Crystal and David

2011-07-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Bringing Aaron Home

Yesterday we knew we were getting close to the going home date because we were doing all of the "right before you go home" stuff. David and I went to training for Aaron's sleep monitor and infant CPR. We watched a video about safe sleeping and another done by one of the neonatologists discussing what to expect after discharge. Aaron was given his car seat test, and we made sure we were signed up for the developmental program that the hospital offers.

While I was on my way back to the hospital last night, David's mom called me from there excited that Aaron was possibly going home the next day. The nurse hadn't actually said that to me, so I talked to her as soon as I arrived! She said that she couldn't promise anything but that she didn't know what else the doctors would be looking for. Of course, Aaron wanted his last night to be memorable, so he had a visit from some friends--Melissa and Kelly--and he nursed for the first time (a big deal for a little guy).
This morning, as Isaac and I were getting ready to go to the hospital, I got a call from Aaron's nurse telling me that he had been discharged! I took a little extra time at home to put away all of his clothes so that I wouldn't have to worry about it later. I got to the hospital just in time for him to eat, so the lactation consultant came to work with us. She said he was a champ and doing a perfect job--another thing to praise God for!

Between last night and this morning, several of Aaron's caregivers came by to see him. Dr. Ethington, his admitting physician, came by to talk to me. He expressed how happy he was to see Aaron ready to go home so quickly. He told me that Aaron was always his first stop of the morning, and he would spend 30-45 minutes just going over his orders for the day. He was so thrilled that Aaron had overcome so much! He also expressed his desire for us to be involved in the clinic offered by the hospital to help monitor Aaron's development. He said he had no doubt Aaron would thrive because of all of the family and friend support he has.

One of Aaron's primary nurses also stopped by to see him. Ashley had him the first four nights of his life as well as an additional three days later during his stay. She told us that she had come in earlier this morning to cuddle with Aaron and she had just held him and cried. Several times over the past four weeks, the faith and trust she saw in us seemed to minister to her. I pray that one day we will either be able to lead her to Christ or hear that she began to trust Him as her Saviour!

After all of his caregiver visits, David and I just had to be shown how to mix his milk with the bit of formula he gets and how to measure and mix his vitamins. Then we loaded everything up and left. I just cried while walking down the hallway. I cried because I was happy. I cried because I was nervous. I cried because I am thankful. I cried because I feel so blessed! And I know I will continue to cry for various reasons. I will cry when I remember that my baby was born dead and that his apgar score was a 0 at birth and a 2 five minutes later. (If you are unfamiliar with APGAR scores, you can see a chart here: kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/q_a/apgar.html.) I will cry when I remember the paralyzed state they put him in. I will cry when I see the pictures of his first few days of life. I will cry when I see the progression visible in his pictures after those first few days. I will cry when I remember you, your prayers, your support, your love. I will cry when I remember that I chose to trust God without knowing the outcome; I will cry when I remember that God was in control of the whole situation and that He used (and is using) it to show Himself to thousands of people. And I hope that I get the chance to cry when hearing that Aaron's testimony is what led many to Christ. Tears of fear, joy, weariness, relief, trust, faith.

So we are home now. Aaron still has a lot of milestones to meet, and I have no doubt that he will meet them. God is in complete control, and I trust Him to complete His work in Aaron, in me, in you, in his care staff, and in the many others impacted by this situation. God is so, so good! Please continue to pray! I will continue to post updates on Aaron's health, so feel free to subscribe to my blog. I will also be posting some of the lessons God has taught me throughout this process; I pray that they will minister to you as well.

2011-07-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

July 9, 2011

Between today and yesterday, there has been a LOT of talk about preparing to go home. At home, we have washed all the tiny clothes, washed and put together all the baby gear, and begun to deep clean the house. There is still quite a bit to do, so the next few days will be extremely busy! Anyone want to come help me clean???

Yesterday, I walked into Aaron's room as Dr. Stein was doing his rounds. He came in Aaron's room and said, "Who is this baby? Didn't he just make me lose all of my hair a couple of weeks ago?" (Dr. Stein is completely bald.) He apologized that he didn't have a diagnosis for Aaron, and he said that something could show itself in the future, though we are praying for complete health! He was extremely impressed with the way Aaron has been eating and growing!

He has his hearing screen yesterday, and he passed that. We figured that he would because it is easy to see that he responds to sounds. He has had a few apnea episodes over the past few days, so they did a 12-hour sleep study on him yesterday afternoon through early this morning. This is a pneumogram. This test picks up all of his respirations more clearly than the alarms he is attached to. The test found that the reason for his episodes is due to his immature central nervous system, and Dr. Hornick assured me that he would outgrow that. He will, however, go home on a sleep monitor; this records all of his breathing on a cd that the respiratory therapist can review to see how he is progressing. David and I are being trained on using the monitor tomorrow, and we will also be trained in infant CPR. We are, of course, praying that we never have to use CPR on him. The monitor will give us peace of mind and will probably help us sleep when we first bring Aaron home because we can rest assured that if he stops breathing for any reason, the alarm will sound and wake us up.

Dr. Hornick was the doctor present at his birth. She is the one who resuscitated him. As she spoke with me about how well he is doing, she turned red and had tears in her eyes. She knows even more than I do what an amazing miracle Aaron is. I thanked her (as I do every time I see her--how can I not?), and she responded that babies like Aaron are such an encouragement to all of the amazing NICU staff!
Aaron had his first photo shoot today, and the photographer said that he did a great job! He will be getting his car seat test within a couple of days; he is monitored while sitting in his car seat for two hours to be sure he is able to tolerate the position.

Aaron's weight today is 5 pounds 2 1/2 ounces. The nurses keep commenting how impressed they are with the way he is eating.

As I spoke with Aaron's nurse (Gretchen) tonight, she was giving me advice on choosing a doctor for Aaron and using the Help Me Grow program. I shared with her what Dr. Hornick had said earlier, and she said she was on the night that Aaron was born. She was there when Dr. Hornick and the two nurses left for Aaron's delivery. She spoke with one of the nurses several times over the next couple of days, and she said there was so little hope that Aaron would survive. He was one of the tough NICU cases, one that people expected would be lost. I am so thankful that God had other plans! Gretchen shared things about Aaron's birth that I had not yet heard. She told me the condition he was in when he left my hospital. She used terms I had not yet heard, even though I knew what the case was; she actually said he was dead at birth. What an extremely sobering thought.

All I can think is: "You deserve the glory and the honor. Lord, we lift our hands in worship as we lift Your holy name. You are great! You do miracles! So great! There is no one else like You, no one else like You! "

Please pray that Aaron is able to tolerate his car seat test. Pray that his central nervous system matures quickly so that he is able to outgrow the apnea episodes. Pray for his homecoming and continued life and health! Thank you!

2011-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

July 7, 2011

The first thing Isaac noticed when we walked into Aaron's room today was that Aaron was (seemingly) picking his nose...gotta love boys!

Aaron weighed in at 5 pounds, 1/2 ounce today! Aaron dealt well with his circumcision, and he had no apnea spells today!
While Isaac was at the hospital today, he enjoyed staring at his brother, touching his hands and head, and giving him kisses. He also wanted to help feed him, but I am not sure Aaron is quite ready for that!

I will be taking the car seat in tomorrow so that it is there whenever they need to do his tolerance test. He is also going to be having his first official photo shoot in the next couple of days; we have a few very cute and tiny outfits to choose from!

Other than that, Aaron has had a fairly quiet day, and that is precisely what we like to hear at this point! We are praying that he doesn't have any more apnea spells, that he continues growing, and that any other testing that is done comes back showing he is disease and infection free! What a beautiful miracle whose testimony has already touched many! Thank You, God, for bringing healing to Aaron's body!

2011-07-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

July 6, 2011

Notice anything different?

How about now?

Well, in case you didn't, I will just tell you...I don't have a feeding tube anymore!!!! Today is only the second time my mommy has seen my entire face, and it's the first time my daddy has. The other time was for a split second when I was switched from the oscillator to the ventilator. In case you are wondering, my mommy thinks I am SUPER CUTE!!!

Aaron is now taking two ounces of milk every four hours by bottle. He eats it pretty fast, too. This means he is using up a lot more energy. Because of that, he has had a couple of episodes in which he holds his breath or forgets to breathe (apnea), and this causes his heart rate to drop. He quickly recovers each time. This is a common problem in preemies because they have an immature central nervous system. The nurses and doctors will monitor Aaron, and he will not be sent home until he goes through two full days without an episode. The nurse warned me that Aaron could possibly have to use his feeding tube again because he got his Hep B vaccine today and he is being circumcised later this week; she said that these things sometimes make preemies go backwards a bit, though they usually jump right back to where they were within a couple of days.

Aaron weighs 4 pounds, 14 1/2 ounces today! He is a growing boy! His nurse told me that as long as he keeps feeding well and growing, he should be going home soon. The first thing I did when I got home tonight was get the baby gear out to wash it! This is certainly exciting news! Now to find a larger car....

As you continue praying for Aaron, please pray that his central nervous system matures and that he is able to overcome the apnea episodes. Please also pray that he is able to handle some of the things he will be going through in the next few days. Pray for David, Isaac and me as well; this entire experience has been somewhat stressful on our family with the coming and going all the time. God has certainly been faithful throughout this process, and we are excited to see Him complete this work in Aaron and in us!

2011-07-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

July 5, 2011

Today I had my own personal photographer with me (aka, Isaac), so I got some pictures of me and Aaron!

The big news today is that Aaron took four of his feedings in a row with a bottle! This is a big deal because bottle feeding is a lot of work for him! He also went from taking it in about 40 minutes to taking it in about 20-25 minutes. His nurse was very impressed!
He has also been more consistent in waking up when it's time for him to eat--another great sign! One problem Aaron had today was that he forgot to breathe for a moment; his alarms began ringing immediately. He quickly recovered, but this momma was scared! The nurse assured me that this happens often with preemies; it's just part of what Aaron needs to learn to do! Fortunately, this has not been an ongoing problem.

