Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Josiah Blessing!
Josiah's pic in the hospital in Monrovia and then home one year!!!
What a difference a year makes!
0 degrees!!!! That is supposed to be the high for today...IF we can get past the -30 wind chills!!!
Things are starting to get a bit more busy the closer we get to Christmas. Our Josiah had his 'gotcha' day last week. I still can't believe he has been home one year! What a sweet blessing he has been to our family!
Our oldest son will be coming home from college this week, and grandparents coming into town for the week. Our house will be full and joyous!!
What a difference a year makes!
0 degrees!!!! That is supposed to be the high for today...IF we can get past the -30 wind chills!!!
Things are starting to get a bit more busy the closer we get to Christmas. Our Josiah had his 'gotcha' day last week. I still can't believe he has been home one year! What a sweet blessing he has been to our family!
Our oldest son will be coming home from college this week, and grandparents coming into town for the week. Our house will be full and joyous!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Forget Me Not...
As you all know, our little Josiah has Cerebral Palsy. It was almost a year ago that I flew down to Liberia to finish up our adoption. He was in the hospital with Malaria and Pneumonia, and had a few pretty scary episodes of not breathing well. While he was in the hospital, I had the opportunity to pray over an infant baby girl. She was there with severe malnutrition and having a very difficult time breathing. Of course I prayed for her healing, but her healing took place in Our Father's arms. She had passed during the night and is now resting in perfect peace with Him. With the limited medical facitilities and care in Liberia, this is such a common, everyday occurance. This baby girl left a lasting immpression on my heart.
Then, soon after we had Josiah home, recognizing his 'special needs', I was very certain God had some plans in store for these experiences. 'Forget Me Not' Children's Home is a dream come true for so many of us parents who have a heart and passion for the 'special needs' kids in Liberia. This home will become a wonderful place for these children, where they would have otherwise been abandoned, left to die, or have very limited access to getting help with therapy, equipment, medical care. Forget Me Not children will have all this, plus a loving staff to care for them. This orphanage is so close to my heart, I hope you can understand the need, the hope we have for these kids, and the passion that God has placed in our hearts for this children's home.
Please take a little time and go to the link below.
www.supportforgetmenot.com
Then, soon after we had Josiah home, recognizing his 'special needs', I was very certain God had some plans in store for these experiences. 'Forget Me Not' Children's Home is a dream come true for so many of us parents who have a heart and passion for the 'special needs' kids in Liberia. This home will become a wonderful place for these children, where they would have otherwise been abandoned, left to die, or have very limited access to getting help with therapy, equipment, medical care. Forget Me Not children will have all this, plus a loving staff to care for them. This orphanage is so close to my heart, I hope you can understand the need, the hope we have for these kids, and the passion that God has placed in our hearts for this children's home.
Please take a little time and go to the link below.
www.supportforgetmenot.com
Saturday, November 22, 2008
WHATSUP!!
We are still trying to sell our other home. This will start being a huge financial burden if it does not sell in the next couple months. We will have an 'extra' tight Christmas this year. Clearance racks and thrift stores have been my best friend this past year. I love bargain hunting, always have. It's almost like a treasure hunt for me...trying to see how far I can stretch a $20 bill. My most recently prized purchase, is a pair of 'farming boots' that would have cost over $50 bucks, but I got them for $3! Today I found a few more pair for Scott and Anthony for $5! (Okay, stop laughing)!
Alpaca farming is turning out to be such a beautiful thing! Going out to the barn to do the 'chores', is very therapeutic for me. I love being out there with my herd. They are the most peaceful animals to be around, and fun to figure out all the different personalities. You just don't want to be around when they start spitting at each other, it STINKS like no other smell!
Gave a few shots yesterday, but need a lot more practice. I haven't given a shot since nursing school, uh...too long ago!
Still haven't fully unpacked our belongings yet. I'm hoping to get all caught up when we are in hibernation mode this winter.
We are dealing with some attitude issues with our girls since starting public school. UGH!!
We have another teenager living with us. Not our son, but a friend of his. She fits right in, and truly is a HUGE blessing with helping me out with Josiah. Scott and I were able to have a real date, which will be starting every week now. We all love having her here.
Last week we had another follow up at Gillette for Josiah's MRI of his brain. His diagnosis is CP. They found the "dark spots that are consistant with oxygen deprivation that first hour of life." This type of brain trauma, resulted in his CP. Hearing the diagnosis was more difficult than I imagined. From the history we received from Josiah's birthmom, there was no inclination that there was any difficulty after his birth. This is obviously not the case.
Now that the news has had time to be absorbed, I'm moving on. Josiah has been getting a lot of therapy, as well as our whole family incorporating therapy into everything we do with him. We are working on 'independent sitting' (without falling), holding a bottle/cup, and learning to chew more solid foods. Even though he is 18 months, we measure milestones by setting a goal and reaching it. 6 months ago, he couldn't keep his left hand open without us prying his fingers loose. Now he gives us 'high fives' with a nice open hand. 6 months ago, his ribcage sat so high on his chest cavity because of having weak abdominal muscles, to now almost being able to sit on his own. 6 months ago he was not mobile AT ALL. Now he creeps around the house at lightning speed!
He is our little trooper and the light of our family. He is a true blessing and joy to each one of us. I would not change one thing about our son. He has helped us grow in so many ways, and continues teaching us everyday. Our son having CP has changed the way we live, just a little. It's part of our lives now, and we can't imagine it any other way.
