August 26, 2010 by jennifer
I looked up to see him hanging in mid-air only to see him hit the ground a millisecond later. My heart stopped and I ran to him. Thinking he had merely knocked the wind out of himself, I helped him up. He was grabbing his right elbow and crying. Not that loud screaming cry, but a quiet hard weeping. Something was definitely different about that. I sat him down and looked to see that his arm, right above his elbow, was completely deformed. Breckin had broken his arm. I called Jere who was on his way home from work. Thankfully, he was close. He stopped as close as he could to where we were and we loaded 2 bikes, 1 stroller, 1 dog and 5 people into his car and headed home. On the way home, I arranged for care for the younger two and Jeremiah and I headed to the ER.
In the ER, Jeremiah and I were told that Breckin’s arm was broken and we would be sent downtown to have it fixed….with surgery. My heart dropped. Surgery. Again. For those counting this is the second time one of our children has had surgery in the last month. And it is the third time Breckin has needed surgery. So, downtown we went, where we waited. We waited all night long. Breckin was in agony, but he had to wait until the morning for surgery. He cried, he repeatedly said he was scared, and he was very concerned he would not be able to play the Wii with a broken arm. A dose of morphine later, he was no longer crying but saying hilarious things that, to him, were serious. He was very serious when ordering his ice water. Very specific instructions. He was appalled that the night nurses work during the night and sleep during the day. He did not want to wear a puppy gown and he did NOT like his IV. But it was all very funny.
8am yesterday morning he was wheeled back to surgery. 9:30am he was out of surgery and in recovery. By 11am we were back to his room where we stayed until about 3pm. It took him a while to come out of it but once he did, he was ready to eat and drink a root beer, something he had repeatedly asked for. He is still in a great deal of pain and hates to move his arm. He is mainly sitting and not willing/able to move around a lot. Needless to say, he is out of school at least until Monday, out of PE for the next 3 months, and not allowed to do recess for 3 months. He really did a number on himself.
As a mother, it is extremely hard to watch your child in agony and not blame yourself. To not wish you could take it all away. To not give that child anything and everything he wants. It is emotional and so very hard.
The silver lining….the generosity of those around me. I called a neighbor to come to the house and watch the little ones as we took B to the ER. She came happily and immediately without hesitation. So many friends gleefully offered to take the little ones yesterday. I actually had to choose a volunteer. Their generosity was amazing. And when I went to my friends house to pick the kids up, she had also made us brownies. Now that is friendship. Not only that, the neighbor mowed our yard today because he knew we wouldn’t be able to do it anytime soon. I love how God uses every catastrophe, no matter how small to show us His love and help us serve Him.
Today a girl from Breckin’s class came over with get well cards his class had made. They were adorable. I think my favorite was the one with a picture of Breckin falling from the monkey bars. So funny.
Posted in Uncategorized 
1 Comment »
August 9, 2010 by jennifer
Conversation #1 –
Breckin – “Mommy, do you have magic eyes?”
Me – “What do you mean?”
Breckin – “Like when you sleep. Do you see things in your eyes?”
Me – “Do you mean dream? Do I dream?”
Breckin – “Yes. Do you have magic eyes that dream?”
Me – “Yes, I do. Everyone dreams.”
Breckin – “Everyone has magic eyes?!”
Me – “Everyone has magic eyes.”
Conversation #2
Breckin (while helping Jeremiah peel linoleum up in the kitchen) – “Daddy, this kitchen floor is making me frustrated and I want to “restroy” it.”
Posted in Uncategorized 1 Comment »
August 3, 2010 by jennifer
The other day, I took Breckin and Arwyn to JCPenney to get sneakers for school. I have bought Breckin’s supplies for the year. He will be gone all day this year. First grade. Wow. Arwyn will start preschool. She will go two days a week. One day for five hours, the other for three. Again, wow. Summer is almost over. In the meantime, we have been enjoying it. Jeremiah and I love living in a place that allows us to take our kids to fun, free (and some not-so-free) places. Here we are, enjoying our summer!
We have been to baseball games.
We’ve swam in the backyard.
We’ve traveled back in time.
We visited family in Omaha! (note: There is an extra person in this picture. Can you find him/her? Hint: Look at aunt Julianne’s belly! Coming Dec 2010!)
We visited the sprayground.
And we have partied.
To view more of our family summer fun, click here.
