Home Again!

The Winter Storm of 2009 made things a bit exciting for us this week. We watched the forecasts and waited to see what would come our way. We were prepared for the snow, but not the ice that came instead. We got about an inch and a half ice starting Monday evening and continuing through Tuesday afternoon and on into the night. We woke up around midnight when the power went out then laid in bed awake and listening the crackle and crash of falling ice coated limbs. These sounds alternated with the explosions of transformers. We got very little sleep that night. The next morning we fished out an old radio and batteries to figure out what was going on outside our cold, dark house. We dug the old chorded phone out of the boys' toy chest and started making phone calls. I got the cooler up from the basement and transferred groceries out of the fridge to put outside in the cooler. Josh and I worked together to situate things at home in preparation for leaving it for a while...not knowing how long that would be...until he had to leave for work. I was working on packing up some clothes and other stuff and heard the spinning tires outside. Josh was stuck! My orderly packing turned to hasty tossing of stuff into bags so Josh could drop us off at his parents' house on his way to work - in the truck. Two to three times per day we were checking on the house and our pipes until Sunday morning when the power finally came back on. Obviously under normal circumstances life is easier at home, but we were fortunate enough to have a warm, hospitable place to stay. The boys were well entertained with games, movies, the computer and their own imagination (we also went sledding Thursday afternoon and swimming at the Y on Friday to get them out of the house). I got some much needed continuing ed finished online and were definitely well-fed (GOT to get back to the running this week). I even got to celebrate my birthday with my boys and the Wittmers at Biaggi's for dinner followed by Godiva double chocolate cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory at the Wittmer's. It was really nice and very much appreciated. My parents and Tim were supposed to be here, but with our situation it just didn't make sense for them to come. I was really looking forward to having them here, but that's the way it goes when your birthday is in the middle of winter! Hopefully they will make it up here later this month. If we run into more weather problems, maybe we'll wait til spring? Anyway, thanks for all of the emails and phone calls checking in on us - it is always nice to know people are thinking of you. If you offered us any prayers THANKS - and kindly redirect them on behalf of all those still without power. It may be a while yet for others, especially in Kentucky.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A wonderful day

Make a Smilebox slideshow

If any of you watch any of the regular shows on the Food Network, then you have heard more than one FN star comment that food is about more than just feeding the body, it can feed and nurture the soul.

Gabe hasn't been sleeping well at all this week and it has been hectic at work - on top of the usual pace at home. By the weekend, I was feeling frazzled and overwhelmed and a little lost. I had been craving the vegetable soup my Mom makes from scratch all week and had been talking to her about the right vegetables, soup bones and beef to buy in order to pull it off. I worked on the broth most of Saturday and then put the soup together on Sunday.

After church Sunday, and a trip to the Donut Bank, we came home and had a nice day together. While Gabe got in a nice nap, I worked on assembling the soup . While the soup simmered, Gabe napped, and the Colts made us nervous, the older boys and I got to work on some gingerbread men, and a home for them. We mixed and rolled the dough and the boys cut out their own little family made of ginger. Justin was commenting as we worked - as if they were being created in a hospital, "Ok, now that surgery is done and you are born, we will put you in the oven and it may hurt a little, but you will be a lot better after you are done..." As the family baked, we began working on their house. Yes, this year we went with the preassembled house and stuck with the decorating, and the boys had a ball. For a short while they got a long perfectly and we worked well together. It was one of those idyllic days that I'll always remember, and hopefully the boys will too.

When the decorating was done and cleaned up, I dipped into the vegetable soup, closed my eyes and for a moment I was sitting in a kitchen in Terre Haute - I wasn't a grown up with grown up obligations and responsibilities. The soup had turned out just like Mom's and it was like she was there when I needed her most. We got each other through a lot of times when the men in our lives were off doing what they needed to do and each other was all we had. Between the gingerbread house (I remember the one we made completely from scratch one year) and the soup, I felt calmed, comforted and renewed. Thanks Mom - miss you!

