Goodbye Therapy...For Now

For the last three years (minus six months) we have spent every Monday morning at Speech Therapy and then Occupational Therapy plus up to two other days a week.  It was a little strange to not go this week at all!  We have been blessed to have incredible therapist.  Both of them helped Chad by use of  encouragement, tough love, and giving suggestions for Mommy. 

Chad has made great progress but he still qualified for another year of therapy.  In one area he is still at a 4 1/2 year age equivalent.  Both the therapist and I felt like it was best to stop therapy for the time being and see how he does in school.  If we find that he is falling behind, then we will resume.  We wanted to give him time to see what he really can do.

For the first year of OT, Cole and Kaylee attending all of the sessions as well.  For the last year we used the hour to go to the library and grocery store.  They missed Miss W and the ball pit.  On the last day, we stayed for therapy and they got to play.  They really enjoyed it!

End of August Update

August has flown by.  We are blown away at how quickly the year is leaving us and how quickly baby will be here! 

Cousin Kenzie: The kids are so excited about their brand new cousin. They can't wait to meet her and love on her. I don't think they realize that she won't be able to play for quite a while though.

Baby:  I am growing and moving and moving.  I am a VERY active little person.  Mommy goes in for her 28 week appointment next week.  Planning to flunk the 1 hour glucose test but always hopeful! 

Chad:  I really like school.  My first comment after the second day of school was "I love school, Mommy."  I can't wait to tell Mommy, Daddy, Grams, Gramps, and Uncle Heath what I learned at school.  So much happens at school that I have trouble keeping everything straight.  Every once in a while I break into "Save money; Live Better; Walmart" because I know it makes Mommy laugh.  I am excited to see Kenzie and just want to lay down and talk to her. 

Kaylee:  My favorite buzz word is "honkin'."  I ask for a "honkin'" cookie and wonder if that is a "honkin'" piece of cake.  Whenever I see a pictures of Kenzie I says, "I like that girl."  On the day that she was born I had this conversation (totally out of the blue) with Dad over lunch. 

       Kaylee:  Hey Dad, we have a new friend.
       Michael:  Who is that?
      Kaylee:  Jennifer's baby!!!
My favorite quote is "I do, but I don't."  This can apply to anything but always puts an interesting look on my parents' faces.  Cole is my "buddy" and we really like to be together.  I tell everyone that I am going to help with the baby when I am four.  I am sure that I will be a great babysitter.

Cole:  Potty training is going very well and then very frustrating.  While I still have off days, overall I am dry 90% of the time.  For those of you who are around me a lot, this goes right along with my personality!  When I don't need to go I say, "I need not go potty."  I have added "why, Mommy?" to most things that I am told but I do occasionally just say "yes, ma'am" now.  I have also added the phrase "uh....sure."  As soon as I see Kaylee in the mornings, I run and give her a hug and kiss and say "hi, princess."  Right now, I walk around the house saying "Hi, my name Heidi."  Mommy discovered that I know nine colors but have trouble on black - I think it is brown sometimes.  Right now I am watching Boz because I was dry all day.  I love Boz!

Cardiology Checkup

Chad had his yearly cardiology check up last Wednesday.  We saw a different cardiologist than typically comes to the appointments but one that we have talked to before.  I kind of like seeing various ones because we get other prospectives on his condition.

Weight - 50 lbs
Height - 4' 1"

The doctor was very happy with his EKG and the sound of his heart.  He has no restrictions (even contact sports.)  The doctor said that he hopes that we treat him as a normal child because he is. 

I asked about the speech and sensory issues.  The doctor confirmed the research that I have read stating heart babies have an increased change of dealing with issues likes these compared to non-heart babies.  They do not know what causes it - heart/lung bypass machine, oxygen levels, in utero issues, or what.  Thankfully we have dealt with Chad's issues early on and he is doing so much better.  Praise God!