Isaac was so hyper today, so he lent his antics to the camera...and we certainly captured them!

We are praying that Aaron is able to come home soon, and in order to prepare for his arrival we bought Isaac new bedroom furniture. We got it all put together today, and he loves it!!!!

The doctor did tell me today that some test results had come back on Aaron's thyroid as well as his brain and enzymes; all of the results were good! Praise God! We continue to pray that further testing goes well!

We are focusing our prayers right now on the tests. We are also praying that Aaron continues improving in his eating and that he has no further episodes in which he forgets to breathe. We are praying for complete health and that Aaron is ready to come home soon!

2011-07-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July=Happy Birthday, Aaron!

It has been a busy weekend! Papa and Mimi were in town, we went Granny's house for a bbq, and we watched the fireworks! We also made a special trip to IKEA to get Isaac's new bedroom furniture so that we can start getting the house ready for Aaron!

Today is Aaron's three week birthday! Three weeks ago, I definitely experienced some moments where I wasn't sure we would still have him here at this point, but God has brought healing into his body, and he continues growing and improving! He is above his birth weight now, and instead of all the fluid (which he lost), he has a positive weight gain; he is 4 pounds, 13 1/4 ounces!

When I went to the hospital yesterday, the nurse told me that Aaron had taken two full feedings with his bottle, one the night before and one that morning. I was there during two of his later feedings, and I was able to bottlefeed him, although he only took about half of each feed. It's fairly easy to see when he gets too tired. At one point, he actually stopped breathing; all of his alarms were going off! Fortunately, one of the nurses had warned me that this might happen a few days before, so I was prepared and knew precisely what to do to remind him that we like to encourage breathing :)
Tonight when I went to see him, I was able to give him a bath again. I was much more confident tonight than the first time, but apparently each nurse has a specific way she wants you to do things because tonight's nurse kept telling me to do things a different way than the one from a few days ago. It's really like learning to be a mom all over again! Some things have to be done differently because Aaron is a preemie, so lots of direction is appreciated, even if it does occasionally make me feel inept:(

Cuddle time is my favorite time of the day. I get to talk to Aaron, sing to him, pray for him. He is a precious gift!

As you continue to pray, please pray that his feeding keeps improving. Also, please pray that no diseases or disorders of any kind are found and that Aaron continues to develop as he should!

Some of you have asked about the other baby I asked you to pray for. Unfortunately, I will be unable to follow-up on this due to privacy issues, but I do know that there are about 57 babies in the unit right now, some more needy and critical than others, and they and their parents could all use your prayers. We serve a BIG God, and He is more than able to touch each and every one of these babies and families. It is my prayer that I will be a vocal support to the parents that I meet and that I will speak boldly about God and His great love for them! Perhaps that is part of the reason Aaron is there; I want to walk His paths! Thank you for walking with me!

2011-07-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

July 2, 2o11

Aaron is up to 4 pounds, 10 ounces today! The nurses started to fortify his milk with a bit of formula to increase the calorie count; this is normal for a preemie. Early this morning, Aaron took over half of one of his feeds with a bottle; this is a big improvement from just a couple of days ago. The nurses still feel like he tires out too much to try at every feeding. During one of his afternoon feedings, we tried to feed him the "natural" way while he was taking his milk through his feeding tube; he really did quite well. He is definitely associating sucking with a full belly, and that is a great sign! I got to cuddle with him lots today, and he spent some time cuddling with Papa and Mimi too!

I took Isaac to the store with me tonight, and there were numerous pregnant women walking around. All I could think is that I'm still supposed to be pregnant...34 weeks with six more to go! I was saddened for a moment. I have this tremendous miracle baby...at the hospital. It is extremely difficult to feel like a family, to feel like a mother, with my baby at the hospital.

On the way home, I was thinking that I am so grateful to have Aaron and to have experienced God the way that I have over the past two and a half weeks. I am thankful that He chose this way to show me His power and His love. I am also thankful to have seen the body of Christ come together on behalf of this sweet baby. Regardless of denominational affiliation and other things that can sometimes bring separation, I have seen the people of God join together in faith, encouraging one another daily, being who Christ tells us to be! Sometimes it can be difficult to see Christ in the church...sad, but often true. There are so many who claim to belong to Christ, but their lifestyles/actions/etc... suggest otherwise. It has been beautiful to see the Church look like Christ over the past couple of weeks. God is still on His throne, and He is still worthy of our praise and adoration...not just because He healed Aaron (although that is certainly deserving!) but simply because He is! May He be forever praised and lifted high!

2011-07-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

July 1, 2011

I missed posting last night because I got home quite late from the hospital. I almost didn't go back so late because I was tired, but I am so glad that I did. His name is spelled wrong, but this sign says it all:

Yep, I gave Aaron a bath for the first time. He has, of course, been bathed in the past two and a half weeks, but this time Mommy did it...a little scary (he's so small), but extremely rewarding!

The other big news was that Isaac was allowed to hold Aaron for the first time yesterday! He has been itching to do this since he first saw him, and it was one of my proudest Mommy moments. It's so beautiful to watch him gaze at his baby brother. He likes to touch his fingers, too. I know that over the next several years they will certainly fight, but I also think Isaac is going to be an awesome big brother!

Yesterday Aaron weighed 4 pounds, 8 1/2 ounces, and today he weighs 4 pounds, 9 1/4 ounces. He has been taking his milk so well!

Today was a big day, too, because Papa got to see Aaron for the first time since two days after his birth. Papa had to return to Chicago because he was leading a mission trip to Columbia. It was an awesome moment because last time he saw Aaron, Aaron was extremely ill. He is looking and feeling so much better now!

We are still praying for him to learn to eat. A couple of his nurses have given him bottles; the last time he drank 15ml from it. They still feel, however, that he is a bit young to begin this. He is showing readiness cues (sucking a pacifier or his fingers when it's time to eat), but taking milk from a bottle really wears him out. One of the nurses thinks he will need to be given just one bottle a day for now simply because of the amount of energy it takes.

I am asking you to continue standing with us! God has done marvelous works in Aaron's body and in our lives, but I ask you to continue praying with us for Aaron until he comes home. And even after that for his development. I am so excited about the testimony this tiny miracle already has! He has truly touched many, and I know that this is only the beginning.

Psalm 115:10 "O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield."

2011-06-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2011

Aaron weighs 4 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces today! Wow! We have had a few hospital visitors the past couple of days, and Aaron has been blessed with some very cute outfits! The doctor that was Aaron's attending physician over the previous two weeks was working tonight, and he stopped in to talk to David. He said he was amazed to see the quick turn around in Aaron, and he expressed his heart for these little babies through his words. He actually shared with David that a new baby had come into the unit today that is a very sick case like Aaron; I don't know that baby's name, but would you please pray for him/her? I know more than I wish I did what his/her parents must be going through right now.

As you continue to pray for Aaron, we are really looking for him to learn to eat and for any testing for infections or diseases to come back negative. Also, we are praying that he develops as he should. Thank you for your commitment to walking this journey out with us. Thank you for the faith you have had in God in the midst of this trying time. We have been blessed by each of you. Some are people we see every day or every week; others are those we haven't seen in years. Thank God for a tool like Facebook; it has been a huge support for us as it has enabled us to hear from you and to get information to you. You have blessed us with your commitment to pray, and we ask that you please continue to do so. Thank you!!!!

Notice what his nurse wrote about him: I am a very strong little fighter! He has definitely won the heart of a couple of nurses. When he has them, he gets the cutest clothes and blankets on the unit. They spoil him...and us!

2011-06-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

June 28, 2011

I posted an update yesterday at the bottom of my "This Momma's Heart" entry. Here are some pictures from yesterday:)

2011-06-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

This Momma's Heart

This Momma's heart has been through a lot over the past two weeks. It all started on a Saturday evening when I wasn't feeling the baby move; I thought maybe he was just having a down day because he had been quite active earlier. The next day, however, I knew that something wasn't right. I called my doctor, and I went to the emergency room. The nurse found his heartbeat right away, and I was immediately relieved, thinking all was well. When I still failed to feel movement, however, the resident came in to do a biophysical profile, which is an ultrasound in which she looks for five specific things. She did four different ultrasounds over the course of several hours, and his score kept going down until at the last one he scored a 2...really bad!

My doctor had come in to check on me and ended up spending the night at the hospital to be sure I was okay. He came into my room around 3:30am and said he was going to do a c-section to get the baby out since there was no way of knowing what was wrong. I called David and began praying like I never have before. I was told that the NICU team from Toledo Hospital would be at the delivery and that the baby would be taken there. My main concern at this point was that I wouldn't see my baby for four days; I had no idea of what lay ahead!

David made it just before the doctor began my surgery. I was so thankful! The baby was up at the top of my uterus, so the doctor and resident were pressing on my belly to get him down so they could pull him out. They were forced to make an additional incision in order to reach him. As the doctor delivered him, he asked what his name was; we hadn't made a decision, but David said, "Aaron."

Every mother expects to hear her baby's cry immediately; I heard silence. The baby was given to the NICU team; David was trying to watch, but they made him sit down. I was later told that Aaron was not breathing nor did he have a heartbeat at birth; his apgar score was a zero. His second one given five minutes later was a two. The neonatologist had to resuscitate him. The NICU team worked on him at the hospital for three hours. Then I was finally able to see him for the first time. He was bundled in an emergency transport incubator with all kinds of machines doing everything for him. One of the nurses wanted to be sure I could see him; she moved my bed and his, and she helped me reach his little hand. He was completely helpless! The neonatologist looked at me and told me that he was very sick and that he might die; she was brutally honest, and I needed her to be. Then he was taken away.

A couple of hours later, the attending physician in the NICU called me and said that someone needed to be with Aaron at the hospital because he was very concerned that he might not make it. He explained to me that he was on an oscillator and that they had given him a paralytic drug to keep him from moving so as not to injure himself. He said Aaron was extremely ill and they hadn't figured out why. I sent David to the other hospital right away. My nurses worked to get me transferred, and I was finally able to go at 2:30 in the afternoon. When I arrived at the hospital and was checked in and settled, my nurse put me in a wheelchair and took me to Aaron's room. I was so unprepared for what I saw...my son attached to all kinds of life support. There were so many things running through my head. He lay there completely motionless, a tube down his throat to help him breathe. He was extremely puffy, his skin pulled tight around his little body. He had multiple medications running through an umbilical line. His entire body was bruised. He was not beautiful by the world's definition by any means, but he was MINE! And I loved him immediately.

