Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Back to "Normal"
Well the last post was Z's first hospital visit. Since then, Daniel's step-dad suddenly passed away. Ezekiel stopped walking well. Z had a second hospital visit, and Daniel is now searching for another job. The latter hasn't been too publicized. I'll explain more on that after he gets another job.
Something happened, and Z can no longer run or walk correctly. His left leg has almost no muscle. His right leg is stronger than I've ever seen from a 3 year old. He had another severe asthma attack in October. We thought we were capable of keeping it away, but we weren't. Now, he gets allergy medicine everyday. He gets 2 medicines daily via nebulizer. If the coughing is more than just a little, we have another medicine to give him. So far, we've been able to keep the asthma under control since then.
Finances are super-tight, especially since we are living off of one salary. The doctor & hospital bills are piling up, but God is so good! We trust him completely. He is taking care of us, and the mountain tops will come.
Something happened, and Z can no longer run or walk correctly. His left leg has almost no muscle. His right leg is stronger than I've ever seen from a 3 year old. He had another severe asthma attack in October. We thought we were capable of keeping it away, but we weren't. Now, he gets allergy medicine everyday. He gets 2 medicines daily via nebulizer. If the coughing is more than just a little, we have another medicine to give him. So far, we've been able to keep the asthma under control since then.
Finances are super-tight, especially since we are living off of one salary. The doctor & hospital bills are piling up, but God is so good! We trust him completely. He is taking care of us, and the mountain tops will come.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
The madness that was the the HOSPITAL
Two weekends ago, Malachi started to feel bad and was getting a cold. Ezekiel got the cold the next day, then Daddy, then me. When Z gets a cold, his asthma flares; so we start to do breathing treatments to try to keep it under control. This was only the 2nd time that he had been sick since his surgery in April. The firs time, we were able to keep it under control with about 2 days of strict treatments. This time didn't seem any different. On Monday (2nd week of school), I took Malachi to school (since he didn't have a fever), and Daniel and Z stayed home b/c they were both pretty puny from the colds. They both were able to rest ad seemed a little better. Tuesday morning, Malachi had a dentist appointment to take care of 2 fillings (of the 5 cavities). Since I had already planned to be late for work, I decided I would take Z and then take him to the doc after the dentist visit for Malachi. We left the dentist at about 9:30am. Z wasn't feeling well and having a more difficult time breathing than a few min. before, but I thought he would be ok for about 30 minutes. I drove Malachi to school. When I took Malachi into the school office, Z was really pale and threw up in the office. He had been screaming in the car. It was about 10 more min. to the doc.
When we got there, I paid my money and asked if he could be taken to a room for a breathing treatment. He had been asking for one, and I knew he was due soon.As soon as she saw him, she rushed him back to the room and was starting to fuss at me for waiting so long. Really, woman, he hadn't been like that for long, and he'd never gotten pale like that before with an asthma attack. They pulled his doc out of the room that he was working in. They ordered him a breathing treatment quickly and called for an ambulance! I wasn't sure that they were really doing that until the paramedics showed up. His blood oxygen level had dropped to the low 80s. It's supposed to be 98-100. 95 is ok for a child having an asthma attack. Low 80s are not!So, Z and I got our first ambulance ride! Found out later, it was the first time the dr. office had to call for an ambulance, too.
Anywhoo, they didn't turn on the lights or siren, but we were heading to the ER with oxygen running into Z to keep him stable. If he didn't have a treatment or oxygen running his blood-ox level would immediately drop. I called Daniel and my work on the way. Since, I was planning on coming in for the 2nd half of my day, they had to get teachers to cover the last 3 classes. Daniel was quite upset (as I was when the tables were turned) and had to stop for gas but arrived at the hospital about the same time as we did int he ambulance. They monitored him from about 11:15 to 2:15, when he was released. He shouldn't have been, but he was doing some better. They gave him a steroid shot and sent me home with more prescriptions for stuff we had at home. Daniel dropped me off at the dr. office to get my car, and I went in to talk to the dr. I made an appt. for Z the next morning at 8am.
He didn't sleep well that night. We had to do treatments throughout the night and his breathing was really labored. I went into worked exhausted that morning and let Daniel take Z, thinking that he would be fine. Right as the kids were coming down the hall, I noticed I had a text from Daniel. The doc was sending Z back to the hospital but bypassing the ER and going to the Pediatric ICU. They could keep a good eye on his blood oxygen levels and other vitals that were dipping and rising with inconsistency. So, then it was my turn to be upset. I went to the office and told them what happened and that I needed to leave. They were totally ok with it, and reassured me it would be fine. I was very blessed to have a wonderful friend working next door who made "plans" for my class, and a sub picked up the absence for that day and would be there soon.
The doctor said that Z never should have been released from the ER the day before and just needed to spend a night in the hospital with breathing treatments, oxygen, and extra monitoring. His blood oxygen levels had to level out and improve. He was admitted around 10am to the PICU on Wednesday, Sept 1. They did X-rays, blood tests, and gave him an IV b/c he was a little dehydrated. He was put on a continuous treatment. He didn't really eat much that night. None of us got much sleep that night. Daniel and I both stayed at the hospital, and Malachi was picked up and taken care of by my wonderful school friend. He thought it was fun to have a sleepover on a school night with a 2nd grader and an almost 3 year old. Daniel went home for a few hours that night but came back later b/c he couldn't sleep.
