DNA

I can't even pretend to understand the complexity of atoms, molecules and DNA.  But I do find it fascinating to see how God mixes up these microscopic cells and puts them together in a unique way to form a precious person, created in His image.  I thought it might be fun to compare Ethan and Addison's one year pictures with some pictures of us and our siblings at about that age.  Please leave lots of comments, as I would love to hear your perspective!

And yes, I got permission from my siblings/siblings-in-law to post their amazingly cute baby pictures:)

Journeying On,

Personalities

I just love to see God crafting the very unique personalities in my kiddos.  I often think to myself  "wonder if they get that from me or their dad?"  Then I think, "my poor mother...my poor mother-in-law!"  It's a beautiful thing!  I caught this picture in the tub the other day and I thought it perfectly fits my view of their personalities right now.  Enjoy!

Journeying On,

Little Reminders

Today I was doing a little spring cleaning and ran across a little reminder of God's faithfulness.  I love how He gives these little reminders.  It is my prayer not to miss these, not to be so busy and caught up in the now that I forget the past; or fail to trust him with our future.  As I sat and looked at this tiny little reminder today I actually found myself missing that sweet time.  It was a season when all I could do was sit, look, pray and occasionally hold.  So today I'm doing a little sitting, a little looking back and being very thankful that I can do all the holding I want.  What kind of little reminders did you run across today?

Journeying On,

Button Buddies

I recently discovered this little invention through facebook and we are in love.  We've been going through about a box of gauze a week, but these are washable and keep their g-tubes much cleaner.  Not to mention that they are WAY cuter:)  Thank you http://www.mybuttonbuddies.com/!

I also cleaned out our "medical supply" shelves yesterday and thought I would take a picture of our monthly formula delivery.  Yes, I'm so grateful for the man that delivers all this to our house each month!

Journeying On,

Valentinies

I'm so very thankful for the sweet ladies who helped Ethan and Addison make their first valentine card for their mom and dad.  What a beautiful gift! 

 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails!

-I Corinthians 13:4-8

How I need to be reminded of this verse often!  The only way I will ever love like Corinthians talks about is to be filled with love for my Savior.  Praying I will love others well because I'm in love with my Father.

A little Valentine's Day fun...



My little love bandit



This girl loves the camera

Can you tell she just woke up

Very sleepy eyes, but a sweet smile

No pictures...just climbing

Smiling because he fell down, not because there's a camera

  

Almost a picture together

Journeying On,



Sleep in Peace

I had just taken this picture the other morning and when I read this verse today I couldn't help but think of it.  Praising the Lord for his protection and promises.

Journeying On,

Come Back Spring

We are already missing those two days of Spring we had last week! We took advantage of it though and let the babies try out the wagon they got for their birthday.  They LOVED it:)

Journeying On,

January Recap

It has been a little while since I've done much of a medical update on our little miracles, so here's a little update from the last couple of months.

Both:
-Started crawling the weekend of their birthday, and are now pulling up and using push toys.
-Received decent reports from the opthamologist in that they don't need any assistance right now.
-Responding well to their daily breathing treatments and the RSV shots each month.
-Started a new med that seems to be helping their gagging and reflux, which has been a huge answer to prayer (who wants to eat when you're just going to gag and throw it up). 
-Still go to speech, physical and occupational therapy once a week.
-Being followed more closely by a nutritionist since 99.9% of their nutrition is still through their tubes.

Ethan:
-The poor guy has had 4 new g-tubes since October because of accidents and faulty equipment.  Thankfully only one of those required a trip to the ER.
-Blood pressure still being well controlled with meds and is not causing increased stress on his heart.
-Was charted 4-5months behind developmentally by their rehabilitation doctor.  In some ways this is encouraging because after their first birthday she does not correct for their prematurity.  So she sees a 14 month old acting like a 10 month old, but if they had been born in March they would be 10 months old.
-Will have another swallow study at the end of the month.
-LOVES climbing anythings...especially stairs
-Now weighs 18lbs 1oz

Addison:
-Quickly overcame an ear infection.
-Chest x-rays still don't look great, but are showing small signs of improvement. 
-Another echo in December confirmed that there is still a small hole, but it getting smaller.  Hopefully this will close by next year so she doesn't have to have surgery.
-Was charted 3-4months behind developmentally be their rehabilitation doctor.
-LOVES little tags and pieces of dirt on my floors (she's my details girl).
-Now weighs 19lbs 15oz

We're not really supposed to take pictures at their therapy center, but I caught a few.  I feel like it has been and will be such an important part of their baby years and I want them to picture it when we tell them their story.  Thought I would share a few...

Journeying On,

25

Well, this past weekend I turned 25 and am feeling much more like an adult than I did last year:)  We had a great weekend of celebrating and I'm so thankful for my family and friends for making me feel so loved and special!  If you're reading this, you're probably one of those people, so thank you!

There is one thing I'm used to getting for my birthday that I didn't get this year, and each birthday I don't get it I'm realizing how much I miss it.  It's not extravagant or expensive, and sometimes it doesn't even rhyme. That's right, it's a poem.  My Papa was a self proclaimed poet when it came to his grandkids' birthdays, graduations and anniversaries.  I found myself digging through some old boxes this weekend and pulling out a few.  Here's what I found:

1-21-2004

Eighteen is a wonderful age

In the classroom or on the stage.

Graduation soon and in college to be,

Serving our Lord thru eternity.

We've enjoyed seeing you spiritually grow.

From your heart love of God shows.

Many family memories will last

And your spirit a shadow will cast.

Look ahead to the good you can give

And you will enjoy the life you live.

10-28-06

Congratulations! One year has gone by.

Can't slow the calendar if you try.

Just one year of many years to follow.

Whether you are at school, work or on a pillow.

Wish we could visit more.

As we would come knocking on your door.

Life together is really great.

Better than your first date.

God will bless you both you know.

With Christ as Lord your faces will glow.

Your legacy of a Christ centered life lives on!