The days have been passing so quickly! I've meant to sit down and blog several times lately, but my real life has kept me too busy. The highlights of my month have been a visit from Rebecca, Brandon, and Ava, a joint birthday party for the girls, a wedding in Tennessee for my father-in-law and his new wife, Mary, and a second spontaneous trip to Tennessee only a few days later. It has been nice to spend time with family and see my father-in-law marry such a sweet lady.
The Blue Springs Church in Tennessee broke out in revival the weekend of the wedding. After we got home, we got such good news that my cousin, Justin, had gotten saved, and that God was doing great things for so many people there. Phillip called me and said, "It's probably crazy, but if I could, I'd take Avery there and get him prayed for." He said that he knew God's arm wasn't shortened, and the He could reach us anywhere, but he said that he felt like the dad in the Bible that just needed to get his son to where Jesus was. I told him to do whatever he wanted, and that we'd make it happen. So, on a whim but with great hope, we packed up everything but the kitchen sink, and headed to Tennessee. I took my own cleaning supplies and our air purifier, and we put Avery in the bedroom at my aunt and uncle's house. We knew we wanted to take Avery to church to get prayed for, but he really isn't supposed to be in public beyond doctor's appointments. We went ahead and took him, and he left his mask on during service. We had a great prayer for our son that God would perform a miracle in his body and give us strength as a family to do what we need to do. No, there wasn't a lightning bolt or thunder or anything else for that matter, but there was heartfelt prayer and such a powerful spirit as we prayed. Phillip asked me, "Do you think we're crazy?" I told him that I'm sure some people might think we are, but they've probably never been as desperate for God's help.
Avery is doing well in so many ways, but he still has so many needs that we're praying God will move in. The most urgent at the moment is his eyes. Avery is scheduled for an eye exam under anesthesia with surgery to follow the same day. He has been to two eye specialists over the last few weeks, and it seems Avery has a pretty serious condition. The doctor won't know for sure until he is under anesthesia and can look better, but he's pretty sure that his retina in the right eye has already started to detach, and the left eye is on the same track. He said depending on the specific issues he sees, he will do surgery to try to correct it, but he said his vision has already been damaged. Avery has so little that he can enjoy in his life right now that the thought of him having severely impaired vision makes me so sad. We're really hoping and praying that whatever the condition, it can be repaired.
Big news this month is that my little Emmy is walking. She hasn't fully mastered it, but she's well on her way. It makes me so happy to see her progressing and growing, although sometimes it seems like it's just too fast!
This blog has taken me three different days to finish, and now, I'm once again needed elsewhere. Take care, friends!
Bethany
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Emerson Rose is 1!
In just a few minutes, it will officially be my baby girl's first birthday. My mind keeps going back to all the feelings I was experiencing 12 months ago as I waited for her arrival. There's no doubt about it; we have been blessed!
My biggest concern after finding out I was expecting again was having a healthy baby. I admit, I was pretty anxious about it all. At my 20 week ultrasound at the specialists' office, I was beyond relieved to see pictures of two kidneys, a 3-vessel umbilical cord, and what appeared to be a perfect little baby. But when I heard the words, "It's a girl!", I was shocked and thrilled! I had prepared myself for another rotten boy...after all, they come in threes, right?
I missed a lot of precious time with her throughout her first year, which has caused me to cherish each moment I get with her even more. Today I am just so thankful for such a wonderful gift, Emerson Rose.
I certainly prayed a lot of prayers for my baby girl, and honestly, I felt guilty to even say whether or not I preferred a girl or boy - much less pray about that. Gender seems so insignificant in light of health and well-being. But God was gracious to us, and He knew that in the deepest part of my heart, I was hoping just a little (okay, a LOT) that I would get to have a daughter of my own. These two verses came to mind as I started this post.
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: I Samuel 1:27
Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4.
Happy Birthday, Princess Em!
My biggest concern after finding out I was expecting again was having a healthy baby. I admit, I was pretty anxious about it all. At my 20 week ultrasound at the specialists' office, I was beyond relieved to see pictures of two kidneys, a 3-vessel umbilical cord, and what appeared to be a perfect little baby. But when I heard the words, "It's a girl!", I was shocked and thrilled! I had prepared myself for another rotten boy...after all, they come in threes, right?
