In Case You Were Wondering...

So in case you were wondering what we've been up to since we got home... I thought I'd post a few pictures and let them speak for themselves:) 

Playing in PJs and a tutu, because EVERYTHING is more fun with a Tutu on!

Eden now knows how to feed herself... she actually started this in the hospital. She's no pro yet, but is sure does keep her entertained!

Being a happy girl... because she is just that sweet!

First Time brushing her teeth... well, as much brushing you can do with two "barely there" teeth! But my mom would be proud. 

And here's where all my crafting mess happens... and at least for this week, the mess stays!

I'll have more pictures later... especially after Friday - I think I'm going to let E wear her halloween costume all day since she won't get to wear it otherwise. And once I get all my crafts done for the craft fair this weekend, I will be sure to post some pictures! 

We're HOME!

Yes, we are home... all three of us.

And shortly after getting home, we all took a nap. It was much needed. Four nights in the hospital is LONG enough.... Though most nights, I just reminded myself of all my sweet families on the bone marrow unit who stayed months on end when their little ones were sick (and I quickly realized 4 nights wasn't bad at all).

Eden is doing GREAT. Dr. Grant (Dr. Fuchs' partner) came by this morning and Eden was sitting up in my lap (it was so great to FINALLY hold her today!) and he took a look at her incision and said she looks great and gave us the okay to go home as soon as E peed:) Well, 12 oz and 6 hours later, she finally peed and we finally got to go home. At that point, Josh was ready to stay another night so he could watch the UT vs Alabama game.... I told him he could gladly stay, but I was going home.  Don't worry though, he's out somewhere watching the game right now. 

I'll get some better photos this week up of E. No more hospital photos (photobooth isn't nearly as good as my cannon!). And I'm hoping to get some photos up of some more cards I've been working on and preview some things that I'll have at the Southeastern Craft and Bake Sale this weekend (HINT HINT if you're in WF!). 

Goodnight:) 

Day 4 - Getting Partway UP

Today is the day that we will get E half-way up (recline her steel crib 30-45 degrees). As long as she doesn't have any swelling at her incision site and there is no leaking of fluid, she will be able to get up all the way and do "normal" things on Saturday. As long as she tolerates that, Dr. Fuchs said she may be able to go home Saturday afternoon. YAHH!!! I can't wait to hold her and I can't wait to get her home. 

On another note, I wanted to share (probably more therapeutic for any other reason) some things I have been reading this week. This year at our church, our pastor has been preaching through the entire Bible, highlighting the Mission of God throughout Scripture. Not coincidentally, last week, he taught through James and 1&2 Peter. James is one of my favorite books of all times (maybe partly thanks to Miss Susie and our mission trips to Knoxville) and so of course I have enjoyed reading that. But I have a new appreciation for 1 Peter. I don't know the last time I read through 1 Peter, but as Larry mentioned in his sermon, its a book for people who are going through trials/suffering. So I have gleaned much from it this week and wanted to share a few passages. 

"In this (hope) you now rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuinesness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is refined by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1:6-9)

"For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.... for to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps." (2:19,21)

"Behold, do no be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share in Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed." (4:12-13).

"Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you" (5:7) - (anyone remember this song from Montgomery Village???? Heather, Jess, anyone?? )

So these are just a few of the amazing Scriptures I have found hope and comfort in this week. I often don't think of these difficulties we have gone through with Eden as "sufferings", but as my pastor taught through these books, it became more clear that it is part of the sufferings we face as believers - things that seem unjust, unfair and are just plain difficult to swallow. My pray will continue to be that above all, I bring glory to God.  I want to be able to rejoice through this and one day be able to tell Eden how God was so specifically at work in her life when she was just a few months old (and even before, really!). I want this to shape me into a better mother and a better wife. I pray the the Lord is honored with my life. 

My favorite song of all time is definitely, "It is Well" - and the words of it have continued to ring in my mind these past few weeks:

"Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well with my soul"

Day 3 - Still Flat

Eden is doing great... we're headed into day three of still staying flat... hopefully the LAST day she has to stay flat. When Dr. Fuchs said "flat" i thought - flat on her back... but he reassured me (many times) yesterday that it was fine for her to roll back and forth and even play on her side, as long as she is not sitting, or as long as her head is "flat" with her spine. So, she's found a way to keep herself busy and entertained in the crib in only those positions. THough I think today may be more a challenge keeping her entertained... we'll see. She was "whining" last night when Josh got here but we decided that it is definitely an attention getting "whine" rather than a discomfort kind of thing... 

