Wednesday night my dad was able to go home from the hospital!! YEAH! We saw him yesterday morning and he looked good and was getting around well. I know that he is happy to be home and will continue to recover nicely there. What a relief to us all!!
In other "news" I spent the afternoon/evening yesterday baking 261 (to be exact) cupcakes and a small 2 tiered wedding cake for my BIL Aaron and my future SIL Kim's wedding that is tomorrow! Thankfully the church allowed us to do it there so I don't have to transport all of that from my home to the church!
While I baked and baked, Dominic, Aaron and Kim worked really hard setting up the reception hall. Everything looks really good. Today they are putting on the finishing touches and I am off in a few hours to begin the process of frosting those cupcakes! This could be interesting!!
I will take some pictures of everything once we are done and of the big day and post them here as soon as I can!! Until then say a prayer that my back....and my hand holds out! :)
Have a beautiful holiday weekend!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
More updates!!
I had a chance to go and visit my dad over the lunch hour today and he is looking so much better! Thank you all for your prayers...they are definitely working!
He was up and eating lunch and even walked my mom and I to the elevator! It is such a relief to see him looking good and laughing. Such a change from even a few days ago!
He still has his chest tube in but they did take an x-ray this morning and we are hoping that it might be taken out later today. He was just waiting for confirmation from the surgeon that his lung looked good.
The pain is becoming more bearable and things like a cough or a hiccup don't hurt quite as bad as they did. Just another bit of proof that God is healing him...slowly but surely!
I don't know why it has to take bad things like this to remind us of all the things to be grateful for...but our whole family is just so happy that this wasn't much worse. So grateful that we could be together - all of us -last week and grateful that our dad is getting better and will recover from this accident. Praise God!
Oh and one last thing.....If you ride a motorcycle or a scooter or a 4-wheeler for that matter. WEAR A HELMET!! No hairdo is worth your life. I know that would be my reason...no longer! I am not a big bike rider....but if I do - I won't go without a helmet. They can save lives people!! (stepping off soapbox) :):)
He was up and eating lunch and even walked my mom and I to the elevator! It is such a relief to see him looking good and laughing. Such a change from even a few days ago!
He still has his chest tube in but they did take an x-ray this morning and we are hoping that it might be taken out later today. He was just waiting for confirmation from the surgeon that his lung looked good.
The pain is becoming more bearable and things like a cough or a hiccup don't hurt quite as bad as they did. Just another bit of proof that God is healing him...slowly but surely!
I don't know why it has to take bad things like this to remind us of all the things to be grateful for...but our whole family is just so happy that this wasn't much worse. So grateful that we could be together - all of us -last week and grateful that our dad is getting better and will recover from this accident. Praise God!
Oh and one last thing.....If you ride a motorcycle or a scooter or a 4-wheeler for that matter. WEAR A HELMET!! No hairdo is worth your life. I know that would be my reason...no longer! I am not a big bike rider....but if I do - I won't go without a helmet. They can save lives people!! (stepping off soapbox) :):)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
An Update on my Dad
First of all thank you to everyone who has lifted my dad up in prayer. We had a chance to go up and see my dad in the hospital a couple of times yesterday. Right now he needs prayer for his pain. He is in a LOT of pain!
Chest injuries are very painful and broken ribs are going to take a long time to heal. Just think that every time you try to take a breath in you feel it....and it doesn't feel good! That is where he is at. He still has his sense of humor and is cracking jokes left and right. The nursing staff is going to have fun with him as their patient! :)
He still doesn't remember what happened but he is remembering more about right before the accident...and other than that his memory is fine so we are so thankful for that.
My brother and Dominic went over to get the scooter from the tow place yesterday and also got his helmet. That helmet saved his life. It has scratches all over one side and a gouge out of the front. If he hadn't been wearing that helmet this would probably be a much different post. Lets just say it has me convinced that anyone riding any type of motorcycle/scooter should always be wearing a helmet!!
We don't know at this point how long he will be in the hospital. We continue to covet your prayers for him, especially for his pain. Thank you so much for lifting him up!
Chest injuries are very painful and broken ribs are going to take a long time to heal. Just think that every time you try to take a breath in you feel it....and it doesn't feel good! That is where he is at. He still has his sense of humor and is cracking jokes left and right. The nursing staff is going to have fun with him as their patient! :)
He still doesn't remember what happened but he is remembering more about right before the accident...and other than that his memory is fine so we are so thankful for that.
My brother and Dominic went over to get the scooter from the tow place yesterday and also got his helmet. That helmet saved his life. It has scratches all over one side and a gouge out of the front. If he hadn't been wearing that helmet this would probably be a much different post. Lets just say it has me convinced that anyone riding any type of motorcycle/scooter should always be wearing a helmet!!
