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A Belated Birthday Wish

My sister's birthday was two days ago and I had all intentions of wishing her big happy birthday then, but like most of my blogging... its a little late:) So with no further ado...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESS!!!!

And of course, a birthday gave me an excuse for some sewing... I was most eager to share this FREE pattern with you but had to wait until I knew she had received her gift! From the moment I saw this pattern on this blog, I knew I had to make one. It only took a few nights to finish and was really easy to follow. The only problem was it was so cute, I didn't want to give it up... I guess I will just have to make myself one now:)




I don't have many new photos to share... we've been spending most days indoors as its been rainy and dreary... oh how I can't wait for spring! We did manage a play-date last week though with three other girls I used to work with at Jeffers and Mann. It was our first trip to Pullen Park and will definitely not be our last!





Yesterday, I ended up making these homemade Thin Mints which turned out pretty good! MUCH easier to make than the Samoas, but I think the Samoas tasted more like the real thing than the Thin Mints. Either way though, they're pretty darn good cookies!

As Promised...

So, I promised on FB a few days ago that I would post the recipe for HOMEMADE GIRL SCOUT COOOKIES!!!!! I found the recipe HERE a few weeks ago and just couldn't wait to try my hand at them. Well, Tuesday posed a wonderful day for baking! I will first say that they turned out wonderful and taste just like the real thing... but if you want to try - know that you will spend ALL afternoon in the kitchen:) I might try the samoas bars next time. Thin mints are definitely next on my list... 

I also had my first attempt at Risotto. I kept coming across yummy sounding risotto, so I took the plunge this week. It might be a new favorite in my house:) Eden and Josh both approved of this Asparagus and Lemon Risotto. 

We've resumed all her therapies this week and it proved to be a busy one:) We did manage to squeeze in a few playdates though and Eden's first ever Track Meet! I don't think we have any appointments coming up though next week, though come to think of it, I do need to schedule her 15month check up.... crazy! 

Well... don't forget the sale in the shop.... FREE WRIST CUFF with every purchase until Monday. Just mention the blog in Notes to Seller. 

Happy Thursday.

I think I've mentioned before that I was reading "Trusting God" by Jerry Bridges. Well, I am almost done and considering reading it again because there is so much good stuff in there... but it seems like there are so many people in my life right now that I could pass it along to. This past weekend was quite a weekend to trust in God's sovreignty. I decided this morning to go back and reread certain sections in "Trusting God" to remind me where my hope is. I wanted to share a few short passages with you: 

"God does not delight in causing us to experience pain or heartache. He always has a purpose for the grief He brings or allows to come into our lives. Most often we do not know what that purpose is, but it is enough to know that His infinite wisdom and perfect love have determined that the particular sorrow is best for us. God never wastes pain. He always uses it to accomplish His purpose. And His purpose is for His glory and our good. Therefore, we can trust Him when our hearts are aching or our bodies are racked with pain." Jerry Bridges

"I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of; for to have been thought about, born in God's though, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest and most precious thing in all thinking." "If we have physical or mental disabilities or impairments, it is because of God in His wisdom and love created us that way. We may not understand why God chose to do that, but that is where our trusting Him has to begin." George MacDonald and Jerry Bridges

I am so thankful that Eden is doing well and has recovered quickly. My request today from you is that you would pray for a few sweet children who have been on my heart this week. I learned this past week Charlotte and Preston's stories.... they both brought back a flood of emotions into my heart that have not been far removed. You can read both their stories by clicking on their names.  We also found out about some heartbreaking news of a family member, but I must get permission before I say anything on the blog. You were all so faithful in praying for Eden - so would you please now pray for them.

I decided to post this today because it is, well, where I am at the moment.... learning and trying to trust God in the difficult circumstances and hoping to provide a glimpse of encouragement to anyone else facing them. I know that God is Good... all the time. I know that you have been faithful to pray for Eden, and I know that these families would appreciate your faithful prayers as well!

she may look just like josh....

but she's got my tastebuds:



So I introduced Eden to the infamous "BBQ Chicken, Twice Baked Potatoes and Yeast Rolls" meal this week (since I HAD to make it for Heather when she came home from the hospital). Needless to say, Eden was a huge fan! The *secret* BBQ sauce is a family recipe (my grandma's) that I've shared with only a few people, but has been cooked oh so many times, mostly by Mama Cita and enjoyed by many. Eden finished 1/2 a piece of chicken, a whole twice baked potato and a yeast roll!

Speaking of Heather... I'd like to introduce miss Charlotte to you: Isn't she adorable!!!!

And I got to watch Avery while Heather was in the hospital...

The past few days have been spent mostly outdoors, or inside with all the windows open - the best way to spend the day I think. I've managed lots of photos! Yah! I took this photo today after her visit with Dr. Fuchs... the bandage and stitches are all gone - she was pretty excited about it:) 



As I mentioned in the last post... I've been up to a little sewing lately too ( I know... big surprise!) Here's my latest (and new favorite) creation.... the Mama Chic Wrist Cuff. Its a FREE pattern by JCasa! Its a very simple, easy to follow pattern... I'm in love:) I've already made a few for myself and a few for my neighbor... and I'm offering one to you too!!!! Every order from my shop from now until 3/23 will receive a Wrist Cuff with their purchase! Just mention my blog in "notes to seller"!

Just a few photos since I finally got my camera charged:) 

First Time eating Pizza:) and sporting her new little outfit from "aunt" Ali

The Back 

The Front (this one's going to hurt coming off - its all in her hair:( )

Eden and Josh having lunch... they always play games across the table... its quite funny... one day I'll get a video of it:)

 

Ooops...

