One of the biggest attractions to blogging for me is the hope that I will sit down more frequently to write down the funny moments that Zeke & Kaelyn have blessed us with daily. I know that Brad and I have been disappointed in the past to realize how quickly we forget all the cute words, funny sayings and priceless moments. So here is our new attempt to "capture" those memories.
Here are some of the more recent "Zeke-isms."
1. At bedtime the other night, Zeke & Brad were saying their prayers. At the end of Zeke's prayer he said, "God, please be with Me, Kaelyn, Daddy & Mommy. Help us to take our vitamins and Singular (his allergy medicine) to help us stay hel-fy."
2. On Friday, while the kids and I were driving in the car (running errands), Zeke informed me that he thought I was a "sorry sucker" (a term that he and his Daddy use to affectionately describe each other). I pretended to be quite offended at this statement and as I complained about his description of me, Zeke told me, "Don't worry about it Momma, it's opo-sis day."
3. Anyone who has spent any time at our house in the winter knows how much Brad likes to avoid the use of centralized heat. We LOVE the cooler weather that winter brings and one of the ways that we savor the coolness is by allowing our house to drop to unusually low temperatures. Like father like son......we have discovered that Zeke is quite warm-natured also. One morning last week we got up to a house temperature of a brisk 58 degrees. Zeke woke up, walked into the living room and said, "Mom, may I please take my shirt off.... I am SO hot!" We really do live in the wrong part of the globe for the 2 males in our house.....the North Pole is where I believe they would be best suited. Then (maybe) they would finally get cooled off!
4. This past year proved to be a challenging one for Zeke with seperation anxiety from his momma. There were numerous times when Zeke could be found clinging to my ankles as I would try to leave the house or the room for that matter. Zeke found comfort in staying within a 24 inch range....anything more brought on lots of tears and agony. Turning four-years-old brought a big change in materity for Zeke and he has been pleasently content with life and events happening around him.
Just the other day, my friend Kara Dennis and her two children were over to visit. I was leaving for a doctor's appointment and before leaving, I gave Zeke a couple of choices.
J: Mommy has to go to the doctor...would you like to stay here with Mrs. Kara or would you like to go to the doctor with me? (feeling certain that he would choose going with his mommy of course!)
Z: I want to stay here with Mrs. Kara and Jackson.
J: (kidding with him) But Zeke! Mommy will be so lonely. I will really miss you!
Z: It's ok Momma (as he patted my back)....don't be sad....you'll be back in just a little bit. (got to love hearing your own words being quoted back to you)
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Blogging Adventure Has Begun
Ok, so I'm probably the one of the slowest technological persons that I know. I have recently enjoyed viewing the blogs of some of my closest friends and decided that I needed to "take the plunge" and join in cyberspace journaling.
Monday, January 7, 2008
One Year Mark
Dear Family & Friends,
I wanted to take a minute to thank each of you for all of the support that you have extended to our family over the past year. Tomorrow marks the day that Brad went in for his first surgery last year.
It has been an incredibly difficult year for us and I don't know how we would have made it through without your help. You carried us through a time we could not have possibly navigated on our own. We feel so grateful for your support: the calls, the home visits, the hospital visits, the dinners (which were too numerous to count), the cards, the gifts, and of course the endless prayers. Thank you for all of the ways you showed love and kindness to our family. We are so blessed to have each of you in our lives.
I have been meaning to send an update on Brad for some time and the lack of conclusive information has kept me from it. I kept waiting, thinking that we would know something more....now several months of waiting have passed and we still are uncertain.
In mid-October, Brad went in for a routine follow-up CT scan on his chest. Doctors found a few small spots on his lungs at that time but were not willing to commit to what they thought the spots might be. Brad's orthapedic oncologist told us at that point that he wanted to refer us to see a medical oncologist. Being that Brad's problem at this point could possibly be systemic, we chose to go into MD Anderson to meet with Dr. Bob Benjamin (a doctor who had been referred to us by several other oncologists).
In the first part of November we had an appointment with Dr. Benjamin who looked at Brad's scans. Dr. B said he was uncertain as to what he thought they were and ordered other x-rays and scans to be done. After looking at the 2nd scans, he was still unwilling to commit to any answers about the spots but they did notice that Brad had develped bi-lateral pnemonia.