The doctor came and talked to me, and I can't even remember what in the world he said. I just cried. I was so afraid that I would lose my baby. Thank God that my sister was there to ask the right questions and to help me understand what was going on. When I saw how scared she was, though, I knew it was horribly bad. When I returned to my room, I told my dad that I trusted God, but the hard part of trusting Him is that it doesn't mean things will work out the way I want them to...it just means that I trust Him, no matter what. So began my journey of trust.

The days were long. The days were hard. The days were emotional! The days were God's! It was amazing to see God begin to work miracles in Aaron's little body. We prayed his name over him...Aaron: mountain of strength...Joseph: Jehovah increases. And we began to see God bring healing. The doctors were astonished. The nurses were floored. God was in control!

Now, two weeks later, Aaron is off of all medications and support other than his feeding tube. He is beginning to learn to eat as we work with him at times he is awake and interested. The nurses have gone from telling me that he would probably be there a couple of weeks past his due date (10 weeks total) to saying that he could be ready to go home in a couple of weeks (4-5 weeks total). Over the past few days, I have gone from not being allowed to hold him (because of his chest tubes) to having to ask a nurse to get him for me (because of his picc line) to being able to get him in and out of his bed as I please at any time. All of his tests have come back with good results. He is extremely responsive which is a good sign developmentally.

Aaron weighs 4 pounds, 6 ounces, and all of the weight he has gained is positive gain, not fluid retention. He is amazing! God is amazing! And I am grateful...forever grateful!

2011-06-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

June 27, 2011

Aaron's weight today is 4 pounds, 5 3/4 oz! When the doctor stopped in, he said, "Well, I have nothing to tell you." I said that I was okay with that! He said that all Aaron needed to do was learn to eat and continue growing, and he would be ready to go home! I know that Aaron will need to remain in the NICU for at least two more weeks because there is some testing that must be completed on him that can't be done until then, but the doctor's report means that Aaron may be coming home much sooner than originally expected!

Aaron was given his first eye exam today. He does not have any infection in his eyes, and they are developmentally where they should be. The doctor will check them again in two more weeks.

I got to snuggle with Aaron a bit today! This is good for both of us; it helps Aaron's brain development, and it helps my body return to its pre-pregnancy state:)

I had to see my doctor today for my first follow-up visit. She was astonished at how much Aaron had improved. I am so grateful for his beautiful testimony that has touched so many!

Please pray that Aaron learns to eat and that he continues gaining weight. Also, please continue to pray that he remains free from infection and that he develops as he should.

2011-06-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

June 26, 2011

Aaron's picc line came out today! One less chance of infection! This means that ALL of his nourishment comes from Mommy's milk which offers him all kinds of antibodies that he will need to fight off infections! This also means that the only support device he is still connected to is his feeding tube. He will need this until he is able to nurse or bottle-feed on his own. Babies typically develop this ability between 34 and 40 weeks gestational age; Aaron is currently 33 weeks and 3 days.

Aaron is also up one ounce today: 4 pounds, 4 ounces! Again, positive weight gain!

At this point, we are praying that Aaron is able to develop the suck-swallow-breathe technique. We are also continuing to pray that all of his mental, emotional, and cognitive abilities are where they should be for a full-term baby. Finally, we are praying as the doctors continue testing to find out what caused his early arrival that they will find he has no disorders or diseases of any kind. These tests cannot be completed until thirty days past the date that he last received blood, which was two or three days after his birth. Thank you in advance for keeping Aaron Joseph lifted up in prayer!

2011-06-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2011

When I went into Aaron's room today, he was in an open crib, wearing a onesie, eating 35 ml of milk and off of his IV fluids! They were still giving him dextrose with the plan to slowly wean him from that. They should be removing his picc line tomorrow! Shortly after I arrived, it was feeding time again, and he was up to 40 ml! This was the first time his daytime nurse had him, and from the notes she was expecting a very sick baby. Thankfully, he has been healed from so much; she was shocked to hear of his improvements in such a short span of time! Aaron's weight was the same today, and his bilirubin count had dropped to 6.1!

Mommy, Mimi, Daddy, and Granny all had lots of holding time today, so Aaron was feeling very loved! He is so cuddly! He loves trying to raise his head and turn his face to the other side, but it takes lots of effort! He likes his hands up near his face, and he loves for me to hold my hand on his head. He responds to touch, sound, and sight, which are all excellent developmental signs! He is still quite tiny, but he is removed from so many of the things that had him "tied down" (literally) that he is beginning to act like a normal full-term baby with the exception of his feeding tube.

We are still praying that the picc line is able to be removed tomorrow and that he continues to tolerate his food well. We pray that he continues to have positive weight gain. We pray that as the doctors test him for various other issues, God will once again prove Himself faithful and a healer by allowing Aaron to astonish everyone! We pray that he does not suffer from any neurological or metabolic disorders. We pray that he is able to learn to eat. We know it will be a while, but we pray that he can come home soon...and that we can get home ready for him!

Thank you all for continuing to lift up this mountain of strength to God!

2011-06-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

June 24, 2011

Just when you think there isn't much to say, there's still a lot! Aaron's bilirubin count was down to 7.8 today, and they removed him from all phototherapy. He doesn't have to wear his shades anymore, so we have tons more opportunity to see his eyes. Not that he opens them very often; preemies like to snooze, and they need to in order to grow and develop.

His feedings were also increased. This morning he was taking 25 ml every three hours with plans to increase by 5 ml every other feeding until he works up to a full feed of 35 ml; this is just over one ounce. As his feedings increase, his IV fluids are decreased. At 3am he will be at a full feeding, and he will then finish weaning off of the fluids. As long as his blood sugars fall within the normal range, the doctor will remove his picc line. The plan is for this to be done either tomorrow or Sunday. Last night, he was wide awake for one of his middle of the night feedings, so the nurse gave him a bottle. He actually drank 7 ml from the bottle, but the nurse said he was exhausted after that; it had taken a ton of energy. He finished his feeding through his tube.

His morning weight was 4 pounds, 3 ounces, and it again appears to be positive weight gain rather than fluid retention. He continues to have good urine output, so that is a positive thing!

His physical therapist came to see him today, and she determined what things make him happy/comfortable and what things agitate him. She also made suggestions in how to calm him.

We continue to pray that Aaron's body stays infection free. We pray that he tolerates his feedings and the weaning from the IV fluids. We pray that the picc line can be removed and that there are no complications from that. We pray that his organs continue to function as they should. We pray that Aaron will be a testimony of God's love and faithfulness! He is already known around the NICU as the miracle baby!

2011-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

June 23, 2011

Today is a day worth celebrating, though hasn't every day in the past week and a half been? The doctors assign a status to each baby every day; today was Aaron's first non-critical day!

During "kangaroo care" time, Aaron was all eyes. He was interested in everything!!!

Aaron's bilirubin count went down to 9.8 today, and he still on the biliblanket. The nurses expect it to continue going down. His milk feedings were increased to 15ml every three hours today, which is a half an ounce! Each time they increase his milk, they decrease his IV fluids. When he gets up to full feedings and no longer needs the IV fluids, his picc line will be removed. That will be wonderful as any line or tube is an opportunity for infection. He also went up 2 oz today; he is 4 lbs 2 oz! The great thing about this is that it doesn't appear to be fluid; it appears to be positive weight gain!

We are continuing to pray for his bilirubin to decrease and for his feedings to be able to increase so that he can come off of the IV fluids. We are also praying that as the doctors continue to test for possible causes to Aaron's early arrival that they will find no deficiencies in his development.

I am running out of things to update at this point because he is doing so well! That's a positive thing! A few of his previous caregivers stopped by today to check on Aaron. One was a nurse that was at his delivery; she said she was discussing him with my OB nurses, and they were astonished at how well he was doing. She said that miracles still do happen!

Another nurse that cared for him came by and said that she was sad she missed the first time I held him but that she had checked on him every shift she worked. She said it was amazing what prayers were able to accomplish! Finally, the neonatologist from his delivery was the doctor on call tonight. She came in and said that his bilirubin was down, his feedings were up, and his IV fluids were down. There was nothing else to say; I told her I was completely happy with that! Thank God!

2011-06-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

June 22, 2011

When I walked into Aaron's room this morning, it took me a moment to figure out what was different. There was something missing, but I couldn't quite place it. Then my mom asked where his oxygen tank was. That's it...he is completely off of oxygen support! He now breathes 100% on his own! The doctor did say that sometimes babies have to go back on oxygen at some point, but we are praying that he is able to sustain himself without it. Since he isn't on it any longer, his blood gases only have to be drawn once a day; they had previously been taking it multiple times a day.

When the nurse came in, she went over his day with me. He had been doing a great job without the oxygen support. His bilirubin had gone up to 10.8 this morning, but they were still keeping him on the biliblanket rather than the overhead lights since he was so much more comfortable being swaddled. She did say that if it didn't continue to go down he would have to go back under the lamps, but she felt confident that it would go down since he is on the blanket and since his body is effectively getting rid of waste. He also lost a little more weight; he weighed 4 lbs, 1/4 oz this morning. They did increase his milk intake from 3 ml every three hours to 8ml. It seems that his belly may have been trained to expect food because right before it was time for him to be fed, he got fussy; as soon as he got his milk in his tube, he was contented.

The doctor removed his final chest tube today. Aaron's chest x-rays have been good; his lungs are fully expanded, and it appears that the holes have healed. There has been no reforming of air pockets. The doctor said he was anxious to get the tube out since it seemed to be inactive and can be an opportunity for infection the longer it stays in. Premature babies are at a higher risk of infection, so we are extremely careful to keep germs at a minimum. In fact, we have placed hand sanitizer all around our home in efforts to get used to using it. We will also be doing a deep clean of our home before he is released from the hospital. Where I was quite relaxed about germs with Isaac, I will have to be on guard at all times with Aaron.

