As most of you know, Jay and I decided it would be best for me to stay at home with Rhae after she was born. I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful friend who helped me figure out a way to do this by giving me a job I can do from home. It helps a little, but is by no means anywhere close to what I was bringing home before. Things have been very stressful and financially tight here, and I often find myself worrying how we will continue, positive that our last dime has just gone for something. Yet, somehow, 7 months later, God is still providing for us and we are making it. I don't know how, but we are. I remember when I was making the decision whether or not to quit my job, a friend in a similar situation told me of her experience. God led her back to work, and though she could not figure out where the money came from to pay someone to care for her child in her home, it was always there. It sounded so weird, but I can honestly say I now understand. I don't often know how the bills get paid or where the grocery money mysteriously appears from, but it always does.
Well, today, one of the most amazing things ever happened to me. I don't intend to go into detail, but just want to relay, as I have so many times, just how good God is and how He continues to take care of His flock. Out of God strategically placing people in the right place at the right time (something that would only seem strangely coincidental to some), we have had a huge burden lifted today. Praise God! Simply another answered prayer. I'm telling y'all, I have been so immensely blessed, I really do wonder when I will reach my cut-off! :)
I have always been a believer and a follower. For reasons unknown to me, I went astray for a while. Not that I ever stopped believing or following, I just stopped partaking and abiding for a while...while everyone else went back to the barn, I just sort of moseyed in the pasture a little longer. I always knew where I should be and just didn't do anything about it. I haven't told many people this, mostly out of shame, but I am finding more and more I want to share it with others so that I can tell them not only is my daughter a miracle in the fact that she defied all odds and lived, but that she has served her Savior already in so many ways and doesn't even realize it! She alone, a baby not even born yet, brought me back into my flock where I should have always been. She alone, both before birth and since, has changed many dynamics in my family, breaking down walls that were slowly built up. She alone has shown the love and beauty of God to so many people just by being Rhae...beautiful, happy, loving Rhae with an unbreakable spirit. I feel so blessed that God has allowed me to be her mother and that He has welcomed me back with open arms, providing for me as all good Fathers do.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Halloween pictures
Bo, Nana, Aidan, and Rhae
Aidan and Rhae
Wolverine
Have you ever seen a cuter ladybug?
Little Miss LadybugThursday, November 6, 2008
Where has the time gone?
Wow! I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted anything! I did so well there for a while! For those of you who have been reading my thoughts, once again, I'm trying somewhere new. For those of you that haven't, I have posted my older rants here as well.
Ok, to start, many of you already know, but for those of you who keep up with us through blog only, our little friend, Mary Clayton Fancher, went to live with God on Sunday, October 26, 2008. She fought a long, hard fight, and didn't give up easily. That is essentially the spirit of OI! She touched so many lives (including mine) in her short time on this earth, and many people are forever changed by her presence, especially her mother and father. This child left behind an amazing family who I feel privileged to know. Her mother, Stephanie, and I seemed to bond immediately. I don't know if it was because of the OI diagnosis in both our children, or just because, but I feel we will always have a connection. I am so appreciative that the Fancher's included me in such a personal situation. Rhae and I went to the funeral, which was beautiful, and I was very nervous about going because I was taking Rhae (only after stephanie and Robert assured me they were ok with it). Normally, I don't care what other people think about me, but on this day I was very concerned that people would see me and think I was heartless for bringing a baby to a baby's funeral. When I finally got the courage up to get out of the car, Stephanie's mother, Beverly, soon approached me and I began to feel a little less nervous about the situation. She walked us into the church and began to introduce us to other family members and friends. It seemed everyone knew who we were, and no one seemed to think anything of us being there. I have to say, I have never felt so comfortable and accepted with people I was meeting for the first time. I know many of you keep up with us here, and I just want to tell each of you thank you so much for welcoming Rhae and I into your lives. I loved meeting each of you, though the circumstances were not ideal. For those of you who prayed for Mary Clayton's healing and for her family, thank you. Mary Clayton has had the ultimate healing, and is now able to run and play and breathe all on her own! What a wonderful thing to be with our Healer!
