100, Yeah, that's right, 100!!!!

James turned 31 last week so we went out and about to celebrate! 

James had to work so we met him at Grand Lux for a yummy dinner!  Aunt Robin joined us to help celebrate 31 years of life.  

I posted pictures last year for James' birthday as well.  I was pregnant with Wyatt and could not even imagine how life would look a year from then and here we sit, blessed beyond measure.  I am so thankful for this man and this boy!  Lord, Thank for his 31 years.  I hope for at least 31 one more with him!  

James was really happy they didn't sing to him when I told the waiter it was his birthday.  

After dinner we went to Aunt Robin's house for some yummy, dairy free carrot cake.  She makes him one every year.  I am thankful for this because 1. it's yummy and 2. I would only know how to open a box and bake.  haha.   James is thankful too!  

Wyatt wore his "I love my dad" shirt for his special daddy!  He loves him so much.
This picture also makes me think of James' dad.  He looks just like him here.  

Aunt Robin has a cat.  This was Wyatt's first real cat!  

Aunt Robin is a personal trainer... a GOOD one... and so we had some fun in her room with floor to ceiling mirrors!
(Need a trainer, contact Robin)

On Saturday morning we headed over to Top Golf with some friends!  We love this place.  A couple of these guys met Wyatt for the first time.  I kept a bottle of hand sanitizer on the table and was a crazy lady making everyone germ-x all the time.

Wyatt with Mr. Brent.  Brent was our best man and lived with us for a while.  Ladies- hr's a good man and loves babies!  :-) 

Mr. Kelly also came out to celebrate and meet Wyatt!  

I didn't have my best day of golfing but I had fun and that is what counts! 

The sun was warm but the wind was brutal.  Wyatt took a snoozer while we finished playing and he finished "eating".  

Chad threw his back out so this is his new swing.  

The birthday guy! 

Miss Whitney snuggling sweet baby Wyatt. 

James is determined to have Wyatt love golf!  I'm totally on board.  It's an expensive sport but it's low impact so I'm a happy camper and we can all do it together once he gets big enough!  :-) (Aggie scholarship please?!?)  

Wyatt loves to play peek-a-book in his car seat!  

Oh you know, just reading a book in the laundry basket, in the bath tub... this is normal right?!? 

#teething .... will we ever see teeth. 

I've saved the best for last.... 100!  Yes, that is a rate of 100 mLs an hour.  I don't know if I ever thought we'd see this!  When we came home Wyatt was barely tolerating 35 mils an hour and we had to keep him upright and somewhat still.  Well, looky here.  100 mils and hour and receiving 100 mils a feed during the day.  That means his feeds are down to an hour!  When we came home from the hospital he was eating for 3 hours at a time and then had an hour break and we would start all over.  He was basically never disconnected.  It sucked and now look at us!  We got GI tomorrow where we will get to also see the dietitian... her goal was 85/hour.  She's going to be so happy.  I am so hoping that we can continue this progress get him down to half an hour and then to also begin taking volume from Wyatt's night time amount and add it to the daytime.  I would love for his tube eating to resemble a more "normal" eating schedule so that the transition to only taking in food by mouth be smoother.... once we get there.  We've still got a long way to go but I just know Wyatt is going to fight through this and understand that eating = a happy tummy!  

So thankful for all these baby step, leaps and bounds both!  Thank you Jesus for Wyatt's growth!  

Parkland Nurses... Did you ever think you would see this for baby Wyatt?!?!?!

Happy New Year

 

We made it through another year, family fully intact.  Praise be only to the King!  We are so thankful for what God blessed us with in 2012.  It's a year I will never, ever forget for all of my numbered days.  It had many difficult days that God gave us strength to get through.  He showed us that He is in complete control and is a mighty powerful God.  Against worldly odds, He gave us our son, Wyatt.  Through His gifts of medical advances, I am able to hold my almost 6 month old, sleeping & snoring son in my arms as I type this post right here and now.  Who could ask for me?  Not me.  Of course with my bent to sin heart, I often do ask for more, frivolous things but in all honesty, I feel like I have it all.  Jesus saved my heart and that is all.  The rest?  Icing on the cake!  Thank you Lord for the many, many people you have blessed me/us with in our lives.  We are surrounded by so many that love us and pray for us. 

