tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30199291024994683822024-03-19T05:52:58.990-05:00Raising Figand other musings from the newton familyCalliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-60236460083129727672015-09-04T14:11:00.000-05:002015-09-07T14:57:11.517-05:00he is <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Avi7YRvqUGLzelntmxen-iRqf-x6iGWQTyM33wu-RMAqv2BRVrMrxE1Vi2tIJeH8Z4DutpjCe1JK4HUbU7rWS1rw4Ru64rGvrNOvLJH3L7rJyxfiIQ71xlApdx3PaWBefrn-Re8eq0YA/s1600/11850250_487920294695761_774088239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Avi7YRvqUGLzelntmxen-iRqf-x6iGWQTyM33wu-RMAqv2BRVrMrxE1Vi2tIJeH8Z4DutpjCe1JK4HUbU7rWS1rw4Ru64rGvrNOvLJH3L7rJyxfiIQ71xlApdx3PaWBefrn-Re8eq0YA/s320/11850250_487920294695761_774088239_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
he is ready. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
here I am again. always trailing behind.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
learning that I will catch up and settling in with the emotions that need to run their course.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
it has always been this way.</div>
<div>
when he was done nursing. when he moved to a big boy bed. when he started preschool. and as he started kindergarten this week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
leaving me, an emotional heap, in his dust each time. six years down and many more to come trying to keep up with this boy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
so thankful that life is one big adventure for him. that he embraces the changes as they come. that he is tender with his momma as he runs ahead. that he shows me the immense beauty of parenthood as we change seasons together. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYi8-Fda4wGMaRsB6MQQQsV4bzI7jEDW-FatQRKK2a5pn0-ub_lUkASPu-sAO2rheoFKNhIySFHpw-kIQby995P7XSO6hCwj7icsZOGQ-TSgcJSvyBWrMxKrZnDKQxy5zkRb2yVN2c_q3/s1600/11881734_1641944959379896_1642739104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYi8-Fda4wGMaRsB6MQQQsV4bzI7jEDW-FatQRKK2a5pn0-ub_lUkASPu-sAO2rheoFKNhIySFHpw-kIQby995P7XSO6hCwj7icsZOGQ-TSgcJSvyBWrMxKrZnDKQxy5zkRb2yVN2c_q3/s320/11881734_1641944959379896_1642739104_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-24177012470613059862015-08-28T14:00:00.001-05:002015-08-28T14:00:31.667-05:00summer, a love letterdear summer,<br />
<br />
you have seriously been a peach.<br />
<br />
your bright days spent swimming and late nights filled with ice cream {seriously. so. much. ice cream.} have us completely smitten.<br />
<br />
you have brought us so much time with each other and so much time with family and friends.<br />
<br />
time at home and time to travel. we have seen new places and dipped our toes in new waters.<br />
<br />
we have celebrate weddings, birthdays and new life under your rays.<br />
<br />
your lazy breakfasts and do-as-you please mornings have pulled us in, helpless under your spell.<br />
<br />
hopelessly in love, we have forgotten so much of our life that used to be. what do spring, and winter and fall hold? things like hot meals are distant memories to us now. all our minds can work towards these day are the next crazy dive and whether we should have ice cream or a sno cone tonight or step out on a limba nd try that crazy sno cone/ice cream combo.<br />
<br />
the washers know nothing of socks or underwear those are garments for another season, only towels and swim suits fill our cycles.<br />
<br />
you have brought our boys even closer. the memories are piling up. hours up on hours of legos, pretend play, and reading are now logged. <br />
<br />
we have lingered longer around tables. around pools and in bed since you've been here.<br />
<br />
you have been so kind to us. if it would change anything we would beg and plead you not to go. as our toes plump back from their pruned state, know that we will not forget your beauty.<br />
<br />
we are forever yours,<br />
the newton family<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp4sdCEg3eLSdM4bn5DRsaW2eOrviTKG1fA7xs1_NsOgZMGDeAnAKHEKHar7nxsNlRyjOSIkAztNLJU8nyDW3hwXkyttlRbLcpq33tBLWHfu7G-Ag4QmrT7sCzAZ36wZTuF-LfcPERgup/s1600/summer+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp4sdCEg3eLSdM4bn5DRsaW2eOrviTKG1fA7xs1_NsOgZMGDeAnAKHEKHar7nxsNlRyjOSIkAztNLJU8nyDW3hwXkyttlRbLcpq33tBLWHfu7G-Ag4QmrT7sCzAZ36wZTuF-LfcPERgup/s320/summer+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-65104829787027888532015-08-07T08:42:00.001-05:002015-08-07T08:42:46.865-05:00six<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcLOBZ03u-DPLmX7LsVt2P8mgrvNK31_v_C30zYT0dQS2rhWeoveRKf9IC73rvpHGMHZrp-0ltRExFceoPJd44_PBF5zIzg_5xaW7HcbJfPv77vp3ucldBmzkyjDo7W0RfRuiYaIiPwFG/s1600/10518060_1622251778032480_2136927485_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcLOBZ03u-DPLmX7LsVt2P8mgrvNK31_v_C30zYT0dQS2rhWeoveRKf9IC73rvpHGMHZrp-0ltRExFceoPJd44_PBF5zIzg_5xaW7HcbJfPv77vp3ucldBmzkyjDo7W0RfRuiYaIiPwFG/s320/10518060_1622251778032480_2136927485_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
my g. you are so many things at six.<br />
<br />
you are an incredible big brother. your brothers are your best friends and your favorite playmates. you think Evan is the cutest and love showing him new things and teaching him new {potty} words.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ywjsVhVLmfewMlp76Hoogh4r0Iynl0f00Y63gwx4tg2D-sJgznJ9N965Izfa2nVlDa5IgI2UDEftNJ_GL_gRGJRZejNXQMb81xMazURyGggvyHfvC_5xbTKbS3RYe1gJDbsrxGTR2lc/s1600/brothers+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0ywjsVhVLmfewMlp76Hoogh4r0Iynl0f00Y63gwx4tg2D-sJgznJ9N965Izfa2nVlDa5IgI2UDEftNJ_GL_gRGJRZejNXQMb81xMazURyGggvyHfvC_5xbTKbS3RYe1gJDbsrxGTR2lc/s640/brothers+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
as much as you love them, you love your alone time too. just to play or shower in peace.<br />
<br />
you are a voracious reader. reading anything and everything that is in front of you.<br />
<br />
you are a lego head. <br />
<br />
you are a great swimmer and this summer have become a great diver too.<br />
<br />
you are not that funny when you are trying to be, but seriously funny when you aren't trying. making up your own knock, knock jokes is your thing. making them make sense is not yet your strong suit.<br />
<br />
you are stepping up. getting braver by the day. stretching out of your comfort zone. it is incredible to watch you mature. you've always taken the slower approach. been a fan of watching on the sidelines before jumping in. these days you don't wait so long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhlULR5ZPyijBEdzuC38sjlUqn5Nq9X5fN6t65Aqg2vmkdwT70qfmqeVIT85rc0KEApQgonqEA5J82ywjjeJ0wMO7ICI8_uOSvr3En9xudbQ9YItQG7l6QEaAnueIk1oXVupPInJO6D_H/s1600/swimming+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhlULR5ZPyijBEdzuC38sjlUqn5Nq9X5fN6t65Aqg2vmkdwT70qfmqeVIT85rc0KEApQgonqEA5J82ywjjeJ0wMO7ICI8_uOSvr3En9xudbQ9YItQG7l6QEaAnueIk1oXVupPInJO6D_H/s640/swimming+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
reading: magic tree house<br />
<br />
listening: long hot summer day (and playing a mean air fiddle)<br />
<br />
playing: lego chima<br />
<br />
watching: wild kratts,<br />
<br />
eating: aidells chicken and apple sausage and fro yo<br />
<br />
watching you grow and mature is an unbelievable gift. you are such a treasure, my boy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-56427517538895988752015-07-24T16:45:00.000-05:002015-07-24T16:45:06.443-05:00I remembermy memory is not that strong. sometimes I struggle with the fact that it can fail me so easily and so often. <br />
<br />
but then somethings I just remember. it comes back. a memory so etched it feels as if I couldn't possibly forget.<br />
<br />
today marks two years since that telling ultrasound with our Evan. two years. that seems hard to fathom. yet, I remember. I remember the heat of the day. I remember driving alone to the next doctors appointment. I remember the flood of information, the tears, the questions, the uncertainty. <br />
<br />
I remember how He was faithful when I was faithless.<br />
<br />
I remember visions of standing at a funeral surrounded by our friends and family. I remember the words, the thoughts, the breath being sucked right out of me. I remember the pain of it all.<br />
<br />
but in great contrast to all of my worldly pain, I remember the Lord's tender care for me. <br />
<br />
I remember the phone calls. the texts. the cards. the love. the late night conversations on the couch. the unending support. the meals that showed up on the hardest days.<br />
<br />
I remember the overwhelming outpouring of love and support by our people. the Lord had been weaving them into our lives for decades, surely knowing they would uphold us in that season. <br />
<br />
I remember his promise that darkness would not prevail. the sweet phenomenon of pouring rain in the noonday sun reassuring me.<br />
<br />
I remember all the things I thought I knew before were the only things I had left to stand on. His promises were true.<br />
<br />
the world looked different tomorrow. my husband, my kids, my family and friends. when I woke up tomorrow, it all so clearly looked like grace. <br />
<br />
and sadly, that is something that I am likely to forget. it's so easy to forget that it is all grace. Lord, may I remember.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJPU5e4SAB7wsVce9tAtQpeBtaud-ZZ_btX9UpeHzOYWGdnqy3Df9ZIG_5_WQOARvnMRmvc928FBhEn5NGy9ZJd-RhtMrFk1Q_nerugicYmVGiWtPcqLozFvoOQfJ7BeUNUrECyF_WSdS/s1600/grace+abounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJPU5e4SAB7wsVce9tAtQpeBtaud-ZZ_btX9UpeHzOYWGdnqy3Df9ZIG_5_WQOARvnMRmvc928FBhEn5NGy9ZJd-RhtMrFk1Q_nerugicYmVGiWtPcqLozFvoOQfJ7BeUNUrECyF_WSdS/s320/grace+abounds.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/159137129/your-grace-abounds-in-deepest-waters?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=grace%20printable&ref=sr_gallery_32" target="_blank">grace abounds printable</a></div>
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-21016994517405233502014-09-04T14:42:00.002-05:002015-07-19T13:29:47.796-05:00in a momentsometimes during the day I have these moments. they are just that. brief little moments.<br />
<br />
during them it is almost like time isn't moving and the moment is soaking in completely. <br />
<br />
it could be a sweet moment of my boys laughing at each other.<br />
<br />
it could be the absolute craziness of the moment that sends it into slow motion, etching it in my mind.<br />
sometimes the contrast of these moments in a day takes my breath and gives me this perspective that can be otherwise hard to find.<br />
<br />
in one of these moments the other day my boys were needing me. no, NEEDING me. not just a snack or a help fixing a toy. they were needing my attention. my focus to be on them. Evan was bracing himself with a hand on my arm and trying to teethe on my shoulder. drool running. G was laying all the way across my lap while Nolan angled to squeeze in right between them. each of them taking turns in my face trying to grab that instant of my gaze solely on them. each of them begging in their own way to be seen. as i sat there attempting to show each of them that yes, my beautiful son, I see you. you are beloved and wanted and known and seen. I felt overcome with feelings of great inadequacy. feeling like how will I ever be enough for them. for all of them. I prayed for patience. patience, as I escaped in my mind to a place where no one was touching me. sometimes the touching can feel overwhelming and sticky. like dirty money rubbed all over your cheeks. <br />