So now, to update everyone on Rhae. Much to the disdain of her mother, she has began calling her Da-Da. I know that all baby's do this because the "da" syllable is easier to get out than "ma," but it really is sad when it starts! And much like her cousin Halle, Rhae also laughs at me when I stand in front of her like a fool saying, "Ma-Ma-ma-ma." She has the most precious voice and sweet smile.
Halloween was quite an experience! Aidan decided he wanted to be Wolverine from X-Men. I think it was mostly for the claws! However, when he got all dressed up, we tried to explain to him he needed to make mean faces for his pictures, but all he could do was smile! Wolverine looks real unnatural with a smile on his face! I originally ordered the most precious kimono costume for Rhae but when it came in, it swallowed her whole, even though it was a newborn. I couldn't find anything for her that would fit and decided to put her in her orange pumpkin onesie for the night. Well, about 2:00 Friday afternoon, it was killing me to think I couldn't dress her up on her first Halloween, so I went to Wal-mart to scour over left over costumes, deciding I would throw together SOMETHING, even if it was last minute! Well, to my surprise, I found the cutest ladybug costume. Now, granted, it was made for a dog, but I swear, you couldn't tell! It was adorable on her and actually fit!! I will post pictures later. We had a great time, getting out and trick or treating our family and a few close friends. Rhae had no clue what was going on, only that she really didn't like that thing on her head!
Rhae still has not rolled over and stopped trying about a week and a half ago. I think it had a lot to do with bone pain. She was due for a treatment, which we had yesterday. It was her 4th treatment, and a little different than usual. We have gotten the other 3 treatments in the hospital, and just continued to be uncomfortable because it seemed we were always there at least 10 hours (for a 4 hour procedure), we were never on the same floor, so each time we had to start all over, explaining to staff they couldn't pick her up, pull on her, take blood pressures, or use tourniquets for IV starts and blood draws. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but honestly, Jay and I felt we couldn't relax at all because anytime anyone walked into the room, we automatically had to jump up to make sure no one took a blood pressure, moved her the wrong way, whatever. Also, each time we have been admitted, we have been charged a $250 co-pay, which begins to add up with office co-pays, meds, etc, when you are down to one income! So this time, we opted to have her treatment done in the outpatient infusion clinic--same nurses everytime, $30 co-pay, and hopefully quicker. Well, after we got used to being in the closet-sized room, we settled in nicely. Unfortunately, we had a problem with IVs blowing and one coming out, so we ended up getting stuck 4 times! I remember at one point tearing up (like I am now) listening to her cry again and again and thinking about how my emotional pain seemed to be as bad as the physical pain she was enduring and that she often endures. It is just so unfair that a 7 month old has to take so much. But, I know that it is what's best for her and is improving her quality of life, and that is the only reason I am able to continue. After the final IV was started, though, things went very smoothly, and we were only there 6 1/2 hours. The two nurses there were so sweet and caring. It is nice to know that in 8 more weeks, when we go back, they will have seen us before and though they might not remember us just yet, they will understand our limitations with Rhae's disease and we will not have to be so on edge during the whole treatment. It was nice to be able to feel relaxed this time! I even left the room once or twice, which I have NEVER done before! Well, after that, we went for our 2nd bone scan, and the first since starting treatments. After that, we saw our endocrinologist who we really adore. She called today with the results of the bone scan and I was a little disheartened. She said there was no real difference in Rhae's bone density since we began, and I was really hoping to see some change. I have to remind myself, though, that even though it may not show on the scan, I know it is doing her some good and that she would not be where she is today without it! She is just so amazing, I can't even put it into words! She's truly my hero! So anyway, I'm hoping over the next few days once the PAM begins to get back into her system, she will finally roll over. I think I'm ready for it...still scared, but letting her do her thing!
Last, but certainly not least, we have a new family member! My cousin, Michael, and his wife, Susan, had there first child, and Randy and Kaye's first "real" grandbaby Tuesday night. Hunter Bowen Howell was born 11/4/08 somewhere around 7:15p.m. (never found out the official time). Poor Susan worked very hard ALL day to get him here, and "little" Hunter could official start at linebacker, weighing in at 9# 9 ounces! (only 15 ounces shy of Rhae's current weight of 10# 8 ounces) Didn't get the official length either, but he looks at least 22" (surpassing Rhae's puny 20 3/4") and has hands that could easily palm a basketball! He's beautiful and I can't wait to spend some time with him and his Momma and Daddy! Congrats you two! We love all THREE of you!!
