Behold Your God

We are doing this study with our church. It is an amazing study that we are really enjoying. The kids are all getting involved too, and they are doing great. It is great to see the look on their face when they understand what we talk about.

 

We have weekly video's to watch, and daily workbook studies. It is really helping our family get into a routine of doing daily family devotionals.

 

We also have a verse every week to memorize. This week the verse is...

 

Psalm 27:8 When You said, "Seek My face," My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."

 

The boys already have it memorized, and I believe they understand what it means too. They are all doing such a good job with all of it.

 

Last night we were going through Week 1, Day 3. We were discussing who God reveals Himself to. We read different verses and then asked the boys who the verse said God reveals Himself to. They god it right every time.

 

We read Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

 

We asked the boys who God is revealing Himself to here. They answered correctly with "babes". No knowing if they understood what "babes" is, we asked them. The response we got was not what we expected. Jameson looked at us with a straight face and said "Women!"

 

I couldn't help but laugh, and wonder where he picked that one up.

 

Out of the mouths of babes!

10 years

I can't believe I have been married for 10 years.

 

I can't believe I have 5 children.

 

I can't believe how blessed I am.

 

God has blessed me in so many ways, I am speechless. Can you imagine having everything you have ever wanted? Scott asked me earlier today what I wanted for our anniversary. The first thing that came to my mind was guacamole. I asked him if he would get the ingredients so I could make it myself. That was my anniversary gift. His gift was a snack as well. I guess we are just simple that way.

 

I love you Scott. I love you more now than the day we were married. My love for you continues to grow every day.

Chloe Elizabeth Foster

WOW! It has been a long time since I've posted on here. Sorry about that. Life has been crazy.

I just had a baby!

A baby girl!

Yes, after having four boys, it is possible to have a girl.

Isn't she beautiful?

Introducing...

Chloe Elizabeth Foster
Born 6+7=13 (cute right?)
10 lbs 4.5 oz (I know she is huge!)
22 inches

I was expecting this birth to be very similar to all the others, but it wasn't. Every one of my boys was born within 5-6 hours of labor starting. Not the case with this little big girl.

It all started with a non-stress test at the birthing center. I was 40 weeks and 5 days pregnant, and they had to make sure that everything was still going good. Chloe decided that she wanted to sleep instead of pass the test, so we were sent to the hospital to do the non-stress test and bio physical ultrasound. That took up most of the day on Thursday. Everything was fine with the tests. By the time we were on our way home at around 5 pm, I was having regular contractions, but they weren't very painful. After a couple more hours, I knew labor had started.

I knew that I was going to need to get some rest, but couldn't sleep. I was too excited, and the contractions weren't really easy to sleep through. They were painful, but not bad at all. This continued  all night long. By 6 am, I was still having contractions every 5 minutes, was dilated to about 6 and I was still smiling and laughing with my doula friends.

I decided around 10 am that I was going to go into the birth center and see if there was anything we could do to try to speed things up. When I got in there I was dilated to 7 and we tried many different things to get things moving. I was walking, squatting, going up and down stairs, drinking herbal tea, we tried some homeopathic stuff too. Nothing was working.

I finally reached a point where I was exhausted. I hadn't slept in over 24 hours. I was in tears. I knew that I wouldn't be able to push this baby out if it didn't happen soon. I was done. I was broken. The only thing that worked to lift my spirits, was my dear friend that knew exactly what I needed. My husband and two doula friends laid their hands on me and prayed for the strength from Jesus to get me through this. I didn't have the strength to continue, and what I needed was Jesus to take over. He did. That was my turning point. I opened my eyes after that prayer and felt a new burst of energy. I was ready.

The midwife suggested breaking the water to speed things up, and did this just after 2pm. From that point on, I was in severe pain. If you have ever given birth naturally, you know what I mean.

Everything went really fast. I got into the tub because I wanted to do the water birth thing like I had done with Simon. What you have to realize, is that things don't always go as planned with birth. Things were going so fast, that Chloe kind of got stuck. She didn't turn her shoulders. There isn't really easy access while in the tub, so my hubby lifted me out and laid me on the floor, while I have a head sticking out of me. The midwife turned her shoulders and told me to push once more. I did, and she was born.

Jameson who is 7, was taking pictures this whole time and did great in the midst of the chaos that was going on. He was a little worried, but after things were explained to him, he was fine.

Once Chloe was laid on my chest, I knew exactly why she had been stuck for a minute. She is huge. I am so very blessed to have a chunky healthy girl.