<br />
we all made it through the moment, happily and without tears but it stuck with me. that gut feeling. that wondering if I could be enough mom for all three of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kdKKIliaTNq-4yjYRBC6tP0ml1aAIlRBAAYLuNDuIikn7kTL4XkDaL44KXHGlrR5ssTRWDlAUzxVkYVxEb89fqWWusmdMW6lovKoceWJ_VbJg5JU4zCCQuwlPHXMv9Xzp-VSzGPhMBmR/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kdKKIliaTNq-4yjYRBC6tP0ml1aAIlRBAAYLuNDuIikn7kTL4XkDaL44KXHGlrR5ssTRWDlAUzxVkYVxEb89fqWWusmdMW6lovKoceWJ_VbJg5JU4zCCQuwlPHXMv9Xzp-VSzGPhMBmR/s1600/094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
then that night it happened again. Nolan had snuck out of his bed, as he does most nights, because he just wants a few minutes of mom and dad to himself. we secretly love it, because a few minutes of him to ourselves is a gift. as I took him back to his bed, he squeaked out the request. mommy, lay with me. as I snuggled in around him, he began to give me eskimo kisses. Mid eskimo kiss I surprised him with a kiss and he let out the most uncontrolable giggle. with his brothers asleep, one just across the room, I was caught up in his laughter while simultaneously trying to shush him. trying to keep from laughing only led to more laughing. through his laugh his asked for me to kiss him again. <br />
<br />
and in that moment He told me I was enough. Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-57326729895255435192014-08-09T16:01:00.000-05:002014-08-09T16:01:05.087-05:00grown uphe is my guy. and he is almost five. he can.not.wait. to be five. he asks me daily for a count down.<br />
<br />
what an enormous gift it is to watch him grow. he's been doing and saying all of these things lately that seem so "big kid" to me. the way he can carry on a conversation. the questions he asks. the way he looks at and interprets the world. it is all changing and it is no surprise I adore the bigger kid he is becoming.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh84jw4PpggPBcfqrZVQsOlw6U9jYMsTIeOBEZTF_RaPWGhK1_BQme9_0alxryoOci0LpoHgKqaivuoPFkKNthogsoIf2Bhg_-YvwdI2Hggw_LTs8pIcWQeKWy7-kYwm7SpbcFH-l47_sy/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh84jw4PpggPBcfqrZVQsOlw6U9jYMsTIeOBEZTF_RaPWGhK1_BQme9_0alxryoOci0LpoHgKqaivuoPFkKNthogsoIf2Bhg_-YvwdI2Hggw_LTs8pIcWQeKWy7-kYwm7SpbcFH-l47_sy/s1600/120.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
chores are so important to him these days. he loves to set the table, load and unload the dish washer, take in the trash cans and has even been known to surprise me by making the beds and cleaning up all of his books during rest time. as he completes each task he beams with pride and loves to tell daddy what he has been up to when he comes in from work. he loves to earn money for doing chores, although we are still trying to figure out what chores are just expected in our house and which chores earn money. right now he is thrilled to earn the money, but if we tell him otherwise he continues to work just for the pride in doing it.<br />
<br />
as he grows and is able to actually complete these tasks with out much or any assistance I am continually in awe. my guy is growing. <br />
<br />
during some precious one on one time with him the other day, he asked me out of the blue "mom, why is it taking me so long to be a grown up?" I wanted to tell him just how fast it really is going and that he would be a grown up before we all knew it, but instead we chat. I asked him about why he wanted to be a grown up. come to find out he just wants to get married and take his wife on dates. his idea of a great day was just to go for a "little run" together. that is unless she is having a baby, then he would drive her wherever she wants to go. <br />
<br />
five is coming fast. five feels like big birthday. but from where I sit now, it looks like five is going to be a pretty sweet year.<br />
<br />
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-71876761357003362712014-07-09T15:33:00.002-05:002014-07-09T15:33:52.738-05:00belly shot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFJIAivT3QVSH4jf7nHMr_Hemf4hruBSZ_TaQi0uFKJkYffZ-msyn1aCa9eVlbynA5zevYioQrREPphlyp6-oUev2Gj0Nek__2YJc9pPAmB8_NPFs-l_wNOXiehnGzDMSelaZsBl-YPvH/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFJIAivT3QVSH4jf7nHMr_Hemf4hruBSZ_TaQi0uFKJkYffZ-msyn1aCa9eVlbynA5zevYioQrREPphlyp6-oUev2Gj0Nek__2YJc9pPAmB8_NPFs-l_wNOXiehnGzDMSelaZsBl-YPvH/s1600/boys.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that sweet belly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
front and center in this shot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
this belly shot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://raisingfig.blogspot.com/2013/07/when-everything-changes.html" target="_blank">do you remember how that belly was supposed to be empty?</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
void of a large intestine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://raisingfig.blogspot.com/2013/12/evan-matthew.html" target="_blank">yet it is so full</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
our hearts,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
our lives,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
are so very full.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You are the God that works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Psalm 77:14</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-20493830737479698882014-07-05T13:32:00.002-05:002014-07-05T13:32:12.423-05:00milestones<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4epebZWpuFGay_sqyJ_us00LpcQRmGH-MJpUEHOh-RxH8RBUnTT6d8ekVVgnjUPb9rGRMlUSKVfkZaA6fLrcTcTsE1sPHoRrrVP1zQAidsr5zpme9hGh76f9HKXh45JYZJZFWtfm3wxX/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4epebZWpuFGay_sqyJ_us00LpcQRmGH-MJpUEHOh-RxH8RBUnTT6d8ekVVgnjUPb9rGRMlUSKVfkZaA6fLrcTcTsE1sPHoRrrVP1zQAidsr5zpme9hGh76f9HKXh45JYZJZFWtfm3wxX/s1600/042.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
our little miracle whip is half way to one. half way! it all happened so fast that I am certain if I blink he will be one. so I'm swaddling him tight and using tons of visine. I'm determined to slow him down just a bit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7GGs37hihck14egrz_nd8uqXmIpjXjVOrPO5DbiKquchLD2-BHW9wJlerAUL2UBLr5tSkSuOeK3rg7aLtcDnBi02i2Z3pu2M0SDkrAROf_F1sXYzlnc3AuMhL3xSb9uwOWgiFU8XzZrI/s1600/116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7GGs37hihck14egrz_nd8uqXmIpjXjVOrPO5DbiKquchLD2-BHW9wJlerAUL2UBLr5tSkSuOeK3rg7aLtcDnBi02i2Z3pu2M0SDkrAROf_F1sXYzlnc3AuMhL3xSb9uwOWgiFU8XzZrI/s1600/116.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>although, there is really no slowing him down these days. I don't feed them to him, but this kids eats milestones for breakfast. he is a mover. at 5 months he started sitting up pretty well. the doctor even noted that he had incredible trunk control. as soon as he mastered sitting, he was determined to move. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
when evan isn't trying to army crawl across the floor he is busy razzing on anything he can find, still soaking him self in drool in minutes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBu_Q_a4EXkCJHtnYfNi8gSvbH4DJHuVQtw8oA-XZXaWpRQ6CeK8OJFXjowbwSj6EwUiQq2gy7deHYOeQSzOwtYaVzgnsnLslGa_xmvxdcm_WxZuwsmQuRsfpIQPeag8qMZsq3cfWxowN/s1600/1094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBu_Q_a4EXkCJHtnYfNi8gSvbH4DJHuVQtw8oA-XZXaWpRQ6CeK8OJFXjowbwSj6EwUiQq2gy7deHYOeQSzOwtYaVzgnsnLslGa_xmvxdcm_WxZuwsmQuRsfpIQPeag8qMZsq3cfWxowN/s1600/1094.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
the boys and I have determined that drooling is his super power. he conquers his enemies in slimy, drippy drool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY48sBXK136LbrlNYGBumgB9wL7qOrxV9eAb4X8qurydYRgvvFoz7vc-RlYOpcy_H4orbEyhdC2rWkVrMNtjhmIzBFxIu9I9U2vFhx9v6OE0zkRmWwiUzkvA0V2FcXR48QInwcmqq8163/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY48sBXK136LbrlNYGBumgB9wL7qOrxV9eAb4X8qurydYRgvvFoz7vc-RlYOpcy_H4orbEyhdC2rWkVrMNtjhmIzBFxIu9I9U2vFhx9v6OE0zkRmWwiUzkvA0V2FcXR48QInwcmqq8163/s1600/163.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
he has two perfect little bottom teeth that came in right at 6 months.<br />
<br />
with all the crawling, sitting and pulling up... oh, did I mention he can sit himself up and pull himself up? he pulls himself up on me all the time. so with all with all of the pulling up we went ahead and moved his crib on down. <br />
<br />
he is trying new foods and hasn't found anything he doesn't like yet. I can't really tell if there is anything he likes the most either. he just treats it all the same. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFIZC8n8z-Gl8nCKmwgwYqpnKHcG9dLBzNArdKBtH9fqtzO-LtSqvuAMPnQAMvSlJpAKLRze0tqkMpZv5865p7sKPAyOmN5aWL_rFQLSswLOq8eRxLcdG04JKnVuS3hsq5d2CqWR3U9xT/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFIZC8n8z-Gl8nCKmwgwYqpnKHcG9dLBzNArdKBtH9fqtzO-LtSqvuAMPnQAMvSlJpAKLRze0tqkMpZv5865p7sKPAyOmN5aWL_rFQLSswLOq8eRxLcdG04JKnVuS3hsq5d2CqWR3U9xT/s1600/091.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beets!<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
there isn't a day that passes that I don't kiss his sweet, round belly and thank the Lord. six months later it feels like the scares we faced were a dream. or a night mare. watching evan grow is a constant reminder of His grace. amazing grace. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-28316623040171331852014-05-29T13:43:00.003-05:002014-05-30T07:07:24.064-05:00Nolan at Three<div>
Nolan,<br />
You are 3! It is almost as hard to hold up three fingers as it is to describe your dynamic personality at three years old. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSclxjZyXvWrAIb0EBi0Qpq_AWBPIhrOgfrZ8IGqHnz_eVpIAUOyCDMdbdfJRFCsaR0SMRXGQjq06hJfWQeySW6lkDaGlpPtV1eflC-f2JhoPIQpC1A1UwwMTCZY8QlZf9A1yLOCDLXTz/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSclxjZyXvWrAIb0EBi0Qpq_AWBPIhrOgfrZ8IGqHnz_eVpIAUOyCDMdbdfJRFCsaR0SMRXGQjq06hJfWQeySW6lkDaGlpPtV1eflC-f2JhoPIQpC1A1UwwMTCZY8QlZf9A1yLOCDLXTz/s1600/092.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Your emotions are very close to the surface. You certainly wear your heart on your sleeve, but you also keep your frustration and anger there too. You are so quick to tell everyone that you love "I love you" for no reason at all. You tell me when I bend down to help you tie a shoe, get dressed, dry you off after a bath or just give you a drink. It often comes with a sweet kiss attached. I over hear you telling your brother "I love you, bubba." during the middle of a Lego building session or super hero rescue. You ask me in the car if you can give me hug as soon as we get home. Nolan, you are as sweet as they come! <br />
<br />
Snuggling is among your favorite things to do and by snuggling I mean trying to get a close as physically possible to daddy or mommy. You will push your head up into our necks so that every part of you is against us. It is so sweet and terribly uncomfortable, but we absolutely love it. <br />
<br />
