Saturday, August 02, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Safe and Secure
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms
This might sound like a gripe session, but really, it is just a chronology of facts.
We left for Arkansas on July 11th. Scott was sick as a dog. He'd had fever the night before and felt terrible, but said he thought he could make the trip. His fever broke and never returned while we were driving, but was back with a vengeance by the time we got to Arkansas. Sad to say, Scott could not travel with us to Eureka Springs for Matt and Lisa's wedding. The morning we left, Scott was throwing up, coughing, and had a migraine. He continued to run fever the entire time we were gone to Eureka Springs. Thankfully for him, he had some peace and quiet and an empty house in which to recover.
Matt and Lisa's wedding (July 13) was wonderful and beautiful. I got to see lots of old friends, and I cried and cried during the ceremony. I'll post something more detailed later, and with pictures. Matt and Lisa, the wonderful folks that they are, rented this great cabin for Scott and I and the kids. It's too bad that Scott couldn't be there to enjoy it, but the kids and I sure had a great time! If you've never been to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, you should go. It is spectacularly beautiful.
On the way back to Benton from Eureka Springs (July 14), Charlie, Molly, and I were riding with my mom. Eliza and Trevor were riding with my dad. Incident #1 was Molly throwing up all over my mom's car. She gets car sick, and it was really sad. I hate it when my kids don't feel good.
Incident #2 was the car accident that my mom, myself, and the kids were in. We hit a parked truck when my mom went off the road. No one was in the truck, but we hit the truck with enough force to deploy the airbags. My mom has a cracked vertebrae, Molly had a big burn on her neck from the seat belt, Aaron got a bloody nose and a hurt ear (I think from "mother's reflex," I threw my arm across him), I got a big knot on my head, two black eyes, and a big bruise on my leg, but Charlie was worst of all. At the Harrison, Arkansas, hospital, I was told that he had a skull fracture and a brain bleed. That's when everything went swirling. But when he got to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, three neurosurgeons examined him and ran more tests and could find nothing wrong. Scott had met him at the hospital and got to bring him home after only a few hours of observation. All I can say is, praise be to God. Do you know how many of our brothers and sisters in Christ were praying? How many saints were lifting up our names and our need to the Father? Many, many more than I'll ever know. Thanks to modern technology, word got around fast and people started praying. Praise be to God that my little boy is ok. Praise be to God. Praise be to God.
The details of the wreck are something I just can't go into now. I'm still to shocked and shaken, even though it has been a week and a half. Just truly, truly, I glory in the Father for what He is done, and only pray to stand obedient to His messages to me.
Mom came home from the hospital the next day (July 14) and was not able to do anything. She had a bad burn on her neck from the seat belt, bruises all over her body, and excruciating pain from the fracture in her vertebrae. She had (still does) a back brace and a walker. With five children to care for (my nephew is staying with my parents till Matt and Lisa return from their honeymoon), and nine people in the house wanting food and clean laundry, Scott and I got to work. He mainly took care of the kids and I did the other stuff. Daddy helped out as much as he could with everything, but he had surgery on Friday (July 18). The day of Daddy's surgery was also the day that we got word that his brother had passed away early that morning. Daddy was unable to go to his brother's funeral on Monday (July 21), and I was heartbroken for him.
I took my mom to the doctor on Monday and the doctor was amazed at her injury. He said there had to be an amazing amount of force for her to have sustained such an injury, and the events of the accident came flooding back. Among the many hard days I had at my parents' house following the wreck, Monday was one of the hardest. Tuesday I took my dad for his check-up, and everything went great. As long as I knew that my dad could take care of my mom, I felt like we could go home.
But, as it would happen, there was another (minor) incident on Tuesday. Poor Eliza had an earache and Scott took her to the doctor. It was swimmer's ear, caused by the fun times in the kiddie pool. Some pain medicine and a few ear drops later, and she's feeling much better.
