Maylee and Micah...so cute!!!! 

The toddlers playing Micah's room.  

Tate's looking cute in his sunglasses!  

Maylee and Micah playing in the pool.  

Wow...lots of babies and toddlers!!! 

Micah Pictorial

I have posted some recent pictures on Micah's Blog. You can view his blog by clicking on the Micah Pictorial link.

CAMP

As most of you know, I have been working at our church doing an intern position with the children's ministry. This week, we are taking the children to day camp. Yesterday, I spent the day with them at camp. The had a blast and I had fun too! At the end of July, Charlie and I are going to be counselors at a spend the night camp.

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Our 4th of July Celebrations

Usually over the 4th of July break, we go camping, but this time we stayed close to home. On Sunday, our church had a huge Patriotic Celebration at the fairgrounds. Charlie and I helped out by running a couple of the booths. He did the snow cones and I made cotton candy. Micah was there as well. His favorite thing was playing in the ice.

We visited Charlie's parents house on Monday. We took Micah to McDonalds and he had his first ice cream cone! See pictures below.

Charlie working hard!!

Cooling down with a snow cone.

To Good to be TRUE!

YUMMY!!!

A Different Kind of Day

Today was our 4th anniversary. Last year, we spent our anniversary in the hospital with our very sick 5 month old. We had a trip planned to Colorado and 24 hours before our plane was to take off, Micah spiked a high fever. We were sent to the hospital and there we stayed for four days.

This year, we decided to do something just the two of us. We have not done anything like this since Micah was born. We don't have any family near, so therefore no free baby sitting services. We don't even take the night out to have dinner and a movie. We do need to do this though!!! It is great for the marriage. Well anyway, we dropped Micah off at a friends house this morning and headed to White Water. We got there when it opened. It was not crowded at that point, so we were able to get right on and off most any ride. It reminded me of our dating days or when we were newly married as we floated down the river and rode the waves at the beach. But this time it did feel a good bit different. We were parents now and there was a little guy back at home probably wondering where we were. We tried not to talk about Micah, but it was hard. As we floated down the river, the song that I was singing was one from the Wiggles. How crazy!!!!

After lunch, the park began to get really crowded and we were getting hungry. We got discouraged when we saw the prices of the food. It would have been $12 each to eat. We could not see paying that for chicken, fries and a drink. We finished up at the park and left a little early, so that we could enjoy a nice meal together at a resturaunt. We got home a little earlier then expected. I guess we were both missing our precious toddler. We had a great time just the two of us, but I realize how much Micah has completed us. He has definently changed our lives, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

Micah Steps

Micah was given some practice steps by his therapist. This is his initial introduction to them.

Micah's new toy

Micah got this new toy with all the balls in it. This is the video of his introduction to it.

In therapy, we are working with Micah on navigating steps. We have been working on this skill for a while. We do not have steps inside our house, so it has been slow going for him. The only place for us to practice is on our porch or at other places with stairs. This week his therapist brought over the perfect toddler stairs, so that he can get more practice. They are just his size. He is good at going up them and does it in his own little way, but refuses to come back down. This is one skill that I am ready for him to learn, so that I don't get as nervous when he is around steps.

I Can Do It Myself!!!!

Micah is becoming more and more independent everyday. His new thing now is to try and feed himself with a spoon. We are working on this a little at each meal, but he is by no means ready to fly solo yet! We have tried it with yogurt and grits. Those seem to be the easiest, because they stick to the spoon. When he actually gets some in his mouth, he gets a big smile on his face. He feels proud and his mama does too!!!!

Yum...good!

COMMENTS

Charlie has just set-up my blog to where anyone can post messages. All that you need to do is enter your name and email address. You do not have to have an account with blogger and your email is not used for soliciting.

What a Blessing!!!

Micah had a follow-up CT Scan on Wednesday to check the size of his ventricles and the amount of fluid around his brain. Tests like this always make me nervous, because I know the pain that waits him with the IV. It also makes it hard, because we have to get him up early in the morning and drive through rush hour in Atlanta without giving him anything to eat. It puts a lot of stress on all of us, but this time it was much different.

We arrived at the hospital just in time, got him registered and then sat to wait for them to call him back. One of the staff members at the hospital came up to us with a handful of stuffed animals. Micah got to choose which one he wanted and of course...he grabbed the dog. I thought that was very sweet of them to give the kids little loveys to make them feel more relaxed. We have had wonderful experiences at the hospital every time we have been there. It is very much so a kid friendly environment. Well, back to the details of the test. The nurse that came to get Micah said that she would try first and see if she could do it without having him put to sleep. Charlie began to express our concerns to her about how many times they had to stick him last time and how tramatic it was for all of us. I was thinking to myself, that there was no way a 15-month-old was going to lay completely still while a noisy machine was overhead. She wrapped him up like a newborn with his pacifier and blankie, while Charlie and I put on our lead aprons. I was instructed to put pressure on his chin, so that he did not move his head. The machine was loud and that scared him. I sang to Wiggles to him even louder and just a couple of minutes later, the Radiologist came back in the room and told us that she was able to get the pictures she needed. Praise the Lord!!! That was the easiest test that Micah has ever had. No needle sticks for him that day.