I look back at everything that happened in the 24 plus hours that I was in labor and the thing that was most important to me was having the people around me that would bring me back to what was really important when I was broken. They knew my focus had wandered away from Jesus, and they brought me back to Him.

I remember my doula telling Jameson that he needed to just sit and watch this because this is where you will see just how strong mommy is. I told him that this is actually where he would be able to see just how strong Jesus is and how He works through me.

I think that this was my best birth experience. It was very humbling.

The last thing I have to say is that baby girls cry so much different than baby boys.

Holy Land Experience

Jameson and I went to the Holy Land Experience in Orlando with our homeschool co-op "Adventures in the Classics". They had a free day. I'm serious. It was posted on their website that they were opening for free one day. We were not about to let that pass us by without taking advantage.

 

 

We had a great time.

 

 

Jameson tried to be as strong as Samson.

 

 

We saw a tiny Bethlehem.

 

 

Jameson sat on a throne.

 

 

We were able to touch a real piece of Israel.

 

Jameson had a lot of fun talking to one of the Roman Guards. This Roman Guard however was telling the gospel. Jameson and his friends did a great job answering questions.

 



 

These are the amazing children in the co-op. They were all sitting patiently waiting to get into the Scriptorium, which was awesome by the way. If you ever have the chance to go, I recommend it.

More Coloring

I found more.

 

 

I was getting the boys into the car and there it was.

 

 

 

I am thinking magic eraser will work.

 

The thing that I really think is great about all this is that they autograph their work. Sometimes their names are backwards, but at least I know who did it.

Coloring

I have discovered a lot about my boys recently. The biggest discovery is their love of coloring. They are always asking if they can color. They don't enjoy coloring books as much as blank paper where they can make their own picture. Some of their creations are amazing. I have been in awe many times over a work of art from a 6yr old or a 4yr old.

 

There is only one problem. I am not encouraging them to color anymore. Actually, I took away their privelege of coloring. They are no longer able to handle any coloring utensils.

 

 

 

I discovered this work of art on the bedroom wall.

 

 

On the edge of the window by the 6yr olds bed.

 

He is very creative.

 

Then I discovered this when I was changing the sheets on the 6yr olds bed.

 

I am thankful that this can be covered by sheets, but where did he get the idea to pull back the sheets, color on the mattress, then put the sheets back on again.

 

We are re-learning many rules. I guess I may never have told them that it is not appropriate to color on the walls or mattresses. They now know that paper is the only thing that we color on. When they will be able to color again, I don't know.

 

I am very glad the Lord gave me the ability to take care of the situation without loud voices, and in a calm manner. I am actually quite surprised that I didn't explode. Only with His help. After all, walls can be cleaned and mattresses replaced or covered, but little boys will hurt for a while by loud yelling mamas.

Letting Go

I was riding in the car with my husband recently, and realized that I really don't trust his driving. I found myself holding the arm rest, the door and anything else I could hold on to. He was turning corners faster than I would have. I told him a few times what the speed limit was, or that the light ahead was red. I wasn't sure if he knew.

I found myself trying a couple times to slam on the brakes, only to realize that I am in the passenger seat and there are no brakes on that side of the car. I wanted to drive myself. I wanted control.

Have you ever felt this way? I really hope I am not alone.

The problem is, this doesn't just happen when in the car. I can't let anyone have control. I have to follow the kids around the house when they are cleaning, and re-clean. They miss things. They don't do it right. I have to pre-wash and sometimes re-wash dishes because the dishwasher doesn't get everything. I have to straighten crooked diapers, and clothes. I can't let the kids walk around with clothes backwards or shoes on the wrong feet.

I have often felt that if I don't do it, then it won't get done right. What I forget, is that I can't do it right, at least not alone.

I learned recently (again) that I do not have control, and I never will. God is in control. I have handed over the reigns (again). I am letting go (again). I think I have gone through all this before. Yes, I have. Why didn't I learn anything?

Let me tell you, I have learned a lot in the last few weeks. I have been through trial after trial. Nothing major, but lots of little stuff. Sometimes the little stuff gets to me more than the big stuff. I have been trying to take care of everything myself, and it hasn't been working.

*smack hand on forehead*

No wonder it's not working.

Prayer is working. Things are slowly falling into place. I am officially out of control, and loving it.

9 YEARS

We have been married for 9 years today.



When we met, I knew he was the one.

We were engaged.

Walked down the isle.

We are married.

He is my husband. He is my leader. He is my friend.

