We had fun. We trick r treated around our house. All the kids picked their costumes this year without me throwing hints! Enjoy!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!
We had fun. We trick r treated around our house. All the kids picked their costumes this year without me throwing hints! Enjoy!
Monday, October 27, 2008
3 weeks
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Well, sweet Savannah is a little over 3 weeks old. Seems much longer that we have been home with her, then 2 weeks! I guess that first week was a life time! What is happening here.........well, not a lot a sleep, except for Savannah:) She is good, only wakes us every 3.5 hours! Yikes...I forgot how much this part SINKS! Some people forget child birth..I forget sleepless nights! And I hate those. But that too shall pass!
Savannah had a drs appt last week and he was thrilled with her weight gain! That made us very happy! The little kids(well, guess they aren't the little ones anymore) still love being around her. Corbin officially threw his first ball at her. He didn't mean to, but it gave me a heart attack. I finally can relate to my sweet friend Holly Prather. I remember being on the phone with her and hearing, "Jackson, if you throw that ball at Presley one more time...." empty threats, right Holly!
All in all, we are good. My mom is amazing. She is about the most selfless person I know. She has been with us this entire time, not to mention had all my other kids by herself for an entire week before we got home. She gets up in the middle of the night with us, she lets me take a nap when I know she is just as tired. She is amazing. I strive to be like her. I can't wait to do this for my kids someday. Fred is constantly in awe of how much she does for us. In his fantasy world he would have bought her the house of her dreams, the car of her dreams and taken her on the trip of her dreams! But until we can do that..fantasy is great!
Some pics of the fam!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
1 week 3 days old
Wow, has it already been 1 week and 3 days? Actually, it seems like 3 weeks already! What can I say? A precious life has been placed in our hands. A precious tiny little life! Savannah is SO small compared to our other babies. When I get her dresses, she seriously looks like a baby doll. She is just darling. She is very "porcelain" doll like. That reminds me of Anabelle.
The past week has been joyful, amazing, difficult, scary and every other word you can think! But most of all, it has been humbling. That seems like an odd word to describe the birth/arrival of a child. But that is exactly what it is. I think so many of us take for granted life. Even when something goes wrong, or we loose a loved one. Later down the road, we loose some of our conviction and we are back to taking our life and the lives around us for granted. For taking our health for granted. I had wondered throughout my pregnancy, this time, if everything was going to be ok. I probably drove my drs nuts asking if the baby was ok. Lots of reassurance, but in the end you don't know until you are holding that sweet life in your arms. The night before we had Savannah, I was cleaning my car out and rearranging car seats. I was getting the infant carrier situated in the car. All of a sudden I had a vision of driving home with the carrier and no one in it. I just decided to get it out of my head. Well, sure enough that is what happened. Now, luckily it was less then 15 hours we were out of the hospital and Savannah was still there. But what a hard 15 hours those were. That isn't how it is all suppose to happen! And it would have been longer, but my dr was able to keep me 2 extra days. I am thankful for that and for him. Beyond words.
The first few days in the hospital with "Miss Savannah" as Laurel calls her, was just perfect. She was just a sweet little baby doing new baby things...nothing:) Around the 2nd day I started to get sick due to a not so great "spinal" for my C section. My dear friend Jenn came to see me. I am so thankful. She held Savannah while I floated in and out of reality. Apparently the meds for nausea can make you pretty loopy! I made no sense to her, but she was sweet enough to not say so! I had so many sweet loving visitors and I loved seeing my baby loved on! It is amazing to have so many precious friends that call, email and see you when you have a baby. Swells my heart up!
Then I think it was the evening on Saturday the 4th that we realized Savannah was not just still "asleep" but not really interested in eating. The nurses and I came up with a plan and we got headed in the right direction. The next morning my sister and my brother in law came to visit. It was while they were there(with my mom) that we started having to take some serious turns. I had a phone call from the NICU about bring Savannah in for a feeding tube and some tests. The entire time I was on the phone I was crying. As we were all in the room, they took Savannah from me, to the NICU. I was so sad, but also wanted her to be cared for as best as she could. Now, I think about Mom, Fred, Ginny and Neal. And I think about how hard that had to be for them to watch. And to watch me. They are a blessing in my life.
