An Iowa Pride

Christmas Continued

2012-01-02T23:05:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Christmas with Bryan's family a little late this year. His dad and Peg came to our house for the day and we went to Karen and Dan's the next day. It worked out nice to spread the holiday out a bit and spend some more time with Sarah, Jordyn and Steve after the official holiday. The girls don't really play together yet but they enjoyed playing near one another. I'm sure they will be both great friends and trouble together soon--- for now Jordyn picks on Campbell a bit. : ) No doubt Campbell will be bigger than Jordyn always and she'll decide to pick back one of these days! We are so very thankful for our wonderful family.

fun in the kitchen

teething babe didn't spend much time without her paci over the holidays

Randy and Peg and the kiddos

Jordyn's first self-fed pasta meal

Campbell jabbering as always... minus pants... go figure!

a very happy, easy going, sweet girl

a great momma who loves

Dan and Karen and the kids

looks like I just drowned Campbell--- notice the different amounts of hair : )

siblings

Dan and Karen again... wanted one with Campbell wearing pants : )

Sarah's little family

Love them

2011-12-31T22:44:00.000-06:00

'tis the Season!

2011-12-24T23:36:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!
with love-
Bryan, Jenny, Sam and Campbell

sweet smile... better than stone cold in the family picture above!

for you mom

Christmas red

so happy with my dad in Ames

ready to get to work

no pants, new boots, diaper and his shirt is on backwards to top this look off!

Flashback Friday

2011-12-16T06:46:00.000-06:00

December 16th of 2010...

two weeks old

happy big time trouble

chubby baby face

look how Campbell is looking at him

cute leggings and socks

she's awake!

Happy 1st birthday Campbell Jean!!

2011-12-01T23:32:00.001-06:00

What a difference a year makes!

xoxoxo We couldn't love you more! xoxoxo

Campbell's Arrival

2011-12-01T10:21:00.001-06:00

It's fun to think back to the day of her delivery and talk about the details and timeline. I could listen to friends tell the birth stories of their children all day long! I love being a mom. I love being pregnant. I love those exciting last few days of pregnancy/first few days as a new family. I love hearing similarities and differences in the way these miracles come into the world. Here's Campbell's story as I remember it today....

I was scheduled to be induced Wednesday, December 1st. I had been measuring a good two weeks ahead the second half of my pregnancy and my doctor thought she may be 9ish pounds so I was all for being induced. Our instructions were to call Mercy that morning at 6:00 and make sure they had a bed open for me. They did not... I had been preparing myself for such news... I sometimes have that kind of luck. The nurse said call back in an hour to check again. Karen had already arrived to be with Sam so the four of us sat and watched tv (well, the clock really) and played with Sam while we waited. I called again at 7:00 and this time the nurse told me they were really hoping to get me in before lunch but she wasn't certain things would go that way. Ahhh! Not the best news to hear when you are packed and ready to walk out the door! I held it together for a while and thankfully she called back just after 8:00 and said come on in... then the dam broke, you know me! I was pretty ready to meet our babe. By 9:00 I was hooked up to the monitors and comfy in bed. When Dr. Wenzel broke my water at 9:35 I was 3cm and 50% effaced. I started pitocin just after 10:00, got a dose of nubain at 12:45 (my doctor had just headed into another c section and my nurses didn't want me to be in freak out mode wanting an epidural since I was so close to that point if that surgery took a little longer than anticipated--- good idea ladies!) and at 1:40 I was happily, perfectly epiduraled! : ) Side note- this time they had me lay down on my side while they did it and with Sam they had me sit up hunched over- interesting to me at the time. I'm thankful for great doctors and two amazing epidurals! Anyways, the mid part of our day was a little tougher on me than I anticipated. I got stuck at 4cm and then again at 5cm for a long time. With Sam I was so out of it during this part of labor due to the medicine I was on for my blood pressure that I really didn't have the chance to worry or think ahead. I just assumed since it was my second time around that things would move at least a little quicker and I'd have a babe by supper. The nurses started to say things about not progressing much and if things kept up at this rate and blah blah blah. I had a hard time for a bit not getting nervous that we were going to stall out and have to have a c section. Dr. Wenzel assured me this wasn't going to be the case and Bryan pulled me through yet again and helped me get my head straight so I could do what I needed to do. It was a weird part of the experience that I didn't expect... just different physically and emotionally than I anticipated so I was a bit thrown. Anyways... they checked me again at 6:35 and said I was ready to have a baby! Three pushes and out she came! 6:49pm 7lbs 12oz and 20in long! She was perfect! Her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck so tightly that Dr. Wenzel had to cut it (vs. unwrap as they so regularly do during deliverly) before she was all the way out. This was a large part of the reason we were stuck for that bit mid-dialation. They cleaned her up and gave her back to Bryan and I. For kind of a long day, the last few minutes sure went quickly! Campbell was here and all was well. We couldn't have been more in love with our second miracle.

A Year Ago

2011-11-30T22:44:00.000-06:00

We were a family of three...

I put this boy to bed for the last time as only his momma...

I was swollen (quite literally) with child and very ready to meet her...

I knew all would be well as this man would be holding my hand the whole time...

We couldn't wait to meet you Campbell Jean!!! More to come tomorrow--- the big 1st birthday!!!

Purple

2011-11-30T22:20:00.000-06:00

I have been getting my haircut at a place in North Liberty for a little over year. I really like my lady although she's younger and in a totally different world than me. Two chairs down from her station hangs a thing with color samples... not shades of blonde or brown but shades of the rainbow. I have been eyeing it for a long time thinking a tiny bit of color might be fun. I almost pulled the trigger the end of August at my last haircut but chickened out. Last week I decided to do it. Purple. Ellen was already drying my hair when I asked if she had time to do it that night and she, the trooper, said yes! She pulled the rest of my hair out of the way and first dyed it bleach blonde (yuck!) and then put in 3 foils of purple. Really purple. Like the Crayola purple marker you color with purple! Ellen said it took really well since I don't highlight or dye my hair. We had to wash that chunk twice and sit under the dryer twice and 15ish minutes later I had a silly purple section of hair! I know it's not that big of a deal but that's about as wild as I get folks! It makes me smile and 8 times out of 10 people haven't noticed, which is the way I wanted it. It will slowly fade out over the next several weeks and be back to brown sooner than later. The pictures below were from my phone that night and aren't great. Look at my birthday post below and see if you now notice that little section on my left side. I'm glad I did it. I think it's fun! And PS- a few people have asked if I did it as a freaking out cause I'm turning thirty thing and I did not. Just something fun for me. It's only silly hair and will be back to normal soon. : )

THIRTIES here I come!

2011-11-28T22:01:00.001-06:00

Today I turned 30 which is kind of weird for sure. 30 means officially grown up in my opinion. In your twenties you are looked at as young, fresh out of college, new to the working world, new to the parenting world, not far removed from young and foolish. Thirty to me means the next chapter... college days were a little longer ago, been married for a while now, second kiddo came along to further our parenting adventure... I feel like I accomplished a lot in my twenties--- Met my love. Graduated college. Became an aunt. Taught in Cedar Rapids. Got married. Moved to FL. Became an aunt again. Taught in FL. Became an aunt again. Became a mother. Moved to Colorado. Lived in the same city as my siblings. Became a stay at home mom. Moved back to Iowa. Became an aunt again. Had a second baby. Became an aunt again. All the while working to be a better daughter, sister, friend. Celebrating and comforting the ones I love through good times and bad. Turning 30 today feels kind of weird... but not bad. I'm looking forward to my thirties. Bryan and I continue to grow closer and smarter in our marriage and I could not imagine a more perfect man to share these fast-moving years with. I feel these will be some of the best with our own children as they become little people so very quickly. I am one lucky lady. And I am thankful. So THIRTIES... here I come!!

A good picture of Sam!!!!

2011-11-22T14:15:00.001-06:00

A normal sight around our house in the evenings... nudie, well shirtless kiddos just out of the tub! The real shocker is that I was able to get several pictures of Sam smiling and looking at the camera!!!!!! He is such a sweet boy and uses this lovey, totally happy smile often but has been such a stink lately as soon as the camera comes out. I'm so glad he cooperated... kind of wish he had a shirt on but thankful for the good pictures of him none the less!

he's such a nice boy

two cheeseballs

funny because they are both looking up at their tall dad

not lucky enough to get a good one of them together too that night

Campbell tried to stand up using a chair from the kiddy table and her little hand missed- ouch! here's the start of her black eye... the above pictures were taken a couple days after this

handsome Sam one more time <3

PS- doesn't he he look totally different from his picture above in our header?! Working to get that updated sooner than later... we do have two children now you know... : )

Sam last year on November 16th...