Well, I think that about gets everything caught up. It's sure enough to read for now, anyway. If there's anything else to add, I 'll do it later! Thanks to everyone who has continued to keep up with us and pray for us...keep up the good work, because prayer is what has gotten us this far!
Ok, to start, many of you already know, but for those of you who keep up with us through blog only, our little friend, Mary Clayton Fancher, went to live with God on Sunday, October 26, 2008. She fought a long, hard fight, and didn't give up easily. That is essentially the spirit of OI! She touched so many lives (including mine) in her short time on this earth, and many people are forever changed by her presence, especially her mother and father. This child left behind an amazing family who I feel privileged to know. Her mother, Stephanie, and I seemed to bond immediately. I don't know if it was because of the OI diagnosis in both our children, or just because, but I feel we will always have a connection. I am so appreciative that the Fancher's included me in such a personal situation. Rhae and I went to the funeral, which was beautiful, and I was very nervous about going because I was taking Rhae (only after stephanie and Robert assured me they were ok with it). Normally, I don't care what other people think about me, but on this day I was very concerned that people would see me and think I was heartless for bringing a baby to a baby's funeral. When I finally got the courage up to get out of the car, Stephanie's mother, Beverly, soon approached me and I began to feel a little less nervous about the situation. She walked us into the church and began to introduce us to other family members and friends. It seemed everyone knew who we were, and no one seemed to think anything of us being there. I have to say, I have never felt so comfortable and accepted with people I was meeting for the first time. I know many of you keep up with us here, and I just want to tell each of you thank you so much for welcoming Rhae and I into your lives. I loved meeting each of you, though the circumstances were not ideal. For those of you who prayed for Mary Clayton's healing and for her family, thank you. Mary Clayton has had the ultimate healing, and is now able to run and play and breathe all on her own! What a wonderful thing to be with our Healer!
So now, to update everyone on Rhae. Much to the disdain of her mother, she has began calling her Da-Da. I know that all baby's do this because the "da" syllable is easier to get out than "ma," but it really is sad when it starts! And much like her cousin Halle, Rhae also laughs at me when I stand in front of her like a fool saying, "Ma-Ma-ma-ma." She has the most precious voice and sweet smile.
Halloween was quite an experience! Aidan decided he wanted to be Wolverine from X-Men. I think it was mostly for the claws! However, when he got all dressed up, we tried to explain to him he needed to make mean faces for his pictures, but all he could do was smile! Wolverine looks real unnatural with a smile on his face! I originally ordered the most precious kimono costume for Rhae but when it came in, it swallowed her whole, even though it was a newborn. I couldn't find anything for her that would fit and decided to put her in her orange pumpkin onesie for the night. Well, about 2:00 Friday afternoon, it was killing me to think I couldn't dress her up on her first Halloween, so I went to Wal-mart to scour over left over costumes, deciding I would throw together SOMETHING, even if it was last minute! Well, to my surprise, I found the cutest ladybug costume. Now, granted, it was made for a dog, but I swear, you couldn't tell! It was adorable on her and actually fit!! I will post pictures later. We had a great time, getting out and trick or treating our family and a few close friends. Rhae had no clue what was going on, only that she really didn't like that thing on her head!