Alpaca farming is turning out to be such a beautiful thing! Going out to the barn to do the 'chores', is very therapeutic for me. I love being out there with my herd. They are the most peaceful animals to be around, and fun to figure out all the different personalities. You just don't want to be around when they start spitting at each other, it STINKS like no other smell!
Gave a few shots yesterday, but need a lot more practice. I haven't given a shot since nursing school, uh...too long ago!
Still haven't fully unpacked our belongings yet. I'm hoping to get all caught up when we are in hibernation mode this winter.
We are dealing with some attitude issues with our girls since starting public school. UGH!!
We have another teenager living with us. Not our son, but a friend of his. She fits right in, and truly is a HUGE blessing with helping me out with Josiah. Scott and I were able to have a real date, which will be starting every week now. We all love having her here.
Last week we had another follow up at Gillette for Josiah's MRI of his brain. His diagnosis is CP. They found the "dark spots that are consistant with oxygen deprivation that first hour of life." This type of brain trauma, resulted in his CP. Hearing the diagnosis was more difficult than I imagined. From the history we received from Josiah's birthmom, there was no inclination that there was any difficulty after his birth. This is obviously not the case.
Now that the news has had time to be absorbed, I'm moving on. Josiah has been getting a lot of therapy, as well as our whole family incorporating therapy into everything we do with him. We are working on 'independent sitting' (without falling), holding a bottle/cup, and learning to chew more solid foods. Even though he is 18 months, we measure milestones by setting a goal and reaching it. 6 months ago, he couldn't keep his left hand open without us prying his fingers loose. Now he gives us 'high fives' with a nice open hand. 6 months ago, his ribcage sat so high on his chest cavity because of having weak abdominal muscles, to now almost being able to sit on his own. 6 months ago he was not mobile AT ALL. Now he creeps around the house at lightning speed!
He is our little trooper and the light of our family. He is a true blessing and joy to each one of us. I would not change one thing about our son. He has helped us grow in so many ways, and continues teaching us everyday. Our son having CP has changed the way we live, just a little. It's part of our lives now, and we can't imagine it any other way.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Just some thoughts...
There has been a lot going on in our lives lately, but I'm still trying to absorb some of it. I would humbly ask for prayer.
I would like to leave you with some thoughts that give me hope and streangth...
"God equips us to do, what He calls us to do!" (Is. 61:1-3).
Any attempt to comprehend Gods Complexities, or liken God to man, minimizes Gods greatness and power!
Power resides in remembering Gods promise!
"He is our protector and the source of our life-purpose!"
"God is our refuge and streangth, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
I would like to leave you with some thoughts that give me hope and streangth...
"God equips us to do, what He calls us to do!" (Is. 61:1-3).
Any attempt to comprehend Gods Complexities, or liken God to man, minimizes Gods greatness and power!
Power resides in remembering Gods promise!
"He is our protector and the source of our life-purpose!"
"God is our refuge and streangth, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Forget Me Not...
Forget Me Not Children's Home, is an orphanage for "special needs" kids in Liberia.
Go to...www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the 'Forget Me Not' link.
I am so proud to be part of this project. The vision of this orphanage came from a real need to take care of these special little ones. Having adopted our own child with special needs, this is very close to our hearts. We are excited to see what God will be doing through these precious ones!
Launching the website is a big step, but sponsorship is the next biggie! If you feel led to give in any way, please consider this project. These kids are so special, and deserve a home to be safe, loved on, and get the help they need to blossom into Gods full potential for them! These children are true blessings!
Go to...www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the 'Forget Me Not' link.
I am so proud to be part of this project. The vision of this orphanage came from a real need to take care of these special little ones. Having adopted our own child with special needs, this is very close to our hearts. We are excited to see what God will be doing through these precious ones!
Launching the website is a big step, but sponsorship is the next biggie! If you feel led to give in any way, please consider this project. These kids are so special, and deserve a home to be safe, loved on, and get the help they need to blossom into Gods full potential for them! These children are true blessings!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Alpaca farmers are we...
Today was our first official day as alpaca farmers! We brought our herd home yesterday and have been keeping a close eye on their adjustment here. The girls seem to be pretty happy, loving their pasture and barn. Our stud boy is a little lonely with a pasture to himself, so we will be adding another male to be his buddy. Barn chores were easy this morning, soooo peaceful out there. Just watching our herd is so calming and peaceful. I can see why being an alpaca owner can be such a great job.
This dream started almost two years ago. I pitched this "idea" of being a small farm owner, to my husband. I researched different animals and came to the conculusion of alpacas, due to their easy maintainence, breeding and fiber market.
We've owned our animals for a year and a half, but had to keep them at our breeders farm until ours was ready.
I still can't believe they are finally here!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Volunteering for Daddy's birthday...
The kids did some volunteer work for the "Feed My Starving Children" program. Scott wanted this as a present for his birthday. Great job kids!!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Vote!
I took this from one of my yahoo groups. I am not Catholic, but this video is for ALL followers of Christ!
http://www.catholicvote.com/
http://www.catholicvote.com/
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Fall...
I love Fall!! The colors are amazing and the crisp cool air is so refreshing. I am able to see views for miles from our upstairs bedroom. The views are getting quite colorful...but...another vivid reminder that winter is coming, (yuck).
Some updates...
Our barn is up and is beautiful! Fencing is going up this week. Maybe our alpacas will be living with us by the end of the month?
Josiah's MRI results are not in yet. I'm not concerned or worried, but it would be nice to have an answer on the possible brain trauma that is causing CP symptoms.
