Monday, April 23, 2007

First scraped knee of the year!






Well, warm weather hit us this weekend and with it comes shorts weather. So we pulled out Abraham's shorts and got him outside. He isn't quite used to his legs showing and he kept looking at his knees like he had never seen them before. And of course with shorts comes scraped knees - he got his first scraped knee this weekend. He was ready and willing to have me put the cream on it to make his boo boo feel better. I thought it was cute so on the blog it goes!

Sunday, April 22, 2007

March of Dimes Walk America - CELEBRATING LIFE!


Aunt Kari and Abraham


Michael, Abraham and Kari

Today was the March of Dimes Walk America for our area. This is such an important cause that affects us personally. Every year, half a million babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and many life long disabilities. The funds we raise in WalkAmerica support research that saves babies' lives.

As many of you know, our boys were born on November 1, 2005 at 28 weeks premature. Abraham was 2 lbs 10 oz and Moses was 2 lbs 6 oz. This walk is a way for us to honor Moses' life and to celebrate the great health that Abraham has enjoyed.

The Father gave us yet another beautiful day to participate in the walk. Michael, Abraham, me and my sister Kari all took the time to do the walk. It sure seemed a bit longer than Kari and I remembered! I think it was probably a good 3-4 miles. We got our exercise in for the day!

I couldn't help but flash back to nearly 1 1/2 years ago when the boys were born and remember all the ups and downs of NICU life. And as I remembered the NICU, I was just overcome with thankfulness to the Father for the 2 sweet boys He gave us. I'm so thankful to the nurses for the wonderful care they gave the boys and us. Were it not for them, that 51 days we spent at GBMC would have been 100 times worse. I truly believe our boys were there for a reason and that they touched the lives of the nurses and doctors in their time there. And THAT is the testimony of their lives - Both Moses and Abraham.

We will have the opportunity to thank those nurses next week as we have a reunion with the NICU "family" at GBMC. Each year they hold these reunions and its fun to see the nurses that took care of the boys and to show off how big Abraham is. I'm sure I'll have pictures to show of that too!




Momma, Daddy and Abraham


Kari, Abraham and Me

My Daddy is the MAN!





When Daddy got home from fishing, he wanted in on the action as well. So we went to a different playground that had a sandbox. Michael had brought Abraham to this playground before and apparently he LOVED the sandbox! Yet again he was drawn to the sand and dirt! That's my little boy!! I think he decided that not only was sand fun to play in, it was also fun to eat. GREAT! We got lots of comments on his shirt - it's SO true you know!! As hard as it was to get him out of the sandbox, we managed to get him on a few slides, which he loved too.

It was a great end to a perfect day with our sweet boy. What a privilege it is to be this boy's parents. We are so thankful to the Father for him and the way that his life has changed our lives and our perspective on living.

There is no greater calling and privilege than to be a parent. We feel honored to be Abraham's parents.




Playground time with Momma


Abraham tickled pink with himself at the playground.


Walking through the tunnels is SO much fun!


Yesterday the weather was gorgeous for the first time in a long time. Michael had gone fishing and Abraham and I decided not to go to the Diaper Gang at the library and to hit the playground. One of the playgrounds in town has a section for kids that are smaller and younger so that's where we headed. He loved the playground and especially the slides. The smiles on his face as he went down them were priceless! We had a good day together, but as you can tell I really wore him out!! He had a nice looong nap when we got home!






Abraham and Momma


One worn out boy!

Spring has Sprung!




Ok, so sometimes apartment dwelling can get a bit, well boring. Small space, we are often on top of each other, with Abraham's toys underfoot. But I have to honestly say that when Spring comes, I don't mind so much living here. See we have this gorgeous view from our windows that greets me every day. I walk under it daily and breathe in the sweet smell of these beautiful flowers. It really is picture perfect, even if it is the couryard of our dinky little apartment. I hope that you can enjoy the beauty of it as well thru the pictures.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

School Pictures



Every year I'm subjected to Class and Yearbook pictures. Usually I seriously dislike the pictures, until this one.

This day I had taken off because Abraham had a double ear infection and only wanted momma. But I hated for my class to have a class picture without their teacher. So Abe and I stopped in for the pictures.