2011-11-16T09:41:00.001-06:00

Sweet boy : )

Recently

2011-11-16T09:14:00.001-06:00

Nothing wild happening at our house recently but I thought I'd share a few pictures and videos of the kids. Campbell will be ONE in a couple of weeks... shortly after her mom turns THIRTY!!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhh! Weird. Both kiddos are doing welll--- she's walking more and more, they are playing better together all of the time and our evenings are so much fun as the four of us hang out and goof around. Sam refuses to take a decent picture so pay attention to his sweet smiles on video when he's not looking away on purpose! : ) Bryan and I are so thankful for these two joyful children!

she loves to be in the tub

happy in the picnic basket

cheesey

scrunched up nose cheesey

cute

almost tricked him into looking back at me!

trying not to look

pretty blues

School Update

2011-11-10T09:47:00.001-06:00

Sam has been going to PreK at Coralville Central for two months now. We started him three mornings a week and have quickly made our way up to five. He is such a routine kiddo and with only 2.5 hours there, it just makes sense to have him go all five mornings. He is doing so so well. The first couple of weeks were tricky. Unfortunately the toughest part of his day was the drop off. Not because he was leaving me, but it was a completely overwhelming first few minutes to our sometimes sensory sensitive boy--- our van pulls into the bus line so buses are passing us, ahead of us, behind us, big kids are unloading and walking by, cars are sneaking around the buses--- things are loud and busy and it took a bit for him to get used to all of that. We are greeted quickly by Miss Jodi, who is one of the two paras in Sam's room. She is totally the best. She is there every morning snagging the other boys off their buses and gathering them on a bench to then walk inside. She is pure love and the perfect way to start Sam's school day. She snuggles and hugs, laughs and entertains, distracts and comforts. Sam has really taken to her and looks to her for comfort throughout the morning if he needs it. She is just like a momma and knows when to push and encourage independence and when to snatch him up and comfort for just a minute. There are five other little boys in his class which is cute. Miss Gail is a wonderful teacher in her last year of teaching and has been the perfect expert to start Sam on his school journey. We get little paragraph reports of each day in his Friday folder at the end of the week. He loves 'group time' the most--- likes to be the helper, the point-er-out-er, the doer and the model. : ) They are working on language skills, social skills, physical skills, personal care, some of the regular three year old academics and mainly teaching how to be an independent learner in the school setting. We are so glad we decided to send him and are so so thankful for the wonderful women who care for him each day. They truly understand his strengths and abilities, his fears and his areas of need. We'll see if they can make gains with his speech but we know he is growing leaps and bounds in many other ways. We have our first conference next Thursday and Bryan and I are excited to learn more about the academic part of his day. We couldn't be more proud of Sam. He has walked a different walk so far in life but is happy and loving and is making huge gains each day. We are excited to see what the coming months of school bring!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-04T22:06:00.001-06:00

Pre pumpkin carving activities...

oh mom! what are you doing?!

love

my huge muscles!

pretty eyes

typical... boys are wrestling and Campbell is in on the action + on the phone!

handsome <3

ooooohhhhh! pumpkins!!

and again...

still telling me about it

funny - Campbell is still talking and Sam's excited!

Sam's trying to get started, Campbell's talking and I'm goofy trying to get everyone to smile : )

Halloween 2011...

her 'I want you Mom' point : )

the best we could get of our puppy and watermellon together

sweet but doesn't cooperate with pictures lately...

trying not to look or smile

look how excited he is for her to sit on his lap <3

her terrified look is hilarious!

he's messing with her stem as she escapes

there's our happy 11 month old!

on the phone again... but without the phone!

Flashback Friday--- Halloweens past

2011-10-28T14:57:00.000-05:00

2005 - Spongebob and Cat in the Hat

2006 - Ladybug Kate & Pumpkin Luke

2008 - our new little pumpkin Sam (one month old)

Dino Dan- Wonder Woman Kate- Pumpkin Sam- Monster Luke

2009 - Dino Sam

Spiderman Luke- Princess Kate- Dino Sam- Superman Daniel

2010 - Monster Sam (not so sure about this...) : )

Monster Sam and pregnant Mom

I'm not complaining

2011-10-12T17:56:00.003-05:00

The last 2 months for the Rempts have looked something like this:
3 febrile seizures (2 due to a fever virus and 1 due to an ear infection), 1 ambulance ride, 1 overnight hospital stay, 3ish ear infections and multiple meds to clear them up when the original med didn't work (one of which I dropped and shattered in the parking lot), a trip to CO, an orthopedic appointment, an MRI, food poisoning/the flu, our new van got keyed, Sam started preschool, lingering colds with gross nighttime coughing, family pictures, 2 new tires, a teething baby who tomorrow is getting tubes in her ears. We are tired, poor and oh so very, very blessed.
So I'm not complaining!! : )

3 is better than 1

2011-09-29T14:23:00.003-05:00

Why nap with one paci when you can nap with three?!

And just because...

Amen.

2011-09-27T16:29:00.003-05:00

Below is part of an entry borrowed from another's blog... read it today and couldn't get any of it out of my head... listen first... and then read what she wrote below... I like it.

If you simply read the lyrics of the song you'd find that at least 50% of the words are "Amen." Over and over again.

You see "Amen" is one of those words that very few people even know the meaning of. Because I'm a dork and love a good word study, I know that "Amen" in both Hebrew (OT language) and Greek (NT language) means "so be it" or "let it be so."

'amen - אָמֵן verily, truly, amen, so be it, let it be so

Now for those of you who know us well, you know that we are in an extended season that could easily be marked by the words "Let it be so."

And I'd venture to guess that a number of you reading are also in a similar season.

It's certainly not an easy season...but because God is a trustworthy God, I love that I can rest in the simple word "Amen" and pray that my soul would find comfort in the sovereignty of God Almighty.

My prayer today is that you can rest in that truth as well.

Amen. Amen. Amen.

"Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, 'Amen!'"
- Psalm 106:48

Happy Birthday Sam!!!

2011-09-10T22:35:00.000-05:00

9.10.08

ONE

TWO

THREE

Recent Favorites

2011-08-10T23:03:00.000-05:00

I talk like it's odd for me not to be current with our blog but again I'm almost two months behind and have many holes to fill in! It will get done sometime soon but for now... here are some favorites as of late. PS- can you tell who is an easier target at the moment? Not for long though- she's a wild lady on the move too!

Flashback Friday

2011-07-15T08:00:00.016-05:00

Remember this little boy??? Yikes. I don't remember him being oh so little when Campbell was born just 7 short months ago. I was looking back through old pictures and these took my breath away for a second. He was just a baby. Now he's a big boy. Sheesh. Scary/rotten/wonderful/fun/odd how quickly they are changing right before our eyes.

And him today...

She looks a little different too!

And 7 quick months later...

She's ready to crawl!

2011-07-13T21:17:00.001-05:00

Look out world!!! She's getting close! She's rocking, doing planks, pushing herself backwards, crawling correctly backwards a bit, doing lots of belly-flops and nose-dives, pushing herself forwards a bit and has gotten the real-deal forward crawl down a few times. Soon! Yikes! : )
PS- Sam is flying his airplane around in the background- current favorite mode of transportation and definately a wish on his birthday list!

Ladylike and Fancy Campbell

2011-06-28T22:05:00.000-05:00

Our almost 7 month old daughter is doing several ladylike and fancy things these days!! She has started to follow many of her girly squeals with a good low growl... she sits in her stroller holding her toes with her chubby legs in a total spread-eagle position... and tonight she figured out a new trick involving her lips, tongue and a whole lot of saliva! We got a video of her working to perfect this new trick!