You ADORE your brothers, both of them. You and G are the best of friends and anything he loves you love. Together you two love your baby. You are proud of him and quietly (because you aren't really comfortable talking to strangers) show him off in public.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKxD64UVPZD2cWeYvXTa0GITm1xUtf_AOcPeZ-NGcvZ6YZt44jh1VpuVT7sCVKYOUiM9mlv8eokDW6WARVO667yWJ88b857oFc5TpYZ5HrieEx9LR1jnRd7nDK3O4cSFhHzbBn4ytDEeB/s1600/389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKxD64UVPZD2cWeYvXTa0GITm1xUtf_AOcPeZ-NGcvZ6YZt44jh1VpuVT7sCVKYOUiM9mlv8eokDW6WARVO667yWJ88b857oFc5TpYZ5HrieEx9LR1jnRd7nDK3O4cSFhHzbBn4ytDEeB/s1600/389.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this picture speaks perfectly to the way you feel about G</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZabDaL8nyBocDw_lMl-WU53awv_F1xTPkqvWr-qWv74cT2qwaioH0tvlV-AopPFiQ29EvmYz_CJuM5iqWuvQTJeEP3vtrvLltQdBAgb94JO-wFvQyNeE3DYNaeIl5y2IzvXDfBjbsUMZ/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZabDaL8nyBocDw_lMl-WU53awv_F1xTPkqvWr-qWv74cT2qwaioH0tvlV-AopPFiQ29EvmYz_CJuM5iqWuvQTJeEP3vtrvLltQdBAgb94JO-wFvQyNeE3DYNaeIl5y2IzvXDfBjbsUMZ/s1600/129.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But just as quick as you are to love, you are super quick to a fit. You regularly get overly upset about decisions that you made yourself, like what cup to drink out of and where to sit at the table. We have been working for a year and a half on communicating your desires before the meltdown screaming tantrum and we are making progress...slowly.<br />
<br />
You have these faint freckles that scatter across your nose and melt your momma's heart. <br />
<br />
You are fiercely attached to your dad. You would love nothing more than to be on his shoulders all day long. Some of your biggest fits come when you are told you can't be on daddy's shoulder because he needs to do something like take a shower. If it were up to you, you would just stay put through the shower and all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmF4bE-doWPQGqZ2Am9qGJvfSoFUQQ02uNZhPhX52IBJ03kv5rzgJPWau9BRQvIN911NmSPyW588Iyrt40NCsAdk9SdJLr_EWByM6w2dsesFEjb0FRbzITDB9aQjW5AWS9uVcyfiXuaQk/s1600/147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmF4bE-doWPQGqZ2Am9qGJvfSoFUQQ02uNZhPhX52IBJ03kv5rzgJPWau9BRQvIN911NmSPyW588Iyrt40NCsAdk9SdJLr_EWByM6w2dsesFEjb0FRbzITDB9aQjW5AWS9uVcyfiXuaQk/s1600/147.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbpyH2PibRyCqbm3jIn5AZZZA_f2GBFyjmU368cOOAVOr1bL-wRRhJW7M4_EVDNaVetHyUlsj4MaTDPrlB9J6zGd0nQIIsnna790OHS4DOJxEYDvhlrVcuVYMqskzuHBo2lbq9FkYfeli/s1600/547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbpyH2PibRyCqbm3jIn5AZZZA_f2GBFyjmU368cOOAVOr1bL-wRRhJW7M4_EVDNaVetHyUlsj4MaTDPrlB9J6zGd0nQIIsnna790OHS4DOJxEYDvhlrVcuVYMqskzuHBo2lbq9FkYfeli/s1600/547.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You make random observations about the world around you and blurt them out at the funniest times. For example, you regularly observe the entire families eye color or remind us that you are sitting in a chair or have on pants. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakdxc3kzB7GAzaKMKja0T7M7je8GQ-NEsr8fcwdjG4Pz7n8393mCiMMQX82M90CTMrnTZl1uvCx6-UEhYYrcYqO_BhOqSo0QtNa3bibRuOL9schLWLuA52gRRob8jYxP0N00xa5n-ndef/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakdxc3kzB7GAzaKMKja0T7M7je8GQ-NEsr8fcwdjG4Pz7n8393mCiMMQX82M90CTMrnTZl1uvCx6-UEhYYrcYqO_BhOqSo0QtNa3bibRuOL9schLWLuA52gRRob8jYxP0N00xa5n-ndef/s1600/039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">you picked out our spoons to match our eyes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You know all of the words to What Does a Fox Say, thanks to the book we got for Christmas and are often heard singing under your breath. <br />
<br />
You love soccer. One of the few interests that was not sparked by your big brother. Although, now he wants to play too.<br />
<br />
You are starting to correct all the sweet little Nolanisms like wanting to go to Chickalay (chick-fil-a) or looking for your toy ga-grilla (gorilla). Guess that is part of growing up but I want to remember your sweet voice saying things your own way. <br />
<br />
We celebrate on your birthday with Spiderman, pizza, cake and family. It was simple and quiet but just perfect for you. We continued celebrating the next day with a trip to the Dallas Zoo. You had a great time and enjoyed the view from daddy's shoulders most of the day. When you ventured down, you had a blast with your best bud, Asher! It was a sweet day and such a treat to have all of the Jones family join us in celebrating you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithGUVNc8zcLaykUv0UUAWtykRybG0vy9eO3P4Qa7Xgr4Rkn1cNhxLDzphabWvIjXlzhqTatjJN2TB6r74LyEDyLb9NDgD6wtgDYrm916VzY43ms1_gZP0B6p8v47edROOi1Tg7ka1D2Mw/s1600/168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithGUVNc8zcLaykUv0UUAWtykRybG0vy9eO3P4Qa7Xgr4Rkn1cNhxLDzphabWvIjXlzhqTatjJN2TB6r74LyEDyLb9NDgD6wtgDYrm916VzY43ms1_gZP0B6p8v47edROOi1Tg7ka1D2Mw/s1600/168.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YcWKl_n8eZpegxvrKHND0KO6HUvem6ni2aD2hUwuPN6XsahsckoBp8LoPfFo9tp-jfEAknk0xd0MAr6GIDju9mpalVzcz9Ug6APfsg5ZuxYW6fD0csdlY5JGboH1ONgs4ODiM33lzVwU/s1600/177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YcWKl_n8eZpegxvrKHND0KO6HUvem6ni2aD2hUwuPN6XsahsckoBp8LoPfFo9tp-jfEAknk0xd0MAr6GIDju9mpalVzcz9Ug6APfsg5ZuxYW6fD0csdlY5JGboH1ONgs4ODiM33lzVwU/s1600/177.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRE9ARnK6dKt0to4s2nNFDdrIuRyNaXGkh9DwSgiW2Y596kgBBRhw7dE3QuO2MM_d-Rhev7QalbYPGNdEtFcTZv1Cdsx06fRdHjVBx9zcr8rTcsUMFVG8XXAOpNGDnI_5jMnn4M2lv6zr/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRE9ARnK6dKt0to4s2nNFDdrIuRyNaXGkh9DwSgiW2Y596kgBBRhw7dE3QuO2MM_d-Rhev7QalbYPGNdEtFcTZv1Cdsx06fRdHjVBx9zcr8rTcsUMFVG8XXAOpNGDnI_5jMnn4M2lv6zr/s1600/103.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You are sweet, spunky, wildly stubborn and there aren't words for how much daddy, G, Evan and I love you! We couldn't love you more and we will never love you less, Nolan. Happy 3rd birthday!</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOX7pHi4jOBSaDD2khAOjRo6OGjz0IsTbO96feXKR5hfRxdp-oEnOx-98j6ROyX1gyP1n-Wnm6kvwAOemXdL5OouhQKpX3pNtLuNoUwnWWgG4pXDROyAjs39mksCx5ntoCip_UPt51_ii/s1600/270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOX7pHi4jOBSaDD2khAOjRo6OGjz0IsTbO96feXKR5hfRxdp-oEnOx-98j6ROyX1gyP1n-Wnm6kvwAOemXdL5OouhQKpX3pNtLuNoUwnWWgG4pXDROyAjs39mksCx5ntoCip_UPt51_ii/s1600/270.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-73756754155367474282014-02-04T16:05:00.000-06:002014-02-04T16:05:18.832-06:00just like thatJust like that time ticked right by and our smallest guy is two months old.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjs4UsYSrJMfG0dVgWiniZ-xtJppAcSOOFIYTP75CYE6b2X5s1HeHQNaA_PkIM1_8K5piWU4trJWXzLKltbsL_tJejizhr4kALSln2f_dly7NtbRdxCB-hlOmXgewTLqCtw_6vrbpPITJ/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjs4UsYSrJMfG0dVgWiniZ-xtJppAcSOOFIYTP75CYE6b2X5s1HeHQNaA_PkIM1_8K5piWU4trJWXzLKltbsL_tJejizhr4kALSln2f_dly7NtbRdxCB-hlOmXgewTLqCtw_6vrbpPITJ/s1600/119.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We are still pinching ourselves and praising the Lord that he is healthy.<br />
<br />
We have these sweet and constant reminders of what could have been.<br />
<br />
Like these tags I put on his blankets in preparation for our NICU stay.<br />
They are little calls to prayer as I use them throughout the day. I don't want this to get old. I want to stay in this miracle. In this place of constant gratitude. Just thankful for everything that the Lord has done in my life, including the gift of this sweet, healthy, chunky baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkytMnj2CDk-joJEx_CwtC81ndz6uaS4noGRRe-OfR5grgC_n9dwesipHUYVuemGUXZLuOLgPHY-yZ9SWSM0KxWWSW32LtoaBaeQNIJ0aH130U0xeU7TOkx763TVSEu7fBcyAPop530RDD/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkytMnj2CDk-joJEx_CwtC81ndz6uaS4noGRRe-OfR5grgC_n9dwesipHUYVuemGUXZLuOLgPHY-yZ9SWSM0KxWWSW32LtoaBaeQNIJ0aH130U0xeU7TOkx763TVSEu7fBcyAPop530RDD/s1600/133.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Evan has certainly eased his way right into our family and has us all wondering how we ever lived a moment with out him. His brothers are completely smitten. They are almost compulsive in their need to touch, hug, hold or kiss him. It can be a little much at times but is ultimately so sweet. I have a feeling my two big boys are going to make amazing daddies one day. They rush to help me change diapers, push the stroller, find the pacifier or grab a blanket. Not surprising considering they are learning from the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDmTz7d9gP1c_Fuovr9JHQS_DqWvNZzAbsPIzbmvF2eVNO1vfmLtAycKaIUKQ23WUnRrG9PYHnjb57AwFNmDyHZMhUcSpMy9Fcpnuk2S2ZNZ8JhRKc3Y5xXwf7cBnBQtvZwYW4E5UzqfD/s1600/boys+collage+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDmTz7d9gP1c_Fuovr9JHQS_DqWvNZzAbsPIzbmvF2eVNO1vfmLtAycKaIUKQ23WUnRrG9PYHnjb57AwFNmDyHZMhUcSpMy9Fcpnuk2S2ZNZ8JhRKc3Y5xXwf7cBnBQtvZwYW4E5UzqfD/s1600/boys+collage+for+blog.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At two months Evan is tipping the scales at 15 pounds 15 ounces. He's also stretching out just as quickly at 24 inches already. That is closer to the size of a 4 or 5 month old. Way to fast!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He has plenty of smiles and coos but saves most of them for momma, although daddy had him giggling the other day.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwlyMTG1yE43vsX63OYDEJZq0O61qDP6X05PpMfZixc756HG6xahgQtTHKGtJk31jg0kkAcRJoIVZikctvfYw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFQzOMgckVBQs0G76AnKnmfgAFjrrvgv5LOMo-X8jO5WeJcgkRrQ4TI1m2HFeN2FOW4gSW8gvnEMx_0PmrffUTvPKE3XckenC-2cO10tLNcC9Bj969NNME-osz4hv_zQ9zjSftFTe1nFf/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFQzOMgckVBQs0G76AnKnmfgAFjrrvgv5LOMo-X8jO5WeJcgkRrQ4TI1m2HFeN2FOW4gSW8gvnEMx_0PmrffUTvPKE3XckenC-2cO10tLNcC9Bj969NNME-osz4hv_zQ9zjSftFTe1nFf/s1600/073.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At 2 months:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15 lb 15 oz</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
24 inches</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6 mo clothes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
squeezing into size 2 diapers </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
loves: milk, momma, daddy's football hold, his brothers, tummy time and bath time</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
dislikes: car seat (when first put in), his constant congestion, getting out of the bath </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj2CEByK_U_4n8QkVyHXOyCqBD7GK1Apf4GHsJGeqhfITuWwUMmEdY7nK29QkFFz8ZyGKfvlq-k776PojUTqxzHmUDcZj4URB5hK6dQLQBfn_873qUnt62JhjMQ_-OtINMrtgTf8-lTom/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj2CEByK_U_4n8QkVyHXOyCqBD7GK1Apf4GHsJGeqhfITuWwUMmEdY7nK29QkFFz8ZyGKfvlq-k776PojUTqxzHmUDcZj4URB5hK6dQLQBfn_873qUnt62JhjMQ_-OtINMrtgTf8-lTom/s1600/137.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh handsome boy, we are so very smitten with you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia039w6DTv5jl4qlAONHu8Z75EaLOr65eh-QnNrV1s90YuCs7zKuCLPZfg0fiYOBdfTuggNe5MpWCf6YMIGudYzjsJAAE5Ut7QB7g40U477Tw1gsd5mk6Zh9ogmkx6MPG6jme4vQSys2im/s1600/2+month+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia039w6DTv5jl4qlAONHu8Z75EaLOr65eh-QnNrV1s90YuCs7zKuCLPZfg0fiYOBdfTuggNe5MpWCf6YMIGudYzjsJAAE5Ut7QB7g40U477Tw1gsd5mk6Zh9ogmkx6MPG6jme4vQSys2im/s1600/2+month+collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-55372755233178570132013-12-05T23:22:00.001-06:002013-12-05T23:22:29.007-06:00evan matthewevan: young warrior, form of John meaning God has shown favor<br />