Over the past 7 years I've been teaching I have gotten to know the guy in charge of the picture taking at our school. His name is Garrett Ragan, yup spelled the same way as us. We think that somewhere along the line his ancestors and Michael's are connected. Both families settled in Southern MD when they came over from Ireland. So anyhow...

Garrett offered to take a picture of me and Abraham. Since I'm usually behind the cameraI agreed. This picture is what came of that setting. I think it's cute - granted he doesn't seem happy but would YOU be?

I just thought I'd share this - he is cute sick or not. My little man!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Thankful Thursday



"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord, my God, I will give you THANKS forever." Psalm 30:11-12

"But giving THANKS is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23

"Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him so that you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with THANKSGIVING for all that HE has done." Colossians 2:7

Giving thanks - it has actually been on my mind this week, not just today for this post!

Just when I think I have it hard and that I'm sinking, I meet someone who is lower than I am. I've been in the company of people this week who had close family members attempt suicide - or struggle with handling a child with Autism - or simply struggle under the weight of being a working mom and trying to raise 2 kids while keeping her head above water at work. Not that I think my life is a piece of cake - cause I have felt pretty low as well. But hearing these people talk, not only gives me an opportunity to share the Father - but it makes me reflect on my life and it makes me grateful for the things that I have that I often take for granted.

** I'm thankful that both my husband and I have good paying jobs and that we really don't struggle with paying bills and living expenses.

** I'm thankful I have a roof over my head and I don't have to worry about how we will pay for it.

** I'm thankful for a job that I love most days.

** I'm thankful for a car to get me to work.

** I'm thankful for a husband that is committed to me and to my son - who loves me unconditionally - who is a fantastic daddy - who is a man of integrity - who is a man of many talents and much wisdom!

** I'm thankful for a family that loves me and my husband and my son unconditionally and who would do anything humanly possible for us.

** I'm thankful for friends who care about me and my wellbeing.

** I'm thankful for the struggles that my family has experienced over the past year and a half. That isn't easy to say but necessary. We are to be thankful in everything -not necessarily thankful FOR the hardship but IN the hardship. So much good has come from those hardships that I'm not sure I'd change a thing.

I have so much to be thankful for it would take me forever to spill it all out! I'll have many more Thankful Thursdays to do that!!

Monday, April 9, 2007

Playdate with Friends!


Bethany jumping on the playground


Lunch date with Bethany


Playgrounds are my friends!

Abe and I traveled to Hanover, PA to visit a good friend of mine, Tabetha, and her daughter Bethany. This trip has been a long time coming. Tab and her family moved out to PA more than a year ago and I kept meaning to go and visit but it just never happened. So I decided that Spring Break was a great time to go. We had a nice time chatting and catching up while the kids played. Bethany is only 4 months older than Abe so they were pretty well matched. We hit McD's for lunch and let them play some more.

It was definately more of a time for "mommies" to reconnect and I had a wonderful time being with Tab, as always! She and I have been friends for forever, it seems! A good 12 years at least, probably more. She is one of the few friends from my teen years that I have kept up with. It's true what they say - the oldest friends are the dearest. I am so grateful to the Father for her and her constant friendship. She has been with me thru the ups and downs of life and has always been an encouragement to me. Thanks Tabby! Love ya!

Happy Easter 2007!!


Mom and Erinn

Abe and Daddy


HAPPY EASTER FROM THE RAGAN'S!!



Abe and Momma


Chloe and ReRe

Sunday, April 8, 2007

He is Risen Indeed!



Happy Easter to you all!

Today my sis Kari and I took our yearly trip down to Beachmont Christian Camp for the Easter sunrise service. This has been a tradition for us - we seem to be the only ones in our family crazy enough to get up so early and brave the cold. And trust me today was FREEZING!





But it is always SO worth it. It was absolutely gorgeous today with the sun coming up over the hill as the songs were song remembering the sacrifice of our Lord. Every year I'm struck by some different aspect of Easter. This year it was the empty tomb. I just love the verse in Scripture that talks about the angel saying to the women "He is not here, He is RISEN!" For that tomb to be empty He fulfilled all of the prophecies that were told about Him and there was no room for question that HE was the Messiah. That should have dispelled any questions about Him and His deity.