Tonight was one of those nights when the Mom role was pretty smooth, and after last week, I was relieved. Our household is finally recovering from a run-in with a nasty tummy bug. Gabe started throwing up sometime Sunday night and continued through Wednesday - then the poor guy had it coming at him from the other end. He didn't sleep well most nights, so we didn't either. He has also been fighting with those last two stubborn teeth. Around 5:30 Wednesday morning, Kendrick woke us up by getting sick in his bed. Calling around for help revealed that both Grandma and Aunt Brooke had been struck as well. All day Thursday I felt ill, but nothing like what the boys went through. I was a little concerned Halloween would be a bust, but everyone seemed well enough for a brief round of trick or treating. We managed through a busy weekend, but it seemed apparent that everyone was just a little "off" and out of sorts.

Today we seem to be rallying back to normal. Kendrick has gone from tremendously whiney to lovey and cooperative (for a four-year old) again. He even commented on himself, "Mommy, I am being really nice tonight. I haven't cried at all!" That sums him up pretty well. Gabe woke up chattering and smiling and has also maintained good humor all day. He's been walking around with his musical Halloween card from Grandpa O and Grandma Carolyn, just opening and closing it and smiling. At one point he had his card and Kendrick's, and no intention of giving it back.

Since the last update, Justin received his first report grade that has actual grades in it. He got all 6's (6 is the highest grade in their system). The only really area of "concern" was paying attention - which sounds familiar. When we met with his teacher, she commented that even though it frequently seems Justin is in outer space, he always figures out where they are and what is going on. He has learned his lesson about getting up to speed by checking his neighbor's paper, and will ask for help if he is really lost. His teacher especially commented on Justin's love of reading and mentioned that she will likely move him up to a second grade level in the AR program soon. His handwriting is a little messy, but she thinks it is because he is beginning to realize he is slower than most of the other kids when it comes to writing and he is trying to hurry. He is very meticulous, and has good writing when he has the time.

Kendrick loves all of his new activities. It is evident that the other boys in the tumbling class are older and more physically coordinated, but the college girls teaching the class are thoroughly charmed by him and are happy to modify for him, without slowing down the other boys. EVERYTIME Kendrick smiles, the girls light up and comment "He's so cute!". He likes swimming and is getting much more comfortable in the water - even practicing strokes in the bath.

Gabe continues to babble away and is starting to add some more vaguely recognizeable words. We're pretty sure he is trying to say "Justin" and his favorite word is "bubble".

General Update

Life has been very busy, so I haven't had a lot of time to update in a while. I replied to a family email, and before I knew it, I had gone on and on about what was going on with us. I opted to copy the bulk of it and post it here. As I have been reading through again for edits, what jumps out the most is how normal it all sounds. So blessed and blissfully normal - so very different from where we were a year ago. Over the past couple of weeks I have gotten several reminders of how lucky we have been. I got a call from an audiology friend who's stepmom works with a young woman. This woman is halfway through her pregnancy and found out the baby has a DH and about a 50/50 chance. I don't know any more than that. Keep them in your prayers. Another family my sister-in-law knows round about through work has a little one at Riley right now, struggling with multiple heart defects. Our dear friends, the Hufty's, are doing well but continue to struggle with colds and some setbacks. They got the news we were dreading, but never got. Time to hunker down for winter and become reclusive again. Keep all of them in your prayers, please.

Ok, here's the update - the ordinary, normal, day-to-day stuff we are so pleased to be able to tell you about.

Justin was telling us he is now in the "AR" program at school. He reads a book twice, on his free time in school, then answers questions about it on the computer. He loves it and has read 4 now, I think. He says he hasn't missed any questions yet! He really loves reading and is moving quickly through the "Magic Treehouse" Series at home. We have finished the first 8 books and are getting ready to purchase the next four-pack. We read the chapters with both older boys (Gabe is usually around but doesn't tolerate sitting and listening very often at this point)but Justin has gone back and started rereading the earlier books on his own and is doing really well. We have to help him with a few words, but not many. He has also been given his first piano solo to get ready for spring contest! I didn't really expect that this year - he is also winning the practice contest (meaning he has logged in the most practice time of all the kids taking lessons with this teacher). He is also getting better at tumbling, especially with the bar work. We are switching him to an "all boys" class, which spends more time on the elements that boys would do in competition. He is really interested in diving, so we'll see... Oh yeah, and he is still excited about Scouts. Josh just found out that the city is allowing officers to take an hour of comp time a week to devote to volunteer service, so now he shouldn't have to miss any of the meetings, unless it is really busy at work (which is helpful since he will be a co-leader).