Physical Therapy is going great! Most weeks there is noticable improvement in his motor skills. We do work with him all the time, so he does get quite a bit of therapy. He is almost stable enough to sit on his own. He is able to, but will tip over on either side. His "creeping" is improving, and his strength in his trunk and legs is allowing him to be able to stand with assistance for small periods of time. We utilize a "trainer." It's basically a walker that has a lot of stability for his upper body. We will be getting a "stander" also, to work more on those trunk muscles for his stability. We do a lot of hand therapy on his good hand. He is opening and grasping more than he ever was before. His good hand was not getting utilized much because of the tightness. His little hand he does a lot with. He can pull and push, and even turn book pages with it. His feet are still pretty tight and flexed most days. A little work out and rubbing seem to loosen them both up pretty well. Medication has been recommended to reduce his "all over body" muscle tone. It has been proven to allow the body to move better and to train the muscles to do what they need to do, when the brain tells them. I'm still on the fence with the decision to put Josiah on such a strong med. I'm seeking more peace on this decision.
He still is such a charmer and knows how loved he really is. Sometimes when I am rocking him, I am just overwhelmed by this beautiful gift from God!
Homeschooling the boys is going slow...keeping Alex on task is proving to be tough. He would rather play all day. This kid is in motion almost all day! I'm hoping by month 6, he will be settled into our school schedule.
The girls are in our public school system. Love is the social butterfly, telling us "everything" that "everyone" has said or done. She's smart, but talks ALL THE TIME. As a matter of fact, she is not allowed to talk at meal time until her food is gone. Her mouth is constantly going! Thank goodness her teacher has such a godly attitude towards this...ummm...positive trait? Edline is doing okay with her LD teacher and regular classroom schedule. She is a little overwhelmed toward the evening. Something as simple as a letter sound, color, shape can be very difficult to remember. Her reading has really improved though. I would much rather see her reading than anything else. We had her teacher drop the science and social studies/history. This is something that has too many concepts and retension learning, for her to even grasp. So we are spending more time on just the basics.
Andrew is doing well in college. We talk almost daily, which really helps me. I'm really missing my baby, (yes he's 18, but always my baby)!
Africa has been so close to my thoughts lately. After having our friend from Liberia here, another whose visiting Liberia now, I am really missing it.
There are a few things that are "in the works", that will always keep Liberia close to us. One of these days I'll be able to share, not just yet!
Well, gotta go, laundry is calling!
Some updates...
Our barn is up and is beautiful! Fencing is going up this week. Maybe our alpacas will be living with us by the end of the month?
Josiah's MRI results are not in yet. I'm not concerned or worried, but it would be nice to have an answer on the possible brain trauma that is causing CP symptoms.
Physical Therapy is going great! Most weeks there is noticable improvement in his motor skills. We do work with him all the time, so he does get quite a bit of therapy. He is almost stable enough to sit on his own. He is able to, but will tip over on either side. His "creeping" is improving, and his strength in his trunk and legs is allowing him to be able to stand with assistance for small periods of time. We utilize a "trainer." It's basically a walker that has a lot of stability for his upper body. We will be getting a "stander" also, to work more on those trunk muscles for his stability. We do a lot of hand therapy on his good hand. He is opening and grasping more than he ever was before. His good hand was not getting utilized much because of the tightness. His little hand he does a lot with. He can pull and push, and even turn book pages with it. His feet are still pretty tight and flexed most days. A little work out and rubbing seem to loosen them both up pretty well. Medication has been recommended to reduce his "all over body" muscle tone. It has been proven to allow the body to move better and to train the muscles to do what they need to do, when the brain tells them. I'm still on the fence with the decision to put Josiah on such a strong med. I'm seeking more peace on this decision.
He still is such a charmer and knows how loved he really is. Sometimes when I am rocking him, I am just overwhelmed by this beautiful gift from God!
Homeschooling the boys is going slow...keeping Alex on task is proving to be tough. He would rather play all day. This kid is in motion almost all day! I'm hoping by month 6, he will be settled into our school schedule.
The girls are in our public school system. Love is the social butterfly, telling us "everything" that "everyone" has said or done. She's smart, but talks ALL THE TIME. As a matter of fact, she is not allowed to talk at meal time until her food is gone. Her mouth is constantly going! Thank goodness her teacher has such a godly attitude towards this...ummm...positive trait? Edline is doing okay with her LD teacher and regular classroom schedule. She is a little overwhelmed toward the evening. Something as simple as a letter sound, color, shape can be very difficult to remember. Her reading has really improved though. I would much rather see her reading than anything else. We had her teacher drop the science and social studies/history. This is something that has too many concepts and retension learning, for her to even grasp. So we are spending more time on just the basics.
Andrew is doing well in college. We talk almost daily, which really helps me. I'm really missing my baby, (yes he's 18, but always my baby)!
Africa has been so close to my thoughts lately. After having our friend from Liberia here, another whose visiting Liberia now, I am really missing it.
There are a few things that are "in the works", that will always keep Liberia close to us. One of these days I'll be able to share, not just yet!
Well, gotta go, laundry is calling!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
September...
This month has flown by...but for good reason! We have been OVER THE TOP busy!!
School started...my mom came to visit...Scott and I went on a cruise...Josiah had more dr. appointments...a friend from Liberia stayed with us for a little while...barn getting built...Alex turns 9!...still trying to sell our other home (asking for prayers for this please)...and all the other every day/week things we have going on!! I think October will be a much slower month, I hope.
