Needing Prayers

There are days when you think you are prepared for anything as a mother and then it is kinda like life throws you a curve ball and all those feeling go out the window. We had to bring Thatcher to the ENT today. He has not ever really slept through the night for more than one night here or there since he was born. He tosses and turns and seems to never really fall into a deep sleep. Last week when he went in for his upper respiratory infection, Jeremy commented on his sleeping habits and our dr. noticed he had extra large tonsils for his age. So we did the next logical thing and made an appointment with the ENT. Now my mom and stepdad are both nurses so I basically gave them the third degree hoping to be prepared for any option this doctor tossed my way. I knew when we walk in to the exam room today that Thatcher was going to most probably have to have his tonsils out. What I didnt' know was that I was going to be given two options and the decision would be left up to me.

The dr. basically told me that Thatcher's tonsils and adnoids were huge and needed to be remove. The catch is that most of the time they wait until kids are almost 3 to do this surgery. (for those of you that don't know Thatch will not even be 2 until Aug. 09). He continues to tell me that Thatcher is bad enough were he is comfortable with doing Thatch's surgery now. It is all up to me and what I am comfortable with. He then gives me all the pros and cons and looks at me like "you decide". "WHAT?!?! ME?!?!?" So I took a deep breath prayed for some insight from heaven and said "Now, I guess".

So Tuesday, June 2, 2009 my almost 2 yr. old will be having his tonsils and adnoids out. I do feel like God has his hand in this, due to how quickly it was all scheduled and fell into place. But I have to admit, that I am also terrified. It is very scary to think your baby will be put to sleep and cut on. A small part of me, kinda laughs when I think about being upset about this bascially simple surgery, knowing there are children out there that have gone through much worse by the time they are Thatcher's age. I know God has his hand on all of this and I need to basically let him take care of Thatcher.

We would much appreciate all prayers said for Thatcher in the next few days. I promise to keep everyone updated as soon as I can.

Our week in photos.

Alot of things happened this week so I thought I would share with more pictures than words.


Thatcher got sick and did his first round with breathing treatments.



The girls finished school so we had some fun fingerpainting.









They put a play on for Jeremy and I. They both were stars in space!

Being informed

I have to be honest and say that God has truely blessed Jeremy and I with very healthy children. We have bascially never had any serious health issues until lately. It all began probably at the begining of Christmas break 2008. Caroline went from having a very bad cough one night to waking up the next morning running a 102 degree fever. When we got her in to see the dr., she was diagnosed with bronchitis on the verge of phenomia. We did breathing treatments (which was new to me) and I have to say I honestly feel sorry for those parents that have to do that to infants. It must be horrible. Caroline's got better rather quickly but her cough never really went away. Then over Easter break we went to Jeremy's parents for the week. The first night we where there Caroline woke up and sounded horrible. She would gasp for air and then cough. Her cough sounded something like a seal barking or croup (for those more experienced parents). The whole ordeal really scared me but she ended up waking up the next morning acting normal.

About two weeks ago, we started her on the Jennings swim team for the summer. About the third day of tryouts, I could tell she was already not feeling well and then they moved her into the big pool. She freaked!! My very mature, reasonable child became very out of control and unresonable. She cried and started with the barking cough again. I sat there and watch my 7 yr old struggle to breath, and I knew something was wrong. The next day we found out Caroline has allergy and exercise induced asthma.

I felt like a horrible parent because now I look back on certain days when Caroline acted aggitated and out of the norm and now realize that she was actually having trouble breathing. Now I feel like I should shout it from the roof tops that every mom, new or old should be well aware of the symptoms of childhood asthma. Sometimes the signs are not as obvious as Caroline's were but they are still there. Asthma is very common and treatable but I feel like someone should have warned me along the way to watch out for the symptoms in any of my children. From one mother to another please get informed!

Come be apart....

I know I have tried the blog thing once before but this one will hopefully turn out differently. I struggle alot with the fact that close friends and family now live so far away from us. I feel like with this blog we can keep everyone updated on our kids as they grow and experience new things. I am going to try to post a blog once a week, with pictures. This blog will revolve mostly around our kids and the joys (and sorrows) that come with parenting 4 little ones 7 yrs. and under. Please, leave us feedback. I know I will write more if I get some sort of comment. Hopefully this will help those that live far away still be apart of our family.