Posted in Uncategorized No Comments »
August 3, 2010 by jennifer
I wasn’t able to capture in the pictures quite the way I was wanting. First, I couldn’t find the same hat Breckin wore so long ago. I know it is around here somewhere and Judah has worn it many times, but I couldn’t find it. And, of course I couldn’t get Judah to make the same expression as Breckin. But, when Jeremiah and I came upon this old pic of Breckin, we both had the same thought. Aside from skin tone and hair, they look exactly alike.
Posted in Uncategorized No Comments »
August 3, 2010 by jennifer
Three months ago it all started: the wretched ear infection that just wouldn’t DIE already. Antibiotics couldn’t stop it from coming back. Doctors were preparing their equipment for tubes in the ears. Jeremiah and I were beside ourselves with frustration and more sleep deprived than we ever thought possible. That last one, the sleep, is crazy because Judah is baby #3 and they have all been terrible sleepers. But, there is nothing quite so painful as a child with an ear infection at 2am. Now imagine that for 2 1/2 months. So, two weeks ago, I abandoned conventional medicine and took Judah to see a chiropractor. Then last Wednesday, he had a follow up at the doc to see if his ears were finally better. The main issue had been that his ears weren’t draining. The antibiotic would clear the infection, but with tons of fluid in his ear, he was still having a lot of pain and as soon as the antibiotic was gone, the infection would roar back. After one chiropractic appointment, his doctor told me his ears were free of fluid. There was a tiny bit left in one ear, but the other was perfectly clear. Tomorrow, he goes back for his last chiropractic appointment to make sure all of the fluid is out and to have one last adjustment to seal the deal.
In summary, I believe in chiropractic care for babies. What modern medicine could not fix in 2 1/2 months, chiropractic care fixed in 1 week. So, next time my baby gets an ear infection, we will try the chiropractor first. At the very least, it is great to use it to compliment conventional care. Happy with the results and very happy to have my sweet sleeping Judah back. Praise the Lord!
Posted in Uncategorized No Comments »
July 27, 2010 by jennifer
Six years ago this week, I woke in the middle of the night. My first thought was, “Wow, those fried pickles from Dixieland Cafe are not sitting well with me.” I thought I was sick. After about an hour, I realized, I was getting sick at regular intervals. Hmmmm…..could this be the day we meet? A few short hours later around 6am, there was no doubt we would be meeting you. Your Daddy and I went on a long walk in the Arkansas heat. We eventually made our way to the hospital. I will tell you more detail as you get older, but just know that your Dad was very nervous and hit about a million potholes on the way there. It’s comical now, but at the time, I was trying not to smack him. We got to the hospital around noon. After what felt like 12 million contractions and a little over an hour of pushing, you were born at 4:26pm.
Later that night, around 2-3am, I heard you stir in your bassinet, so I picked you up and just held you. The rest of the world melted away and it was just you and me. I suddenly knew what it was like to love someone so selflessly. I felt what it was like to be so overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising a child. I learned what it was like to have your heart fill with joy and melt simultaneously. I learned what it meant to suddenly have that “mother bear” instinct. I learned what it felt like to fiercely love someone you didn’t know very well. I learned and felt a lot in the moments that I sat there staring at you. It is a day I will never forget. It is the day you made me a Mommy. I love you so so much. Happy 6th Birthday, Sweet Boy!
Posted in Uncategorized No Comments »
July 25, 2010 by jennifer
So, about 10 days ago I posted how Judah had just had a follow-up with the doc after his 3rd ear infection in a row. He was given a clean bill of health and we were sent on our way. That was a Wednesday. The following Saturday, a mere 3 days later, I was in the walk-in clinic with him again. You guessed it, ear infection came after his ear a fourth time, it got into his middle ear and it went bad, so I lopped it off. I apologize for the Army of Darkness reference there. Jeremiah is a huge nerd and made me watch this movie once in college and that line has stuck with me ever since. Anyway…. We did not lop his ear off, but he was put on a stronger antibiotic and we were sent on our way. This is his 4th antibiotic and infection in 10 weeks. The problem is, they are able to clear the infection but are unable to get his ears to drain. So, the infection keeps coming back. I came home feeling defeated and not really knowing what to do. I trust modern medicine. It has improved the quality of my life and my asthma. But anyone who knows me well also knows that I don’t think it is the answer to everything. I don’t think every problem has an easy medicinal answer.
If Judah gets one more infection within the next few months, his doctors will want to put tubes in his ears. Tubes that could scar his ear drum. Tubes that will fall out in 6-12 months anyway. Tubes that may not prevent further infections. But, then again, they may. I personally do not care to find out. I also do not care to have my child in a perpetual state of pain or constantly taking an antibiotic. So, with the full support of Jeremiah, I decided to turn to alternative treatment for his ear infection.