I missed a lot of precious time with her throughout her first year, which has caused me to cherish each moment I get with her even more. Today I am just so thankful for such a wonderful gift, Emerson Rose.
I certainly prayed a lot of prayers for my baby girl, and honestly, I felt guilty to even say whether or not I preferred a girl or boy - much less pray about that. Gender seems so insignificant in light of health and well-being. But God was gracious to us, and He knew that in the deepest part of my heart, I was hoping just a little (okay, a LOT) that I would get to have a daughter of my own. These two verses came to mind as I started this post.
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: I Samuel 1:27
Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4.
Happy Birthday, Princess Em!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Busy, Busy, Busy!
Sorry for the boring title this week. I'll blame it on the heat, because so far, this July has been HOT!
A month ago today, we brought Avery home. It has been FABULOUS having my family together! I have to admit, most days I'm busier than I've ever been. Little Em is a tornado that crawls through the house, making messes, scavenging for crumbs or anything else to eat, and she is teething...so, she is occasionally grumpy. Hard to believe that about my little princess, I know! Avery keeps me hopping too with all the feeds, meds, therapy sessions, appointments, etc. Bryson has been so helpful and entertains the others so well, but yes, he needs his mommy a lot as well. Some days I stay in my jammies and feel like I'm in a tri-athalon that has diaper changing as one of the main events!
This morning, I heard clapping coming from the boys' room. Bryson had climbed in our bed at some point during the night, so I left him and slipped in the bed with Avery. It was 7 a.m., and I was hoping I could coax Avery into a few more minutes of sleep. When I laid down next to him, he grinned his big grin and rolled toward me. He put one little arm under my neck and wrapped the other one around me. Then he stuck his open mouth on my cheek so I could feel his teeth (that's his version of giving kisses!). As I squeezed him back and said, "Thank you, Avery!", I could feel his body shaking as he was giggling. We just stayed in that position for several minutes, and then he would roll away for a minute, and come right back to kiss me again. With the other kids asleep, I just stayed in his little skinny arms and enjoyed those precious minutes. It was one of those moments that makes all the stress fade for just a moment.
That's just the way you have to take life sometimes: the good with the bad, the amazing with the ordinary, the joy with the sorrow, the peaceful with the REALLY LOUD! I'm thankful that God's mercies are new every morning because sometimes I must require a lot. Regardless of how it comes, no doubt about it, I have been blessed.
And here's what the little guy is doing now after he had the nerve to wake me up early... :) It's what I'd be doing too if I could!
Hope all of my reader-friends are enjoying your summer and staying cool!
Bethany
A month ago today, we brought Avery home. It has been FABULOUS having my family together! I have to admit, most days I'm busier than I've ever been. Little Em is a tornado that crawls through the house, making messes, scavenging for crumbs or anything else to eat, and she is teething...so, she is occasionally grumpy. Hard to believe that about my little princess, I know! Avery keeps me hopping too with all the feeds, meds, therapy sessions, appointments, etc. Bryson has been so helpful and entertains the others so well, but yes, he needs his mommy a lot as well. Some days I stay in my jammies and feel like I'm in a tri-athalon that has diaper changing as one of the main events!
This morning, I heard clapping coming from the boys' room. Bryson had climbed in our bed at some point during the night, so I left him and slipped in the bed with Avery. It was 7 a.m., and I was hoping I could coax Avery into a few more minutes of sleep. When I laid down next to him, he grinned his big grin and rolled toward me. He put one little arm under my neck and wrapped the other one around me. Then he stuck his open mouth on my cheek so I could feel his teeth (that's his version of giving kisses!). As I squeezed him back and said, "Thank you, Avery!", I could feel his body shaking as he was giggling. We just stayed in that position for several minutes, and then he would roll away for a minute, and come right back to kiss me again. With the other kids asleep, I just stayed in his little skinny arms and enjoyed those precious minutes. It was one of those moments that makes all the stress fade for just a moment.
That's just the way you have to take life sometimes: the good with the bad, the amazing with the ordinary, the joy with the sorrow, the peaceful with the REALLY LOUD! I'm thankful that God's mercies are new every morning because sometimes I must require a lot. Regardless of how it comes, no doubt about it, I have been blessed.
