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.

Apparantly, my kitchen is a dance floor!

The boys had a good time showing off their dance skills tonight.

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.

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!

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.

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 :)

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"

• "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!
  

A Day with the Family

Today we went to Lakeland for a Spring Training game between the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. We had a good time. It was finally nice to have some pleasant sunshine and little wind. Enjoy some pictures.

My 'Nole Boys

The awesome thing about it...living in Florida. I paid about $3 (total) for the shirts.

A Long Time Coming

There has been lots going on, but not too much to "report." Malachi is really struggling with listening and not throwing fits. Ezekiel had a horrible fit of asthma with ear infections, too (or vice versa) last weekend. His insurance doesn't want to pay for anything. I had a good evaluation with my principal today but have to do some reading endorsement class before August 19 to still be able to have a job.

Lots of changes have been generally happening with the boys. Nothing big, though. I got done with the FCAT last week and can now breathe a little easier. Daniel is busy planning the big Easter egg hunt and service for Easter Sunday. We miss family terribly.

We need a relatively big riding lawnmower, new refrigerator, and new dishwasher (in order of importance). Malachi needs new shoes, and we haven't been able to find any that we like that would be durable, yet.

Daniel kept the boys home from school today, so they could hang out. They visited the Detroit Tigers spring training ballpark and had some Zaxby's (because, as I mentioned before, Zephyrhills has NO WHERE to eat).

I'm looking forward to Z's surgery and visiting family and friends in NC this summer. I'm super busy at being a mom, a quality teacher, children's pastor's wife and chief helper, and worship team member. Plus, I do my monthly time in the nursery. Ezekiel really likes being a big boy and likes to be apart of the services (even if he is a little young).

I'll try to post some pictures soon. I got a new cell phone and number (Daniel's old cell number) b/c Daniel got a church phone. I'm figuring it all out.

I'm beat. Good night.

Oh, ya, my poor sister-in-law is now a few days past her due date and can't wait to meet their first little BOY!

Now, good night!!!

Ezekiel's Favorite Food is

SCRAMBLED EGGS!

On our way home from the ENT this week (Mon.), Ezekiel had decided that he wanted "muppins" (muffins) for dinner. I kept telling him that I would would make some for breakfast (and I kept that promise, too). Thankfully, he finally understood. Then, when asked what HE wanted for dinner, it was eggs. I had just scrambled him 2 eggs for breakfast that morning (and he didn't eat them all, either). Since we couldn't convince Z that he needed to pick something else to eat and neither of his parents were in the mood to cook (after the long dr. visit and the news of surgery), we opted for Cracker Barrel. Thankfully, there is one not too far away from our house (about 20 min.) You see in Zephyrhills, there are about 6 chain "restaurants" where you sit down (Sonny's, Pizza Hut, Chili's, Beef O Brady's, and Ruby Tuesday). Not much to chose from.

The boy ended up with 2 scrambled eggs (since Malachi is allergic). He scarfed them both down and was asking for more before I could eat more than 4 bites of my food. Daddy made eggs for him on Friday morning, too. The boy loves his "yeggs!" I'm glad he is eating and eating PROTEIN. Sometimes it is so hard to get him to eat anything. Not that he needs more energy, but his body definitely needs it to grow.

According to Publix's scales (on Thursday), Z was 29 lbs. His weight had been stagnant for months, fluctuating between 23-25 lbs. I hope this sticks! Maybe after his surgery this summer, and he gains a little more weight, he can move up to a booster seat and seat belt. That would be nice. I am beliving that God will provide a healthy boy through this surgery and am looking forward to a good 2nd half of the summer (watching him grow, really and truly).

Ezekiel's Upcoming Surgery

We took Ezekiel to the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor yesterday. He's just been sick for so long. The specialist suggests that we have his tonsils removed (they are huge and cause him to snore), adenoids removed (to help with drainage issues and clearing the head), tubes replaced in ears (originally put in June of 2008), AND his tongue clipped.