Our time at my parents' after the wreck was exhausting, but also full of blessings. So many friends called to offer encouragement and love and say that they were praying; thank God for Courtney and Elizabeth, who helped us out so much as well. People from the church brought food and more kind words and love. A real treat for me was having Matt and Lisa drive Molly, Aaron and me from Harrison to Benton (their flight didn't leave till the next morning).
Now we're home and I'm planning a trip to the chiropractor for my aching back. I'm hugging my kids and kissing them a lot. I'm being thankful for my great husband. And I'm praising God all the more, and kneeling at His feet, thankful for his tender mercies.
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms
This might sound like a gripe session, but really, it is just a chronology of facts.
We left for Arkansas on July 11th. Scott was sick as a dog. He'd had fever the night before and felt terrible, but said he thought he could make the trip. His fever broke and never returned while we were driving, but was back with a vengeance by the time we got to Arkansas. Sad to say, Scott could not travel with us to Eureka Springs for Matt and Lisa's wedding. The morning we left, Scott was throwing up, coughing, and had a migraine. He continued to run fever the entire time we were gone to Eureka Springs. Thankfully for him, he had some peace and quiet and an empty house in which to recover.
Matt and Lisa's wedding (July 13) was wonderful and beautiful. I got to see lots of old friends, and I cried and cried during the ceremony. I'll post something more detailed later, and with pictures. Matt and Lisa, the wonderful folks that they are, rented this great cabin for Scott and I and the kids. It's too bad that Scott couldn't be there to enjoy it, but the kids and I sure had a great time! If you've never been to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, you should go. It is spectacularly beautiful.
On the way back to Benton from Eureka Springs (July 14), Charlie, Molly, and I were riding with my mom. Eliza and Trevor were riding with my dad. Incident #1 was Molly throwing up all over my mom's car. She gets car sick, and it was really sad. I hate it when my kids don't feel good.
Incident #2 was the car accident that my mom, myself, and the kids were in. We hit a parked truck when my mom went off the road. No one was in the truck, but we hit the truck with enough force to deploy the airbags. My mom has a cracked vertebrae, Molly had a big burn on her neck from the seat belt, Aaron got a bloody nose and a hurt ear (I think from "mother's reflex," I threw my arm across him), I got a big knot on my head, two black eyes, and a big bruise on my leg, but Charlie was worst of all. At the Harrison, Arkansas, hospital, I was told that he had a skull fracture and a brain bleed. That's when everything went swirling. But when he got to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, three neurosurgeons examined him and ran more tests and could find nothing wrong. Scott had met him at the hospital and got to bring him home after only a few hours of observation. All I can say is, praise be to God. Do you know how many of our brothers and sisters in Christ were praying? How many saints were lifting up our names and our need to the Father? Many, many more than I'll ever know. Thanks to modern technology, word got around fast and people started praying. Praise be to God that my little boy is ok. Praise be to God. Praise be to God.
The details of the wreck are something I just can't go into now. I'm still to shocked and shaken, even though it has been a week and a half. Just truly, truly, I glory in the Father for what He is done, and only pray to stand obedient to His messages to me.
Mom came home from the hospital the next day (July 14) and was not able to do anything. She had a bad burn on her neck from the seat belt, bruises all over her body, and excruciating pain from the fracture in her vertebrae. She had (still does) a back brace and a walker. With five children to care for (my nephew is staying with my parents till Matt and Lisa return from their honeymoon), and nine people in the house wanting food and clean laundry, Scott and I got to work. He mainly took care of the kids and I did the other stuff. Daddy helped out as much as he could with everything, but he had surgery on Friday (July 18). The day of Daddy's surgery was also the day that we got word that his brother had passed away early that morning. Daddy was unable to go to his brother's funeral on Monday (July 21), and I was heartbroken for him.
I took my mom to the doctor on Monday and the doctor was amazed at her injury. He said there had to be an amazing amount of force for her to have sustained such an injury, and the events of the accident came flooding back. Among the many hard days I had at my parents' house following the wreck, Monday was one of the hardest. Tuesday I took my dad for his check-up, and everything went great. As long as I knew that my dad could take care of my mom, I felt like we could go home.