I, Andrea Elizabeth, was married on June 12, 2003. It was a Thursday, just like it was 28 years earlier when my mom (Elizabeth aka Betty) married my dad. It was also a Thursday 28 years earlier again, when my grandma (Betty) married my grandpa. Three generations.

I thank God for blessing me with the example of my parents marriage.

Scott has been such a blessing to me. I love him more today than the day we were married, if that's possible. God knew I needed him. He has been there to make me laugh, and has been my shoulder to cry on. He has given me 4 handsome (of course they all look like Scott) little boys I have the pleasure of raising. He is my love.

I love you Scott, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life in your arms.

Minnesota

Okay, I know this post has taken quite a while to write. I was having some difficulty with uploading pictures, and I wanted to share those with you as I shared a little of how our trip went.

We started off with everyone discovering what Mommy had packed in their backpacks. They had all sorts of things to do to pass the time on the long car ride.

We were on our way to pick up Grandma in Tampa. About halfway there, Teagen got sick. We stopped at a gas station to clean out the car and clean up Teagen as much as possible. We got back on the road and almost made it to Tampa. We were less than a mile away from picking up Grandma, and Gavin got sick. This was not the way I had planned on starting my vacation. God had other plans. Thankfully we were able to use a hose to clean up the carseats. There was hardly anthing on the actual car. The kids had baths. Before we headed out again, we stopped and got some children's motion sickness medicine. They were fine the rest of the trip. *sigh*

I was reminded of our Savior watching over us and our traveling while we were in Illinois. When we got to MN, I stayed the first night with J & T. Thanx guys, you're the best. The next morning I left for another 2 hour drive to see my parents. When I got there, I was able to unpack and relax a little before my mom came home.

This was it! This was the look on her face when she saw me. I think she was surprised. There was lots of tears and hugs from both of us. We were able to spend lots of time talking about everything. I think I took home more than I came with. I got lots of sewing stuff. It was great to see my mom.

Simon fell in love with Grandpa. He was so comfortable just snuggling.

Simon had so much to take in, but he mostly just sat here and watched all the activity around him. The boys had a great time hanging out with their cousins.

Jameson was very careful with riding his cousins 4 wheeler.

Teagen was a little more relaxed.

Gavin had no clue what he was supposed to do, but loved sitting on it even if it wasn't moving.

Simon had a blast outside, and it was even warm enough for a couple days to be in short sleeves.

There were new puppies to play with. The boys have been asking if we can get one. Sorry, not for a few more years.

We hung out with more cousins and saw a brand new baby. Yay! Simon thought the chickens were more interesting.

We had an easter egg hunt, and it was freezing cold. The boys had to wear jackets.

They still thought it was fun. Can't you see the excitement on that face?

Jameson's jacket was a little too small. It's been a while since we've had to wear those.

This was the day before Easter, and it was really cold. Easter started out a little chilly, but warmed up. The night before Easter, I was sitting on the couch talking to one of the boys, when all of a sudden there was someone behind me. Scott had surprised me. He flew up to MN and was able to spend Easter with us as a family. I was so happy to see him. I couldn't believe it. I went to MN to surprise my mom, and the whole time, he knew he was going to show up and surprise me. I loved it.

We had some cake and celebrated Gavin's 2nd Birthday. 

Simon loves to spit when eating his veggies.

Our return trip was much less eventful. No kids getting sick. We were very relieved to be home. I missed my own bed.

Everything was great. We all had a great time. I wish we could have stayed longer, and been able to see and visit more people.

More of the same

Okay, here we go again.

On Tuesday, we were finally able to get the VCUG done. We went in, and because the ER doctor was able to get the barium out a couple weeks ago, Simon had the VCUG. Everything with that was normal.

On Wednesday morning, we had an appointment with the Pediatrician, Dr K. Scott had taken the day off work so he could help with the kids. We all went in. I don't think the doctor really even looked at Simon. He knew we had an appointment scheduled with the GI doctor for later that day.

I had called two weeks ago to get an out of network authorization to see the GI doctor. Dr K's office never got it. They saw that there was already a referral in his chart, and decided that he didn't need another one. They were wrong. They told me that it would take a couple weeks to get the authorization, and we wouldn't be able to see the doctor until we had it. We already waited a couple weeks after requesting it. I was a little angry.

Finally after a few hours filled with phone calls and frustration and holding my tongue and trying not to scream at everyone, we were going to be able to see the GI doctor. Dr D was going to make an exception because he wanted to see Simon.