Since that time we have been waiting. Brad unfortunately has been suffering from a lot of chest congestion/coughing from the pnemonia which I am still not convinced that he has recovered completely from. This past weekend he threw he back out and has been in bed trying to recover from that. The coughing and the back pain has kept him from being able to rest well at night. I am asking that we pray Brad recovers quickly from his recent health setbacks. He feels like his body is just not keeping up with him right now and I know that he is ready to get over the illness & ready to rid himself of the back pain.
I would also like to ask for a special prayer for Brad's parents....they have both been ill recently too (especially his mother) and I know that the stress of Brad's health has kept them from taking good care of themselves. Our next scheduled appointment to have another CT scan run is January 23rd and we follow up to see the doctor the next morning (24th).
We are praying for answers so that we may move forward from this point. Thank you again for all of your prayers.
We love you all,
Jenny
I wanted to take a minute to thank each of you for all of the support that you have extended to our family over the past year. Tomorrow marks the day that Brad went in for his first surgery last year.
It has been an incredibly difficult year for us and I don't know how we would have made it through without your help. You carried us through a time we could not have possibly navigated on our own. We feel so grateful for your support: the calls, the home visits, the hospital visits, the dinners (which were too numerous to count), the cards, the gifts, and of course the endless prayers. Thank you for all of the ways you showed love and kindness to our family. We are so blessed to have each of you in our lives.
I have been meaning to send an update on Brad for some time and the lack of conclusive information has kept me from it. I kept waiting, thinking that we would know something more....now several months of waiting have passed and we still are uncertain.
In mid-October, Brad went in for a routine follow-up CT scan on his chest. Doctors found a few small spots on his lungs at that time but were not willing to commit to what they thought the spots might be. Brad's orthapedic oncologist told us at that point that he wanted to refer us to see a medical oncologist. Being that Brad's problem at this point could possibly be systemic, we chose to go into MD Anderson to meet with Dr. Bob Benjamin (a doctor who had been referred to us by several other oncologists).
In the first part of November we had an appointment with Dr. Benjamin who looked at Brad's scans. Dr. B said he was uncertain as to what he thought they were and ordered other x-rays and scans to be done. After looking at the 2nd scans, he was still unwilling to commit to any answers about the spots but they did notice that Brad had develped bi-lateral pnemonia.
Since that time we have been waiting. Brad unfortunately has been suffering from a lot of chest congestion/coughing from the pnemonia which I am still not convinced that he has recovered completely from. This past weekend he threw he back out and has been in bed trying to recover from that. The coughing and the back pain has kept him from being able to rest well at night. I am asking that we pray Brad recovers quickly from his recent health setbacks. He feels like his body is just not keeping up with him right now and I know that he is ready to get over the illness & ready to rid himself of the back pain.
I would also like to ask for a special prayer for Brad's parents....they have both been ill recently too (especially his mother) and I know that the stress of Brad's health has kept them from taking good care of themselves. Our next scheduled appointment to have another CT scan run is January 23rd and we follow up to see the doctor the next morning (24th).
We are praying for answers so that we may move forward from this point. Thank you again for all of your prayers.
We love you all,
Jenny
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Hallelujah....Brad is OFF BEDREST!!
Brad went in to the doctor on Tuesday for his follow-up appointment. We are thrilled to announce that he is OFF bedrest! Hallelujah!!
Brad had a few instructions for Dr. Marco when we went in on Tuesday...Brad let him know that he would be taking out his stitches that day, he would be starting PT the next and he would be swimming in his pool by the weekend. Dr. Marco said that the plan seemed reasonable enough to him. Hooray!
Brad said that once he is able to get into the pool, he invisions himself taking the Nestea plunge. I think we will have to have a party at that point. We are so excited for this new-found freedom for Brad. He is even driving! It is such a relief to see him moving around the house and getting out and about now. It gives me such a sense of peace to see him moving forward towards recovery. He is in great spirits and I know that he is looking forward to regaining strength in his right leg. He is especially looking to the day when he can chuck those crutches into a lake somewhere!
We are so thankful for God's healing on Brad. We are thankful for all of your continued support during these past eight months. I know that we could not have done it without you. You are an amazing family of believers and we send a prayer of thanks each night thanking God for each of you. Praise God for his healing power!
