On the Mend

All of us are doing so much better now! Thanks for your prayers! Rebekah is completely well, and I was able to drop her off at Cubbies last night and pick her up, although I did not work since I was still sick. Joshua is back to napping well again, so his ears must be improved. He didn't cry once when I put him down for a nap today, and he slept for about an hour and a half, which is a good nap for him.

Darrin is doing better also. He had a long day at work today, so he was tired when he got home, but he seems much improved regarding his sinuses. I haven't had a fever for 24 hours, so I'm also doing much better. I didn't get a shower today until Joshua's nap after lunch, but after I showered I felt tons better. My energy is rising, and hopefully by tomorrow I'll be even closer to 100%.

Since I was still coughing a little today and wanted to make sure my temperature didn't spike tonight I did not make cupcakes for Rebekah's preschool class for tomorrow, so we are postponing it until Thursday. We are going to have a very busy several days starting Wednesday since that is her birthday, but hopefully we won't have any more sickness and can enjoy all the celebrations.

Thanks again for your prayers! Thanks be to our Healer, Jehovah Rapha!!!

40 Days to Pray the Vote

I discovered from Candace's blog about 40 Days to Pray the Vote. No matter where you stand in the political process it is important that we pray for the election and for the man whom God will raise up to be our next American leader and president. Through this website you can receive an email each day with something specific for which to pray for the election. It is not about Democrats or Republicans, Independents or Libertarians, or any other party. It is about falling on our knees before the Almighty God and surrendering our nation and the results over to Him. Please join me in this prayer opportunity.

Sickness

This week, and particularly this weekend, has been rough for our family. Earlier this week Joshua had a couple of days of clinginess and not wanting to nap. Every time I put him down for a nap he fought it, and once he did go to sleep he awoke after only about 45 minutes. I decided to take Joshua to see the pediatrician, and he not only has another ear infection (possibly not healed from the last time), but his other ear is infected as well, so he's got a double ear infection. Joshua is still really cuddly with me and struggles going down for a nap, but he seems to be better, although he is nursing a lot more this week.

On the flip side, Joshua is walking around full-time now. He only crawls to get to something to pull up, but he's walking all over the place these days. He's enjoying his newfound skill.

Thursday night/Friday morning in the middle of the night I woke with chills and aches in my legs. After taking some Tylenol I felt better, and after eating breakfast and taking a shower I felt stronger, so I ran some last-minute errands to prepare for Rebekah's party that was planned for today. By the time I got home I had the chills and aches again. I had a low-grade fever of 100.1. Rebekah was asleep on her bed by this time, which is unheard of for her, and when she woke 3 hours later I checked her temp. It was 101.2 orally. I called the moms of Rebekah's guests and rescheduled the party for next week. I was disappointed in a way, but relieved because I really didn't feel well.

Darrin also went to the doctor for a sinus infection, but it was caught early, so he's feeling much better already. Rebekah is feeling better also, but at times she says she is well and other times she says she is sick. I'm still not completely well yet. Hopefully in another day we'll all be feeling lots better.

Staycation Day 3

Over the whole summer we have had plans to go to Lake Winnepesaukah for a vacation day at home, but we wanted to avoid a lot of heat, plus when we did plan to go someone wasn't feeling well or something else caused us to have to change our plans. We finally got to go on Saturday, and the weather was just perfect! It was cool when we first arrived, but by lunchtime it was warming up and very comfortable for shorts.

I highly recommend visiting in late September! I'm sure May would be just as wonderful. The weather is great and the crowds are not bad. Lines were very short, and there were no lines for the kiddie rides at all.

Darrin had never visited Lake Winnie, so after we first entered he wanted to walk around the amusement park and see what was there. Of course, Rebekah and I were ready to hit the rides, but we obliged after the first ride. We totally missed the itty bitty kiddie rides that Joshua could ride with Rebekah without adults, so he didn't get a chance to ride them before he was too tired. That is the one thing I would have changed about the trip. I would have gone to those rides first so the kids could ride them together.

We did several family rides as well as a few that I rode with Rebekah. We had a great time! After lunch Joshua just wanted to walk around, so we held his hands and let him walk some so he wouldn't fall on the pavement, but later we had to hold him as we walked through the park, and he really got upset about that. We took the train and Joshua finally calmed down. It was a great ride to settle him down, so Darrin rode it a few more times while I took Rebekah on several other rides.

We didn't take our nice DSLR to Lake Winnie since it's so big. I just didn't want to lug it around. These pics are taken on our old little pocket Olympus. I want a smaller camera for things like this when I don't want to carry the big camera, so if anyone has any recommendations for a really nice small camera let me know!