The next morning, it was evident that we weren't going home that day. I went home to shower and pick up some late breakfast for Daniel and I. Thursday afternoon around 3pm, he was moved to a normal pediatric room with a simpler machine to basically just monitor heart rate and blood oxygen. They wanted him to get up and go walk and play in the toy room. It was a good idea b/c he was beginning to feel much better by then. He got pretty good at playing with toys with just one hand, since the other one was splinted with the IV.
When he took his nap, finally, around 4pm-ish, without oxygen assistance, his blood oxygen level dropped, again. They had to put the oxygen on him while he slept. We were looking at ANOTHER night in the hospital if he could not sleep at night without oxygen assistance. Lots of people were praying from all over the world, and we felt those prayers that night. Daniel took Malachi home and would take him to school the next day, while I stayed with Z. He slept all night long and kept his blood oxygen level around 95! He never had to have oxygen! What a miracle!!!
Since, he did so well, we were able to be discharged from the hospital on Friday morning and were able to leave around 11am. But, there's more... Daniel took Malachi to school. He walked him to the cafeteria for breakfast. Malachi walked in, and Daniel left. A few minutes later, Malachi walked out of the cafeteria and up to the front of the school looking for his Daddy. The teachers/staff out front noticed him crying and took him to get breakfast, which he declined it all (b/c he couldn't eat most of it). When he complained that he was still hungry, they took him to the nurse and hey gave him a granola bar with almonds. Then, they noticed all of his food allergies and called us. I told them he's never had almonds, but if he wasn't complaining of feeling nauseous then he must not be allergic. She called me back on the way home from the hospital to say that he needed to be picked up, and he was complaining of ear pain.
I asked Daniel to pick him up b/c I was in the car with Z and needed to get him home for a breathing treatment. I, then, called the dr. and set up an appointment for Malachi at 1pm. So, I got home at 11:30. Daddy and Malachi got there at noon. I, then, got a quick shower and left the house at 12:30 to take Malachi to the dr. We both thought it would be nothing but homesickness. The doc looked in his ears, and he had an infection in each ear, not super-horrible, but infected. His cold had finally given him ear infections, and we hadn't seen him enough/noticed him enough to know that he really was "sick," too.
All went well until Saturday afternoon. Z started limping and still had a fever. Sunday, he was pretty bad at church, so I left early to take him to the urgent care. They said it was just exhaustion. Monday was Labor day, and we just chilled. He was still limping everywhere. Daniel took him for a follow up on Tuesday morning. The wonderful doc said it was a virus and may have been what caused the horrible asthma attack. The virus was set to last 7-10 days. It is now, at least day 10. He has refused to walk since he got up Friday morning. I guess he is going back to the dr. tomorrow.
Tuesday also marked the time that Malachi began crying, screaming, and chasing me out the door every morning at school. We kept trying other stuff, but nothing worked. We're initiating plan Q tomorrow morning by getting his 2nd grade friend to hang with him and take him to class. I can't take another week of this. This past weekend was rough. I was feeling some depression coming on from all the stress. I missed 4 days of school in the 2nd week of school. All 4 days of the 3rd week began with a crying, attached 5 year old. Saturday, I was able to get a last-min. babysitter, so Daniel and I could go out. Sunday was restful, just watching football and doing laundry. I'm praying that God will revolutionize this week because I've just about reached my breaking point.
When we got there, I paid my money and asked if he could be taken to a room for a breathing treatment. He had been asking for one, and I knew he was due soon.As soon as she saw him, she rushed him back to the room and was starting to fuss at me for waiting so long. Really, woman, he hadn't been like that for long, and he'd never gotten pale like that before with an asthma attack. They pulled his doc out of the room that he was working in. They ordered him a breathing treatment quickly and called for an ambulance! I wasn't sure that they were really doing that until the paramedics showed up. His blood oxygen level had dropped to the low 80s. It's supposed to be 98-100. 95 is ok for a child having an asthma attack. Low 80s are not!So, Z and I got our first ambulance ride! Found out later, it was the first time the dr. office had to call for an ambulance, too.
Anywhoo, they didn't turn on the lights or siren, but we were heading to the ER with oxygen running into Z to keep him stable. If he didn't have a treatment or oxygen running his blood-ox level would immediately drop. I called Daniel and my work on the way. Since, I was planning on coming in for the 2nd half of my day, they had to get teachers to cover the last 3 classes. Daniel was quite upset (as I was when the tables were turned) and had to stop for gas but arrived at the hospital about the same time as we did int he ambulance. They monitored him from about 11:15 to 2:15, when he was released. He shouldn't have been, but he was doing some better. They gave him a steroid shot and sent me home with more prescriptions for stuff we had at home. Daniel dropped me off at the dr. office to get my car, and I went in to talk to the dr. I made an appt. for Z the next morning at 8am.
He didn't sleep well that night. We had to do treatments throughout the night and his breathing was really labored. I went into worked exhausted that morning and let Daniel take Z, thinking that he would be fine. Right as the kids were coming down the hall, I noticed I had a text from Daniel. The doc was sending Z back to the hospital but bypassing the ER and going to the Pediatric ICU. They could keep a good eye on his blood oxygen levels and other vitals that were dipping and rising with inconsistency. So, then it was my turn to be upset. I went to the office and told them what happened and that I needed to leave. They were totally ok with it, and reassured me it would be fine. I was very blessed to have a wonderful friend working next door who made "plans" for my class, and a sub picked up the absence for that day and would be there soon.