Other than the fact that she's in a hospital crib (bright blue steel bars, might I add) and has on a gigantic hospital gown... you'd really never know that she just had major surgery on her spine two days ago. I am so thankful at the way she is recovering and know that it is in large part a result of our prayers (ours = mine and josh's as well as all you reading this). We know that the Lord will continue to keep this sweet baby in His arms and will be faithful to fulfill His promises in her life. 

Thanks for checking in... 

Steph

Just a Picture

For All you Early Morning Blog Checkers

So I thought I'd put a quick post for all you early morning blog checkers. Eden had a GREAT night. I never heard her peep once. And I think I only woke up once (I have NO idea what time it was - but it was early) when one of the neurosurgeons came by to say hi... why do they come by at 4 or 5 in the morning??? I have no idea... but E was sleeping soundly, so I crawled back into my two foot stretch out "chair" and slept for a few more hours. E woke up just a little earlier than she does back home, but nonetheless, woke up in a wonderful mood... ate 4 oz and is now "playing" in her crib... as much playing as you can do flat without any toys about you... Ive requested a mobile, but have yet to see one.. maybe I'll get Josh to bring hers tonight when he comes to visit. 

She is doing well, they said today will be the worst in regards to pain. I've requested that they just give her the pain medicine around the clock instead of waiting until she starts hurting. I think that helped overnight. I'll try and update more later, though I hope there's not much new to report:) Maybe I'll post some crafts to pass time... 

Steph

My Little Trooper

Eden is settled into her room here at Duke and is doing quite well. Aside from the hoarse voice, she is acting much like normal. When we met her in the recovery room, she was crying only to stop when we nuzzled up next to her. Such a sweet girl I have:) She has only been crying here and there, but is easily comforted (praise God!) She never gave us a peep the whole way up to the floor (and after many bumps and turns and noises, I'm quite suprised). She has been wide eyed up until a few minutes ago when she started to drift off, only to wake up again. I'm hoping she fall asleep again soon - she looks so sleepy, I know a long nap would do her some good. I am so thankful for her sweet spirit - God knew she would need that sweet spirit to help get her (and ME) through all this! I was even more thankful for this when the child next to us cried uncontrollably the whole time we were in the recovery room!!!

I am reminded why I always loved pediatric nursing - kids are so resilliant and can tolerate WAY more than adults! Dr. Fuchs said that if this were an adult pt, he'd tell them to take off 6-8 weeks of work, but a kid usually bounces back in just a few weeks! If it were me, I'm sure I'd be begging for more than tylenol.... Anyways, I'm just rambling now - I love my sweetie and I thank you all for your prayers today! Please continue to pray this week for her healing and that she would stay free from infection.

Steph

Recovery

Eden's in recovery. Dr. Fuchs just came to talk to us to let us know that the surgery went well. She is being moved to recovery and we will get to see her soon. He said that they were a little surprised by the cyst when they went in there, it was much larger and on the outside rather than inside the spinal canal.  This doesn't change anything regarding her recovery and doesn't mean anything "bad" - just different that they were expecting ("rare" i believe is the term he used... go figure!).  

She did great and will be moved to a regular room on the peds surgical floor. He does want her to lay flat for 3 days to prevent any of the spinal fluid from leaking. I asked how you keep a child laying flat and he said that they are pretty smart in learning that it hurts to move so they just don't. I'm assuming this means I can't pick her up, I'll just have lay my head in her crib and snuggle that way. 

Praise the Lord for His wisdom and protection over her during the surgery. We are so blessed to have such wonderful doctors (and nurses). Please continue to pray now for her healing and also that she would be kept free from infection (the biggest risk post-op). We will try and post again later today after we have spent some time with her, loved on her, prayed over her and she has had some time to rest and get settled in. 

Here's a few pictures from last week, thought everyone might enjoy them in the midst of all my blogging!

7:30

Thanks for checking in so early on E. They just carried her to the OR and she should be out in 1-2 hours. We will update again once we see her and know how she is doing. Dr. Fuchs said she should be in the hospital 3-4 days. 

If you're reading this at 7:30 -9:30 eastern time please lift up a prayer for Eden and that the doctors will have steady hands and her body will tolerate the surgery well. 

Thanks again!!