The real treat for me was that after his chest tube was removed and I went back in the room, the nurse brought in a recliner so that I could do "kangaroo care" with Aaron. This meant I got to hold him...for 45 minutes!!! Kangaroo care is a method of bonding with your child that was discovered in Bogota, Columbia. It was appealing there primarily because of its cost effectiveness...it's a free form of therapy! When its use was instituted, it greatly decreased the infant mortality rate! It is basically skin-to-skin bonding, and it has been proven to help the infant develop in many ways. It was a wonderful, peaceful, relaxing time for both of us; I look forward to many more! David came straight to the hospital after work so that he could hold Aaron as well; this was a blessed day for our family.

Big brother Isaac has been so excited to touch his baby brother, and he was able to do that tonight. He is mesmerized!

Aaron has taught me many lessons during his first ten days of life! I have learned to love in the midst of horrific pain. I have learned that many things I have valued are not nearly as important as love, family, and making a way for my children. I have learned that prayer is powerful and effective; it does work! I have learned that true friends surround you with love and support in time of need. I have learned who my true friends are. I have been challenged to be a better friend, daughter, wife, and sister than I am now. I have learned that God is faithful even when we are not, that He cares for me in the midst of my pain, and that He listens when I talk to Him!

As you continue to pray for Aaron, please pray for no infections, for the bilirubin to continue to go down, for him to continue to breathe on his own, and for continued positive development. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!

2011-06-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

June 21, 2011

Compared to yesterday, today was extremely quiet, which was good because Aaron needs his rest in order to grow big and strong! Big brother Isaac came with me to the hospital today to see his baby brother. He loves staring at Aaron!

Aaron's bilirubin count was down to 9.4 today, so the nurse took his two overhead phototherapy lamps off and put the biliblanket under him so that she could swaddle him; he was extremely comfortable this way. It was the first time he had been swaddled.

Aaron's blood gases and sugars were very good today which is great! The blood gas tells us how well Aaron's lungs move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide from the body. His brain and renal ultrasounds came back showing that they were both normal; this is a wonderful praise report! His doctors were able to remove one of his remaining two chest tubes today, and as long as his chest x-ray looks good tomorrow, they should clamp the last tube in preparation for removal. The nurse removed the dressing from his wound from the first chest tube today, and she cleansed it. There was no more bleeding, and the wound was extremely small and looked wonderful! Last night after one of his feedings of milk, the nurse pulled some mucus from his belly, so she took him down to 1ml of milk every three hours; today's nurse said he had no more of the mucus, so she resumed the 3ml feedings.

During the afternoon Aaron got a bit cold, so the nurse put the hood on his bed down. He got nice and toasty and was able to sleep even more soundly, swaddled and warm!

While the nurse was doing Aaron's care time, she noticed that his blanket was a bit wet. She asked me to come over to one side of her and told me precisely how to stand. Then she surprised me by handing Aaron to me while she changed his blanket! I got to hold him for the first time! It was very brief, only long enough to change the blanket, but still the first time. I had to stand extremely still while she took him from me and put him back in the bed. He can't be held right now because he is on the bilirubin lights and because of his chest tubes which can cause a lot of pain. When she handed him to me, he was screaming, right up until he was in my arms; he immediately quieted. I think he knows his mommy, and that thrills me! I am so glad I was there at this time! He is TINY!!!!

We got a beautiful picture with two gorgeous open eyes today...my amazing miracle son who has renewed an unshakeable faith within me!

As you continue to pray, please pray that his bilirubin count keeps coming down. Pray that his chest x-ray tomorrow looks great and that no air pockets are reformed. Pray that he stays free from all infection as he continues having tubes removed from his body. Pray that his stomach continues to take milk well as he works up to full feeds. Pray that he continues to grow and develop the way that he should! He truly is a miracle, and we love him completely!

2011-06-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

See his little blonde spot?

So cute...look how huge the pacifier is next to him.

June 20, 2011

Aaron had a busy day today with all of his testing, and it was another great day! When I walked in this morning, I talked with the nurse. I said that Aaron had come far in his first week of life, and she said that he had come halfway around the world. So right she is! He has amazed his doctors and nurses!

Today his bilirubin count was down to 10, so he remains on two lamps. It is moving in the right direction, so we are confident he will be off of the lamps very soon. The doctor clamped one of his chest tubes, and he said as long as everything still looks good tomorrow, he will remove that one. The doctor said that he hopes to have both chest tubes removed in the next few days. Aaron's chest x-ray looked really good today with no reformation of air pockets! He also received his brain and renal ultrasound today, but those results will not be back until the morning. The doctor told me that at this point those tests were to make sure his organs were formed correctly. They have still been unable to determine the cause of Aaron's early and troublesome arrival, so they are just looking at everything to rule out abnormalities. They originally thought he may have CMV, a common virus in adults that can be fatal to babies; the results of that test came back today, and he was negative. At birth he was 4 lbs, 10 3/4 oz, and today he was down to 4 lbs, 2 3/4 oz; most of this loss was all of the fluid on his body. His doctor from the weekend, the one who took him off the ventilator, looked in on him and was so pleased. He said Aaron is a star!

Aaron's big thing today was the insertion of his picc line and the removal of his UVC (Umbilical Vein Catheter). These procedures were both done without any problems, and the follow-up x-ray showed that the picc was put in the right place! Praise God! He also continued being fed his 3ml of milk every three hours, and the doctor said he didn't think Aaron had chylothorax (where the fat from foods is absorbed into the lungs instead of being carried in the bloodstream). This is great!

Every day Aaron continues to improve, and I am so thankful. It is wonderful to see my baby start looking like a well baby! I am forever grateful to God for this gift! He is faithful!!!

2011-06-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

June 19, 2011

This was another amazing day! As you can see in the picture below, the large nasal tube in GONE; Aaron was switched over to quick flow early this morning. This means that he is NOT on a ventilator at all. He is receiving oxygen, but it is room air, and his lungs are doing all the work. Progression!

Aaron's bilirubin count was down to 11.2 this morning, so they removed the phototherapy blanket he was lying on. He is still under two lamps, but we hope to get those off of him soon! When I arrived this morning, I was on the phone and had to QUICKLY get off because I heard my baby crying! Last night I heard a small squeak, but today I heard crying...quiet, hoarse, pitiful, but definitely crying...what a sweet, beautiful sound to tickle my ears for the first time!

Another new thing for Aaron today was feedings! They did this through his nostril tube which goes down to his belly. As I said yesterday, he is being introduced to food very gradually. He got 3ml every three hours today...that's less than a teaspoon each time! They just want to be sure his body tolerates it well, and they will gradually increase it. This means today was the first time he had Mommy's milk!
What a cutie!
A big event for our family today was that Isaac was able to see Aaron for the first time. We were waiting for him to be off some of the machines because we thought that might be a bit overwhelming for Isaac. Mimi took Isaac to Build a Bear today to make a monkey for Aaron; Isaac loved it. He said a prayer over the heart that goes inside, but he refused to kiss it because, "I don't kiss hearts." This is when Isaac first saw Aaron; he just wanted Daddy to hold him up there so he could keep staring. He said he wanted to touch him but not enough to use the hand sanitizer. He had lots to say about Aaron, but he wanted to know most importantly if we were going to keep him and if we could take him home. This is truly the beginning of a beautiful relationship!

Aaron has received a lot of gifts...thank you! This is his beautiful set up!

We left to take David to dinner for Father's Day, and when we returned Aaron had been bathed and his bed had been changed. He had the same nurse as last night, and she remembered the story about Isaac naming him Lightning McQueen, so she brought some blankets from home to use for his bedding...so thoughtful!

Earlier today I was looking at Aaron, and I thought I noticed a blonde streak, but I wasn't certain whether it was that or the lights gleaming off of him. After dinner, the nurse was talking to us, and she asked if we had noticed that he had a blonde streak, and I told her I thought I had seen it earlier but wasn't sure. She took his hat off, and, sure enough, after his bath it was CLEARLY blonde...crazy!

Aaron was also weaned from his dopamine today. This means that the only medication he is receiving is morphine as needed for pain which is due mostly to the chest tubes! Praise God that just one week (four hours from now) ago this child which didn't have much of a chance is astounding his doctors and nurses left and right! Many of those who cared for him early in the week stopped by today and yesterday, and they are AMAZED at how he is doing. I have spoken with the neonatologist and the neonatal nurses who resuscitated him at birth and cared for him immediately following. They were so concerned, and they are astounded at what has happened! I have heard from many that they have been praying for him. Several of his nurses called throughout the week to check on him. The doctor who cared for him immediately made sure that the nurses on her team saw him and how well he was doing. Every time I say thank you, tears flow. I am blessed...so blessed! Aaron is such a gift, and they were instrumental in giving him to me!

Tomorrow will be a busy day for Aaron! He has a chest x-ray to see if they can perhaps begin clamping his chest tubes and to check for air pockets. He has an ultrasound on his brain to once again check for bleeding. He has a renal ultrasound to check that his kidneys are functioning properly. One of his umbilical lines was removed today; the other will be removed tomorrow. He will be receiving a picc line which is what he will be fed through until he is able to nurse. This is a lot in one day, but God has proven His faithfulness already!

Pray that all of the tests have great results. Pray that his bilirubin count continues to go down. Pray that the picc line is positioned properly, and pray for no infection in Jesus' name!

2011-06-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Today was one of those days...you know the type...where God does exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ask or imagine...yeah, we had one of those!

I went home last night, David spent the night at the hospital, and we planned to trade places this morning. When I got to the hospital, I met today's doctor right away with news that he planned to move Aaron from the oscillator to the ventilator. I was unprepared for this, and I prayed over him that God would keep him safe and help him do well with the transition. The doctor actually invited us to be part of his rounds with Aaron's nurse. He was amazed at how much Aaron has improved over the past few days. Aaron had been monitored on the ventilator before the switch, and the doctor felt like he was ready for it. Quickly after this discussion, Aaron was changed over to the ventilator, and the doctor was immediately thrilled with his performance. The ventilator was actually doing very little to help Aaron; he was doing most of the work on his own. He was shortly after taken off the nitric oxides. Two huge machines in his room...GONE!