The doctor said that Z never should have been released from the ER the day before and just needed to spend a night in the hospital with breathing treatments, oxygen, and extra monitoring. His blood oxygen levels had to level out and improve. He was admitted around 10am to the PICU on Wednesday, Sept 1. They did X-rays, blood tests, and gave him an IV b/c he was a little dehydrated. He was put on a continuous treatment. He didn't really eat much that night. None of us got much sleep that night. Daniel and I both stayed at the hospital, and Malachi was picked up and taken care of by my wonderful school friend. He thought it was fun to have a sleepover on a school night with a 2nd grader and an almost 3 year old. Daniel went home for a few hours that night but came back later b/c he couldn't sleep.
The next morning, it was evident that we weren't going home that day. I went home to shower and pick up some late breakfast for Daniel and I. Thursday afternoon around 3pm, he was moved to a normal pediatric room with a simpler machine to basically just monitor heart rate and blood oxygen. They wanted him to get up and go walk and play in the toy room. It was a good idea b/c he was beginning to feel much better by then. He got pretty good at playing with toys with just one hand, since the other one was splinted with the IV.
When he took his nap, finally, around 4pm-ish, without oxygen assistance, his blood oxygen level dropped, again. They had to put the oxygen on him while he slept. We were looking at ANOTHER night in the hospital if he could not sleep at night without oxygen assistance. Lots of people were praying from all over the world, and we felt those prayers that night. Daniel took Malachi home and would take him to school the next day, while I stayed with Z. He slept all night long and kept his blood oxygen level around 95! He never had to have oxygen! What a miracle!!!
Since, he did so well, we were able to be discharged from the hospital on Friday morning and were able to leave around 11am. But, there's more... Daniel took Malachi to school. He walked him to the cafeteria for breakfast. Malachi walked in, and Daniel left. A few minutes later, Malachi walked out of the cafeteria and up to the front of the school looking for his Daddy. The teachers/staff out front noticed him crying and took him to get breakfast, which he declined it all (b/c he couldn't eat most of it). When he complained that he was still hungry, they took him to the nurse and hey gave him a granola bar with almonds. Then, they noticed all of his food allergies and called us. I told them he's never had almonds, but if he wasn't complaining of feeling nauseous then he must not be allergic. She called me back on the way home from the hospital to say that he needed to be picked up, and he was complaining of ear pain.
I asked Daniel to pick him up b/c I was in the car with Z and needed to get him home for a breathing treatment. I, then, called the dr. and set up an appointment for Malachi at 1pm. So, I got home at 11:30. Daddy and Malachi got there at noon. I, then, got a quick shower and left the house at 12:30 to take Malachi to the dr. We both thought it would be nothing but homesickness. The doc looked in his ears, and he had an infection in each ear, not super-horrible, but infected. His cold had finally given him ear infections, and we hadn't seen him enough/noticed him enough to know that he really was "sick," too.
All went well until Saturday afternoon. Z started limping and still had a fever. Sunday, he was pretty bad at church, so I left early to take him to the urgent care. They said it was just exhaustion. Monday was Labor day, and we just chilled. He was still limping everywhere. Daniel took him for a follow up on Tuesday morning. The wonderful doc said it was a virus and may have been what caused the horrible asthma attack. The virus was set to last 7-10 days. It is now, at least day 10. He has refused to walk since he got up Friday morning. I guess he is going back to the dr. tomorrow.
Tuesday also marked the time that Malachi began crying, screaming, and chasing me out the door every morning at school. We kept trying other stuff, but nothing worked. We're initiating plan Q tomorrow morning by getting his 2nd grade friend to hang with him and take him to class. I can't take another week of this. This past weekend was rough. I was feeling some depression coming on from all the stress. I missed 4 days of school in the 2nd week of school. All 4 days of the 3rd week began with a crying, attached 5 year old. Saturday, I was able to get a last-min. babysitter, so Daniel and I could go out. Sunday was restful, just watching football and doing laundry. I'm praying that God will revolutionize this week because I've just about reached my breaking point.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Malachi's first day of school was Tuesday. He was so excited/nervous that he had a hard time falling asleep the night before. He also wouldn't eat breakfast. He talked my ear off for the 30-40 min. drive into Tampa and waiting in line. He was ready to get out and get into the classroom. We put his stuff away, found his seat again, and I tried to get him to sit down and color like the other kids. I had been in the room for about 10 min. Then, when he realized I was leaving, he began to cry. That made me cry. I was ok until then. I kept trying to leave, but the teacher was busy with other students. Finally, after about 20 min. in the room, his teacher had a moment to grab him. He was the only kid screaming and crying that Mom was leaving :(
It also rained all day on the first day, so he couldn't go out and play at school or in the sports after school program we put him in.
2nd day went great! He yelled bye to me when I dropped him off and willingly went to work at this desk.
3rd day went well, also. He got to get all sweaty in after school!!! Love it. He's been on "green" every day, which is the best you can get. He did, however, tell me on the way home that the girls who sit across from him told him he "wasn't smart." Then, he said, "I know I'm smart, Mommy." I'm glad he understands a little bit better. In VPK, he continually got comments like that from other classmates and was hit often. He didn't usually tell us. We didn't realize it was a big problem and really bothering him until he suddenly became violent towards others. Malachi has never been that aggressive towards anyone until that point. I think I will talk to his teacher in the morning, just to give her a head's up. Malachi didn't seem too upset, but I'm really surprised that children would say that on the 3rd day of school. That is usually an indication of things to come. Malachi is truly smart and belongs in K. I know, though, that he hasn't said a whole lot because he's still nervous and getting used to so many new people. It takes him a little while.
It also rained all day on the first day, so he couldn't go out and play at school or in the sports after school program we put him in.
2nd day went great! He yelled bye to me when I dropped him off and willingly went to work at this desk.