A little update on our Josiah...
We went to Gillette for his CP appointment. We really didn't learn too much more than we already knew. The Dr. said if she was to diagnos him from his over all "tone" from his muscles, then yes he has CP. We will be getting an MRI of his brain to "try" to see any brain injury. This is not a sure bet that anything will show up. For his physical, he was tight all over, so the doc was able to see him at his "worst" (as far as his muscle tightness). Medication was recommended to release some of the tightness so we can get him moving better and controlling the muscles the way his brain is wanting him to. Increase therapy to two times a week, include speech, OT, and get a swallow test to rule out anything there.
As far as how therapy is going now, he is doing great. He is almost sitting independently, almost able to crasp with is good hand...still working on the finger pinch, verbalizing with more sounds...working on the word "hi". He can understand verbal commands well, very interactive and expresses his emotions very well...even throwing a tiny tantrum once in awhile. We can tell he is working through the 'normal' baby/toddler stages. This is such an awesome accoplishment, show us that his cognative abilities are great! Yeah!!
Our 'moving in' is going very slow. The weather has been so nice, that we are outside a lot. The cold will come soon enough, so hopefully I'll start unpacking some things when we are stuck in the house!
I miss our oldest terribly. We do talk almost every day, but it's still not enough for this mom! There is such an emptiness there. He is doing well in Ohio, just a little home sick.
Our next project wil be putting up our fencing for our alpacas. Who knows how long this will take.
The four kids and daddy are filling up bags of nutritional bag meals at the "feed my starving children" program. Scott wanted the kids to volunteer their time as a birthday present to him. Thank goodness their was no complaining this morning for having to get up early.
School started...my mom came to visit...Scott and I went on a cruise...Josiah had more dr. appointments...a friend from Liberia stayed with us for a little while...barn getting built...Alex turns 9!...still trying to sell our other home (asking for prayers for this please)...and all the other every day/week things we have going on!! I think October will be a much slower month, I hope.
A little update on our Josiah...
We went to Gillette for his CP appointment. We really didn't learn too much more than we already knew. The Dr. said if she was to diagnos him from his over all "tone" from his muscles, then yes he has CP. We will be getting an MRI of his brain to "try" to see any brain injury. This is not a sure bet that anything will show up. For his physical, he was tight all over, so the doc was able to see him at his "worst" (as far as his muscle tightness). Medication was recommended to release some of the tightness so we can get him moving better and controlling the muscles the way his brain is wanting him to. Increase therapy to two times a week, include speech, OT, and get a swallow test to rule out anything there.
As far as how therapy is going now, he is doing great. He is almost sitting independently, almost able to crasp with is good hand...still working on the finger pinch, verbalizing with more sounds...working on the word "hi". He can understand verbal commands well, very interactive and expresses his emotions very well...even throwing a tiny tantrum once in awhile. We can tell he is working through the 'normal' baby/toddler stages. This is such an awesome accoplishment, show us that his cognative abilities are great! Yeah!!
Our 'moving in' is going very slow. The weather has been so nice, that we are outside a lot. The cold will come soon enough, so hopefully I'll start unpacking some things when we are stuck in the house!
I miss our oldest terribly. We do talk almost every day, but it's still not enough for this mom! There is such an emptiness there. He is doing well in Ohio, just a little home sick.
Our next project wil be putting up our fencing for our alpacas. Who knows how long this will take.
The four kids and daddy are filling up bags of nutritional bag meals at the "feed my starving children" program. Scott wanted the kids to volunteer their time as a birthday present to him. Thank goodness their was no complaining this morning for having to get up early.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pics for August
Getting my last hug before leaving my baby in Ohio!
Look who wants to drive!
Andrews school pics.
Look who wants to drive!
Andrews school pics.
Monday, August 25, 2008
My baby left the nest...
After 18.5 years, my oldest baby has left our nest. (Well, at least for a year). We drove the LONG drive to Cleveland, Ohio, moved him into his college apartment, got him set up for what was needed for living on his own, then left for the LONG drive back. I am so sad right now. It is tough seeing my child all grown and moving onto this next chapter in his life. I know he will be home on breaks, but it's hard knowing I just can't see him anytime I would like. I know moms must go through this, eventually. It just doesn't make it any easier. I'm just a sad mom right now...
On a lighter note, Josiah did great on the drive. He was the only other "baby" we took along for the ride. We didn't get much sleep from the last 4 days, so we are all exhausted. But Josiah has done amazing! All the other kids were farmed out to grandparents and cousins. They all had such a great time, I don't think we were missed much:)
As soon as I get my camera loaded, I will be posting some new pics. We are still just so busy with so many balls in the air right now. I will be posting better, once school starts.
On a lighter note, Josiah did great on the drive. He was the only other "baby" we took along for the ride. We didn't get much sleep from the last 4 days, so we are all exhausted. But Josiah has done amazing! All the other kids were farmed out to grandparents and cousins. They all had such a great time, I don't think we were missed much:)
As soon as I get my camera loaded, I will be posting some new pics. We are still just so busy with so many balls in the air right now. I will be posting better, once school starts.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Snip-its of updates...
*Still trying to get our new house organized and finding it almost impossible! We do love our home and the beauty that surrounds us. I still have to pinch myself. Took a short hike with the kids and found we have wild grapes everywhere, a huge apple tree, and poison ivy! Plus patches of wild flowers everywhere. Still can't see all our property until Fall, it's just too thick with bushes and trees, then maybe we can get to our little creek.
