Friday, June 29, 2007
Opposites
We are constantly finding Avery in crazy sleeping positions. While Lauren, always sleeps like a princess.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Refocus and big steps...
There seems to be something that God is constantly trying to teach me something in my life. The most recent area of my life he is trying to ‘perfect’ is to trust Him, even when it isn’t easy. Even when I cant know the outcome of
something, or the reasons why something is happening.
Two weeks ago we started Sullivan in the specialized therapy sessions. At the first session I knew from the minute my eyes met the therapist as she watched Sully that she was going to say what I had feared. She recommended we take Sully to a Pediatric Neurologist at the U of I and have him tested for Cerebral Palsy. Even though we kind of thought this might come up – we were devastated.
As anyone with kids can imagine, the worst things go through your mind, questioning everything and fearing even more. We had a rough few days. I was reading everything I could about it on the internet and talking to anyone who knew anything about it.
Tuesday night I went where I should have been all along. I opened up my bible and started looking for verses to give me assurance and encouragement on His perfect plan and his promises to me.
I woke up on Wednesday feeling a lot better. For one, no matter what, a diagnosis does not change who Sullivan is. He is still my son and I love him with all my heart. Two, he is so happy, loving and fun! And most importantly, as Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Bottom line, God is the author of Sullivan’s life story and I know it will be a great one. Even if it is different than the one I had dreamt up. I know God’s stories are a lot better than mine.
Some of the verses He lead me to include:
Deut. 32:4 He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.
Ps. 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. 32 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way perfect.
Ps. 27:5 For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling, He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
II Cor. 12:9 …My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…
Heb. 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Heb. 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell…
I’m so thankful for God’s will for us to worship Him even when we struggle. It makes my struggles much easier to deal with.
Having said all that, God then went and answered some huge prayers for us today.
We had Sully’s second therapy session. Our therapist, Jamie, put Sully in a “gait trainer”. He WALKED! He just pushed away and walked. He could sit if he wanted, but he didn’t want to.
Jamie went on to say that she saw huge improvements in Sully from two weeks ago to this week. She even said that her concerns were greatly eased and that if she had seen ‘this Sully’ 2 weeks ago, she probably would not have recommended we take him for testing in IC!!!
We are still going to the testing for him on the 12th. We feel that there is no real reason not to go and it will be good to know exactly what is going on with Sullivan – one way or the other.
Please pray for Sullivan’s legs, that they will continue to gain strength. And pray for us as we continue to pray for God’s guidance in this.
It is hard to wait and wonder, but knowing God’s hands are wrapped around Sully brings a lot of peace.
something, or the reasons why something is happening.
Two weeks ago we started Sullivan in the specialized therapy sessions. At the first session I knew from the minute my eyes met the therapist as she watched Sully that she was going to say what I had feared. She recommended we take Sully to a Pediatric Neurologist at the U of I and have him tested for Cerebral Palsy. Even though we kind of thought this might come up – we were devastated.
As anyone with kids can imagine, the worst things go through your mind, questioning everything and fearing even more. We had a rough few days. I was reading everything I could about it on the internet and talking to anyone who knew anything about it.
Tuesday night I went where I should have been all along. I opened up my bible and started looking for verses to give me assurance and encouragement on His perfect plan and his promises to me.
I woke up on Wednesday feeling a lot better. For one, no matter what, a diagnosis does not change who Sullivan is. He is still my son and I love him with all my heart. Two, he is so happy, loving and fun! And most importantly, as Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Bottom line, God is the author of Sullivan’s life story and I know it will be a great one. Even if it is different than the one I had dreamt up. I know God’s stories are a lot better than mine.
Some of the verses He lead me to include:
Deut. 32:4 He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.
Ps. 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. 32 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way perfect.
Ps. 27:5 For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling, He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
II Cor. 12:9 …My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…
Heb. 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Heb. 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell…
I’m so thankful for God’s will for us to worship Him even when we struggle. It makes my struggles much easier to deal with.
Having said all that, God then went and answered some huge prayers for us today.
We had Sully’s second therapy session. Our therapist, Jamie, put Sully in a “gait trainer”. He WALKED! He just pushed away and walked. He could sit if he wanted, but he didn’t want to.
Jamie went on to say that she saw huge improvements in Sully from two weeks ago to this week. She even said that her concerns were greatly eased and that if she had seen ‘this Sully’ 2 weeks ago, she probably would not have recommended we take him for testing in IC!!!
We are still going to the testing for him on the 12th. We feel that there is no real reason not to go and it will be good to know exactly what is going on with Sullivan – one way or the other.
Please pray for Sullivan’s legs, that they will continue to gain strength. And pray for us as we continue to pray for God’s guidance in this.
It is hard to wait and wonder, but knowing God’s hands are wrapped around Sully brings a lot of peace.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Party Pics
Avery had a great 3rd birthday party. She totally enjoyed being queen for the day!
Did I mention she loves Shrek?
Did I mention she loves Shrek?
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Avery's birthday weekend...Part I
Its Saturday night and Jordan and I are decorating for the big party tomorrow. We've already jammed in enough to call this a full weekend! :)
Friday night Avery got to open her gifts from us and then the kids got to play with their cousins, Today we went and had Avery's third birthday pictures taken and then we took Aaron and went to Shrek 3. The kids had a blast.
Tomorrow should be even more fun!
Avery's favorite gift - Dorothy - she LOVES it!
Mommy and the birthday girl - ready for the movie!
Avery, Aaron and Lauren after the movie.
