The Good Lord headed my prayers last night. Jackson slept until 4:50 this morning. :-)
Little Lincoln would sleep till 7:00 or so, but we had to wake him up at 5:45.
Happy Thursday!
Our Family
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What a beautiful day!
Wow, today was one of those days where everything was either going terribly wrong, or wonderful.
However, at the end of the day, the high points of the day outweigh the low points.
Highlights:
It's just been a frustrating few days with TWO teething little boys. (Sigh)
So, althought I'm exhausted, and the house looks like a tornado hit it, I'm very thankful for the blessings that God bestowed on us today...even the cranky little guys who now look like perfect angels sleeping in their bed. Maybe God will grant us just one more miracle for today and they will both sleep till 5:30? OK...I'm just being greedy. Guess I'll retire, recharge my battery, and prepare to tackle tomorrow. Besides, the weekend is right around the corner!
God Bless you all.
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
However, at the end of the day, the high points of the day outweigh the low points.
Highlights:
- After nearly 4 months, Grandma Hart went home today! She was checked out of the Drake Center before 1:00. We definitely had our moments over the past few months wondering if this day would ever come. We are thankful the surgery was a success, and she was able to overcome her breathing obstacles. She still has a bit of work with regaining her strength, and learning what and how much of things to eat, but that will all come in due time.
- Mawma was released from the hospital. She had a bit of a setback after leaving, and had to return to the ER and have a catheter reinserted, but she is now home, and resting . The catheter will be removed again on Friday, and hopefully her bladder will be healed and working appropriately.
- Jackson had a wonderful therapy session! Since Grandma Hart was released so early today, Brian was able to go to therapy with us. Hopefully, he'll have more time at home now, and can become more involved in JT's therapy. We need to continue stretching his muscle in his neck, but we are getting close to being ready to switch our focus from stretching to strengthening. Yeah!
- Jackson surprised his therapist a bit today....as he took 5 really good "steps" crawling today! I guess we can officially say he is crawling (althought somewhat unconventionally at times), as when he raced Lincoln last night across the kitchen floor, Jackson definitely was quicker!
It's just been a frustrating few days with TWO teething little boys. (Sigh)
- They want to be held constantly, which is getting more challenging the bigger and more mobile they get.
- Spit ups have become more common for both of them.
- Bedtime is just chaos. They are so tired, but fight going to sleep.
- Jackson is going through a phase where he swats his bottle away and doesn't want to drink it - this usually happens when he is tired, and he knows that if he drinks his bottle, he will relax and go to sleep.
So, althought I'm exhausted, and the house looks like a tornado hit it, I'm very thankful for the blessings that God bestowed on us today...even the cranky little guys who now look like perfect angels sleeping in their bed. Maybe God will grant us just one more miracle for today and they will both sleep till 5:30? OK...I'm just being greedy. Guess I'll retire, recharge my battery, and prepare to tackle tomorrow. Besides, the weekend is right around the corner!
God Bless you all.
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Catching up...
Today, we have LOTS of good news to share!
Hopefully by end of day tomorrow, we will have all Grandparents HOME!
Grandma Hart is scheduled to be released from the Drake center tomorrow. It has been a very long 3 1/2 months, and she is greatly looking forward to going home. Thank you to everyone for the prayers and support during this time!
My mom had her surgery yesterday to repair her bladder. Everything went VERY WELL. She was sitting up, talking, and eating chicken broth, jello, and ice cream treats when we left the hospital last night. Definitely a much better day than January 7th! The doctor is hopeful that she will find relief, and will be on her way home tomorrow as well.
So, now we just need to get Jackson to 100%, and we can hopefully stay away from the doctor other than check-ups for a while. Jackson is getting there - still improving on his head measurements, and therapy keeps adding new stretches/strengthening exercises. We will get there!
So, what have we been doing otherwise?
August 28th we traveled to Fort Recovery for the Hart Reunion. It was so great to see everyone, and to introduce quite a few people to the boys. Good food, conversation, and beautiful weather made it a great day!
Congratulations to Joe and Marie Shaneyfelt - they welcomed a precious baby girl on 8/27! Welcome to the family Mackenzie!