We then proceeded across the street to get the results from his Neurosurgeon. To make an already long story short, he ruled out Hydrocephalus and gave us an overall good report. His suggestions were to continue therapy and have Micah follow-up with a pediactric ophthalmologist. The reason for the follow-up is to double check that he is not experiencing any intercranial pressure and to treat a blocked tear duct.

Things could have turned out a lot differently, but the Lord answered our prayers.

See the picture below of a happy mama and baby after a very easy and painless test.

All done!!!

Micah's New Do!!!!

Charlie gave Micah a hair cut Sunday Morning. It is really short, but looks really cute. Monday morning when he woke up, this is what it looked like.

He Provides!

Charlie and I have been a little overwhelmed over the past several months with our financial situation. Since December of 2005, Micah has seen lots of different specialists, had several tests done and surgery. This along with a couple of other debts has left us scraping by at the end of each month. When we first found out about our financial situation, we brought our situation before the Lord and prayed that he would ease our minds about this and provide in way that only He could. We then did all the necessary things to cut back in most every area as well as sell a couple of big items. I also applied for the position at our church as the summer intern for the children's ministry to make extra money for the summer. If all of this took place and nothing else big happened, then we would be debt free by the end of the year. This is something that we have strived for for quite some time now, but with Micah's recent expenses it has not been possible.

Just this week we have sat on our couch together and had another prayer, but this time it was a prayer of thanks. We our now debt free!!!! It is a wonderful feeling and it happened months sooner then we thought. We know that this was the Lord providing through many different ways. He used people and items that we had to sell. The Lord allows everything to happen for a reason. When we are traveling through the valleys, we don't usually understand why. Looking back on things (finances, Micah's situation, etc.) and still perservering through some, I can say that the Lord was wanting me to have a stronger trust and put my faith in Him alone. As parents, I think that some times we want to try and have the answer for everything and think that we can do it all ourselves. I know now that I can't and never will be able to again. I need the Lord now more then ever before. I need to be on my knees praying for my husband, my son and for the Lord's blessings on our family.

We Match!

Micah has a new friend. Every time we go to Walmart, Micah points at Ronald who is sitting on the bench of front of McDonalds. When we are finished with our shopping, he gets to sit on Ronald McDonald's lap.

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

UH-OH!!!!

Micah's favorite thing to say right now is uh-oh. Over the weekend he had a big uh-oh when we were at Waffle House eating breakfast. He loves to play with the packets of coffee cream. He got one, put it in his mouth and POP...it went all over the place. After it popped he was shocked and afraid that he was going to be in trouble. Then he saw that we were all laughing at him, so he thought is was funny as well. He made a huge mess! Cream was all over the floor, his face, hands and pants. Toddlers are so much fun!!!!

Splish Splash

We went camping over Memorial Day weekend. We love to camp and Micah is really starting to enjoy it too. He loves to be outside, so camping for him is a dream come true! This time we decided to take along a baby pool. This was his first time since the weather has gotten warmer in the water. At first he was not so sure about it, because he was cold. After a couple of minutes he was splashing around and having a great time. See pictures below.

Cold!!!!

Micah and Meme getting ready for the pool.

Micah's Boo Boos

I took Micah to the doctor yesterday for his 15 month check-up. I did not realize that he would be getting 4 shots. I hate having to hold him down while he is screaming his lungs off in pain. It takes a while for them to give 4 shots, but while I am holding him down it seems like an eternity. He enjoyed looking down at his Bugs Bunny bandaids when his sweet little legs were exposed. Today he has 3 bruises in the spot where the shots were given. Poor little guy! See pictures below.

Cutie Pie!!!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

This is a picture of one of my best friend's newborn baby boy. His name is Luke. Her due date with Luke was May 12th or 13th. The entire time that she was pregnant, I told her that she would have the baby on my birthday. She would always say that there was no way she would go that far past her due date with her THIRD baby. She did not quite make it to her due date with her first two. Well, I was right!!! Luke was born last Tuesday, May 16th...MY BIRTHDAY! I told you so, Debbie! :) He was my favorite birthday present! The neatest part of the whole thing is that their first son was born on Charlie's birthday and now their third son was born on my birthday.

Mother's Day and Birthday

I have not posted in a few days. The last week has been an emotional one and I have not felt much like blogging. There are several items that I have wanted to blog about, so over the next couple of days, I will probably post several different things.