We don't know at this point how long he will be in the hospital. We continue to covet your prayers for him, especially for his pain. Thank you so much for lifting him up!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Urgent - Please Pray For My Dad!!!
Tonight I got a call from my mom...when the first words you hear are "You dad is ok...but..." you start to freak out a little....ok a LOT!!
Apparently my dad got on his scooter to take a quick trip to Lowe's at about 8:30pm. Eye witnesses said that a red vehicle cut him off and he swerved into the passing lane of the road and the scooter went over. He was probably going between 30-35mph.
He wasn't conscious when the people stopped and called 911. It just so happens that my sister Beth was driving down the same road at that time and saw this red scooter in the road and the ambulance and tried to call my dad. When he didn't answer she called my mom and she confirmed that my dad had indeed been on his scooter and she knew right away that it was him being loaded onto the ambulance. So Beth was able to get to the hospital right away when he was brought in.
They have now done a CT scan of his head and thankfully he doesn't appear to have any swelling or internal bleeding. But he did break 5 ribs and a couple of those ribs in 2 places. They were putting a chest tube in at last call and he will be admitted to the hospital and staying for several days.
We are all praising God that his injuries weren't more serious, but he will have a long recovery journey ahead of him. He doesn't remember anything about the accident and is still having some short term memory loss at this point....which I guess is common for an injury like his. Thankfully he was wearing his helmet - it could have been much worse.
So please say a prayer for my dad. That God continues to protect him, that nothing more serious comes of this and that he has a quick recovery and that his memory would be fully restored. Above all we are all grateful that he is alive and his injuries are not life threatening. I will share more info here as I have it.
Dad we love you and are praying for both you and mom.
Apparently my dad got on his scooter to take a quick trip to Lowe's at about 8:30pm. Eye witnesses said that a red vehicle cut him off and he swerved into the passing lane of the road and the scooter went over. He was probably going between 30-35mph.
He wasn't conscious when the people stopped and called 911. It just so happens that my sister Beth was driving down the same road at that time and saw this red scooter in the road and the ambulance and tried to call my dad. When he didn't answer she called my mom and she confirmed that my dad had indeed been on his scooter and she knew right away that it was him being loaded onto the ambulance. So Beth was able to get to the hospital right away when he was brought in.
They have now done a CT scan of his head and thankfully he doesn't appear to have any swelling or internal bleeding. But he did break 5 ribs and a couple of those ribs in 2 places. They were putting a chest tube in at last call and he will be admitted to the hospital and staying for several days.
We are all praising God that his injuries weren't more serious, but he will have a long recovery journey ahead of him. He doesn't remember anything about the accident and is still having some short term memory loss at this point....which I guess is common for an injury like his. Thankfully he was wearing his helmet - it could have been much worse.
So please say a prayer for my dad. That God continues to protect him, that nothing more serious comes of this and that he has a quick recovery and that his memory would be fully restored. Above all we are all grateful that he is alive and his injuries are not life threatening. I will share more info here as I have it.
Dad we love you and are praying for both you and mom.
A Very Happy, Yet Heavy Heart
I have been thinking for awhile now about how I would go about sharing this post. In fact I have 2 other posts written in 2 other ways…but I decided to go this route. It is something that I have both an extremely happy and yet also a heavy heart over and so I want to be sensitive as to how I share this.
When Isaac was about 3 we talked about the possibility of adding another child to our family. Dominic has always said from the very beginning that he wanted 4 children. I was never set on a number but I always thought more than 1 for sure.
We didn’t think that getting pregnant would be that difficult so we had that attitude that we were no longer going to try and prevent pregnancy and we would just be happy when/if it happened again. After about 18 months my happy-go-lucky attitude had drastically changed and I was sure that there was something “wrong” with us.
We started the process of doing some of the standard “tests” to see what we were dealing with and discovered that we did have some issues that made getting pregnant on our own much more difficult. By this point I was obsessed with trying to control everything and make it happen. It took another year and when we were least expecting it we heard the news that we were pregnant. I was thrilled and we welcomed Gabriel to our family in 2003.
In 2007 we were at that place again where we really wanted to have 1 more. We were both healthier than we had been in the past and were in a really good place. I thought that maybe the trouble we had with Gabriel was just a fluke – that added with an attitude that we “deserved” this pregnancy and I was sure that this time it was going to be a breeze.
Once again though, it was not. After kits and herbal supplements and charting for many, many months we were in the doctor’s office again, taking those same tests and hearing once again that our chances without assistance were very slim.
Then in January of 2008 I got the result that we had been waiting for, a positive pregnancy test! As I have shared before, we lost that pregnancy on February 19th and I began a whole new experience of grieving the loss of a pregnancy.