Rhae still has not rolled over and stopped trying about a week and a half ago. I think it had a lot to do with bone pain. She was due for a treatment, which we had yesterday. It was her 4th treatment, and a little different than usual. We have gotten the other 3 treatments in the hospital, and just continued to be uncomfortable because it seemed we were always there at least 10 hours (for a 4 hour procedure), we were never on the same floor, so each time we had to start all over, explaining to staff they couldn't pick her up, pull on her, take blood pressures, or use tourniquets for IV starts and blood draws. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal, but honestly, Jay and I felt we couldn't relax at all because anytime anyone walked into the room, we automatically had to jump up to make sure no one took a blood pressure, moved her the wrong way, whatever. Also, each time we have been admitted, we have been charged a $250 co-pay, which begins to add up with office co-pays, meds, etc, when you are down to one income! So this time, we opted to have her treatment done in the outpatient infusion clinic--same nurses everytime, $30 co-pay, and hopefully quicker. Well, after we got used to being in the closet-sized room, we settled in nicely. Unfortunately, we had a problem with IVs blowing and one coming out, so we ended up getting stuck 4 times! I remember at one point tearing up (like I am now) listening to her cry again and again and thinking about how my emotional pain seemed to be as bad as the physical pain she was enduring and that she often endures. It is just so unfair that a 7 month old has to take so much. But, I know that it is what's best for her and is improving her quality of life, and that is the only reason I am able to continue. After the final IV was started, though, things went very smoothly, and we were only there 6 1/2 hours. The two nurses there were so sweet and caring. It is nice to know that in 8 more weeks, when we go back, they will have seen us before and though they might not remember us just yet, they will understand our limitations with Rhae's disease and we will not have to be so on edge during the whole treatment. It was nice to be able to feel relaxed this time! I even left the room once or twice, which I have NEVER done before! Well, after that, we went for our 2nd bone scan, and the first since starting treatments. After that, we saw our endocrinologist who we really adore. She called today with the results of the bone scan and I was a little disheartened. She said there was no real difference in Rhae's bone density since we began, and I was really hoping to see some change. I have to remind myself, though, that even though it may not show on the scan, I know it is doing her some good and that she would not be where she is today without it! She is just so amazing, I can't even put it into words! She's truly my hero! So anyway, I'm hoping over the next few days once the PAM begins to get back into her system, she will finally roll over. I think I'm ready for it...still scared, but letting her do her thing!
Last, but certainly not least, we have a new family member! My cousin, Michael, and his wife, Susan, had there first child, and Randy and Kaye's first "real" grandbaby Tuesday night. Hunter Bowen Howell was born 11/4/08 somewhere around 7:15p.m. (never found out the official time). Poor Susan worked very hard ALL day to get him here, and "little" Hunter could official start at linebacker, weighing in at 9# 9 ounces! (only 15 ounces shy of Rhae's current weight of 10# 8 ounces) Didn't get the official length either, but he looks at least 22" (surpassing Rhae's puny 20 3/4") and has hands that could easily palm a basketball! He's beautiful and I can't wait to spend some time with him and his Momma and Daddy! Congrats you two! We love all THREE of you!!
Well, I think that about gets everything caught up. It's sure enough to read for now, anyway. If there's anything else to add, I 'll do it later! Thanks to everyone who has continued to keep up with us and pray for us...keep up the good work, because prayer is what has gotten us this far!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Take nothing for granted
I'm sure my sister will have something to say again about my entry not being about something fun and happy (I love you anyway!), but I have found this is a good way for me to express some of my feelings because I normally don't talk about things that bother me. But just to keep Mae Mae happy, Rhae is SO close to rolling over, and I can't wait for it to happen and be able to share it through video with all of you. Unfortunately, Rhae has run a fever for the last 24 hours and really is not feeling good even when the fever breaks, so there's not much other fun happy stuff going on right now.
Many of you already know of my struggle over the last few days. I mentioned in an earlier post about the adorable Fancher family we met. Mary Clayton has done so well over the last few weeks. Her mom has been email me daily and telling me of the progress she was making. It was slow, but still progress, and it thrilled me. Well, Tuesday morning, I woke up to an email stating she was not doing good. That night, I got another email again talking of how she had taken a turn for the worst and they were not expecting much. I cried all night. I am amazed at how quickly I have become attached to this baby and her parents. I'm usually very skeptical of new people and don't always connect right away. Strangely, that has not been the situation with Robert and Stephanie. I felt an immediate connection and I guess that's why this is so hard. I have taken care of very, very sick children in my nursing career, and have actually had to watch a 4 year old with brain cancer die after coding her for 4 hours, and have also watched a 9 month old baby boy code and die. As a nurse, I am supposed to be able to handle these things. This situation has really hit too close to home though. Though our situations are totally different ( I can't imagine what they are going through), I remember thinking Rhae wasn't going to live after birth. I remember thinking if she did, we would be in the same situation the Fancher's are. That could have been us, and that makes it a little more real.