And here's what the little guy is doing now after he had the nerve to wake me up early... :) It's what I'd be doing too if I could!
Hope all of my reader-friends are enjoying your summer and staying cool!
Bethany
Monday, July 2, 2012
In My Defense...
If you've been a Christian very long, then you've probably found yourself explaining your beliefs at some point. It might have even come to defending your faith. I'll be honest, I don't mind discussing, but I really dislike arguing about religion. I think that religion and politics are two topics that generate a lot of passion, and our beliefs on both subjects are shaped by our life experiences, values, and faith -- none of which can be changed in a mere argument. But in the society that we live in, anyone who chooses to go against the flow stands out like a sore thumb -- our lights either get extinguished or shine so much brighter because of the darkness that we live in, and sometimes we are called upon to share.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt 5:16
I've always been different, and I'm okay with that. I was the girl in public school who dressed differently, acted and talked differently, and who didn't attend a lot of extracurricular activities. I wasn't the most popular girl in school for sure, but I had plenty of friends and for the most part, I was treated respectfully. At the college level, I found that there was much more diversity, and most folks didn't even blink at my noticeable differences. As I entered the profession of teaching, I worked closely with fellow educators and stood in front of perhaps the most critical audience of all...middle school and high school students. Again, however, I found that although I was often questioned about "why?", despite the occasional raised eyebrow, eventually most of my interrogators accepted my responses with something like, "Okay, I get it," and sometimes even a non committal "Cool!" Generally, I was treated no differently than anyone else, except some of my colleagues and friends were a little more careful about their language choices around me, which I appreciated. I have found that most of the animosity toward the way I choose to live has come from people who have either backslidden or have been "enlightened" that a separated life is no longer necessary. I have had a few conversations with people who fall into those categories that have been a bit condescending, and sometimes, downright rude. But like I said, I don't expect my explanations to make us all see eye to eye, especially if the person hasn't been made a new creature in Christ! Being saved and surrendered to Him changes our perspective in a way that all the arguing in the world can never do.
I'm always taken aback when the arguments I encounter, though, are something about there not being a direct command given in the Bible. Truly, I don't seek to live only by the 10 commandments, but by the principles God provided throughout the Word. Sometimes they are really specific principles, but sometimes they are open for interpretation, which gives the reader a chance to prayerfully apply it to our current society. To some who think living for God is just about rules and regulations, they may not realize that people like me really don't feel like we're missing a whole lot, and the peace of God we have surpasses all understanding.
When it comes right down to it, I just want to live a life that pleases God. That may sound trite and simplistic, but it's true. The older I get, the more the world loses its appeal. To say I don't care about what my brothers and sisters think of me would be wrong, however, because as the Bible admonishes us, we should try not to be offensive or to be a stumbling block. Very often, Phillip and I are faced with a situation that isn't spelled out in black and white in the Bible, but we have to decide what we're going to do. We ask ourselves if it is going to draw us closer to God or be a hindrance to us or someone else. We weigh out how it will influence our family and our example for our children. We try to think about whether or not it might be a gateway to something or if it's just a little closer to the world than we want to be. We try to make these decisions based on prayer and the Bible. Sometimes we may not make the right decision, and sometimes we have to look at each other and say, "Let's not do that again," or "Maybe we should do this differently next time."
Someday, what we acquired and accomplished on this earth will mean very little. I want to make it to Heaven and spend eternity with my Saviour and with all of my friends and family who have already made it. I certainly want my children to see in me the love of Jesus and take them to Heaven with me! By God's grace, I'm going to continue to live my life in a way that is conforming to His image, and not that of the world, for we're in the world but not of it! It's easy to get sidetracked with life being so busy and feeling the pull to acclimate to our environment. My prayer has been lately that I can stay focused on Him and my individual walk. Above all, I want to hear Him say, "Well done!"
I probably haven't said everything as clearly as I would have liked, but that is what has been on my mind for the last week or two!