Labor Day weekend we spent in Cincinnati with my parents. Mom and Dad hadn't seen the boys in 4 weeks, so they were anxious to see how they had grown and what new skills they have. We went to church Saturday evening, and Jackson met his future wife. :-) There was a little girl probably a few months older than the boys sitting in the pew in front of us. The two of them sat and smiled and laughed at each other through most of the homily. Unfortunately, we drew attention to ourselves as Jackson's laugh is adorable - and very loud (especially in a quiet church that echos). It was very cute none-the-less! After church, we grilled steaks and spent a nice quiet night in.
Sunday we made breakfast, then went to visit Grandma Hart for a bit. After an early dinner, we packed snacks and drinks in the van and traveled downtown for Riverfest. It was the boys first experience with fireworks. They really didn't bother Jackson at all. Lincoln however was a bit more jumpy, and cried after the "tests" went off. Once the big show started, he was just fine (as long as he was on Mommy's lap). Both the boys were drawn to the bright colors....for about 10 minutes. Then, they understood what all the hooplah was about, and went to sleep.
Monday brought a trip to Five Guys for lunch with Aaron, Mom, and Dad before they hit the road for home. We took the boys to visit Grandma Hart again, then settled in for a relaxing night.
This past weekend we traveled to Toledo on Saturday morning so I could pick Lyn, RJ, Lylah and Knox up at the Detroit airport that afternoon. They had a great week in Texas, but wish it would have been under better circumstances.
Sunday was church, breakfast, then a special little treat. My cousin Chad and Cassie had a beautiful baby boy early on Saturday morning, so we went to visit and welcome the newest member of the Muehlfeld clan! Levi Michael joined us at 2:11 a.m. on 9/11. He was 19 inches long, and weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. He is perfect! Congratulations Chad and Cassie - the boys can't wait to play with Levi at future family get togethers!
That afternoon, Brian and I got a taste of what it would be like to be parents of 4 kids, as we watched Lylah and Knox for a few hours. It was challenging, but everyone survived and no body parts were lost! We all enjoyed a nice dinner together, then conversation to catch up on the Willinger's trip to Texas. Everett Caldwell will always be remembered, and Melody and her girls were so lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful man in their lives!
Monday was a very long day. Lincoln was up at 4:30 for breakfast, then Jackson was up around 6:00 (this is the downside to getting them up early through the week - no sleeping on on the weekend!). We got ready for our day, and packed as much of our stuff up as we could in the morning. Mom and Dad stopped by Lyn's around 9:30 to visit a bit before heading to the hospital. We grabbed lunch quick, then headed to the hospital around 12:15. The adults were able to see mom quickly before they took her into surgery, then it was more waiting. So, we took my dad to visit Chad, Cassie and Levi to help pass the time.
Around 3:00, we talked with one of the doctor's involved in the surgery, and were notified that everything went great. However, it wasn't until nearly 6:00 that we got to see mom. By that time, she was fully awake, and in her hosptial room. She looked great, and was talking to all of us. What a relief.
Brian, the boys and I left the hospital around 6:30, went to Lyn's, and then the whirlwind began. We were packing the car, eating dinner, and feeding the boys - all at the same time. God Bless Lyn and RJ for heating up soup for us for dinner, and helping with feeding the boys so that we could get on the road. We left Toledo around 7:45, knowing it would be late when we arrived home. The construction and an accident around Dayton didn't help us, and it was about 11:40 before we arrived home. It was a very late night, but we are so glad that we were able to spend the day with Dad and my sisters, and be there to support mom this time, since we weren't able to be there in January.
This week will likely fly by like the past few, since it is Tuesday already. Tonight, we are taking the boys to visit Grandma Hart one last time before she heads home tomorrow. Uncle John and Aunt Pam are coming down to visit today too, so we are looking forward to seeing them for a bit.
Tomorrow is therapy for Jackson, so my work day gets broken up a bit.
The rest of the week I'll be spending trying to put the house back together, as we are expecting some friends to stop by and see the boys this weekend.
The weekend is all ours - hopefully we can organize the house, the boys clothes, do a little shopping, and I'm evening crossing my fingers that I can get my hair cut! Plus, we'll have to spend time with the boys!
We'll keep posting as the boys develop new skills. It is so much fun to see what they learn each day!
Hope everyone is having a great September, and we'll write more again soon.
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson.
Special dates to note:
Hopefully by end of day tomorrow, we will have all Grandparents HOME!
Grandma Hart is scheduled to be released from the Drake center tomorrow. It has been a very long 3 1/2 months, and she is greatly looking forward to going home. Thank you to everyone for the prayers and support during this time!