I'm so thankful that we serve a LIVING God - that He fulfills His promises - that He is TRUTH. What are you thankful for this Easter?

In Christ Alone - Happy Easter!

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.



I was struck today as I sang this song with a few lines from the last stanza:

"From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand"

It brought Moses to mind and his life. The line hit me about Jesus commands my destiny. Jesus knew how short of a life Moses would live, and yet He still allowed us the priviledge of spending a month with him. And what took him home was the Father, not some doctor or anything that Michael and I did. Nothing man did plucked him from his Father's hand. I don't know, but that line took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes remembering his sweet yet short life with us. And what a joy to know that because of Jesus' death and life I, no we, have hope that we shall be reunited again with him. Until that day we will put one foot in front of the other and take it one day at a time!

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Update on my friend's baby

For those of you who were praying for baby Connor - Thank you! He is doing much better now. He still has a long way ahead of him but he is taking it one day at a time and is beginning to grow stronger each day. His mommy and daddy have been able to hold him and cuddle with him which will also help them to bond with Connor. Please continue to pray for this family. Thank you!

THANKFUL FOR LAUGHTER!! :)




Psalms 21:6 "For you make him most blessed forever! You make him glad with the JOY of your presence."

Proverbs 17:22 "A JOYFUL heart is good medicine..."

This evening as I was fixing dinner I heard the best sound in the whole world. In the living room, on the other side of the wall where I was, I could hear my sweet Abraham belly laughing at something Michael was doing. This went on for a good 5 minutes - Abraham's laughter filling the room. I can't say that there is anything I'd rather hear than my 2 "boys" playing and laughing together.

In my head I started singing a song by Michael Card, an old Christian music singer. I'm not sure what its called but it's about Abraham and Sarah and God telling them that she was going to give birth to Isaac even tho she was ancient and she LAUGHS! It also talks about how the name Isaac means LAUGHTER.

How cool is that? To be named LAUGHTER! I mean think about it? Doesn't laughing make you feel good inside? Have you ever heard a baby or a small child laugh? I don't know about you but laughter tends to be contagious for me. I get sucked into people's laughter even when I don't have a clue what they are laughing about! :)

I can't imagine a world without laughter - a way to express happiness and joy. I'm so glad that the Father created us with emotions and feelings and gave us LAUGHTER as a way to express those feelings. It can be a release for some.

I love that verse from Proverbs about the joyful heart. I know that the joyful heart of Abraham and his laughter is good medicine for me. He can cheer me up and make me feel good when I'm having a rough day. I love it when Michael makes me laugh. I love sharing those emotions with him too - he has an uncanny way of knowing when I need a good release! My sister is yet another person that I love sharing laughter with. Between the 2 of us, we can be quite the comedy show sometimes! She is good for my heart too!

I guess I should finish this by saying that I'm thankful for (if you couldn't figure it out by now!) LAUGHTER!!

Spring Time Fun



The weather this past week had been pretty warm for spring. We took advantage of the weather and went for a walk down on the trail near our house. Abraham loves being outside which makes the walk more enjoyable too. He is content to smile at everyone we pass and to eat his goldfish too!

Book Time with Momma


Reading Abraham's favorite peek a boo book

Momma and Abraham time

One of my favorite times of day is after Abraham's bath when we read together. He has become quite adapt at "choosing" a book to read. He has a few favorites - one is a touch and feel book that my friend Amy gave him. Another is a peek a boo book. He will climb in my lap with the book and we read together. I love it! And
I love that he likes books. I hope he grows up to be a "book lover" like his momma.

"Hair" Today, Gone Tomorrow!!

Daddy's hand is the size of my head!!


What ARE they doing to me?? Are we done YET??

Looks good Daddy, good job!


Well we didn't take pictures of Abraham's first "real" haircut in the salon, like most parents might do. I think we have decided that we can cut his hair just as well as they can and for cheaper. As long as Abraham sits still Michael is pretty good at using the clippers. This particular haircut is probably #5!! But since I had pictures I figured I'd put them on.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Spring Break Playtime!!


Abe with Aunt K on the slide


WHEEE! I love slides!