 

Look who woke up!!  Happy New Year everyone! :-)

 

 "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom." -James 3:13 ESV

 

My hope is that I can continually glorify God with my heart, my words and actions.  I have shied away from making new years resolutions.  As a Christian, I feel like I should always be "resolving" to be more Christ-like.  Don't get me wrong, I'm setting a few goals for this coming year, especially as my life and schedule have changed dramatically these days (for the better in my opinion!).  So, here it goes.... Here are my resolutions!

 

I want to look outward more.  What I mean that is instead of focusing on myself and my immediate surrounds, I want to see beyond James, Wyatt and ME.  It's a big world out there and there is a lot going on.  For so long now it's been all about Wyatt and it still will continue because he is who God has entrusted with us but he can't be our only focus!  So, here are some organizations and ministries I want to pray for and support either through prayer or financially.  I don't feel "time" is something that is much of an option right now, that's what Wyatt gets to have the majority of. 

 

Guatemala - These are good friends of ours, John and Sarah Herrington, with their son Jackson.  They've been with us since we got married and it's been a pleasure to walk beside them! 

 

CHERUBS - This is a research and support organization for families affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).  This is what Wyatt has/had.  I don't think I utilize this group/website enough but at the same time, I think I did as much as I needed, if that makes sense.  I want to help other families that have to battle this hideous monster of CDH.  Not all stories are as sweet as ours has been and not all families have the hope of Christ to rely on for support and encouragement. 

 

Berlin - These are also friends of ours.  For their protection, we call them "John & Ruth".  It's been fun to get to know this family and their giving hearts.  We don't physically get to hang out, as we are on opposite sides of the metroplex world but through FB, blogs and text, it's been a pleasure! :-)

 

 I do still have some self goals too.  We can always improve ourselves right?  I mean, who wants to be content with being stagnant?  I believe there is a difference in being good with where the Lord has you and continually seeking ways to be more Christ-like and just being, not moving forward.... as well as the opposite of it never being enough. 

 

I want to read more of the Bible and know more about the Lord and at times I just want to have more of a desire for these things.  I have a friend, several in fact, that just thirst for Godly knowledge.  It's like the thirst is never quenched.  The one friend in particular, whom I've said all this to on more then one occasion, just keeps wanting more and it's so encouraging and convicting at the same time.  I'm always in awe of the ways God is working in her.  Throughout my pregnancy, Wyatt's birth, his NICU stay and now having him home, I don't think I've ever lost my faith.  That's held strong but my discipline in reading and now with Wyatt being home, praying.  It's like I get going in the morning with him and before I know it, I'm back in bed ready to be asleep- having not prayed or read the word... or what I feel is even worse- not whole heartedly taking in what little I did read.   In the past week, I've found a blog/website called "SHE READS TRUTH" and a journaling format that can fit anything I read!  So perfect! (I've read for the day but haven't journaled just yet).

 

Physically, I want to work out 3 times a week.  This frequency used to be more but with Wyatt and his inability to go into childcare, me staying away from public germs as much as possible, and just Wyatt's needs in general keeps it limited.  So, this can be a walk, yoga video, a xbox Kinect something or other count.  Three times a week is doable.  I can do it!  Thankfully, keeping Wyatt upstairs keeps me "climbing stairs".  I probably go up and down at least 25 times a day if not double... just depends on the day.  :-)  I know my body is forever changed and well worth it but I still want to stay healthy.  James and I both have medical family histories that can go bad so we do what we can to keep it from happening. 

 

In support of a friend and for my own health benefit I guess, I'm giving up sodas.  She is doing it because of the sugar content. I drink zero or diet drinks so that can't be my reason.  I just enjoy them but know they don't benefit me.  So, it's hot tea and coffee for me!  :-) 

 

In general, through all this I hope I can be a better example of Christ, a better wife, a better mother and a better friend.  These are my hopes!

 

Then there are general goals for our family and things that just need to happen. 