Steph, Josh and E

Surgery

Little Miss Eden is going to have surgery again. We had an MRI last week to "recheck" her spinal cord (when she was a few months old, they thought it was "tethered" and then we were told it wasn't). Well, the repeat MRI said it definitely is tethered so we went to meet with Dr. Fuchs, the neurosurgeon today. He wanted to do surgery soon - and they had an opening on Tuesday so we took it. I know its soon and seems like "short notice" but they said the longer she waits, there is potential for the tethering to cause problems with her legs, bowel and bladder. Since we (me and Eden) are planning to go to TN for Thanksgiving, I wanted to allow her plenty of time to recover before trying to travel and Dr. Fuchs didn't want to wait until after Thanksgiving. 

As bummed as I was to hear that my little girl was going to need yet another surgery, I am so thankful to be where we are - near such wonderful doctors and medical care. By the Lord's provision, we are here (this is the month we were originally going to be moving to Africa).  And by the Lord's will we will walk through whatever He allows in our lives. Our pastor was speaking on suffering recently and how suffering is a mark of the believer's life. Its not "if" we will suffer, its "when" you suffer.  As we "suffer", I continue to pray (as I would ask you also to pray) that the Lord would do in our lives what brings most glory to Himself.  I have been reading Hebrews this week and am confident in the Lord who is my Hope, One who sympathizes and One who is near. 

I will update frequently over the next week and let you know how E is doing (she has no idea what is going on... and thankfully!) and how you can pray for her. We covet your prayers and know that the Lord has heard everyone and will keep our little one in His hands. 

Steph, Josh and Eden

And the Winner is......

LORREN!!!

I tried to get a picture of E holding Lorren's name for proof, but she wouldn't cooperate. Lorren - I'll get you one of the Quilted List Takers next time I see you!  Thanks for all the comments you all left!

I've also got a few new pictures of Eden... She is sitting so well by herself now - but still not able to be left unattended. She's also supporting herself enough to let me hold her hands and "stand". Yeah Eden!

I've had alot of custom orders these past few weeks (almost 10!!). I have been busy doing those, but have also had a couple of people ask about Christmas Cards. I have come up with a few samples for my store and may create a few more. So here they are:

Sewn Fabric Cards, blank on the inside or Merry Christmas message.

Photo Cards - a 3x5 photo will fit on the brown paper and can easily be removed by your recipient!

Wording on the Side is a Isaiah 6:9

I too was tagged!

My sweet friend Rachel tagged me last week in her blog and I'm just now getting around to posting and tagging other (sorry its taken me so long Rachel!)

I'm tagging Jenn, Lorren and Kacie.

1. What time did you get up this morning?
6:30 

2. Diamonds or pearls?
Both! diamonds on my fingers and usually pearls in my ears :) (this is Rachels' answer - but I couldn't have said it better myself.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
I have NOOO Idea - its probably been a few years... Josh won't take me to the theatre because i always fall asleep

4. What is your favorite TV show?
Grays Anatomy and Law and Order (and I'm also a sucker for Wife Swap - mainly because I think its so ridiculous)

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Coffee is a staple, but the actual "food" varies every day.

6. What is your middle name?
Elizabeth

7. What food do you dislike?
there's not much I don't like

8. What is your favorite CD at moment?
whatever Josh has on the ipod, mainly worship music

9. What kind of car do you drive?
Camery

10. Favorite Sandwich?
California Chicken Salad Sandwich from Village Deli... yummmm

11. What characteristic do you despise?
insincerity

12. Favorite item of clothing?
my green chinos from Gap - I've well gotten my moneys worth out of them. 

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
any vacation would be nice:) 

14. Favorite brand of clothing?
gap 

15. Where would you retire to?
how about the mission field instead of retirement?

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday?
25 - my first birthday as a mommy.

17. Favorite sport to watch?
probably tennis, but thats a stretch... I should say Track and Field to make my hubby proud

18. When is your birthday?
March 3

19. Are you a morning person or night?
morning, though I have gotten in the habit of staying up lately crafting:) 

20. What is your shoe size?
8.5

21. Pets?
none, though we've recenlty found out that Eden LOVES doggies... though I don't think we'll get one anytime soon.

22. Any new and exciting news you would like to share with us???
I'm teaching myself to sew.. but thats not really that exciting.