I look at both my children and realize how lucky I am they are both here, and how I have taken their health for granted. Aidan is not sick much, and I don't think too much about how easy it would be for him to be as sick as some of the children I have taken care of. Rhae is doing great, and sometimes I forget how fragile and delicate she is, because she tries so hard. I know I have taken for granted the fact that she is here and we could be so much worse off than we are. PLEASE take a minute to reflect on your own children, neices, nephews, any children in your life, and how lucky you are to have them in your life. Things can change dramatically in a blink of an eye. Please keep Mary Clayton, Robert, and Stephanie in your daily prayers. We serve an amazing God. He hears our cries and still performs miracles everyday, and that is exactly what this family needs right now.
Many of you already know of my struggle over the last few days. I mentioned in an earlier post about the adorable Fancher family we met. Mary Clayton has done so well over the last few weeks. Her mom has been email me daily and telling me of the progress she was making. It was slow, but still progress, and it thrilled me. Well, Tuesday morning, I woke up to an email stating she was not doing good. That night, I got another email again talking of how she had taken a turn for the worst and they were not expecting much. I cried all night. I am amazed at how quickly I have become attached to this baby and her parents. I'm usually very skeptical of new people and don't always connect right away. Strangely, that has not been the situation with Robert and Stephanie. I felt an immediate connection and I guess that's why this is so hard. I have taken care of very, very sick children in my nursing career, and have actually had to watch a 4 year old with brain cancer die after coding her for 4 hours, and have also watched a 9 month old baby boy code and die. As a nurse, I am supposed to be able to handle these things. This situation has really hit too close to home though. Though our situations are totally different ( I can't imagine what they are going through), I remember thinking Rhae wasn't going to live after birth. I remember thinking if she did, we would be in the same situation the Fancher's are. That could have been us, and that makes it a little more real.
I look at both my children and realize how lucky I am they are both here, and how I have taken their health for granted. Aidan is not sick much, and I don't think too much about how easy it would be for him to be as sick as some of the children I have taken care of. Rhae is doing great, and sometimes I forget how fragile and delicate she is, because she tries so hard. I know I have taken for granted the fact that she is here and we could be so much worse off than we are. PLEASE take a minute to reflect on your own children, neices, nephews, any children in your life, and how lucky you are to have them in your life. Things can change dramatically in a blink of an eye. Please keep Mary Clayton, Robert, and Stephanie in your daily prayers. We serve an amazing God. He hears our cries and still performs miracles everyday, and that is exactly what this family needs right now.
Monday, October 20, 2008
31 things you may not know about Rhae
1. Rhae loves her mommy!
2. Rhae loves hands and ceiling fans.
3. Rhae is mesmerized by her big brother.
4. Rhae is a fighter.
5. Rhae loves any song with the syllables La-la in it, i.e. Minnie Ripperton’s “Loving You”
and Elmo’s theme song.
6. Rhae moves constantly.
7. Rhae will fight sleep for 3 hours straight.
8. Rhae is trying hard to roll over.
9. Rhae has had over 20 broken bones.
10. Rhae has the cutest laugh.
11. Rhae loves to touch things and hold them using both hands.
12. Rhae’s hair is turning light brown.
13. Rhae will lay in her room for quite some time watching her mobile.
14. Rhae also likes to look at her name on her wall.
15. Rhae will NOT take a pacifier.
16. Rhae is the strongest person I know.
17. Rhae loves to hear her cousin Halle’s name.
18. Rhae likes to shake her rattle.
19. Rhae likes to watch The Ellen Show to see Ellen dance.
20. Rhae loves to take a bath.
21. Rhae can roll up like a rollie pollie.
22. Rhae will not eat food, but loves her Momma’s cornbread.
23. Rhae can hold her head up for more than 2 minutes at a time.
24. Rhae does not like to be wet.
25. Rhae tries so hard to make everyone else happy, even when she is in pain.
26. Rhae likes to be scared.
27. Rhae is a McCain fan.
28. Rhae only takes two 20-30 minute naps a day.
29. Rhae has finally graduated to 0-3 month old clothes, though they are still a little big.
30. Rhae will watch Sesame Street long enough for me to take a shower.
31. Rhae is an answered prayer and the best gift I have ever received.
2. Rhae loves hands and ceiling fans.
3. Rhae is mesmerized by her big brother.
4. Rhae is a fighter.
5. Rhae loves any song with the syllables La-la in it, i.e. Minnie Ripperton’s “Loving You”
and Elmo’s theme song.