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-19T13:56:00.002-05:00

Two lucky lucky kiddos! <3

Monday Night

2011-06-13T23:01:00.001-05:00

We love being home. Tonight I had our little camera out and there were many happy smiles to be captured! I couldn't love these faces any more!!!

goofing in his high chair--- more juice from the grapes he eats

ends up on him lately than in his mouth!

such a joyful boy

happily hopping around while we eat

huge smile to show those two big girl chompers on the bottom!!!!!!!!

laughing as dad has his shirt tucked in to his hiked up pants : )

love

handsome Sam

he loves her

we tried : )

and one more of this sweet sweet girl

Yarrow Photography - April 2011

2011-06-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

Recent Pictures

2011-05-24T14:36:00.003-05:00

jumping (doesn't look impressed but she loves it!)

this is how he fell asleep...

i put him in bed correctly- then here at opposite end 3 hours later

my tv junkie

tried for a picture in their jams- best we could do

ready for summer!

she's happy and growing/changing quickly

mom and campbell

meeting of the minds

happiest in just his diap!

first sitting sitting on her own picture

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:41:00.002-05:00

We spent the morning today in Pella... walking around in the warm sun, enjoying the beautiful tulips, reminising about Bryan's college days, and enjoying some time as a family/ with my parents. Although the Tulip Time festivities ended yesterday, we had a very nice morning in Pella.

Here are a few with my babes to end another (my third!?) special Mother's Day... I'm so thankful to be their mother. I am so very, very blessed.

Alike

2011-05-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

My mom has said it from the start... when she looks at Campbell, she sees Jamie and I... round face... bald... a Sogard baby girl...
We got out my baby book over Easter weekend to compare...
Below are a few I scanned of me at Campbell's age (5ish months) back in 1982. I think you'll agree...

Isn't my mom beautiful? And yes... Campbell and I look very much alike. : )

Happy Easter

2011-04-28T14:25:00.001-05:00

He's Alive! He's Alive! And the angels say that Jesus Christ has riiisen today!

He's Alive! He's Alive! Join the Alleluia! Someday you'll rise too!!!

Happy Birthday Ellie!!!

2011-04-14T15:09:00.001-05:00

Our niece Ellie Grace turned ONE today!!!!! Happy birthday sweet girl!! You are loved!!!!!!

Thankful

2011-03-31T22:32:00.000-06:00

Tonight Bryan and I are feeling extra thankful for our two happy, happy children.

This week Campbell has decided to get up two or even three times during the night. The second she spots my face looking down over her, she is ear to ear grins- cooing and giggling in delight! The hour doesn't matter... 10:30 at night or 4:30 in the morning... she acts as if she's wide awake, ready to spread some joy and I'm the exact one she wants to play with!  Her squeals even woke Bryan early this morning. She is full of it! It's hard to be frustrated with our sweet girl when that's how I find her... even if it is a little too frequently during the nighttime hours!

Her sweet brother has had me wrapped around his finger from the start.  I have said many times we think he is just a joyful, joyful soul. It's the small ways he loves me each day that make my heart melt and reaffirm God made him perfectly for me. His latest is to really, really hug me tight every time I pick him up.  He then forcefully turns my head to the side and slowly, gently plants the sweetest kiss on my cheek! Sheesh kid! It doesn't take much for me, but he is such a lover and makes me tear up and burst with pride at his sweet, joyful ways.

Our children are healthy and happy. Our prayers have truly been answered. We are thankful.

One of the cutest things ever!!!

2011-03-29T20:39:00.002-06:00

*Update on us and our cutest things ever coming soon!!! : )

The Three Boys

2011-03-25T22:00:00.001-06:00

Sam, Luke and Daniel had a great time together while we were in Denver. I can only imagine the things the three of them will come up with in the years to come.

Sam in for the excited snuggle as soon as we got there- Luke's suprised but happy to do so

Just hanging out together

Meeting of the minds- Daniel's leading the discussion

Heavy stuff...

They're pretty fond of each other : )

Buddies

Happy Playing with Dad

2011-03-20T21:05:00.002-06:00

She's a Roll-er Over-er!!!!!

2011-03-20T20:53:00.002-06:00

First roll over we caught with the flip! Good work Campbell!!!! It's big and exciting news at our house!

Flashback Friday

2011-03-18T08:40:00.000-06:00

March 18, 2010
Sam was 18 months old- not a walker- still had a paci- slid head first from our bed that morning (nice supervising mom! ouch!)- had only a handful of chompers- and was our same sweet spirited smiley boy!!!!! He looks just a bit different one year later!

Today's First!

2011-03-17T13:15:00.002-06:00

This sweet face

is...

going...

over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good girl Campbell Jean!!!! A fun first at our house today!!!! : )

Just Hanging Out

2011-03-13T22:43:00.002-06:00

Pretty round face Miss Campbell Jean!

Sam wouldn't exactly cooperate for a picture

Happy girl

Climbing up to get into the action---tongue out a lot lately??

Many kisses

and another

Crazy teethy big smile

Pretty into snaps lately- poor Campbell

She's leaning/not looking and he thinks it's funny Bryan's holding him there--- we tried!

One more kiss for the road!

Goofing Around

2011-03-10T23:15:00.000-06:00

We girls were all smiles as the boys wrestled and played with cars tonight-

Blue Eyed Bathing Beauty

2011-03-09T23:32:00.001-06:00

Little Sister and her Big Brother

2011-03-07T17:26:00.002-06:00

Blurry pictures and a bumbo meltdown

2011-03-06T23:00:00.000-06:00

Today the kiddos were around snuggling on the couch. I took a few pictures that I like even though they are blurry... I'm working to figure out our camera soon I promise!

That dimple is still oh so sweet!

Sam climbs up and snuggles in with Campbell anytime I put her on the couch---

he's pretty sweet to his little sis!

Happy handsome devil even when blurry

He's always so expressive with his eyes and eyebrows...

this picture shows one of his many sweet looks

C still in her jams looking back at mom

Sam has been sitting in Campbell's bumbo seat the past few days off and on since she's not in it much yet. Today he decided he was pretty sad that she was taking a turn. : ( His mean mom just giggled and captured much of it on camera. Who looks like the bigger baby to you in these pictures... Sam or Campbell?! ; )

Once she was done and I took her out, Sam quickly carried the bumbo over to the other side of the room, dried his tears, sat down and went to work with his drill bits--- acting as if he didn't have a care in the world!! Goofy boy!

Our Newest Love

2011-02-28T13:23:00.000-06:00

Our Odyssey finally came in Wednesday of last week and we love love LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been driving around a loaner van for the last two weeks and gotten a little practice with one that isn't our's (didn't hit too many curbs I promise!). We are already loving the room and ease of hauling two kids and all that goes with them. Bryan and I are both looking forward to many years of convenience and memories in our fancy new ride! Tease all you want... it's a no-brainer for us and we love it!

Campbell is growing and changing quickly! She'll be 3 months old tomorrow!

Chubby and bald... just like her mom!

My favorite favorite three people at my parent's house in Ames this past weekend

What a sweet girl snuggling with her dad!

Sam is still 100% in love with his grandpa! And the silly remote! : )

Flashback Friday

2011-02-18T21:20:00.001-06:00

February 2008 visit to Denver...

Snuggling with Kate and Luke

Man we were skinny!!!!! : ) Bryan traveled for his job with Rinker Materials at the time and was able to work in Denver the week I could be there during my spring break

Newly pregnant at a bar with my two best friends!

Luke and Ellie

2011-02-17T00:25:00.000-06:00

Abbie said it perfectly...

True Love

Recent

2011-01-26T14:52:00.000-06:00

Right now this little lady...

looks like this...

not like this...

both are beautiful.

Campbell is 8 weeks old today. Wow. She is a good good girl and we are enjoying every minute with her. Over the last three weeks she has started to coo and smile which for sure melts your heart! She enjoys being on your shoulder and has a really strong neck and core. She is pleasant during the day but has a fussy hour or two right before bed. Some nights are better than others but once she goes, she gets a 5-6 hour stretch, followed by a 4-5 hour stretch which is wonderful so we can't really complain! Sam is loving her! He likes to hug her, put in her paci or hand it to me like it's oh so important and she needs it right away! He likes to lay his cheek on her's while she's upright on my knee burping in hopes that she'll turn into him and nibble on his nose--- it's pretty funny to watch him while it's happening--- ear to ear grin! He wants to hold her but once she's in his arms he pulls back like he's had enough- then he wants her again- then he's done- then he wants her again- over and over!

We are thankful each day for our two happy, healthy, beautiful kiddos!

Here are a few more of Campbell in a newborn onesie I squeezed her into one last time... : )

Happy Friday!

2011-01-21T11:22:00.002-06:00

Going to try to catch up...