So Sunday evening we visited her in the NICU. By Monday morning she was doing better and we had an OT evaluated her. We figured out the problem and she was back to eating! AMEN! I however got hit with a "Spinal Headache" from the not so grat "Spinal" for my C section. I couldn't even see or think. It was pretty bad. The only time it felt better at all was if I was laying flat. I wanted to see my baby, so Fred wheeled me down stairs and I got to see her. I couldn't even look up at the nurses. I looked and felt terrible, but was just worried about Savannah. Sweet friends tried to visit and gift their love, but I was in no shape to see them. Finally an anesthesiologist came in to give me a "Spinal Patch". This did the trick in no time. But again I was suppose to lay for 24 hours. Who are we kidding. My baby is down stairs, I am not going to not see her that long. I did well for 4 hours and finally went to see her. I took it really easy on Monday. Then Monday night we were hit with more tests and questions. I was pretty upset with all of this and Tuesday morning was probably one of the worst mornings in my life. I woke up and realized this wasn't a dream. I realized this is my life now. I still felt bad from the Spinal, Fred had gone to feed Savannah. My dr came in and all I could do was cry cry cry. He sat with me and just listed to me. It helped, but I still couldn't believe all that had happened since Wednesday night before...when 20 Kindergartners gathered around me and prayed for me and the baby while laying their hands on my tummy.
So, I spent most of the day Tuesday in the NICU with Savannah. Wednesday night we were told she we could stay in a room in the NICU, since I was already discharged. We decided not to, and came home around 5pm. We just decided the other kids really needed us. It had been almost a week since we had been home, and we got to see them. That was probably the best medicine in the world! We had dinner with the kids and put them to bed. Then we rushed back to the hospital to see Savannah, around 9pm. My sister, Emily came in town as a surprise that night. Christina brought her to the hospital around 10:15pm. We stayed until midnight. I am so thankful she was here. It is funny because different times in my life, I have felt like I just can't do something. But if I know she is with me, I can. I am really strong and independent, but for some reason God made me this way. I have to have her at different times. I remember crying the night before I had Chloe, to her. I told her I couldn't do it if she wasn't here. I was scared to death. NO ONE knew. Because I am strong and I don't get that way! Ya, right! So, during all of this with Savannah, I had spoken very little with Emily. This was only because I was mainly in the NICU or I just didn't want to talk to anyone. And she knew... she knew I needed her.... She just knew. How blessed am I.
So the next morning, Thursday, October 9th, was Corbin's official 2nd birthday! We celebrated in the morning with him and then got everyone to school. Fred and I dropped Chloe off at 8am and went to see Savannah. We got her out of the NICU by 10am! It was wonderful. We stopped by to see a nurse that had cared for me, then we stopped by my OBs. It was a wonderful send off. Everyone was happy to see us and the baby. My Dr said some of the kindest most genuine words that will never escape me. I pray for him to know how important his job is, outside of actually delivering a baby. He is a blessing.
Finally we get home! Emily and Mom waiting for us, baby in tow! It was wonderful! Then we surprised Chloe and picked her up from school with Auntie(Emily) and Savannah in the car! She was pretty thrilled! We all arrived home at the same time. Fred had made a darling sign and had it in the yard! The kids were all thrilled to see it and "Sabannah" as Annabelle says!
We had birthday cake, opened presents and started a life at home, 5 kids....4 adults:) Then my sweet little sister Ginny came in town on Friday. She has not been able to see her husband of a short time, for a full week in a month or so! And she decided to come in and spend time with us and Emily. And I thank her for that..and Neal for that. It was such a blessing to have them both, Emily and Ginny, here. I pray my kids are there for each other like this. I mean, there are no words to explain.
Savannah also had her 1 week appt on Friday. She was up from 6 lbs 1 ounce to 6 obs 4 ounces, in 2 days! That is terrific weight gain! She goes back next week! I expect a chunky 7 lbs baby by then:) I hope:)
Saturday was nuts! We had 3 showings(not to mention the 4 in the hospital). So we spent time at the park, on walks and at my aunts. That was really fun to just vege at her house with Savannah and mom and Emily. Ginny and Fred took the little kids to a birthday party and they had a ball!
So, here we are, Sunday. Ginny and Emily are gone....I wish they could stay. Mom is here...I couldn't be more thankful for that. Savannah eats every 3 hours, and that is thru the night! At least we have to do that until we get to birth weight again! She has to take a bottle for now, because of her eating issues from before, so me pumping...(sorry, TMI) and others helping me feed her. Mom took the 3:30a last night, so Fred could get a little more sleep. Emily and Ginny took the 12:30 the night before.
I got to sleep in, well in between pumps:) I am thinking all the kids are down stairs with duct tape on their mouths. I don't think they are ever this quiet!