We went in for the appointment, and Dr D was great. He looked at all the records and results of all the tests already done. He gave us the results of the Celiac test, NEGATIVE! He examined Simon. He ordered more tests. He said that Simon is gaining weight, but not fast enough. He wants Simon to see a Geneticist.

We went and had more blood drawn. More tests and more appointments. My baby is not growing, and we don't know why. The doctors seem to be fishing now. They don't know, so they just order test after test. When do we stop? If all the results keep turning up negative, do we keep looking, or do we stop?

Maybe he is just a small baby. Maybe he is going to be built differently than my other boys. Maybe he is normal for him.

I know it is all in God's hands. I don't like waiting. I don't like not knowing. I keep reminding myself that I have four beautiful boys. I have an amazing husband. I have so many other things to be thankful for. I need to stop complaining. I need to stop dwelling on things that are not perfect in my eyes. I need to start thanking God for the things I have been blessed with.

Who am I to think I deserve anything I have?

I am nobody! I am nothing without Jesus!

6 months

When I was growing up my parents started to celebrate half birthdays. At first I thought it was pretty weird, but came to love it. We would get half a cake. I think that was my favorite part. My mom would make a round cake, cut it in half and make it a layered half cake. What a great idea, and great memories.

Yesterday Simon turned 6 months old, and I was remembering the half cakes. Has it already been 6 months? Where has the time gone. Though he wouldn't be able to have the cake, I almost made one. For me of course. He can have peas and rice cereal. ; )

Happy 6 month birthday Simon. Keep growing bigger little buddy.

Chunky?

I think it's happening! I think he is actually getting some fat built up.

Simon had extra skin on his arms and legs. Now, he still does, but I think it's less than before. Maybe it's just me being hopeful, but I don't think so.

Ever since going into the ER he has been happier. We have been able to set him down. I have so much free time now because I am not carrying him around all day. He loves tummy time. The boys love playing with him on the floor. He does really well. 

We still have some more doctor's appointments, and more tests, but things are looking up. We are also looking up, thanking God for the provision and promise.

A Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Ever since we left the hospital at the beginning of February, Simon has been referred to all sorts of doctors. All of them do the same tests over and over. There are never any results. I was getting sick of it. I wanted answers and they weren’t coming. Every time he saw a new doctor, they started at the beginning. He was supposed to see the GI doctor that he saw in the hospital for a followup. Because of insurance, he couldn’t. Simon’s primary doctor (we’ll call him Dr. K) referred him to see a GI doctor that insurance will cover.

On Thursday, we went to see the GI doctor. Not good! I will never go back to that doctor EVER again. After asking me why Simon wasn’t following up with the doctor he saw in the hospital, he said, “So now I get stuck with you.” I didn’t like that he didn’t care about my son’s health. He obviously didn’t want us there, and made that clear by not listening to what I had to say. He said Simon wasn’t gaining weight because he wasn’t eating enough. He is eating 5oz every 4hours, and we have been attempting rice cereal, but he still pushes it out with his tongue. The doctor didn’t like that answer. He said Simon shouldn’t be doing that and should be eating at least 1 Tablespoon of rice cereal three times a day by this age.

He ordered a bunch of tests, including 10 different blood tests, an ultrasound, and speech therapy. Yes, speech therapy for a 5 month old. Confused? I was too. He didn’t even address the fact that Simon still has barium in his system from the upper GI they did a month ago. I am supposed to return there in 1 month. Not gonna happen! I am not waiting that long to see if he will pass the barium on his own, and to see if there is anything else wrong.

After I left MR CRAZY DOC MAN’S office, I immediately called Dr K. We went to his office and even with a waiting room filled with patients, we were seen right away. Dr K said he didn’t really care for this GI doctor, but insurance rules must be followed, or I pay everything up front.

Did I mention I dislike insurance? Let’s just say that I am not a fan of insurance rules. Why can’t they just cover you wherever you go? I am thankful that we have insurance.

Dr K added some more blood tests to the list and said to get the blood tests done at the outside lab that the GI wants to use, and go back to see Dr K in one week. More waiting. He mentioned that Simon probably shouldn’t have been released from the hospital. WHAT?!?

All I want is to get the barium out of Simon’s system so we can get the VCUG done. If they want to order more tests, that is fine, as long as we don’t ignore the first problem.

I don’t know what to do anymore. I am trying to do what is best for Simon, while trying not to ignore my other kids. I am stressing over the fear that something might be seriously wrong, and trying to trust in God.

