Our New Stander!

Standing in PROPER form is very important!  Jack resisted at first -- but as you can see he enjoys it now.  

A GREAT ebay find -- $175 (those who know the catalog cost of this stuff will be proud!)

What?

Oh, the joys of those fakey little webpages -- this woman looks entirely too happy.  What?  Did she find the cure for seizures in that shopping bag?

Research

As I mentioned before, we are researching adoption agencies and it's quite overwhelming to say the least.  I've read wonderful things about an agency and turn around and on the next page can read something completely different.  I took a break for several weeks and have been back to reading and researching again this weekend.  Jason brought two books home from our community library and I've been thumbing through them creating talking points for discussion.  So many questions!  Do we adopt domestically or internationally?  How do we decide on an agency?

We can easily answer a few questions.  We are open to a baby of any heritage, race, or home country.  Our love knows no boundaries when it comes to skin color.  When I picture a new addition to our family my mental image changes.  Sometimes it's a boy, sometimes a girl...sometimes dark curls and dark eyes, an occasional red head, sometimes it's a baby that looks like Jack or Morgan...I think you get the picture!

So I am asking you for your help!  If you are familiar with adoption or know someone who is will you please email me at angwilhelm@gmail.com and maybe I can ask a few of these questions?

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes!

Here in this video he is naming body parts when I point to them and ask him "What is this?" We did eyes, ears, nose, hair, cheek, chin, mouth, elbow, knee, toe, leg, arm, head, belly, boo boo, shoulder, and fingernail. You'll notice some words are very clear, other words he leaves off the end, and for words like fingernail it's an approximation "fa, fa, fa" but we'll take it!

Emerson White

This little one sincerely needs us.  Please do what you can to help spread the word:

Emerson White

I contacted Foxnews and will continue to write letters and emails this evening.

Thinking Back...Status Seizures

January has not been a fun month in our house two years in a row.  I didn't realize that I have been sort of holding my breath lately.  In January 2007 Jack had his first Big Seizure.  After that, he had several more and that began our horrid journey into knowing what seizures really are.  There were lots of ups and downs and we had a wonderful neurologist working with us.  I am so thankful he was Jack's dr. during the onset of major seizures.

A year later in January 2008 another call to 911 for a major seizure...So after several more seizures in 2008 -- I am left wondering what 2009 will bring.

They say hindsight is 20/20.  This is true in so many aspects of life.  I didn't know it at the time -- but at least twice Jack has been in Status Epilepticus.  Status can be life-threatening.  It's the suspected cause of Jett Travolta's death.

I don't normally live in fear.  I have come to terms (as much as humanly possible) that we cannot control what happens -- especially when it comes to seizures.  I just have my hope that this January remains uneventful and 2009 is seizure free.

Idol Time!

We have another idol fan in the house!!  We watched the season premier of American Idol on Tuesday night and Jack came flying into the living room chanting "I-do, I-do, I-DOOOOOO" he was so excited.  It's neat to think he remembers it from last year (and every other year of his young life, lol).  We didn't watch last nights episode yet -- it's waiting on our DVR hopefully we'll get to it tonight.

Last night Jack was quite upset.  He had a really good first half of the day at school and Miss J. (his TSS) said the last part of the day was really, really tough.  It didn't stop there -- Jack was not himself for our 2 hour therapy session or for the rest of the evening.  He was obsessing a lot and crying huge tears.  He was in bed crying as well and I had a hard time settling him.  I ended up falling asleep with him and then this morning he did not want to get up for school.  I ended up keeping him home today.  He did take a long nap and has been okay but not 100% himself.  So we'll see...I'll keep you posted.

On a side note -- the kid has had yet ANOTHER growth spurt and has officially moved up a size in clothing.  Great news!!!!  He's 3 ft. 10 in. and 45 lbs and in a boys size 6/7!  This is the boy who was still in toddler sizes last year!!  

(Pictured above is Jack with absolute TERROR in his eyes.  He HATES having his hair cut -- thankfully daddy does such a good job!)

Diane?

Has anyone heard from Diane from over at A Stellarlife?  Diane, we miss you and hope you're feeling well soon.

Lots of ++++ vibes coming your way,

Angela

and fellow bloggers!

From Morgan's Mouth

Morgan is now 20 months old.  She runs, jumps, climbs and talks -- alllll the time!  She mostly uses her own language mixed with some true words.  If she's awake -- her mouth is moving!  It's so amazing to watch her grow and change so quickly.  Her words include:

Up

Daddy

Mommy

Jack

Down

Hey

Hi

Bye

See Ya

Sorry

Puzzle

Chicken

Tickle

Gabba Gabba (as in Yo Gabba Gabba)

Brobi (see above link)

Awww

Kiss

Baby

Night Night

What

Yes

See

Wow

Yay

and many more I am fogetting right now...

Note to self -- no more dolly house in the pack and play...

Something to TALK About!

"Mom, more chocolate milk please.  Get it.  Okay!"

That's an EIGHT WORD sentance.

He's been ending his requests with "okay" a lot lately.  It's like he's answering for us.  Too cute.

Something to celebrate -- chocolate milk for everyone!

(pictured helping with groceries a few weeks ago)

Miserable

Normally I don't mind winter weather...but when you have a kiddo who uses a wheelchair it becomes a big deal.  Rain, not so bad -- I just throw a rain poncho over Jack and it covers him, the wheelchair, and his back pack.  Ice?  Not so fun.  My big fear is falling while carrying him outside or dropping the wheelchair!  This morning it was icy out front and I got soaked getting him on the bus.  I'd take snow over ice because at least it's fun to play in and doesn't make the sidewalk as treacherous! 

Just sharin' the misery!

Hopefully the rain and ice will stop before the bus gets here this afternoon!

December Photos

December 2008 Album!

Enjoy :)

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!