Oh, and the blessing of food. Someone has brought dinner each night since Wednesday! I mean, my friends and family amaze me. They just know what we need! And my aunt, well I can't wait for what she knew I needed! Sausage balls! This baby thing has made me hungry again:)
So, I'll post some pictures later...I don't know when I will blog again. Life didn't slow down at all. I got home Wednesday and we hit the ground running. But you know, if that is what I have to do to take care of my wonderful family....I can rest when they are all 13 and won't get out of bed...until then I will soak in the 6:45am, "Good morning mommy, isn't it a beautiful day" from my 3 year olds...and a 7:00am, "Mommy, can I hold the baby" from my 5 year old, and of course the 7:15 am"Mamma... mamma.." from my one and only boy...and the best right now... the coos of a baby in the middle of the night!
God is so Good. Thank you Lord for everything!
The past week has been joyful, amazing, difficult, scary and every other word you can think! But most of all, it has been humbling. That seems like an odd word to describe the birth/arrival of a child. But that is exactly what it is. I think so many of us take for granted life. Even when something goes wrong, or we loose a loved one. Later down the road, we loose some of our conviction and we are back to taking our life and the lives around us for granted. For taking our health for granted. I had wondered throughout my pregnancy, this time, if everything was going to be ok. I probably drove my drs nuts asking if the baby was ok. Lots of reassurance, but in the end you don't know until you are holding that sweet life in your arms. The night before we had Savannah, I was cleaning my car out and rearranging car seats. I was getting the infant carrier situated in the car. All of a sudden I had a vision of driving home with the carrier and no one in it. I just decided to get it out of my head. Well, sure enough that is what happened. Now, luckily it was less then 15 hours we were out of the hospital and Savannah was still there. But what a hard 15 hours those were. That isn't how it is all suppose to happen! And it would have been longer, but my dr was able to keep me 2 extra days. I am thankful for that and for him. Beyond words.
The first few days in the hospital with "Miss Savannah" as Laurel calls her, was just perfect. She was just a sweet little baby doing new baby things...nothing:) Around the 2nd day I started to get sick due to a not so great "spinal" for my C section. My dear friend Jenn came to see me. I am so thankful. She held Savannah while I floated in and out of reality. Apparently the meds for nausea can make you pretty loopy! I made no sense to her, but she was sweet enough to not say so! I had so many sweet loving visitors and I loved seeing my baby loved on! It is amazing to have so many precious friends that call, email and see you when you have a baby. Swells my heart up!
Then I think it was the evening on Saturday the 4th that we realized Savannah was not just still "asleep" but not really interested in eating. The nurses and I came up with a plan and we got headed in the right direction. The next morning my sister and my brother in law came to visit. It was while they were there(with my mom) that we started having to take some serious turns. I had a phone call from the NICU about bring Savannah in for a feeding tube and some tests. The entire time I was on the phone I was crying. As we were all in the room, they took Savannah from me, to the NICU. I was so sad, but also wanted her to be cared for as best as she could. Now, I think about Mom, Fred, Ginny and Neal. And I think about how hard that had to be for them to watch. And to watch me. They are a blessing in my life.
So Sunday evening we visited her in the NICU. By Monday morning she was doing better and we had an OT evaluated her. We figured out the problem and she was back to eating! AMEN! I however got hit with a "Spinal Headache" from the not so grat "Spinal" for my C section. I couldn't even see or think. It was pretty bad. The only time it felt better at all was if I was laying flat. I wanted to see my baby, so Fred wheeled me down stairs and I got to see her. I couldn't even look up at the nurses. I looked and felt terrible, but was just worried about Savannah. Sweet friends tried to visit and gift their love, but I was in no shape to see them. Finally an anesthesiologist came in to give me a "Spinal Patch". This did the trick in no time. But again I was suppose to lay for 24 hours. Who are we kidding. My baby is down stairs, I am not going to not see her that long. I did well for 4 hours and finally went to see her. I took it really easy on Monday. Then Monday night we were hit with more tests and questions. I was pretty upset with all of this and Tuesday morning was probably one of the worst mornings in my life. I woke up and realized this wasn't a dream. I realized this is my life now. I still felt bad from the Spinal, Fred had gone to feed Savannah. My dr came in and all I could do was cry cry cry. He sat with me and just listed to me. It helped, but I still couldn't believe all that had happened since Wednesday night before...when 20 Kindergartners gathered around me and prayed for me and the baby while laying their hands on my tummy.
