It's not bad news!!!

We had a nice quiet ride (ie. Nate was sleeping) in to Winnipeg this morning.  Despite some highway construction delays, we got to the HSC area in time to get a bite to eat for lunch and head to the heart clinic.

Nate didn't do so well for the ultrasound - he cried through the whole thing.  Luckily, our sonographer was very quick and got all the information he needed in a short time.  No ECG or other tests this time.

Dr. Soni told us things were very much the same as last time.  The biggest issue, the valve leakage is the same, still very high.  But Nate is not in heart failure (big answer to prayer) so she said we wouldn't be rushing off into surgery.  She wants to let him get bigger and then they will deal with the decisions and options related to treating Nate.

Some side notes:  She told us that the VSD (the hole in the heart between the left and right sides) appears to have closed!  Also,  she said that at Nate's last appointment one side of his heart had looked much larger than the other (I was unaware of that), but today they both seemed about the same size.  

She needs to see Nate again in 3 months.  At that time, there may be an option to change his medication to one that would only require 2 doses per day.  Right now, he's not big enough for that med, so we'll see if that's viable at the next appointment.  Presently, we give him his medication 3 times a day, usually around 8am, 4pm and during one of his night wakings - usually between 12-1am.  Obviously, I would do what ever Nate needed....if he required medication every hour, we'd do that.  But knowing that we could possibly go down to 2 doses a day is pretty exciting news for me!!!

Thanks for praying for our little Nate!

It's that time again!

Tomorrow we'll be heading back to Winnipeg.  Nate has his appointment with Dr. Soni (his pediatric cardiologist).  We're praying for great news!  

I'm not feeling extremely anxious at this point, which is good for now!!  I hope we all can have a good sleep tonight.  At Nate's last appointment (he was 9 months old) getting the tests done was more difficult than previously.  Being more aware of his surroundings and the new people around made him more fussy.  And that meant it was more difficult to get some of the tests done, as he needs to be calm and still for them.  

So, you can pray that he is as cooperative as can be expected, and that he gets a nice nap on the drive in so he will be 'good to go' when we get downtown!

I'll let you know the results when we're back!

What a difference a week makes!

Last weekend was a cold and windy one!  Typical of a Manitoba May Long weekend!!  But we still got out on Sunday to visit my parents who were camping.  We joined my sister and her family there as well, and enjoyed a great afternoon and delicious BBQ!

Ladder Golf is a 'must have' camping game.  Even Nate was getting into it!

And of course, crazy Brady just had to get into Nate's shot here.

Fast forward to this last weekend, Sunday in particular.  One word.  Amazing.  We spent the whole day outside.  Ate all of our meals outside.  Went for walks.  Played at the playground.  Both kids were happy and Nate had a good afternoon nap.  All in all, for me, that constitutes a GREAT DAY!

Our pear tree was in full blossom, so I had some fun on the ground zooming up to the top using a little macro. 

Just a note:  Since the Flyers were not able to show what they were made of, allegiance has now shifted to the Blackhawks to win the Cup!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho!

It's off to work I go!!!

Today was my first day back at work.  After Brady, our oldest, turned one, I went back to work one day a week at the orthodontic office I worked at previously.  Don was able to switch his days off so he could stay home the day I worked.   Now that Nate's one, it was again time to return back to the 'rat race'!!  Although for now I'm only working in the afternoon.  Maybe once I'm sleeping through the night I'll consider making it a full day!

Always mixed feelings when you return back to work for the first day, but I'm glad to report everything went splendidly at work and at home.  Nate only cried when I got home!  The boys did a little art project to welcome me back!

Triple Treat!

Sunday, May 10, was a fun and full day for our family with 3 occasions to celebrate!

First, we had the honor of dedicating Nate in our church that morning.  It was a special event, and we were blessed to have many friends and family coming out to support us that morning.  Thank you to each one of you, who took time out of your day, and rearranged your schedule or routine!   You are all such an integral part of our family - and we're so thankful God has placed you in our lives!

Since not everyone could make it, I thought I'd share a little of what happened that morning.  There were three couples who were dedicating their child that morning.  Each of us were asked to either share a prayer or covenant to our child with the congregation.  This was our part of the morning:

To our Sweet Little Nate:

Psalm 139 says:

"For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

before one of them came to be."

Nate....like everyone here today, you are on a journey.  The journey may not always be easy, but you are loved by the Almighty God, who has promised to be with you always.  We feel honored that God has chosen and entrusted us to care for and love you.

But we are not the only ones.  You are surrounded by so many people - family and friends - who love you too, and pray for you everyday.

Every part of you was created by God - with purpose - and He has an incredible plan for your life.

Nate, you have already filled our hearts and our home with so much joy  You are a blessing to us and to your big brother, Brady.

Deuteronomy 31:6 says:

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

The second occasion we celebrated was Mother's Day.  My family (minus the Mississauga ones!) came over after church and we enjoyed a delicious lunch together.

And since we were all together, we also celebrated Nate's first birthday!  

After lunch, we headed to Mom and Dad's for some gator time!!

We typically don't make Brady wear a helmet for playing outside!!  But he had just driven his bike and needed to get right into the gator!

Freezie break!

(Hmmmm....helmet still on.  The 'Play Safe' poster child?!?)

By the way - I know the correct term would be 'triple threat' to describe the 3 events we had going on, but 'triple treat' sounded way happier!!

Name that bird?

Despite the rain and wind - and all around cold that we experienced yesterday, there were some 'new' birds in our backyard.  Now, I'm not a bird person....I can give you the basic breeds, but beyond that, I'm lost.  Anyone recognize this one?

Sometimes I feel a little guilty even putting up bird feeders.  The number of birds that meet their end in our backyard is more than I'd like.  It seems our sunroom windows seem to draw these birds in, as they attempt to fly through them.  You hear the thud, the window rattles and you just know, another one has bit it.

And I refuse to touch them.  That's Don's job.  Love that man.

Ha!  Just heard a thud!  Seriously!

Two days ago, after one had just bounced off the window, onto the patio, a curious Brady had to check it out.  He was prodding it with his foot, asking his dad why the bird's mouth was opening and closing but the rest of him wasn't moving.....a teachable 'life lesson' moment!

So between the windows, the 3 1/2 year old who loves chasing them with sticks, and the cat that prowls in our backyard, scoping out the unsuspecting ones, these delightful song birds don't stand a chance! 

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I thought that it would be a good idea to display a nice tribute to my mom, here on this blog.  I thought, "Hmmm, I bet my mom would love to see a collection of the most interesting pictures I have of her!"

And then I began thinking that I'd really like to use their motorhome this summer, and well....I'd better be nice.

Huh??  How did that picture get there?  I'm trying to delete it, but my computer is telling me that is an illegal function.  How did it download all by itself and made it's way onto this page?

But, doesn't she have pretty blue eyes?

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  I'll say it again and again - we love you so much! 

What an Honor!!!

If you have 2 minutes of time, you must watch this clip.  Thanks to Judith, who made me aware of this great honor that was bestowed on me!!!!

Click here:  Mom of the Year Award

Having my cake and eating it too!

"I want that!"

"How many pictures do you really need, mom?"

"Is it time?  Can I really blow out my candle?  Now?"

"What is this?"

Note the wonderful handprint in the whipped cream!

"There, I think I've got most of it off!"

"LET'S EAT!"