Aunt K and Chloe


This week was Spring Break for me and so I had off 4 days. I was looking forward to it SO much! One day Mom, Kari, the kids, me and Abe went to the Super WalMart and walked around for a bit. It was quite the sight the 3 of us with the 3 kids. Of course none of them wanted to be in the shopping cart and only wanted to be FREE! It was fun tho! For lunch we hit a McDonalds that had a playground. We had the playground pretty much to ourselves.. which was perfect since it was raining and all 3 kids were rammy,needing to run off energy. I had the camera and snapped a few pics while we were there. Abe LOVED playing with Aunt K and she loved it too. All of the kids play together so well. Chloe is the little mommy and Alex is the protective big brother of both the younger ones. I hope that Abraham realizes (when he can!) how blessed he is to have his cousins around to play with and share time and memories with. We are truly blessed that they get along so well. I love watching them play! I'm so glad too, that Aunt K gets to enjoy my kid as much as I've enjoyed being aunt to Alex and Chloe.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Thankful Thursday



I'm very blessed to be able to still be able to work full time due to having an absolutely wonderful day care situation. Abraham goes to Miss Tami 3 days a week and he LOVES it there. I got Tami's name from a parent at school that I was close to. We went to meet Tami last summer and immediately had a good feeling about her and her family. Needless to say, Abraham is around Tami's 4 girls and only 3 other day care kids. She loves on him really well, as do her girls. On more than one day I have gone to get him and they are loving on him too. That makes me feel so much more at ease knowing he is well taken care of.

The other 2 days a week my mom is blessed with his presence! She asked for it! He gets Mimi, Aunt K and Chloe time. Again we are so blessed to have family close by who are able to and want to watch him.

This week my mom had to go out of town unexpectedly and I needed Tami for those 2 days. She graciously said that she'd take him. I'm so thankful that she is flexible enough to allow me to change things at the last minute. She is fantastic and so worth the money - as little as it is, she probably deserves more!

So my thankful Thursday is written because I'm thankful for wonderful daycare that allows me to still work. God has provided for us yet again!

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

100 random things about me

100 things about me (and my family)

1. This kids song is my theme song for my life: “He’s still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the stars, sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be, cause He’s still working on me!”

2. I’m more in love today than yesterday with my hubby Michael. He is my soul mate, my lover and my best friend. I’m so blessed to be his wife.

3. My boys, Abraham and Moses, are my pride and joy.

4. They were born premature at 28 weeks and had to spend in the NICU.

5. I hate hospitals now. Between 5 weeks on bed rest in the hospital and another 51 days in the NICU, if I never go back it would be too soon.

6. My sweet boy Moses lives with Jesus and the angels in Heaven. He is 100% healthy there and is happy.

7. I can’t wait for the day that I’ll be able to see him and hug him again.

8. I live in the same area that I grew up in.

9. Michael moved to MD from GA for love. There weren’t any good Georgia peaches down there I guess!

10. Blue is my favorite color.

11. Michael and I have visited almost every lighthouse between Georgia and Maine. We did this BC – Before children!

12. Getting Michael to climb up the lighthouses was like pulling teeth – he hates heights.

13. I would wear jeans and a t-shirt every day if I could.

14. If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to an island with very few people.

15. I’m a shoe addict.

16. I’m also a Target addict. I can’t get enough of that store.

17. I get my expensive taste in clothes and shoes from my Nanny. She was always dressed impeccably and she always looked like a lady.

18. My Nanny now takes care of my Moses for me. I hope they are loving each other for me today.

19. I HATE most types of chocolate, ie: ice cream, cake, icing. I’ll eat on occasion chocolate candy bars but that is about it.

20. My favorite candies are fruity, sort of like me!! Skittles, Starburst, Lifesavers etc.

21. My perfect summer day is laying on the beach with a book, listening to the waves roll in, soaking up the sun.

22. My job is the perfect job for me. Most days I feel like I make a difference. Other days I want to quit!

23. I have made some dear friends through my job, some co-workers and others are parents of students.

24. TLC is the best channel on cable TV.

25. I LOVE reality TV – I’m a sucker for American Idol, Survivor, Amazing Race, True Life, Real World… and the list goes on.