God bless,
Bethany
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt 5:16
I've always been different, and I'm okay with that. I was the girl in public school who dressed differently, acted and talked differently, and who didn't attend a lot of extracurricular activities. I wasn't the most popular girl in school for sure, but I had plenty of friends and for the most part, I was treated respectfully. At the college level, I found that there was much more diversity, and most folks didn't even blink at my noticeable differences. As I entered the profession of teaching, I worked closely with fellow educators and stood in front of perhaps the most critical audience of all...middle school and high school students. Again, however, I found that although I was often questioned about "why?", despite the occasional raised eyebrow, eventually most of my interrogators accepted my responses with something like, "Okay, I get it," and sometimes even a non committal "Cool!" Generally, I was treated no differently than anyone else, except some of my colleagues and friends were a little more careful about their language choices around me, which I appreciated. I have found that most of the animosity toward the way I choose to live has come from people who have either backslidden or have been "enlightened" that a separated life is no longer necessary. I have had a few conversations with people who fall into those categories that have been a bit condescending, and sometimes, downright rude. But like I said, I don't expect my explanations to make us all see eye to eye, especially if the person hasn't been made a new creature in Christ! Being saved and surrendered to Him changes our perspective in a way that all the arguing in the world can never do.
I'm always taken aback when the arguments I encounter, though, are something about there not being a direct command given in the Bible. Truly, I don't seek to live only by the 10 commandments, but by the principles God provided throughout the Word. Sometimes they are really specific principles, but sometimes they are open for interpretation, which gives the reader a chance to prayerfully apply it to our current society. To some who think living for God is just about rules and regulations, they may not realize that people like me really don't feel like we're missing a whole lot, and the peace of God we have surpasses all understanding.
When it comes right down to it, I just want to live a life that pleases God. That may sound trite and simplistic, but it's true. The older I get, the more the world loses its appeal. To say I don't care about what my brothers and sisters think of me would be wrong, however, because as the Bible admonishes us, we should try not to be offensive or to be a stumbling block. Very often, Phillip and I are faced with a situation that isn't spelled out in black and white in the Bible, but we have to decide what we're going to do. We ask ourselves if it is going to draw us closer to God or be a hindrance to us or someone else. We weigh out how it will influence our family and our example for our children. We try to think about whether or not it might be a gateway to something or if it's just a little closer to the world than we want to be. We try to make these decisions based on prayer and the Bible. Sometimes we may not make the right decision, and sometimes we have to look at each other and say, "Let's not do that again," or "Maybe we should do this differently next time."
Someday, what we acquired and accomplished on this earth will mean very little. I want to make it to Heaven and spend eternity with my Saviour and with all of my friends and family who have already made it. I certainly want my children to see in me the love of Jesus and take them to Heaven with me! By God's grace, I'm going to continue to live my life in a way that is conforming to His image, and not that of the world, for we're in the world but not of it! It's easy to get sidetracked with life being so busy and feeling the pull to acclimate to our environment. My prayer has been lately that I can stay focused on Him and my individual walk. Above all, I want to hear Him say, "Well done!"
I probably haven't said everything as clearly as I would have liked, but that is what has been on my mind for the last week or two!
God bless,
Bethany
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Happy Anniversary!
There was a time in my life when I looked at couples who had been married 10 years, and thought, "Wow, that's a looong time!" Now here I am, celebrating my own ten year anniversary with Phillip Hoskins. It's kind of funny to think about, actually. If you know us then you also know that there may not be a more unlikely matched couple. Phillip is a free-spirit who thrives on new experiences, meeting new people, and expressing himself. I am much more structured (some might say "rigid"), I enjoy normalcy, simplicity, and I'm kind of awkward in social situations. Despite our differences, I'm blessed beyond words with a happy marriage!
I think that this decade anniversary is worthy of spending some time reflecting over our marriage, so I'd like to share a bit of our story and of course brag a little on my husband! Most folks know him as the funny guy who seems to always have something surprising to say. Yes, he certainly is that guy, but there's so much more.
When I was a young girl, my mom gave my sisters and I some great advice about falling in love. She would say, "Find someone you can love with your head AND your heart!" As a 12, 13, and 14 year-old girl, that didn't make a lot of sense to me. Boys were a mystery, and crushes came and went like the weather. So I started making it a matter of prayer. I remember getting down and praying often for my future companion, that God would protect him, help him make wise choices, and bring us together when the time was right. I prayed that God would give us a special love for each other because even as a kid I had seen some marriages that were loving while others seemed a little, well, miserable.