But, as it would happen, there was another (minor) incident on Tuesday. Poor Eliza had an earache and Scott took her to the doctor. It was swimmer's ear, caused by the fun times in the kiddie pool. Some pain medicine and a few ear drops later, and she's feeling much better.
Our time at my parents' after the wreck was exhausting, but also full of blessings. So many friends called to offer encouragement and love and say that they were praying; thank God for Courtney and Elizabeth, who helped us out so much as well. People from the church brought food and more kind words and love. A real treat for me was having Matt and Lisa drive Molly, Aaron and me from Harrison to Benton (their flight didn't leave till the next morning).
Now we're home and I'm planning a trip to the chiropractor for my aching back. I'm hugging my kids and kissing them a lot. I'm being thankful for my great husband. And I'm praising God all the more, and kneeling at His feet, thankful for his tender mercies.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Dear Auntie Boss,
Thank you so much for the great blanket! As you can see, it keeps me cozy and warm and helps me take great naps. Mommy loves that! I love looking at the sharks and whales on it when I am awake. I love my great shirt, too. I'm wearing it, only I'm covered in fluffiness from the blanket, so you can't see it. I love you, Auntie Boss!
Love,Baby Butterbean
Saturday, July 05, 2008
I Copied
Sorry, Shane. I love these pics, though. I'm a stealer. I stole these pics from your blog. But the one of Banana's mad face cracks me up and I wanted to stick it on my blog. Sorry. I'll pay the fine and everything.
Also, I'm paying homage to the D/S family here, especially to Allie, since Butterbean is wearing the bib that she picked out for him. Love you guys!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Our Baby Butterbean
Sweet little snuggler
Noodle can't stay away from her new brother! She loves him so much.
Cuddling with Daddy.
Bright eyes.
Don't you just want to kiss those chubby cheeks?Friday, June 27, 2008
More Cuteness . . . I just can't help it!
Hey, look at my baby brother! And my just-for-the-camera grin!
OK now, can anybody here say, "CHEESE"???!!!
She loves that baby so much.Pictures and Stuff
I'll be calling the baby Butter Bean, in keeping with the Tasty Names Family tradition. No, he doesn't eat Butter Beans, but he looks like a little Butter Bean. Butter Beans are cute, and so is he.
Noodle sure does love her baby brother! She is always hugging him and kissing him and patting his soft head. She is fascinated. And he is such a good baby.
We are doing well. A little sleep deprived, but that's par for the course. It is amazing how much better I feel. I don't miss bed rest at all, and I'm recovering well from the C-section. I've even cooked a meal or two! Our Sunday school class called to see if we needed meals, and I said no. I felt horrible pre-delivery. My parents took great care of us the first week post-delivery, and by that time, I was feeling great. Now, I'm not even minding doing laundry and cooking a little. And Buffalo Wings is great to do anything that needs to be done. I am SO glad he's home with me this summer.
Right now, we are looking very forward to the wedding of my brother! This will take place in a couple of weeks. I am so excited, I can't even stand it. We have been waiting for Matt to find his someone special for a very long time.
OK, so here's something Anita and Zalo in Peru tagged me on. Ten random facts about myself:
1. I do not like doing my hair. I don't like doing my girls' hair. I don't have time to mess with it, so that's why I keep us all in as short as possible hairdos.
2. I like my fingernails. I've always had great fingernails.
3. I do not like seafood, except red snapper.
4. My favorite show is House. I haven't had a real, honest-to-goodness favorite show in a long time. I just started watching House this year. I lose interest in most other series; I lost interest in Lost.
5. I think that most people don't know that my favorite actor is Ethan Embry.
6. If I'd had another baby girl, I would have wanted to name her Camille Renee.
7. My favorite vacation area (besides San Francisco, of course) is Savannah, Georgia.
8. I was once almost run over by a car when I was in first grade. It happened as I was getting off the school bus to go home.
9. I once stole crackers off the salad bar at Pizza Inn. It was humiliating, because I got caught, even though it was only a joke.
