Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas 2008

More?

Sometimes I think it's a crazy idea.  We have our hands full already, don't we?  The number of kids should not be more than the number of adults in the house, should it?  We've talked about more kids and a recent post on "to the Max" really said a lot of what I am feeling!  

One thing I truly know is I won't become pregnant again.  We've been through the death of a baby, a baby born on the edge of viability, and a baby that came 6 weeks early.  I've had two classical c-sections which puts me at risk for uterine rupture...on top of the fact that precipitous preterm labor seems to be what my body wants to do when it's pregnant.  Lifting -- Jack is over 40 lbs and his wheelchair is close to 100 lbs.  Just not an option for me while pregnant!

My heart swells when I think of another baby.  A baby grown in our hearts and in another mommy's belly.  Over a year ago we started researching adoption.  With all my heart I feel this is what is meant for us.  This is by no means an announcement of any sort -- but just getting it out there, in the open so we can talk about it.  We've gathered information on all types of adoption and found an agency in our state that we'd like to meet with when the time is right.  

I've been packing away the baby items as Morgan grows.  I stare at newborns on TV or in the mall with a lump in my throat.  We really could have another baby some day!  There are days when it's simply crazy at our house and I wonder if we could do it...but we have room in our hearts and love to give.  I love being a mother to my children and I know Jason loves being a daddy too.  

Making Cookies!

A few weeks ago I decided it was time for Jack to learn the fine art of cookie making -- and he happily agreed!  He loved every minute of it -- except actually eating the finished product, but Morgan happily devoured Jack's first sugar cookie!

INGREDIENTS

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

6 Appointments in 3 days...

This week has been a marathon of illness and appointments!  I hope our recent rounds of prescriptions kick this bug OUT OF OUR HOUSE!!!  All 4 of us have been diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and all 4 of us are now on antibiotics.  Fevers, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, clogged sinuses, headaches abound!  Jack was first, then Jason, then me, and now Morgan.  Fingers crossed we are all well soon.

Jack also had his orthopedic surgery appointment yesterday and all looks GREAT!  He had a hip x-ray and his hips look "perfect" according to the dr.  We only need to see him again in a year -- YAY!  Jack is scheduled to see the physiatrist at the end of the month for another botox evaluation.

School is going well.  Only two days left next week then it's Christmas break!  I haven't had a chance to rest and we're all not feeling well so I must get better soon so I can get wrapping and gifting!

Will update really soon!!

The Bethesda Mission

As a part of "D&H Cares" Jason and I are collecting items in need for the Bethesda Mission in Harrisburg througout the month of December.  My mom and Paul just dropped off a huge box of toiletry items and it has me very excited to collect more items for the mission.

On their website they list the following items of need:

MEN’S SHELTER
Gloves/hats
Socks
Shower shoes
Underwear, sizes 34–38
New sweatshirts
Prepaid phone cards
Watches

Toiletries

MEDICAL CLINIC
ACE bandages
Insoles
Antifungal cream
Fingernail/toenail clippers
Pocket size tissues
Daily pill organizers
Foot & body powder

FOOD SERVICES
Plastic ware
Napkins/paper products
Ketchup
Orange juice
Mozzarella cheese
Beef
Eggs/milk
Vegetables
Coffee
Disposable gloves
Cafeteria trays

YOUTH CENTER
Gift cards to A.C. Moore/Michaels
Toys
Sports equipment
Wii video game system & games

Toiletries

WOMEN & CHILDREN’S SHELTER
New robes/slippers
Paper products
Diapers, sizes 3–5
Dish detergent
Dish towels
Window cleaner/vinegar
Cheese/crackers
Fruit and fruit juices
Wrapping paper
New towels and washcloths

Toiletries

TRANSITIONAL LIVING
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Twin sheet sets

Toiletries

Please let me know if you'd like to add to our ever growing box!  Email me at angwilhelm@gmail.com or call me!

Lots of love,

Angela

Negative

Jack's chest x-ray is all clear.  No infection!  We are to just treat the fever if needed and so far today he's been fever free!  Morgan is really feeling icky...she's actually still sleeping and that's really rare.  She's usually up early and ready to play.  Last night she sat with Jason and only got down to dance for one song...then it was right back to cuddling....hopefully the antibiotic will kick in soon!

Oh my!

Winter germs stink.  Jack had to go for a chest x-ray -- results should be in first thing in the morning.  Morgan has a double ear infection.  I am utterly exhausted after our outing today.  I love Jack's new wheelchair ut it's as heavy as a house.  Okay, I am making that last part up -- but it's really heavy!  The children did not feel well, they were feverish and anxious to be at the doctor's office.  Jack kept asking me if they were going to look at his pee pee...poor kid is afraid of the catheter test -- I don't blame him one bit!  I told him we were there to make his cough all better and he seemed to relax a bit.

The x-ray tech was really nice but a little out of it.  I told Jack we were going to take a picture of his "belly" and the tech was confused and said "no, actually it's of his lungs" and I had to explain how Jack understands what a belly is, but not lungs.  It took a lot of finagling but we finally got the metal plate behind him to be able to take the x-rays.  Morgan screamed bloody murder the entire time we were there.  I felt like everyone was looking at me as though we were not fit to be in public.  I did say to one nurse that both kids are not feeling well -- I mean they were great as far as cooperating and stuff, just a little sick and tired of being there!  Some days I wish I could have a meltdown right in public -- but I really think someone would try to take the kids or something...lol, only kidding.

So it was rough.  Really, really rough.  But we're home and "all done" and tomorrow is a total jammies day!  Also, I just placed an order at Mama's Pizza for dinner!!  

Will keep you posted! Thanks for all of your comments and well wishes!  I have so much I want to comment back to so many of you -- I'm getting there!!

Lots of love!

Sickies...

We're heading to the pediatrician again!  This time both kids are sick.  Fevers, runny noses, coughs...and Morgan is patting at her head on the right side, so I am really sure she has an ear infection.

The Miralax regimine is really, really working (and I mean REALLY WORKING) for Jack.  He seems much happier even though now he's sick with a cold.  I really wish I would have known he was so backed up...poor kid.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  Too much food -- that's for sure!  I did get up and go shopping at 4:30 am on Friday and it was C-R-A-Z-Y -- but I am happy to say everyone is FINISHED and I did get some excellent deals.

I'll be keeping Jack home from school for a few days this week until he's feeling better.  So lots of cuddles, tissues, and jammies all day long!