We noticed at birth that Ezekiel was a little tongue-tied. We didn't think it was too bad. The doc feels it could cause some speech issues later and will be easy to do now. He will be in too much pain from having his tonsils gone, so he won't even notice. Malachi was fully tongue-tied. He had a simple outpatient surgery when he was a little over 6 months. Once they get over 9 months, they have to be sedated. He might be all right, but he may have speech problems. Why not do it now, too.

The scheduled recovery time is about 2 weeks. Daniel & I are going on a cruise for spring break, so I think we decided it would be best to wait until summer. Then, he can have my undivided attention and I will not have to worry about sub plans. I don't want to wait 4 months and deal with the maintenance of a sick kid, but we both feel that will be the best time.

I am thankful for a doctor who will do a good job and am praying that this will be the "healing" that I have been praying for. June 23rd is the tentative date. Please pray.

Party Pictures

Ezekiel had a great time at his party. He got to slide down the big slide. He enjoyed hanging out in the ball pit at the bottom. It was almost warm enough that day to make it a waterslide. We'll add water for Malachi's birthday in July. Z had one friend from school and several friends from church who came to join our celebration. He ended up with some great presents and a nice, long nap from being so tired.

Happy Birthday, Ezekiel!

Ezekiel-isms

• "Sponge-quob" - sponge bob
• "hook" - hood
• "ga-boon" - baloon
• "Zach-uh-why-wee" - Zack and Riley (big boys from church)
• "Why-kweem" - Lightning McQueen
• "Al-bee-yuh" - Albuterol (one of his breathing medicines)
• "sem-noles" - cinnamon roles
• "skinny pig" - guinea pig
  

The Frustration

Ezekiel hasn't been sleeping well for about 3 weeks now. He normally gets up in the middle of the night and expects to get in bed with us. Part of that is my fault, again, but I can't help that I go to bed exhausted each night and have a hard time dealing with being up in the middle of the night. I've been struggling with a nasty cold for about 2 weeks now, too. His sleeping patterns left my body with no defenses. Every time I think I feel better, it hits me hard. I've been working through it. Z has been ok, but he still has to have 2 breathing treatments a day in order to be able to survive each day and night.

I'm frustrated that the kid cannot get well. I'm frustrated that the kid now thinks he can get in bed with me in the middle of the night. I have prayed and prayed for his healing. I am still trusting that the Lord will answer that prayer. I am just frustrated that we are still struggling with a "sick" child. I want to sleep through the night. I want Z to sleep through the night. He is sleeping ok, but he refuses to stay in his bed at night or go back to his bed when asked. I feel like I have an infant again. Not fun.

Epcot & the Magic Kingdom

Yesterday, I was off of school, so we went to Disney. We started at Epcot. It was the only park we hadn't been to yet. We went into the Innovention center for a few minutes then did the Nemo experience and looked at fish. We wanted to get lunch there but couldn't sit down anywhere. Reservations were full. The boys didn't want to do anything there and were quite whiny, so we walked around, exited the park and went to the Magic Kingdom. It started raining a little after 3pm, but we were able to eat lunch, watch the Country Bears show, have front-row seats to a parade and watch the Hall of Presidents show. While in with the presidents, it began raining, and the stroller got soaked. No more riding for Malachi or Ezekiel to keep the booties dry. We got quite wet walking around, but we were able to ride a lot of things with little wait. Ezekiel really liked It's a Small World. We had to ride that twice. We did the Carousel, the Winnie the Pooh ride, the Tomorrow Land cars. We walked through Minnie & Mickey's houses and made the boys ride their first roller-coaster (Goofy's Barnstormer). They both liked it.

Malachi whines everytime we go to Disney. He ends up having a good time but has an intense fear about anything new that he whines and cries through most of the journey. Since we didn't have ponchos, we got wet, but we didn't have to wait long in any line. I think this helped Malachi who didn't have time to worry about the ride or what would happen next. Ezekiel was just barely tall enough to ride Goofy's coaster. He was a little scared through the ride but enjoyed it afterward. Ezekiel kept talking about what he wanted to ride again or for the first time when Grammy & Grandpa come back. They went with us at Christmas (which we will never do again---way too crazy). Z even told us last week that he just wanted Grandpa to take him to Disney and not Grammy, just Grandpa.