 

I hope to help Wyatt to become a better "eater".  Right now he's taking in ZERO nutrition through his mouth.  At the end of the month, if he is ready, I hope to begin introducing solids.  I am praying that he just loves the many different flavors and can't get enough.  I know I, personally, can't make this happen for him but I do hope that I do everything in my power to encourage and support him in his challenges. 

 

I also pray about his mobility.  As he grows, he moves more and soon it'll be crawling or walking.  How do I, as his mother, encourage this if he has to be connected to a feeding pump and oxygen?  What does this look like? Oh my!  So, I know we'll get it all figured out as we cross each bridge but it's just hard to imagine.  :-)

 

We also need to begin "staging" our home to be put on the market for sale.  (Anybody wanna live in Sachse?  We go on the market some time in April, God willing!)  I have tons of ideas and have pinned tons of pins on pinterest but we need to keep our budget in mind.  The area we want to move to, will also require us to change our expectations on what our house will look like.  The land in that area is more expensive so we'll most likely being going to an older, smaller home but it will put us many, many....many miles closer to James' office.  Our 30 year home will be our 3 year home... hope this isn't the beginning of a pattern.  Haha. 

 

Future family.  Just to seek the Lord on what the future of our family looks like.  When do begin trying for Wyatt's brother or sister? 

 

 

This list of things to pray about, work on... resolve...whatever you want to call it is ever changing.  Our lives are continually changing, as they should be, so our goals and ambitions must as well. 

 

I hope each of  you found joy in 2012 and seek joy in 2013.  Happy New Year! 

 

Thanks Whitney & Chad for spending New Year's Eve with as a relaxing, fun night at home.

 

A New Year's Kiss!  Love my husband!

 

A sleepy baby in his New Year's outfit!

(A sweet gift from Whitney and Chad!)

 

Just one of my most favorite smiles around! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fast and The Furious

Whew...

And we're off.  James and I were beginning to feel a little anxious about what's to come.  We've been asked on many occasions, "Have you toured Parkland/Children's yet?" "When is your MRI?" and who knows what else?!?  Ahhh!!  We didn't know but now we are beginning to know the answers to these questions and have appointment scheduled.  Praise the Lord.  I got a phone call today from a nurse from our delivering OBGYN's nurse to schedule our first visit.  It will be Monday, June 4th.  We'll go in for a sonogram and first the visit.  We also were told we'd have the fetal MRI on Thursday, June 14th.  And our "family meeting" will be the following week.  Weight lifted.  Just having these on the calendar helps me feel like I have a clue as to what is going on.  Hopefully, we'll have our tours of St. Paul, Parkland and Children's on 4th.  We'll keep on keepin' on updating you.

Last week James and I went to see the lovely Dr. Hickman... I mean the newly married Dr. Zink. Congrats by the way!!! I look forward to hearing all about the exciting tales of being newlyweds!  :-)  And we got the latest echo cardiograph from Dr. Gibbin.   Both visits came back "normal".  Nothing out of the ordinary or alarming showed up.  Everything pretty much is the same.  Wyatt is measuring a little small but that again is normal for CDH.  So, we're just praising God for all the development in Wyatt!!!!

Also, last week my NHE coworkers/family hosted a fabulous baby shower for me.  It was wonderfully beautiful.  I'll post pictures once as soon as I actually upload them!  I am so thankful for all the love that's been poured out in so many different ways!  In my thank you "speech" at the end of the party I was totally choked up.  I have worked with the same people, mostly, for the past 5 years.  They have seen me through dating James to engagement and marriage, me wanting to be pregnant and becoming pregnant and supporting me through all Wyatt's issues- encouraging and supporting me/us.  It really is an amazing place to work.  It's going to be weird to not see these people 5 days a week.  Again, thank you so much.  :-)  

Happy Super 30th Birthday to my Loving Husband

James turned 30 on April 4th!  It's been a big deal in our house.  I've been giving him a hard time about it now for a couple of years now.  He gets so upset about getting "old" and upset with me for giving him a hard time.  I don't feel bad though and will continue to do so because I'm only 8 months behind him.  I feel like it's okay.  :-)  