At this same time, the doctor began to wean Aaron from his heart medication. He was gradually weaned over a period of six hours, and he has done great without the medication. His blood pressure stayed right where the doctor wanted it.

I went out for a little bit, and when I returned the doctor popped in and said that he wanted to watch Aaron for a total of twelve hours from the time he went on the ventilator and then, if all was well, to extubate him (take the tube out of his throat). Sure enough, he was pleased with Aaron's performance! Aaron had done most of the breathing on his own, and he showed no signs of apnea. He was extubated and put on the nasal tubes. We were able to take some pictures of his full face for the first time! I was able to hear him just a little bit,too! The doctor was again immediately please with the results, and he almost left Aaron on the small nasal tubes, but he decided to put the larger ones in rather than push him since he had accomplished so much for the day.

So, as I said, God has done exceedingly, abundantly MORE than we could have asked or imagined! Aaron's team of caretakers today was amazing!!!

The next prayer focus for Aaron is that he continues to breathe well. Also, within the next few days he will be introduced to food. We need to especially pray for this because there is a concern that he has a disorder which causes the fat from his food to be deposited directly into his lungs rather than his blood. The thought is that this may have been why he was so fluid-filled at birth. When they introduce the food, they will do it very slowly in order to determine if this is occurring. If he does have the disorder, it can take weeks to heal. Please pray that this is not the case.

Once again, thank you for standing with us through this entire situation! God has been faithful! You have been amazing encouragers, but even more importantly, your prayers have been heard!

On a very lighthearted note, Aunt Amber took Isaac out to see his cousins on Thursday. While she had him she asked if he remembered his baby brother's name. Isaac said no; Amber reminded him. Isaac said, "Oh yeah, Aaron. And Lightning McQueen; that's the name I picked for him." Aunt Amber bought a Lightning McQueen for Aaron from Isaac. They are going to be such great brothers!

This is Aaron is his regular attire...huge breathing tube sticking out of his mouth

Here he looks like he is praying

Here he is, about to be extubated!

The first time I saw his entire face!!!

In his new attire with the nasal tube...yay, Aaron, we knew you (and God) could do it!

2011-06-17T22:35:00.001-07:00

June 17, 2011

Today has been a great day! Aaron was stable overnight, and he made many progressions throughout the day! The doctor told us last night that he would like to remove one of Aaron's chest tubes today, so we were a bit surprised when he decided to remove two because of Aaron's progress. He removed two, and the follow-up x-ray was good.

Aaron's bilirubin count did go up overnight from 15 to 15.9, so the nurse added a third phototherapy lamp; he now has a large and a small lamp on him, and he also lies on a third lamp. I was able to change a couple of diapers, and we had a teensy bit of poop...this is good as it will help his bilirubin count to go down. The count should also start going down due to his bruising starting to fade.

Throughout the day Aaron continued to have great urine output, and the respiratory therapist was able to gradually decrease his nitric oxides. I was able to speak with his doctor late this afternoon, and I was very encouraged to hear of his plan for the next week. It is his goal that by next Friday Aaron is off of the oscillator and perhaps even beginning to wean off of the ventilator. He also plans to wean him off of two medications that he is currently taking. We were thrilled to hear such positivity in his voice because this is the same doctor who initially was quite concerned Aaron wouldn't make it. He actually told me today that he was afraid of that the first couple of days. He apparently had yet to see what God was capable of!

We did have a minor setback tonight. Aaron's second follow-up x-ray showed that an air pocket had reformed. The nurse and respiratory therapist turned him which enabled some of the air to escape, but another x-ray showed that he would need another chest tube. He got through the procedure just fine, and the air began to flow immediately. In fact, the nurse practitioner pulled 8ml of air right away. When I left him, he was prepared to have a restful night.

2011-06-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

Without

Today I was able to come home from the hospital...without my beautiful son, Aaron Joseph. I have so very many mixed emotions right now. The past several days have had me in a whirlwind. I have mentioned many times that I kind of feel like I am on the outside watching someone else's life take place. But this is very much my own life, and here I am...sitting in bed typing...without.

I know that it is important for me to be home to rest overnight. I realize that I just went through major surgery and that I must recover. But I also realize my son is lying in the hospital...without his mommy. His daddy stays with him, and Mommy will be back in the morning, but until then, Aaron is...without.

I am so thankful that I have God to rely on through this process. He has truly been my only sustenance in this time, and I am grateful that He is faithful. So there is God...He is with me.

And He is with Aaron. He has been faithful to heal Aaron's body. Aaron has already come through many barriers that we weren't sure he would pass. Aaron is not without God!

And we are not without friends and loving support! I have been humbled by the many people who have stepped up to pray us through this trying time. God is so faithful in providing us with this family of sorts. Thank you for all you have done.

So perhaps in many ways we are more "with" than "without." We have God, you, and each other.

2011-06-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Aaron's Belly

This is Aaron on Wednesday at about 5am. You can see that his belly is extremely swollen and discolored.

Here he is later in the day on Wednesday. His belly has definitely lost some fluid, but you can still see some of the discoloration.

This is from tonight. You can definitely see that the swelling has diminished. What is not quite so evident on this picture but is obvious in person is that the discoloration is completely gone! Praise God!

2011-06-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Today has been a good day. Aaron continues to have good urine output, and his swelling has gone down tremendously. Two nights ago, his nurse was going to do his footprints for us, but there were no wrinkles in his feet due to the swelling. This afternoon I was amazed as I gazed at him; his feet looked quite normal, wrinkles and all. I was also amazed to look at his abdomen. There is a picture from a couple of days ago where his tummy looks swollen and shiny; today his tummy looks great. I will post comparison pictures in a little bit.

Aaron has remained stable today. He went from his blood pressure being on the high side last night to being on the low side today. This is due to a combination of factors: he is on the oscillator which causes his lungs to stay inflated, which presses on his heart, making it work harder. They are working with different medications to keep it under control.

Aaron has had a three chest tubes over the past couple of days in order to drain the fluids and air pockets out of his lungs. None of the tubes are currently draining anything, so they have clamped two of them with plans to take them out tomorrow. This is great news! His daily tests have also looked good: the chest x-ray, the ECHO, and his blood gases. They have decreased his nitrates some more, which is also good news.

Please, please, please continue prayers. The prayers of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16b) Aaron's lungs still need strength. Pray that the chest tubes are taken out tomorrow and that he remains stable and without infection. Pray that his blood pressure remains stable. Pray that they can start reducing the oxygen more. Pray for complete and total healing! This baby boy can be a tremendous testimony of God's power!

On the Mommy side of things: I got to change Aaron's diaper today...what a thrill!!!! The nurse noticed some dry spots on him as well, and I rubbed Aquaphor on them. I was also able to take his temperature last night. The little things that new moms take for granted (or dread) are my moments of pure pleasure right now!

Thank you for praying for my little bundle of joy. Please continue. As your prayers go up, God's healing pours down!

2011-06-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Today was a good day. Aaron had good urine output overnight, so they took out his catheter this morning. He has continued peeing, and this is an excellent sign toward getting his fluids down. To put this in perspective, on Monday during a 12-hour period, he had 25 ml of urine. On Tuesday during a 12-hour period, he had 69 ml of urine, and today in a 12-hour period he had 207 ml of urine. This is great progress.

Aaron did receive more blood today because some of his counts were back down; this was expected. When I went to visit him this afternoon, I was able to spend about an hour completely alone with him. I read him a book that my sister and her husband had bought for him. When I saw him this evening, he was a bit uncomfortable, so I was able to contain him, which is as close to holding him as I can get right now. I placed one hand on his head and with the other hand I held his arms close to his chest. This was very calming for him...and me.

He was given a chest and an abdominal x-ray tonight. The chest x-ray has been done daily to monitor his lungs. The doctor said that it wasn't looking perfect, but it also wasn't bad enough to warrant inserting another chest tube. The reason for the abdominal x-ray was his swollen, discolored belly. Following the x-ray, however, the doctor said that it appeared that the swelling and discoloration was due mainly to delivery and was unrelated to any current problems. The doctor told me that she was expecting a quiet night from Aaron, and that is my prayer.

I continue to trust God, and I ask tha you will join me in praying for Aaron Joseph. He is a precious little guy, and I want to see him grow to be that mountain of strength!

2011-06-15T02:52:00.000-07:00

Praising God for Each Step

Aaron had such great urine output overnight that they removed his catheter out at 5am this morning! David spent the night in his room, so he was able to catch this picture when they were turning him this morning. His eyes have been covered because of the lamp he is under, and this is the first time we have seen those beautiful things! They had to cover them right back up, so I missed it, but thank God for cameras!

2011-06-14T21:53:00.001-07:00

Aaron Joseph

Aaron means "mountain of strength."

Joseph means "Jehovah increases."

Amen!

2011-06-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Today's News

Today has been a rough day for me as I battle my emotions. I know that my sweet little baby boy has many battles ahead of him. I know that each moment is a gift from God! I have had moments of joy today, and I have had moments of grief. But right now my baby continues to fight. Thank you to all who are fighting with him through prayer! That is precisely what we need! I am overwhelmed by the love I have experienced from friends over the past couple of days. There are literally thousands, and perhaps tens of thousands, of people praying for Aaron around the world.

These are lyrics from a hymn titled "Be Still, My Soul": "Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order or provide; in every change He faithful will remain. Be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful end." I hang onto this and to the Word of God to get us through this time of turmoil.

Today has been a good day. As of this morning, though he had urine output last night, the doctors were looking for more, so they added two medications to increase the output. They also added a medication to help his heart development as an ECHO showed that his ventricles weren't contracting as well as they should. They inserted a third tube into his chest for draining his fluids; this helped his lung to reinflate perperly, and he has had lots of drainage from that tube. Last night they were weaning him from his nitric oxides; they had gone from 20 to 9; they had to increase back to 20, however, because he was not continuing to adjust well to it. He is still receiving 50% of his oxygen from a ventilator, and he is on the oscillator still. He has had good urine output tonight, though they are continuing to look for more.