*Still working on getting our other house sold. Really need prayers here! Getting it sold quick would be such a huge blessing!
*Trying to prepare for our oldest going off to college in ohio in another week. I get teary eyed thinking about it.
*Our girls are now enrolled in the local school, and will be homeschooling our boys. Haven't purchase their curriculum yet!
*our barn will be going up mid Sept., fencing will have to wait until then. Alpacas will be moved in soon after. CAN'T WAIT!
*Josiah's follow up on his hand was fine. He has one bone possibly growing in his little wrist/palm and his other "normal" hand is progressing with therapy. (He is very stiff and has limited grasp in his normal hand). Next month will be his big appointment at Gillette to get a proper diagnosis, (possible Cerebral Pulsy).
Probably could report more, but have been progressively losing brain cells throughout the summer busyness!!!
*Still working on getting our other house sold. Really need prayers here! Getting it sold quick would be such a huge blessing!
*Trying to prepare for our oldest going off to college in ohio in another week. I get teary eyed thinking about it.
*Our girls are now enrolled in the local school, and will be homeschooling our boys. Haven't purchase their curriculum yet!
*our barn will be going up mid Sept., fencing will have to wait until then. Alpacas will be moved in soon after. CAN'T WAIT!
*Josiah's follow up on his hand was fine. He has one bone possibly growing in his little wrist/palm and his other "normal" hand is progressing with therapy. (He is very stiff and has limited grasp in his normal hand). Next month will be his big appointment at Gillette to get a proper diagnosis, (possible Cerebral Pulsy).
Probably could report more, but have been progressively losing brain cells throughout the summer busyness!!!
Friday, July 18, 2008
I don't recommend moving without 'patience!'
And it became clear that I lost mine somewhere along the way! Gone, Nada, Zip, zero!!! It was no help when ALL my kids were having behaviors that were not pretty...disobediance, defiance, not listening, argumentative!! I know that the changes we are going through is bringing all this on, but it's been a lot to deal with. YOU TRY UPACKING A BOX WHEN THE BABY IS WHINING FOR MOMMY'S ARMS TO HOLD HIM, ANOTHER IS SPILLING WHATEVER LIQUID IS AT THEIR FINGERTIPS, SOMEONE NEEDS A SNACK, THE DOGS ARE BARKING AT OUR NEIGHBORS COWS, AND SOMEONE IS ASKING YOU TO HELP THEM WITH WHAT 'THEY' ARE DOING!!
Well, we survived, things are settling down here, SLOWLY. Our other house is clean and listed for sale. We could use prayers for it to sell fast! I have resolved that the unpacking will be VERY slow. That's okay though, I am in my dream house, and we are not going anywhere soon!
For those who have a cognative disabled child, this has been another new learning experience for me with my oldest daughter. This change has sent her into regression with her language, coping skills, and behaviors. And, with the changes in the house itself, it's like reteaching a blind person where all their new rooms are, walls and furniture placement. After she has tripped, fallen and ran into existing walls and furniture, I think she is adjusting to the change in environment.
Josiah has been way over-the-top needing his mommy. Let's just say, my back is killing me!! He is pretty heavy after just a few minutes of carrying around. He is slowing adjusting to his new environment too, and is loving his new house.
Something that I have not had the ability to post about, it the realization that my baby has Cerebral Palsy. It has been starring me in the face for so long, but all the "stuff" around me has been a distraction. It has been almost like I wasn't ready to see it yet. There was the hope that he was just "behind" because of his malnutrition, but this can't be the case anymore. He displays too many symptoms. I could not love Josiah any more than I do now. He has been such a sweet addition to our family. I am so overjoyed to be his momma and to be able to raise him, love him and help his to reach his full potential. My heart aches for all those children in Africa with CP that are left in the gutters, or sitting in wheelchairs with no hope. It truly has changed my heart for cp kids. Josiah is not displaying cognative disabilities, it's just his body won't cooperate. He has clonis in his feet, hypertonia in his legs and arms, hypotonia in his trunk muscles. He is not able to sit on his own without a lot of support, he can move around now with his "creeping" so this has helped him be more content on getting to what and where he wants. He still cannot grasp with his hand very well, so this limits his feeding skills to crackers. He is still on baby foods and formula, but is learning to drink from a cup. I call him my "toting" baby. Thank goodness for strollers and backbacks. If he's not in the mood to be on his belly for "creeping",he's either on my hip, in the stroller, or in the backback.
Josiah has another appointment with Gillette at the CP clinic. It will be nice to get more support. His therapy has gone amazingly well. Margaret, his therapist, comes here once a week, packing a ton of supplies. He loves working with her, and works hard for a solid hour, on top of what we do with him.
Having Josiah in our home has truly changed how we all perceive others limits. It has been a great learning experience for my kids, who adore their brother. I can honestly say that I would adopt another CP kid anyday! He has the most determined personality, a joy to be with and can be soooo funny! I thank God for such an amazing blessing on my life. Josiah just melts me when he looks at me with those big brown eyes!
It's been an emotional rollercoaster this past month. Just when I think I can't be stretched anymore, God stretches!!!!!!
For those of you that feel inclined, I could use the prayers!
On this final note, I love my new home and all the potential it brings for raising my kids on the farm. We are just enjoying all the learning that nature is providing.
Well, we survived, things are settling down here, SLOWLY. Our other house is clean and listed for sale. We could use prayers for it to sell fast! I have resolved that the unpacking will be VERY slow. That's okay though, I am in my dream house, and we are not going anywhere soon!
