From January 1st to today, March 31st, we have had 30 doctor's appointments. That's roughly ten appointments a month. The majority of those have been Aiden's, but on more than one week in our calendar all four of us had an appointment of some sort. I'm so tired of doctor's offices!!! I'm going grocery shopping tomorrow. Everyone of us will be eating an apple. The old saying may be just that, an old saying, but it couldn't hurt at this point! An apple a day keeps the doctor away!
For now, Aiden and Anthony are both sick. They are both running fevers, coughing, and just generally unhappy little boys. I'm praying for some sleep tonight, without the concert of seal barking we have been hearing the past few nights. Yep, definitely getting those apples tomorrow!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Ray of Sunshine!
It was finally nice enough to go play at the park!!!
Anthony was adamant that he would Not be in the picture! :)
Anthony was adamant that he would Not be in the picture! :)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
A new kind of thermometer!
I was taking Aiden's temperature tonight. I do this quite often. Fever goes with having TRAPS. I tend to try to keep a close eye on his temperature, because it can spike so quickly, to 106 or more. It's scary when it does that. So, if he feels the slightest bit warm, I grab the ear thermometer and see where we are at temperature wise.
Usually I take his temperature and he asks, "what does it say Mommy?" And then, I'll tell him, "98.8" (which is what it was tonight). But tonight the conversation was a little bit different. It went like this:
Aiden: What does it say Mommy?
Me: (I opened my mouth but I could not get a word in edgewise)
Aiden: It says I need to watch a movie and eat popcorn!!!
When his Daddy and I stopped laughing we popped in the movie and Daddy popped the popcorn! Oh my silly boy!
Usually I take his temperature and he asks, "what does it say Mommy?" And then, I'll tell him, "98.8" (which is what it was tonight). But tonight the conversation was a little bit different. It went like this:
Aiden: What does it say Mommy?
Me: (I opened my mouth but I could not get a word in edgewise)
Aiden: It says I need to watch a movie and eat popcorn!!!
When his Daddy and I stopped laughing we popped in the movie and Daddy popped the popcorn! Oh my silly boy!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A White Easter???
It may be snowing . . .
but . . .
He is RISEN!!!!!
Happy Easter!
It occurred to us today that neither of our children have ever had an Easter where it didn't snow. Aiden asked us last night where the snow was and when it was coming. We told him it may not snow, he seemed quite skeptical of that. We were skeptical, since there was only a 30% chance of snow. We put him to bed dreaming of a "White Easter." This morning he looked out the window and exclaimed, "there's the snow Mommy!" He was so excited to see the huge flakes falling! My brand new (thanks Mommy, Daddy, and Mema!), spring, sleeveless dress and I were not as excited!!! I went to church in my pretty new Easter dress anyway, in complete denial of the frigid temperature! And as we worshiped I had goosebumps, but it wasn't because I was cold. It was because of the awesome love of our Lord and the incredible sacrifice He made for me!!! I pray you too had a joyous day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
but . . .
He is RISEN!!!!!
Happy Easter!
It occurred to us today that neither of our children have ever had an Easter where it didn't snow. Aiden asked us last night where the snow was and when it was coming. We told him it may not snow, he seemed quite skeptical of that. We were skeptical, since there was only a 30% chance of snow. We put him to bed dreaming of a "White Easter." This morning he looked out the window and exclaimed, "there's the snow Mommy!" He was so excited to see the huge flakes falling! My brand new (thanks Mommy, Daddy, and Mema!), spring, sleeveless dress and I were not as excited!!! I went to church in my pretty new Easter dress anyway, in complete denial of the frigid temperature! And as we worshiped I had goosebumps, but it wasn't because I was cold. It was because of the awesome love of our Lord and the incredible sacrifice He made for me!!! I pray you too had a joyous day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
My Boys!
I got a new camera and I love it!!!
Here's my precious boys!!!
Patrick, my incredible husband:
Anthony Joseph, my sweet two year old:
Aiden John, my inquisitive three year old:
Here's my precious boys!!!
Patrick, my incredible husband:
Anthony Joseph, my sweet two year old:
Aiden John, my inquisitive three year old:
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Home, Music, Doctors, and a Risen Lord
The boys and I spent a wonderful time in Texas visiting family this past week. It is so nice to be home though! There's something special about sleeping in your own bed. It was also nice to see Patrick again. He went to Florida on a mission trip with some wonderful college students of ours. They had a great time and did some awesome work! I'm so proud of them, especially my wonderful husband. The boys sure did miss their Daddy and their train table! We hope in that order, but it was iffy last night as to which came first.