6. Rhae moves constantly.
7. Rhae will fight sleep for 3 hours straight.
8. Rhae is trying hard to roll over.
9. Rhae has had over 20 broken bones.
10. Rhae has the cutest laugh.
11. Rhae loves to touch things and hold them using both hands.
12. Rhae’s hair is turning light brown.
13. Rhae will lay in her room for quite some time watching her mobile.
14. Rhae also likes to look at her name on her wall.
15. Rhae will NOT take a pacifier.
16. Rhae is the strongest person I know.
17. Rhae loves to hear her cousin Halle’s name.
18. Rhae likes to shake her rattle.
19. Rhae likes to watch The Ellen Show to see Ellen dance.
20. Rhae loves to take a bath.
21. Rhae can roll up like a rollie pollie.
22. Rhae will not eat food, but loves her Momma’s cornbread.
23. Rhae can hold her head up for more than 2 minutes at a time.
24. Rhae does not like to be wet.
25. Rhae tries so hard to make everyone else happy, even when she is in pain.
26. Rhae likes to be scared.
27. Rhae is a McCain fan.
28. Rhae only takes two 20-30 minute naps a day.
29. Rhae has finally graduated to 0-3 month old clothes, though they are still a little big.
30. Rhae will watch Sesame Street long enough for me to take a shower.
31. Rhae is an answered prayer and the best gift I have ever received.
Friday, October 17, 2008
What's your financial status?
Over the last few days, I've really been thinking about our new financial status. For those of you who don't know, we made the decision for me to put my nursing career on hold in order for me to be able to stay at home with Rhae and provide her with the best care possible. We've always lived comfortably and never thought this might happen, but then who plans to have a disabled child? Well, as you can imagine, our monthly income has dramatically declined. I've been worried about the bills, about birthdays, about Christmas, heck, about just going to the grocery store! I started my own little pity party the other night, wishing I was one of the rich people instead of the poor. All of a sudden it dawned on me--I'm richer than I've ever been in my life!! No, the money is definitely not there, but money isn't everything. We went through a traumatic pregnancy, only to have my daughter prove everyone wrong--she fought all odds and made it. I'd say that's pretty rich! I have an amazing son who is kind, loving, and smart as a whip! I'd say that's pretty rich! I have a roof over my head, clothes on my body (as old as they may be!), and don't have to walk anywhere. I'd say that's pretty rich! I have an amazing family who has been so supportive of me all my life, and love me unconditionally. I have a husband who doesn't cheat on me and doesn't run the roads. I'd say that's pretty rich! I have a Heavenly Father who loves me enough to allow me to be here everyday and somehow continue to muddle through what I sometimes feel are impossible situations. Again, pretty rich, wouldn't you say? So, while my bank account is perpetually almost empty, my life is full of things and people that make me rich beyond my wildest dreams! How rich are you?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Our new friends
Wow, time is really flying by! My sweetie is 6 months old already! We went to the doctor the other day and she was 10# 2oz!! BIG GIRL!! She has been doing so well lately, other than the stomach virus she's finally caught from the rest of us. Like always, though, it's not slowing her down much. She is still all smiles! She is still trying desperately to roll over, she just can't get her lower body to work with her upper body. She's intent though, and will be rolling over before I know it. She is beginning to recognize faces, and she really lights up when she sees people she knows! It has begun to hit me lately just how lucky we are to have her here. I don't know if I've been in shock for 6 months, or what, but in the last few weeks, I have caught myself looking at her and just crying knowing things could have gone another way. I still don't know why we were chosen for this journey but I sure am loving it.