26. Becoming a mom is the accomplishment that I am most proud of.

27. I am a poor housekeeper. I hate cleaning – much to the despair and pleading of my neat-freak hubby! Sorry babe 

28. I’d rather do the laundry than clean.

29. I was home schooled for high school and I loved it.

30. I attended Liberty University and majored in Elementary Education. I lived off campus for my first year and was a nanny for extra cash.

31. I lived in Bolivia, South America for 4 months while I completed my student teaching semester.

32. I’d love to go back and see the school and the missionaries that I lived with. Maybe one day!

33. I had my one and only school spanking in first grade… yes they had corporal punishment back then. I helped a kid cheat and we got caught.

34. I “forgot” to tell my parents about the spanking and when they found out I got it worse at home. Dumb first grader!

35. I long to be back involved in a church and for Abraham to grow up knowing the Sunday School songs and stories I grew up with.

36. Both Michael and I got seriously sunburned on our honeymoon and had to come home a day early.

37. I hate taking care of my feet – mostly painting my nails.

38. Everyone should be required to get a pedicure.

39. I always get strawberry cheesecake on my birthday. My mom gets it from the Amish in PA – it’s the best!

40. We tried to be creative in naming the boys. Were going to do and A and B names but it didn’t end up that way. We liked Abraham because it was original. We chose Moses’ name because of a meaning we found: created for special purposes. It suited him to a T.

41. Being a teacher allows me to have Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer Break and SNOW DAYS!! Course I love kids too, mind you!

42. I can’t stand to see, hear or clean up vomit – even with my own kid! Worse when it’s a student 

43. I can’t stop myself from buying “stuff” for Abraham – toys, clothes and of course SHOES!

44. I am starting my Master’s Degree in April. I hope to finish before Abraham turns 18 – HA!

45. I used to stay up late to finish a book I was reading – after Abraham I forget what books are.

46. My alarm clock has a name – Abraham!

47. When I was little I wanted to be an ice skating nurse in Haiti.

48. When I was a teen, I wanted to either be a fashion designer or an interior designer.

49. I love to laugh

50. One of these days you’ll find me in the woods of PA, in a log cabin, with a hubby that is a fly fishing guide.

51. Winnie the Pooh is my favorite Disney character.

52. My nickname growing up was Pooh Bear.

53. I love selling stuff on Ebay. If it’s not tied down, it’s gone! 

54. Every time I watch Lost, I get jealous. I’d love to be stranded on an island with no one around.

55. I love grocery shopping – it’s my weekly escape. I could spend hours in there.

56. I could easily be a shopaholic… if I had more money!

57. I wish I had more time to cook better for my family. I look forward to trying new recipes this summer.

58. The older I get the more I understand and respect my parents.

59. I admire my sister in law, Elizabeth. She is a free spirit and had followed her heart to the other side of the country, completely away from family. I think she is brave and adventurous. I’d love to be more like that.

60. I go out and get coffee or ice cream with my sister once a week – maybe that is why I can’t shed the pounds!

61. People who are dishonest really tick me off.

62. I’m organized – organized chaos. It might not look organized but I know RIGHT where things are.

63. I’m the cheapskate of our family.

64. My favorite day of the week is Saturday because I get to take Abraham to the library for Story Time.

65. I’d be afraid to be a contestant on the show “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?” Although I taught 5th for a year, I think I’d look like an idiot!

66. Amy and I have been friends for over half of our lives.

67. Old friends are the most precious and if they know that much about you, you really SHOULD keep them close!

68. I’m a firm believer that “Everything happens for a reason. I might not know why but I don’t have to know.”

69. I play the lottery every week with some co-workers. When we win big, watch out! There will be a need for teachers at RFE! 

70. We just bought our first new car this past weekend – and I love it!

71. I have a hard time keeping anything clean – house or car. I promised my hubby that I’d do better with the new one!

72. I’m admire my sister and brother in law for living with my parents. Sometimes you just do what you have to do – even if you don’t like it.

73. I’m proud of my nephew for doing so well in Kindergarten.

74. I’m proud of my niece for overcoming what could have been a blow to her confidence. She is a tough cookie and very strong willed. She blows me away daily with her zest for life!

75. I don’t own any gold jewelry. Only silver.

76. My secret vice is watching ice skating.

77. I’m Irish and I love doing St. Patty’s Day activities with my students. I usually dump desks and pretend that I’m a leprechaun! They get a kick out of it.