2011-01-20T10:39:00.000-06:00

Slowly I will get this blog kind of caught up! Here are a few favorites from Christmas. Many more to come... sometime soon I hope! : )

This one is funny to me... it's been a tradition forever to take our family Christmas card with the camera on a tripod- here's an action shot!

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-28T13:31:00.000-06:00

We hope you had a very merry Christmas and wish you a very blessed new year!

More pictures to come when we get back home later this week.

2 Week Check Up

2010-12-16T13:10:00.000-06:00

2 week stats
Height- 21.5 in- 95th percentile (they say this is the most inaccurate measurement and will even out at her next visit when they've measured her the same way twice)
Weight- 8 lbs 2.5 oz- 50th percentile (up over her birthweight!!! Yeah Mom and Campbell!)
Head- 36.5 cm- 75th percentile

We have a perfect, healthy, growing baby girl!!! These past two weeks have been pretty different than I remember Sam's first two weeks being...?? Maybe I'm smarter or a different kind of nervous/aware or have spotty memories or something... : ) Campbell is eating, sleeping, pooping and starting to be a bit more awake each day (and sometimes night!). Sam is adjusting so so well! We couldn't be more thankful for our two little miracles! I promise to upload some pictures soon. It's time to go nap now instead! : )

Similar? Different? Perfect.

2010-12-09T13:54:00.001-06:00

Sam

and Cam

12-4

2010-12-09T13:41:00.002-06:00

Welcome Home

2010-12-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

Campbell Jean - December 1, 2010

2010-12-02T21:24:00.000-06:00

She's here!!!!

12.1.10

6:49 pm

7 lbs 12 oz

20 in long

Baby, mom, dad and brother are all doing great! Here are a few quick pictures to take a look at before I sit and write a little more about Campbell's birthday. Enjoy our beautiful little girl!

It's Time!!!!!

2010-11-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

I'm 39 weeks pregnant and it's time to meet our little girl! Induction scheduled for Wednesday, December 1st, 7:30ish in the morning. Thanks for all the kind words and support we are already receiving. Check back soon! : )

Dancing Sam!

2010-11-16T20:59:00.000-06:00

Sam definately has the music in him and has become quite the dancer! Anytime he hears it- he stops and shakes something! He has a few signature moves... shakes his hips, flaps his arm/arms, dips his knees, bobs his head, walks like a chicken, thrusts his crotch... all done with a huge grin or open mouth smile on his face! : ) He's really been making us laugh lately as he stops whatever he's doing to bust a move when the music moves him. Sorry for my chuckling and the sideways camera but here's a little glimpse...

Flashback Friday

2010-11-12T16:19:00.003-06:00

November 12, 2008

The first smile we captured on camera... and he hasn't stopped since!

36 Week Appointment and Ultrasound

2010-11-11T13:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had my 36 week baby appointment. Lots of good news... head down- dialated a bit more than a centimeter- belly still measuring 1.5/2 weeks ahead (although Dr. Wenzel said she didn't think I looked big... HA!)- gained 3 pounds- blood pressure was great (so live with the swelling)- baby girl heartrate right at 160. Dr. Wenzel said she wanted me to have another ultrasound before my next appointment so we can better know how big this little girl will be. She knew off the top of her head that she's on call Wednesday, December 1st so depending on the results of the ultrasound and assuming I don't go sooner, she'd like to induce us no later than the 1st! I'm ready!!!

Today was the only day the ultrasound place could get us in before my next appointment on Tuesday so we were able to take a look at our little girl again this morning!!!! Our last appointment there was pretty luke warm but today the lady was wonderful and really took her time to let us watch and get a good look at our babe! She is a mover and a shaker and often went back to laying sideways across my belly- which is funny to me because I have been swearing that's how she is often positioned. Her little hands were rubbing her eyes, she was opening and closing her mouth/ taking drinks, blinking and was active the whole time. The ultrasound tech said she is measuring 7 pounds 1 ounce right now, give or take 17 ounces... so we could have a 6 or 8 pounder in there! : ) Those measurements put us at 38 weeks, 0 days and I am officially 36 weeks, 3 days. Dr. Wenzel will get these results later today and we'll be back in on Tuesday to see what she thinks. I'm good to wait until the baby is ready but if she's 8 pounds right now... imagine what she'll be in 3 more weeks?!? : ) Seeing our child this way is still in my opinion one of the most magnificent sights ever! Here are a few pictures of her sweet little face... PS... the chubby cheeks were spotted right away by the tech (from me for sure!) and Bryan and I think she has the same squished, chubby nose Sam did. Her pretty little fingers were in the way often but boy are they pretty! We were even able to spot a bit of hair on her head so all of you that claimed my heartburn meant a head of hair- you may be correct! What a fun morning!!! Here she is!

See you soon sweet girl!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bryan

2010-10-19T22:09:00.001-05:00

Tonight he told me I had a pregnant glow.
I was fresh out of the shower- in sweats, wild hair, no make up.
Not prompted. Not in trouble. Not looking for brownie points. : )
Just him being him.
And oh how I love him.

Flashback Friday

2010-10-15T10:14:00.000-05:00

October 15th two years ago...

Two Great Pumpkin Recipes to Share!

2010-10-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

Two wonderful desserts if you're in the mood for pumpkin!!!! Both are easy, although you have to do the first one in three parts. Let me know if you try them! Enjoy!!!

Pumpkin Pie Dessert Squares

Crust:
1 pkg yellow cake mix (save 1 C for later)
1 egg
1/2 C melted margarine or butter
-Combine- Press into greased 9x13 pan

Filling:
1 can (14oz) pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2/3 C milk
2 eggs
3/4 C sugar
-Combine- Pour over unbaked crust

Topping:
1 C reserved cake mix
1/4 C sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 C butter- softened
-Combine- Spoon/glob over filling- Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until knife comes out clean- Cool- Top with Cool Whip

Jamie's Pumpkin Bars

Bars:
4 eggs
2 C sugar
2 C flour
2 C pumpkin (one can)
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 C oil
-Bake at 350 for 25 minutes
(Whole batch= one jellyroll or two 9x13 pans; 1/2 batch= one 9x13 pan)

Frosting:
3 oz cream cheese
6 tbs margarine
1 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 C powder sugar
-Cream butter and cream cheese first- Spread frosting over cooled bars

ISU

2010-10-13T09:32:00.001-05:00

The last three weekends our family has been in Ames for Iowa State home football games. We weathered everything from wind and rain to 85 degrees and hot! Sam has really enjoyed doing his own thing around the tailgate, munching on all the delicious food and taking in the sights and sounds of the whole tailgating/football game experience. Three great weekends with family and friends for sure made easy by my parents living 2 miles from the stadium... but to be honest, we are looking forward to being around our house this weekend! Enjoy a few random pictures-

Flashback Friday - October 2009

2010-10-08T09:48:00.001-05:00

Last October Sam was chubby-

Last October he had his first visit to the orthopeadic doctor and started wearing a hip brace at night for left hip dysplasia- he was a trooper and dealt with it well!

Last October Sam had his first febrile (fever) seizure while we were shopping at Target- this was a pre-seizure/I don't feel good photo his mean mom took- once the Motrin kicked in and his temp went down, we went to the store to get more Motrin to make it through the night and he had a seizure near the checkout counters- in the year since then he has had 6 others- most kiddos outgrow febrile seizures around 2 so we're hoping we're done! His last one was Memorial Day so things are looking good!

Last October he had his first 3 night slumber party with Matt and Abbie and the kids while Bryan and I drove a moving truck back to Iowa- looks like he's really missing his mom huh?! : )

Last October he only had his two bottom front teeth but was as slobbery as ever while the others quickly came through- he's minus a neck in a lot of pictures! : )

Last October his aunt could make silly Target runs with us just for fun since we lived in the same town- we miss that this October-

Last October he was our happy, joyful, smiley boy- what a tough and special kid!