<br />
Friday, November 29th at 11:08 we welcomed our young warrior, our miracle, our boy who God has surely shown favor into this world. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQVRJXDvqEOwMYB3OJJT5QqLlH_5oj9mp9_GYCttpt89_GbddNjCDw-sJp-yklZwNCd45WdJVlb1hhMAB8z9Ynk6mseN1cTaRHi39eXSKd06v231dxzrLaIm1XuaWwB-SsBfBuVhxIM8N/s1600/381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQVRJXDvqEOwMYB3OJJT5QqLlH_5oj9mp9_GYCttpt89_GbddNjCDw-sJp-yklZwNCd45WdJVlb1hhMAB8z9Ynk6mseN1cTaRHi39eXSKd06v231dxzrLaIm1XuaWwB-SsBfBuVhxIM8N/s320/381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Evan Matthew, 8 lbs 12 ounces, 21 inches long</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
I wrote a post right before he was born sharing the good news we had received during our last doctors appointment and sharing that we were ready to see miracles. I had no idea how telling that post would be or how miraculous our little boys birth would prove.<br />
<br />
Like most healthy babies do, he came into this world pink and screaming. He didn't stop screaming. The whole time they were evaluating him. He just kept screaming. I lay there crying, just so thankful for that scream, for the fight he was putting up, for the life in his lungs. They let me see him so briefly before they swept him away to the NICU. <br />
<br />
What happened next was beyond anything we could have imagined. After x-rays, dye tests, ultrasounds, giving him formula to see how his system would react and just five hours after his birth the neonatologist came to my postpartum room to announce that they could find nothing wrong with our boy. That he was as healthy as they come. We wept and asked how? How had we gone through 19 weeks of sonograms, an MRI, seeing half a dozen doctors all telling us the same thing and then this? Healthy? You mean he has a full intestine? And it's functioning? How is it possible? <br />
<br />
The good news just kept coming. His clubbed foot? Not actually clubbed. They called it positional, meaning he has full range of motion and with a little foot massage and the pressure he will put on it when he starts standing it should easily correct. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVyZF9XSDX8CNYyjN48nOOZSdoWacXm9hrhXgZcwTTDAT4IKmoku1WYjJsaFDZkEjSVhvIcg8TiTH2skwF4nRfWw50kXD11vDPzbYyT4Zu8A0Lz-06etGi9EspFsbKi-lOQkgbxR0OaCE/s1600/408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVyZF9XSDX8CNYyjN48nOOZSdoWacXm9hrhXgZcwTTDAT4IKmoku1WYjJsaFDZkEjSVhvIcg8TiTH2skwF4nRfWw50kXD11vDPzbYyT4Zu8A0Lz-06etGi9EspFsbKi-lOQkgbxR0OaCE/s320/408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstuzbPWVfYu8nGXr-URs3LaboXhkN8rok0_ctLZBMpI5MInAoogUPQL2trPwAkoT0OHX29kK5MLKh_aUjvWly7az7KieYzwfprCDg4fF1EpYmu6K5QaPqNAnnOeruLiyrI-D6b_ETwzdV/s1600/403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstuzbPWVfYu8nGXr-URs3LaboXhkN8rok0_ctLZBMpI5MInAoogUPQL2trPwAkoT0OHX29kK5MLKh_aUjvWly7az7KieYzwfprCDg4fF1EpYmu6K5QaPqNAnnOeruLiyrI-D6b_ETwzdV/s320/403.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Holding Evan for the first time in the middle of the night in the NICU</span></div>
<br />
We held our breath. We waited for the but.<br />
<br />
The doctors have no explanation. We have heard them say things like "sometimes these things just happen". We have heard "I have no explanation and I never would have expected it.".<br />
<br />
In the hospital nurses cried. Nurses and specialist made special trips back to our room to see Evan and say one more time they just couldn't believe it. Doctors questioned our neonatologist making sure he was looking at the right file and had the right kid. Our doctors not involved in delivery have called to express their disbelief and happiness for us. Those are calls I never expected to receive. <br />
<br />
We can only call it a miracle. <br />
<br />
We've quickly stopped asking how and just praised the Lord for his healing in our little warrior. We need no earthly, medical explanation. We are just thankful.<br />
<br />
After being prepared for 4-6 weeks in the NICU, almost guaranteed surgery, possible chromosomal abnormalities and so much uncertainty Evan spent one night in the NICU. One night! By Saturday afternoon they had transfered him to the newborn nursery. He came home with us Monday. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20qHyhVl9FI-l1XalM_XPJ0VD2KUUSfOjRH-fe7mI0Fx4RsKA0FcdOnspLFrWwZEiWGWInufkrIachUMSzlYmn6hLlqNXlV9rTucanBfpTu2SoN5D8mU70Sh3XGURmlhNnEW61C9nURB_/s1600/438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20qHyhVl9FI-l1XalM_XPJ0VD2KUUSfOjRH-fe7mI0Fx4RsKA0FcdOnspLFrWwZEiWGWInufkrIachUMSzlYmn6hLlqNXlV9rTucanBfpTu2SoN5D8mU70Sh3XGURmlhNnEW61C9nURB_/s320/438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Our Celebration Dinner at the hospital</span></div>
<br />
We walked into our house that afternoon, both of our big boys napping, Evan asleep in his car seat, totally unprepared to have a newborn at home and just wept. Totally overwhelmed. Our family all together. Something we didn't know would ever happen and if it did it would certainly be weeks away. We were thinking it would be a miracle to have him home by Christmas and here he was not one night away from us. <br />
<br />
Now almost a week later we are still pinching ourselves and spending a lot of time staring at his sweet face. I am tearing up over poopy diapers. Because y'all our kid poops! Normal poop. No colostomy bag, no tube feed, just poop in a diaper. <br />
<br />
And we are catching up. We had been so prepared to have him in the NICU for weeks that we had not fully prepared to have him at home. No diapers purchased. No bassinet assembled. No baby clothes washed. Thankfully after that last reassuring appointment I had Matt get the car seat down from the attic, just in case.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56E0yFkxUTiMeu8DizkNdNojJB459dyVWswvUbvMcGRbvGralfOqV_s7Y6deMaQu_uLbLOa8_CKoJJNGioKpAk16DQ5fUdKqO3CJIFJUZr5XM9RnR6UqBOE8WnGmMwEroaRbkG_6H2n-v/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56E0yFkxUTiMeu8DizkNdNojJB459dyVWswvUbvMcGRbvGralfOqV_s7Y6deMaQu_uLbLOa8_CKoJJNGioKpAk16DQ5fUdKqO3CJIFJUZr5XM9RnR6UqBOE8WnGmMwEroaRbkG_6H2n-v/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As long as I live I don't know that I will have words to fully express all the feelings, all of the lessons that this pregnancy and birth have taught me. I pray that this miracle never loses its awe. I have never felt the power of prayer like I have in these past months. I am already certain that his story has made an impact far greater than we will ever know. <br />
<br />
I am thankful for this sweet testimony. For each and every prayer. For this start to Evan's story because really it has just begun.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuCQkDGY7hKObO5leQ5I57HNB6KeIwhST7YWFqtxfhcJ-eUwnIoDqeKM2zX-rczsi2dLG4xTz009LaNoB4IhqNX6-_yImp6AH-fxgEUaCIJkkOUriSb2LtE1mK6MtAiAZNlww9UKM2Nu9/s1600/593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuCQkDGY7hKObO5leQ5I57HNB6KeIwhST7YWFqtxfhcJ-eUwnIoDqeKM2zX-rczsi2dLG4xTz009LaNoB4IhqNX6-_yImp6AH-fxgEUaCIJkkOUriSb2LtE1mK6MtAiAZNlww9UKM2Nu9/s320/593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-60504760196940482302013-11-28T14:44:00.000-06:002013-11-28T14:44:26.839-06:00you have...We are so close to meeting our little guy now and yet I am still struggling to find the words. The words that are big enough, deep enough, meaningful enough to say thank you. I've joked that thank you is something you say when you are handed a drink or passed the salt. But this? How do you say thank you for this? I am struggling to find the thank you big enough to say <br />
<br />
you have changed me<br />
you have forever altered my definition of love<br />
you have shown me Jesus<br />
you have covered my family in prayer<br />
you have held<br />
you have fed <br />
you have carried <br />
you have listened <br />
you have texted<br />
you have emailed<br />
you have called<br />
you have sent a card<br />
you have just shown up<br />
you have loved my boys well<br />
you have drawn pictures for our baby<br />
you have strung lights<br />
you have organized closets<br />
you have traced hands <br />
you have gathered<br />
you have given selflessly<br />
you have loved well<br />
<br />
You have done all of these things and more, in ways that I have never felt so collectively. It is humbling and overwhelming in the best kind of way. We have been carried by your out pour, by your love and most certainly by your prayers. <br />
<br />
As we prepare to welcome our son tomorrow our emotions continue to rollercoaster, but we know we have this army behind us to rejoice when we are at the top and to weep with us when we are at our lows. We know our family and our son are being lifted up constantly. <br />
<br />
We know what it looks like to see love being made complete. <br />
<br />
<span class="text 1John-4-11" id="en-NIV-30615">Dear friends,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30615X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> since God so loved us,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30615Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> we also ought to love one another.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30615Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1John-4-12" id="en-NIV-30616">No one has ever seen God;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30616AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-4-12"><span class="text 1John-3-18">1 John 4:11-12</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are eternally grateful for you. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-57958633111394254002013-11-18T21:41:00.000-06:002013-11-18T21:41:38.348-06:00are you ready for a miracle?I have had the Patti LaBelle/ LeAnn Rimes (think Bruce/Evan Almighty versions) in my head all day. <br />
<br />
I have been and you all have been praying big things for our family and we started seeing them today!<br />
<br />
Today was supposed to be our last doctor appointment day. First at the perinatal specialist (the baby's doctor) and then on to my ob. As you know, we had a c-section scheduled for Thursday, so this was it! The appointment at the perinatal doctor started just like any of them a nonstress test and the tech taking a long look at our guy. But when the doctor came in and started telling us what she was seeing that's when it got exciting. <br />
<br />
Y'all, the fluid in his abdomen is almost gone! Literally from last week to this week his fluid build up went from severe to normal. Normal! This greatly decreases the risk of the fluid putting pressure on his other organs. The doctors aren't saying with absolute certainty why or how it has gone down but that it is a good sign that the intestine he has are most likely working. Huge Praise! <br />
<br />
I love that the specialist even sent all of the pictures from today to her partner to get a second opinion because she was not expecting to see the fluid decrease so significantly. She pulled up pictures of previous weeks to compare side by side while we were in the office and she was just stunned.<br />
<br />