Fast forward several years later and through a couple of non-serious relationships, and enter Phillip Douglas Hoskins. He was a friend who was older than me, and I had never considered anything more than friendship with him. I remember when I was 19 years old and riding in his truck on our way to Alabama for a wedding, following my parents, when he said, "Have you ever thought about us?" I hadn't. He continued to ask me how I would feel about going on a date with him. Me being the awkward, commitment-shy girl I was, told him I would think about it and pray about it. That's real catchy, right?? And I did. One week past, then another, then another. Phillip never asked me what my answer was; he just waited patiently and kept being friendly. Then about a month later, we were out of state at a campmeeting, and he and a large group of young people were going to go out to eat together. A guy that had talked to me some earlier came over and asked if I was going to eat, and then said, "Before you leave the restaurant, I want to get your number." I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything. I got really nervous though, and when I got into Phillip's truck to ride to the restaurant, I did the only thing I knew to do. I blurted out that another guy had asked me for my number. Again, real classy, I know. He surprised me more than he'll ever know with his response. He calmly said, "He seems nice. Are you going to give it to him." I told him I wasn't sure. Then he told me to do whatever made ME happy because that's what he really wanted. I was blown away by his complete lack of pressure. Needless to say, I told the other young man that I didn't feel comfortable giving him my number when I was considering dating someone else, and almost a month later, I finally agreed to that date.
It only took a few months for Phillip to say the "L" word; not me! I waited almost nine months after he had told me to say what I had finally realized was true -- that I had fallen in love with him as well. All those months he waited to hear me say it, he didn't pressure me or ask me about it, but when I finally said it, he did get a little misty eyed, although he'll probably NEVER admit it!
So many people warned me how hard marriage is. What I have found over the last ten years though is that marriage isn't so hard -- life is, and if your marriage isn't built on God and filled with respect and love for one another, I guess it can be hard too. But I am thankful to say that in our decade of marriage, Phillip has never laid his hands on me in anger, never called me a name, never told me to shut-up or said something otherwise degrading. Yes, we have had our differences, but we have worked through them and loved through them, and we have come out stronger.
Over the last ten years we have encountered pretty much every obstacle one can imagine. I started grad school the month after our wedding, and then began my new career as a teacher. Phillip worked hard, crazy shifts, got laid off, went to nursing school, and started his new career. We built a house, remodeled three others, experienced a difficult pregnancy, had a child with special needs and serious health issues, had a door that we felt like God had opened for us seemingly slammed shut, watched his mother battle cancer and then watched her lose that battle. Through each of these hard times, we have clung to God and each other, and I have been so proud of my husband. I watched him walk in with his shoulders slumped to tell his pregnant wife he had been laid off, and then I watched him square those shoulders and make a way to provide for his family. When we were told our little Avery may be born with birth defects so severe that he might not survive birth, I watched him almost run from the waiting room, put his head down on the steering wheel and cry, and then gain his composure and tell me, we can do this and we're going to be okay! I watched him as he was told his mom would be passing shortly cry with a broken heart, and then spend her last days by her side caring for her and letting her know she wasn't alone. When he had the opportunity to become bitter by the choices people made that simply broke our hearts, instead, he grew stronger from it.
Does it sound like I'm a little proud of him? Yes, I am. Proud and blessed and thankful! The past 8 months have proven to be our most challenging trial yet, but Phillip was there every step of the way. Our children adore him and will one day realize how blessed they are as well to have such a great father.
Happy anniversary, Phillip! I love you with all of my heart!
Bethany
I think that this decade anniversary is worthy of spending some time reflecting over our marriage, so I'd like to share a bit of our story and of course brag a little on my husband! Most folks know him as the funny guy who seems to always have something surprising to say. Yes, he certainly is that guy, but there's so much more.
When I was a young girl, my mom gave my sisters and I some great advice about falling in love. She would say, "Find someone you can love with your head AND your heart!" As a 12, 13, and 14 year-old girl, that didn't make a lot of sense to me. Boys were a mystery, and crushes came and went like the weather. So I started making it a matter of prayer. I remember getting down and praying often for my future companion, that God would protect him, help him make wise choices, and bring us together when the time was right. I prayed that God would give us a special love for each other because even as a kid I had seen some marriages that were loving while others seemed a little, well, miserable.