3rd day went well, also. He got to get all sweaty in after school!!! Love it. He's been on "green" every day, which is the best you can get. He did, however, tell me on the way home that the girls who sit across from him told him he "wasn't smart." Then, he said, "I know I'm smart, Mommy." I'm glad he understands a little bit better. In VPK, he continually got comments like that from other classmates and was hit often. He didn't usually tell us. We didn't realize it was a big problem and really bothering him until he suddenly became violent towards others. Malachi has never been that aggressive towards anyone until that point. I think I will talk to his teacher in the morning, just to give her a head's up. Malachi didn't seem too upset, but I'm really surprised that children would say that on the 3rd day of school. That is usually an indication of things to come. Malachi is truly smart and belongs in K. I know, though, that he hasn't said a whole lot because he's still nervous and getting used to so many new people. It takes him a little while.
just arrived at school, standing next to his new Lightning McQueen bookbag
dressed in his uniform, about to leave the house with Mommy
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Malachi's Going to SCHOOL!!!
On Tuesday, Malachi will start kindergarten. Last night he met his teacher. In total shy style, he didn't say a word to her, nor would he look at things or walk around the classroom. When he got up this morning, he asked if he could go to school. It's Saturday!!! I'm glad he's excited, but, seriously, kid.
His school has classrooms that have an opening between 2 rooms with bathrooms in between. It's a little weird, but I'm finding that is par for the course in this area of Florida. There are tons of books, stuff to do, and a jam-packed schedule. It looks like there are 18 kids, total, in his class.
His teacher seems very nice. She is 8 months pregnant, but the substitute was there at open house, too. I thought that was nice. I just hope that Malachi still likes being there by the end of next week :)
He has to be in the after school program at the school for about 2 and half hours until I get out of work. We had him transferred in the county that I teach in so we would have the same schedule. The county that we live in has a crazy-screwy schedule that would leave little time off together, so we opted for the easy schedule. Now I get to share my 30 min. car ride with a chatty 5 year old instead of being by myself. I think it will be nice....I hope.
We're all looking forward to Tuesday :) Malachi is ready...am I?
His school has classrooms that have an opening between 2 rooms with bathrooms in between. It's a little weird, but I'm finding that is par for the course in this area of Florida. There are tons of books, stuff to do, and a jam-packed schedule. It looks like there are 18 kids, total, in his class.
His teacher seems very nice. She is 8 months pregnant, but the substitute was there at open house, too. I thought that was nice. I just hope that Malachi still likes being there by the end of next week :)
He has to be in the after school program at the school for about 2 and half hours until I get out of work. We had him transferred in the county that I teach in so we would have the same schedule. The county that we live in has a crazy-screwy schedule that would leave little time off together, so we opted for the easy schedule. Now I get to share my 30 min. car ride with a chatty 5 year old instead of being by myself. I think it will be nice....I hope.
We're all looking forward to Tuesday :) Malachi is ready...am I?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Z-miles (Z's similes)
Lately, Ezekiel has been using a lot of similes. We determined today that he gets it from his daddy, but he comes up with some crazy ones. It is a simile because he is always using the word like and making a comparison.
For example...
Z-isms
For example...
- I don't like this blueberry muffin. It tastes like strawberries.
- It smells like a poot.
- Toodles can't talk. He's like a dog. Kiev can't talk.
Z-isms
- "I smell." - I smell something
- "Army" - Barney - he did correct it with some coaxing
- "Jeff" - giraffe
- "effant" - elephant
Friday, August 06, 2010
Look what I've done Lately!
The walls were white to begin with. It's still not done, yet, but I hope to get somewhat finished by next week, since it is my last week off before school starts.
This is our nursery at Z-hills FA. It needed some definite upgrades. Nursery is called tiny town.
It's been a long process, but I'm really proud of what I have accomplished. I've had a little help along the way, but most of it was all me. Super-excited to see the "finished" product.
This is our nursery at Z-hills FA. It needed some definite upgrades. Nursery is called tiny town.
It's been a long process, but I'm really proud of what I have accomplished. I've had a little help along the way, but most of it was all me. Super-excited to see the "finished" product.
Car Conversation with Daddy & his Boys
Malachi: "I was the first baby. That's why I was 4, now I'm 5."
Ezekiel: "I the second baby."
Daddy: "Who's going to be the third baby?"
Malachi: "I don't know. Mommy has to get fat for that."
How sad :)
Ezekiel: "I the second baby."
Daddy: "Who's going to be the third baby?"
Malachi: "I don't know. Mommy has to get fat for that."
How sad :)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Things I've overheard lately
Malachi to Z while playing with Lego people..."Z, can I have your baby, please?" (repeated, again, in case Z didn't hear) "Z, can I have your baby, please? I want to take him to the park."...Oh, now I get it. :)
Z to Malachi in the car on the way home from the movies..."Be careful when you drop popcorn on the floor. Be careful you don't eat it."
Monday, July 19, 2010
Dear Malachi,
We just got back from visiting NC for 2 weeks. While we were there, you had your 5th birthday. Last year, you had your 4th birthday in Florida while we were visiting and interviewing for the job. The last 2 birthdays have been spent away from "home." I'm sorry, buddy. Thankfully, you've had the "month of your birthday" and have enjoyed it.
I love you sooooo much, sweet boy. You are sweet, most of the time. You listen pretty well and LOVE to learn new things. You ask about 100 questions a day. Not always do the questions make sense or need to be asked, but I'm glad that you are learning from your surroundings. I know that you will do well in kindergarten next month. I'm looking forward to seeing you begin to read and spell. You haven't made all the phonics connections yet, but your phonemic awareness is awesome!!! (I know, I'm a dork. I learned the difference in my reading courses I have to take).