The first ride we did was the Balloon Ride near the entrance.


Riding the carousel...Rebekah rode in the back of a chariot while Joshua and I rode in front.


This is the best I could do taking the pic myself. Joshua is so mesmerized by all there is to see.


Rebekah and I rode the Wacky Worm kiddie roller coaster. Rebekah acted like she wasn't too sure about the drop down toward the end of the track, but when I squealed in delight and talked about how fun it is she seemed to enjoy it more. I think the drop startled her and even frightened her a bit, but she was more relaxed when she saw me having fun.


I didn't get a pic of us in the antique cars, but Rebekah got to "drive" with my help. I pushed the gas while Rebekah helped steer the steering wheel. She thought that was so cool! Darrin and Joshua rode in back, and Darrin said Joshua wasn't too sure about the bumpy ride.

After lunch we took the train.

Joshua doesn't look too happy here. He's mostly just becoming content, but it wasn't long before he was smiling.


While Darrin and Joshua rode the train some more Rebekah and I hit the slide a couple times. Rebekah LOVED it! I wish I had pics of us sliding because when we got to the bottom Rebekah hopped up and shouted, "I want to do it again!!!" She then ran as fast as she could to the back of the line.

Riding Jumbo, the flying elephants


We finally found the itty bitty kiddie rides. Rebekah rode several of these before we left to go home.


Joshua fell asleep on his last train ride, so we called it a day. Like I said, I would have hit the kiddie rides early at our visit, so I'll have to remember that next year, but we still had such a great time!

Yet Again...

The last few days Joshua has been super clingy and such a Mama's boy. I thought it might just be that he is 18 months old and dealing with a new world now that he's officially a toddler as well experiencing separation anxiety. The last couple of days Joshua has absolutely fought a nap. He would cry and cry, and I even had to let him cry himself to sleep, which has not been the norm in the past.

After two days of taking short naps of only 45 minutes I decided to have his ears checked again. Sure enough, the last antibiotic didn't take care of his previous ear infection, and now the other ear is infected, although it's not as bad. Joshua is on a different antibiotic. It is one Rebekah took for a double EI and cleared it fine, but it did give her diarrhea, so I'll be watching for the same in Joshua.

On a different note, as I was driving the kids to the pediatrician's office it was snack time, so I grabbed a bag of animal crackers for them to munch in the car. Rebekah was in charge of handling the bag and handing a cookie to Joshua when he fussed asking for another. It was so cute to watch as I peeked over my shoulder to see their little arms outstretched reaching to each other as the cookie met between their hands.

Little Things They Do and Say

I've been really bad about blogging lately! I apologize to all my few and faithful readers! Life has been very busy planning for Rebekah's upcoming birthday and party. She will be 4 years old in a week and a half, and on Saturday we are giving her a small party. Although the party will be intimate, I am preparing all the food which is so much more work than buying pre-packaged things and having a cake made. So, things are a little crazy around our house getting ready for the weekend.

Since my last update on Joshua he is walking more and more consistently. He still crawls some, but I'd say he's walking about 75% of the time now. He really loves to be on his feet. In addition, his nap schedule has been off a lot this week due to shopping trips to buy things for Rebekah's party and such, so Joshua is much crankier in the evenings and only wants me. It makes it very difficult on me when he wants me to hold him constantly, and sometimes he's still not completely content. Sometimes nursing does the trick, but I'm ready for him to drop this last middle-of-the-day feeding anytime now. I know that sounds horrible, but it is totally for his contentment, and most of the time he's barely sucking.

On a totally different note, both the kids have eaten something that is off-limits. Joshua got a hold of some miniature Nutter Butter peanut butter sandwich cookies. Rebekah had several in a bowl and left them on the couch just where Joshua could eyeball them. Then later he found a box of Crunch'N'Munch that Rebekah had left out on the floor. Of course, I was much more concerned about the latter due to popcorn and peanuts being a choking hazard, but I was able to confiscate the pieces from his mouth before they became a problem. So far, Joshua has not had a reaction to any of the peanut products, so I think peanut butter is safe, but I will probably hold off feeding it much until he's closer to age 2.

Rebekah also ate something inappropriate. A rubber band. Yes, she nibbled a piece of rubber band and swallowed it. I have no clue if she's passed it yet. Hopefully it doesn't cause problems! Joshua passed a teeny tiny styrofoam ball that is supposed to resemble a berry on some of my fall stuff. I know I sound like the most negligent mom in the world, but I guess stuff like this happens, but it all seems to be happening at once. Well, it is. All in one week.