How quickly they change... in one short silly year... sheesh Sam! : )

Date Night

2010-10-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

Bryan and I have been lucky to find friends that live in the area with a similar family situation... she stays home, they have a little boy who will be 3 this winter and are expecting #2 this spring. She, Kate, approached us about starting a regular date night with them and here's how it works--- Wednesday nights are reserved for date night. We alternate- one week you are the sitter and the next week you get the date! For example, this week I dropped Sam off with them just before 6:00 and Bryan and I had the date. Next week, they will drop Graham off with us and they get some kid-free time! It's just for two quick hours but it's amazing how nice that is every other week! Last time Bryan and I went out for dinner... I ate warm food, we didn't have to slide everything on the table to one side, we didn't have to feed a little guy, I could actually look at Bryan while we conversed over our meal... it was delightful! : ) This week we ended up just coming home--- I took a nice long shower, we sat on the couch and watched tv and ate candy bars! It was just as, if not more, wonderful! Graham is a good little boy while he's here and since we would normally be just hanging out, playing before bed anyways- what's another kiddo here every other week?! We'll see how new babies impact things but we are really thankful we decided to do it. The kids get to play, the parents get a break, it doesn't cost anything and no special arrangements really have to be made. Just something we'll plan on Wednesday nights while we're in this similar chapter of life. We're lucky and oh so thankful to be able to plan on regular adult time together! Good idea Kate and Tim!

I'm a Rotten Blogger : (

2010-10-06T22:04:00.001-05:00

I know. I'm terrible at this. No excuses. Just haven't taken the time to sit down here and record our happenings like I should. : ( I'm going to try to be better again.

Tonight I wanted to share a few random pictures from my phone. Gives you a little glimpse into our days lately but isn't much. More to come soon!

The new 'I'm kind of shy' pose... he's full of it. He also climbs any sneaky chance he gets!

Proud climber again : ) What a grin!

Almost 31 weeks here... not tiny I know! I'm feeling great- just a bit bigger at this point with our little lady than I was with her brother- woah!! Time is flying and we're so so excited to meet her soon! You should see how quickly the stash of pink has accumulated in her closet! : )

Sam and I finally got to go into an ISU game this past weekend- the weather cooperated. It was a night game and after tailgating and watching the first quarter... a little snooze was evidently needed. Not much lap for him to snuggle in on but we managed! He did great!

Sweet sleeper- had to work pretty hard to wake him this afternoon after a long nap- he was one tired boy

What a look! Guilty/sweet/are you kidding mom?!/naughty... those expressive eyes say it all for our boy! The head tilt is more and more common too?? : )

Matt and Abbie and the four kiddos came back this past weekend and are here through the 10th! Tonight they met my parents in Ames for an ISU volleyball game. How stinkin cute are those three!?!?!

Random- but more to come soon- I promise! JR

Evidence

2010-09-23T21:28:00.000-05:00

See what black frosting from a Mickey Mouse cake will do to you?! Kiddo or grandparent- this caused a lot of black mouth/purple teeth giggling at his party!

Slideshow of Birthday Pictures

2010-09-14T21:39:00.000-05:00

I'll sort through and find my favorites to post soon! Enjoy!

Birthday Party

2010-09-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

We had a great, great day today! Family, friends, good food, nice weather... fun and the perfect way to celebrate Sam's second birthday!

More to come soon!

Happy Birthday!

2010-09-10T10:25:00.005-05:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Samuel!!!

We love you so!

Favorite gift... a toy broom! : )

Of course he has to try it in his mouth!

So awesome we even got the huge squinty smile!

Couldn't be happier

Asleep just moments later with both hands still on the silly broom!

A preview... : )

Two Whole Years

2010-09-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

Two years ago today I went to work at school in my second grade classroom as usual. It was the third week of school I think. I had moved my doctors appointment up a day because we knew Dr. Casavant would likely say let's get things moving and we were ready. I hoped that by moving my appointment up to the 9th, it would mean Sam would most likely not be born on September 11th- a day and memory I prefered not be associated with his birthday if we could help it. Bryan joined me at the appointment where we had one last ultrasound. Dr. Casavant didn't love my blood pressure or the ginormous amount of swelling in my legs and feet. He told us to go home, shower, pack a bag, eat something and get to the hospital by 7:30ish for preeclampsia bloodwork. If my numbers were normal, they'd send us home and if high, they'd keep us and break my water. I remember as soon as we got there they wisked Bryan away for the check in process and a nurse hurried me into a gown. I keep explaining that I didn't know if we were staying for sure because we needed to get the results back first. She continued to assure me that I was 38 weeks, 5 days.... I was staying and going to have this baby. : ) Dr. Casavant showed up a few hours later and said one of my indicators was really high and I would have been officially preeclamptic in a few days so it was go time! He broke my water around 10:30, began pumping me full of magnesium sulfate (ick!) and we were officially in labor!

It's fun to think back to that whole process. More to come soon... Tomorrow is a big day around here!

Fun! Fun!

2010-09-02T08:28:00.000-05:00

We're headed to Ames today for the first ISU game... family and friends... great food... cornhole... lawn chairs... marching band... football under the lights... we're all pretty excited! Wish us well doing it with a busy two year old!

Then we're headed to Denver early tomorrow am!!!!! Kiddos (Ellie for the first time in her home!)... siblings... friends... good food... mountains... we're all VERY excited! Sam will just be a sponge with those crazy big kids and Bryan and I can't wait to watch! He wasn't a walker last time we were there so now he'll be able to keep up! We'll have three good full days with them and get back on the road for Iowa Tuesday. Again, wish us well driving with a busy two year old!

Once back home, we'll have a couple days to catch up and then the big SECOND BIRTHDAY is next Friday!!!! Sheesh! Iowa/Iowa State game on Saturday and birthday party on Sunday! Wow!

We are so so excited for the next week and a half!!! Have a great long weekend!!!! JR

Flashback Friday

2010-08-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

November 2007 - just one I like in front of our new tree in FL

December 2007 - scan of one of our very favs - Sam was just barely on board that Christmas!!!!

Ab caught an Ellie smile on camera today!

2010-08-25T21:21:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful girl!

Happy Monday Friends!!!!

2010-08-23T13:47:00.000-05:00

Flashback Friday

2010-08-20T13:28:00.001-05:00

Today I'm flashing back to a day just shy of two years ago... Sam's birthday. Our good friends are in labor with their second babe as we speak in Des Moines. I have been a puddle all day as I'm thinking and praying for them. Anything labor and delivery, centimeters and pitocin, first cries and eyeing that new miracle gets me so so so excited and emotional! I love it! I could talk, listen, ask questions and get status updates on that stuff all day as the women I know and love go through it! Although we're a good three months from experiencing that day again ourselves, I have been loving dreaming of that day today as Sam and I go about our normal Friday. We're wishing Jill and Spencer and their new little miracle a speedy and safe day filled with much joy! PS- they waited to find out boy/girl this time so it's a different kind of super exciting to finally meet him/her!

Here's a picture of me in "active labor"!! I was pretty out of it with the medicine they had me on for being pre-preeclamptic so this is what I looked like through the majority of my labor! I don't remember much other than the couple of hours leading up to my epidural and then once I started pushing. Although kind of nice, I hope the second time around does not involve that med!

Almost two whole stinkin years ago Sam I Am and oh so fun to remember!!!!!! : )

What an amazing blessing.

CO Kiddo Update!

2010-08-19T13:47:00.001-05:00

Matt's kids have had a great summer at home as they have gotten used to a baby sister being around. For all who are interested, here's a bit about them recently---

Last week Ab had all four of them at the zoo! Ellie is in a sweet giraffe outfit if you can see!

Kate started kindergarten yesterday believe it or not! She had a short first day but all went well and she's back at it today! She has to be there by 7:55 and the school is a few good minutes away- definitely a new hour for Ab and all four kiddos to be up and functioning! Her teacher is lucky to have this girly- she is ready and will be great!

The early morning trip to school took a toll on Luke and Ellie yesterday just before dinner... how about this sweet sweet boy honestly falling asleep holding her hand while snuggling on the floor! He'll be a lovey lovey man someday!