10. I collect VWs and VW items (books, symbols, etc.), stamps, keychains, and magnets. Am I a party animal or WHAT????
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
More Pictures
Our only picture from the hospital. Partly because we didn't bring it the night we went in, partly because our camera is stupid and after this picture was taken, the camera stopped working.
Our wonderful, amazing Dr. F!!!!!
Just looking around - first week at home. All of the following pics are from Baby's first week at home.
Grandma and Pappa with all of the grandkids
Chicken Nugget gets to know her new baby brother.
Noodle loves spending time with her new baby brother!
After his first bath at home. He was pretty relaxed at this point, but didn't enjoy the actual bath so much.
Cute chubby cheeks!
Banana loving his new baby brother . . . Baby Brother's not sure how he likes being loved on!
I just think this is the cutest picture!
The proud Dad with his new son.
Chillin' with his paci
Even fussy, he's such a cutie!
So peaceful . . .Thursday, June 19, 2008
One Week Ago . . .
Last Wednesday, I had my regular doctor's appointment. It was also the day that I got my terbutaline pump out. Yay! I knew I was feeling some contractions at the doctor that afternoon, but later that evening they became regular. I was talking to my mom on the phone and I kept feeling them; this was about 6PM. I asked Buffalo Wings for the stopwatch so that I could time them; this was about 7PM. The contractions were coming about 4 minutes apart, so I called my doctor and she told me to come on up to the hospital. I was sure that the minute I got to the hospital, they would stop, but they didn't. They actually increased! I have never had such regular contractions without pitocin, so I was really surprised. Our nurse (who was really fun, by the way! She was great.) checked me and went to call my doctor. A few minutes later, she came back in and said, "We're having a baby tonight!"
I was totally shocked! But Dr. F had told me not to wait if I started having lots of contractions. That's because the ultrasound earlier that day had showed that Charlie was still footling breech, with lots of cord bunched up under his legs. If my water were to break, things could get really dangerous. So Dr. F wanted to proceed while things were still safe.
We had a good time talking, laughing, and relaxing with our nurse and Dr. F. I was lucky that Dr. F didn't have any other deliveries that night, so she had time to just hang out with us before the surgery. I got my IV and BW got his scrubs and we just waited to be taken to surgery. I got into the OR at about 11:30PM or so.
My nurse, Kimberly, went with me to the OR and helped me while I got my epidural. It was the easiest epidural I've ever had administered. There was very little pain and the weird feelings in my back went away really quickly. I don't remember a lot of things about the surgery, at least, I don't remember everything exactly in sequence. But I do remember that I kept thinking, this is it? No waiting, no pushing? Hm . . . maybe I should have done this before! I also felt lots of tugging and pulling, and then Charlie was out at 12:04AM! I started crying and asking if he was ok. I heard something about him maybe not weighing enough to go to the regular newborn nursery. I heard his little squeal and all I wanted to do was touch him and hold him. I thought he might be cold or scared and that he needed his mommy. I told BW to go over and see him, and I just kept asking over and over again if the baby was ok. Everyone in the room kept telling me how great he was, but I had to see him to believe it. Finally, BW brought Charlie over to me and I got to hold him a little bit. BW went with him as they took him to the regular nursery - he weighed enough after all!
I guess I was getting sewed up and everything after that. I remember some more tugging and my doctor talking to me and my anaesthesiologist helping me out with nausea. Kimberly was then taking me to recovery and getting me warmed back up and comfortable. BW was with me then, though I am not exactly sure when he got to the recovery area. BW was wonderful throughout the whole thing. He was perfectly calm and helped me be calm. He kept assuring me that everything was fine and that the baby was great. I don't remember exactly what time I got to my room, but on the way to my room, Kimberly stopped at the nursery and held Charlie up for me to see. All I wanted was to hold him, and I was thrilled when they finally gave him to me a few hours later. He just had to get his temperature regulated.
Charlie was so tiny and absolutely perfect. He never had a bit of trouble breathing. He was lazy at eating at first, but that's just sort of status quo for a preemie. He looked to me like a miniature baby, like a doll. My other babies had been at least two pounds heavier and an inch longer than he was. Charlie was just a sweet little cuddler and I was overwhelmed with love and thankfulness that after everything, he had come out perfect and healthy, even though he was small.