More and more, I desire to homeschool and stay home with you (and your brother). Malachi, because you learn so much from your surroundings, you often pick up bad habits/choices from friends and family. I want you to make the right choices. You are soooooo stubborn and try to throw fits, something you rarely did until the past year. You stomp your feet and make noises and try to be upset. I know you do this to get your way and not because you are truly mad, because I can easily get you laughing to change your mood. You would probably learn best from someone else in a school-setting, but I would love to try to teach you. I'm not totally sure how efficient the teachers are at your school, but I hope you will get a good one who likes you for who you are.
You can be cuddly and affectionate when you want to be. Sometimes you are a little too touchy. I'm trying to work with you on that. You will understand why later, but more than that you just need to listen and be less clingy with things that are new. You can be a great helper, when you want to be. Other times you are the biggest hindrance to progress. Overall, you are an INCREDIBLE child. I'm am soooo thankful for God sending you to us. I love to see you grow and learn.
Even though you were fully tongue-tied at birth. Your little "surgery" has seemed to help. I don't detect any speech problems. There are a few words/sounds that we are working on now, but they are not problematic and repetitive. You can use every sound in the English language. We just have to break some bad habits.
You've also been through a lot this past year with your little brother being so sick. You missed out on a lot of attention because our efforts had to be focused on Z. You were jealous at times, which is totally warranted, but, overall, you handled it well. I try to spend special time with you only, now. Usually, though, you want Z around. He's your buddy. I'm thankful for how well the 2 of you are friends and play together. We hope to add some little ones to our family later that would be close together like you and Z. Because you are so gracious with your brother, I know that you will be gracious with little brothers/sisters. I worry more about Z than you when it comes to this issue.
Responsible can also be another word to describe you. You know your allergies. You know what you can eat and what you can't. If you want to try something new, and I say know because I'm not sure how you will react, you accept the answer and move on. You will tell people who forget about your allergies or what you can't eat. How great you handle it!!! I am so thankful that So Delicious makes soy ice cream! At VBS a few weeks ago, you had your first soda float with vanilla ice cream! Every kid should be able to have vanilla ice cream! You were excited, and I was excited for you that you could be like every other kid and have a float. That doesn't always happen. You have your own cheese, too. Veggie cheese (made from tofu, I guess) is a wonderful thing to have. We can make you cheeseburger mac or just plain mac n cheese, now. You adore it!
I love you, Malachi James! I can't wait to take you to your first day of school and, then, receive my middle schooler (teary-eyed). You are a wonderful child and young man. I'm looking forward to seeing you grow even more. Love you!!!
-Momma
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
What we've been up to...
Since Malachi's VPK graduation we have been very busy. Grammy and Grandpa came to visit. We went to the beach. We had VBS at church. We've been painting the nursery at church. Malachi, Ezekiel, and I traveled to NC to visit family and friends. Malachi had a birthday. Malachi still hasn't had his official birthday party yet, but we've got one in the works for when we get back. We are in the midst of the "month of Malach's birthday."
My 2 favorite little buddies
Hangin' in the gulf waters
Our beach set-up and Daniel's nap spot
"Delmar Roamer" & tour guide during Route 254 VBS
Handy Manny's power saw
Lightning McQueen backpack for starting real school (sniff, sniff)
Buzz Lightyear & Woody pajamas
Buzz Lightyear & Woody
This is made out of Legos!
Yay, for taking 3 hours to put it together with a 5 year old.
My 2 favorite little buddies
Hangin' in the gulf waters
Our beach set-up and Daniel's nap spot
"Delmar Roamer" & tour guide during Route 254 VBS
Handy Manny's power saw
Lightning McQueen backpack for starting real school (sniff, sniff)
Buzz Lightyear & Woody pajamas
Buzz Lightyear & Woody
This is made out of Legos!Yay, for taking 3 hours to put it together with a 5 year old.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Pre-Kindergarten Graduation
Tonight Malachi had his VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) graduation. He was supposed to deliver the opening prayer. He didn't. He didn't participate in singing. He wouldn't even walk to get his "diploma." His teacher said he did it perfectly in practice, but he was the one kid who did NOTHING but stand there. Poor guy was mortified to be in front of strangers.
Malachi saying the prayer in the microphone :)
Malachi singing "this little light of mine"
Malachi saying the prayer in the microphone :)
Malachi singing "this little light of mine"
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Z-isms
- "back birds" - back wards
- "I love you a big much!"
- "Bu-bite-ear" - Buzz Lightyear
- "Toodles can't talk. He's a dog like Kiev." - that was a good analogy but don't know where that came from, other than a conversation about Toodles talking on an episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Z's Surgery
On Wednesday, May 5, Ezekiel went under anesthesia again. The first time was for tubes in his ears. It was June of 2008. This time was for tubes in his ears, again, tonsils and adenoids out, and his tongue clipped. He is partially tongue-tied. I wasn't worried about the anesthesia but the fact that he was going to be cut up in his head. The dr. had already said that his tonsils were huge.
