Sleeping babe’s

Today I took a nap. It was wonderful. Naps have been rare for me mainly because of working in the afternoons. They are even more rare because I have a 10 week old and a 3 year old. And yet, they are even more rare than that cause Addison has Acid Reflux. So laying down hurts, sitting propped up hurts, slouching in a bouncy hurts. Sometimes the only thing that helps is being wrapped in Mamma’s arms, sitting straight up and down. (Then she gets a nap and I don’t!) Addison has finally turned a corner with the Reflux. (THANK YOU JESUS!) Napping is easier (for her that is!) Playtime is more and her favorite new activity is smacking on her hands!

 

We came home from lunch today and Addison was hungry She isn’t too keen on eating any place but at home. Bottle followed and she fell asleep, out like a light, when she was done. So precious. Smart Mamma puts her down and tip toes away. Less than ten minutes later, she is awake and crying. As soon as I pick her up, she is out again. Well, I figured I would take total advantage of it so we climbed in *bed together and slept. It was sweet, so precious. It was a moment I think I will always treasure. Laying there looking at my sweet little girl without struggling to get her calm. It was a special time.

 

 

*Yes, I know that Dr.s do not recommend babies and parents to co-sleep. We didn’t do it with Alexis because of that. We co-sleep with Addison out of necessity.

Today, I believe. Tomorrow, I will still believe…

Faith is not something that comes easy to me. I don’t think it is something that comes easy to anyone! The past 9 months have been the most difficult Gary and I have gone through together. (That story will come later! Believe me, you will be encouraged!) But through it all, even when we didn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, the Lord has been faithful! Even though I have seen Him work and provide for my family countless times these past months, I still struggle with my faith.

 

My struggle started when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1995. Since then I have been praying for healing. The church I attending through high school had a bit of a revival of sorts and many times, I felt I needed to take a step and go off my insulin. My sugar would go up and I knew that the time for healing was not then. As a kid, its a bit crushing when you expect something to happen and it doesn’t. “When the Lord Closes a Door, Somewhere He Opens a Window.” This saying is so cliché but I really believe it! If it was the Lord’s will then he would allow me to move on it whatever it was. If it wasn’t then I believed the Lord would shut the door and he would show me what the next step was. He has done this for me and my family time and time again!

 

Its very easy to get down and out when you don’t see an end to your struggle. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep having faith! Things will change and an answer will come. Remember, the Lord works in his time, not in ours.

Addison’s Birth Story

 

The birth of Addison was so different than Alexis. With Alexis, I was in active labor for 47 hours before it was decided to deliver via c-section. With the birth of Addison, I wanted to try and have her naturally. The morning of the 17th, I was induced. By the evening, I had made NO progress what so ever. Gary and I decided that we would stop and have a c-section the next day. The next morning, I was so nervous I was shaking till the the spinal kicked in. I kept on thinking about what the Dr. was doing to me which is never a good thing! Once the surgery started I just kept listening for Addison's cry. Once I heard that, I started crying and they popped her head over the screen so I could see her. All I could comment on was her hair! The spinal started wearing off at that point. That was when I started feeling what the Dr. was doing too. The Dr’s started pumping the painkillers. I had 3 or 4 rounds of morphine plus a few other drugs. Until the meds started kicking in again, I concentrated on my breathing and controlling my emotions. They kicked in right before I had to be put to sleep. Gary was with me and he was getting upset watching me in pain. He was such a rock. He kept praying. Praying over me and praying over Addison. Once the med’s kicked in and I started to get loopy, Gary kept going back and forth between me and her, telling me her size and showing me pictures. The best thing was listening to her cry since I couldn’t hold her. I spent an hour in recovery then on the way back to my room, they took me by the NICU and let me look at her. She is a beautiful baby. So chubby and with such dark hair and skin! By that evening, I was able to get into a wheelchair and visit her for a while.

 

I am sitting on the edge of a life changing event. Tomorrow I will be induced to give birth to my second daughter, Addison. There are so many emotions going through me right now. First and foremost, I am excited! Spending the past few days in the Birthplace, hearing the babies cry, listening to Braham’s Lullaby played has made me yearn to hold this little one. To meet her, start to get to know her, to watch Gary with her and see her big sister meet her for the first time. I am ready to take her home and begin a new life together. Second, I am nervous. I have been told by nurses, the doctor by friends that this labor will be much different than my last. I am praying that my body is ready, that I can handle the pain, that I can keep a clear head through the entire process. Lastly I am scared. Alexis was born c-section and it was a great experience. My recovery went well and I had no adverse side effects from it so I naturally want to fall back onto that because I know it was good once! I am afraid of the pain that comes with laboring. I am afraid of going through the process. I know I can do this though. I feel the Lord’s strength in my stronger and stronger and I know he will lift me up and guide me.