For those of you that have known James for a while now, know how much he hates attention to be on him or for really good things like a raise and/or promotions to happen and birthdays- Oh and he doesn't like surprises.  He literary gets a little depressed on these days.  It's the oddest thing but it's how he has been since I've met him.  Brent Bell and I attempted a surprise birthday party for him once with just his home group guys- dinner and video games.  On the day of his party, Brent sent out an email reminder but forgot to remove one of James' email address.  Let me tell you about the angry text I got... It was angry.  haha.  We learned our lesson for sure.  No surprise parties for James.  I don't really like to accept the no birthday parties rule.  I feel like it is a little selfish of him to not let someone else and other people who want to celebrate him and what God has done and is doing in his life.  I have gotten James to agree to a party on birthdays that end in 0- 30, 40, 50, ect.... He can endure the pain and agony once every 10 years.  haha.  

This year James and I went round and round about how this was going to go down.  When, where, who, ect... We finally agreed on a location and date.  He still was insisting on no balloons or cake or this or that but being the good wife I am, I ignored him on a lot of these things because I LOVE hosting and planning parties of all kinds!  And I know my husband well enough to know what he will actually enjoy at the end of the day.  

Yesterday morning I set a golf game for James, Chad H., Chad E. and Dan!  He was gone for more then 6 hours.  It made me wonder how he/they were doing because that seemed like a long golf game and I know James hasn't played in over 2 years.  But he got home and said he had a wonderful time and shot a 99.  He says that's good.  :-) I'm just happy he had fun. 

Last night we met up with friends at Pappasito's Cantina.  I called a couple of weeks ago for a reservation.  I tried for the "party" room but you had to agree to spend $1000 on food to reserve that.  We've got a lot of friends but no way in the world we would be spending that much.  Whoa.  So, a normal reservation it was.  It still worked out great.  They had us off in a side room anyway.  We could be as loud as we wanted and I was still able to put some balloons (yes, against his wishes) up and stuff.  

We had so much fun.  People who didn't know each other got to get to know each other- as well as meet the wonderful people I'm always talking about and people who did know each other got to keep on doing so!  The food was great, our waiters were awesome and patient, and the company was top notch.  I ordered a rather plain cake from Target and decorated it myself with the James touch of course and he even endured one round of Happy Birthday... Hmmm, Brent Bell- I thought you were going to sing him the "black" version?!?!?  What happened???  :-)  I also dished up some of his favorite ice cream for everyone- cookies-n-cream.  Needless to say, it was a fun 3 hour dinner. 

Here are some pictures of our evening.

The Super Heroes I wanted to add to the cake- good vs. evil

James really wanted black berries on top of the cake.

Half Chocolate / Half Vanilla cake from Target

Meet Thor!  I think this is what James would look like with long hair, he is carrying a hammer (the HammerDelts) ...and he's my super hero! 

Set up at the Pappasito's

The newlyweds Dennis & Julianne Fowler

My coworkers Alexis Didier & Denise Young

John, Sarah and Jackson Herrington 

Lizzy Blazing & Kristin Jones

Good vs. Evil

The dads!  James can join in on the picture in 3 or so months! 

Rock Stars Dan & Brent!

Laura actually ate the cake and ice cream!  Shame on her!  lol.

All random pictures taken by Denise!  She was having fun with the camera! 

This picture is funny because Denise was just taking pictures of things (the blue table decor) and James totally thought she was taking a picture of his crotch! haha!

After everyone got some cake and ice cream, we got to give what was remaining to our waiters and their coworkers!  They said a big "thanks!"  I remember always enjoying some food during my shift when I waited tables.  I also didn't want to bring it home!!! We had like half the cake left over! 

Here you can actually tell I'm almost 6 months pregnant! 

Funny Business!

We ended the night falling asleep on the couch watching an episode of "Smallville" on Netflix.  It was perfect!

After dinner, James and I got in the car and he leaned over, kissed me and told me thank you.  Of course I said "My Pleasure!" and couldn't help myself but to remind him that I knew he would have fun!!!  

Thank you to everyone for coming out.  James really enjoyed himself!  And thank you Sarah for helping me set up and cutting cake.  I hope all that red frosting came off your fingers!  You might look funny at church tonight if it hasn't yet!