What I have learned

Over the last six or seven years I have used the week between Christmas and New Years day to see what things I accomplished and plan for the next year.

This is what I learned about this past year:
How great God is. He has blessed our family and brought us closer to him with the birth of Aubrey. I am glad Jesus walked with me during the surgeries and was there to listen.
That I have the best Mom I could possibly imagine. My Mom would give up anything for her kids and sometimes she has. For years I wondered what I could do to show her the extent of my love for her. I have figured it out and I look forward to the New Year to begin it.
Meeting my wife was not an accident it was planned. God knew what he was doing when I was delayed getting into the apprenticeship program. My wife was my first boss at Worlds of Fun and it has been 9 nine year since we have been together. I had just wished that I could have married her sooner than I did. However, I was scared of the commitment and tried every excuse to not. I am glad God had softened my heart, because begin married to her is the greatest. Not all the time, but most of the time. She does compliment in my areas of weakness. I love her.
I love kids. I am glad I had the chance to serve my community on children related boards because it gave me an appreciation of the true role of parenting. I love kids and I really love mine. Dylan has been great for my growth and Aubrey has been great for my spirit. Although the role of "Father" is an enormous one, I have good guidance and know that I don't have all the answers.

Very Busy Weekend

Well school is out for the winter and it is time for things to get worked on around the house. Today I spent the afternoon with my brother who is in town from the Navy. We blew in insulation in the attic. I also built some shelves up there for Jennifer's totes. I worked on the office to prepare to build a cabinet in there next week.

Jennifer, Aubrey and Dylan spent the afternoon over at Megan's birthday party, she is turning four. Aubrey is doing alright after her four shots on Friday. A few more days and well will be getting her out a little more.

Last final

I took my last final for the semester this evening. When I came home I had a very rested and energetic four year old waiting for me. I also had a very bright eyed little girl. Jennifer said she had a great evening with the kids and felt she got some things accomplished.

Tommorow I will take Aubrey to get her 6 Month shots and the big ole RSV shot.

Kory stopped by and it was good to see him. He is on leave until just after Christmas and then he is back off to sea.

We turned the word Verification off on the comments

Several have e-mailed about the word verfication on the comment part of the blog. I had turned it on because the blog was getting spammed. I turned it off because some were having problems leaving comments. I have it now e-mailed to my account where it is accepted/rejected, and I think that will work.

Definition of a great friend-Theresa

For all of you who don't know this is Theresa Sonderman one of my dearest friends and her husband John. We grew up next door to each other and have known each other since 1st grade. This isn't really how she dresses and John's hair really isn't this big! They just had a back to the 70's party to celebrate her birthday. Bob and I had a great time while my Dad watched the kids for us!
I can not even begin to think of ways to thank Theresa for being there for me over the last few weeks. The day of Aubrey's surgery she took off work to be with us at the hospital. She helped to keep my nerves at ease and helped out with Dylan among a hundred a hundred other things. Theresa I think the world of you and I hope that I have the opportunities to be there for you when the time comes. Happy Birthday!

Wonderful friends and mother in law

I am glad she is smiling again.
Dylan with my sister Michelle' cat
Aubrey in the hospital.
Look at those smiles!

We have truly blessed to have so many friends and a great mother in law throughout Aubrey's surgery.
Roberta helped us out when we got home by lending us her swing, Aubrey has loved chilling out in it and it frees up our hands.
When we got home Jane arranged for women in the MOPS group to bring over dinner. First Becky came over her son Brett and we had Beef Stew and cornbread. Bob thought it was the best beef stew ever. Next Heather brought over this delicious bowtie shrimp pasta dish (Don't worry Heather, Dylan ate it up and didn't think it was too spicy), with raspberry-walnut salad with mandarin oranges, and green beans.
Tonight Jane brought us a very delicious chicken dish, with cheesey mashed potatoes, carrots, a pie with whipped cream, a mandarin orange jello. Dylan ate everything on his plate(especially the jello).

Now I am more motivated to do some cooking, since Bob cooks often and is Mr. Mom.
While we are lucky to be able to have both parents home for the next few weeks, it convenietely coincides with Bob's finals which makes it seem like he isn't here. Then he will be working on the house.

WCPT

The Hughs Institute for Comical explanations has determined that Aubrey was suffering from White Coat People Trauma(WCPT). Somehow she has correctly associated that anyone wearing a white coat with "that person is going to do something to me."

WCPT seems to be a common phenomenon, as it seems adults have a fear of hospitals also. They have not been diagnosed with WCPT though.

Jennifer and I are still trying to keep Aubrey's exposure to others at a minimum to try to keep down her exposure to any sickness, which is the biggest concern with the Doctors.

I am in the last week of classes and have finals this week.

Staples will be coming out tomorrow

Dylan went back to school today for the first time in a couple of weeks, it's a half day so I will be picking him up early.