Last weekend my family got together to celebrate mine and my brother's birthday. My birthday is the 16th of May and his is the 26th. My mother always took advantage of this growing up and we usually had combined birthday parties. I remember one year we had a combined party and his theme was race cars and mine was clowns. I think it was clowns...at least that's what the cake was. The two go together so well! :) My mom was always great about making us a homemade cake that she decorated herself. I guess that is probably one of the things that I remember most about my birthdays growing up. Well we celebrated this year by taking a trip to Lake Burton and grilling hamburgers, fishing and playing at the park. Our children were the ones running around all over the place having a wonderful time. My, how time flies!!!! I can remember when I was a little girl swinging on the swings and sliding down slides. Now, I am standing by my toddler has he begins to experience these wonderful and innocent things of childhood.

The next day was Mother's Day. My parents went to church with us. I really enjoyed the service. All the mothers received a rose and a devotional book. I held my rose during the entire service and the thoughts going through my mind was how blessed I am to have a son! I just pray that I can be half the mom to Micah that my mother was to us. Most of all, I want everything I do in raising this child to be pleasing to God.

After spending the weekend celebrating with my mom, we traveled to Young Harris to see Charlie's parents. That night we took Micah to this huge play place in town. They had a toddler section and he had the best time running around there.

Having fun at the park!

I liked this picture! Micah looks so cute on that big playground.

One happy family!

The toddlers loved riding down the hill in "The Big Red Car!" That is my dad getting ready to push Micah. My brother is sitting in the chair. He usually does not look that goofy...and that is a Mountain Dew can in his hand. :) He does act the part though!!! His son, Kaden is waiting his turn for a ride in the car.

Another Crazy Resturant Experience!!!

Charlie was off work today, so we went out to eat Chinese food for lunch. The Asians in the resturant really love my little blonde headed boy! Every time we go in there, a couple of the waiters come over the the table and either rub his head, stroke his cheek or shake his hand. The rest of the time they stand in the back of the room and wave at him. Micah loves the attention, so he stares at them the entire time and waves back. There was one waiter today that came to our table several times just to talk to Micah. The last time that he came to our table, Micah was chewing on a wonton chip. He decided to share his chip with the waiter, so Micah threw it into the pitcher of tea that he was holding. That was some what embarrassing. Charlie saw the waiter go to the back and poor out the entire pitcher of tea.

YUCK!!!!

Our friend David from Alabama came up for a short visit last night. Today we took him out to our favorite restaurant in town for lunch. We were telling David how much Micah hates meat and refuses to eat any meat that is put in his mouth. I decided that I would prove it to David by feeding Micah some of the meat from my taco...BAD IDEA! Micah opened his mouth wide and I shoved it in. He tasted it and tried to gag to get it out. That did not work, so he stuck his finger down his throat and throw-up came out of his mouth like a snake and hit the floor. How embarrassing. I guess Micah is telling me that he is a vegetarian.

Not Again!!!

We had broken a record, not having visited the doctor in over a month. That record ended last week when Tuesday we were at the ENT for surgery follow up and then we were back at the pediatrician's office on Thursday. Micah received a good report from the ENT, so what happened over the next 48 hours??? I decided that it was time for a visit to the doctor when he started to get an eye infection which was his forth over the last several months. We came home from the doctor with SIX prescriptions. Micah has been battling with allergies for about 6 weeks now and the doctor believes that the allergies are what is causing his eyes to become infected. For that, we got Nasonex and a small expensive bottle of eye drops. Both of those the doctor gave to us, so for that we were grateful. Next we received an antibiotic (NOT AGAIN) for his ears which were not infected, but inflamed. They have been bothering him for quite a while, so I'm sure that's why. I really hate that he is still in such pain with his ears after getting tubes. Micah also has severe constipation. The antibiotics act as a stimulant for that, so after being on those for about 4 months, his body became dependent upon them. He is now on a stool softener and fiber supplement. Well, the last ailment is Exzema. Exzema is spread all over his back and stomach. We were given a cream for that and it is working wonderfully. We are going to have to be careful with him when we have him outside. That is when the Exzema tends to flare up. Poor little guy! He is a real trooper about taking his medicine though.

On a more positive note...Micah is doing much better today. The eye infection is gone, the Exzema is fading, the Nazonex seems to be helping with the allergies and he is not having as hard of a time going to the bathroom. The only think that seems to still be bothering him is his ears. I just hope that we don't start this all over again.

Update on Micah

Well, I have not posted since Easter. Charlie had Spring Break and we spent a good bit of it out of town visiting family. I started this blog mainly to keep people updated on Micah, so today I will post about that since I have not done so in a while.