Our Aaron is extremely sick, and we are certainly not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination. I am taking each moment delicately because I am aware that we could lose him. We rejoice in each improvement. We trust God in all of this; He is truly in control of Aaron's life. As you pray, right now a major need is for Aaron's kidneys to work properly so that he is urinating. He needs to get rid of the excess fluids in his body. His lungs need to begin to operate better so that they can wean him from the ventilator.

Please pray for my baby. Please pray for us. This is most certainly the hardest thing David and I have ever faced. I am sure it is the hardest thing my parents and sister have faced as well. I don't want to lose my baby boy; I love him with everything that I am and all I have. One of the most difficult things is feeling so helpless. The nurse tonight did allow David to take Aaron's temperature, and she encouraged us to rub ointment on his skin if he has any dry patches. She is really trying to help us be involved.

Sweet Baby Aaron, Mommy loves you! So does Daddy! And we are praying and believing for a miracle in your little body. We know God is in control! Rest in Him, and keep fighting this battle!

2011-06-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

Aaron Update

This beautiful boy continues to amaze me. Aaron has been through a lot in his first 24 hours of life. They have had him stabilized since Monday early afternoon. They did three blood transfusions, and his blood work after that was perfect. He did have a high bilirubin count, so they put him under the lamp to prevent jaundice; that is why his eyes are covered. He still has a long way to go; he continues to be in a paralyzed state (through medication), and he remains on the ventilator. Last night, the doctor was concerned that his kidneys weren't working because he had no urine output. After about 25 minutes on dopamine, Aaron was producing urine. I am praying for continued improvement. It is so difficult to have a baby and be unable to hold him, feed him, and interact with him. I am looking forward to all of those milestones to come!

2011-06-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

All in God's Timing

It is somewhat ironic that I just a few days ago posted that we were expecting the arrival of our second son on August 11. He surprised us by showing up just yesterday morning, June 13, 2o11.

I found out last week at my regular doctor's appointment that I had failed my one-hour glucose tolerance test. I went in on Saturday morning for the three-hour test. This baby has always been a mover, and so adding a high concentration of sugar to that, he was having a party in my belly Saturday afternoon. Later that evening, I didn't feel him moving which was odd because that is typically his active time. I thought perhaps he was just calmer because of the all the sugar and activity earlier...this was his crash.

The next morning, I still wasn't feeling him move, and I told David that I was concerned. We went to church, had lunch, then came home...still no movement. I drank a tall glass of ice cold water and lay on my left side for a half hour. After I felt no movement, I called my doctor. He told me to immediately report to the emergency room. Once I was escorted to labor and delivery triage, the nurse hooked me up to a fetal heart monitor, and we heard his heart beating right away...major sign of relief. They had me drink tons of ice water, some milk, and I ate peanut butter toast. Still no movement. My doctor told them to screen with an ultrasound. During this, they are basically looking for five things: my fluid levels, the baby's heartbeat, the baby's lungs, small fetal movement, and large fetal movement. Each portion is a pass/fail, receiving either a 0 or a 2. During the first screen, the baby scored a 4 (fluids, heart); second screen, baby scored a 6 (same as before plus small movement); third screen, a 4 again...the doctor was very concerned and called for an emergency c-section. At 31 weeks pregnant, I was scared!

Aaron Joseph Bunts was born at 4:32 am on June 13, 2011, weighing 4 lbs, 11 oz. The problem was immediate: he was not breathing, nor was his heart beating. Toledo Hospital had sent a team from their NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) to take care of him immediately upon delivery. Thank God they were able to get his heart beating and to get him breathing. I couldn't see him, couldn't hear him...nothing!

Very shortly after his birth, I was told he was very sick. He has a virus which was causing major concerns, and this was probably why he had stopped moving in utero. The outlook was extremely dismal. Honestly, I was prepared to lose my baby. My OB told me that he was very sick, and the neo-natologist told us that it was very possible that he would die. Not what I wanted to hear, but at least the truth.

I saw him for about five minutes before he was taken to Toledo's NICU. He was bundled up in his incubator on a ventilator among other things. When he arrived at the NICU, the doctor called me to say they were there. His infection was being treated with antibiotics, and he would remain on the ventilator. His liver was enlarged, and he was extremely bruised, due to low blood platelets. He was being given blood transfusions. He also had some swelling around his soft spot, and they were going to do an ultrasound to see if he had bleeding. Again, the tone was very concerned.

We got another call a few hours later. Aaron was being put on a different ventilator, and they were going to place him in a paralytic state to keep him still. At this point, the doctor was extremely concerned, and he said that someone needed to be there with the baby; David was on his way. Here is our beautiful Aaron Joseph...please pray for him!

2011-06-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Our Summer Visitor

I have a goal of enjoying this summer to the fullest with Isaac because by the end of the summer, he will no longer be an only child. He is so excited about his baby brother, and I know he will be a wonderful example for him to follow. I also know, however, that he has a huge adjustment ahead of him. We will welcome our new baby this August!!!

2011-05-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

Madison's Birthday Party

Isaac is not always the most photogenic child:)

But he usually smiles when he takes a picture with Mommy
What a handsome boy!

2011-04-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

Our First Trip to Disney

For Christmas, my parents blessed our entire family with a trip to Disney. We stayed at a beautiful resort with an amazing pool. We also had a six-day pass to the parks; we hit all of them once, then repeated Epcot and Magic Kingdom. This was an AMAZING trip that we hope to make again in the near future!

Our little (but growing) family at Epcot

Carson, Isaac, and Christian with Papa and Mimi
One of the best things we did outside of the parks was the Pirate Adventure...this was a two-hour excursion which the boys thoroughly enjoyed!

Isaac, Christian, Carson, and Chloe with two of their favorite characters at Hollywood Studios!

Isaac and Mommy at Pizza Planet:)

2011-03-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

To Be Like Daddy

Isaac so wants to be like his daddy; this was taken in the kitchen as we were getting ready to leave for Detroit...to prepare for the trip of a lifetime (at least up to now).

2011-02-15T22:34:00.000-08:00

The Prince Turns Four

I can't believe my precious baby is four years old! He is the greatest joy in my life, and I am thrilled to call him my own!

For his birthday dinner, he wanted sausage and pancakes, so that's what we ate. Also, he chose an oreo icecream cake...mmmm!

He got another GeoTrax train...he loves it!

The birthday boy

2010-12-26T22:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas

Isaac at his preschool's Christmas program...I am always amazed at how quiet he is in places like this; he is SO LOUD at home!

Just a couple of days before Christmas, Isaac and Madison exchanged their gifts.

I am thankful that Christmas day began on such a happy note...

...because less than an hour after arriving at Papa and Mimi's, Isaac dislocated his arm while wrestling with his cousins. We spent the evening in the ER, and we missed all of the opening of gifts...we just couldn't make the other seven grandkids wait on us!

2010-11-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Candied Apples

I LOVE Fallen Timbers Kids' Club...a free activity each month for my son and I to enjoy together! In November, Isaac got to decorate his own apron, which he is wearing, and make a candied apple. Yum!!!!

2010-10-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

Fallen Timbers Fall Festival

Give me free fun fall festivities, and I am SO there!

Isaac and his best bud Madison...yes, the gorilla did become Spiderman...we were going for originality!
Pony rides

Spiderman hands

He was pretending to swim in the pond

2010-10-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Some Special Ladies

My wonderful friend Michelle and me:)

My beautiful sister Amber and me:)

2010-10-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

MacQueen's Apple Butter Festival

I LOVE fall! It is the most beautiful time of the year, the air is crisp, and our fall festivities are in full swing! MacQueen's Apple Butter Festival is one of the most anticipated events in our area. This year, it rained on Saturday, so Sunday was PACKED! But it was also perfect! And the apple cider was yummy!

2010-10-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

Out and about with Papa and Mimi

Outside of Granite City

Such a tired baby fell asleep on Mimi at lunch
With Papa and Mimi in Detroit

Hilarious sign in our hotel room in Detroit

2010-10-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Cedar Point

Sad but true: I live 50 minutes from Cedar Point and had not been for 10 years...the last time we went was for the opening of the Millenium Force in 2000. So I just had to work it in this summer...it was a blast!

Mr. Coolman in the back of the kids' jeep:)

Gabe, Zoe, and Isaac...they were such a team!

Two gangstas rollin' through the hood (of Cedar Point?)

Family Fun

Exhausted!

2010-10-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Last Trip of the Summer to the Zoo

There was an animal show; Isaac got to pet this turtle and a ferret!

It was extremely hot, so we took a break in the air conditioning!

Isaac loves the animal masks outside the kids' area.

A monkey on a gorilla's back!

2010-10-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Great Friends Whom I Miss:(

Since I changed jobs over the summer, I do not see these two lovely ladies pictured with me:( We got together late August to catch up, which we MUST do again soon. We went to dinner then stayed out at Fallen Timbers until (gasp!) 2am! I truly do not know how many years it has been since I was out that late!

2010-07-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

This Week at Our House

Last week, after returning from Chicago, I came down with tonsilitis, so we basically did nothing all week. I am trying to change that this week!

We bought Isaac a pool this past weekend, so Isaac and I set it up today and got in...felt wonderful!

Last night, Isaac was definitely putting on a show for us!

This is David and Isaac celebrating David's 21st birthday (at least that's what the waitress announced to the restaurant) at Red Robin!

2010-07-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Chicago with Mimi and Papa

Okay, so, yes, we go to Chicago quite often because Mimi, Papa, Amber, Ed, and the girls (and the coming boy!) live there. This time, however, we went because my parents were keeping Jamie's kids for the week. We had lots of fun!

On the way to Papa and Mimi's from Ohio, the boys crashed!

On Sunday, we went to church. This is Chloe after church was over.