So this means we are going to let him keep growing, no eviction notice quite yet! No c-section this week! That is unless I go into labor. The doctors want to monitor me closely so I will have another appointment on Friday and again next Monday. They still believe, at this point, that a c-section is necessary so I will get a new date from the hospital in the next few days. The doctors are recommending the 29th or 30th and at that point we will be in our 38th week.<br />
<br />
We still have a long way to go and so many more questions about his condition. I have felt so restrained in my praise and just overall excitement over this news today but tonight I am just ready to abandon that. This may be a small miracle in the grand scheme of his overall condition but tonight I just want to cry happy tears and give thanks and praise without worry of the future. To celebrate today for the victory that it is!<br />
<br />
So we will keep praying! We will pray for miracles fully believing that we will see them in our boy. Praying that his life will bring glory to His name. Praying Lord help my unbelief. When I doubt your almighty power to save and heal help me to believe. Praying that my body can hold out for another week because man is this painful! We will worship Him and praise Him through it all. <br />
<br />
Thank you, thank you, thank you for praying with us! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-75382790349379919202013-11-05T09:36:00.000-06:002013-11-05T09:36:15.792-06:00almost timeIt has been quite a while since I've posted and a lot of that has to do with the fact that we haven't really had a lot to update on. <br />
<br />
The nut shell is...<br />
Our boy's condition is still exactly the same. <br />
Yet he is growing perfectly otherwise (estimated at 7lb 15 oz at 34 weeks, that is huge!).<br />
This pregnancy has been hard physically. Really hard.<br />
Matt is my hero. He has taken over everything. And that's hard too.<br />
We have been overwhelmed with love from our family and friends (so much so that when I try to write about it I can't find adequate words).<br />
We are still filled with hope.<br />
And the answer to the constantly asked question... Nope, he still doesn't have a name.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKjDNTKDcpPE6xcEOX523uT7oCPN9qtvNTVwLu4i6SgL-UEcGCw8F7SiotP5D59gVmc1nIjCAlMf99JFA9c4aAl5_1SqpFGhGBXBhehr0ko6vOrd2FoP0tzukpL854H3apz4XNt4lXu1z/s1600/1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKjDNTKDcpPE6xcEOX523uT7oCPN9qtvNTVwLu4i6SgL-UEcGCw8F7SiotP5D59gVmc1nIjCAlMf99JFA9c4aAl5_1SqpFGhGBXBhehr0ko6vOrd2FoP0tzukpL854H3apz4XNt4lXu1z/s320/1124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My brothers wedding, Oct 19th</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So now, after all of these weeks and this high risk pregnancy becoming normal life for us, he is almost here. We are set to deliver by c-section on <strong>Thursday, November 21st at 9 am</strong>. Folks, that is 17 days away! It seems unreal that we are already here. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIqI4U6qNGhUUI-hXUuiQuAXVHeFeldcq6tKXQC3tQErJiDWES2ZwaQutmzLLb-6JGgh5mn9UuCgjQrnk3o0J8TykAuGylrzCd8ZxsShzP3U2iduAEIVOWY1ey1l4JJ1-MPColo4W2UFs/s1600/739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIqI4U6qNGhUUI-hXUuiQuAXVHeFeldcq6tKXQC3tQErJiDWES2ZwaQutmzLLb-6JGgh5mn9UuCgjQrnk3o0J8TykAuGylrzCd8ZxsShzP3U2iduAEIVOWY1ey1l4JJ1-MPColo4W2UFs/s320/739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our refrigerator is covered in pictures of his sweet profile. </div>
<br />
As his delivery date draws closer and we work tirelessly on the to-do list, reality is starting to set in. We met with one of the neonatal doctors that will be overseeing his care in the NICU yesterday and it was a tough, emotional crash back to Earth. We will be delivering a very sick baby. The worst case scenario is still the worst case scenario. If he doesn't have enough intestine to sustain life or if what he has doesn't work there is nothing that the doctors can do. That is a reality I hadn't let myself think about in weeks or maybe even months. On the other hand, the best case scenario remains too. If he has enough working intestine then there are a variety of options the doctors will explore. All of this will be determined in the hours and days after he is born. <br />
<br />
We are still praying for a miracle. For a baby that is born healthier than we could have ever expected with his diagnosis. For doctors and nurses to be confused and astounded by the miracle of his progress. For our hearts to find peace in the moment to moment uncertainty. <br />
<br />
Yesterday was emotional as we walked through the range of scenarios again but I find it no coincedence that when I went to practice G's memory verse for the week with him the Lord had a sweet gift in store. <br />
<br />
Casting all your care upon Him: for He cares for you.<br />
1 Peter 5:7<br />
<br />
So this week, as my anxiety rises and fear tries to invade I get to focus on teaching a four year old just how much God loves us. So much so that he wants us to cast it ALL upon Him. And I get to hear G's voice repeat back to me what I so need to hear "Casting all your care upon Him: for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsByI0LpFEizNvc-MBiis3UVTM7rh9fhtnNSY1I7ncXXbGeRnyYFjvFGFjdM8Lvw6_VtzzPv5zgBEbqBdsBCWBvxrHz-mYb70GqkTstsBZ2aDF6YqHz-szayGL2Wo1g5bGcwTGn0xZw2J/s1600/842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsByI0LpFEizNvc-MBiis3UVTM7rh9fhtnNSY1I7ncXXbGeRnyYFjvFGFjdM8Lvw6_VtzzPv5zgBEbqBdsBCWBvxrHz-mYb70GqkTstsBZ2aDF6YqHz-szayGL2Wo1g5bGcwTGn0xZw2J/s320/842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
G wanted to take my picture at Home Depot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
His idea of zooming was to instruct me to put my head on my belly. </div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-73592046967886621522013-09-25T12:46:00.000-05:002013-09-25T16:49:36.190-05:00Carry On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp4tdh36X1lCOJ4_R3dZZY7hyphenhyphen0H6FRleQxw_l29B8exWHyIUY1BozU9R2KZCkVkFUt22Cx51to23URNFMYc4LYhbl73vzhYE65NSkXJ3UNV7w5gi6qx1E_wgAOZDxQSuFw74noCAkW0Xe/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp4tdh36X1lCOJ4_R3dZZY7hyphenhyphen0H6FRleQxw_l29B8exWHyIUY1BozU9R2KZCkVkFUt22Cx51to23URNFMYc4LYhbl73vzhYE65NSkXJ3UNV7w5gi6qx1E_wgAOZDxQSuFw74noCAkW0Xe/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Life has been crazy, chaotic these last few weeks. We have taken on some renovations to our home (some of which required us to stay at our parents house), celebrated the birth of my best friends baby girl, grieved the loss of my precious grandmother, Matt has been out of town for 8 nights and we've tried to keep up with all of the normal tball practice/games, church, school and doctors appointments. We've had an over heated boy puking in the car, car batteries die, special tests that require I keep urine specimens for 24 hours, blood taken and glucose drinks guzzled. We've moved the boys into the same room, (kinda) celebrated Matt's birthday and had out of town guest stay with us. <br />
<br />
It's been nuts!<br />
<br />
In all of this, the doctors appointments have become fairly routine. The biggest new news that we received is that his left foot is turned in. The doctor noted it on the MRI but our perinatalogist was unable to confirm until last week. Our guy had been breach and was sitting on his feet most of the time, so while they had looked and attempted to measure, the angle was very hard to see. He has flipped for now and it is easier to see the angle between the foot and shin in his new position. While the right leg looks to be normal the left is certainly clubbed. On their own, clubbed feet are not necessarily a big deal and can typically be corrected with therapy, orthopedics or surgery. The concern in our boy is that he now has two abnormalities. This just makes the doctors more suspicious that their might be a bigger chromosomal abnormality going on here. <br />
<br />
BUT as always, we aren't sure! It could just been a baby with two abnormalities. Of course, we are hoping and believing this is the case. We hate that he will have one more battle to climb, but I know that the Lord will see us through all of the days ahead just like he has each one behind.<br />
<br />
I read something a while back that has stuck with me from <a href="http://nataliefalls.com/">NatalieFalls.com</a>. She has an incredible way with words and perspective that is a gift. A friend of hers is going through an uncertain pregnancy and asked for prayers and her response has not left me. <br />
<br />
She writes:<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"I held my daughter close and I poured out words that have come from the most difficult times in my life. And they are the most precious and sweetest of times in my life. It was a time when I was desperate for Christ to be my comforter. When no human could possibly offer me any comfort, my Savior was reminding me to trust in Him. Not my plans and my direction. But His perfect plan. His good and perfect plan, one that I would have never picked for myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I told my friend I would pray for her, she's been on my mind ever since. And that test has been on my mind. It can tell her a few things about her baby, but it will never tell her all the things God knows about her baby—after all, He is her baby's creator. The one who formed her beating heart. The one who knows every soft and delicate hair on her precious head." </div>
<br />
This is certainly not our plan and one that we would have never picked for ourselves. But it is the Lord's plan for our family and our son. His <em>perfect </em>plan. And she is so right! No matter how many doctors we see or tests they run, they can never know all the things our Creator knows about our boy. They can't tell us about his spirit, about the glory he will bring the Lord and the joy he will bring to our lives. These tests don't know our baby. The Lord does. We, as his family, will be privileged to know much of that ourselves.<br />
<br />
For you <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16253A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>formed my inward parts;<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13">you <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16253B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>knitted me together in my mother's womb.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-ESV-16254">I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-139-14"><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16254C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>Wonderful are your works;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14">my soul knows it very well.</span></span><br />
<br />
Psalm139:13-14<br />
<br />
I pray that our souls. That your soul. That each of our boy's souls would know His wonderful works so very well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-66482919245257293192013-09-11T09:05:00.003-05:002013-09-11T09:05:56.718-05:00doctor, doctorWe had two more doctors appointments this week, but don't have a lot to report. <br />
<br />
