.
The girls were all able to go swimming together. Katie thought is was cool she was able to see Ruthie's school and Anna's first soccer practice and then Grandpa Bacho arrived....and without any question...camera in tow. He had just as many photos as I did he will have to post some too.
In the evenings Madelynn had a very difficult time getting to sleep. She is used to Daddy putting her to bed and Mommy just wasn't cutting it. Fearing I would keep the other four girls awake I brought her down to sleep in my lap as we watched a little TV. It took a little longer that usual because Grandpa Bacho was having too much fun making her smile.
We also were able to take all the girls to the zoo. Watching the Polar Bears swim and fight was interesting. I had never seen Polar Bears fight. It didn't last very long. Listening to Madelynn as we entered the Monkey Habitat or Kaitlynn's eyes as she looked at all the snakes was priceless.
It was a wonderful visit and we will definitely have to do it again. Kaitlynn asked if we could go there every year...which has promise. However, one of the best laughs I had was Monday morning as I was getting ready for work and Madelynn came in to my room she asked me where Uncle Dave was.
She will see Uncle Dave this weekend.
TTFN~
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Ready for 1st Grade........I think?!
Well she has been telling me all week that she was ready. She was excited to go back to school and she missed her friends. Getting her out of bed this morning was no small feat but she made it to school with 2 minutes to spare, not with out the help of her brother and sister.
GOOD LUCK in the 1st Grade Kaitlynn!!!
(I will miss you on my days off.)
TTFN~
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Crashing with Sugar and Spice 1
Anna, Madelynn, Kaitlynn, Lily and Ruth
One of the top ten photo's of our trip.....
TTFN~
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