Isaac and Carson (aka, double trouble)

Tuesday night we took the kids to the park

Thursday we took all of the kids to Portrait Innovations for Christmas card pictures

After we got back home, the boys decided to play a game of cards around the table, in their underwear. (Notice that Isaac is in briefs...not cute, well, okay, maybe a little.)

Friday we loaded up two vans to take all seven kids to the beach...it was fun!

Lily lookin' all stylish

The kids had dinner when we got back to the house.

On Saturday we went to Amber and Ed's to play on the new slide

Isaac is slightly afraid of some water activities, but he loved this!

2010-07-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Garrett Grandkids' Photo Shoot 2010

We had a difficult time getting Isaac to smile today, but there were a few teethy shots.

I love this one because he is showing his personality!

Chloe wasn't ready for pictures at first, so the first group shot is missing one grandchild:(

Here they are in all their...umm...glory.

2010-06-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Toledo Zoo

I hate when I put these in the wrong order--oh well!

After leaving the zoo, we stopped at Walbridge Park; Isaac LOVES the park!

Horrible picture (of me), but the best I could do of the two of us...we were by ourselves.

Isaac loves the fish!

His birthday...again!

Playing in the stream

He loves these hanging animals!

Baby elephant

2010-06-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

Outer Banks, NC Vacation

I have to say that the Outer Banks were, by far, the most beautiful and peaceful beaches I have ever visited! We actually had room to enjoy the beach instead of being right next to all kinds of random people. Here are a few pictures of our trip; there are more on Facebook.

Isaac in a HUGE chair in an adorable little town called Manteo. There was so much here, both fun and historical. Next time we go, we will spend a lot more time here.

Isaac cheesing it up on our last night at the beach. He really enjoyed the sand, but it took him a while to warm up to the water...this night, however, he kept running back and forth into and out of it!

Playing in the sand...pretty sure he would have spent his whole week here!

Steering a pirate ship...this was a cute novelty restaurant, complete with dressed up pirates coming to the tables to hand out temporary tattoos and chat it up with the customers!

Isaac LOVED watching the crabs!

Isaac with one of the lighthouses in the background...it was under construction.

Eating a fresh donut at Duck Donuts. He decided when he got a donut with sprinkles that it was his birthday.

Isaac and Mommy...we climbed up a ton of stairs to get here...wish you could tell that in the picture.

Playing in the sand with Papa

2010-06-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2010

This picture was taken at the Memorial Day parade. I hate that my shadow is in it because Isaac looks so cute...not sure why he wore his hat this way!

2010-06-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Fare thee well, FCCS

For four years I have made the daily hour-long trek to Fountain City Christian School to fulfill my teaching position. During those years, I have met some amazing people, and I have grown in unestimable ways. There have been laughter and tears, times of seriousness and silliness! I will miss each student, parent, and co-worker!

I have a short summer break before starting my new job at a new school with new students, parents, and co-workers. I look forward to new friendships as I cling to my old ones; I look forward to new students as I consider how much work it will be to get to know them; I look forward to new times of growth! But, really, what I look forward to the most--the eight-minute drive! I am only slightly kidding here!

Here are some last-day pictures from FCCS. I had an afternoon of games planned for my kids...and tears came unexpectedly along the way!

I do realize that we all look horrible here...this was at the end of the day...after spending several hours outside in the 90+ weather and after being soaked in water sports!

Some of the girls during our web game...each student threw the spool of yarn to another student while saying something he/she would always remember about the student. Then, in an emotional turn, they each said something he/she would remember about me...those were a rough few minutes!

Chubby Bunny--a classic!

Not sure what happened here, but we were having fun!

Shaving balloons---oh yeah!

2010-05-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

Overheard by the flies on the wall in my son's room during prayers tonight:

Me: And thank you for Isaac...
Isaac: Thank you for Mommy...
Me: And please help him to make good choices and be a good listener
Isaac: Help her do good and be a good listener

Ah, to be a Mommy! Lovin' every minute! Oh, and there are not really any flies on the wall of his room:)

2010-04-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday Antics

David and I typically ask Isaac what he learned about in Sunday School on the way home from church, and we often get somewhat understandable answers. Last Sunday, however, Isaac had a difficult time remembering the Bible story, but we had seen all the props they used when we picked him up, so we guided him along in his recollection. This was how it went:

Mommy: Isaac, what did you learn about at church today?

Isaac: We...played.

Mommy: What story did they tell you?

Isaac: Ummm....Jesus. (Which we all know is one of the two correct answers to nearly all questions in the preschool Sunday School classroom:)

Mommy: What did Jesus do?

Isaac: Ummm...Jesus is comin' to town! (At this point he is getting really excited with bright eyes, a huge smile, and an increasingly louder voice.)

Mommy: What did the people do when Jesus came to town?

Isaac: They wave leaves! (Again, more excited and louder)

Mommy: What did they say?

Isaac: They say... (Again, more excited and louder)

Mommy: Hosanna!

Isaac: Anna! (more excited and louder)

Mommy: What did Jesus ride into town on?

Isaac: (more excited and really shouting!) A school bus!

David and I burst out in laughter! I love my son!

2010-02-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Isaac's Third Birthday

Where has the time gone? I can't believe that my little baby boy is three! He is a complete joy, and I am daily thankful for him!

Getting ready to open presents from Mommy and Daddy!

Isaac and Madison in the tunnels at Chuck E. Cheese

Isaac and Madison eating yummy pizza

Opening presents from Mimi, Papa, Aunt Amber, Uncle Ed, Aubrianna, Annaliese, and Lilliana

This picture is blurry but still cute...me with Annaliese and Isaac

Blurry again...from Jump Zone in Illinois

Isaac and Aubrianna sharing icecream at Choo Choo Johnny's

Annaliese and Papa

Sleepover:)

2010-02-24T17:53:00.000-08:00

A lot late, but this is from New Year's Eve

Alissa and me!!!

During our Battle of the Sexes game, the guys took it a bit too seriously:)

2009-12-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving 2009

Isaac and I headed to Chicago Thanksgiving afternoon without Daddy because he had been extremely sick for several days:( We planned to get some family pix, but even though that didn't happen, Isaac and I had a couple of cute ones.

2009-09-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Life of Raising a Boy

After about six weeks, Isaac is pretty well potty-trained. Pretty well meaning that I wouldn't place money on him NEVER having another accident, but he is pretty great...hasn't had an accident in a while. Which brings me to this: there is something about being a boy (and having that "man" gene) that tells you that since you can aim, pee anywhere, right?

Case in point: Over Labor Day weekend, we visited with Ed and Amber. We were watching the kids play outside in the front yard. Isaac quickly discovered that the neighbors had more toy choices so went to play with them. All is good; Ed and Amber's girls soon followed. Within a few minutes, Isaac came back to Amber's yard, lifting his shirt. Papa asked why he was lifting his shirt, and within a millisecond, his pants and underwear were down, and he was peeing all over the sidewalk. I ran over to him, turned him away from the other kids, and allowed him to continue to pee...what else was I to do? I don't know that I have laughed that hard in quite a while...I literally had tears! Don't worry; I won't include pictures...mostly because there aren't any!

2009-08-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

MAUMEE STREET FAIR

The Maumee Street Fair and the Taste of Maumee was this weekend. We went Friday night for the food, and we went today for the parade and walking around booths. There will be more pictures to come, but I only took two, so I am waiting for my friend to send me the others.

Isaac and Madison waiting for the parade...which was supposed to start at 10 but started at 10:40ish.

Isaac in a bounce house for the first time...he loved it!

2009-08-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

MUDHENS GAME

A team from David's job went to a Mudhens' game a couple of weeks ago. I have lived in Toledo 17 years, and this was my FIRST Mudhens game. I had a lot of fun! And the Mudhens won which made it even better...they scored eight runs in one inning!

My "thug" face and my HOTTTTT hubby!

2009-08-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

FUN WITH HALF OF THE COUSINS ON MOMMY'S SIDE

Isaac, Christian, Carson, and Chloe at Papa and Mimi's house

Chloe at Pizza Hut...what a cutie!

Three handsome boys...Christian, Isaac, and Carson

2009-08-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

SIDECUT PARK

2009-08-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

MAUMEE BAY

This is a nice picture. I wish the area was a little cleaner, though. We had a fun day in the sun and water!

2009-08-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

DAVID'S COUSIN TASHA'S WEDDING

The bride and groom dancing

David's mom and her husband

My hottie and me:)

2009-08-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Random Summer Fun

Not sure why the pix uploaded like this, but I am not reloading...sorry:(

To the right is Isaac's Spiderman look...he came up with this on his own as he has never seen the movie...only pictures of the character:)

2009-08-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

FUN AT THE POOL

One of our fave places for the summer is Papa and Mimi's pool (but they moved to Chicago, so we have to come up with something else for next summer). Isaac and Madison love swimming together!

Isaac jumping to Uncle Jamie

2009-08-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

LITTLE PEOPLE AT THE TOLEDO ZOO

We went to the zoo with Papa, Mimi, Memaw, Christian, Carson, and Chloe to see Little People. It was a hot day but fun! We got to see the show and play in the brand new Nature's Neighborhood!

My grandma is hilarious!

2009-07-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

Back to School 601

As many of you know, I began studying for my Masters in Education last fall by taking an online course. It was not practical application information, but it was great information regarding the history of education, and it helped me to carefully define my own philosophy of education--what I think it should be and how it should be carried out. In the spring, I took a required Bible class, which challenged the way I think of humanity being created in God's image...I learned a ton about myself during this class. Both of those courses being online made for a taste into graduate studies, but was by no means a full immersion.

Last Wednesday, though, I entered my first regular classroom for a two-class block. It is quite intense since it takes place in a week and a half with a lot of on-field work. It has been great to get back into studies and to be a student again. I look forward to how God will be able to use me with these new tools in hand. And I look forward to many more classes...at least two years worth with a culminating thesis of 100+ pages; good thing I enjoy writing!