After awhile, BW went home to get a little bit of sleep and to get a few things from home. We didn't even bring our camera (I was sure I would be going home the night before!)! After BW left, the nurses wanted me to get up to go to the bathroom. The first few times, I wasn't sure how I'd be able to do it. But by the time the day passed, BW came back and spent the day with me, and the night crew came on, I was getting out of bed alone. 24 hours hadn't even passed by that time, so I was pretty proud of myself! My doctor told me that if I continued to do well and could tolerate food till lunch the next day, I could go home. So, I did! Charlie was born at midnight on the 12th; we went home at about 5PM on the 13th! My parents were already at our house and though I was in pain right when I got home, things got better and I was so happy to be home early and recovering there.
My parents left yesterday. We are all doing well. Charlie is the sweetest, and a really good baby. I am so relaxed this time around, and also very aware that this will be our last newborn. I have been enjoying this little boy more than I can say. I hold him too much, I spoil him, the kids hold him and kiss him while BW and I ooh and ahh . . . I keep remembering how uptight and scared I was when Chicken Nugget was born nine years ago. I was so worried about so many things that I missed out on enjoying lots of things with her. Not so with Charlie. I am probably doing things that would curl the hair of baby experts everywhere, but I am having so much fun, and I think Charlie is too. We are blessed beyond blessing to have this sweet baby boy join our family. I can't wait to share him with all of you! I hope we can see you soon. Much love to you all -
I was totally shocked! But Dr. F had told me not to wait if I started having lots of contractions. That's because the ultrasound earlier that day had showed that Charlie was still footling breech, with lots of cord bunched up under his legs. If my water were to break, things could get really dangerous. So Dr. F wanted to proceed while things were still safe.
We had a good time talking, laughing, and relaxing with our nurse and Dr. F. I was lucky that Dr. F didn't have any other deliveries that night, so she had time to just hang out with us before the surgery. I got my IV and BW got his scrubs and we just waited to be taken to surgery. I got into the OR at about 11:30PM or so.
My nurse, Kimberly, went with me to the OR and helped me while I got my epidural. It was the easiest epidural I've ever had administered. There was very little pain and the weird feelings in my back went away really quickly. I don't remember a lot of things about the surgery, at least, I don't remember everything exactly in sequence. But I do remember that I kept thinking, this is it? No waiting, no pushing? Hm . . . maybe I should have done this before! I also felt lots of tugging and pulling, and then Charlie was out at 12:04AM! I started crying and asking if he was ok. I heard something about him maybe not weighing enough to go to the regular newborn nursery. I heard his little squeal and all I wanted to do was touch him and hold him. I thought he might be cold or scared and that he needed his mommy. I told BW to go over and see him, and I just kept asking over and over again if the baby was ok. Everyone in the room kept telling me how great he was, but I had to see him to believe it. Finally, BW brought Charlie over to me and I got to hold him a little bit. BW went with him as they took him to the regular nursery - he weighed enough after all!
I guess I was getting sewed up and everything after that. I remember some more tugging and my doctor talking to me and my anaesthesiologist helping me out with nausea. Kimberly was then taking me to recovery and getting me warmed back up and comfortable. BW was with me then, though I am not exactly sure when he got to the recovery area. BW was wonderful throughout the whole thing. He was perfectly calm and helped me be calm. He kept assuring me that everything was fine and that the baby was great. I don't remember exactly what time I got to my room, but on the way to my room, Kimberly stopped at the nursery and held Charlie up for me to see. All I wanted was to hold him, and I was thrilled when they finally gave him to me a few hours later. He just had to get his temperature regulated.
Charlie was so tiny and absolutely perfect. He never had a bit of trouble breathing. He was lazy at eating at first, but that's just sort of status quo for a preemie. He looked to me like a miniature baby, like a doll. My other babies had been at least two pounds heavier and an inch longer than he was. Charlie was just a sweet little cuddler and I was overwhelmed with love and thankfulness that after everything, he had come out perfect and healthy, even though he was small.