I had a new compassion for women who had similar experiences and hurt with other women as they shared their stories of frustration and loss. I must say that I can’t understand why it has to happen this way, and to so many people. I can’t say that I believe that this is the way God would want things to be. I think sometimes in life there are things that we don’t understand and are just not fair and I just don’t have a magical answer to God’s purpose in all of it. I still struggle with that sometimes today.
If you have read my blog at all you know that 6 months later we got the chance to try again and 1 year ago in May of 2009, Elijah joined our family. I do feel blessed by the family that I have. But my heart is also heavy for those women out there that have struggled with infertility, that have lost pregnancies, lost babies. Many of these women I have met through blogging and I pray for these women and their families often.
Even after having Elijah I shared that I struggled when a co-worker told us she was pregnant after deciding they wanted to get pregnant in a specific month and then did. After being on the other side of it I still today wonder why it is so easy for some and so difficult for others. I shared that I wanted to be happy for this person, but felt jealous I guess that it couldn’t be that way for me.
And then it happened to me…..
Dominic and I knew that, God willing, we would like to try and have 1 more. We talked with my doctor about it after Elijah and decided not to prevent anything from happening and knew that based on our prior history that it would probably take awhile….I figured it would take much, much longer….
But apparently things don’t always go the way we plan. Without trying, planning, charting, testing or preparing we got pregnant! God willing, we will welcome the newest member of the Smith family into our home on January 1, 2011! We were surprised at first but are super excited about this opportunity to complete our family. And so it is with a happy and joyful heart that I share this news!!
And as wonderful as it is for us, I know that there are those out there that aren’t hearing the news they so long to hear this month. I am praying for you. I have been there in my own way and my heart is heavy for you. Because I know how it can hurt, how it feels to be jealous that someone else gets to be pregnant and you aren’t. I am praying for you. Because I too asked God over and over again “when is it my turn Lord?” I am praying for you. Because I understand how it feels when everywhere you look you see pregnant women and wonder if you will ever see that in you. I am praying for you.
Today I covet your prayers. Prayers for the life that is growing inside of me, and prayers for those women who have struggled with infertility, who do struggle with infertility still and for those woman who have had to give up their pregnancy or their children much too soon. And if you would like me to pray for you specifically please leave me a comment or send me an e-mail. I would love to lift you up!
When Isaac was about 3 we talked about the possibility of adding another child to our family. Dominic has always said from the very beginning that he wanted 4 children. I was never set on a number but I always thought more than 1 for sure.
We didn’t think that getting pregnant would be that difficult so we had that attitude that we were no longer going to try and prevent pregnancy and we would just be happy when/if it happened again. After about 18 months my happy-go-lucky attitude had drastically changed and I was sure that there was something “wrong” with us.
We started the process of doing some of the standard “tests” to see what we were dealing with and discovered that we did have some issues that made getting pregnant on our own much more difficult. By this point I was obsessed with trying to control everything and make it happen. It took another year and when we were least expecting it we heard the news that we were pregnant. I was thrilled and we welcomed Gabriel to our family in 2003.
In 2007 we were at that place again where we really wanted to have 1 more. We were both healthier than we had been in the past and were in a really good place. I thought that maybe the trouble we had with Gabriel was just a fluke – that added with an attitude that we “deserved” this pregnancy and I was sure that this time it was going to be a breeze.
Once again though, it was not. After kits and herbal supplements and charting for many, many months we were in the doctor’s office again, taking those same tests and hearing once again that our chances without assistance were very slim.
Then in January of 2008 I got the result that we had been waiting for, a positive pregnancy test! As I have shared before, we lost that pregnancy on February 19th and I began a whole new experience of grieving the loss of a pregnancy.
I had a new compassion for women who had similar experiences and hurt with other women as they shared their stories of frustration and loss. I must say that I can’t understand why it has to happen this way, and to so many people. I can’t say that I believe that this is the way God would want things to be. I think sometimes in life there are things that we don’t understand and are just not fair and I just don’t have a magical answer to God’s purpose in all of it. I still struggle with that sometimes today.
If you have read my blog at all you know that 6 months later we got the chance to try again and 1 year ago in May of 2009, Elijah joined our family. I do feel blessed by the family that I have. But my heart is also heavy for those women out there that have struggled with infertility, that have lost pregnancies, lost babies. Many of these women I have met through blogging and I pray for these women and their families often.
Even after having Elijah I shared that I struggled when a co-worker told us she was pregnant after deciding they wanted to get pregnant in a specific month and then did. After being on the other side of it I still today wonder why it is so easy for some and so difficult for others. I shared that I wanted to be happy for this person, but felt jealous I guess that it couldn’t be that way for me.
And then it happened to me…..
Dominic and I knew that, God willing, we would like to try and have 1 more. We talked with my doctor about it after Elijah and decided not to prevent anything from happening and knew that based on our prior history that it would probably take awhile….I figured it would take much, much longer….