We really haven't had a lot going on recently, but I have had another prayer answered! I keep wondering when I'm going to reach my cut-off point! :) Thank goodness we serve a Lord who doesn't impose limits! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my OI family on our web group, but several members actually live close enough to each other to visit and I've been stuck down here in the middle of nowhere wanting that commraderie (sp?). Several months ago, I began praying for God to introduce me to another OI family close by...I knew we couldn't be the only ones in the South! Well, what I really expected was to be lead to someone in possibly Birmingham who had an older child with type I or something... somebody that could be a good supporter as well as a teacher. Well, God had different plans and I'm so glad He did! He lead me to a new OI baby, just shy of 2 months old, and with the SAME rare type II diagnosis that Rhae was given. On top of that, they live in SELMA!! That's only about 45 miles from me, for those of you who don't know our territory. Imagine my surprise! Well, even though I felt like I needed somebody that had already been through everything I would go through, I realized I already had that in the web group. This is even better! Rhae and Mary Clayton are only 4 months apart, and will be able to grow up together. I've worried about how cruel children can be, and her eventually developing a complex because she wouldn't know anyone like her. Well, now she will! I met her parents, Stephanie and Robert last week, and it was like running into long-lost friends! There was an immediate connection we all felt, and we both know God brought us to each other! On top of that, Stephanie and I realized how much we strangely have in common! God works in mysterious ways, and we are so glad to have these new friends. Mary Clayton is still in the hospital because she was also born prematurely. She is improving daily and hopefully will be receiving her first PAM treatment soon. She has a head full of black hair like Rhae did and is a pretty little girl! I've seen a picture and can't wait for our time to come when we meet. I feel so attached to her already. As you read this, please send up a little prayer for her and her parents. We are ready for this baby to come home!
My mom is here now and I think everyone has really enjoyed visiting...her with the grandkids, them with her, us and her, etc. Aidan has really missed her and has been glad to have her here for a while! She was really surprised at how much both Halle and Rhae have changed. I've added some new pictures recently so you all can see as well! I don't have much else to say for now, so I will leave you with this...
We really haven't had a lot going on recently, but I have had another prayer answered! I keep wondering when I'm going to reach my cut-off point! :) Thank goodness we serve a Lord who doesn't impose limits! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my OI family on our web group, but several members actually live close enough to each other to visit and I've been stuck down here in the middle of nowhere wanting that commraderie (sp?). Several months ago, I began praying for God to introduce me to another OI family close by...I knew we couldn't be the only ones in the South! Well, what I really expected was to be lead to someone in possibly Birmingham who had an older child with type I or something... somebody that could be a good supporter as well as a teacher. Well, God had different plans and I'm so glad He did! He lead me to a new OI baby, just shy of 2 months old, and with the SAME rare type II diagnosis that Rhae was given. On top of that, they live in SELMA!! That's only about 45 miles from me, for those of you who don't know our territory. Imagine my surprise! Well, even though I felt like I needed somebody that had already been through everything I would go through, I realized I already had that in the web group. This is even better! Rhae and Mary Clayton are only 4 months apart, and will be able to grow up together. I've worried about how cruel children can be, and her eventually developing a complex because she wouldn't know anyone like her. Well, now she will! I met her parents, Stephanie and Robert last week, and it was like running into long-lost friends! There was an immediate connection we all felt, and we both know God brought us to each other! On top of that, Stephanie and I realized how much we strangely have in common! God works in mysterious ways, and we are so glad to have these new friends. Mary Clayton is still in the hospital because she was also born prematurely. She is improving daily and hopefully will be receiving her first PAM treatment soon. She has a head full of black hair like Rhae did and is a pretty little girl! I've seen a picture and can't wait for our time to come when we meet. I feel so attached to her already. As you read this, please send up a little prayer for her and her parents. We are ready for this baby to come home!
My mom is here now and I think everyone has really enjoyed visiting...her with the grandkids, them with her, us and her, etc. Aidan has really missed her and has been glad to have her here for a while! She was really surprised at how much both Halle and Rhae have changed. I've added some new pictures recently so you all can see as well! I don't have much else to say for now, so I will leave you with this...
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