Fast forward several years later and through a couple of non-serious relationships, and enter Phillip Douglas Hoskins. He was a friend who was older than me, and I had never considered anything more than friendship with him. I remember when I was 19 years old and riding in his truck on our way to Alabama for a wedding, following my parents, when he said, "Have you ever thought about us?" I hadn't. He continued to ask me how I would feel about going on a date with him. Me being the awkward, commitment-shy girl I was, told him I would think about it and pray about it. That's real catchy, right?? And I did. One week past, then another, then another. Phillip never asked me what my answer was; he just waited patiently and kept being friendly. Then about a month later, we were out of state at a campmeeting, and he and a large group of young people were going to go out to eat together. A guy that had talked to me some earlier came over and asked if I was going to eat, and then said, "Before you leave the restaurant, I want to get your number." I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything. I got really nervous though, and when I got into Phillip's truck to ride to the restaurant, I did the only thing I knew to do. I blurted out that another guy had asked me for my number. Again, real classy, I know. He surprised me more than he'll ever know with his response. He calmly said, "He seems nice. Are you going to give it to him." I told him I wasn't sure. Then he told me to do whatever made ME happy because that's what he really wanted. I was blown away by his complete lack of pressure. Needless to say, I told the other young man that I didn't feel comfortable giving him my number when I was considering dating someone else, and almost a month later, I finally agreed to that date.
It only took a few months for Phillip to say the "L" word; not me! I waited almost nine months after he had told me to say what I had finally realized was true -- that I had fallen in love with him as well. All those months he waited to hear me say it, he didn't pressure me or ask me about it, but when I finally said it, he did get a little misty eyed, although he'll probably NEVER admit it!
So many people warned me how hard marriage is. What I have found over the last ten years though is that marriage isn't so hard -- life is, and if your marriage isn't built on God and filled with respect and love for one another, I guess it can be hard too. But I am thankful to say that in our decade of marriage, Phillip has never laid his hands on me in anger, never called me a name, never told me to shut-up or said something otherwise degrading. Yes, we have had our differences, but we have worked through them and loved through them, and we have come out stronger.
Over the last ten years we have encountered pretty much every obstacle one can imagine. I started grad school the month after our wedding, and then began my new career as a teacher. Phillip worked hard, crazy shifts, got laid off, went to nursing school, and started his new career. We built a house, remodeled three others, experienced a difficult pregnancy, had a child with special needs and serious health issues, had a door that we felt like God had opened for us seemingly slammed shut, watched his mother battle cancer and then watched her lose that battle. Through each of these hard times, we have clung to God and each other, and I have been so proud of my husband. I watched him walk in with his shoulders slumped to tell his pregnant wife he had been laid off, and then I watched him square those shoulders and make a way to provide for his family. When we were told our little Avery may be born with birth defects so severe that he might not survive birth, I watched him almost run from the waiting room, put his head down on the steering wheel and cry, and then gain his composure and tell me, we can do this and we're going to be okay! I watched him as he was told his mom would be passing shortly cry with a broken heart, and then spend her last days by her side caring for her and letting her know she wasn't alone. When he had the opportunity to become bitter by the choices people made that simply broke our hearts, instead, he grew stronger from it.
Does it sound like I'm a little proud of him? Yes, I am. Proud and blessed and thankful! The past 8 months have proven to be our most challenging trial yet, but Phillip was there every step of the way. Our children adore him and will one day realize how blessed they are as well to have such a great father.
Happy anniversary, Phillip! I love you with all of my heart!
Bethany
Life is Grand at the Hoskins' House!
The days are just flying by now that my family is all home together! Avery has been home two weeks now, and I am happy to say that he is doing well. His blood counts and virus quants are continuing to look great, and his tube feedings have been increased to their goal with NO vomiting since he has been home!! He is sleeping so much better also. Bryson is thrilled to have his bed buddy back home, and I find them most mornings cuddling or lying nearly on top of one another asleep. Miss Em is on the move constantly, and she and Avery are still figuring one another out. He's a little leery of her; I can't say I blame him, but a few times he has leaned against her, which is his way of giving hugs.