Brad had a few instructions for Dr. Marco when we went in on Tuesday...Brad let him know that he would be taking out his stitches that day, he would be starting PT the next and he would be swimming in his pool by the weekend. Dr. Marco said that the plan seemed reasonable enough to him. Hooray!
Brad said that once he is able to get into the pool, he invisions himself taking the Nestea plunge. I think we will have to have a party at that point. We are so excited for this new-found freedom for Brad. He is even driving! It is such a relief to see him moving around the house and getting out and about now. It gives me such a sense of peace to see him moving forward towards recovery. He is in great spirits and I know that he is looking forward to regaining strength in his right leg. He is especially looking to the day when he can chuck those crutches into a lake somewhere!
We are so thankful for God's healing on Brad. We are thankful for all of your continued support during these past eight months. I know that we could not have done it without you. You are an amazing family of believers and we send a prayer of thanks each night thanking God for each of you. Praise God for his healing power!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
ER Visit
On Monday morning (while Kaelyn and I were recovering at my parents), Brad went in to the doctor because of pain through his back causing shortness of breath & back spasms. The doctor was quick to be concerned of Brad's symptoms because of his post-surgery condition. The doctor sent Brad by ambulance to Patients hospital in Pasadena. He showed concern that Brad might be experiencing a collapsed lung or a blood clot near his lungs.
Brad spent all of Monday and Tuesday at the hospital undergoing tests to check his lungs, heart, and chest. All of the more serious possibilites were ruled out today so they let Brad go home. It looks like Brad either somehow threw out his back (maybe a result of all the bedrest and then crutching around the house?) or pinched a nerve in the right side of his back. He has injured his back in a similar way one other time before and it has been very painful for him. We are very relieved with the diagnosis...praise God!
We will be going in to the oncologist on Thursday for a follow-up appointment. Lord willing, Brad will be released from bed rest and will be able to begin his physical therapy on his leg. It seems that the prolonged bedrest is causing other issues for him at this point so he is more than ready to begin a new phase of his recovery process.
Thank you for all of your support: the calls, emails, prayers, visits, dinners, "bed rest entertainment gifts", etc. Brad and I are so blessed by each of you. You have made us feel so loved and taken care of. We have witnessed God's love through each of your kind acts and we hope that you know how much we appreciate you.
Brad spent all of Monday and Tuesday at the hospital undergoing tests to check his lungs, heart, and chest. All of the more serious possibilites were ruled out today so they let Brad go home. It looks like Brad either somehow threw out his back (maybe a result of all the bedrest and then crutching around the house?) or pinched a nerve in the right side of his back. He has injured his back in a similar way one other time before and it has been very painful for him. We are very relieved with the diagnosis...praise God!
We will be going in to the oncologist on Thursday for a follow-up appointment. Lord willing, Brad will be released from bed rest and will be able to begin his physical therapy on his leg. It seems that the prolonged bedrest is causing other issues for him at this point so he is more than ready to begin a new phase of his recovery process.
Thank you for all of your support: the calls, emails, prayers, visits, dinners, "bed rest entertainment gifts", etc. Brad and I are so blessed by each of you. You have made us feel so loved and taken care of. We have witnessed God's love through each of your kind acts and we hope that you know how much we appreciate you.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
More Bed Rest
Friends & Family,
Brad went back to the doctor today for another follow-up appointment. The doctor was pleased with Brad's healing over the past week, but unfortunately the incision has not entirely healed & is still draining some. Dr. Marco said that Brad should continue bed rest on his stomach for at least another week. I am asking for prayers for Brad's mental health during this week.
Friends from church have been so wonderful to come by each day for visits. It really helps to pass the time when he shares the evening with guys to play video games, cards, and dominoes.
I would also like to request prayers that Brad is able to rest at night. He has really struggled to get comfortable enough to fall asleep and stay asleep in the evening. Most nights he only gets to sleep 2 or 3 hours, thus making for long nights when the rest of the house is snoring around him. Of course, it doesn't help his mind to be tired all the time.
Thank you so much for all of your help. You are the most amazing support group: your cards, calls, visits, dinners, and prayers mean so much to us. We are truly blessed.
We love you all.
Jenny
Brad went back to the doctor today for another follow-up appointment. The doctor was pleased with Brad's healing over the past week, but unfortunately the incision has not entirely healed & is still draining some. Dr. Marco said that Brad should continue bed rest on his stomach for at least another week. I am asking for prayers for Brad's mental health during this week.