For those who have a cognative disabled child, this has been another new learning experience for me with my oldest daughter. This change has sent her into regression with her language, coping skills, and behaviors. And, with the changes in the house itself, it's like reteaching a blind person where all their new rooms are, walls and furniture placement. After she has tripped, fallen and ran into existing walls and furniture, I think she is adjusting to the change in environment.
Josiah has been way over-the-top needing his mommy. Let's just say, my back is killing me!! He is pretty heavy after just a few minutes of carrying around. He is slowing adjusting to his new environment too, and is loving his new house.
Something that I have not had the ability to post about, it the realization that my baby has Cerebral Palsy. It has been starring me in the face for so long, but all the "stuff" around me has been a distraction. It has been almost like I wasn't ready to see it yet. There was the hope that he was just "behind" because of his malnutrition, but this can't be the case anymore. He displays too many symptoms. I could not love Josiah any more than I do now. He has been such a sweet addition to our family. I am so overjoyed to be his momma and to be able to raise him, love him and help his to reach his full potential. My heart aches for all those children in Africa with CP that are left in the gutters, or sitting in wheelchairs with no hope. It truly has changed my heart for cp kids. Josiah is not displaying cognative disabilities, it's just his body won't cooperate. He has clonis in his feet, hypertonia in his legs and arms, hypotonia in his trunk muscles. He is not able to sit on his own without a lot of support, he can move around now with his "creeping" so this has helped him be more content on getting to what and where he wants. He still cannot grasp with his hand very well, so this limits his feeding skills to crackers. He is still on baby foods and formula, but is learning to drink from a cup. I call him my "toting" baby. Thank goodness for strollers and backbacks. If he's not in the mood to be on his belly for "creeping",he's either on my hip, in the stroller, or in the backback.
Josiah has another appointment with Gillette at the CP clinic. It will be nice to get more support. His therapy has gone amazingly well. Margaret, his therapist, comes here once a week, packing a ton of supplies. He loves working with her, and works hard for a solid hour, on top of what we do with him.
Having Josiah in our home has truly changed how we all perceive others limits. It has been a great learning experience for my kids, who adore their brother. I can honestly say that I would adopt another CP kid anyday! He has the most determined personality, a joy to be with and can be soooo funny! I thank God for such an amazing blessing on my life. Josiah just melts me when he looks at me with those big brown eyes!
It's been an emotional rollercoaster this past month. Just when I think I can't be stretched anymore, God stretches!!!!!!
For those of you that feel inclined, I could use the prayers!
On this final note, I love my new home and all the potential it brings for raising my kids on the farm. We are just enjoying all the learning that nature is providing.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
New pics...
Just a few of our new home. It's still a BIG mess, but we are enjoying our beautiful home and land!
Front of our home...
Our views
Just some of our flowers
Our long driveway
Front of our home...
Our views
Just some of our flowers
Our long driveway
Friday, July 11, 2008
We have moved!!!!!
This will be short...but, yes, we have officially moved to our dream house. Scott is still working on the other house to get it listed for sale by tomorrow, but we are "mostly" moved in here. It has not been fun with all the packing, moving, unpacking, tempers flying everywhere, everyone,(all 8 of us) whiny, crabby, off schedule, etc. You get the picture. BUT...I love my new house! It is like living in a dream, our views are amazing! You can see for miles...pluse we are straight up a steep hill, so we are pretty secluded. We did manage to clean our the pool so the kids started swimming in that yesterday. Our pasture needs a really good cutting so we can explore our woods. We will be putting up our barn and fencing soon too!
Once we are a little more settled in, I can report more. Oh, camera broke, so no pics for awhile.
Once we are a little more settled in, I can report more. Oh, camera broke, so no pics for awhile.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A quick update on Josiah...
The big news...Josiah is finally "creeping" or doing the "army crawl!" This is very big for him. He can now move around from one toy to the next, or go get something that interests him. Now it's offically time to baby proof the floor, the kids got the lecture of keeping anything off the floor that can go in Josiah's mouth and choke him. It's so great to see his progress. He came home with such little abdominal and back muscle tone. He is now using those muscles and now working on his side muscles to get him to sit on his own. He is still so wobbly and unstable, but progressing! He also has glasses, which make him look so smart, (not that he isn't!!). He has started sleeping better at night, just up once for a bottle and then again around 6, (yuck). He's very attached to me, still a little insecure when I leave his sight, but will go with daddy and not cry. He is still sweet, happy and funny!!! The kids adore him and are the best helpers! He has PT (physical therapy) once a week, and OT (occupational therapy) one a month. We do his physical therapy ourselves,the rest of the time. He is still very stiff in his hips and shoulders, muscles still tight in his legs, but are getting better. He is continuing to build muscle tone in his abdominals and back, and his lower lip is getting better with muscle tone also. His speech will hopefully start progressing when he is able to move around more. We are always working on various movements to help him progress. Josiah is growing nicely. He is getting long, and is getting heavy! (21 lbs).
We will be going back to Gillette for his follow up on his little hand. He can do almost anything with his little hand, except "hold" things. We will also be getting a brace for his other hand because of the tightness, he is not able to "finger pinch" or hold things in his hand for very long. We will also be making an appointment for his feet. He will probably need foot braces to straighten them out and correct the curve, this will also help with the tightness in his legs.
We are moving in less than ten days and we still haven't packed yet!! It' s a little crazy here, so I probably won't be posting for awhile!