 

Dear Gary,

I can’t even begin to put down in words how incredible you are. You are my rock. Exactly who I need. I would not be able to live this life without you. I love you more than any words can say my SB.

 

Dear Alexis,

My Big little girl. My miracle baby. You are so precious to my heart. My life was incomplete until you and your daddy came along. I love your laugh, your attitude. I love watching you change and learn new things. I have never been more proud to be called your mamma.

 

Dear Addison,

I don’t know you but I love you deeply. I was afraid this would be a struggle for me because I feel so much love for your sister but there is so much love for you too. I can’t wait to see your little face, to know what your eye’s look like and what color your hair is!

 

I Love all three of you so much, so much!

Allie’s Allergies

 

Most of you have probably seen my post about Allie’s Allergies on Facebook. She is highly allergic to nuts specifically Peanuts and to Eggs. Last night we had our biggest scare dealing with Allie’s allergies. We have only had to deal with her being exposed to eggs. She gets a rash on her skin that a steroid cream and some Clairton take care of. Last night she was exposed to nut for the first time. The three of us went out to dinner then to the mall so Allie could work off some of her ice cream she ate. The Hallmark store is always filled with stuffed animals and exciting things for little kids so we stopped in to look. Allie of course spotted a little bunny that Daddy just couldn’t say no too! It was with an Easter display that was set up and sitting right beside the peanut butter candies. We didn’t think about it, bought the bunny and gave it to Allie. In the time it took us to walk from the Hallmark store to the car, she started breaking out. As we headed home she began to get more and more itchy. She couldn’t sit still in her car seat at all. As soon as we got in the house, we stripped her down and saw that she was swollen and covered in hives. Her nose and her mouth were bright red and swollen. Her belly and arms were covered in hives and her thighs we swollen. Even her feet started to swell. We gave her some allergy meds and I called a friend who’s son has severe allergies as well. She advised putting Allie in the bath tub to was off whatever was on her skin that was making her break out. We did that and almost right away the reaction stopped and Allie started feeling better.

 

I know quite a few people that have children with allergies and I write all this to tell parents with or without allergies – PLEASE DO NOT SELF DIAGNIOS! PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR CHILDS DOCTOR! I know that many people are “anti-medicine” and “anti-doctor” but the Lord has give these men and women the wisdom to help not to hurt. As parents we want to do what is best for our children and sometimes, especially when it involves allergies, it is best to follow a doctors leading. They understand the way your body is supposed to work and what to do to help. I URGE you, if you suspect your child is allergic to anything, take them off that food or away from whatever it is and call your doctor. Get your child tested. (Yes, it is a painful test but it could save their life!) Get the med’s they recommend and do not hesitate to use them!

 

If you live in the Harrisburg area and need a good allergist, please email or call me. Gary and I have Allie involved in a wonderful practice under a GREAT Doctor. I would love to share that information with you!

I a cow! Mooooo!

 

I was putting Allie to bed tonight and we were chatting in bed before I tucked her in. She was telling me about her friends at school, particularly a little boy that wasn’t being so nice today. Here is the rest of our conversation…

 

Allie - “I Gigi!”

 

Mamma (laughing) - “No your not!”

 

Allie - “I Uncle Seff”

 

Mamma (still laughing) - “No your not! Your to little!”

 

Allie (completely straight faced) - “I a cow! Moooooo!”

 

She cracked herself up, laughing hysterically for about 5 minutes and making me laugh so hard I almost peed myself!!!

Letter to Allie

 

My precious little girl,

I am watching you sleep right now. How special it is that even though I have to work, I am able to spend my time with you. I put you down for your afternoon nap almost every day. Its a special time for you and I to take a break and cuddle. Today you had a nice surprise waiting for me, a big poop. You told me in your little two year old voice and oh so serious, “Its a big one Mamma!” You brought a smile to my face.

 

Last night we had a special moment with Baby Addison. Before you go to bed, I rock you and we read a book, maybe sing a song. You usually will pull my shirt up to see my belly and say a special good night to Addison. Last night we sang to her. We sang “You Are My Sunshine” All while we sang, Addison wiggled and squirmed. She is going to look up to her big sister.

 

Have sweet dreams my little girl!

Kisses from your Mamma!