Did you know that you shouldn't leave an MP3 player out in the van when the temperature is likely to drop below freezing? Well, take it from me, it's not a great idea. I got a new MP3 player today! Yay! I've been missing my music. I'm currently listening to a new Christian band named "Emberlasting" They are awesome and their lead singer has two gorgeous daughters that my boys are quite fond of playing with! Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/emberlasting
The week before leaving for Texas we took Aiden to the eye doctor. He will be getting new glasses this week. He is extremely far-sighted.
Now for the "serious" stuff. Our son, Aiden, has been diagnosed with TRAPS. I know, you're thinking, what? That's what our pediatrician said! It's very rare. TRAPS is an auto inflammatory disorder resulting from mutations in TNFRSF1A, the gene that encodes the 55 kDa receptor for TNF. Clinically, patients present with recurring inflammatory attacks consisting of fever, rash, conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, and myalgia that are often severely disabling. In layman's terms, Aiden has been suffering from a fever every 21 days that lasts 7 days since July of 07. His fevers get up in the 106 range. We have another appointment at St Louis Children's Hospital on Monday. We will go over our treatment options and determine the best course of action for him. More than likely we will opt for injections, once or twice a week, of Enbrel, a drug used to fight rheumatoid arthritis.
So, lots of changes for my little red head. I'm sad for these changes. It hurts so badly when, as a mother, you find out your child isn't perfect. My heart aches for him and all of the changes he's about to face at such a young age. No three year old should be facing the prospect of weekly shots for the rest of his life. I feel like I've somehow failed him as a mother. I should be able to protect him. I know that I didn't do anything wrong and that God is in total control of this entire situation. I know that God has something wonderful to teach all of us, especially Aiden, through this life changing syndrome. But, I still want to protect him from pain.
Do you think that's how God felt? When He watched His son on the cross? Many people think that Father God turned His back on Jesus as He was on the cross out of disgust for our sin. I see it differently. I turn my head every time Aiden gets an injection. This whole month, as we've had twice a week blood draws, I've chickened out and sent him to the hospital lab with His Daddy. Watching my child in pain is near unbearable. I think God felt a similar need to turn His head from the pain and the sin. But, I made sure Aiden had the blood work done, to make sure we were doing everything we could to help him. Sometimes, we have to allow our children to experience pain for their "greater good". In Jesus' sake, the pain was for my greater good, not His, but the Father allowed it. Yet, the minute Christ called for His Daddy, I believe, He was there. God the Father RAN to His son and scooped Him up. As Easter approaches this Sunday, I reflect on the amazing sacrifice of the cross. Of Christ, for His life for me. Of the Father, for giving His only Son. I'm awe struck that our Father and Jesus chose the greater good, me, over the pain. It doesn't make sense to me. I just know it is truth. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!!!
Did you know that you shouldn't leave an MP3 player out in the van when the temperature is likely to drop below freezing? Well, take it from me, it's not a great idea. I got a new MP3 player today! Yay! I've been missing my music. I'm currently listening to a new Christian band named "Emberlasting" They are awesome and their lead singer has two gorgeous daughters that my boys are quite fond of playing with! Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/emberlasting
The week before leaving for Texas we took Aiden to the eye doctor. He will be getting new glasses this week. He is extremely far-sighted.
Now for the "serious" stuff. Our son, Aiden, has been diagnosed with TRAPS. I know, you're thinking, what? That's what our pediatrician said! It's very rare. TRAPS is an auto inflammatory disorder resulting from mutations in TNFRSF1A, the gene that encodes the 55 kDa receptor for TNF. Clinically, patients present with recurring inflammatory attacks consisting of fever, rash, conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, and myalgia that are often severely disabling. In layman's terms, Aiden has been suffering from a fever every 21 days that lasts 7 days since July of 07. His fevers get up in the 106 range. We have another appointment at St Louis Children's Hospital on Monday. We will go over our treatment options and determine the best course of action for him. More than likely we will opt for injections, once or twice a week, of Enbrel, a drug used to fight rheumatoid arthritis.
So, lots of changes for my little red head. I'm sad for these changes. It hurts so badly when, as a mother, you find out your child isn't perfect. My heart aches for him and all of the changes he's about to face at such a young age. No three year old should be facing the prospect of weekly shots for the rest of his life. I feel like I've somehow failed him as a mother. I should be able to protect him. I know that I didn't do anything wrong and that God is in total control of this entire situation. I know that God has something wonderful to teach all of us, especially Aiden, through this life changing syndrome. But, I still want to protect him from pain.