An email update from Ab on August 15th--- some of you have told me you miss hearing from her so here you go! : )

hello all-

ellie is 4 months old today and doing very well right now. we have seen our first smiles in the last week and though they are few and far between right now, they make our hearts melt. :) she has a bunch of check ups in the next couple of weeks and we hope they all go well! so far, the doctor's do not know what to expect for her healthwise but we continue to pray for complete healing. an epilepsy specialist we met with on friday wants to do another EEG on ellie so that is scheduled for september and then she may have a better idea of where she is headed. when you think about it, please pray for little improvements for our girl. that her neck gets stronger, more interaction with her siblings and us and other developmental "milestones" like cooing and more smiling.
life seems very normal after having ellie home for two months. we do our normal stuff and ellie just tags along. kate starts kindergarten on wednesday and she is really looking forward to it. she is very ready for school but i am not looking forward to her being gone. she is a very good helper and plays with her brothers so well. matt has been busy lately as their children's hospital opens in a couple of weeks. next weekend is very busy for him as it is the ribbon cutting and a couple of other parties that he is a part of. luke and dan are great and have taken to sleeping in the same bed. one night they were on top of each other and it just cracked matt and i up (included is a picture of that night). please have a great sunday and thanks for reading. :)
love-
matt and abbie

Thanks so much to all of our dear friends that read this blog and continue to love and pray for this special family!
JR

Floods in Ames

2010-08-12T16:15:00.001-05:00

Most of you have heard about the flooding in Ames which is where my parents live. It was even mentioned on the Today Show today. Below are two pictures from yesterday... the first is of the clubhouse of the golf course that they live on. The entire course is under water. Thankfully the houses on the course are quite a bit higher up so my parents are totally dry and will stay that way. Many in Ames haven't been that lucky. The second is a photo of Jack Trice, the ISU football stadium and the surrounding grounds. This is just a ten minute walk from my parents so basically all of the land in between their house and the stadium is under water. It started to recede yesterday so pray for no more rain and a speedy clean-up process! We'll be tailgating near the line of red and yellow tents in three short weeks! : )

Sam I Am

2010-08-11T14:24:00.001-05:00

Squinty-eyed, slobbery, goofy and cute!

That handsome dimple is still there!

PS- See?!? I still do take pictures of our kid! : )

35 Wonderful Years

2010-08-09T09:10:00.001-05:00

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!!

Flashback Friday

2010-08-06T07:40:00.000-05:00

Only one short year ago... August 2009. Sheesh! Sam was chubby and didn't get his first haircut til the end of the month- he looks great! I had fun looking back- here are a few that made me smile...

Sam's going to have a little...

2010-07-21T19:08:00.003-05:00

SISTER!!!!
Ultrasound today went well and all looks great with our new little lady! We are thrilled and feel totally blessed! Smooth sailing thus far and we can't wait to meet her in 5ish quick months!

I'm a terrible blogger!!!

2010-07-19T14:24:00.001-05:00

I know... I know... I've been such a horrible blogger lately... not even sure the last time I posted a picture of my own kid! I have no good excuse other than life is busy and good!! Lately we have have seen a lot of family and friends, gone into Chicago for a wedding, I've taken two classes working to renew my teaching license, we've celebrated our five year wedding anniversary and Bryan's 28th birthday, and most importantly, we have been loving our little boy! He is in such- such a good stride. Healthy, changing and happier than he's ever been! We are so very proud of all of his latest learning and tricks. Wonderful things happen when you are healthy and able to put all of your energy and mind to new things! Hard to believe he will be TWO in less than two months. Sheesh! We are also anxiously awaiting our big twenty- week ultrasound on Wednesday! We are so stinkin excited to see this little one that's half done cooking already! Finding out boy or girl will just be icing on the cake! Sooooo..... I promise to be better from now on. I want to be able to look back to this blog and not see major chunks of our life missing! Thanks for checking back from time to time. Much more to come soon!!!

Flashback Friday - Five Years Ago Today!

2010-07-02T15:12:00.001-05:00

One thankful girl for five amazing years! Not the best of quality but here are a few fun pictures people sent me from that day. Fun to remember our special day.

Can you believe this sweet little lady turns SIX on Sunday?!?!

Flashback Friday

2010-06-25T13:13:00.001-05:00

This is from June of 2008. One of my very best friends Jen and I were pregnant at the same time with our first babes. I was six weeks ahead of her that time (Sam was born early Sept. and Anna was born late Oct.) and oddly enough she is six weeks ahead of me this time! With baby on the brain and smililar changes happening in our homes, it's so great to go through it all with a wonderful friend. Hopefully we can get a similar picture together this time too!

Ellie and Family

2010-06-23T16:35:00.000-05:00

Everyone is well!!

Sam

2010-06-22T22:32:00.005-05:00

We have had our share of tough days with Sam over the last year or so. I can honestly say though for every tough day, we have without a doubt had at least a good week of a completely happy, loveable little boy. I know I love him the most so my opinion is slightly biased but... he is honestly one of the happiest kiddos I have met. He is in such a good stride right now... walking so much more, a lot nosier, into things, and getting creative and sneakier by the minute. He likes to be on the go and is also content to stay. He is patient, he lights up a room full of strangers and wins over aall the ladies with his charm. He hardly fusses, has never been one to cry and we rarely see a temper tantrum or fit from him. His little expressive eyes will get you every time. He is busy and fun and just such a happy little soul. Bryan and I couldn't be more proud as we watch him get the hang of things that were once hard for him. All in his own time they said and we are seeing that happen now. It feels good. He is good. We are loving being his parents. I wish you all could love on a little of him each day. I'm one happy, lucky mom. PS- the talk/teasing of baby number two being a total dud or crabby as ever has already begun! : ) Think we could get so lucky a second time?!? : ) Never know! We are so blessed.

Here's a silly video of him tonight just playing after his bath. Not the best walking (seems to dive a lot at the end which is happening less and less nowdays) but if you know him at all, we are so proud to see him so happy to be on his feet. It's five minutes long and gets a little better in the middle so maybe you can get a glimpse of just how sweet he is. So sweet he brings me to tears! I know... Suprise! Suprise!!

16 Weeks!

2010-06-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

Happy to report I had a very good and uneventful doctor appoitment this morning! I am 16 weeks and doing well! I feel great and actually seem to be losing a little weight which is kind of nice since they aren't at all worried. We are scheduled to have the big 20 week ultrasound on July 21st where they measure all of the organs and parts and find out boy or girl!!!! Crusing right along and couldn't be happier!!!

PS- I'll be a better blogger again soon... Sheesh! I've been terrible I know!

She's Home!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-16T10:02:00.000-05:00

Ellie is home!!! HHHHOOOOORRRRRAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After 9ish weeks/ two months in the NICU- she is where she belongs! See Ab's email below...

Tuesday Update-
what a glorious day! as i type this, ellie is laying on our living room floor taking a nap and matt and i are here rather than at the hospital. it is awesome! we have had a good day. we left the hospital around 3:45 after a going away party and some tears from me. yes, i cried leaving the hospital but not too much. :) the kids were waiting for us when we got home and we had to take turns holding her and kissing her. ellie must like being home as she has slept well both in her bassinet and now on the floor. ellie is getting a little oxygen during her feedings so we will get adept at monkeying with that at 3 in the morning. she was fussy for her bottle but as soon as she ate, she wanted to be put down and not touched anymore. she may spend the night out here in the living room, but if it gets matt and i some sleep, we will let her.

we will keep you updated on ellie, just because she is home doesn't mean the emails will stop! probably not as often though. :) again, thanks for your prayers and we ask that you continue to lift her up. complete healing of her brain to stop the seizures is what matt and i will pray for. we also would love prayers for a great transition home for her and the other kids. attached are a couple of pitures from the day. one is of matt, i and ellie but it isn't a great picture of ellie so the other is a great picture of ellie with one of her incredible nurses.
love-
matt and abbie

Special Day!

2010-06-11T07:45:00.000-05:00

All six Sogards for the first time!!

Ellie is Doing Well!!!!!!

2010-06-10T10:46:00.000-05:00

Ellie had a great weekend resting and recovering from her surgery Friday. She came off the vent easily and is back loving the bottle! All great things getting her close to coming home!!!!!! Here's Ab's email from last night...