So I promised a picture last night and I forgot:( I did take some pictures and was going to post them now, but the camera is dead... again... my fault, I think I left the camera on yesterday (shhh... don't tell Josh - I'll get in trouble!).   I still don't think I've caught up on my sleep.

Anyway... Its a gorgeous day, I'm sitting outside as I type. Eden's down for nap #2 and I'm thinking about a nap myself. Not much new to report in regards to her surgery... we go back next Wednesday for Dr. Fuchs to check her incision and remove her stitches. Then another MRI in 6 weeks to see how her body is doing keeping the fluid absorbed on its own. 

On a crafting note... I found this giveaway through my friend Melissa's Blog... The Benner Daily is giving away free fabric!!! I couldn't give up this chance to enter! Check it out by clicking here.

WE'RE HOME!

Sorry for the lack of post(s) yesterday. I was busy getting ready to take Eden home and then *oops* left my computer in my friends car after we got home. 

I don't think I'm the only one who was SO GLAD to be home... Eden played for quite a while on the floor by herself yesterday, just smiling and laughing... and then she made it most of the night without waking up . I gave her pain medication before she went to bed and once in the middle of the night and otherwise, she slept so soundly! I think we were both glad to be back in our own beds - what a difference that makes! 

I'm looking forward to a *lazy* day at home, catching up on laundry, cleaning, and playing... and I'm hoping to get a little sewing done too:) I've got a few projects I researched while at the hospital and I'm eager to get started. 

Well - I promise a new picture by the end of the day:) I must find a way to comb her hair first!

Steph

The Drain is OUT!

Dr. Fuchs came by this morning and gave me good news! Her ICPs were stable all night and he thinks that the high pressures yesterday were "faulty". Her MRI looked great and another doctor just came in to take the drain out.... Can I just take a minute to tell you know STRONG my little girl is:) The doctor pulled a tube out of her brain and stitched up her scalp and she didn't even cry  - just kept sucking away on that passy and looking at me... I love this kid!

They had to sedate her for the MRI - so I sense alot of sleeping going on today... probably for both of us... though I will say I did sleep well last night (thanks to those of you who prayed I would get some sleep!).  We had a wonderful nurse last night who was able to work in the dark and didn't have to change her diaper at 4am:) Maybe we'll get her back tonight! 

The plan is to go home tomorrow morning (we heard talks of today... but I don't forsee that happening).  I'm so ready to be home... 5 days has been long enough! I was thinking this morning of how ready I am to get out of here... and was quickly reminded of all my sweet patients on the bone marrow unit who spent months in this place:( I have a new appreciation for all those families!

Since so many of you that read our blog are still praying for us, I thought I'd take a minute to ask you to pray for my friend Heather... she's *overdue* with little Charlotte and I'd love for Charlotte to be born on my birthday! 

Its Late... I'm Tired... so just a little update to let you know we're still here...

at Duke that is. Its been a long day. No MRI - it was canceled because they were short staffed. We are planning to have it at 8:00 tomorrow morning. Since the night shift nurse came in and "re-zeroed" Eden's drain, her pressures have been back where they were this morning (prior to the day shift nurse messing with it). I'm convinced that her high pressures may have had something to do with the way the nurse had it set... I've got some questions for them tomorrow:)

This picture is mainly for Gigi, PopPop, Nana and Papa Joe - just to let you know all know that Edens been more like herself today:

A more positive post tomorrow... I promise... it is of course my birthday:) 

Monday Morning

Its monday morning... and it defintitely feels like a monday. The fact that I didn't sleep last night probably isn't helping my attitude. Eden is hanging in there. She had a great day yesterday with her drain clamped and her pressures had been stable. Dr. Fuchs came by this morning and said everything looked good and we would do an MRI to make sure the "inside" looked good too. About 2 hours after he came by though, Eden's pressures (in her brain) have been increasing. The nurse came in and opened the drain since they stayed increased for more than 5 minutes. They paged the doctor and one of the residents came in to check her out. She said she looked good and they reset her parameters and clamped the drain again. We're watching her closely today to see how her pressures do. If they keep going up with the drain clamped, the chances of Eden needing a shunt will increase. Just waiting now to her from Dr. Fuchs himself as to what he thinks.

On another note, it snowing here so Josh got out of school today and is here with us! YAH... I needed some relief today after a night of unneeded interruptions (diaper changes at 1am and 4am, an extra blood draw because the nurse "forgot a lab"). Off to *maybe* get some rest before the MRI... updates to follow

Steph

A long morning

Eden had a fairly good night - by that I mean I wasn't up all night with her... but don't be fooled, I don't think my sleep amounted to much. She woke up pretty uncomfortable however. I don't think she got much pain medicine last night since she and I were both sleeping and the pain medication was "scheduled" but "as needed". So, it took us a while this morning to get her pain under control. She's been asleep now for almost an hour - PRAISE THE LORD! She just can't seem to settle and wants me or Josh to be right by her face when she's awake.

I talked with her doctor this morning and her pressures were a little higher than he expected last night and her drain put out a littl more too so they are going to watch her today to see how she does with the drain clamped. If her pressures go up and stay up, we'll have to open the drain back up and will be here until her pressures stabilize. If they don't stabilize, we'll have to start talking about a shunt. PLEASE PRAY that her body is doing a good job of reabsorbing the fluid on its own and that her pressures stay where Dr. Fuchs wants them (right now they are). So far, all her cultures are negative and she has been without fever for 24 hours now. Thanks for your prayers for that and continue to pray that her body stays free of infection.

I've been reading some of Jerry Bridges' book, Trusting God while we've been here. I'm reminded of God's Soveriegnty and Goodness even in hard times.

"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity to His will" Ephesians 1:11