2009-06-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Randomness

This is after Isaac woke up from his nap following our zoo trip...he was still tired:(

...and these are his crossed ankles...he has done this since birth, and I think it's adorable! I actually have an ultrasound picture of him crossing his ankles. Short story: I was in a car accident while pregnant, so I had to go to the hospital to be monitored. They did the ultrasound, and I went back to my room. When they brought the pictures to me, the nurses were looking at them, trying to guess whether I was having a girl or boy...when they saw the one with the crossed ankles, they guessed a girl, then they laughed when they noticed that my ankles were crossed as I lay in bed.
I know that I should not have posted this, as it will most certainly be the most incriminating photo that will haunt Isaac forever, but this is what I found the other day when I came to get Isaac for lunch...poor guy!

2009-06-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Toledo Zoo

Monday, June 15, David, Isaac, and I visited the zoo with lots of friends: Melissa and Madison, Melissa and Caleb and Kara. We had a fun-filled day!

Caleb, AKA the keeper of the tickets

Melissa and Kara

Africa??? I wish!

Madison, Isaac, Kara, and Melissa

Madison, Isaac, Caleb, and Kara...hatching???

Isaac and Madison in front of some of the pretty birds

Madison and Kara...in front of the hippo's butt!

Isaac and Madison

Madison was feeding the ducks...I don't think that the others braved it

On the way back to the cars at the end of the day...Isaac is such a hugger!

2009-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Chicago

He loves picking up and throwing rocks

Papa's interesting shot

Photo shoot at the pond

Papa took this picture...as much as Isaac smiles, it can be difficult to capture it by camera...this is a GREAT shot!

Silly Aubrianna

Aunt Amber did this and assured me that if I ever have a girl, she will be cute:)

Aubrianna is afraid of nothing!

This was the first time Isaac really enjoyed swinging...he didn't want to get out!

Every time Mimi pulled Annaliese back and released her, Annaliese let out a huge squeal...so cute!

2009-06-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

More Summer Pix

Isaac started a line of jumping on the couch at Papa and Mimi's...it was fun!

At the end of an exhausting day!

2009-06-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Some Summer Pix

Isaac playing with Memaw (Great-grandma Betty, my mom's mom)

Isaac and Madison shopping with their mommas

Isaac and Madison driving in the car

Isaac and Memaw

Crazy man

2009-05-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Parade

David and I took Isaac to the parade up the street Monday.

Maumee High School marching band

Isaac
Old fire truck

Old police car

Isaac and Mason (neighbor's grandson)

Fire trucks

Isaac in his $6.20 wagon

At home, waving the flag

2009-05-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

Memorial Weekend Cookout

We had some friends over last Saturday, and I remembered to snag a few shots

Nick and John-John loading the plates

David and Abby
David and Stack

Alyssa, TJ, and Tracy

Isaac and Jajuan

2009-05-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Time at Home

Isaac's thing right now is to crawl under David's legs

A Crazy Clan
Isaac won

"Cashes, cashes"...aka Ring Around the Rosies

2009-05-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

These are a couple of pictures from our annual Golf Walk

2009-05-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Missions Conference

Here are a few pics from our conference this year

2009-05-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Mission Trip 2009

I took my students to Atlanta in April for a mission trip. Here are a few pictures.

Jenny wheeling a "load" of Kait at the yard cleanup

Kayleigh working hard
The whole team with Elmer and Alice

Sleeping arrangements...NOT

Door-to-door ministry

Rescue Atlanta

Kayleigh sharing her testimony

Igor preaching

Amber, Kait, Kayleigh, and Igor doing a skit

Kait, Kayleigh, Amber, and Danyi

Chris and Yihao planting flowers

Doing nails at the nursing home

The whole clan

The kids and Jenny with Pastor Tony, Donna, and their grandson

The mirror maze...it was CRAZY

Blacklight bowling

Knock, knock

2009-05-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

TinCaps Reading Program Game Day

I have the privilege each year of conducting a reading program at Fountain City Christian School, and these are some pictures from this year's game.

My nephew Christian tagged along; his favorite part was eating (3) hot dogs and playing in the game section.

Carson later that evening

Isaac with his game gear (no, I didn't brave taking him to the game)

2009-04-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

CINCINNATI WITH THE GIRLS

Melissa, Ashley, and I headed to Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago...here are some pix of our fun times...I LOVE girlfriends!

Ashley and me in Newport, KY

The three of us...so cute!

I think this is my favorite pic from the weekend

Ain't she a beauty!

The three of us all made up!

Ashley and me

Melissa and me

2009-04-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

FCCS Annual Golf Outing

Each year we have a golf outing, and to kick it off, we have a door competition and a "green" day...this year, as the queen of puns, I won the door competition. Below are some pictures.

Well, Mr. Gopher, I'd be lion if I told you cheetahs that I didn't expect something like yak from ewe. But I tigress...

All right, Mr. McMaster, I'm calling Punxsutawney Phil...six more weeks of winter for you!

Gopher the green!

Some of the "greenest" students

The fifth and sixth grade green pack

Yes, this is I. Sometimes it's sad the things we do for our students; I was dressed this way all day!

2009-04-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Chicago (at the mall)

A belly shot of Amber (one of very few this pregnancy)...about three weeks before she gave birth

Annaliese

This is Aubrianna's "pretty" smile

2009-04-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

The Prince Turns Two

With Granny...yes, he was being a brat at the moment.

Playing cars with cousin John-John

With Mimi, having a sucker from his Valentine's gift

Isaac with cousin Jajuan

2009-04-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Cornerstone University Road Trip

Several weeks ago, David and I took some of my students to Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI, to check out the school. The weekend was awesome! One of the planned events was a Grand Rapids Griffins game; here are some pix.

Kait (one of my students) and me at the game...so cute!

Funny stuff...I can't remember what these wobbly things are called, but they were hilarious!

2009-04-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a while
I have taken lots of pictures, but I have been horrible at putting them on the blog or anything else for that matter! These were taken the afternoon after we were slammed with ten inches of snow...beautiful but yucky!

2009-03-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

A new baby girl!

Amber (my sister) and Ed had their third baby girl today. As of now, they have not named her. She and Amber are both healthy, and, as you can see, she is beautiful...lookin' like her momma!

2009-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Fam at Kalahari

We all went to Kalahari for two nights. It is, by far, the best indoor waterpark I have evern been to! If you get the chance, you should definitely go!

David and Isaac getting ready to brave the kiddie pool

Chloe, Isaac, and Carson ready to head down to the waterpark
Christian on his way down

Isaac sliding one of hundreds of times

Chloe putting her face in the water

Entrance to the kiddie area

Annaliese on her way out of the water

Five of the six kids playing Elefun...a very cute game

On our way home, we stopped for lunch...here are some silly pics:

Isaac's angry eyes

Isaac's smile

My angry eyes

My smile

David's angry eyes

David's smile (so HOT!!!)

A beautiful boy!

2009-01-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day=Garrett Christmas Party

I put these in backwards, and I didn't feel like taking the time to put them in the correct order...sorry!

Last Christmas, my parents gave us the Holy Family, and this year they gave us the sanctuary and the animals...isn't it beautiful!

It took Isaac FOREVER to open his presents because he wanted to play with everything as he opened it...he's so funny!

All the kids singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus

Amber with Annaliese and Aubrianna

Isaac with Mimi and his presents

I can't believe how great this picture turned out with six little ones in it!

2009-01-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve

We had Justin, Melissa, and Madison over for New Year's Eve. Isaac and Madison stayed up until 10, and once they went to bed the game was on...Bible battles, that is. I can't remember the name of the game, but if you have Xbox, there is a Bible game show that is SO cheesy but SO fun!

2009-01-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Some Older Pictures

Aubrianna at her third birthday party

My sister, Amber, and Annaliese (her youngest for three more months)
My mom with Aurbianna

2008-12-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Good Times with Good Friends

We had a Christmas party last night with some friends. David went to high school with most of the guys, and all of us try and get together a few times throughout the year.

The Wives

The Unit

David and me, not posing for a picture

2008-12-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

I realize that there are probably too many pictures for this one blog (okay, Dad), but they are all so cute that I wanted to include them!

This is a picture from last night that I took after uploading the others.

Christmas presents
Christmas tree

This is the first thing Isaac opened...a Lightning McQueen cup

Then the annual "boring" present: socks, underwear (we are hoping to use these by summer), and clothes

A pack of Mickey Mouse washcloths (he also got a matching towel)

I don't have a clue what he was doing in these next two pictures, but they are cute!

Unwrapping is fun!

Laptop from Granny

Reading a story in his first Bible

A word-building game

CARS!!!

Little People truck (it's all about the Little People)

Basketball hoop...and, yes, we need to make it taller for him. He LOVES it!

2008-12-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS EVE

Isaac got a BOZ stuffed animal...
...and DVD

He had two ornaments to open, and his favorite was the Fisher Price Farm which "Moo's" when the doors are opened. What a face!

New PJs

Isaac and Mommy

2008-12-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

Pre-Christmas Shenanigans

When Isaac is in my classroom, he always goes straight for the prize drawer, and his favorite prize is a sucker.

In his antlers and his mommy's shoes

2008-12-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Isaac at Aubrianna's third birthday party. For more pictures, go to www.marroquinsun.blogspot.com.

2008-12-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas Card Pictures

I took pictures of Isaac today for my parents' Christmas cards. Obviously some of these will not make the cut, but I think they are all cute.

2008-12-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

FCCS Christmas Party

We had our work Christmas party Friday night at Essen Haus in Pettisville. It was a wonderful meal, and we had tons of fun mingling and playing games.

Dad (the boss) and Mom

Esther (3-4 grade teacher) and Jenny (art/gym teacher)

Marcella (librarian) and Yolanda (Spanish teacher's wife)

David and me...yes, a smile and open eyes were too much to ask!

Another one of David and me...this time he didn't even look.

2008-12-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

Ohio State Squashed Michigan!

These pictures are not good, but since the game was a complete wash, we entertained ourselves by watching the kids jump on the couch.

2008-12-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

Random Pictures

Isaac in his favorite hat

Papa (my dad) driving in Dayton

Silly boy in silly glasses