I have decided to use more natural treatments to try to kill the bacteria. Garlic infused olive oil can be used as ear drops. If you warm the oil up it helps the pain and the garlic is antibiotic. Breastmilk in the ear as ear drops. Again, breastmilk is very warm and soothing to the ear plus it is full of antibodies.
I have also decided that for all future and current infections, I will be taking my kids to the chiropractor for treatment instead of a doctor. I know several people who do this and swear by it. You can read more about the philosophy behind this method here and here.
Judah is already doing great after his first appointment with Dr Jill at First Choice Chiropractic. They adjust a lot of babies there so Dr Jill was very very sweet and gentle. He loved her! I’ll keep you posted on his progress.
Posted in Uncategorized No Comments »
July 22, 2010 by jennifer
Okay, I realize I am not a crazy rebel. Truth be told, I am a conservative Christian housewife living in suburbia. Not exactly edgy. But I have always disliked the idea of my only identity being that of a mother and wife. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE being a mom and wife and wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I have always been a bit weary of losing my identity in the midst of it all. I like to think that there is still a little bit of “me” in there. I have passions outside of motherhood and cleaning house. Well, I have zero passion for housekeeping, but anyway….I fight becoming 100% mom for several reasons. Someday, my kids will be gone and I will need to survive that. I also like the idea that I can have conversations that don’t revolve around my kids. And, I want my wicked mommy-skills to be something about me that makes Jere love me more, not the only reason Jere loves me. I had a short conversation with a friend about this yesterday. We discussed the ways we have kept a piece of our pre-mommy selves in the midst of boogers, breastfeeding, pregnancy, and time-outs. Here are a few things I do (or don’t do) to keep myself feeling “edgy.” And by edgy I mean, not completely lame. Maybe only a little lame.
– Most importantly, I will never, EVER, EVER wear mom jeans. In fact, I refuse to wear anything that looks too mommified. Not a word, I know, but you get it.
– Judah’s lullabies are not your typical Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The songs I play for him are actually Metallica songs turned into lullabies. A little bit Momma, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.
– If it is cute and I like it, I am going to buy it. I don’t care if it is in the juniors section!
– I exercise. This might not seem that edgy, but I like to stay in shape. I have had 3 kids in 5 years, but I do not want to look like I had 3 kids in 5 years.
– I refuse to say things that make me sound old and lame. For example, saying, “I really like your shirt…NOT!” Or saying Woot-woot. I apologize now if you ever say either of these things in my presence and I smack you. It is a reflex, I can’t help it.
– I love rock concerts. I plan to teach my kids to love rock music as well. Metallica and GNR may not be wholesome, but they make/made very good music.
– I will never say things like, “They just don’t make (blank) like they used to.”
– I love Twilight. Deal with it.
– I am dying for an eyebrow piercing. The only thing holding me back….my husband’s blessing. Please tell him how cool I would look with one. It’s not like its a tattoo!
– I taught my kids the fist of rock at a very young age. A necessity in every household.
I know I have many more, but the baby is crying, so back to work I go. I would love to know how your keep yourself from becoming completely lame!
Posted in Uncategorized 2 Comments »
July 15, 2010 by jennifer
So, we have been following our asthma-friendly diet as well as can be expected for the ridiculous amount of exhaustion both Jeremiah and I have been enjoying over the last few months. I have been trying to use one new recipe/week. I got off course for a while on the new recipe thing and was sticking to the pseudo-vegetarian diet, without lots of creativity. But, here are a few wonderful recipes that we have discovered and enjoyed.
Basic Homemade Hummus
I can Chickpeas (Garbonzo beans) drained
3 cloves garlic
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 Tablespoons Tahini (can be found near the peanut butter or in a health food isle)
Put in blender. Add water to desired consistency. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Top with olive oil and paprika.
Pita Bread
This isn’t the exact recipe I use, but still very good.
Falafel with Cucumber Sauce
Add a few falafel balls, some veggies, and the cucumber sauce to a pita and YUM!
Delicious Stove Top Mac and Cheese
No exactly asthma-friendly, but very good and a great alternative to unhealthy box stuff.
Pasta with Basil and Brie
Very easy and very yummy.
Vegetarian Quesadillas
Serve with guacamole and plain yogurt. Very easy and very yummy.
Posted in Uncategorized No Comments »
July 15, 2010 by jennifer
Wouldn’t you like to know…
Posted in Uncategorized 2 Comments »