78. I’d drink a caramel frappachino from Starbucks every day of the week if I could.

79. Because my mom taught me the “correct” way to type, I’m pretty good at it – fast and fairly accurate.

80. I really do LOVE my in-laws. Yes I realize this is out of the ordinary for some but I get along great with them.

81. Abraham’s room has polka dots on the wall – my mother in law painted them, actually she decorated his whole room. Thanks Kay!

82. I love anything mint: Mint Oreos, ice cream, Peppermint Patties etc.

83. I used to hate roller coasters but now I love them.

84. I love cinnamon gum – Big Red is the best!

85. When I feel like a failure at “life” I remember that Abraham thinks I’m the best mommy ever and that is what really matters.

86. My favorite place to vacation is the Outer Banks.

87. I take sick days even when I’m not sick. Usually they are “mental health days”!

88. Chick-fil-a is my favorite fast food place. Their sweet tea rocks!

89. Mexican is my favorite kind of food. I could eat it 3 times a week.

90. I hate “sLIMA beans” and always have. We used to have contests growing up to see who could get the most on their fork and swallow it the fastest.

91. I like having a June birthday because I get gifts every 6 months.

92. One day I’d love to own a bed and breakfast in PA. Michael would be a fly fishing guide and I’d be the hospitality.

93. I think it would be fun to live in New York city.

94. It’s really hard to come up with 100 things about me. I must live a pretty boring life.

95. Besides my husband, my sister is my best friend. I tell her EVERYTHING!

96. Give me caramel or give me death!

97. My favorite singer growing up was Steven Curtis Chapman. I was obsessed with him!

98. I love my XM radio!

99. My XM is set to the 80’s music station. I love the 80’s! Go Rick Astley and Huey Lewis!

100. I don’t have any tattoos – but my hubby does.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Prayer Requests

I have 2 Prayer Requests of those of you who actually read this blog!

1. What got me remembering my NICU experience is a friend of mine. 3 weeks ago she gave birth to her son, at 25 + weeks. It was necessary to deliver him early as she had a tumor that was growing as the baby grew. Because he was so tiny, his lungs weren't completely developed. He is really struggling tonight. As the Father brings them to mind, please pray for them.
Mandy and Tom Windgate and the baby is Connor.

2. There is a new family at school that has a son in first grade. Mom is fighting for her life against acute leukemia. She is presently in Hopkins and will be there for some time. Dad is left with a new job and 2 young boys to care for. Please pray for this family as they come to mind.
Uebersax family - Sue, Carson (6 yrs old), Tucker (4 yrs old) and Dad (not sure of his name)

Thank you for lifting up these dear ones before the Throne of Grace.

Thankful Thursday


Angel Boy Moses


Abraham and Moses on Momma

Abraham at 1 1/2 months old


I sit here tonight reflecting on the past year and a half that my family has been thru. It wasn't that long ago that I was sitting in the NICU waiting for the day that I'd take my boys home. Sitting in their room day after day, watching the monitors that told me what was happening with them - praying that God would take care of them when I left each night. Dreaming of what they'd be when they grew up, the memories that we would make together. Those days were some of the hardest days of my life. We experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. We learned to take it one day, one hour even at a time. It often felt like we'd be there forever.

And then one day Jesus took Moses home to be with him. No parent should ever have to bury their child, especially one so young. I went thru all sorts of emotions - sorrow, relief, disappointment, anger. But God in His Grace and Mercy covered all my emotions and made it all as "ok" as possible for me.

The next thing we knew they were telling us they were taking Abraham off of the monitors and the oxygen because he was ready to go home. One day we were visiting the next we were driving our miracle home.

I say all of this to explain my Thankful Thursday post. There was so much to be thanful for back then, even in the middle of all the uncertainty.

I'm thankful that the boys had fantastic care while they were in the NICU.

I'm so thankful for two nurses in particular - Lauren and Alice who were the boys' primary nurses. They were outstanding.

I'm thankful for the wisdom of the doctors and nurses who cared for the boys. Without them and their concern for the boys and for us, I don't think we would have been as calm as we were.

I'm thankful for their cautiousness in sending Abraham home - making sure he was REALLY ready and that WE were ready too.