I spent all day Friday on the phone trying to figure out what to do. I called the insurance company to see if they would approve coverage to be seen by the original GI doctor from the hospital. The answer was NO! I was in tears a lot, and really just confused over everything. I feel like a horrible mother because I forgot to make lunch for my boys. Jameson finally came up to me and said, “Gavin and Teagen are sleeping, and I’m hungry.” I felt horrible and broke into tears again.

I called Scott because I really needed my husband to guide me. I needed him to tell me what to do. I was overwhelmed and couldn’t function on my own. Scott came home from work early, and sent me to the ER with Simon. He said that the only time anything was ever accomplished was at Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital, and that is where we needed to go. Of course he was right.

When we got to the ER there was a lot going on. They were very busy. I didn’t even see a doctor for 2 hours. That was okay though cuz I could have been waiting a whole month. Dr A came in and I told him the whole story. He looked at the records that I had with me from all the doctors Simon had seen. He looked at the tests ordered, and asked why they hadn’t checked for Celiac yet. He added that test, and then ordered lots of blood drawn and an x-ray, and an ultrasound.

It took three nurses and five attempts to get an IV in. Not fun! They filled six pediatric tubes with blood. That seemed like a lot. Half was to check for Celiac. We got the results back for blood, x-ray, and ultrasound, and everything was normal. It will take two weeks to know about the Celiac, but that is what Dr A thinks it is. Simon is showing all the symptoms of it. Very treatable. He would be gluten free for life.

Next, Dr A was very concerned about the barium. He told me that barium turns to cement in the body. He sees lots of babies in the ER after having barium. Simon was pretty bad though. He gave him an enema, and Simon gave birth to a huge ball of cement barium. It was about the size of two quarters.

They removed the IV, gave us a prescription and sent us on our way. We will find out in two weeks if the Celiac test is positive, and if it is then they will do a biopsy to confirm.

In the meantime, Simon slept through the night last night. He woke up this morning, ate, and hasn’t cried once. He is currently playing on the floor. I wasn’t able to set him down without him screaming before. I believe his is a lot more comfortable after getting that barium out.

Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. I am a lot less stressed after last night and getting answers and seeing a doctor that cared, and Simon is obviously more comfortable. Though God doesn't follow my timeline, He has always provided for and taken care of our family in His time, and we know He always will.

Thank you Lord, for taking care of our whole family. Thank you for guiding us in where to go and what to do. Thank you for my husband. Thank you for the doctors that cared. Thank you!

Answers

I just want answers. We have had so many doctor's appointments and procedures, and there is still no diagnosis. They still don't know why Simon is losing weight. They have a lot of idea's. There are many things it could be.

I keep going back in and keep being referred to another doctor. This one doesn't know what to do, so we get passed on to the next one. Results of this test are inconclusive, so lets try another one. All I want is to know what is wrong so it can be fixed.

Simon is now almost 6 months old, and has not even gained 2 pounds from birth. Average growth for a baby is to approx double in weight by 5-6 months. That would mean that Simon should be approx 16-20 lbs. He currently weighs 11 lbs 11oz.

I pray daily that we will get answers. I know it's all in God's time, and not mine as I would love to think. I am learning patience like you wouldn't believe. I keep telling God that this doesn't fit into "my" plan. He knows.

I have learned to give my children to God. I have to do this daily, because every day I try to take them back again. They are God's children. He has granted me the gift of raising them. I am blessed with being their mother and being able to teach them to honor God in all they do. When I give them to God, I rely on Him. He guides me. I know there is nothing I can do, and that hurts, but God has control.

This passage has been a comfort to me in this stressful time.

Philippians 4:6-9

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Update on Simon

I meant to post an update on Simon last week, but that didn't happen. On Tuesday we went in for the VCUG. They decided to take a quick picture to make sure there wasn't any more contrast in his system like there was the last time they tried to do this procedure. Guess what. There was still contrast. After two weeks. I was a little surprised. They sent us home without doing the procedure again. We rescheduled and are waiting.

On a positive note, Simon is sleeping better. He is also eating better, without spitting up much at all. He is happy. He is smiling and laughing. He would smile before, but not very often. Now he is smiling lots and even chuckles. It is adorable. We have the other VCUG scheduled for Wednesday, and I will let everyone know how that goes, and if we have to reschedule again or not. Please pray that all is okay.