My mom had her surgery yesterday to repair her bladder. Everything went VERY WELL. She was sitting up, talking, and eating chicken broth, jello, and ice cream treats when we left the hospital last night. Definitely a much better day than January 7th! The doctor is hopeful that she will find relief, and will be on her way home tomorrow as well.
So, now we just need to get Jackson to 100%, and we can hopefully stay away from the doctor other than check-ups for a while. Jackson is getting there - still improving on his head measurements, and therapy keeps adding new stretches/strengthening exercises. We will get there!
So, what have we been doing otherwise?
August 28th we traveled to Fort Recovery for the Hart Reunion. It was so great to see everyone, and to introduce quite a few people to the boys. Good food, conversation, and beautiful weather made it a great day!
Congratulations to Joe and Marie Shaneyfelt - they welcomed a precious baby girl on 8/27! Welcome to the family Mackenzie!
Labor Day weekend we spent in Cincinnati with my parents. Mom and Dad hadn't seen the boys in 4 weeks, so they were anxious to see how they had grown and what new skills they have. We went to church Saturday evening, and Jackson met his future wife. :-) There was a little girl probably a few months older than the boys sitting in the pew in front of us. The two of them sat and smiled and laughed at each other through most of the homily. Unfortunately, we drew attention to ourselves as Jackson's laugh is adorable - and very loud (especially in a quiet church that echos). It was very cute none-the-less! After church, we grilled steaks and spent a nice quiet night in.
Sunday we made breakfast, then went to visit Grandma Hart for a bit. After an early dinner, we packed snacks and drinks in the van and traveled downtown for Riverfest. It was the boys first experience with fireworks. They really didn't bother Jackson at all. Lincoln however was a bit more jumpy, and cried after the "tests" went off. Once the big show started, he was just fine (as long as he was on Mommy's lap). Both the boys were drawn to the bright colors....for about 10 minutes. Then, they understood what all the hooplah was about, and went to sleep.
Monday brought a trip to Five Guys for lunch with Aaron, Mom, and Dad before they hit the road for home. We took the boys to visit Grandma Hart again, then settled in for a relaxing night.
This past weekend we traveled to Toledo on Saturday morning so I could pick Lyn, RJ, Lylah and Knox up at the Detroit airport that afternoon. They had a great week in Texas, but wish it would have been under better circumstances.
Sunday was church, breakfast, then a special little treat. My cousin Chad and Cassie had a beautiful baby boy early on Saturday morning, so we went to visit and welcome the newest member of the Muehlfeld clan! Levi Michael joined us at 2:11 a.m. on 9/11. He was 19 inches long, and weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. He is perfect! Congratulations Chad and Cassie - the boys can't wait to play with Levi at future family get togethers!
That afternoon, Brian and I got a taste of what it would be like to be parents of 4 kids, as we watched Lylah and Knox for a few hours. It was challenging, but everyone survived and no body parts were lost! We all enjoyed a nice dinner together, then conversation to catch up on the Willinger's trip to Texas. Everett Caldwell will always be remembered, and Melody and her girls were so lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful man in their lives!
Monday was a very long day. Lincoln was up at 4:30 for breakfast, then Jackson was up around 6:00 (this is the downside to getting them up early through the week - no sleeping on on the weekend!). We got ready for our day, and packed as much of our stuff up as we could in the morning. Mom and Dad stopped by Lyn's around 9:30 to visit a bit before heading to the hospital. We grabbed lunch quick, then headed to the hospital around 12:15. The adults were able to see mom quickly before they took her into surgery, then it was more waiting. So, we took my dad to visit Chad, Cassie and Levi to help pass the time.
Around 3:00, we talked with one of the doctor's involved in the surgery, and were notified that everything went great. However, it wasn't until nearly 6:00 that we got to see mom. By that time, she was fully awake, and in her hosptial room. She looked great, and was talking to all of us. What a relief.
Brian, the boys and I left the hospital around 6:30, went to Lyn's, and then the whirlwind began. We were packing the car, eating dinner, and feeding the boys - all at the same time. God Bless Lyn and RJ for heating up soup for us for dinner, and helping with feeding the boys so that we could get on the road. We left Toledo around 7:45, knowing it would be late when we arrived home. The construction and an accident around Dayton didn't help us, and it was about 11:40 before we arrived home. It was a very late night, but we are so glad that we were able to spend the day with Dad and my sisters, and be there to support mom this time, since we weren't able to be there in January.