So now that we're back to the real world, this mommy is busy, busy, busy! I had forgotten what it was like to have a mobile little one. With Avery not going through some of the normal phases that babies go through, having Em do so is almost like doing it for the first time again, except now I have a couple other people to watch as well. That girl never stops! And the putting everything in her mouth, and I mean everything...is that normal?? I have laminate wood floors throughout my entire house except for the boys' room and my stairs. Em scavenges my wood floor for the slightest crumb, which shows up much easier on the dark wood, and whether it's thread, fuzz, or who-knows-what, she crams it in her mouth as quickly as she can. When I say her name and start toward her, she turns around as fast as she can and starts crawling with all the speed her little chubby legs can muster. She has discovered that in the bottom of a plastic potted tree I have in my home, there is plastic mulch that she can dig out. That has become a favorite spot of hers. Also, the carpet on my stairs makes potential edibles much more difficult to spot, so she runs her fingers through the carpet until something pops out. Then she grabs it and eats it as well. Her skills are rather impressive, but I have become a pro at digging things out of her mouth or making sure her passy is in place so that she doesn't put anything else in. I also swiffer my wood floors at least 3 or 4 times a day to avoid germs for Avery and temptations for Em and vacuum my bottom two stairs regularly. Bryson pretty much entertains babies all day and gets in and out of his little pool in our back yard. He has become so helpful these days! The keeping up with Avery's tube feeds, meds, diapers for two, plus my incredibly imaginative 5-year-old makes me feel a little like I've been running a marathon by the time my day ends. I'm reacquainting myself with cooking, and have gone from eating fast food constantly, to eating 3 meals a day at home since we really can't go out much. That adds to the activity and the messes, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!!
We started home therapies last week with Avery, so now he will be receiving Speech/Feeding therapy, OT, and PT through home care. One of the down sides to his long-term illness is that he lost some of his skills and muscle tone that we had worked so hard the previous years to develop. It's quite depressing when I start thinking about it, but I just try to stay positive. He no longer wants to stand and only does so for short periods of time with LOTS of support when he is forced. It's probably a result of the spinal fractures, ankle stress from the osteoporosis and weight gain, and just muscle atrophy from spending so much time lying in bed. He also, of course, no longer eats; thus, the g-tube. I'm really hoping and praying that we can see Avery start to regain some of his mobility that he was starting to achieve prior to transplant. We couldn't keep him in one place without him rolling or reaching. Now he just wants to sit indian-syle all day, and would be content to if we'd let him!
Nothing I've written today comes from a complaining heart. In fact, I'm so thankful that I can write about something besides sitting in a hospital room watching Avery receive treatments. Every morning I wake up trying to get a head start on mixing feeds and meds before the kiddos get up and every night I fall into bed exhausted beside my amazing husband, I am filled with gratitude for the busy normalcy of my day.
And with that, I really must go. My kids have slept later than usual this morning, but I have a therapist coming in a few minutes, and I'm going to have to wake Avery up for therapy. Oh joy! He's really gonna be grumpy!
~Bethany
So now that we're back to the real world, this mommy is busy, busy, busy! I had forgotten what it was like to have a mobile little one. With Avery not going through some of the normal phases that babies go through, having Em do so is almost like doing it for the first time again, except now I have a couple other people to watch as well. That girl never stops! And the putting everything in her mouth, and I mean everything...is that normal?? I have laminate wood floors throughout my entire house except for the boys' room and my stairs. Em scavenges my wood floor for the slightest crumb, which shows up much easier on the dark wood, and whether it's thread, fuzz, or who-knows-what, she crams it in her mouth as quickly as she can. When I say her name and start toward her, she turns around as fast as she can and starts crawling with all the speed her little chubby legs can muster. She has discovered that in the bottom of a plastic potted tree I have in my home, there is plastic mulch that she can dig out. That has become a favorite spot of hers. Also, the carpet on my stairs makes potential edibles much more difficult to spot, so she runs her fingers through the carpet until something pops out. Then she grabs it and eats it as well. Her skills are rather impressive, but I have become a pro at digging things out of her mouth or making sure her passy is in place so that she doesn't put anything else in. I also swiffer my wood floors at least 3 or 4 times a day to avoid germs for Avery and temptations for Em and vacuum my bottom two stairs regularly. Bryson pretty much entertains babies all day and gets in and out of his little pool in our back yard. He has become so helpful these days! The keeping up with Avery's tube feeds, meds, diapers for two, plus my incredibly imaginative 5-year-old makes me feel a little like I've been running a marathon by the time my day ends. I'm reacquainting myself with cooking, and have gone from eating fast food constantly, to eating 3 meals a day at home since we really can't go out much. That adds to the activity and the messes, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!!