Kendrick wants to join everything. He is currently taking "All Star Sports", which exposes the kids to a little bit of everything. Basketball leagues are starting in a couple of weeks at the Y and he wants to do it. He also wants to start swim lessons again and take tumbling with Justin. He would kind of like to try soccer some time too. WHEW! On the academic side of things, he has finally taken an interest in coloring and writing (primarily writing) which he has never really wanted to do before. He now asks to do a workbook when he comes home from school and wants to go over his "homework" (which consists of whatever art project they had that day). I suspect at least some of this is his attempt to grab some attention. We spend a lot of time with Justin on piano lessons and homework, and he can get overshadowed sometimes. I am making a more concerted effort to keep from happening. Over night he has gone from scribbling pictures for me to drawing recognizeable items. Last night he showed us a bunch of scribbled circles on a page from earlier that day and told us it was a picture of the YMCA. Naturally we responded, "OH! Ofcourse! Nice drawing Kendrick!" (scratch the head) Not thirty minutes later, he came up to me with a picture he had drawn just for me. It was a picture of himself picking me a flower. The self portrait consisted of a head with eyes, nose and a big smile. He had arms with five fingers at the end of each appendage. These arms were attached to a body, not just a stick or the head itself but a potato-shaped body! From the bottom were clearly legs. Interestingly there were two loops right where the legs connected to the body, which was curious so I asked him what they were. Innocent enough question which earned me a droll look and response, "They're HIPS, Mommy". Silly me. So he goes straight from scribbles to anatomy - who knew?

Gabe is coming right along in therapy and is likely to drop next month from OT and PT every week to OT once a MONTH and PT every other week. Amazing. Our most significant accomplishment is probably staying clear of the ER in over a month (knock on head). He has only been to the doctor for a flu shot recently. All three boys have theirs and we need to get ours. He is babbling more and more, starting to slowly add actual words and now has four consistent signs: more, eat, milk & please. He pretty much walks everywhere, looking very much like a little old man as he goes. This past Friday we made a quick trip to Indy for the members preview of the "Haunted Train" at the Children's museum and then a small reunion with some of the night nurses who took care of him. We haven't had much opportunity to visit with the night nurses, so we were very excited to stop in. Tabatha and Amanda fussed over Gabe's transformation from the last time they had seen him, and the boys' costumes from the party at the museum. As we were preparing to leave, we even ran into Dr. Rouse, who did a double-take seeing little Gabe the lion, accompanied by the Scarecrow and Tin man!! It was cute.

All in the same weekend, we took the boys to the Fall Festival on Saturday and then got up early Sunday morning to run in the Evansville Half Marathon. Josh did phenomonal - running the entire distance and coming in under 2 hours, right around 1:51. He also stated that he felt much better than the last time he ran it - which was about 3 years ago. I finished, which was all I really hoped to do. I made it in 2:41, which was much better than the 3 hours I was just hoping I could do. I didn't run the whole way, but am pretty sure I ran about 80%. It was an amazing feeling to cross the finish line and shock of shocks, may do it again. I am still sore today, but getting around really well, which shocks me too. I had only made it to the 6 mile mark in training, so my expectations were not too high. Not bad for thirty-something who hasn't run much since high school.