Friday night Avery got to open her gifts from us and then the kids got to play with their cousins, Today we went and had Avery's third birthday pictures taken and then we took Aaron and went to Shrek 3. The kids had a blast.
Tomorrow should be even more fun!
Avery's favorite gift - Dorothy - she LOVES it!
Mommy and the birthday girl - ready for the movie!
Avery, Aaron and Lauren after the movie.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Avery again
Avery and Lauren Fall 2006
Avery meeting little brother Sullivan February 2006
Avery and her big sis!
More of Avery
Avery at one.
AVery in the mud - she still enjoys the mud!
Avery with her poor broken arm and black eye at 15 months! That's what happens when you dive off a shelf.
Avery with Cousin Aaron and Grandma Cindy fishing.
Avery Elizabeth turns THREE!
I spent sometime this week trying to imagine what our life would be like if God had not sent Avery to live with us. For one thing, my house would be quieter, much quieter. I would have far fewer fights to break up and likely fewer tears to wipe away. My playroom would undoubtedly stay cleaner, longer. And the bedtime routine would not leave me feeling as if I had just been through a triatholan. Meal times would not be a huge negotiation taking major patience on my part! ☺
BUT I would also have many fewer hugs, kisses and ‘loves’ each day. I would be told that I was loved way too little. And I would no longer stop several times during my day, smile, belly laugh and forget every thing on my mind when she pulls an Avery stunt!
Avery came into the world feeling like she had a race to be won. She was moving so early – rolling over at just a few weeks old, crawling at 3.5 months and standing at 6 months. She never ceases to amaze us. Her emotions are a constant rollercoaster. She can level you with her angry deep blue eyes and melt you with a smile. She is to say the least – very intense!
Jordan and I commented the other day that Avery doesn’t just cause people to smile as they pass by a curly haired little girl, they stop, stare and seem to have special memories brought to their minds as they watch Avery and her antics. She is no doubt a very special girl.
Avery our prayer for you is that you will slow down to enjoy the beautiful world around you. Turn to your Savior and find a personal relationship with Him. We know that He has a very special plan for you that no one else could possibly accomplish.
Thank you Avery for the smiles, laughter and love. You are our baby Avie. Such A Very good girl as papa Richard called you…
All our love
BUT I would also have many fewer hugs, kisses and ‘loves’ each day. I would be told that I was loved way too little. And I would no longer stop several times during my day, smile, belly laugh and forget every thing on my mind when she pulls an Avery stunt!
Avery came into the world feeling like she had a race to be won. She was moving so early – rolling over at just a few weeks old, crawling at 3.5 months and standing at 6 months. She never ceases to amaze us. Her emotions are a constant rollercoaster. She can level you with her angry deep blue eyes and melt you with a smile. She is to say the least – very intense!
Jordan and I commented the other day that Avery doesn’t just cause people to smile as they pass by a curly haired little girl, they stop, stare and seem to have special memories brought to their minds as they watch Avery and her antics. She is no doubt a very special girl.
Avery our prayer for you is that you will slow down to enjoy the beautiful world around you. Turn to your Savior and find a personal relationship with Him. We know that He has a very special plan for you that no one else could possibly accomplish.
Thank you Avery for the smiles, laughter and love. You are our baby Avie. Such A Very good girl as papa Richard called you…
All our love
Sunday, June 17, 2007
My kingdom for a decent picture...
I love how Lauren looks almost exactly the same in all the pictures - at least one of my kids listens! :)
Happy Father's Day Jordan! We love you. I stole this from another blog, "My greatest gift this side of heaven is that my children call you 'Dad.'” (thanks Jody)
I hope that one day our children realize the amazing father they have. We are all blessed to have your selflessness, your honesty, integrity, fun spirit and love.
Just sit, smile and look at the camera...
nope
no way
are you kidding?
are we done yet?
the best you're gonna get
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The zoo
After a not so red letter Friday I really wanted to spend Saturday being extremely lazy. BUT, Jordan headed out for a golf tournament and I had promised the kids a trip to the zoo. So off we went. We had a really good time in the heat! :)
My mom and her 'little sis', Deena, and Cindy came with us.
We ended the day with drama, of course. Avery got stung by a bee on the top of her head...poor thing!
Sully watching the Sea Otters. It was really fun to see him enjoy the animals.
Lauren, Deena and Avery. The girls just love Deena and they get along great with her.
They had a poop exhibt. We learned all about animal poop. I was torn between being totally disgusted and interested. Disgusted won out. But the kids were amused!
The lions were suprisingly active for such a hot day. We got really close.
Sully amazed by the lions!
My mom and her 'little sis', Deena, and Cindy came with us.
We ended the day with drama, of course. Avery got stung by a bee on the top of her head...poor thing!
Sully watching the Sea Otters. It was really fun to see him enjoy the animals.
Lauren, Deena and Avery. The girls just love Deena and they get along great with her.
They had a poop exhibt. We learned all about animal poop. I was torn between being totally disgusted and interested. Disgusted won out. But the kids were amused!
The lions were suprisingly active for such a hot day. We got really close.
Sully amazed by the lions!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Friends
We got to spend a short time with Andi today. She and Robert just moved back to Iowa so we are looking forward to more time with them now. Their son Uriah was one in April - he and Sully had a little trouble sharing.
Andi is having another baby in October - a brother for Uriah.
Andi is having another baby in October - a brother for Uriah.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Last ones...
(If you wondering where Sully was in all these pictures - my mom was good enough to bring him home around 7:30!)
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