We will be going back to Gillette for his follow up on his little hand. He can do almost anything with his little hand, except "hold" things. We will also be getting a brace for his other hand because of the tightness, he is not able to "finger pinch" or hold things in his hand for very long. We will also be making an appointment for his feet. He will probably need foot braces to straighten them out and correct the curve, this will also help with the tightness in his legs.
We are moving in less than ten days and we still haven't packed yet!! It' s a little crazy here, so I probably won't be posting for awhile!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
To the hospital and back again...
After Josiah had his surgery, almost two weeks ago, we headed back to Children's hospital for IV fluids. (He was dehydrated and in pain). We did get to come home because his fluid intake was getting better. Three days later, he started going downhill with fluids again, and I could not keep his pain under control. He even stopped swallowing his own spit because it hurt to swallow, so oral med were out, then tylenol suppositories did nothing). Soooo, to the our dr. we went, with my other daughter in tow, (who ended up with an ear infection too). My dr. took one look at him and said he needed to be admitted back to Children's. So, we stayed for two days in the hospital on IV fluids and pain meds, and are finally home and hopefully over the "pain" hump. Josiah is taking pain meds fine orally, he is drinking regularly and even eating fine! In two days he went from a lethargic, feverish, booger faced boy, back to our happy and smiley little Joe!
God is good!
Now his 1st birthday is tomorrow, so off for last minute preparations for that too!
Sorry to say, I can't wait for June! May is wayyyyy to hectic!
God is good!
Now his 1st birthday is tomorrow, so off for last minute preparations for that too!
Sorry to say, I can't wait for June! May is wayyyyy to hectic!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
A lot to report, such little time....
Josiah had his adenoidectomy on monday, we stayed for the 23 hours in the hospital, got no sleep or rest. Now that we are home, he is not doing so well. I will be taking him back to the hospital for IV fluids if he does not start increasing his fluids today. He is lethargic, but also on pain meds. The dr. did say these few days will be the worst, AND THEY ARE!
Our big news...we finally found a property for our hobby farm. It's 10 acres, a bigger home and not too much farther for Scott to drive to work. I fell in love with this house over a year ago. God told me a year ago that this was our house, but "me of little faith", I spent the past year looking and looking, thinking that the house would never be ours, the owners were not coming off their original price, then they accepted another offer from someone else, so I thought it was out of the picture. Well, God pretty much just plopped that house in our laps, and now we are closing on it the end of June!!! God is soooo faithful! Now we are in the midst of packing and getting this house ready for sale!! YUCK!!
All the kids are so excited to be moving. This house has everything I had dreamed about. Two story home, 4 BATHROOMS, character, 10 beautiful acres of pasture, woods, hills and even a creek!
Another busy thing this month, our son will be graduating!!! We have been busy with end of the school year activities. We are having family coming in from all over for his graduation. It will be awesome to have so much family here, (they are spread all over ). This will be the first time, since I was little, that. so much family has been together at once. I still can't believe my baby is graduating!!
Josiah's first birthday is also coming up in another week! The big "1"!
Our summer will be busy with summer school, building our barn and putting up our fencing. Hoping to have our alpacas with us towards the end of the summer!
To top off the end of the summer, my hubby and I will be going on a cruise!! All expense paid, (it's a "daddy's girl" thing!). We will be sailing from New York, up to Canada/New England. I have never been that far east. My wonderful mom will be taking on the "mommy" role here at home! I know, I am so blessed! She is always so willing to jump right in and take care of the kids when we go on our yearly trips!
Not sure when I will be able to post next. I am going to be pretty busy, but will try to get updates out.
God Bless!
Our big news...we finally found a property for our hobby farm. It's 10 acres, a bigger home and not too much farther for Scott to drive to work. I fell in love with this house over a year ago. God told me a year ago that this was our house, but "me of little faith", I spent the past year looking and looking, thinking that the house would never be ours, the owners were not coming off their original price, then they accepted another offer from someone else, so I thought it was out of the picture. Well, God pretty much just plopped that house in our laps, and now we are closing on it the end of June!!! God is soooo faithful! Now we are in the midst of packing and getting this house ready for sale!! YUCK!!
All the kids are so excited to be moving. This house has everything I had dreamed about. Two story home, 4 BATHROOMS, character, 10 beautiful acres of pasture, woods, hills and even a creek!
Another busy thing this month, our son will be graduating!!! We have been busy with end of the school year activities. We are having family coming in from all over for his graduation. It will be awesome to have so much family here, (they are spread all over ). This will be the first time, since I was little, that. so much family has been together at once. I still can't believe my baby is graduating!!
Josiah's first birthday is also coming up in another week! The big "1"!
Our summer will be busy with summer school, building our barn and putting up our fencing. Hoping to have our alpacas with us towards the end of the summer!
To top off the end of the summer, my hubby and I will be going on a cruise!! All expense paid, (it's a "daddy's girl" thing!). We will be sailing from New York, up to Canada/New England. I have never been that far east. My wonderful mom will be taking on the "mommy" role here at home! I know, I am so blessed! She is always so willing to jump right in and take care of the kids when we go on our yearly trips!
Not sure when I will be able to post next. I am going to be pretty busy, but will try to get updates out.
God Bless!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Some fun pics...
Sleepy boy!
Handsome boys
My oldest and youngest baby
Andrew and his prom date!
Girls messy hair day!
Handsome boys
My oldest and youngest babyAndrew and his prom date!
Girls messy hair day!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Wide eyes!!!
