Micah Update

In a previous post, I asked you all to be praying for Micah and his throat/tonsil problems. Those problems have not been resolved so he is continuing to see the speech patholigist for feeding therapy. Yesterday, we made an emergency trip to the pediatrician because he had woken from his nap screaming in pain from what turned out to be a very severe ear infection. He was in so much pain that he cried right up until we left for the doctor's office and then from the time we left there until I dropped him off with his Dad. I was gone last night, but Kevin said that he didn't go to sleep until after 9:30 and the tylenol and ibuprofen had seemingly no effect on the pain. He basically cried himself to sleep in our bed.

The infection happened to be on the same side where he still has a tube in as well as the side which has the more prominent swollen tonsil. And our pediatrician echoed my concerns that the ENT had not sufficiently evaluated Micah's problems and confirmed that it is very likely the ear infections and throat problems are related. So far, we still do not have a legitimate diagnosis and it seems we won't unless we pay cash to see a different ENT, which is probably what we will end up doing. Please pray for Micah and a quick resolution, as well as guidance for Kevin and me and the doctors as we try to search out a solution.

Daddy Lessons

Last Saturday, we had our photos taken for the church directory. The family picture actually came out pretty nice, but I was not at all happy with the other pictures they took. We had a birthday party later in the day, so we took the kids out to the park in between to try to get our own pictures of the three kids together. It turns out that no matter how many pictures you take of other people's kids, you can't always get your own kids to cooperate. Jadon wanted no part of being still, let alone sitting or standing next to his brother and sister. We did manage to get some cute pics of Chloe and Micah together, and Jadon by himself, but that wasn't the best part.

After the failed threesome shot, Micah said he was thirsty. I don't know what the deal is with this, but most of the parks around us have water fountains with spigots on the side for washing feet, I guess. But instead of lifting my boy up to the fountain, Daddy decided it was time for the child to learn to drink from his hands. Kevin and Micah and Chloe spent the next ten minutes soaking themselves and filling their hands with water to drink. Of course, Jadon thought all that water looked like fun so he had to get his hands in there a few times. By the time they were all done, I'm sure there was more water on them than in them, but they were sure pleased with themselves.

She's 6!!

So, as promised, I'm here to tell you all about Chloe's birthday. Her actual birthday was on Father's Day so we had to have it last Tuesday instead of on the actual day. She wanted a "horsey party" of course. So we got some horse themed decorations and a piñata and set up at the park near our house. We had it in the middle of a work day so not everyone who was invited could attend, but parties wear me out so that was just fine.

We had hotdogs and chips and punch, pretty usual junk food party stuff, but the best part was the cake made by my dear friend Amelia . They were gorgeous!

The kids loved the piñata, although some of them had some difficulty waiting their turns. Andy couldn't figure out why he had to go last, but as you can tell from this picture, he demolished the poor thing. As soon as I snapped this picture I was pelted by a downpour of candy. Doesn't he look scary going after this little horse?!

Anyway, Chloe had a great time and everyone had plenty of time to play at the park. I love that about a birthday party at the park. There really isn't much need to keep the kids entertained. They pretty much keep themselves happy.

Until next time, enjoy the pics!!

JJ

Don't tell anybody, but Jadon is in my favorite child stage(as far as the ones I know, anyway). I love the baby stage, and I am really enjoying Chloe and Micah's stages, you know what I mean, when they start being able to do so much more on their own. But I love this stage when they are just starting to talk, so everything they say is cute. I even giggle at the sound of his current favorite word "MY MY" despite the fact that he so rarely says it about something that actually is his. He's walking all by himself up and down stairs. Running away from Mommy and screeching at the top of his lungs when Chloe or Micah displeases him the slightest bit. All of these are behaviors that we deal with appropriately, but not without a little chuckle or just that little bit of tug on my heart. He is actually nearing the end of the cuddly stage, at least for this kid. And he won't be nursing much longer, or even sleeping in a crib. The next few years, will be battles over staying in bed and eating your vegetables instead of, or at least before, your candy(I type this as he walks into the room holding a half eated piece of candy still in the wrapper, maybe he's already reached the next few years.) I do not look forward to weaning this Mama's Boy and potty training is definitely not my idea of a good time. So today I'm feeling nostalgic about my boy who is learning to fold his hands during prayers and eat with a spoon without spilling and even say a few words that start with more than an "m" or a "b". But for at least a little while longer he'll be my baby to cuddle and rock and sing songs with at night. And now I have to go deal with the screaming in defiance of not being allowed to wake Chloe up from her nap.

The Rains Came Down...

...And the floods came up! Oh yes, can't you see where this is going. Our lovely little, landlocked commutiny has been issued a boil order (indefinitely) due to all of the flooding of the Mississippi and its tributaries. You know, I really shouldn't complain too much, but I'm going to anyway. After not quite 24 hours, I am sick and tired of boiling water. I realize that those people who live in communities closer to the river are much more harshly affected, many of them have been evacuated since last week, but anyone who lives in west central Illinois knows how far reaching that Mississippi River can be.

Chloe's birthday party was yesterday and soon I'll have pictures for you all, but as you can tell I've been a little busy today. Not to mention the three extra kids I acquired this morning. So we're having a good time playing new games and watching movies with cousins and washing dishes by hand, because you can't use your dishwasher during a boil order you know. Oops, did I go off on that again? Please, please, please pray that it will only be days, not weeks. In the meantime, here's my big 6yo girl.