Chad will have an echo done next year as precautionary but something we have become accustomed to. 

This particular cardiologist holds a special place in my heart because of some encouragement that he gave Michael and my mom while we were in the CVICU for Chad's first month.  The doctor was doing rounds and explained that he had just seen a 3 year old boy in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat.  The little boy was in for his cardiology checkup.  The doctor explained that this boy had had Transposition just like Chad and he was active, smart, and full of energy.  To us, this information was truly God-sent encouragement.  This is why Chad's picture in the local NICU as an "Image of Hope" is something that we are so proud of and pray that God will use it to encourage other families. 

Outside Pictures August 17

Just a few pictures that I took a few days ago while playing outside.

Carousel Ride

On Friday night we went to the fair to check out the 4-H exhibits and shows.  We watched the Cloverbuds show the lambs and the older kids for the beef show (heifers). 

I absolutely love the fairs.  Michael would rather see the dentist!  I think my love is because of the wonderful memories I have attending the fairs.  For one thing, we got to see Dad after several days since he was showing hogs.  We loved the corn dog stand outside the hog barn, free loot that we came home with, and seeing all of the exhibits and animals.  Great memories.  The kids have even asked for one of the many trophies that Papa earned at the fairs.  They have them in their bedrooms. 

On Friday afternoon, Kaylee had one of her many conversations with Papa on the phone.  She typically goes into her room for privacy.  She came running into me with the phone outstretched saying that Papa wanted to talk to me.  I got on the phone and he said that he would pay for a carousel ride for the kids if it was okay with Michael and I.  When Papa asked Kaylee if she would ride the carousel at the fair, she said "it costs too much money."  Then Papa said what he would pay but she wanted Mommy to hear it from the source as well. 

When I told Michael, he asked if we rode rides at the fair.  Never!  But, then I remembered one time that Grandpa Dick went to the fair with us and let us ride the carousel. 

Paying it forward...Thank you, Papa.  The kids had such a wonderful ride.  Thank you for the wonderful memories. 

(More pictures on Facebook)

Prayer Time

They kids typically all want to pray at meals.  This is a common prayer from both Kaylee and Cole. 

Kaylee:  Dear God, thank you for this food and for You, God.  (added on rough days) And God, please help us.  Help us, God.  We are having trouble.  Amen.

Cole:  Jesus, Papa. Thank you God for my family and my friend (from his Boz videos). Papa.  Amen.  And...baby!

Chad's First Day of Kindergarten

Chad:  Yesterday was my first day of Kindergarten.  I really liked it!  This morning, I kept telling Kaylee to hurry up because I didn't want to be late for school.  I have a friend from church in my class.  He was also on my t-ball team.  At school yesterday, we had two recesses - a practice recess and a real one.  At the practice recess we learned all of the rules - live the rocks alone and don't throw rocks.  I didn't have PE, music, or art but we went to the library.  My favorite part was when we practiced to line up to go home.  I really liked standing in line and waiting for my name to be called - Chad #4.  This means that I go to the #4 orange cone.  At lunch a lot of the kids had trays.  I got full and didn't get all of my lunch.  My teacher read us two books.  I had a lot of fun and couldn't wait to go back today. 

(More pictures on Facebook)

Photos

Those of you on Facebok have already seen Chad's cake so I won't bore you with the details but here is a better picture.

Okay, this may be one of my favorite pictures of my Little Man. 

So sweet!

Chad Loses Yet Again

#4!!  He has the most adorable smile with that large, gaping hole on top now.

Swim Time

Hang with us for even a little bit and you will see how much we love to swim.  The kids enjoy the pool more and more every year.  We love the family time that it provides as well.  The kids love to jump off the ladder (or fall backwards if you are Cole!)  Of course waterguns are part of the fun.  The swimming lessons were a great success and we have seen huge improvements in the kids' swimming abilities.  Kaylee is always saying "watchi this.."

There's a toothless smile for ya!