Joshua's language is developing more. He is learning his manners so well! He says "tee" for "Thank you" and replies with something that sounds much like "You're Welcome" that strangers understand it. I was at Wal-Mart getting help with Rebekah's birthday present, and the employee told Joshua that he was a beautiful boy. I told him to say "Thank you" and he replied, "You're Welcome." The woman asked me how old he was. She was totally shocked!

Rebekah has been extremely sweet lately, almost too much, but I love it! She constantly says, "I love you, Mommy." One day it was even up to every 2 minutes or even less that she would tell me she loved me. She tells her Daddy the same thing, but not as much. She sometimes follows up with hugs and kisses too. So sweet!

Darrin and I have really noticed how much Rebekah has not been picking on Joshua nearly as much lately. She is kind to him and really loves on him more. It's really sweet to watch, and it makes me proud to see her maturing in such a way.

On a final note, Rebekah said something really funny tonight on our way home from Cubbies. Rebekah had asked me to spell all the names of her classmates and leaders in her Cubbies class. After I spelled Will's name we talked about the fact that he has a new baby brother. A few minutes later Rebekah told me that she was going to have a little sister. I said, "Uh! Do you want a little sister?" She told me she did, and I told her she would have to talk to her Daddy about that. So I had her tell Darrin what she said, and then she said she was going to be a big brother. LOL! Where does she come up with these things?

Near the End of Physical Therapy

Yesterday was Joshua's last official physical therapy session. Praise the Lord for what He has done and how He has helped Joshua overcome his obstacles due to low muscle tone! Joshua was walking 50% of the time, and even today he is walking more than that. He is making progress every day and desiring to be up on his feet more and more. He even walked through our sloped back yard for several yards before he took a fall!

In December Joshua will have a follow-up with PT to make sure he is continuing to progress normally. He will most likely always be late reaching milestones for a while because he was late walking, but he should reach them in a timely manner according to the time it took him to walk.

Joshua had a good therapy session yesterday with Mrs. Amanda. He spent a fair amount of time walking for her and playing on his feet. I took a few pics of his last day of therapy.


Bubbles have always been a favorite of Joshua's in PT. When he would get frustrated or upset they would help him to calm down and get back on track. He was also motivated to stand and take his first steps when the bubbles were out.



Joshua and Mrs. Amanda


Thanks so much, Mrs. Amanda, for your patience and guidance in helping Joshua overcome his struggles and fears due to low muscle tone. We are so thankful for you as you've worked with Joshua over the last 8 months!

A Weekend with Family

Last week my uncle went Home to be with the Lord. The funeral was on Friday afternoon, so while Darrin and Daniel kept the kids at our house my sister Carrie and I rode with my parents to Huntsville, AL. It was a blessed time visiting with family again, especially to see those I hadn't seen in close to two years and some even longer. However, we would have liked to have gathered for different circumstances.

Carrie sang two songs during the funeral, "Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting", and Chris Tomlin's version of "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)", and I accompanied her on the keyboard. After the funeral service and burial we went to my cousin's church where food had been prepared for us. It was a really nice time enjoying family and fellowshiping with one another.

While we were gone the kids had a blast with their daddies. Rebekah was especially excited to play with her cousin.

Sharing the love



I heard Rebekah was all over her uncle Daniel for a good while.



Joshua must have had something really important to say.



Saturday morning I took the kids to my parents' to visit with Carrie and her family before they left to go home.

This is the face I got when I asked Rebekah to smile for the camera.


Taylor really looks up to Rebekah. She would follow Rebekah around everywhere and wanted to do whatever Rebekah was doing.



Rebekah still loves to wear hats and for others to join her! I love this picture because it shows Rebekah's personality.


And finally, my sweet boy!


I just wish Carrie and Daniel lived closer so the cousins could play more together!

Joshua is Walking!!!

After so many months of working with him through physical therapy and exercises at home, my prayers are being answered! Joshua started taking some steps last night and continued today. Knowing the struggles and insecurities that he has had makes this moment even more special. I'm so proud of my little guy!!! And you can tell in the video that he is proud of himself too.



Praise be to God that Joshua is finally taking those steps and learning to walk independently!

More Big News!

Anyone wanna guess? I'm so excited to share with you!