Poor Josiah, his eyes had to be dilated for two full days in order for the eye dr. to get a good diagnosis. But, prognosis is...no glasses or surgery...for now. We will be making trips to the eye dr. every 6-8 weeks to make sure his eyes don't deteriorate quickly. He will need glasses or surgery in the future, he's just too little to keep glasses on right now, plus he gets sensory overload when anything like hats, sunglasses, towels, etc. are placed on his face or head. He literally starts thrashing and eyes tear up! Poor baby. To combat this, I do a lot of deep tissue massage on his head and face.
We also may be looking at braces for his feet. I will be making another Gillette appointment for the summer. He is getting a little thumb brace to help correct that tightness.
Oh, we have a new cria! (That is a baby alpaca). She was born last week, and is adorable!
Just a little update from our busy household!
We also may be looking at braces for his feet. I will be making another Gillette appointment for the summer. He is getting a little thumb brace to help correct that tightness.
Oh, we have a new cria! (That is a baby alpaca). She was born last week, and is adorable!
Just a little update from our busy household!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Helping our Josiah...
We had our meeting here with all the specialist from our county program, it went very well. The results of his delays seem a little overwhelming on paper, but once we started on goals for the next six months, it seems very doable.
He is between 5-7 months behind in various areas. He will be turning 11 months this next week. He is still my toting baby! He is either on my hip, on my back, or propped up pillows and blankets. I do have plenty of helping hands most of the time. It is great having so many children willing to help their little baby brother. It is also easier with a baby at this stage in our lives, as far as so many willing hands.
As little as Josiah can do right now, he has shown some progress with a few motor skills. We are constantly doing physical therapy of some sort, with him. This week he was able to stay in the crawling position for a minute, once we placed him there. This is pretty big, since his trunk streangth is so low. I have been doing message on both his feet a lot, and we are working on correcting his thumb posture on his hand so he can learn the finger pinch method of picking things up.
Looks like we will be going in for another surgery for his adenoids. His breathing is so congested and stuffy all the time, just getting worse. We are just waiting on what the pediatric eye specialist has to say about surgery on his eyes. It would be nice to get these surgeries done at the same time.
In the meantime, he is such a gem! Always my smiley boy, big wet kisses and hugs, so funny to watch him discover how to make others laugh! I cannot put into words how much I love my baby boy! He is such an amazing gift! At times I am so overwhelmed with what God has given me. What an awesome God to serve, what a calling I have as a mom!!!! I can't wait to see what He has in store down the road!
He is between 5-7 months behind in various areas. He will be turning 11 months this next week. He is still my toting baby! He is either on my hip, on my back, or propped up pillows and blankets. I do have plenty of helping hands most of the time. It is great having so many children willing to help their little baby brother. It is also easier with a baby at this stage in our lives, as far as so many willing hands.
As little as Josiah can do right now, he has shown some progress with a few motor skills. We are constantly doing physical therapy of some sort, with him. This week he was able to stay in the crawling position for a minute, once we placed him there. This is pretty big, since his trunk streangth is so low. I have been doing message on both his feet a lot, and we are working on correcting his thumb posture on his hand so he can learn the finger pinch method of picking things up.
Looks like we will be going in for another surgery for his adenoids. His breathing is so congested and stuffy all the time, just getting worse. We are just waiting on what the pediatric eye specialist has to say about surgery on his eyes. It would be nice to get these surgeries done at the same time.
In the meantime, he is such a gem! Always my smiley boy, big wet kisses and hugs, so funny to watch him discover how to make others laugh! I cannot put into words how much I love my baby boy! He is such an amazing gift! At times I am so overwhelmed with what God has given me. What an awesome God to serve, what a calling I have as a mom!!!! I can't wait to see what He has in store down the road!
Monday, April 7, 2008
A few updates...
Josiah has been evaluated by our county for services, and it looks like we will get quite a bit of help to get him caught up. He has been such a trooper through all the dr. visits and evaluations, everyone comments on how "good natured" he is. He is such a sweetheart! We are excited to see how God will work in his life!
I went to an alpaca convention this weekend, ALL BY MYSELF! I even stayed overnight at a hotel! I learned a ton about our alpacas and can't wait to get them on our farm, which by the way...WE ARE STILL LOOKING!!!!!
It is getting a little frustrating with the hobby farm search. I spent at least 20 hours a week looking, driving, at hobby farms. It has been over a year now, and we are still looking!
Spring is finally here! The birds are becoming active with their singing, and the weather is getting very nice to be out in. (I hate the cold)! I can't believe that May is just around the corner, and my Andrew will be graduating! I can't believe my first baby will be going to college and on his own. I still don't feel old enough to have an 18 year old! It's really a weird feeling!
I know I don't have much to report, but wanted to put a fresh update.
I went to an alpaca convention this weekend, ALL BY MYSELF! I even stayed overnight at a hotel! I learned a ton about our alpacas and can't wait to get them on our farm, which by the way...WE ARE STILL LOOKING!!!!!
It is getting a little frustrating with the hobby farm search. I spent at least 20 hours a week looking, driving, at hobby farms. It has been over a year now, and we are still looking!
Spring is finally here! The birds are becoming active with their singing, and the weather is getting very nice to be out in. (I hate the cold)! I can't believe that May is just around the corner, and my Andrew will be graduating! I can't believe my first baby will be going to college and on his own. I still don't feel old enough to have an 18 year old! It's really a weird feeling!
I know I don't have much to report, but wanted to put a fresh update.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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