Love this pict!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

The kids had each been given tickets through the local library for participating in the summer reading program. We made plans with another family to attend. Chad was so excited!  For weeks he asked me when he and K (his friend) were going to go to the game. 

It was an evening game but it was still drenching hot! Makes it not very fun for parents but the kids don't seem to mind too much. Thankfully we had seats in the shade which is the only way that this prego Mama was going to attend!

It was kind of hard watching the game in the heat when just a couple of weeks ago we were invited to sit in box seats for the game - luxury - aircondition and your own private bathroom!  Don't know how soon we will be jumping at tickets outside again :-)

24 Week Pictures

I know that these are a week late but here is a pretty proud little brother.  He was more than happy to take a picture with the baby.  With Chad, we took pictures all of the time.  With this baby, he/she will be lucky to have more then 3 or 4!  Poor baby!

August Update

It has been a while since I updated.  Meaning to get it done and just haven't.  Guess the kids' scrapbooks will have a hole during this time!

Chad:  I am getting ready for Kindergarten.  Half of my supplies are packed while Mommy is waiting for sales to buy the other half.  Mommy thinks that I am extremely proud to be going to Kindergarten all while being a little nervous.  This has affected my concentration and behavior at home.  I lost my 3rd tooth a few weeks ago and have an adorable little gap to smile at everyone.  Therapy is coming to an end after two years.   I will miss all of the fun things that I did with Miss W.  I told Mommy a few days ago that I would really like to have friends in my class who love Jesus.  We are praying about that.  Swimming continues to be a highlight to my day.  I like to dive under water and find things.  But, jumping off the laundry is still the best.

Kaylee:  Mommy says that I have lost the toddler look and officially look like a preschooler now.  I am a very good helper to Mommy although Cole doesn't always like having a second Mommy.  After swimming lessons I have become a very good swimmer in the water.  I have taken up playing with legos like my brothers.  School time is my favorite.  I can write most of my letters and know several of their sounds.  Mommy got really excited when I matched pitch while singing.  I am working hard to sing and not just talk.

Cole:  My vocabulary grows daily.  I added "probably" while at Grams and Gramps.  "It is probably at Heath's house" is my favorite statement for when I can't find anything.  Then yesterday while helping Kaylee make her bed, I kept saying "almost" as the pillow didn't want to stay up.  I continue to challenge all forms of correction and discipline in about every way that I can.  Those who are around me gaze in wonder how strong-willed and spirited I am.  I sang the "ABC's" song for the baby doctor.  He thought it was really good.  I also sing "Jesus Loves Me" and count to 17 now. 

Michael:  Everything has come together at work this month meaning long hours for Michael.  Yesterday was 11 hours and 45 minutes.  Because he starts at 5:45, thankfully he still gets home before the kids go to bed.  A yucky bike wreck a few weeks ago left him with a messed up shoulder.  Time and rest from lifting will be his friend.  He finds this hard when his wife is pregnant and not supposed to lift either. 

Heidi:   24 weeks into this pregnancy.  Those who know me understand my thoughts on the nine months of pregnancy.  I can't complain too much but ready to hold this baby in my arms!  Trying to keep up with the watering and garden.  Sad shape that it is in.  Sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and 3 sorry green pepper plants are all that is left.  The apple tree is loaded with apples but have gotten infected with beetles (Michael thinks).  Hopefully the apples will keep growing so we can exhaust ourselves with apple sauce.  ABCJLM is keeping me busy with orders.  We are thrilled to be part of this ministry.  We are enjoying the pool in this 100 degree heat and praying for rain that we so desperately need.  We did get 17 pints of carrots, 1/2 gallon of dried onions and several quarts of frozen and canned potatoes.  Thank you, Jesus!

We look forward to receiving the phone call that says we have a baby niece.  Jen is 37 weeks now so officially it could be any time!  We are excited to love on this new addition.  The kids are so excited to have a cousin!