So, I spent most of the day Tuesday in the NICU with Savannah. Wednesday night we were told she we could stay in a room in the NICU, since I was already discharged. We decided not to, and came home around 5pm. We just decided the other kids really needed us. It had been almost a week since we had been home, and we got to see them. That was probably the best medicine in the world! We had dinner with the kids and put them to bed. Then we rushed back to the hospital to see Savannah, around 9pm. My sister, Emily came in town as a surprise that night. Christina brought her to the hospital around 10:15pm. We stayed until midnight. I am so thankful she was here. It is funny because different times in my life, I have felt like I just can't do something. But if I know she is with me, I can. I am really strong and independent, but for some reason God made me this way. I have to have her at different times. I remember crying the night before I had Chloe, to her. I told her I couldn't do it if she wasn't here. I was scared to death. NO ONE knew. Because I am strong and I don't get that way! Ya, right! So, during all of this with Savannah, I had spoken very little with Emily. This was only because I was mainly in the NICU or I just didn't want to talk to anyone. And she knew... she knew I needed her.... She just knew. How blessed am I.
So the next morning, Thursday, October 9th, was Corbin's official 2nd birthday! We celebrated in the morning with him and then got everyone to school. Fred and I dropped Chloe off at 8am and went to see Savannah. We got her out of the NICU by 10am! It was wonderful. We stopped by to see a nurse that had cared for me, then we stopped by my OBs. It was a wonderful send off. Everyone was happy to see us and the baby. My Dr said some of the kindest most genuine words that will never escape me. I pray for him to know how important his job is, outside of actually delivering a baby. He is a blessing.
Finally we get home! Emily and Mom waiting for us, baby in tow! It was wonderful! Then we surprised Chloe and picked her up from school with Auntie(Emily) and Savannah in the car! She was pretty thrilled! We all arrived home at the same time. Fred had made a darling sign and had it in the yard! The kids were all thrilled to see it and "Sabannah" as Annabelle says!
We had birthday cake, opened presents and started a life at home, 5 kids....4 adults:) Then my sweet little sister Ginny came in town on Friday. She has not been able to see her husband of a short time, for a full week in a month or so! And she decided to come in and spend time with us and Emily. And I thank her for that..and Neal for that. It was such a blessing to have them both, Emily and Ginny, here. I pray my kids are there for each other like this. I mean, there are no words to explain.
Savannah also had her 1 week appt on Friday. She was up from 6 lbs 1 ounce to 6 obs 4 ounces, in 2 days! That is terrific weight gain! She goes back next week! I expect a chunky 7 lbs baby by then:) I hope:)
Saturday was nuts! We had 3 showings(not to mention the 4 in the hospital). So we spent time at the park, on walks and at my aunts. That was really fun to just vege at her house with Savannah and mom and Emily. Ginny and Fred took the little kids to a birthday party and they had a ball!
So, here we are, Sunday. Ginny and Emily are gone....I wish they could stay. Mom is here...I couldn't be more thankful for that. Savannah eats every 3 hours, and that is thru the night! At least we have to do that until we get to birth weight again! She has to take a bottle for now, because of her eating issues from before, so me pumping...(sorry, TMI) and others helping me feed her. Mom took the 3:30a last night, so Fred could get a little more sleep. Emily and Ginny took the 12:30 the night before.
I got to sleep in, well in between pumps:) I am thinking all the kids are down stairs with duct tape on their mouths. I don't think they are ever this quiet!
Oh, and the blessing of food. Someone has brought dinner each night since Wednesday! I mean, my friends and family amaze me. They just know what we need! And my aunt, well I can't wait for what she knew I needed! Sausage balls! This baby thing has made me hungry again:)
So, I'll post some pictures later...I don't know when I will blog again. Life didn't slow down at all. I got home Wednesday and we hit the ground running. But you know, if that is what I have to do to take care of my wonderful family....I can rest when they are all 13 and won't get out of bed...until then I will soak in the 6:45am, "Good morning mommy, isn't it a beautiful day" from my 3 year olds...and a 7:00am, "Mommy, can I hold the baby" from my 5 year old, and of course the 7:15 am"Mamma... mamma.." from my one and only boy...and the best right now... the coos of a baby in the middle of the night!
God is so Good. Thank you Lord for everything!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Thursday, October 02, 2008
SAVANNAH JANE
This is Ginny, Julie's sister, posting for her. Savannah Jane Sparks is here and she is perfect! God is so good and we are all so very thankful for another girl. Julie was just sure this one was a boy and was so happy and surprised when in the OR she found out this one is a girl.
Stats:
Born at 11:40 am on October 2nd
Weight: 6 lbs 7 oz
Height: 18 inches
CUTE CUTE CUTE!!!
Her hair is strawberry blonde and she looks a bit like Anabelle! Uh oh :) Just kidding...I love that girl too!