Friends from church have been so wonderful to come by each day for visits. It really helps to pass the time when he shares the evening with guys to play video games, cards, and dominoes.
I would also like to request prayers that Brad is able to rest at night. He has really struggled to get comfortable enough to fall asleep and stay asleep in the evening. Most nights he only gets to sleep 2 or 3 hours, thus making for long nights when the rest of the house is snoring around him. Of course, it doesn't help his mind to be tired all the time.
Thank you so much for all of your help. You are the most amazing support group: your cards, calls, visits, dinners, and prayers mean so much to us. We are truly blessed.
We love you all.
Jenny
Thursday, May 10, 2007
IND
Friends & Family,
We continue to thank you for your prayers, cards, phone calls, meals, and unwavering emotional support.
We are so grateful for each of you. Since Brad's surgery on the 23rd, he has been struggling with a lot of drainage from the incisions that just won't seem to heal. There has been some concern of infection in his leg.
After Brad's Tuesday doctor's appointment, Dr. Marco was not comfortable with the way that Brad's wound was progressing and decided to admit him into the hospital the following afternoon for surgery. Although the original plan was to only clean out the incisions and wound area, during the procedure Dr. Marco decided to also change out all of the parts of his knee replacement that were not already cemented to his bone (a much more involved procedure).
Dr. Marco said that he did not see any visual signs of infection but that there could still be microbacteria present. Dr. Marco ran a culture of fluid from his leg on Tuesday and we should have those results some time next week to determine if infection is/was present.
An internal medicine doctor came by his room today to perscribe him antibiotics to give him as a preventative measure. There was some confusion following surgery about getting Brad the appropriate pain medication to match the gravity of the surgery that they decided on after opening him up.
Unfortunately Brad was in a great deal of pain for several hours following the procedure. Thankfully, the nurses have adjusted the medication and he is resting more comfortably at this time. A drain has been left in Brad's leg to help pull fluid off the wound and allow the area to heal. He has been instructed to not work on any physical therapy at this time and keep his leg still so that it may heal well first.
Once healed, he will then be able to resume physical therapy to get him back on his feet. He is more than ready to be back on his feet. We are praying that Brad's pain continues to remain controlled. We are also praying for quick healing and added strength. These last two back-to-back surgeries have really taken a lot out of him both physically and mentally.
Thank you for your continued support. We hope that this is the last surgery for Brad for a VERY long time.
We love you all.
Hugs, Jen
We continue to thank you for your prayers, cards, phone calls, meals, and unwavering emotional support.
We are so grateful for each of you. Since Brad's surgery on the 23rd, he has been struggling with a lot of drainage from the incisions that just won't seem to heal. There has been some concern of infection in his leg.
After Brad's Tuesday doctor's appointment, Dr. Marco was not comfortable with the way that Brad's wound was progressing and decided to admit him into the hospital the following afternoon for surgery. Although the original plan was to only clean out the incisions and wound area, during the procedure Dr. Marco decided to also change out all of the parts of his knee replacement that were not already cemented to his bone (a much more involved procedure).
Dr. Marco said that he did not see any visual signs of infection but that there could still be microbacteria present. Dr. Marco ran a culture of fluid from his leg on Tuesday and we should have those results some time next week to determine if infection is/was present.
An internal medicine doctor came by his room today to perscribe him antibiotics to give him as a preventative measure. There was some confusion following surgery about getting Brad the appropriate pain medication to match the gravity of the surgery that they decided on after opening him up.
Unfortunately Brad was in a great deal of pain for several hours following the procedure. Thankfully, the nurses have adjusted the medication and he is resting more comfortably at this time. A drain has been left in Brad's leg to help pull fluid off the wound and allow the area to heal. He has been instructed to not work on any physical therapy at this time and keep his leg still so that it may heal well first.
Once healed, he will then be able to resume physical therapy to get him back on his feet. He is more than ready to be back on his feet. We are praying that Brad's pain continues to remain controlled. We are also praying for quick healing and added strength. These last two back-to-back surgeries have really taken a lot out of him both physically and mentally.
Thank you for your continued support. We hope that this is the last surgery for Brad for a VERY long time.
We love you all.
Hugs, Jen
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