I had to change ob's in order to deliver at Medical City and we had out first appointment this week. We are so thankful that she took our case, as it's high risk and it's not common to change doctors at 25 weeks pregnant. She came into the room on Monday hobbling on crutches, fresh off of emergency knee surgery the previous Friday. So either she's crazy, a very committed doctor or maybe a little of both. Either way, we absolutely loved her. She spent a lot of time catching up on our history and current pregnancy. She seemed extremely concerned with keeping up with my (and Matt's) physical and mental well being, recommending spending time exercising, reading, going on dates or doing anything to get a deep breath, keep stress low and our marriage strong during this time. Since we hadn't been back to an ob since the original diagnosis (all of our doctors appointments dealt with our son's health and very little with mine) it was interesting to find out that I am at an increased risk for preeclamsia. So I will be monitoring my weight and blood pressure at home each week and get to do some fun tests to measure the protein in my urine. We see her again in 4 weeks and then are already bumped to appointments every 2 weeks. <br />
<br />
On Friday, we went to see our perinatal doctor who does the detailed sonograms every 2 weeks at this point, soon to be every week. She also went over our MRI results in detail with us. As we found out he does have what they are calling a microcolon. While we are still taking it as good news, she confirmed that we really don't know how good of news it is. We probably won't know until he is born if it is something that can actually sustain any kind of function. <br />
<br />
So we keep on, keeping on. We have a brief break from doctors appointments and then they really ramp up for the remainder of this pregnancy. <br />
<br />
We are believing and standing firm in this today...<br />
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. <br />
Hebrews 6:19 Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-53267493372157947602013-08-21T18:15:00.003-05:002013-08-21T18:15:38.160-05:00poop talkToday I went in for a fetal MRI. For the first time since his original diagnosis, just over a month ago now, we got good news!<br />
<br />
The MRI today showed that there was meconium in his rectum. That means 2 things. <br />
1. He has a rectum! This couldn't be seen on the ultrasound<br />
2. The poop got there somehow! This means that his small bowel is attached to the rectum somehow. It is not fully showing at this point, but the doctor today diagnosed it as a microcolon. It is not nearly what a colon (also called large intestine or large bowel) should be but it seems there is a connection there. <br />
<br />
We are not sure exactly how good of news this is, but we are certain that it is good news. After all that time and talking through so many possibilities with the surgeon, this one possibility did not come up. Currently, we have no idea what this means for future surgeries or his over all diagnosis. <br />
<br />
The doctor today also believes he has meconium peritonitis. This is a tear or perforation in his bowel and what would be causing his ascites. This is one sign of having cystic fibrosis so we will probably be testing for that in the near future. He does not have any other indicators of cystic fibrosis at this time, so the doctor indicated that is more to rule it out. Cystic fibrosis is a recessive genetic disorder, so Matt and I would both have to be carriers for him to have it. They will test me first and if I am a carrier then Matt will be tested. <br />
<br />
This also means that he most likely has meconium in the fluid that is in his abdomen. The doctors were already aware of this possibility, so they will just continue to watch for stress it may cause on his organs. This can also be harmful once he is out of his current sterile environment, so they will address it when he is born.<br />
<br />
There were also several other things that were sort of a mystery about his case, which is what we have grown accustom to. Lot of comments like "usually when we see this ______ also happens, but he is not showing any signs of that".<br />
The other great news is that his brain, lungs, and all other organs still look perfectly on track for his gestational age. <br />
<br />
Next up: Another visit with the perinatal specialist and first appointment with our new ob next week.<br />
<br />
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-23080901887375418312013-08-12T21:01:00.000-05:002013-08-12T21:01:57.904-05:00More Information, Only a Few AnswersToday was a big long appointment day. I hardly know where to start with all of the information flooding my brain. While we received lots of information it all still falls somewhere into this broad spectrum, because so much is and will remain uncertain until he is born.<br />
<br />
We first met with the pediatric surgeon, who will most likely be the one to operate on our baby boy. He took a look at all of the sonogram pictures and just went to town filling our heads with lots and lots of information. So much so, that I am not even sure how to get you up to speed on it all.<br />
<br />
Worst case scenario is still the same. That our boy would be still born due to distress of any type while he is still inside. He also added that although we are seeing small intestine on the sonogram it needs to be working (somehow we hadn't thought of that!) and that hopefully he has enough small intestine to work with. If for some reason that small intestine is not working, then they would just be keeping him comfortable at that point. A transplant on any part of the intestine is not a viable option right away and/or most likely ever.<br />
<br />
He explained how complex the small intestine is and the function of the large intestine as well. If the small intestine is in full working order you can totally live without a large intestine! Great news! <br />
<br />
He also explained several options if the small intestine falls somewhere in the middle between not working and fully functioning. These options include several surgeries over the course of the first year or two.<br />
<br />
More praise! We found out that it will most likely not be emergency surgery. The surgeon said he expects him to be stable when born. That most likely they will be able to give him a couple days (on iv for feeding) before he operates. They will do x-rays and contrast dye before surgery to get a better idea of what his intestine look like and how they are functioning. <br />
<br />
He did say that although there are several steps they go through, this surgery will still very much be a make it up as you go type procedure. His case is so rare and will be so specific to his body that there is not necessarily a predetermined route to take. <br />
<br />
He also said for us to expect at least a month stay in the NICU. While it is impossible to determine how long and any little change will make that longer (especially if he is delivered prematurely) that was his very best case scenario answer. <br />
<br />
We were very pleased with our visit and how thorough he was with us. By the end of our appointment he had filled the whole table with drawings to help us better visualize each situation. It was fun to see him jump into action when he walked into the next patients room where there was actually a child. It seemed like he was really in his element with kiddos. <br />
<br />
So straight from that appointment we went to meet with a high risk maternal coordinator at the hospital. She took us on a tour of the hospital and they are not joking when they call it Medical City. It is enormous. We went through labor and delivery and on to the NICU floor. It was good to see and learn more about the policies and procedures. Matt and I were both heartbroken to hear that the boys will not be able to visit their brother at all. The coordinator also explained a few services that are available to us, one of which is a Child Life Counselor. This counselor can meet with Matt and I and also with the boys to help give us language and tools to help the boys understand what is going on. This was a huge praise for us because our hearts are so heavy thinking about what this is going to mean for them.<br />
<br />
So today we are thankful for modern medicine. We are thankful that all of the dozens of doctors, nurses, specialists and office staff that we have met have been so kind and encouraging. We are beyond thankful for the prayers, texts, emails, calls, meals, childcare and general outpouring of love on our family. Sometimes this world can seem so awful and in these days which could easily be overwhelmed by darkness every where we look there is light. It shows up in so many unexpected place like letters from sweet little girls and even right there in a hospital window!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1coSPNaIOK1KNJlbGWhyphenhyphen_tF9I58Ge1ax1ea2sTlUhd1oq8ovNhp0UmagsxgJ7YcZDFAv5_58qp6WLebuSuBi0aTXK2D5IOZAaCl86GhVNKPQMf3FmJt4hHJVom9U2EUdxt_Qr68kmhyC4/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1coSPNaIOK1KNJlbGWhyphenhyphen_tF9I58Ge1ax1ea2sTlUhd1oq8ovNhp0UmagsxgJ7YcZDFAv5_58qp6WLebuSuBi0aTXK2D5IOZAaCl86GhVNKPQMf3FmJt4hHJVom9U2EUdxt_Qr68kmhyC4/s320/077.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTucBSkyfUL1b1fC1sCVynDfYxgajmr_VFktnC_uwFxR_p_eBA3WFr3CKKzYnEKCmi9vxsqyERdrWJ7V-OupZdwrjTJJ-umqVVN8Co-x43u3c10PtPXqtABr-OksqCcG_eeEkQbLBlY-J/s1600/199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTucBSkyfUL1b1fC1sCVynDfYxgajmr_VFktnC_uwFxR_p_eBA3WFr3CKKzYnEKCmi9vxsqyERdrWJ7V-OupZdwrjTJJ-umqVVN8Co-x43u3c10PtPXqtABr-OksqCcG_eeEkQbLBlY-J/s320/199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We are still praying that I would be able to carry him full term, that the fluid would not spread and that he will be born with a healthy large and small intestine. We are praying for my care and for wisdom for the doctors who are guiding this journey. We are praying that no matter where on the spectrum our boy falls that we would rest completely on the strength of the Lord and that his life and our lives would bring Him glory.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
his mercies never come to an end;</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
they are new every morning; </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
great is your faithfulness.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
"The Lord is my portion,"</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
says my soul,</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
"therefore I will hope in him."</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Lamentations 3:22-23 </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-54700187909571878222013-08-06T13:58:00.001-05:002013-08-06T13:59:49.010-05:00a planFriday we had our second appointment with the specialist and were able to ask tons of questions. Several of the answers were we won't know exactly until he's born, a few more were now directed to the pediatric surgeon we have been referred to and a few of them we even got answers to.<br />
<br />
We did find out that our boy is not showing any signs of a chromosomal abnormality at this point. Our decision was to do the blood test and not a full amnio so we don't have a complete work up, but everything they were able to test for came back negative. We were so thankful that the waiting period was over and to get that news!<br />
<br />
They also did another sonogram, which they will do at every appointment from here on out. After our next appointment it looks like we will meet with the specialist weekly. The sonogram showed exactly what we had seen previously, severe ascites and no signs of a large intestine. <br />
<br />