Do you think that's how God felt? When He watched His son on the cross? Many people think that Father God turned His back on Jesus as He was on the cross out of disgust for our sin. I see it differently. I turn my head every time Aiden gets an injection. This whole month, as we've had twice a week blood draws, I've chickened out and sent him to the hospital lab with His Daddy. Watching my child in pain is near unbearable. I think God felt a similar need to turn His head from the pain and the sin. But, I made sure Aiden had the blood work done, to make sure we were doing everything we could to help him. Sometimes, we have to allow our children to experience pain for their "greater good". In Jesus' sake, the pain was for my greater good, not His, but the Father allowed it. Yet, the minute Christ called for His Daddy, I believe, He was there. God the Father RAN to His son and scooped Him up. As Easter approaches this Sunday, I reflect on the amazing sacrifice of the cross. Of Christ, for His life for me. Of the Father, for giving His only Son. I'm awe struck that our Father and Jesus chose the greater good, me, over the pain. It doesn't make sense to me. I just know it is truth. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!!!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Opening Ceremonies
I've finally jumped onto the blogging bandwagon. I feel like there should be a party or something. At least a couple of hats and noise makers! You see, I've been wanting to blog for a long time now. I haven't because I knew I wouldn't be able to share pictures of our children, at least until Anthony's adoption was finalized. As of January, the adoption was finalized. Hey, it only took me until March to get the ball rolling here. I know there are thousands out there that have been dieing to hear what I have to say. Well, maybe one or two.
Ironically, I don't really know what I want to say. I know I used to enjoy writing, sharing my life with others. I hope to do that here. I also hope to share my family and our crazy adventures.
So, here's a brief introduction. I'm Angie. I'm married to Patrick. We are about to celebrate six years together. We met while attending seminary together. I dated his best friend, he dated mine, the rest is history. (The friends were in our wedding.) I'm quickly approaching my 34th birthday. Patrick is four years younger than me, I robbed the cradle.
We have five children. In December of 2005 we experienced a miscarriage at 11 weeks. We named our daughter Hannah Grace. In August of 2006 our son, Colin Michael, was stillborn at 32 weeks. In November of 2007, we miscarried at ten weeks and named our daughter Airen Lee.
Our oldest is Aiden John, he just turned three. He's the red head. He loves swimming, reading, chalkboards, his Daddy, and the entire PBS Kids lineup. He looks forward to going to church and is a very social child. He is so smart it scares me and can tell his left from his right already. I can't imagine what God has in store for him!
Our youngest is Anthony Joseph, he is about to turn two. He's the blond and I get numerous comments on how much he looks like me. Anthony came to us through a miracle of God and the miracle of adoption. He is mischievous, mechanically inclined, and a charmer. He loves any food you set in front of him, but cannot live without his Cheerios. He loves his Mommy, but refuses to say my name. He loves Elmo and Cookie Monster, although we're not sure if it's the monster or the cookie that is appealing to him. He is also a very social little one that loves spending time at church with his friends. God has something special planned for him!
It is my greatest joy to prepare these two young boys for manhood. God has given me amazing blessings through my children and my husband. Here's the family!
Ironically, I don't really know what I want to say. I know I used to enjoy writing, sharing my life with others. I hope to do that here. I also hope to share my family and our crazy adventures.
So, here's a brief introduction. I'm Angie. I'm married to Patrick. We are about to celebrate six years together. We met while attending seminary together. I dated his best friend, he dated mine, the rest is history. (The friends were in our wedding.) I'm quickly approaching my 34th birthday. Patrick is four years younger than me, I robbed the cradle.
We have five children. In December of 2005 we experienced a miscarriage at 11 weeks. We named our daughter Hannah Grace. In August of 2006 our son, Colin Michael, was stillborn at 32 weeks. In November of 2007, we miscarried at ten weeks and named our daughter Airen Lee.
Our oldest is Aiden John, he just turned three. He's the red head. He loves swimming, reading, chalkboards, his Daddy, and the entire PBS Kids lineup. He looks forward to going to church and is a very social child. He is so smart it scares me and can tell his left from his right already. I can't imagine what God has in store for him!
Our youngest is Anthony Joseph, he is about to turn two. He's the blond and I get numerous comments on how much he looks like me. Anthony came to us through a miracle of God and the miracle of adoption. He is mischievous, mechanically inclined, and a charmer. He loves any food you set in front of him, but cannot live without his Cheerios. He loves his Mommy, but refuses to say my name. He loves Elmo and Cookie Monster, although we're not sure if it's the monster or the cookie that is appealing to him. He is also a very social little one that loves spending time at church with his friends. God has something special planned for him!
It is my greatest joy to prepare these two young boys for manhood. God has given me amazing blessings through my children and my husband. Here's the family!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)