This week will likely fly by like the past few, since it is Tuesday already. Tonight, we are taking the boys to visit Grandma Hart one last time before she heads home tomorrow. Uncle John and Aunt Pam are coming down to visit today too, so we are looking forward to seeing them for a bit.
Tomorrow is therapy for Jackson, so my work day gets broken up a bit.
The rest of the week I'll be spending trying to put the house back together, as we are expecting some friends to stop by and see the boys this weekend.
The weekend is all ours - hopefully we can organize the house, the boys clothes, do a little shopping, and I'm evening crossing my fingers that I can get my hair cut! Plus, we'll have to spend time with the boys!
We'll keep posting as the boys develop new skills. It is so much fun to see what they learn each day!
Hope everyone is having a great September, and we'll write more again soon.
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson.
Special dates to note:
- Happy Belated Birthday to Craig Lynn on 9/9
- Happy Belated Anniversary to Aunt Karen and Uncle Tim on 9/10
- Happy Belated birthday to Stefani on 9/11
- Happy Belated birthday to my cousin Doug on 9/12
- Happy Belated birthday to Beth on 9/13
- Happy Birthday this Sunday to Kelan on 9/19 - he's turning 2!
- Happy Birthday to Drama and Brother boy on 9/22
- Happy Birthday to Dad on 9/23 - the big 6-0!
- Happy Birthday to Uncle Bill on 9/24
- Happy 5 year wedding anniversary to Lyn and RJ on 9/25
- Happy Birthday to Maria Hart on 9/29
- Happy Birthday to Aunt Ruth on 9/30
Friday, September 10, 2010
TGIF!!!!
Friday - Finally!
Lots to do tonight to get ready to spend time with the Willinger's this weekend.
Mom's surgery is Monday, so please say lots of prayers.
Will post more on what we've been up to, and how mom is doing later!
Check out week 31 pictures to the right! I'm only a week behind now...but hope to share week 32 soon!
Lots to do tonight to get ready to spend time with the Willinger's this weekend.
Mom's surgery is Monday, so please say lots of prayers.
Will post more on what we've been up to, and how mom is doing later!
Check out week 31 pictures to the right! I'm only a week behind now...but hope to share week 32 soon!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Jackson's helmet update
Hi all -
Jackson had an appointment this morning to check and see how his head is doing, and to adjust the fit of his helmet. His head grew some more, and the variance in measurement is down to 7 mm (vs. 9 at his last appointment). They shaved a little bit out of the forehead of his helmet, so we are all set for the next 3 weeks. At this rate, he should definitely have it off for Christmas!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
Jackson had an appointment this morning to check and see how his head is doing, and to adjust the fit of his helmet. His head grew some more, and the variance in measurement is down to 7 mm (vs. 9 at his last appointment). They shaved a little bit out of the forehead of his helmet, so we are all set for the next 3 weeks. At this rate, he should definitely have it off for Christmas!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Officially Crawling!!!
Just a quick note...today, we are officially claiming that Lincoln is crawling! He has been scooting for quite some time, but tonight, he crawled clear across our bedroom without touching his belly to the ground! So exciting! He's getting quite big for his britches, as he is pulling himself up to stand too - using his bouncer no less! I have a feeling he will be walking way before he turns one year old!
will write more tomorrow (hopefully)!
Kate
will write more tomorrow (hopefully)!
Kate
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Prayers for comfort...
Hi everyone -
I just wanted to write a quick post and ask everyone to please keep the Caldwell family in your thoughts and prayers. The Caldwell's are part of the Willinger family, and they have suffered a great loss. Everett passed away yesterday after a very brave fight with melanoma. Melody and her two young daughters need all the prayers for comfort they can get right now. Please pray for Brenda, Dick, Kelly (Dave), RJ, Lyn, Lylah, and Knox for safe travels to Texas so that the entire family (including Grandma Kathy) can be together to celebrate Everetts life.
Thank you!
Kate
I just wanted to write a quick post and ask everyone to please keep the Caldwell family in your thoughts and prayers. The Caldwell's are part of the Willinger family, and they have suffered a great loss. Everett passed away yesterday after a very brave fight with melanoma. Melody and her two young daughters need all the prayers for comfort they can get right now. Please pray for Brenda, Dick, Kelly (Dave), RJ, Lyn, Lylah, and Knox for safe travels to Texas so that the entire family (including Grandma Kathy) can be together to celebrate Everetts life.
Thank you!
Kate
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