The plan for now is to continue with the regular observation of him. They are looking for any signs of distress, like the fluid growing or spreading to other areas (heart/lungs/brain) or any sign of chemical distress to his other organs that the fluid might cause. I will continue regular care with the ob also. Glucose test is up next! We will be meeting soon with a maternal care coordinator at the hospital who handles high risk cases and the pediatric surgeon. They should be able to answer a few more questions for us.<br />
<br />
This road ahead is long and very uncertain. There are many things that we simply won't know until they do or don't happen. Out goal is to get the information that we can and continuing to trust and have faith with all the unknowns.<br />
<br />
We are praying against any signs of distress and that I would be able to carry him until he is full term. We are praying for peace to continue to wash over our family. And always for a miracle!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20qWp0VHvPF6QIXKbFET9ZegHAHHXYktRLQ6uV7mSOTHJ20D0lvWvrgsAfrEtCe4BhLQK53pnvPPeOs3qQKlcSb4Oj6QbuhDkjJuzkmLMD__Mj9hpUD2QyFAMcBaXOv3zRn-p2dNdumXA/s1600/MAN.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20qWp0VHvPF6QIXKbFET9ZegHAHHXYktRLQ6uV7mSOTHJ20D0lvWvrgsAfrEtCe4BhLQK53pnvPPeOs3qQKlcSb4Oj6QbuhDkjJuzkmLMD__Mj9hpUD2QyFAMcBaXOv3zRn-p2dNdumXA/s320/MAN.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-44418162679089348622013-07-31T16:12:00.000-05:002013-07-31T16:12:36.795-05:00waiting & learningthese past two weeks have been full of waiting.<br />
<br />
it's a roller coaster really.<br />
<br />
so much hope in not yet knowing. nose dives that absolutely take your breath away.<br />
<br />
but i am learning.<br />
<br />
as mother teresa said "...in the absence of clarity i have learned to trust."<br />
<br />
there is no clarity today. there might not ever be.<br />
but there is trust. there is hope.<br />
<br />
trust in my Creator <br />
that makes no mistakes.<br />
that goes before me and stands behind.<br />
that loves all of my boys infinitely more than i ever will.<br />
<br />
learning that if i wallow in fear and despair i will miss the joy that He has for me today. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJI1qp1EySzMeQbxwDAaWrnrD4An-_bcT5zSG5xDkvkwEZtXjKWte9dMnKdYIDjBrqfM54qtvnMxVDMSa8KEbhKcWySrA14yIDIvWPvjpmn85s8NvMrmdv7KjD3FXL_QZRTfQf-y_hN9y/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJI1qp1EySzMeQbxwDAaWrnrD4An-_bcT5zSG5xDkvkwEZtXjKWte9dMnKdYIDjBrqfM54qtvnMxVDMSa8KEbhKcWySrA14yIDIvWPvjpmn85s8NvMrmdv7KjD3FXL_QZRTfQf-y_hN9y/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xiKid7k1-lBhTOcxSjoRE89ktneu99Ztz6bg_I0EBUvmjiQijGm5nC_gJ_tEHIcf5YCOwbm9rC0M3kOFjio6wjws2T76pDpZDrNVQuBaaGGj4rMNzqoa1uDFxNxAc_kx-Dlv35oTZwoX/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xiKid7k1-lBhTOcxSjoRE89ktneu99Ztz6bg_I0EBUvmjiQijGm5nC_gJ_tEHIcf5YCOwbm9rC0M3kOFjio6wjws2T76pDpZDrNVQuBaaGGj4rMNzqoa1uDFxNxAc_kx-Dlv35oTZwoX/s320/089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RH5iwq59XP1hafKfd7NP9wwqUYojV6Gd_zH7NC75Vsmx5HjYuN4-0MEDDgeT9sCdu7RKr7lMjBTCDClfigKA6N0CuPr0WU3t7-3jf0rKh6p38kfXkilXY0F9VeyzT4HcO2n72gVBFE0Q/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RH5iwq59XP1hafKfd7NP9wwqUYojV6Gd_zH7NC75Vsmx5HjYuN4-0MEDDgeT9sCdu7RKr7lMjBTCDClfigKA6N0CuPr0WU3t7-3jf0rKh6p38kfXkilXY0F9VeyzT4HcO2n72gVBFE0Q/s320/072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
there is still so, so much joy.<br />
<br />
we have another appointment friday morning. prayers for peace despite any news it might bring.Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-25821572659123101952013-07-25T22:01:00.001-05:002013-07-25T22:01:42.186-05:00When Everything ChangesSo I obviously fell hard off the blogging wagon since my last post was over a year ago, titled Part 1 and the boys had just turned 3 and 1. Oops!<br />
<br />
But here we are today, one week after everything changed and I wanted a way to journal the weeks and days ahead. I probably won't ever get around to part 2 so lets just start fresh here.<br />
<br />
You hear about this type of day, maybe you've even had one, a day that seems like everything you knew or thought when you woke up is different by the time you hit the bed that night. Last Thursday was that day for us. We were scheduled for our 20 week sonogram to see our baby, our third, due in December. For the first time we were going to find out if this little fig was boy or girl before his/her actual birthday. I was nervous and excited to find out more about this little babe while I was still pregnant.<br />
<br />
It wasn't long before our sweet sonographer said "that's not supposed to be there." She proceeded to tell us that our baby had fluid building in his abdomen, a condition called ascities. She remained upbeat as she looked over the rest of his body, captured sweet pictures of his hands and feet, and told us that we would be having another baby boy. She also mentioned that our ob would want to see us today and that they would refer us to a specialist to find out exactly why the fluid was building. <br />
<br />
After quickly meeting with my ob for a counseling/information session she sent us immediately to the specialists office. That's when it hit us that this was serious. We were supposed to be at our specialist appointment in less than an hour and were hearing things like "this doesn't mean you are going to lose the baby" and "I haven't seen this in a patient in over 5 years". <br />
<br />
It a state of confusion with hot tears in our eyes we head across town to meet the specialist and find out exactly what this all meant. A long wait and another two long sonograms later the doctor started breaking it all down for us.<br />
<br />
While ascities can be caused by numerous things, it seemed that our son was lacking either all or part of his large intestines and his small intestines was measuring small too. She very briefly went into the severity of not having a large intestine but said that we probably wouldn't know exactly the condition of his GI tract until he is born. We decided to do some blood/ chromosome testing that we hadn't done in the beginning and got set up for appointments to keep monitoring his condition in two week increments. <br />
<br />
We left that appointment in tears and just trying to process everything we had heard. Trying to process how hours earlier we were so excited to find out if we were having a boy or a girl and now we were weeping for the health of our baby. Over the next few hours and certainly over the days since we have come up with a laundry list of more questions that hopefully we will be able to ask at our two appointments next week.<br />
<br />
Where I stand now is in a roller coaster of emotion but solidly grounded in my faith. We have already seen the Lord's hand at work in this and I pray that would continue. We are praying for complete healing. This boy is already a miracle and we are believing that The Lord can heal him completely. We are praying for wisdom in the weeks to come, in all of the decisions that will have to be made and for the doctors as they guide our care. We are praying that as the test results come back that he would have no chromosomal abnormalities that would complicate his condition. We are praying that our son's life, no matter what it looks like, would bring glory to His name. Our boy is fearfully and wonderfully made.<br />
<br />
If you would pray with us we would be so grateful. I have felt a strong sense of peace in all of this news despite the sometimes seemingly unending tears and I pray that this would continue in all of the uncertainty of the weeks ahead. It is an enormous comfort to me that despite any news that the doctors might give we have only one place to turn for ultimate healing, comfort and lasting joy. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dy9nwe9_xzw" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-28695242360391633032012-07-24T15:00:00.003-05:002012-07-24T15:00:54.608-05:003 and 1 - part oneBoth of the boys had birthdays <strike>recently</strike> in the last 3 months. Up until now these two precious days have been undocumented. <br />
<br />
We will start with Nolan's since it was in April. For his birthday we had a surprise party. It ended up being a sweet gathering of a few very dear friends and family. We played in the backyard, munched on sandwiches and cake and celebrate Nolan's beautiful first year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVH_I_0HHgSjJVwt8SpVKK176GuRPGRUZ_eROfB_E1y7NQEUFeNmn2Ftd7Pei2dBu07U_6P04LRTsBtSkewopEcJ43iDJr6FF0PugCicJhXpW-6XD5Qsww_SNuN_YajVkr7j-jVxJM2yz/s1600/Nolan+Bday+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVH_I_0HHgSjJVwt8SpVKK176GuRPGRUZ_eROfB_E1y7NQEUFeNmn2Ftd7Pei2dBu07U_6P04LRTsBtSkewopEcJ43iDJr6FF0PugCicJhXpW-6XD5Qsww_SNuN_YajVkr7j-jVxJM2yz/s320/Nolan+Bday+Collage.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
And yes, when he woke up from his nap he was completely surprised!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWyIv437Tz0JUr6KoLoK4fpLspWiis913S598ysJ39pxMtn4w0lV3moMb1nlhQTb_0a4iyFgEB4mFv8CcDzVC_t6wxXr1U0BxOHYXQfPGvXoCgtDb2wCK0kAdf0Gk-mPFJhegZnBtWf5W/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWyIv437Tz0JUr6KoLoK4fpLspWiis913S598ysJ39pxMtn4w0lV3moMb1nlhQTb_0a4iyFgEB4mFv8CcDzVC_t6wxXr1U0BxOHYXQfPGvXoCgtDb2wCK0kAdf0Gk-mPFJhegZnBtWf5W/s320/119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZqYN1FZx1JrHQsE7-eWftXYRUzmd4j8nbA6IrCk8eqgQQWz_4yvOAlVz7qF3CMQM3gGDSgqYHeBujJaEAum5pmREJPyNSt7oMQ0PyEYY7uYL3syGPgrU8oBF3ki4qAG9gtWExbm7uGFY/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZqYN1FZx1JrHQsE7-eWftXYRUzmd4j8nbA6IrCk8eqgQQWz_4yvOAlVz7qF3CMQM3gGDSgqYHeBujJaEAum5pmREJPyNSt7oMQ0PyEYY7uYL3syGPgrU8oBF3ki4qAG9gtWExbm7uGFY/s320/114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little help blowing out the candle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At one, Nolan had a few words like Mama, Dada, Bubba, poop and ball. All of which he uses sparingly except ball. He wasn't walking quite yet, but started just a few weeks later on my birthday, May 19th. He had just had tube put in his ears and was just starting to sleep through the night again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nolan, I have failed and failed at documenting your first lightning fast year, but I know that you know I love you like crazy. You are my sweet Smush! You are so silly and so set in your ways. You absolutely love your momma best of all and although that presents challenges its perfectly adorable too. You love to give raspberries and have a laugh that fills my soul. When you laugh with your brother I can hardly handle it. You are a great imitator and love to copy movement, including swinging a golf club and sweeping the floor. Pretty funny tasks since you were doing these things before you could walk. You are my physical boy, climbing, diving, dumping with little fear or hesitation. You have kept me awake so many nights, but those hours alone with you in a dark and quiet house have taught me more than I could have imagined. I love you my sweet boy, my light, my Smush! </div>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-46843990374187559332012-07-09T14:57:00.001-05:002012-07-10T13:52:17.093-05:00{SMILE}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have you heard this song by Uncle Kraker? Of course you have.