But apparently things don’t always go the way we plan. Without trying, planning, charting, testing or preparing we got pregnant! God willing, we will welcome the newest member of the Smith family into our home on January 1, 2011! We were surprised at first but are super excited about this opportunity to complete our family. And so it is with a happy and joyful heart that I share this news!!
And as wonderful as it is for us, I know that there are those out there that aren’t hearing the news they so long to hear this month. I am praying for you. I have been there in my own way and my heart is heavy for you. Because I know how it can hurt, how it feels to be jealous that someone else gets to be pregnant and you aren’t. I am praying for you. Because I too asked God over and over again “when is it my turn Lord?” I am praying for you. Because I understand how it feels when everywhere you look you see pregnant women and wonder if you will ever see that in you. I am praying for you.
Today I covet your prayers. Prayers for the life that is growing inside of me, and prayers for those women who have struggled with infertility, who do struggle with infertility still and for those woman who have had to give up their pregnancy or their children much too soon. And if you would like me to pray for you specifically please leave me a comment or send me an e-mail. I would love to lift you up!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Happy 1st Birthday Elijah!
It is hard to believe that just 1 year ago today our sweet Elijah Jaiden entered the world at 6:47am. Weighing in at a whopping 8lbs 11oz with his head of dark hair!
Today Elijah is a little bit blonder, a lot bigger and a HUGE joy to our entire family!
I wanted to get a cute picture of him last night but the poor boy has his first double ear infection and has been sick since Saturday. He is spending his second day at home with daddy today and hopefully will make a full recovery by his party this Saturday!
Elijah,
We are so blessed by your presence. You have been such a wonderful addition to our family and you have 2 big brothers that love and take care of you. You have not started walking "officially" yet, but you are so close - just needing one hand to help steady you! We love when you close your eyes and start crawling like mad with a big grin on your face. You are always on the go from one toy to another, or trying to empty out our cupboards. You don't like to be told "no" and often continue doing whatever you were doing just to see if we will respond! You sleep through the night (except when you have a double ear infection) and love to cuddle with your soft blankie and your puppy. You point at everything and love to grab the glasses off of mommy's face. You are a great eater and you try everything that we give to you. Fruit and macaroni and cheese are your favorites I think, but I haven't found anything you turn away from yet! You make us smile every day and we are so grateful that you were chosen to be a part of our family. We prayed for a long time that God would bless us in this way. Your middle name means "God has heard". We knew that God had heard us and you are an answer to prayer.
We love you, Mom, Dad, Isaac and Gabriel
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Adults get envelopes....
My mom reminded us of this “Gabriel” story and I wanted to share it here so that I wouldn’t forget about it years later!
A few weeks ago we were having our weekly Thursday night dinner at my parents’ house and we were also celebrating my brother-in-law Jeff’s birthday. Gabriel knows that birthdays mean presents…I mean what 6 year old doesn’t right?
So we were telling him on the way up to Sioux Falls that it was Jeff’s birthday and when we walked in he went to look on the buffet table in the dining room, where traditionally presents are at, to check out Jeff’s “stash.
He got very concerned when there weren’t any presents there for Jeff….only a few cards. He said “Oh no, where are Jeff’s presents?” And then, as if a light bulb had turned on he exclaimed with much authority….
“Oh I get it…..kids get presents and adults get envelopes!”
So there you have it….one of the mysteries of the “adult world” was just figured out by a 6 year old!
A few weeks ago we were having our weekly Thursday night dinner at my parents’ house and we were also celebrating my brother-in-law Jeff’s birthday. Gabriel knows that birthdays mean presents…I mean what 6 year old doesn’t right?
So we were telling him on the way up to Sioux Falls that it was Jeff’s birthday and when we walked in he went to look on the buffet table in the dining room, where traditionally presents are at, to check out Jeff’s “stash.
He got very concerned when there weren’t any presents there for Jeff….only a few cards. He said “Oh no, where are Jeff’s presents?” And then, as if a light bulb had turned on he exclaimed with much authority….
“Oh I get it…..kids get presents and adults get envelopes!”
So there you have it….one of the mysteries of the “adult world” was just figured out by a 6 year old!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Almost One!!
My grandparents came to visit this past weekend and although our whole family couldn't get together because Gabriel had the stomach flu - they did get a chance to see Elijah again and recently sent me these pictures!
This is the look Elijah gets when he sees his mamma walking away from him! I was going outside to take a picture of this beautiful tree in my parents yard and Elijah got pretty upset!
I can't believe that Elijah is almost 1 - he is such a big boy!!
This is my sweet niece Isabel. She will be 1 on Sunday! She has the cutest dimples ever!
I mean seriously - how can you not just fall in love with that face?!
Thanks grandpa for sending the photos....I have been terrible about taking pictures myself so now I finally have a few new ones!
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