I'm thankful for Dr. Helau who requested a 2nd echocardiogram to look at Moses' heart. Without his insight, Moses could have very well passed away at GBMC where there was no pediatric heart specialist.

I'm thankful for Dr. Vricella who performed the open heart surgery on Moses at Hopkins. He had never done the surgery on such a tiny baby but he was willing to do it and give Moses a chance.

I'm thankful for the Child Life women who were so kind and gracious in taking care of Moses after he went HOME. We got hand and foot prints and a lock of hair and we got to hold him for as long as we needed to. I was able to start the healing process because of them.

I'm thankful for Holly Mc Comas at the funeral home who made the process of making decisions for Moses short and simple.

I'm thankful for Pastor Mike and the message of LIFE and CELEBRATION that he brought at the cemetary. I'm thankful for the friends and family that braved the cold to support our family.

I'm eternally thankful that my sweet Abraham is a happy and healthy 16 month old. He is the light of our lives. I'm thankful that he is hitting his milestones and is doing so well.
He really is our miracle.

My heart is just full to overflowing with thanks to the Father for HIS goodness and for HIS grace that was and is continually pouring over us. I pray that we will be good parents and that Abraham will grow up to love the Lord with his whole heart.


My Miracle Abraham

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Baltimore Examiner Article

This past weekend the article about my kids was put in the Baltimore Examiner. It was written soley about us and was well done, I thought.

If you have a chance to read it you can find it at the following site:
http://www.examiner.com/a-611007~Spare_change_helps_to_save_child_lives.html

Sunday, March 11, 2007

New Car Smell





Well, we took the plunge again this weekend and bought a new car. The last car we bought was before we were married. And it wasn't totally new either. So anyhow, my car was in dire need of an overhaul. The cost of the work it needed led us to the Honda dealership!! We drove this Honda Element and loved it. It has plastic floors, perfect for a messy 16 month old and a messy mommy too! It's really cool - hard to believe I'm driving a new car!
So anyhow, here is our new baby.
Oh yea and today, one day after we got it, Abraham put the plastic floor to use when he dumped my Taco Bell cup with ice in it, all over the place. I simply got a napkin and wiped it up without having to freak out! SOO NICE!!

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Remembering Nanny



Today is the 1 year anniversary of my sweet Nanny's homegoing. My sister posted this pic of Nan on her blog and since it is my favorite of her, I'm putting it on here as well.

I love this pic because it is SO Nanny. She was always such a LADY, always so put together, hair just right, and you'd never catch her without makeup on. She was like this nearly to the end of her life.

I could go on and on about the many things that I love about Nanny and the memories that I have with her. Maybe once I get my thoughts together I'll return and put some of these on here...
But for now, let me say how much I love you Nanny. I am glad that you are taking care of my Moses for me as you enjoy the presence of Jesus. Give each other a hug for me, ok?



Me and my Nanny at my wedding (Aug 2001)

Monday, March 5, 2007

The First, but not the last, Trip to the ER for Abraham

This past week has just NOT been Abraham's week health wise. He has had a pretty nasty cough for a while but on Thursday it was getting worse. By Friday, he was running a fever and was really lethargic, coughing and having a difficult time breathing. So Friday night, Michael and I took him to Patient First. They checked him out, ran some x-rays and didn't find anything. They couldn't get the O2 up in his blood and the fact he couldn't breathe made them send us to the ER. We had just spent an unplanned for 2 hours at Patient First (we had been out on a "date" night and got the call from Mom!) The thought of the ER made us both pretty sick. But it wasn't too bad. They hooked Abe up to the moniter and my heart just dropped. It was the same machine he had been hooked to in the NICU. They gave him steroids to help him breathe and gave him an albuterol treatment to help too. By the time we got out of there it was 12:30 AM and we still had to get his meds. Good grief! Poor thing was EXHAUASTEED!!!

His breathing is much more even now. We went to the pediatrician today and checked him out. He has a double ear infection (the 3rd in 4 months), and still has a rattle in the chest. I took today and tomorrow off to be with him. He is all about cuddling and MOMMA right now. He will make it - not sure about me tho! He wears me out!!

So there are no pics of this one obviously!