We started home therapies last week with Avery, so now he will be receiving Speech/Feeding therapy, OT, and PT through home care. One of the down sides to his long-term illness is that he lost some of his skills and muscle tone that we had worked so hard the previous years to develop. It's quite depressing when I start thinking about it, but I just try to stay positive. He no longer wants to stand and only does so for short periods of time with LOTS of support when he is forced. It's probably a result of the spinal fractures, ankle stress from the osteoporosis and weight gain, and just muscle atrophy from spending so much time lying in bed. He also, of course, no longer eats; thus, the g-tube. I'm really hoping and praying that we can see Avery start to regain some of his mobility that he was starting to achieve prior to transplant. We couldn't keep him in one place without him rolling or reaching. Now he just wants to sit indian-syle all day, and would be content to if we'd let him!
Nothing I've written today comes from a complaining heart. In fact, I'm so thankful that I can write about something besides sitting in a hospital room watching Avery receive treatments. Every morning I wake up trying to get a head start on mixing feeds and meds before the kiddos get up and every night I fall into bed exhausted beside my amazing husband, I am filled with gratitude for the busy normalcy of my day.
And with that, I really must go. My kids have slept later than usual this morning, but I have a therapist coming in a few minutes, and I'm going to have to wake Avery up for therapy. Oh joy! He's really gonna be grumpy!
~Bethany
 |
| Working on his standing! |
 | |
| My 3 rascals. Yes, I have my hands full! :-) |
Monday, June 11, 2012
Thank you, Jesus; Avery is home! The anticipation mixed with all the preparations and nervousness felt almost like I was bringing a new baby home from the hospital. He came home to a "Welcome Home" sign in the front yard and balloons, thanks to my mom, and a house as germ free as I could make it. He laughed as Phillip unbuckled him, and kind of looked at us like "What's all the fuss about?".
I was worried that the transition would be a difficult one, but it has gone surprisingly smoothly. One of the biggest challenges has been to keep him on some sort of sleep schedule since he was all mixed up in Cincinnati. He also isn't so sure he likes his baby sister. She climbs on him and invades his personal space, which he doesn't like. Plus, I don't think he sees her as part of the family yet, and he just doesn't trust her. I think he's warming up to her though.
Phillip and I have been getting reacquainted as well. It has been so great to talk to him face to face, not just via text or phone call. I missed him sooo badly! He has been doing all kinds of little projects around the house and yard. I think 8 months of doing nothing but sit with a sick child has given us both the desire to do something productive.
We're off to see our docs at Dayton tomorrow and catch up on what has been going on since they will be following us now too. Avery will be going to Cincy every Friday, and then we're booked everyday this week for an appointment, so we'll be staying busy.
We're really just looking forward to a simple summer at home and continued improved health for Avery. Thanks to you all who have prayed for this day to come!
-Bethany
I was worried that the transition would be a difficult one, but it has gone surprisingly smoothly. One of the biggest challenges has been to keep him on some sort of sleep schedule since he was all mixed up in Cincinnati. He also isn't so sure he likes his baby sister. She climbs on him and invades his personal space, which he doesn't like. Plus, I don't think he sees her as part of the family yet, and he just doesn't trust her. I think he's warming up to her though.
Phillip and I have been getting reacquainted as well. It has been so great to talk to him face to face, not just via text or phone call. I missed him sooo badly! He has been doing all kinds of little projects around the house and yard. I think 8 months of doing nothing but sit with a sick child has given us both the desire to do something productive.
We're off to see our docs at Dayton tomorrow and catch up on what has been going on since they will be following us now too. Avery will be going to Cincy every Friday, and then we're booked everyday this week for an appointment, so we'll be staying busy.
We're really just looking forward to a simple summer at home and continued improved health for Avery. Thanks to you all who have prayed for this day to come!
-Bethany
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)