The other kids are so excited and got to see her through the window but haven't loved on her yet. Corbin is working on saying her name. It comes out as Anna right now.
More pictures will come soon. The big photo session with all the kids will be tonight when they come up here.
We are all so excited to watch sweet Savannah Jane grow up, but right now we love having another sweet baby to love.
Twas the night before Thursday
Twas the night before Thursday and all through our house,
not a child was stirring, not even my spouse!
With a basket of laundry clean and folded with care,
We are anxious to have a new baby living here!
I start with my rounds, for each child I pray.
Starting with Corbin, so much I want to say.
I pray for his salvation, his strength and his health.
I pray he knows his family is truely his wealth!
I pick him up as he stirs while I am there.
Then I kiss his sweet cheek and cudddle him with a tear.
My surprise of surprises, that is his sweet place in life.
I lay him down and lastley pray for his future wife.
Off to my oldest, my first baby to bring home.
She lays in her bed and is out like a light.
I kneel down beside her and am in awe of her sight.
Just 5 short years ago, this was her big night!
My request to Him is for her to continue to grow.
To look for His guidence and take life slow.
I lean over to kiss her and tuck her in snug.
I look at her and say, "I love you bug!"
My last stop is the busiest room in this home!
My sweet little girls, they just play in there and roam.
I first see my Laurel, she slightly opens her eyes.
I tell her to close them, and she does as she sighs.
For her I pray she accepts the Lord.
That she uses his word like a sheild and a sword.
I ask the He continues to make her so sweet.
And I ask that she gives up her obsessoin of something always on her feet!
I scoot over to the other pink bed against the wall.
I have so many prayers too night, but non too tall!
My little Anabelle, I pray for her saftey.
I pray that she is always close to me.
I pray she asks Him into her heart.
And I pray that her relationship with her siblings, will never part.
With her old pink silky, I tuck her in tight.
I kiss them both and whisper good night.
As I sit down and rest, I think of the years that have passed.
I think of the tears and the fears that no longer last.
We were fearful to have no children in our house.
And now we are blessed beyond belife, me and my spouse!
So I anxious type while I lay in my bed.
I just pray for a healthy baby, I promise to love and keep fed!
I know the Lord will watch over us all.
He will not ever let us crash and fall.
He has a plan for my family, this I know.
He doesn't have to do much for it to show.
I know tomorrow will have so much joy.
We will add to the 3 little girls and 1 sweet boy!
So, now I head off to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
I pray he watches through the night.
And I pray he keeps me safe in tomorrows light.
not a child was stirring, not even my spouse!
With a basket of laundry clean and folded with care,
We are anxious to have a new baby living here!
I start with my rounds, for each child I pray.
Starting with Corbin, so much I want to say.
I pray for his salvation, his strength and his health.
I pray he knows his family is truely his wealth!
I pick him up as he stirs while I am there.
Then I kiss his sweet cheek and cudddle him with a tear.
My surprise of surprises, that is his sweet place in life.
I lay him down and lastley pray for his future wife.
Off to my oldest, my first baby to bring home.
She lays in her bed and is out like a light.
I kneel down beside her and am in awe of her sight.
Just 5 short years ago, this was her big night!
My request to Him is for her to continue to grow.
To look for His guidence and take life slow.
I lean over to kiss her and tuck her in snug.
I look at her and say, "I love you bug!"
My last stop is the busiest room in this home!
My sweet little girls, they just play in there and roam.
I first see my Laurel, she slightly opens her eyes.
I tell her to close them, and she does as she sighs.
For her I pray she accepts the Lord.
That she uses his word like a sheild and a sword.
I ask the He continues to make her so sweet.
And I ask that she gives up her obsessoin of something always on her feet!
I scoot over to the other pink bed against the wall.
I have so many prayers too night, but non too tall!
My little Anabelle, I pray for her saftey.
I pray that she is always close to me.
I pray she asks Him into her heart.
And I pray that her relationship with her siblings, will never part.
With her old pink silky, I tuck her in tight.
I kiss them both and whisper good night.
As I sit down and rest, I think of the years that have passed.
I think of the tears and the fears that no longer last.
We were fearful to have no children in our house.
And now we are blessed beyond belife, me and my spouse!
So I anxious type while I lay in my bed.
I just pray for a healthy baby, I promise to love and keep fed!
I know the Lord will watch over us all.
He will not ever let us crash and fall.
He has a plan for my family, this I know.
He doesn't have to do much for it to show.
I know tomorrow will have so much joy.
We will add to the 3 little girls and 1 sweet boy!
So, now I head off to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
I pray he watches through the night.
And I pray he keeps me safe in tomorrows light.
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