Another Ear Infection

My poor little guy has his third ear infection since the first of the year. Darrin noticed that he had a low grade fever Sunday night, but after some Tylenol Joshua's temperature stayed low. He has been more fussy than normal over the weekend, and was particularly fussy yesterday. He was rarely content if I wasn't holding him. Joshua reached up to his left ear once, but I wasn't sure if it was just a coincidence or if his ear was hurting. I decided to take him on to the doctor, and I'm so glad I did! His left ear is infected. He has no cold symptoms yet, but I wonder if he will. The last time Rebekah had an EI (double EI in fact) she never had a fever with it, and her cold symptoms didn't appear until after she was diagnosed and started on the antibiotic. I'll be keeping a close eye on Joshua. He has been struggling during naptime as well, and even last night he cried out a couple times, probably from pain. Hopefully he'll be feeling a lot better soon.

***I've posted twice. Read on!***

Big News!

Check out my niece Taylor's new "toy"!



More big news soon to come!

AWANA Starts Back!

Tonight was Rebekah's first day starting Cubbies in AWANA. She could not wait! Most of the other children in her class were also in Puggles last year, and a couple of them didn't want to promote because it was so fun last year, but Rebekah has been so excited for the past few weeks. She kept telling me she wanted to wear her Cubbies life jacket (i.e. vest) around the house, but I had to remind her that we needed to save it for Sunday nights. So tonight she finally got to dress for club.

This week I was recruited to help out as a leader in Cubbies, and I am getting to work in Rebekah's class. I got a few pictures from our first night. It is jam packed with activities, but it is a lot of fun, too! Tonight was just an introduction to Cubbies, so I know it's just going to get better.

All dressed and ready to go!


Rebekah poses for the first day in her class


After making a craft and having a snack they join with the younger 3's for a game.


Rebekah's turn!


After game time all the 3's join the 4's for music time and a puppet show.


We ended the evening back in our original classroom where the kids could color, do puzzles, or play until the parents came to pick them up. Since I am a leader I stay to clean up, so it makes for a later night, but I'm looking forward to taking a more active role in the Children's Ministry and to see first-hand what Rebekah is doing and learning in AWANA.

Fun-filled Weekend

Get ready! This is a picture overloaded post! This past weekend we, particularly Rebekah and I, went non-stop. We had a packed weekend filled with fun with friends. Friday morning our friends LeeAnne and Maggie came to our house so the girls could play one more time together before Maggie starts preschool this week. The girls had such a great time at our previous play date that we wanted to get the girls together again. It was another fun visit!

Rebekah was eager to see Maggie arrive. She stood in the kitchen window anticipating her arrival.


Rebekah pulled out her U.S. puzzle and the girls worked on it together for a little while.


Joshua enjoyed himself as well.


The girls hung out on the couch while LeeAnne read a short book to them.


After playing outside, lunch, and more playing the girls finished the puzzle before LeeAnne and Maggie left. The puzzle pieces didn't want to stay together, so it was rather challenging keeping the puzzle intact, but they completed it.


Saturday morning an old friend of mine from church when we were in elementary and junior high school came over for a visit along with her husband and 2 1/2-year-old daughter. It had been years since I had seen Robin, and it was nice to catch up with her. Unfortunately, her daughter was not feeling well and they had to leave after about an hour, but I got to see Robin again on Sunday at church. Hopefully they will visit again soon, and maybe I can get some pics at our next get together.

Saturday evening Rebekah and I went to Coolidge Park to attend Swingfest with LeeAnne, Bobby, and Maggie. We had anticipated all the music to be swing, but the first band played jazz, the second played Big Band, and we left before the third band played, which I understand was supposed to play swing. I was disappointed that we didn't get to hear any swing music. That is what I was really looking forward to hearing. We still had a lot of fun, and Rebekah enjoyed dancing to the music.


Here's a pic LeeAnne captured of Rebekah and me dancing.


The girls had more fun walking along this brick wall! Well, Rebekah enjoyed running along it!


Here's another pic LeeAnne got of the girls. I love Rebekah's expression with her arms open wide!


Riding the carousel - what a hilarious face!


The girls were jumping off the wall while holding LeeAnne's hands earlier then later they decided to help each other where the wall was much lower to the ground.


Sunday afternoon was Paxton's birthday party. Paxton is a little boy in our playgroup, and we celebrated his second birthday at Pump It Up. Joshua only napped for about 30 minutes, so he stayed home with Darrin while I took Rebekah to the party. She had lots of fun sliding the big inflatable slide the most.

Sliding with Jessica, Heidi, and Kyle


Heidi and Rebekah


Paxton, the birthday boy


Whew! What a weekend it was! It was nice to have Monday as a holiday just to relax and do nothing.