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!

Update...

It's most likely not an infection -- the quick test at the office indicated nothing icky -- but the lab will test for both bacterial and yeast infections...we should have the results Friday (I am assuming everything is closed on Thanksgiving).

The doctor also felt Jack's belly and said he felt really, really constipated and we're to double his dose of miralax until we achieve loose-to-runny style diapers, to "clean him out".  I can only imagine the look on Jack's teacher's face after she reads my note this morning!

Happy Thanksgiving :)

Thanks for being my friends :)

Love,

Angela

Heading to the Dr.

Jack's got funky smelling pee again.  Another catheter and another round of antibiotics I'm sure.  Will keep you posted!

Random Things...

We had our Wilhelm Thanksgiving at our house this past weekend!  It was a lot of fun and our dinner was yummy!  Pa Pa, Jan, Uncle Ben, Julia, Jack, Morgan, and Jason and I had a good time talking over turkey!  Everyone brought a dish or two and let me tell ya, that was a great thing!  I tried traditional stuffing for the first time and it was great -- good job Pa Pa and Jan (although I know there was a tiff in the kitchen, lol it was worth it!)

Jack has been doing great at school.  He got his "report card" (progress report) and I am SO PROUD!

• Use 20 new words 98%
• Use a greeting/farewell 100%
• Draw a cirlce, square and triangle 73%
• Use non-dominant hand (right) to stabilize objects (books, toys, paper, etc) 100%
• Correctly orient a scissors to paper 93%
• Insert coins into slot 100%
• Independent functional mobility in school environment 70%
• Propel wheelchair 20 feet 33%
• Pull to stand at walker 77%
• Stand independently for 8 seconds 100%
• Use walker for 10 minutes at a time 70%
• Name shapes and colors 71%
• Rote count to 10 41%
• Identify letters in his first name 44%

When we wrote these goals at his IEP meeting I really had no idea he'd be close to mastering most of them within the FIRST QUARTER!  These are goals written for the ENTIRE YEAR!!!  His teachers and the staff at the school are truly angels on earth.  I could not be any happier with his placement or how things are going.  It feels really good to say that, considering how much preparation and planning and worrying went into this transition.

We are heading to Grandma Linda's for Thanksgiving this year.  I am really starting to get in the holiday spirit!  I even pre-planned and printed my black Friday shopping list -- I'll let you know how I make out!!

I hope everyone has a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Feeling Much Better!

Jack is feeling much better after last week's UTI.  He's back at school after being home Wed., Thu., and Fri. last week.  He's still on his antibioitc -- we still have a few days left of that.

Jack's new wheelchair is HERE!!!!  We LOVE it!  He sits so well in it and it has all of the extras we've been waiting for!

I didn't realize just how heavy it would be though.  WOW.  Everyone used to comment on how light his previous chair was -- but since I had no reference I really didn't get it!  It still fits in the back of our van the same way the other one did and I am very thankful for that.

We are in the process of getting a quote on a ramp and new front porch for the front of the house.  It's something we knew we'd be facing and we feel it's time -- especially with this new chair.

Jack is very proud of his new wheels and loves when you tell him "Niiiiiiiiice wheelchair Jack!!!"  Of course this is the same kid who likes when you tell him he has "niiiiiiice teeth" or "niiiiiiice hair" he loves a little attention now and then ; )

Morgan had her 18 month check up last week.  She's doing very well and is on target for her age as far as growth and development.  I am simply not used to "easy" check ups without a list a mile long for the doctor!

  

Here she's modeling her new winter coat!  We were on our way to the library -- where she goes to not be quiet, lol!  Thankfully they have a great kids section with books, toys and blocks.  She makes friends very easily and doesn't let anyone get a word in...we'll have to work on that!  j/k...

Our October Pictures are ready -- lots of fun pirate poses!

Catching up is hard to do!

Oh, I don't know how to say sorry to everyone!  I've been reading my blogs each and every morning...but just haven't had the, I am not even sure what, to post.

Jack's behavior has been really terrible for the past week.  I now know why.  He woke up early this morning and didn't seem to be feeling well.  I decided to keep him home -- and I am glad I did.

I decided to call the pediatrician because we noticed Jack's pee smelled really, really bad and perhaps he has an infection... 

He was really down and out and slept most of the morning.  He woke up and ate, and then at 11 am he had a small seizure lasting about 45 seconds.

Then he was really pale and sickly looking.  They got us in and out at the dr's office and confirmed (via straight cath) he does have an infection.  They are starting him on antibiotics and will call us when the culture comes back for the lab.  I know some of you remember the ordeal back in 2007 when he went round and round with a nasty kidney infection and ended up hospitalized to finally get rid of it!  I really, really hope this is done after one round of meds!

I hope you're all doing well!  I do have so much else to write about -- especially school!  Jack is doing amazingly well and I couldn't be happier with his placement.  (((hugs)) to you all!

A Pirate Invasion! (pics)

Recipe of the Week!

Gemelli with Cream, Prosciutto and Peas (Gemelli con Panna, Prosciutto e Piselli)

I made this tonight and WOW is it tasty!  It was from the back of the box of Barilla Gemelli Pasta.  This one is NOT low in fat or calories...oh well, everything in moderation, right?

Back to regular scheduled posting really soon -- PROMISE!

Ingredients
1 box Gemelli pasta
1/4 cup unsalted butter
4 ounces prosciutto, cut into thin strips
1 small roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded, chopped (may substitute jarred, drained roasted red pepper)
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese


MELT butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Continue heating until light golden brown in color, being very careful not to burn.

ADD prosciutto and red pepper; cook 1 additional minute, stirring frequently.

STIR in cream and peas. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce sauce by two-thirds, stirring frequently, approximately 8 minutes.

COOK Gemelli according to package directions; drain and return to pot

TOSS sauce with pasta until pasta is coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently toss with cheese. Transfer to serving platter

Her Name is Morgan, She Likes to Dance!

Hope this makes you laugh!

It was 90's weekend on VH1

We have no idea where she gets her moves...

Right now...

I am sipping hot tea.

Those who know me know I am coffee person.

Unless I'm sick.

Sore throat, sneezing, aching shoulders, swollen glands -- what a way to start the day.  It also means I will have to cancel our weekend away with Kris and Alicia...

Also, why don't parents (ahem, especially moms) get to call off sick?

I am going to go keep the couch warm while sweet Morgan plays in her pack and play and laughs every time I "ACHOO!"

Up to...

$205 

for the 

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Goal!

The little widget isn't showing Jason and Morgan's latest progress on the donations towards the Making Strides Walk -- in just 24 hours they raised $135!!!!!

Thank you so very, very much from all of us!!

*****EDITED TO ADD -- Jason and Morgan are up to $185!!!*****

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - 2008-2009

This weekend, Jason and Morgan will be walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk as part of the D&H Distributing Team. (Jack and I will be out of town visiting Kris and Alicia -- but we will be walking with them in spirit!) What a nice way to spend time with your daughter -- please help us raise our goal of $100 to fight for our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, teachers, mentors and friends.