Wednesday night-
ellie had a great day today. her breathing sounded much better and she took a bottle all day long. she chugged her feeding tonight and could have maybe done more if some milk had been warming for her.

as long as ellie is doing well tomorrow, kate, luke and dan are coming up to see her tomorrow afternoon. they are very excited. when we told them the possibility of them seeing ellie, kate and luke said, "yeah," and dan at the same time said, "yuck!" it made us laugh that dan's timing was so perfect on his yuck!

my mom goes back to iowa tomorrow afternoon and then matt's mom gets here friday morning. it will be a nice turn around by the grandmas. :) we have been so fortunate that our families have been able to help us most days since ellie has been in the hospital. i think we have only had a total of five, maybe six, days where friends have had to handle the other three.

attached is a picture of ellie today after a bath. it is her eight week anniversary today and she will be two months old on monday. we are thankful that God has given us this time with her and a new perspective on how precious life is. please pray that everything continues to get better for ellie grace and that she is just covered with the peace of the Holy Spirit.

love-
matt and abbie

A Week's Worth of Ellie Updates

2010-06-05T08:10:00.000-05:00

In reverse order of course!!!! : ) Sorry! JR

Friday Update-

Surgery went well today. The doctor had to redialate her nose so she should have much more room to breathe. He also found a cyst in her trachea that he popped, drained, and closed. The cyst was the size of a marble so getting that out of her throat should help tremendously. Ellie will have a MRI this weekend to make sure there are no other cysts but other than that, she is going to do lots of sleeping. They will not extabate until Monday as she is very swollen and they want to give her lots of time to rest.
Thanks for your prayers! They definitely found a couple of things that were blocking her airway. Now we just pray for a very uneventful weekend.
Love-
Matt and Abbie
Thursday Update:
ellie was pretty zonked today. not much work done by ellie today so she is up to 6lbs. 10oz. a chunk!! surgery is still on for tomorrow afternoon and though we are not anxious yet, i am sure by the time we are walking her into the surgery room we may be a little on edge. we are praying that the doctor finds a reason for her difficulty breathing and it is a quick and easy fix.
people have asked us and some of our nurses how/why we have been so calm through all this. it is as if people expect you to freak out and not handle things well. we are so thankful that we can answer that our faith in Jesus is what gives us this peace and our nurses can tell them we are christians. it is not that we don't wonder about ellie's future or what may be in store for her, or that we are oblivious to her current problems, but God has given us peace to take this day by day and to be thankful for the miracle of ellie grace. we love her and worrying about her future isn't going to change how we love her and what we are willing to do for her.
anyway, i just wanted to write about this because matt and i were talking about it on the way up to the hospital tonight. sometimes we find ourselves in tough situations and there are many ways to handle them. matt and i are trying to choose faith and peace and not borrow worries from tomorrow. thanks for your prayers for our peace and ellie's healing. we know that God hears and will heal ellie is His own way, in His own time. we just pray that it is tomorrow at 4:00. :) we will let you know how surgery goes.
love-
matt and abbie
Wednesday Update:
ellie had a nice relaxing day. she should have grown a bunch since she wasn't working as hard at breathing. :) she looked good but you can tell she doesn't like the vent and fights it much more than she used to, this is a good thing. ellie's nose surgery is scheduled for 4:00 on friday. i talked with the surgeon today and he said he doesn't know quite what he will do until he has a good look at her. he may have to put stints in her nose to keep the airway open or will use the same anti-scarring medication they have used the last two times. we just pray that this works and there isn't something else that is preventing ellie from breathing well.
we'll keep you updated.
love-
matt and abbie
Tuesday Update:
well, matt and i have been wondering when ellie's next dip would be and it came today. :( ellie had a few more seizures overnight so when matt got there this morning she was knocked out on some meds and wouldn't take a bottle. she took a little from a bottle from me at 11 but she was just acting funny. ellie was crying off and on throughout the afternoon and this is not like her. if asked to describe ellie i would say content and pretty happy, but she was neither today. ellie squirmed and squawked most of the afternoon until about 5:30. the doctor had been in to see her a couple of times and he walked in just as ellie had a big desat and was turning he blue. he said, 'that's it ellie. brooke, (the nurse) let's get her intabated." so, ellie had a breathing tube put in for the seventh time at 5:30. yuck!
ellie immediately looked better as she hadn't slept most of the day as she was working so hard at breathing. she was relaxed and resting well so we are thankful. the doctor is pretty sure that her breathing problem is all upper airway so surgery on her nose was scheduled for friday but may get moved up if they think she needs it. we hope this surgery will finally take care of her breathing issues but we will have to wait a little bit while she recovers from surgery. the bummer about the tube, of course, is that she doesn't get to bottle feed but we hope that she won't be set back by this.
these last seven weeks have definitely been a roller coaster! last friday there was a possibility she might be coming home this week and now she has had several seizures, intabation, and a surgery scheduled. amazing! matt and i continue to appreciate the prayers as we have a peace that passes all understanding. we are thankful for all the messages that say you are praying. it is quite awesome. please continue to pray for the seizures to be under control and that the surgery does what it is supposed to and help her breathing. i will keep you updated on when the surgery will be.
love-
matt and abbie

Monday update:
our ellie is still doing pretty well but she still has a ways to go before she is safe for us at home. she is eating great and growing so that is such a positive. however, she had a few seizures starting again today so that is no fun for her or us. ellie will have another eeg tomorrow sometime and her neurologist will determine what to do about the seizures. she is on just one medication now that she takes orally and we hope to be able to continue on just oral meds rather than anything IV.
she has been breathing about the same since saturday so the ear, nose, and throat (ent) doctor may take a look at her in the next couple of days to see if anything needs to be done to widen or stregthen her airway. matt and i are not big fans of surgery for her, but if that is what gets her home and keeps her safe, obviously, we are all for it. :) if the ent doctor doesn't find anything going on with her airway than they will probably just start a slow oxygen wean for her.
please join matt and i in thanking God for ellie. honestly, everything about her is just perfect for us. everything we look at her and hold her we are reminded of the incredible work that God has created in her. we also ask that you would lift her up to our heavenly father for complete healing, for ellie to be seizure free and her breathing to improve with each breath she takes. we will keep you updated on surgery so you could pray for the doctors and nurses to have wisdom in regard to surgery.
thanks friends for praying and we hope you had a good memorial day weekend with family and friends.
love-
matt and abbie

Happy Appointments to Report

2010-05-25T22:27:00.001-05:00

(blurry and from my phone- crazy kiddo!!!)

So Sam and I are back and getting settled in at home this week! The last monthish has been a whirlwind full of family, fun, nerves, prayer and love! A few appointments to fill you in on...

While in Denver, Sam had an appoitment with his orthopeadic doctor at PSL and I'm happy to report that he is out of the hip brace!!!!!! Yaaaahhhhooooo! When we started this process last October, a certain angle in his left hip socket was at 34.something degrees. By one year of age, normal angles there measure 26 degrees. In January when we went the brace at night was clearly doing the trick and the angle was measuring 29.something degrees! Last week he was just over 27 degrees and this is considered normal and okay! More so than the number shows, she was so pleased with all of the changes in his legs and movement. When we started, the little guy spent much of this time standing or sitting with his legs straight, knees locked, and toes pointed... all to help him be sturdy. All of that is gone! We are not quite an independent walker yet but oh so close! His record of 12ish steps totally unprompted or set up was earned in Denver while happily playing and distracted with three of his cousins! Since we've been home, he's not taken as many steps without lots of encouragement but he can and will one of these days when he really feels ready. Bryan and I couldn't be more thankful! Hip brace... Dr. Benson... wild cousins... extra time with aunts/uncle that love him... all good medicine!!!!

Our second appointment was Monday of this week back at the U of I. Sam had been scheduled to go revisit the neurologist to make sure that the rigid legs of old, foot positioning and walking and speech delays were all still okay and not something more to look into. We were cleared by one in Denver before we moved and were scheduled for a revisit these handful of months later. Dr. Bonthius stressed again how very common language delays are with little boys and how this just seems to be the case with Sam. No major red flags or areas of concern so he would like to give him six months to keep working and changing at his own pace and then talk again. They drew blood to have a couple of tests done too. Bryan and I couldn't be more thrilled with that news! Our job is to continue to support and work for this little boy so we can keep his joyful spirit just as it is! Things are falling into place... just at Sam's pace. We are so proud of him and the effort that some of the small things have taken. He is such a happy, busy, social, joyful little boy. Singing- no singing- running- no running... whatever may be down the road... he is such a delight and we couldn't love him more! The sky's the limit!

We had one more appointment this week but thankfully, I was the patient instead of Sam! Nope- that's a lie- two I guess! : ) The other was a quick one for me too--- evidently grownups with terrible colds that fly back to Iowa after spending three weeks with germy kiddos get ear infections! I'm on some meds and feeling much better so no big deal. Not fun to remember what that feels like though! Ouch!

Okay back to the other fun appointment... : )

Bryan and I are thrilled to share that we are expecting baby number two!!!!! I am 12 weeks, due December 7th and feeling well!!! We had an ultrasound at our first appointment and were able to see the little one (still early and with the yolk sack)- heart just beating away! We heard the heartbeat this week which I still think is one of the most amazing sounds in this world! We both really like our new doctor and couldn't be more excited! Knowing of recent miscarriages of friends, seeing Ellie in the NICU... you never know what God has planned for you and your family so with this persective, we are oh so very thankful to be blessed and having another miracle.