After awhile, BW went home to get a little bit of sleep and to get a few things from home. We didn't even bring our camera (I was sure I would be going home the night before!)! After BW left, the nurses wanted me to get up to go to the bathroom. The first few times, I wasn't sure how I'd be able to do it. But by the time the day passed, BW came back and spent the day with me, and the night crew came on, I was getting out of bed alone. 24 hours hadn't even passed by that time, so I was pretty proud of myself! My doctor told me that if I continued to do well and could tolerate food till lunch the next day, I could go home. So, I did! Charlie was born at midnight on the 12th; we went home at about 5PM on the 13th! My parents were already at our house and though I was in pain right when I got home, things got better and I was so happy to be home early and recovering there.
My parents left yesterday. We are all doing well. Charlie is the sweetest, and a really good baby. I am so relaxed this time around, and also very aware that this will be our last newborn. I have been enjoying this little boy more than I can say. I hold him too much, I spoil him, the kids hold him and kiss him while BW and I ooh and ahh . . . I keep remembering how uptight and scared I was when Chicken Nugget was born nine years ago. I was so worried about so many things that I missed out on enjoying lots of things with her. Not so with Charlie. I am probably doing things that would curl the hair of baby experts everywhere, but I am having so much fun, and I think Charlie is too. We are blessed beyond blessing to have this sweet baby boy join our family. I can't wait to share him with all of you! I hope we can see you soon. Much love to you all -
A Few Pictures
Our homemade "basinette." Our friend Kelly called him Baby Moses. :o)
Charlie with our friend T
My dad loves Baby Charlie.
So does my mom. He's hard not to love!Friday, June 13, 2008
ANNOUNCING!
Announcing the arrival of
Charles Edward Sickle
"Charlie"
Born June 12, 2008
12:04 AM
5 pounds
12 ounces
18 inches
All of that and cute as can be!
Pictures to come.
Charles Edward Sickle
"Charlie"
Born June 12, 2008
12:04 AM
5 pounds
12 ounces
18 inches
All of that and cute as can be!
Pictures to come.
Monday, June 09, 2008
A Few New Summer Pics - Sprinkler Day!
After the sprinkler
Sisters!
Funny Face!
Big smile
Sprinkler Fun!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Oh, I C!
Today at my dr. appt., Baby Boy was still breech. And in the middle of the ultrasound, he leaned his head back and was almost transverse . . . and then he re-breeched himself. He's footling breech, actually. So Dr. F went ahead and scheduled my C-section.
I really am OK with it. When I first heard of the possibility, I was a little scared. It wasn't my ideal. I didn't know what to expect. But I have since been educating myself and talking to my friends that have had C-sections. Actually, most women I know have had C-sections. And they survived! And across the board, every single one of my friends whom I have consulted regarding the subject had this to say:
"It is really not that bad."
No horror stories. No moans and groans. Just helpful advice and lots of encouragement.
I've also been comforted by the articles I've read. I think it would be more silly of me to just sit around and be scared and wonder about it, rather than find out all I can about what to expect. I know that my experience will be somewhat different from everyone else's, but learning about the basics has made me feel lots better.
Baby Boy still has a chance to flip, but if not, we'll be meeting him in three weeks!
I really am OK with it. When I first heard of the possibility, I was a little scared. It wasn't my ideal. I didn't know what to expect. But I have since been educating myself and talking to my friends that have had C-sections. Actually, most women I know have had C-sections. And they survived! And across the board, every single one of my friends whom I have consulted regarding the subject had this to say:
"It is really not that bad."
No horror stories. No moans and groans. Just helpful advice and lots of encouragement.
I've also been comforted by the articles I've read. I think it would be more silly of me to just sit around and be scared and wonder about it, rather than find out all I can about what to expect. I know that my experience will be somewhat different from everyone else's, but learning about the basics has made me feel lots better.
Baby Boy still has a chance to flip, but if not, we'll be meeting him in three weeks!
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