It has been a waiting game from the beginning. There isn't much that I can do, and that is the worst feeling any mother can have. Watching your child that is sick or hurt or anything, and not being able to help. I have been feeling pretty inadequate. I am not able to tell what's wrong when he cries. The other boys were easy. I knew what they wanted and when. Now, I have this beautiful little one, and I have no idea what I'm doing. Baby #4 and I thought I would be a pro. Quite often I am debating with myself about my ability to care for him. The first three did fine, but Simon is different. Why am I not able to keep him healthy? Why am I not able to keep him happy? Why? Why? Why? I have no answers. I feel like I am not a good enough mom. I feel like I have failed.

I find my rest in God. I read my Bible, and don't find answers to my questions, but I do find peace. I find comfort. I feel like God is giving me a great big hug and telling me it's okay. It's hard to explain. Have you ever felt it? Has God ever made you feel better about the mess you're in without changing it at all?

Simon

It didn’t happen all of a sudden, but over a long period of time so it wasn’t that noticeable. The journey we have taken over the last couple of days has been hard, crazy, and a little scary. The only explanation we have for things turning out the way they did, is the grace and mercy of our Lord, Jesus.

It all started back in November. We brought Simon into the doctor because he was sick. It turned out he had bronchiolitis. At this point, he weighed 13lbs 6oz. He was put on medication, and we thought everything was fine. We proceeded with our plans to go to Tampa for Thanksgiving. When we got back, he was fine for a few days, then started screaming all the time. He wouldn’t sleep. He was up all night for a couple weeks. We tried everything. Driving him in the car didn’t work, he hated the swing, nothing was working. Finally we took him into the ER.

When he was at the ER, they weighed him and he was 12lbs 9oz. I was told that the difference in weight was just because the scales were different. I told them that he has been spitting up a lot ever since he was born, and there might be a problem relating to that. They did so many tests on him. They did x-rays, ultrasounds, blood and urine tests. They found nothing wrong.

We went home and went through more sleepless nights because nothing had changed. We brought him in to see the pediatrician and he sent Simon to the ER. There we were again with more tests. More blood and urine, another ultrasound, and still there was nothing wrong. The ER doctor came in and told me not to get so worked up when a baby cries. I am surprised I was able to hold my tongue. I don’t think she realized that I had three other kids at home, and this is not normal, even for this one. They sent us home with a prescription for Zantac for reflux cuz he spits up, and a diagnosis of colic.  ?!?!?!  Can anyone say bandaid.

Simon was doing fine after a few days. We kind of got into a routine of putting him to bed at 1am and getting up at 4am and traded nights when we would sleep. After a while things started to settle down a little bit. He started sleeping more, but was still spitting up a lot.

I noticed towards the end of January that Simon’s diapers were really loose on him. He shouldn’t be going down a size in diapers. On Tuesday January 31st I brought him in to the pediatrician again and he weighed 11lbs 6oz. He had lost a total of 2lbs. The doctor finally said that that isn’t just a difference in scales, and he needs to be admitted to the hospital to find out what is wrong. They labeled him “Failure to Thrive”.

We drove to the hospital and went through the admitting process, got a room, and saw a doctor. Finally things were being done. The doctors had different tests already scheduled to find out the problems. I talked to probably 3-4 different docs. They took blood and urine again. He weighed in at 11lbs 5oz. Everyone was so nice and answered my questions and informed me of everything. They noticed his arching back right away and scheduled some tests involving the GI docs.

They wanted to know exactly how much he was eating, and because I am breastfeeding, there isn’t really a way to tell. I ended up having to pump and then feed him a bottle. Very Frustrating. I ended up pumping every two hours, day and night, the entire time we were in the hospital. I didn’t get much sleep.

Because of his spitting up so much, they started him on Prevacid. We spent the rest of the day waiting and praying. There wasn’t really much to do there. I was able to get free hospital food, but that isn’t really good news.

On Wednesday February 1^st, they weighed him again. He was the same, 11lbs 5oz. They told me that was good because he wasn’t losing weight. I knew it meant another night in the hospital though. The doctor came in and updated me on the results of all his blood and urine tests. He had a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). They put him on antibiotics for that. They did an ultrasound later and found he had a dilated kidney. He also had an Upper GI Series. They had him drink some barium stuff and then watched on a video x-ray type of thing as he spit it up. They called it “Severe Reflux”. The docs wanted to see him gain some more weight and were thinking that the breast milk might not make it happen fast enough, so they want me to supplement with a formula called Neocate. It’s a high calorie formula, that is also insanely expensive. More waiting and praying.

On Thursday February 2^nd, they weighed him again. He gained a little, 11lbs 13oz. They came and did a sweat test on him. It didn’t work. He didn’t sweat. Because his left kidney is dilated, he might have vesicoureteral reflux. They had to get another urine sample to make sure the infection is gone so they can do a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG).