We have not been to the doctor since March! I can't believe that! For about three to four months we were at some sort of doctor's office nearly once a week. Micah is still getting therapy once a week. He has done really well since receiving his tubes, but is still behind on some things. The latest update that his therapist has given us (last week) is that she strongly believes we are dealing with a motor planning issue. We don't really know the cause of that. It could be how Cerebral Palsy will affect him, because the therapist said that the area of his brain that deals with motor planning has probably been damaged. Right now, we are having to teach him how to do certain things...one being getting into a standing position. We are having to take him through the steps and prompt him to do it. He will eventually be able to do it on his own after the process is programed into his brain enough times. This does make Micah a bit slower then other children his age, but the ability is there for him to do most anything after being shown the process. He is also behind with his language skills right now after having had fluid in his ears for such a long period of time. He may have some mild hearing loss at this point. He goes the his ENT for his surgery follow-up tomorrow, so he will tell me what our next step should be with that.

On a positive note...Micah is doing new things almost everyday. His new thing now is to try and mimic what Charlie and I do. Micah's favorite thing to do is go outside. He would stay out there all day. He get's upset when the door is opened and closed and often walks over to the door and points. He is such a precious gift from God! I think of all the stages that Micah has been through, I am enjoying this one the most. He is getting into more things, but he is so much fun to be with!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Little Man!

What a HAM!!

A Family Outing!

We visited Charlie's parents for the Easter weekend. Charlie's aunt and her husband were visiting from Tennessee, so we were able to spend some time with them as well. One of the main highlights of the weekend was when we all piled into our van and drove to Helton Creek Falls. For some reason we had all forgotten that it was quite a hike to the falls and were concerned about Charlie's mom being able to make the over 1/2 mile treacherous hike. But she did and has the picture to prove it. She is a trooper! She has cancer and I'm sure she is in a great deal of pain, but that does not keep her from doing the things that she enjoys. I would say that probably top on that list is spending time with her precious grandson.

See the pictures below...

Micah amazed with the beautiful Helton Creek Falls

The family (except for mama). She is always taking the picture!

Eating on the run! Notice the bisquit in his left hand...one of his favorites!!

Micah and Granny!

Micah holding his spoon. He is always ready to eat!

A Must Read!

I am currently reading the book "Bringing Up Boys" by James Dobson. I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with boys and especially for those that are raising their own son. Dobson gives practical advice for how to rear your son into godly manhood. It is helping me to understand how Micah is wired differently than a girl. I always thought that this was a book for dads to read, so I brought it for Charlie for his birthday. I have since discovered that it is a must read for moms so that they can better understand the make-up of their son and use those strageties to help raise them and guide them through adolescents. It touches subjects from ways to best educate a boy to how to prevent homosexuality. If God has given you the awesome priviledge of caring for and raising a son, I strongly encourage you to take the time to read this book.

More Onions Please!

Yesterday, we were eating at a local resturaunt when we discovered that Micah likes raw onions. That's right...he is his mama's boy. He loves raw onions, but won't touch any type of meat. I guess he has taken his eating habits after me. He eats lots of veggies, fruits and starches, but doesn't care much about meat. So, I guess raw onions might make Micah's breathe less attractive to his little girlfriends, but they're good for him....eat on Micah!

From Camping to Egg Hunts

We had a rather busy weekend. We met my parents in Rutledge at Hard Labor Creek State Park to camp. We knew that there would be a big storm coming through, but we were adventurous and went anyway. We were in the area just below Atlanta that missed the "bad" storm. We just received rain that lasted until around noon on Saturday. We were still able to do the outdoor things that we wanted like hiking and fishing. Micah had a great time playing outside. It was fun to sit back and watch him explore. His favorite thing to play with were the rocks...he's all boy!

We came home, unloaded and then headed to the church for Micah's first Easter Egg Hunt! I enjoyed watching all the toddlers hunt eggs. Micah would find an egg and then want to sit down and play with that one. He took his sweet little time with each egg, so by the time all the eggs were found, Micah had four in his basket. He even took time to find his buddy Tate and they decided to share their eggs with each other.

The pictures of our weekend are posted below.

The Great Outdoors!

Going for a hike.

This is the life...the great outdoors!!

Just chillin!

Fun, Fun!!!

Hey, look mom...a ball!!!

Sharing with Tate.

Daddy, you can't have all my candy.

I LOVE EASTER EGGS!

Our New Play Group

A few of the stay-at-home moms at our church have started a mom/child play group. We meet every Thursday at someone's house. It is such a wonderful blessing for a stay-at-home mom to have such a group. The children get to play together and we talk about "mom" stuff and EAT! It is one of the new highlights of our week. Next week the group will meet at my house, so I guess I better finish childproofing!

The boys and their babies. I hope our daddies don't see this!

Micah and Tate

Micah and Maylee

My baby!