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ffej15-Dgl0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since having G, I can hardly hear it without tearing up. If I am singing it to the boys the lump in my throat comes about 3 notes in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nolan even has a sign in his room with the lyrics. These boys absolutely make me smile. Hundreds of smiles each day. But this absolutely made my heart explode!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Aw7rnJkCTNedBvwC7RlRbR68HOavX8TKY8Nj5gNntsH06K9VAe-iIAVM3o7V5pnN1QHBwpMI0YgsZm6Cc0T-HGHxNkK2pnmXfi86RdDoLhZYpLRrD6esWq4uzUsGTF1k3XiC-Vy_MWGA/s1600/027.MOV" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Da902a9575281e858%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1344454197%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D5CE66CC98021B86F7B6B0FDE3B8EC2EE9FB7208B.A371B8D39820E7D4AB757882720F04D2EDC7BBB5%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Da902a9575281e858%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1344454197%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D5CE66CC98021B86F7B6B0FDE3B8EC2EE9FB7208B.A371B8D39820E7D4AB757882720F04D2EDC7BBB5%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He was supposed to be napping, but was standing on his bed singing Smile instead. I tried to video the monitor, but as soon as I got the video ready he slipped out of his room to come find me and sing. Then I had to ask him to sing it again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx6dJhhyUpi4xIyoVkgjOWDJf9eWUYUx-UQ4nLG3cjIJjF1YI7B4DaEj0zE7gbP_8usQEQyobFHedoN2ISywg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He really is better than the best.</div>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-35611185587065870732012-07-07T22:37:00.002-05:002012-07-10T13:53:47.897-05:00The Sweetest DayThe morning was spent snuggling Nolan for an hour before G would wake. We snacked on Cheerios and enjoyed some sweet time with our little guy. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRbX5NS42PC8Y7C1muEz0-Sbn_Oupk3v2WZ6aeFbQ3AB73rfPYe-Kwth_GKntwpUXNocAgM2eBHw08TmYbpYEWMwyGBVDxzRPruf6YwI4BextPdyn1y8c1ona-pC29i6lO7v58YlBdKEu/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRbX5NS42PC8Y7C1muEz0-Sbn_Oupk3v2WZ6aeFbQ3AB73rfPYe-Kwth_GKntwpUXNocAgM2eBHw08TmYbpYEWMwyGBVDxzRPruf6YwI4BextPdyn1y8c1ona-pC29i6lO7v58YlBdKEu/s320/114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
An hour later G was up and the day took off like most Saturdays. Eggs for breakfast, daddy mowing the lawn while the boys and I played inside and out. When daddy was done, he entertained the boys while I finished this massive project I decided to take on yesterday. I'm blaming it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/An-Experimental-Mutiny-Against-Excess/dp/1433672960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341718305&sr=8-1&keywords=jen+hatmaker" target="_blank">Jen Hatmaker.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcCwOSb_sE_4KI4gPWDY7P9be7xlxbgE-0VK9T73oRmZDOUggz-AaHK5lTrKHYAe4vsNOcp9Hqhw_owRyGAYBnFoC6xnxCuuHZF51K8BLbMjg5OAlsyq5WeYIAcayxOCWZMice4lLPqDM/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcCwOSb_sE_4KI4gPWDY7P9be7xlxbgE-0VK9T73oRmZDOUggz-AaHK5lTrKHYAe4vsNOcp9Hqhw_owRyGAYBnFoC6xnxCuuHZF51K8BLbMjg5OAlsyq5WeYIAcayxOCWZMice4lLPqDM/s320/115.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yes, I went through the boys closets and through all of the storage boxes I had already created in order to purge and reorganize now that a couple of more stages have passed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIguSX1Ytktvg7v5mCX2mRXCtT5LmoZXisq3WAl_XIvofqbtLA3_In0FvVRMf2XGS9-jg5RBNX2HDPTXRYP3EE1yCxdEI8XoftasYNdslGBBxGBBJjWDA3YWHh5amESagLfTP-9uPAzS7-/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIguSX1Ytktvg7v5mCX2mRXCtT5LmoZXisq3WAl_XIvofqbtLA3_In0FvVRMf2XGS9-jg5RBNX2HDPTXRYP3EE1yCxdEI8XoftasYNdslGBBxGBBJjWDA3YWHh5amESagLfTP-9uPAzS7-/s320/119.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Funny thing is that I hold no personal attachment to my clothes or almost all of my things. I LOVE to purge and clean out and reorganize. But when it comes to the boys clothes the attachment is strong. For most every outfit I have a memory. <br />
Bringing them home. <br />
The picture with the sideways smile. <br />
Getting stuck crawling backwards. <br />
Learning to walk. <br />
Easter Sunday. <br />
I know what they were wearing on these occasions and so many more. Just looking at their outfits its like I can push play on those little moments that just flew by. So for me making that pile into those bins was a sweet, sweet walk down memory lane.<br />
<br />
Then it was off to church for a convicting sermon and heart stirring praise and worship. Nolan even made it through the entire service in the nursery for only the second time ever. G was fired up when we picked him up telling us all out his heart and that Jesus came to save sinners. He even wanted to listen to <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-village-kids-jesus-came/id370898822" target="_blank">this</a> on the way home. <br />
<br />
After dinner this happened...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwF7uI5F9tURQbCaUk_HCvLTH4hABYnYroMls_Tgu0A5VI_pIIcSilnYV2LTevnMVX-7P7zuF1vg_fqrDA6LQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
And I couldn't have loved it more. It was a full on concert with booty shaking, screaming into the mic, an encore and all.<br />
<br />
Soon after we tucked the boys and settled on the couch to watch the Ranger game. But an hour or so later both boys were up again. This is extremely rare. Neither one typically wakes back up, but I am pretty sure that one woke the other so we had both boys back on the couch watching the game at 9:30. Very shortly after I could tell Nolan was ready to be back in bed, so we snuck off to his room and I rocked him back to sleep. It has been months and months since I rocked him to sleep. He grabbed on to my shirt and fell almost immediately into a deep sleep. I had forgotten how he used to always hold on to my shirt when he feel asleep. It was bliss. After a day full of sweet baby memories he gave me another one.<br />
<br />
Thank you Lord for this sweet family and these three boys I get to share it with. <br />
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3019929102499468382.post-54530302814089994972012-06-30T08:09:00.002-05:002012-06-30T08:09:49.191-05:00Swim, SwimWe have official donned our scales for the season. This family has been swimming up to 7 times a week the past two weeks. Most of that is due to G's swim lessons that were 4 days a week. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hUJPiRrKHZ48wFTXxXrcEKDWt08pKgQ7NF77fiiuhwJUEmPj4mevpRBFsgX22PiwO91wsMiXVdIAIoGr_x0dyfOZH7iMMFEhhNUZJnJCUUPaQYP6BQRw6GBKnuhWnVMmKumPDnEyvpBc/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hUJPiRrKHZ48wFTXxXrcEKDWt08pKgQ7NF77fiiuhwJUEmPj4mevpRBFsgX22PiwO91wsMiXVdIAIoGr_x0dyfOZH7iMMFEhhNUZJnJCUUPaQYP6BQRw6GBKnuhWnVMmKumPDnEyvpBc/s320/085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
He absolutely loves to be in the water and has started asking to go to the pool in the morning and again after nap. Some days that is the schedule, it's too hot to play outside otherwise. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZIeCl10yckg6IZC4lHpnMMaYfSDJzRrcueMmPIVLTiqX0nZrA8_-F03L7xT5j4LBro68bUMVBH0U0DPGQgw57qhyphenhyphengNO8MKer921Y7pDe4S2Vg-kJQHG8mQZ7ydR_q3eHCh-sdn8ScaB2/s1600/Swim+Lessons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZIeCl10yckg6IZC4lHpnMMaYfSDJzRrcueMmPIVLTiqX0nZrA8_-F03L7xT5j4LBro68bUMVBH0U0DPGQgw57qhyphenhyphengNO8MKer921Y7pDe4S2Vg-kJQHG8mQZ7ydR_q3eHCh-sdn8ScaB2/s320/Swim+Lessons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This year G moved up to the 3-5 year old class, even though he isn't quite 3 yet. They allowed it and I thought it would be more appropriate for his skill level. On the first day I was a little nervous because all the other kids in his class were at least 4 and there were several 5 year olds. Those kids were a foot taller than G! But as usual, there was nothing to worry about. He held his own and was able to keep up and do everything right along with the class.<br />
He loved his teachers Miss Samantha and Miss Valerie. He really took to Samantha. She is in the pictures with him. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU-KGJBs5BUEfrUITLKdSIc3TQ6uSBwMEwSl8eda5kvFjbCtAAr6G8QrIvxmHvDfGh18n3-pDeVA1E61iJFG28tSyfwq7Dpu37j24j9RiL8DAMRWUts-rp7K819AzmgyLnzGLguycFZqT/s1600/Swim+Lessons+-+Samantha+and+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU-KGJBs5BUEfrUITLKdSIc3TQ6uSBwMEwSl8eda5kvFjbCtAAr6G8QrIvxmHvDfGh18n3-pDeVA1E61iJFG28tSyfwq7Dpu37j24j9RiL8DAMRWUts-rp7K819AzmgyLnzGLguycFZqT/s320/Swim+Lessons+-+Samantha+and+G.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7DNpCC4dWn6kSHSL62MjITFYy7UjAm2oZXMxnZ6dd2IhrDDqan86prYm51Ofeio8IYUg66P5D_DCafZXMrPpAwNzTSQx0fNNRmDoGbNmQstK36IhzOzncbGHk29sdQoiFJmBLIUtgPOb/s1600/Swim+Lessons+-+Apple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7DNpCC4dWn6kSHSL62MjITFYy7UjAm2oZXMxnZ6dd2IhrDDqan86prYm51Ofeio8IYUg66P5D_DCafZXMrPpAwNzTSQx0fNNRmDoGbNmQstK36IhzOzncbGHk29sdQoiFJmBLIUtgPOb/s320/Swim+Lessons+-+Apple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v_QFhfGNa0WbVdhXK9av06JNs7l87ebn8b-ZktY6OiWjD-xkSF32_b2XoRP0SPWLLJA8LU3oong1b8r-J5wRY4LDfpUEUSwjCuJb7NiBZY2dIcHDD-h66eYaCGrkbuaRdHCrsfYb6Z8i/s1600/Swim+Lesson+2012+-G+sliding+with+Samantha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v_QFhfGNa0WbVdhXK9av06JNs7l87ebn8b-ZktY6OiWjD-xkSF32_b2XoRP0SPWLLJA8LU3oong1b8r-J5wRY4LDfpUEUSwjCuJb7NiBZY2dIcHDD-h66eYaCGrkbuaRdHCrsfYb6Z8i/s320/Swim+Lesson+2012+-G+sliding+with+Samantha.jpg" width="214" /></a>His favorite new skill is blowing bubbles while going completely underwater. This means he can dive for toys, which he could do for hours. He has also learned to put kicking, scooping and blowing bubbles together all at the same time. To say he is swimming is a bit of a reach but he is putting the moves together. I am excited to see where he is by the end of the summer. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwYy8mfQIs6KVH4F9hAbQWktQXm8znMFJyPAoYkz3zcFvYxw8hQl4bEn_Gv3n0PDE3EsvUqp__uW_UhFm49zrrYAAXYtKjVGtYSVgXmkHIwYyEWAFaWn0P7e89kxpRwbScSvR9S-BQB4n/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwYy8mfQIs6KVH4F9hAbQWktQXm8znMFJyPAoYkz3zcFvYxw8hQl4bEn_Gv3n0PDE3EsvUqp__uW_UhFm49zrrYAAXYtKjVGtYSVgXmkHIwYyEWAFaWn0P7e89kxpRwbScSvR9S-BQB4n/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't have any pictures of the rest of us in the water, since I am in the water where the camera can't go. But here are a couple of Nolan enjoying a break from the water and watching brother swim.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9ZieAk-pT5ig3ERxElgE4lCYHLaHKqnAFvRdcxItxKmTm9fHwh5VLgyaM6_j-XcwuTTIOuyG9lnsm2nHTpPg14ACj8-VNG-0BtPmuyTP1-rMDeqOvFxWRZtLeh9JupUzFbhLPveiUwok/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9ZieAk-pT5ig3ERxElgE4lCYHLaHKqnAFvRdcxItxKmTm9fHwh5VLgyaM6_j-XcwuTTIOuyG9lnsm2nHTpPg14ACj8-VNG-0BtPmuyTP1-rMDeqOvFxWRZtLeh9JupUzFbhLPveiUwok/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have also started a summer tradition of swimming at the poor nearby every Tuesday night. Family Fun Night! Picnic dinner and a short and sweet splash before we tuck in pruney babies is the best! </div>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08099519076103534949noreply@blogger.com0