The surgery went fine. He was scheduled to go back at 11:15am. We had to arrive at 9:15am but got there at 9. He wasn't taken back to surgery until noon---long morning. I didn't eat breakfast since he couldn't eat. I didn't eat lunch while we were waiting on him. I had some pretzels. He was out of surgery by about 1. He did NOT wake up well. He cried for an hour. Once they stopped poking him and let him lay down, he went right to sleep on me for about an hour. When he woke up, he wasn't crying. That night he ate about 4-5 popsicles and a small thing of ice cream. He fell asleep about 8:30pm and was ready to be up the next morning around 7:30am. Of course, he woke up a few times and was awakened by the nurses a few times to check vitals or the IV machine going off, but he ate all his eggs for breakfast and had another popsicle before the eggs. The dr. came by about 9am, and we left by about 10.
Ezekiel wanted Malachi, so I took a shower and we picked up Malachi at noon. We went to Sonny's b/c Z had been begging before the surgery for their mac n cheese. So, we had a special lunch with the boys. Then we all took a long nap (except for Malachi who watched tv). He's done pretty well sleeping and hasn't awakened a bunch in the middle of the night. We keep lortab in Z every 4 hours, and he's ok.
Here are some pictures of him at the hospital (before & after) and a video of him with the medicine to relax him.
The surgery went fine. He was scheduled to go back at 11:15am. We had to arrive at 9:15am but got there at 9. He wasn't taken back to surgery until noon---long morning. I didn't eat breakfast since he couldn't eat. I didn't eat lunch while we were waiting on him. I had some pretzels. He was out of surgery by about 1. He did NOT wake up well. He cried for an hour. Once they stopped poking him and let him lay down, he went right to sleep on me for about an hour. When he woke up, he wasn't crying. That night he ate about 4-5 popsicles and a small thing of ice cream. He fell asleep about 8:30pm and was ready to be up the next morning around 7:30am. Of course, he woke up a few times and was awakened by the nurses a few times to check vitals or the IV machine going off, but he ate all his eggs for breakfast and had another popsicle before the eggs. The dr. came by about 9am, and we left by about 10.
Ezekiel wanted Malachi, so I took a shower and we picked up Malachi at noon. We went to Sonny's b/c Z had been begging before the surgery for their mac n cheese. So, we had a special lunch with the boys. Then we all took a long nap (except for Malachi who watched tv). He's done pretty well sleeping and hasn't awakened a bunch in the middle of the night. We keep lortab in Z every 4 hours, and he's ok.
Here are some pictures of him at the hospital (before & after) and a video of him with the medicine to relax him.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Apparantly, my kitchen is a dance floor!
The boys had a good time showing off their dance skills tonight.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A Restaurant Maker
On the way home from the doctor, Malachi began asking about school and grades (like 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) I told him that 12th was the last grade, and then you could go to college. He asked me what you did after college. My response: get a job. He said he didn't want to get a job. I told him that he couldn't live with mom and dad forever and eventually had to make money. He said he didn't want to make money, but then sat for about 15 seconds thinking about what I had said.
"Mommy, what job should I have?"
Well, do you want to be a children's pastor like Daddy? "Nooo"
Do you want to be a teacher like Mommy? "Nooo"
Do you want to work with money and numbers like Grandpa? "Nooooo"
Police man? "no" Fireman? "no" Baker? "no" Chef and cook food for others? "no"
"How about a RESTAURANT MAKER, Mommy? I want to cook food for people."
You mean a chef, right? "No, a restaurant maker and MAKE food in a RESTAURANT."
Oooooohhhhh!!!! Now I get it.
"Mommy, what job should I have?"
Well, do you want to be a children's pastor like Daddy? "Nooo"
Do you want to be a teacher like Mommy? "Nooo"
Do you want to work with money and numbers like Grandpa? "Nooooo"
Police man? "no" Fireman? "no" Baker? "no" Chef and cook food for others? "no"
"How about a RESTAURANT MAKER, Mommy? I want to cook food for people."
You mean a chef, right? "No, a restaurant maker and MAKE food in a RESTAURANT."
Oooooohhhhh!!!! Now I get it.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
God's Blessings
I know I should post about our recent cruise or how the boys are doing for family & entertainment value, but I first have to talk about God's goodness to us in the past year and a half.
Jan. 2009 - Grandpa Bill passed away. He was suffering and partly out of his mind. It is never fun to lose someone you love, but we are thankful he is definitely with you and out of total pain. It was a rough time for Daniel's side of the family (and still is), but God has been Matthew 11:28-30. He has brought rest and taken our yoke upon Him. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I'm sad that He is gone but so grateful that God has carried us through it. It was hard to explain it (for the first time) to little boys who had just been given life, but, again, God helped us through that.
Feb.-Mar 2009 - The doctor found a lump in my left breast. It wasn't a cyst like they hoped. I chose to do a biopsy and discovered it was a benign tumor. It may grow but would never be cancer. I went through a whirlwind of emotions at that point in time. It was then, that God taught me one of the greatest lessons I have ever learned---I have no control over my life. It took a bible study on a minor prophet brought by Pastor Derrick Ross, for me to see that whatever the outcome of the biopsy, God was in total control. I had no control over my life and it needed to be that way. I like to be in control, and I thought I had given God control many years ago, but at that time I realized, I had to give it up. I am so thankful for that lesson and the experience. Yes, I am thankful for a lump. It is a reminder, often, of how great our God truly is. It could have been cancer. God knew what I needed at that time. He was also prepping me for the next few months and the rest of the year. I don't know if the changes that came later would have happened, if He hadn't of brought this about.
April-May 2009 - I was desperate for change. Our finances were out of control. I wanted Daniel to quit the ministry but was praying and believing for a change. We didn't make enough money working our 2 jobs to make ends meet. We got further behind each week.
