Thursday, January 29, 2009
Jolly Baby Brook
Brooks Heart
Well, we had our appointment at the Childrens Variety Heart Clinic in Winnipeg yesterday, and the results were wonderful! Our last appointment had been an unfortunate experience. Brook was 4 days old, we couldn’t seem to nurse in public, and there were no parking spots anywhere!
This appointment was completely different. Before we left I found out where we could park without walking too far. (those car seats are heavy, and Brook weighs 14 lbs now) and we mentally prepared ourselves to sit and wait for at least a few hours.
Brook had an ultrasound, and because they already knew where to look for the hole in her heart, it only took about 5 minutes for them to complete the test. Trevor held her little hands above her head and talked to her to keep her busy. She just lay there, staring a the Lab Tech and stretching every now and then. I can imagine the ultrasound gel felt funny on her little chest. She did so well. The Doctor had told me that if we couldn’t get her to lie still they would have to sedate her. I was so happy she was content.
The Doctor took one look at the ultrasound pictures, came to the waiting room and told us that the hole was much smaller and that it would likely not effect her long term! He wants to see her again in 18 months. He figures that by then the hole will be completely gone. Our appointment was at 1:15pm. We were done, out of the clinic and back on the road by 1:45! Wow. Thank the Lord! We had been expecting a very different experience.
Every now and then I will be sitting with Brook with my hand on her chest, and I can feel her heart beat. So many different emotions go through me. First a wondering if her heart would be OK, then remembering that God has it all under control. Followed by my motherly instinct to want to protect her. Usually ending with a big kiss and a hug. I think that’s a good way to end.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
CCCCold
So, its a little cold. Today it was -30C, with the windchill about -50C. Its a little nippy. Tomorrow's supposed to be just as cold if not colder. I am so glad that our car is nice and warm in the garage this winter. It starts every time. I am so glad that I am in a nice warm house!
I took Sam for a walk this afternoon thinking "it's gonna get really cold this evening, so lets go for a walk while the sun is up. It can't be that cold." Sam and I walked about 3 blocks, and I turned her back towards home and all the sudden Sam was pulling on the leash. I stopped and looked at her. Her face was covered in frost and if she could have stood on one leg she would have. We went home. My dog is getting to be a suck.
January has been a good for Youth and Trevor. Now that school is back in session it seems that life has returned to "normal" a bit. Kids are coming to youth and bible studies on a regular basis. He is getting to know the kids through the events and by taking them out for coffee. Trev took a group of kids to the Brandon YFC U-Turn house we used to live in. It is under renovation right now so he figured it would be a good opportunity for the youth to get involved. They were on the way home and Trev asked his car full of girls if they wanted to stop and get a drink somewhere, but they just wanted to go to the mall and shop. Trev reminded them that they were covered in drywall dust and maybe they should skip the mall today. He's enjoying the challenge of getting to know the junior youth that have a lot of energy.
Brook and I went to our Church's ladies retreat at Metegoshe Ministries. It's just across the boarder. We had a good time. We had our vehicle searched at the boarder, but other than that our time was pretty uneventful. Brook was good to me and did well, and it helped that there was no shortage of babysitters. We didn't have a speaker, but we watched videos of a lady called Anita Renfroe. we laughed a lot! We played Mad Gab, which with most people is fun, but with these ladies it was hilarious. Half of them couldn't read the cards because they didn't have their glasses on. It was a good time.
Brook is growing like a weed. She's now 3 months old and changing every week. She's started rolling onto her side and likes to watch the TV. (which bugs me a little) We've started her on a bottle, sort of. It's definitely not easy for her yet, but she's doin it. Trev got to feed her for the first time tonight, and it was pretty special for him. I'm thinking the bottle will give me some freedom one of these days when I just need to get out and do something.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Christmas 2008
December 30, 2008
Brooks first Christmas was great. We spent the 24th at home, attending the Christmas Eve service here in Boissevain in the evening. Every time there were applause she woke up, but quickly went back to sleep in Trev’s warm arms. That night Brook gave me a fantastic Christmas present by sleeping until 7:30 am! Wow!
The next morning we went to Brandon and spent Christmas with the Fleming family. Everyone was there. Poor Jackie was extremely pregnant, with another 3 weeks to her due date. At that time we had no idea that she was only days away from Kate Sophia being born. She arrived December 29th at around 12 noon. She weighted 6lbs 4oz. A cute little Christmas present. Things went well at Ken and Judy’s. Brook got more presents than both Trevor and I combined. We headed home in the evening.
On the 26th we headed to the Farm. We spent most of the afternoon at Ben and Joy’s house with all the extended family there too. Brook went on strike. She’d had enough of being passed around and put in the car seat. We retired early and headed back to Mom and Dad’s. As soon as we got there Brook was a different baby. We laid her on the kitchen table and she kicked and smiled and was happy to be left alone. The next morning we had our “Christmas morning”, and once again Brook got more presents than both of Trevor and I combined. Grandma and Grandpa really love her.
That afternoon we packed up and went to Winkler and as an entire family we stayed at the Days inn. Good times. We spent the 27th, 28th, and left on the 29th. We had a good time swimming, eating and visiting. Once again, Brook was not impressed with being passed around so Trev and I took turns trying to keep her happy. I was amazed that she slept so well. She slept through the night twice in a row on the 27th and 28th. I felt like a million bucks getting that much sleep! It was amazing. We arrived home on the 29th to find out that Kate Sophia had been born.
Brook is changing so much! It seems like every week is so different. Lately she has been having a bit more trouble in the evenings, being fussy and a little hard to deal with. There have been a few times where I have had to stay home with her because she was not up for a social event. It can be a bit frustrating at times, but it’s all part of being a parent. I am sure she will change again next week. Right now she enjoys sitting up and looking around. She is already holding her own head up and watches people when they talk to her. She has not yet mastered the hand eye co-ordination, but it’s wont be long. She has discovered her arms and loves watching them. She has a blue sleeper with dogs on them that have red noses. There is a bright red nose on one of her toes and she watched that all afternoon last week. She likes Christmas tree garland, and it’s fun to watch her pull it to her face and then cough because it tickles her. Everyone says she is really attentive for her age. She is gaining weight like crazy! I don’t know what her weight is, but she must be close to 13lbs. All in all we are both very proud of our little girl. It won’t be long and she won’t be so little any more. Some days I can just imagine her opening her mouth and talking.