I know, that’s a lot of big words. Basically, his urine might be flowing back to his kidney, instead of out the way it’s supposed to go. The procedure checks the direction of the flow.

I was spending a lot of the time there alone. Scott was either working or with the boys. They stopped by daily, but only for a few minutes. I did talk to a lot of people on the phone and through texts and had one visitor.

On Friday February 3^rd, they weighed him again. He lost a little, 11lbs 11oz. He was still up from when he was admitted though. They weren’t able to do the VCUG because there was still barium in his system from the Upper GI. We scheduled the VCUG for Tuesday February 14^th. They let us go home.

We got home and we all feel better. Simon is even smiling. He followed up with the pediatrician on Monday February 6^th, and weighed 11lbs 11oz. He is acting better, and hopefully he will keep getting better.

The only thing I keep thinking is that we never would have found out about the UTI or dilated kidney if we hadn’t gone to the hospital. Simon never had a fever. It could have been really bad. We thank God for the mysterious ways he works. We know He is in control. I will post again after the 14^th with more results.

Cloth Diapers

I have been using cloth diapers on my boys for about a month now, and I thought I would share my adventures.

The diapers I got are called SunBaby. They are the stuffable kind, and also the adjustable size kind. I don’t know all the terms yet. I am not cloth diaper savvy yet. I am just a beginner, but I love it.

Simon is in the cloth diapers, and I love using them for him. He doesn’t seem to care either way, but it is actually easier for me to use cloth with him. When I snap the diaper up, it is the smallest I can make it, otherwise it falls off. I have to make sure his clothes will fit over the diaper, cuz they are a little bulkier than disposable. That’s fine with me.

Gavin is amazing with the cloth diapers. I have to put three inserts in at night to absorb everything, but it works great. After just a few days of wearing them, he started telling me when he pooped. A couple times he has told me and there was nothing there, so I put him on the potty. I am not very patient, so he only sat on the potty for about 15 minutes. After no poop in the potty I put his diaper on and he would poop. Oh well. We will keep working on it. The main idea here, is that he now notices when he goes.

Cleaning the diapers is an adventure. I purchased a hand held sprayer that hooks up to the bathroom sink. They also have ones that hook up to the toilet. I like the sink one, cuz I can control the temp of the water. When one of the boys poops, I take the diaper off, take the insert out, spray any poop off into the toilet, set diaper in 5 gal bucket, put cover on bucket, and wash hands. It does take a little more time than just tossing the diaper in the garbage, but after a few changes, I didn’t really mind. I am saving so much money this way too.

Every morning, I wash the diapers. I start filling the washer with hot water on a rinse cycle. I dump the diapers from the bucket in the wash, and use the sprayer to rinse the bucket into the toilet. I don’t put the lid down on my washer, so the rinse cycle doesn’t really start. The diapers sit and soak for about an hour. When I walk by the machine next, I lower the lid and the rinse cycle finishes. Then I start a regular wash and add soap. (I am using ‘Rockin Green’ from soap.com) The wash is also with hot water. When the wash is done, the diapers go into the dryer. No Softener. They tumble dry on a low heat setting. I haven’t run into any problems with major stains or anything yet, but if I do I will share those later.

This has been a great experience. I am so glad we decided to use cloth diapers. They are great. We have saved so much money, and it only takes a little more time. It is soooo worth it.

Baby video and sewing

Here is a picture of the hat I made for the boys. It's a knights helmet. I saw a picture, and just started crocheting. I didn't follow a pattern, and I am quite surprised that I was actually able to finish it. I think it's adorable, and the boys love it.

I am also working on making a penguin hat, elephant hat, dinosaur hat, and fireman hat. I may just start making these to sell. I will post pics of the new ones as I finish them. If you want one, just let me know.

I am having so much fun making stuff. I am so excited to get my little business going. 

This is a video of Simon in the jumper. I know, he is adorable!

 

I am having a great time with my boys every day. I feel so blessed to be a part of their lives. I thank God for trusting me to raise them. 

Lord, please guide me in training and raising these "men" for You.

Decision Making

When I have to make a decision, there is some serious inner turmoil.

There is a battle that goes on in my head. I have a really hard time with decisions. I will sit there while my husband will ask me again what I want. “Do you want strawberry ice cream, or mint chip ice cream?” See what I mean? Serious inner turmoil.