No more appointments for us in the near future let's hope!!! : ) Thanks for sharing in our happy news and for your continued prayers and well wishes for Ellie. We are so thankful for great family and friends. God is good!!!!!

Ellie- Monday Night

2010-05-25T21:40:00.001-05:00

Very happy email to pass along! Thanks for keeping tabs on this little one!!!!

(no tubes after her heart surgery!)

monday night update:
ellie is just doing wonderfully. :) she had a nice relaxing day, well, kind of relaxing. we tried a bottle with her at 11 but she would not wake up no matter what we did. maybe tomorrow she will get another chance. she pulled her feeding tube at least twice today so they tried to get it down her nose instead of her mouth but matt said she fought that like crazy so they will just put it down her mouth again whenever she pulls it out. :) they weaned her a little bit on the oxygen today and lowered the pressure flowing into her nose by just a smidge. it took a little more effort to breathe after that, but she needs to learn sometime so eventually she can come home with us!

her little incisions from friday's surgery look good. she has three small, 3 mm long, incisions under her left arm pit and just needed skin glue to seal them. the doctor assured us we would barely be able to see them after they were healed. amazing what they can do on a 5 lb. 13 oz. baby.
i love that i continue to write about ellie progressing instead of staying in the same place. we continue to ask God for complete healing of ellie and that even her seizures would just stop. His will is being done as He has shown us for the last 6 weeks that He is the one who is in complete control.
love-
matt and abbie

The Last Few Ellie Updates!

2010-05-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

I've been behind since Sam and I got home from CO but here are the last few email updates on Ellie. She had a successful heart surgery Friday morning and has been doing really well since! Hopefully she is on the path to continued improvement! These are in reverse order...

Saturday update:
Ellie had a restful day. not much going on with her today which is nice. they moved her quickly up to full feeds again after being off them yesterday due to surgery and she is doing great eating. they may try to take the vent off tomorrow but will see how her night goes. if the vent is taken out tomorrow she may be able to try a bottle again early next week. she was sucking on a pacifier very well yesterday and today so that is good news for future eating.

ellie woke up more today and was unhappy about the vent so tried a couple times to pull it out by herself. the nurses do not like that so they swaddle her up tightly to keep her hands away. it has been so nice this last week to have an ellie that we can move and hold and not worry about her breathing or heartrate. :) it will be awhile before we take those simple things for granted. it was a beautiful day in denver so we spent some quality time with the other three as well. we always feel good when we have a "normal" day with them around the house.
god is good and we are thankful for His peace and kindness to us. we are very grateful for His good gift of Ellie! have a great sunday.
love-
matt and abbie

Friday update:
Ellie's surgery went well today. The surgeon said everything looked good. She has been resting comfortably today and has opened her eyes but is definitely still sleepy from the drugs. Thanks for your prayers for surgery and we ask that you pray for her continued recovery.
Love-
Matt and Abbie

Thursday update:Matt and I just finished a nice time of holding our daughter. Ellie had a nice day of rest leading up to her surgery. She heads to the OR around 7:30 and will probably be there an hour and a half or so before coming back to the NICU.
Please pray for safety and healing. We could not ask for a better doctor and we are not anxious yet. :) God has been so gracious to us and we feel very blessed to have Ellie. We will update tomorrow and we are confident it will be good news.
Love-
Matt and Abbie

Wednesday Update:
Ellie has had five days of cooperating with us. Yea! Tomorrow she has an EEG to look how her seizures are acting. We hope they have only good news for us. Ellie's heart surgery is Friday morning at 7:30 so please be praying for safety and that all goes well.
This is short as I am typing it on Matt's blackberry because our computer is out of commission at the moment. Will let you all know how the EEG goes tomorrow.
Love-
Matt and Abbie

monday night update:
we had another uneventful day for ellie, three in a row! no seizures, very few desaturations, and overall looked good. she will have another echocardiagram tomorrow to see if the pda is still needing to be fixed and then as of now, she will go into surgery at 7:30 a.m. on friday to get it fixed. on thursday she is scheduled to have an eeg to make sure the meds are taking care of her seizures and so far they seem to be doing their job. a big week for her but hopefully all goes well.
kate and luke get done with preschool this week and that will be nice not to have to run around getting them to and from school. jenny and sam go home wednesday afternoon and then my brother is coming the next wednesday for a few days. we have been so blessed to have family out here to help us since ellie was born and also offers from friends to help out in any way we need. God has provided again and again for our many needs and we have so much to be thankful for.
love-
matt and abbie

More exciting things to come from me this week! Stay tuned!!!!! JR

all of the kiddos together

2010-05-12T22:34:00.000-05:00

a few co pictures

2010-05-09T22:19:00.001-05:00

here are a few pictures from the last week taken on my phone that i've been sending to bryan. the quality isn't the best but i'm glad i've remembered to take a few. ellie update coming soon!

batman with a new haircut

attempt 1 at the playplace

attempt 2

kate and dan snuggling

almost caught him looking at the camera!

sam loves loves kate's new dog

ellie's sweet mother's day gift to abbie... a picture of all four kids snuggling and her tiny feet...
sorry it's blurry... a favorite nurse from the nicu made it for ab... sweet huh?

Setback for Ellie Thursday

2010-05-07T09:42:00.000-05:00

thursday night update:

well, God wanted to get all of us on our knees again to pray for ellie. around 9 this morning i got a call from the hospital letting us know that ellie had a temperature and that they had just witnessed a series of seizures in our little girl. matt was away from the hospital at the time so i called him and he rushed back there and then jenny drove me up there and dropped me off so we could spend the day with ellie. they did a spinal tap on ellie to rule out any infection and thankfully that came back with good news, no infection. however, they did an EEG, where they put a bunch of electrodes on her head and watch her brain waves and stuff, this afternoon to confirm the seizures and how she acted during them. she is basically having constant seizures so she is on medicine now to stop those and will be on medicine for awhile. tomorrow morning they are doing an MRI at 9 and that will give them a better look to see if what she has going on in her brain and if there is any damage. the neurologist warned us that they might not find a cause for her seizures even doing the MRI so we will wait and see.
i guess the thing to pray for is that the seizures just stop. that would be incredible! but please, also just pray that if the doctor's find something, it is treatable and not scary for matt and i. we would appreciate any and all prayers on ellie's behalf. matt and i said today that we had stopped praying earnestly throughout the day during the last couple of days and then we wake up this morning with this news and know that God wants us back on our knees begging for Him to heal ellie and that we would glorify Him in all situations. i think the hardest part for me is thinking that she is in pain or discomfort and i just don't want that for her. however, as we watched her today, i think the medicine is doing its job and relaxing her and that is comforting to her mom. :)
i am sorry this wasn't another "boring" email day but we can pray that those will resume shortly!
love-
matt and abbie

tuesday from denver

2010-05-04T23:36:00.001-05:00

sam and i made it to denver with only the slightest bit of drama and have loved our first few days here! i was able to meet and love on ellie twice yesterday too! she is a pretty little lady and it feels good to be here! abbie's email from tonight...

tuesday night update:

we have had a good couple of days with ellie. she did start out monday with another bradycardia and the nurses said that she turned a lovely shade of blue but then had a wonderful day. she ate about a teaspoon from a bottle twice yesterday and once today so that is some nice progress. they only feed her from a bottle when she is pretty awake so we have to take advantage of those times. also today, i got to give her a bath and she loved it. we got her cleaned up, in a new onesie and she was right back to sleep.
ellie's breathing is still fast but overall she looks much better and is definitely improving. the doctors keep reminding us that her trend is upward even when she has little setbacks so we have many things to be thankful for. please keep praying for continued improvement, for maturing of her breathing and that she gets the hang of eating fairly quickly. thank you so much for your support of ellie and of us. again, we are very, very thankful!
love-
matt and abbie

ps- my son lovingly pounded his cute little fists on their keyboard and knocked out both shift keys in one quick swipe...quite the move... hence the lowercase type- sorry!!

here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!! ps- feeding tube in her mouth and moisture plus a little bit of oxygen (i think so anyways!) in her nose.

Headed to Denver

2010-05-02T21:59:00.001-05:00

Sam and I take off for Denver early tomorrow morning! I'm very happy to get out there to meet Ellie and help Matt and Ab but I'm even more happy it sucks so bad to leave my husband for over two weeks. With him is where I belong! Here's to a day of safe and easy flights!