June 2009 - The day after my last day of teaching, Daniel submitted his resume to 3-4 churches. I had just completed my fourth and final year of teaching in an NC public school and had "paid off" my debt of service to the NC Teaching Fellows scholarship program. Daniel got 2 return contacts from 2 churches about bringing him on as a full-time children's pastor.
July 2009 (beginning) - We interviewed at Zephyrhills, First Assembly in Florida. Daniel accepted the job. We began to pack and renovate the house to get ready to sell. This was Daniel's first move out of the Concord area. This was my first move since we moved AWAY from Florida when I was 6.
July 30, 2009 - We moved to z-hills into a 2 bedroom, 1 bath rental single-wide trailer. It was cramped and small but a blessing. The rent was cheap, and it gave us time to look for a house to buy. We began our first full-time ministry to children.
August 20, 2009 (Wed)- I submitted my application to Hillsborough county (Tampa) and my resume to a few schools because Pasco had no jobs.
August 21, 2009 (Thur)- I was contacted and went in for an interview for a Reading position at Liberty. They said they would let me know. I felt the interview went well.
August 22, 2009 (Fri)- I was contacted and went in for a 2nd interview for this reading position at Liberty. I was informally offered the job. Since I would be teaching "out of field," I had to be approved by the assistant superintendent.
August 25, 2009 (Mon) - This was the first day back for teachers. I was called that afternoon and officially offered the job.
August 26, 2009 (Tues) - I began working at Liberty. Praise the Lord!
September 2009 - We put in an offer on a house in Z-hills and closed on our house in Concord in the same week! All that God had promised He would do, He did!
August 2009-April 2010 - Ezekiel has been very sick. He went to the ENT and was decided he needed tubes back in his ears, again, tonsils removed, adenoids removed, and his tongue-clipped. We waited to see if the insurance was going to cover it. It seems they will!
April 2010 - Z was slapped with a pre-existing condition by the insurance company until Nov. of 2010 for asthma. I believe the Lord has promised that his surgery will be his healing, and this fact won't matter. His surgery will provide the means needed to keep his lungs healthy, too. I am looking forward to God doing another miracle in our lives!
May 5, 2010 - Z's surgery is scheduled, and God will "show off" in our lives again!
Thank you, Lord, for all your many blessings and all the things you have done for us. We can never repay you but are so incredibly thankful that You love us so much!
Jan. 2009 - Grandpa Bill passed away. He was suffering and partly out of his mind. It is never fun to lose someone you love, but we are thankful he is definitely with you and out of total pain. It was a rough time for Daniel's side of the family (and still is), but God has been Matthew 11:28-30. He has brought rest and taken our yoke upon Him. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I'm sad that He is gone but so grateful that God has carried us through it. It was hard to explain it (for the first time) to little boys who had just been given life, but, again, God helped us through that.
Feb.-Mar 2009 - The doctor found a lump in my left breast. It wasn't a cyst like they hoped. I chose to do a biopsy and discovered it was a benign tumor. It may grow but would never be cancer. I went through a whirlwind of emotions at that point in time. It was then, that God taught me one of the greatest lessons I have ever learned---I have no control over my life. It took a bible study on a minor prophet brought by Pastor Derrick Ross, for me to see that whatever the outcome of the biopsy, God was in total control. I had no control over my life and it needed to be that way. I like to be in control, and I thought I had given God control many years ago, but at that time I realized, I had to give it up. I am so thankful for that lesson and the experience. Yes, I am thankful for a lump. It is a reminder, often, of how great our God truly is. It could have been cancer. God knew what I needed at that time. He was also prepping me for the next few months and the rest of the year. I don't know if the changes that came later would have happened, if He hadn't of brought this about.
April-May 2009 - I was desperate for change. Our finances were out of control. I wanted Daniel to quit the ministry but was praying and believing for a change. We didn't make enough money working our 2 jobs to make ends meet. We got further behind each week.
June 2009 - The day after my last day of teaching, Daniel submitted his resume to 3-4 churches. I had just completed my fourth and final year of teaching in an NC public school and had "paid off" my debt of service to the NC Teaching Fellows scholarship program. Daniel got 2 return contacts from 2 churches about bringing him on as a full-time children's pastor.
July 2009 (beginning) - We interviewed at Zephyrhills, First Assembly in Florida. Daniel accepted the job. We began to pack and renovate the house to get ready to sell. This was Daniel's first move out of the Concord area. This was my first move since we moved AWAY from Florida when I was 6.
July 30, 2009 - We moved to z-hills into a 2 bedroom, 1 bath rental single-wide trailer. It was cramped and small but a blessing. The rent was cheap, and it gave us time to look for a house to buy. We began our first full-time ministry to children.
August 20, 2009 (Wed)- I submitted my application to Hillsborough county (Tampa) and my resume to a few schools because Pasco had no jobs.
August 21, 2009 (Thur)- I was contacted and went in for an interview for a Reading position at Liberty. They said they would let me know. I felt the interview went well.
August 22, 2009 (Fri)- I was contacted and went in for a 2nd interview for this reading position at Liberty. I was informally offered the job. Since I would be teaching "out of field," I had to be approved by the assistant superintendent.
August 25, 2009 (Mon) - This was the first day back for teachers. I was called that afternoon and officially offered the job.
August 26, 2009 (Tues) - I began working at Liberty. Praise the Lord!
September 2009 - We put in an offer on a house in Z-hills and closed on our house in Concord in the same week! All that God had promised He would do, He did!
August 2009-April 2010 - Ezekiel has been very sick. He went to the ENT and was decided he needed tubes back in his ears, again, tonsils removed, adenoids removed, and his tongue-clipped. We waited to see if the insurance was going to cover it. It seems they will!