23. What did you want to be when you were little?
a doctor 

24. How are you today?
glad to not be at work and to be at home with E

25. What is your favorite candy?
peanut m&ms or skittles. 

26. What is your favorite flower?
Gerber Daisys

27. What is a day on your calendar you ae looking forward to?
Today - its our anniversary and Josh is taking me out (granted I find someone to watch E).

28. What is your full name?
Stephanie Elizabeth Carroll

29. What are you listening to right now?
Regis and Kellly, and the sound of Eden playing (much more pleasent)

30. WHat was the last thing you ate?
Coffee

31. Do you wish on stars?
nope

32. If you were a crayon what color would you be?
Burnt Orange

33. How is the weather right now?
perfect.. but its suppose to be in the 80s today... boooo... thats not October weather

34. The first person you spoke to on the phone today?
my mom, yes I talked to her at 7:30

35. Favorite soft drink?
we don't drink sodas, but I can down alot of sweet tea.

36. Favorite Restaurant?
La Forresta and Pei Wei

37. Real Hair Color?
brown with red tints

38. What was your favorite toy as a child?
dolls

39. Summer or winter?
Fall

40. Hugs or kisses?
depends on who from.

41. Chocolate or vanilla?
chocolate

42. Coffee or tea?
always coffee

43. When was the last time you cried?
Last week

44. What is under your bed?
my clothes - somehow Josh took up most of our closet. 

45. What did you do last night?
worked on a few custom orders for my etsy shop:)

46. What are you afraid of?
tornados

47. Salty or sweet?
sweet

48. How many keys on your key ring?
5 or 6?

49. How many years at your current job?
2 as a nurse, 9 1/2 months as mommy

50. Favorite day of the week?

Any day except for Monday and Tuesday...

51. How many places have you lived in?
3 - H'ville, the 'Boro, and Raleigh (well 4 if you count Wake Forest)

52. Do you make friends easy?
I guess so? 

The Quilted List Taker

I'm having another give-away to introduce the quilted List Taker...

Isn't is pretty! So I've had this "idea" in my head for months now of a little "organizer" if you will to hold a journal, pen and a set of cards. I played around with my sewing machine for weeks trying to create my own pattern... (haha, I know many of you are laughing right now). After several attempts and not so great turnouts, I happened to stumble across this pattern on etsy. A very talented Jennifer Casa designed this list taker and has given permission for me to recreate them to sell in my shop. Of course, for all you seamstresses out there, go buy the pattern yourself, its only a few bucks... and if your not a seamstress, consider buying one from my shop:) I've just bought some beautiful fabrics to use, but had to make the first ones using scraps from my craft chest. So here are a few:

Leave a comment and let me know what you think! I'll draw a name next week from the comments left and send the lucky winner one of the beauties!

Just a few Pictures for you Enjoyment.

Why crib bumpers are a good idea...

(and yes, she is asleep in this picture! - I took it at 5:30 in the morning, I just couldn't help mysefl!)

Working on "mama"

Working on 1. Sitting, 2. "the josh face"

She's not quite mastered sitting yet:) 

Avery, Matthew and Eden

So happy:) 

Eden's 9 Month Appt

Eden had her 9 Month appt yesterday with Dr. Herriott. She weighed in at a whopping 14lb 5oz (still less than the 3rd percentile). On the contrary - her height was 27.5 inches (almost 50%) - what can I say - she is her daddy's child - tall and skinny! Dr. Herriott was pleased with how she looked, though we are still reaching for ideas to help her gain weight more. She suggested adding oil and butter to her solids.. yummm yummmm. Pretty much all those "bad" things you're not suppose to do to fruits and veggies, she wants me to do with Eden's! She does love solids and would much rather eat from a spoon than her bottle. So during feeding therapy we're trying to get her to drink from a cup - and she actually is taking to it pretty well (though its probably not what you're picturing). As long as she stays on her own little growth curve - we'll be pleased. 

Eden is doing a few new things which is very fun. She is sitting up longer by herself - though definitely not well enough to leave her there alone. She is learning to shake things and "drop" things - very cute - but gets old fast:) Everything is funny to her - I wish I knew what was going on in her little mind and what she found so humerous about opening the mailbox and unlocking the doors. 

Sadly, I haven't taken many pictures of her lately - I need to break out the camera a little more. I think you know a child is getting older when the number of pictures starts to dwindle:) I probably have more pictures from the day she was born that I have taken in the past month!!!!