NICU reunion

Make a Smilebox slideshow

This past Saturday the whole family made it to the NICU reunion. To say it was an important day to us is an understatement. During our stay in the modules, spending time getting to know other families in the waiting room and learning how to lean on each other, the reunion picnic wasn't something we focused on. That would come later. As time passed, and we all went home, one family at a time, the reunion was still something that sounded like a nice idea, but wasn't a reality. Our little graduates still had so many struggles ahead of them and a big party (with big germs) just wasn't something we could risk. This year was different. We still have hurdles to tackle, but we can finally look back and see how far we have come and celebrate. We could enjoy one another's families and watch the little ones who once fought so hard just to be here, smile and interact with each other - and reconnect with the incredible people who gave so much of themselves to give our children a chance at a better life - some days, a chance at life period. It was joyful, it was poignant, it was entertaining and it was a relief. Enjoy the pictures.

Miracle Blizzard Day!!

I just saw the advertisements for this a few days ago, or I would have blogged about it sooner!! Go get a blizzard and enjoy the treat knowing that you have also made an easy donation to the miracle network. It will help hospitals and families, like Riley, who so desperately need it. I don't have to tell most of you what Riley means to us, you know. For those who stumble across this site - I'll try to summarize. Uncertainty is never easy, but when the question mark sits squarely on your child's life, the fear that comes with the unknown is magnified. I carried Gabriel for nearly nine months and although I couldn't change what had gone wrong in development, I could do my best to care for myself and ergo care for him. While I still carried him, he was safe. When he was born, what little control I had was stripped away. As parentts, you are supposed to know what to do for your child, what soothes them and how to care for them. They don't come with manuals, but you figure most of it out or rely on the advice of others. I couldn't fix this, couldn't even hold him for a minute and tell him it would be ok. He needed immediate care that was beyond anything I knew about and the helplessness was overwhelming. I didn't know what to do, had no answers, but Thank God we were in a place with people who did. They knew what to do when we didn't. Even when they weren't sure what to do next, they never stopped searching for the answers or the next step. Gabriel was exactly where he needed to be and between their hands and God's hands, we have a miracle of our own. He crawls all over the house, makes messes and has a smile that lights up your soul and chases away even the gloomiest of moods. We can't imagine our lives without him and are grateful we don't have to.

So if you happen to pass by a DQ today, swing through the drive-thru or stop in. Order your favorite blizzard or try something new, doesn't matter. Diet or no diet, you can feel good about what you are doing. If you just can't break the diet (or are lactose intolerant) throw a dollar in the jar, most DQ's collect money for the miracle network. If you've followed our story, you are firmly part of our miracle through your thoughts and prayers - think how amazing it would be to be part of a whole network of miracles.

Just like last year, if you get one, leave a comment and let us know what you got!! I'll probably go for the German Chocolate....

I noticed it has been two weeks since the last update - and it has been a busy two weeks!! Everything specific to Gabe is on his blog, so feel free to check in there as well. Yesterday we celebrated Josh's birthday - I suppose I can let him reveal his age if he chooses. Josh and the older boys hung out in the morning, playing his vintage nintendo while Gabe napped. In the afternoon they played miniature golf while Gabe took his afternoon nap with Grandma - I guess I should have said "at" Grandma's...or maybe it was with....I'm not sure. I had to work all day, and it was very busy and hectic. I was exhausted when I hit the door, but did my best to rally and not be a party-pooper. We did go OUT for dinner, so that was a big help!! The boys and I had made a "cookie-cake" for Josh on Tuesday, since he prefers that to regular cake, which we all enjoyed with Josh's family (minus Kaci and Justin - here in spirit) after dinner. Last year we ate downtown in Indianapolis for Josh's birthday dinner, and it was awful. (Don't go to Alcatraz) This year was an improvement in many ways. Josh got several new shirts and money towards a GPS. Hmmmm....are those gifts suggesting something? I'll let everyone ponder that.

That brings us to today's very big anniversary. Today marks a full year that our family has been home together, whole and complete. My eyes are already watering, so this will be brief. I have another full day of work to get through! I think all I want to say right now is how much we appreciate everyone who has supported us this past year - and even when we first learned about Gabe's condition. It has been an incredible journey from there to here and we have all grown along with Gabe and also learned what we are made of. Some of it good and some of it not so much, but all of it part of an incredible tapestry of change and evolution.