Here is the process my brain goes through. First I imagine eating the strawberry ice cream. YUMMO! Chunks of real strawberries in creamy strawberry ice cream. Then I imagine eating the mint chip. YUMMO! (again) Chocolate! Need I say more. Next I wonder if they can be mixed. Can you imagine. I don’t think that will work, but can I have a scoop of each in a bowl? No!

If you know me well, you know that there is no way my food can touch. Well, some can but some things just don’t mix. On Thanksgiving you can absolutely not have your mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, touching any kind of Jello or cranberries. (It all goes back to that little guy living in my stomach that separates all my food.) Long Story that I may just tell you sometime.

Knowing this, there is no way I can have a scoop of strawberry ice cream touching a scoop of mint chip ice cream. There is more deliberation in my brain. Two bowls! What a waste. More dishes to do. Back to deciding which one to eat. Can’t!

The husband can’t wait and has made the decision for me. I eat the strawberry, while dreaming of the mint chip.

Sewing

I have been working on sewing a lot lately. There are so many things that I want to make, and so little time I have to spend on making them. I usually crochet, but have been working on making some clothes and stuff. So far, I am working on making the following...

-a quilt (actually 2 different ones)
-a skirt for me and matching shirts for all my boys
-bookmarks
-pajama pants for the boys

I have also been working on getting some stuff together to sell. I am making wash cloths, and scrubbies for dishes. They work really well at getting stuck on food off and don't damage your pots and pans like metal scrubbies can.

I am currently crocheting some hats and headbands. I will post some pics of my finished projects as they are completed. In the mean time, keep checking back. I am going to start taking orders on stuff soon.

Christmas Letter 2011

It has been one eventful year. We have experienced some life changing events like welcoming our fourth son into our family in September. He was born at a birthing center. I had my heart set on a water birth, so that’s what we did. Click here to read his birth story. Simon has been such a blessing, and a wonderful addition to our family. Having four boys is not easy, but it sure is fun. I have a blast staying home and teaching my boys. Because we are home schooling, I am able to spend a lot of time with them. They are all wild and energetic, but what else can you expect from little boys.

Jameson is 6 and is learning things so fast. He doesn’t stop talking and asking questions. He wants to know everything. He loves to draw pictures, and make up stories.

Teagen is 3 ½ and is our resident klutz. He is always tripping or hurting himself somehow. He has a great sense of humor, and loves to build things.

Gavin is 20 months and is growing up too fast. He is talking so much and in full sentences. He is huge, tall and stocky, bigger than some 3yr olds I’ve seen. He is a great big brother. He loves the baby and even has his own baby doll he has to sleep with. (Yes, we let our boy have a doll. It’s a great way to practice being a daddy.)

Simon is 3 months and was born with red hair. None of the others had any hair for the first year and Simon has lots and it’s red. It sticks up and is so cute. He loves his brothers. They poke and pull on him and he doesn’t care. He was sick recently, and wouldn’t sleep. We had a couple weeks of no sleep, but he seems to be better now.

Another major event this year would be Scott making two trips to Haiti. He came back in February a changed man. He was baptized shortly after his return. He returned to Haiti in November, and encountered one of the poorest cities, possibly in the world. Scott has a heart for the Haitian people, and feels led to continue to serve God in Haiti.

We moved in April to an apartment closer to church. We have been really involved with Bible studies and other events. We attended a “Fundamentals of Faith” class, and also “Financial Peace University”.

In July, we had some trials. Scott lost his job. He was unemployed for three weeks, and then got a job at Chick-Fil-A. It’s a fast food restaurant, which Scott has lots of experience in. It is also a Christian organization. They are closed on Sundays. Scott has been able to spend much more time at home with the family. We had been praying for more time together, and this is how God provided it.

We took a trip to Tampa over Thanksgiving to see Scott’s family there. Everyone was there, and it was great to see them all. We had a blast just hanging out and playing cards, and swimming. The boys loved seeing their cousins.

After returning from Tampa, the transmission went out on our van. It is now fixed. There really isn’t much more to say about this. It wasn’t covered under warranty because we are not the original owners.

I am working on keeping my blog updated. I haven’t posted for a while, because I haven’t had a computer to use. The boys, though behaving very well, are sometimes destructive. There was an incident with my coffee and the laptop computer. All I can say is that now a fund is set up to buy a new computer. I do now have a temporary replacement, so please continue to check my blog for updates and pictures.

We are spending Christmas this year in Florida. We miss you all a lot, but hope to make it to Minnesota sometime in late spring or early summer. We wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In Christ’s Love

The Foster Family