Now that the boys are finally having fun at Disney. We have to get more of the family down here to go with us. I want the whole family to be able to enjoy the "happiest place on earth" (ok, not really, but it is fun) with their favorite little boys. So, all you family reading this, start to make your plans. We've got plenty of room here at the house. Plus it only takes 1 hour to get to any of the parks from our house. It makes for plenty of fun day trips!

Haircuts at Home

Tuesday night Daniel cut the boys' hair. We need to get some more clippers, so it can be neater. It was decided that we have to pay way too much money now to get their haircut. I miss my hair lady who always did the boys' hair for really cheap (and cut mine the way I wanted it). So, in order to save at least $25 each month, Daniel will begin to cut their hair. Here are some pictures...

Dear Ezekiel,

This last week has almost broken me. I haven't gotten a lot of sleep. Your asthma flared up for some reason. I was up every work night for at least 30 minutes and usually around 2am giving you a breathing treatment. I was ok until Friday when all the missing sleep and no REM sleep finally caught up with me. I was a walking zombie. I haven't been that tired since you were a newborn. I didn't have your dad get up with you because it was easier for me. I am fairly even tempered when tired, your daddy, not so much. I am so thankful that the Lord blessed you with good sleep last night. I got some good sleep, too. Plus, we both got good naps today! I am hoping to feel normal by tomorrow. Being so tired, wore down my immune system, and I started to contract a cold, too. That is unusual for me, but I am thankful that you are finally feeling better.

We've been also going through a rough time with learning how to tell you no and sticking to it. I realized how inconsistent we were with you. I wondered how it happened for awhile. Then, I was reminded of how sick you have been for the last year or 2. It is really hard to reinforce rules when you go through weeks without sleeping well and just feel rotten all the time. Now, I've just realized that we have to be consistent and teach you that even though you may feel bad, you still have to behave normally and work through it.

You are so precious on most days, though. About a week after school started back, and we got back into a routine, you began to come around. You don't really need routine as your older brother does, but it still does help keep you calm when you are sick. You have the sweetest smile. Your laughter sets the room on fire (in a good way). You say things that are so incredibly cute. You are like your mom and dad in the fact that you are stubborn (and don't give up easily) and always like to be right, even if we point out that you are wrong.

Lately, you have been talking about wanting a baby. Now would be a good time for you to have a little brother or sister, but your mom and dad are not ready just yet. You know you are the baby and have your daddy wrapped around your little finger (sounds a lot like a mom and grandpa I know quite well ;) You need to be broken of "being the baby" stuff. Mom and Dad are hoping to try for a baby in about a year. I can't have horrible weeks like this with you being so sick AND have a newborn. I think you will make a good big brother like Malachi is to you, but you need some more time to grow and get better.

We enjoy our family of 4. You bring a lot more joy and laughter to the house. I'm looking forward to seeing you turn 3 and grow even more. I am so thankful that you were potty trained much earlier than Malachi. I don't think I could have taken much more of diapers. It is nice just to have to buy pull-ups for night. Saving money is good! Your personality is 10 times bigger than your size. You are resilient and do handle pain well. I am continuing to pray that the Lord heals you of your asthma. It is not fair that you should have such a hard time breathing.

I love you, Ezekiel Luke! You are everybody's baby, and that is ok, for now. God has blessed us so much by giving us you. You were quite the unexpected blessing. I wouldn't want to have life without you. God knew just what we needed when he loaned you to us. You are a wonderful son! Keep singing and dancing to the tune God plays for your life.

-Momma


A few Ezekiel-isms for the road...

• "My legs is skinny." - My legs are dry (I don't get that one)
• "bur-tay" - birthday
• "zee-kee-ole" - Ezekiel
• "say-same" - same (still one of my favorites)
• "week" - Wii
• "Passer Ranny" - Pastor Randy
• "Miss Ronica" - Mrs. Veronica