April 2010 - Z was slapped with a pre-existing condition by the insurance company until Nov. of 2010 for asthma. I believe the Lord has promised that his surgery will be his healing, and this fact won't matter. His surgery will provide the means needed to keep his lungs healthy, too. I am looking forward to God doing another miracle in our lives!
May 5, 2010 - Z's surgery is scheduled, and God will "show off" in our lives again!
Thank you, Lord, for all your many blessings and all the things you have done for us. We can never repay you but are so incredibly thankful that You love us so much!
Monday, April 05, 2010
Fun with Sponge Animals
Grammy bought and brought the little capsules with animal sponges inside. Unfortunately, she didn't get to do them with the boys. So, since I took the day off to recooperate Ezekiel and rest; because I was exhausted, we got to do them this morning. The boys had a blast and spent about an hour just playing in the water. You can see that I got wise and gave them each a towel so there wouldn't be a massive water mess. My learning curve is a little slower than others but not too bad. It was a lot of fun for them and kept them quiet and entertained. Easy clean-up for me, too. What's easier than water?!?
Sick Boy
Grammy & Grandpa came to visit us for Easter. We were extremely busy, so they got to spend a lot of time with just the boys. I know that's what they came for, so it worked out.
I took Z to the doctor on Tuesday, last week. He got a strong antibiotic and a flu test (which came back negative). He had thrown up the night before and had a raging fever. He was diagnosed with a "bronchiole infection." It didn't seem to help much. He still had a fever and continued to have one until I took him to the Pediatric Urgent Care, last night (Easter). His fever did subside a little on Friday and Saturday but was pretty hot every other day.
Last night Grammy went with me to the Urgent Care to check on Z. Once there, he had a fever of 103. His pulse rate was pretty high, too. They took 2 sets of x-rays on his chest. They swabbed his nose for the flu test. It turns out he had a bad case of pneumonia & the flu (now). Thankfully, there was also 2 pharmacies open in Z-hills (24 hours). He got an antibiotic shot in his bottom before we left and a prescription for Tamiflu. Grammy & Grandpa then went to get it filled---an hour and a half later---we had the meds. He still didn't sleep great, but Z is on the mend, finally. The shot is always AWESOME at helping him. The Tamiflu seemed to help, too. He stayed cool the rest of the night and thus far, today. He has improved 10x what he was before (which was rough). I'm waiting for the full recovery. Poor guy spent a week just existing and not LIVING.
This is the second time he has had pneumonia. The last one was in November. Lord, help us get through these trying times.
I took Z to the doctor on Tuesday, last week. He got a strong antibiotic and a flu test (which came back negative). He had thrown up the night before and had a raging fever. He was diagnosed with a "bronchiole infection." It didn't seem to help much. He still had a fever and continued to have one until I took him to the Pediatric Urgent Care, last night (Easter). His fever did subside a little on Friday and Saturday but was pretty hot every other day.
Last night Grammy went with me to the Urgent Care to check on Z. Once there, he had a fever of 103. His pulse rate was pretty high, too. They took 2 sets of x-rays on his chest. They swabbed his nose for the flu test. It turns out he had a bad case of pneumonia & the flu (now). Thankfully, there was also 2 pharmacies open in Z-hills (24 hours). He got an antibiotic shot in his bottom before we left and a prescription for Tamiflu. Grammy & Grandpa then went to get it filled---an hour and a half later---we had the meds. He still didn't sleep great, but Z is on the mend, finally. The shot is always AWESOME at helping him. The Tamiflu seemed to help, too. He stayed cool the rest of the night and thus far, today. He has improved 10x what he was before (which was rough). I'm waiting for the full recovery. Poor guy spent a week just existing and not LIVING.
This is the second time he has had pneumonia. The last one was in November. Lord, help us get through these trying times.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Sharing
Conversation between Malachi and his Dad yesterday...
M: Why aren't we getting 2 basketball goals? One for me and one for Z.
D: Because they are expensive, and you can easily share that.
M: Oh, ok. We can share.
Conversation between Malachi and his Dad today...
M: What are you going to Wal-Mart for?
D: I'm going to get a basketball goal.
M: We already have one. Why do we need another one?
D: No, that's for you and Z. I'm going to get a big one for me and Mommy.
M: Can you and Mommy share?
D: Yes, I think we can share a basketball goal :)
M: Why aren't we getting 2 basketball goals? One for me and one for Z.
D: Because they are expensive, and you can easily share that.
M: Oh, ok. We can share.
Conversation between Malachi and his Dad today...
M: What are you going to Wal-Mart for?
D: I'm going to get a basketball goal.
M: We already have one. Why do we need another one?
D: No, that's for you and Z. I'm going to get a big one for me and Mommy.
M: Can you and Mommy share?
D: Yes, I think we can share a basketball goal :)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Things I didn't know I needed to tell my 4 year old...
We decided we would go see a baseball game today. Ever since we decided last night, Malachi had been whining about not wanting to go. He literally whined and cried ALL MORNING! We decided to anyways, of course. As we were walking into the stadium, Malachi said the fireworks would be loud for his ears!?! We were going to a 1pm game! When, Daniel explained that it was daytime and there would be no fireworks, he was fine. What a goof! He enjoyed his time at the game. Go figure.
Now for the few and far between "Malachi-isms"
Now for the few and far between "Malachi-isms"
- "in-tra-string" - interesting
- Did he get a spare? - that's bowling, not baseball, but he did just earn a strike by swinging and missing the ball. Too cute!
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