Aubrey has been having a tough bout of gas pains. I have also noticed when she sneezes she experiences pain in her chest. Tomorrow Jennifer and my mom will be going down for the check up and to have her staples removed.

I am in my last week of classes and finals for the semester and then it will be time for home projects.

We are going home!

This morning the doctors cleared us to go home so we have been going over how to care for Aubrey at home. We will be leaving 5 to 6 this evening. Jennifer and Mom went over to clean the RMH room, while Dylan and I played with Aubrey and cars.

I am sure Aubrey and Dylan can't wait to be home, just like Mom and Dad.

We have quite a bit to remember with her medicines, including Capropril , Lasix, and Ibuprofen. Some of the other heart babies are going home today also. We will have to come back on Thursday to have the staples removed. When we were speaking with them, they have to come back down on Thursday also.

Pictures

Picture of Dylan at Fritz's -Photo Compliments of Theresa.

Here is a picture of her resting peacefully.

Simply Put - Jehovah Jireh

He will provide!
He will bring us to our knees when we see his greatness. He has touched my life only because I welcomed him back into my life several years ago. Since then the sky have been more blue and my load has been lighter. I took a break from homework to type this message. I am listening to music. Two songs have opened my heart wide open to the Lord. "I can only imagine" by Mercy Me and " He's my son" by Mark Schultz. This past year has been a challenging and great one for me. I have lost things dear to me and gained things even greater.

Does he provide and can we see him? You bet. Everyday we see Jesus. In the body of the person in the elevator, the man sweeping the floor, or in the person serving your food in the cafeteria. He is everywhere and wants you to acknowledge his presence. If we place our trust in him rather than things of this world we can see his power. He lives and will lives forever. He is the source of my strength. Even though I fall short of his glory, his grace saves me. Does he provide, yes he does. He has shown me through small works and large. He has shown me through the mercy of forgiving me of my sins. Everyday I must confess my transgressions to him. Everyday they become less and less. I love walking with this guy, he takes it slow and is patient when I stumble. His hand is soft, his grip is firm, and his strength is mighty. He can carry me if he wants but wants me to do it by my own freewill. I acknowledge his glory and ask for forgiveness. He knows everything about me, he knew me before I was born. His son has paid the price of my sins so that I may know the Lord.

I would like to invite you to welcome Christ into your life if you haven't already, below is a simple prayer borrowed from the BGEA website.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God's Assurance: His Word

If you prayed this prayer, The Bible says ..."Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. " -Romans 10:13 (NIV)

Did you sincerely ask Jesus Christ to come into your life? Where is He right now? What has He given you?

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8,9 (NIV)

Receiving Christ, we are born into God's family through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer. This is called regeneration, or the "new birth."This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life in Christ.

To deepen this relationship you should:
1. Read your Bible everyday to know Christ better.
2. Talk to God in prayer every day.
3. Tell others about Christ.
4. Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.
5. As Christ's representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others.

When I got back

Last night Theresa and John went with us to Fritz's to have burgers, our first time out this week. This morning when Dylan and I got to the room, Aubrey's chest tubes were removed. They have her still on blood pressure medicene, which will likely continue after she gets out.

I went to the Parkville campus to work on a end of semester project and when I got back to the hospital, Aubrey had the bandages off and the monitors off. Things are moving fast and she is eating good and sleeping good. One of her pain meds is causing her to be constipated and they are watching that.

Other than that things have been rather still. My Mom is back down here helping out, Dylan and Jennifer are at the RMH sleeping.

She had a great night

Aubrey had a good night sleep. So did Grandma, Dylan, Mommy, and Daddy. The X-Rays are still showing some fluid, so they will be keeping the chest tube in for at least another day. Grandma Kathy will be going back today, it has been wonderful having her around. I am also glad we have had everyone checking on Jennifer, especially Theresa.

Aubrey is eating well and her color looks great. All the nurses call her a moviestar with the big eyes she has.

Today is siblings day. We told Dylan this morning it is his turn to go and play and receive the attention, for at least part of the day. Sometimes I have forgot it is just as hard on him, and how much his world has changed because we are in the hospital.

When we were in the hospital back May, Aubrey's NICU neighbor was going through genetics testing and other tests. She had two twin sisters that Dylan played with. Well they are still here, seven months later. They still remember us and are thinking they will be going home, which is over two hours away. Mom has only been home once, for Thanksgiving. The kids are pretty much living at the RMH.

It amazes me that the serious of Aubrey's condition doesn't require such lengthy hospital stays, although if I had to adjust to that I would. To hear other Moms and Dad's stories is inspiring. It is also great to lean on Christ during these times. He has really softened my heart over this last year and made me appreciate everything even more. He has lead me to reflect on four main things everyday. 1) What did I learn today? 2) Who did I love today? 3)What things can I do better? 4) How many times did I say thank you?

In all things God is great. What we have is his, even our children, and what a wonderful blessing he has enrusted us with.