Christmas Morning

Christmas morning is always exciting with little ones. Jaci woke us up telling us what Santa left for her. I asked what Santa left for Joseph and of course she did not know. So she ran back in the living room to see. I wish I could have seen her face when she saw her new pink and white skates. I'm excited, we get to go skating. Dazzles here we come. I hope they have a frequent skater card...haha.

Joseph loves his rocking chair and tickle me Elmo and Jena seems to like her 1st doll. Now it's time to sort through the debris and get my family ready for MawMaw and PawPaw's.
Hope you had a Wonderful morning and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and read the Christmas story from the Bible.

Blessings to you,
Lisa

Merry Christmas

Getting ready for the Big Day!! Christmas!! I love this time of year. Even though I didn't get to put out all the decor that I normally do, I have still enjoyed the nativity scene on the porch and the tree trimmed by Jaci and daddy. I just have to find time to wrap presents...and sleep.

Yesterday was a busy day. I had my Dr. appt with Dr. Hudson and I had to call and get Jaci an appt., cause she has had a terrible cough and Granma thankfully took her to that, Joseph woke up with a sty on his eye and then I had to take Jena to her Dr., appt to get another shot to hopefully prevent her from RSV. Jena is doing very well. She is up to 7lbs and 19 inches. We had to go all the way to Ashford-Dunwoody Rd and it took us 2 hours to get home last night. And we will have to go next month for another shot. Dr. Brown says that I need to keep her in till March. That's when flu season is over. I know she is God's hands and we will do all we can to keep her healthy. She and I will miss out on family gatherings this year but it is the best thing we can do for her.

I hope that you will have a Merry Christmas and count your blessings this year. Too many to count? That's OK, try it anyway.
Give God the Glory for it all and remember to tell Jesus Happy Birthday!!

Blessings to you,
Lisa

Big Sister and Big Brother

Look at these faces...could they really do any wrong?

Yeah Right!!

Meeting and holding her new sissy for the first time on Thanksgiving Day
It took Joseph awhile to realize that this doll was for real, now he can't keep his hands and mouth off her. He is always giving her kisses...so sweet.

Big Sissy has to give some kisses too!!

Busy Days

It seems like every time I go to the computer something happens and I am not able to write anything. My days have been very busy. Keeping up with feeding, dirty diapers from two children, making sure Joseph is not getting hurt with all the things and places he is getting into. Needless to say, most days I'm still in my PJ's till mid afternoon. I try to change before Jaci gets home from school but definitely before Joey gets home.
Jena is doing very well, she is up to 5lbs 8oz, and now the monitoring Dr., wants me to start putting cereal into her formula. She is 4 weeks old...I have always waited till about 3 or 4 months with Jaci and Joseph but these are doctors orders. So she will probably gain a good bit a weight soon. This has helped her with getting chocked while drinking. She still hasn't learned the whole drink, suck, swallow....but this is due to her prematurity. I know she will get better as she grows.
Well, I think I'll take this opportunity to go lay down, since Joseph and Jena are napping and I'm still in my pj's... it's only 1: 11 pm so I still have time before I need to change.

Blessings to you,
Lisa

Need help!!

For the last two nights I have not got much sleep. Jena wants to be awake during the 2 am to 6 am hours and then sleeps hard in the morning. She has alittle of awake time and tummy time during the day but not enough to keep her asleep during the night. If anyone out there has any help tips for me I would greatly appreciate it. My eye balls are hurting cause I haven't had much sleep. It's about 5:40 pm now and I'm going to give her a bath and try to stir her up. But please help me if you can.

Here are some of the things I missed while I was in the hospital. Yes we are slow to getting things developed.

Joseph playing in the stroller...baby stroller that is

Jaci's PM Sports Award Night with Coach Ron

Being sweet ...

Tired Daddy

Well, what can I say...

Yesterday Jaci woke up with pink eye, and had to miss school for the first time. That was very sad for me, she was OK with it. She is doing better today and I see no reason for her to miss another day. We got through Monday just fine. Yes I was nervous about being at home with just me and my kids. Thankfully there was prayers going up for us cause it was not that bad and I was able to warm up a chicken pot pie for supper. Oh, and I made tea.
Tomorrow I need to take Jena back to the hospital to get her picture taken cause the lady left on Thanksgiving day and we didn't get her picture taken. Thankfully this will not cost me anything. Then I have to take her to her first Dr., appt. It will be busy and a tiring day.

Thankfully the Lord will be with us and He will help us through.

Blessing to you,
Lisa

Our Weekend

We have had a good weekend. The nights are about the same but I don't expect them to change fast. Sunday morning I was already up with Jena and needed to help get Jaci and Joseph ready for church. Trying to get into some type of normal routine, if there is one. Joey started the oatmeal and I helped Jaci and then got Joseph up. Jena was good and snug in her crib so I went and ate breakfast with everyone. Then it was strange not being able to get dressed in my Sunday clothes and go to church with my family. Instead I stayed in my PJ's and after they all left, Jena and I went back to sleep. But this is just the way it must be for now. Jena has needs and so we adjust to our new way of life. It seems like a long way off but we will all get to go to church together in the future. I thought my time in the hospital would never end and here I am now, at home, all the family together again. We are so Blessed.

In Everything Give Thanks

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you, " 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

We got the bring Jena home on a perfect day, Thanksgiving. And we have some much to be thankful for. Our first day home was good with some visitors but those visitors did not have colds, or been exposed to the flu and they only got to look at Jena. No holdings for a while and limited on visits. Not only is this mommy orders but NICU Doctor orders. Hopefully everyone understands our circumstance and the reason why.
If your wondering if I got sleep last night well the answer is "Not much". Jena got up often and was wide awake at 3am. Hopefully we can work on that. She has been perfectly content today in her new home.
Joey and Jaci got down the Christmas tree and put it up. We decided that we would not go all out this year. Joey didn't want to mess with it and neither did I. And theres Joseph who wants to touch and put everything in his mouth, so we truly limited our decor. Jaci put most of the ornaments on and so you know the tree looks beautiful with the sweetness of a child's touch. I love it!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a good shopping day for those of you who went out this morning. Maybe I'll be back out there next year.

Blessings to you,
Lisa

Rooming In

Tonight we are rooming in the hospital in a small room with a pull out bed which I can tell is not going to be comfy, a TV, bathroom and a rocking chair. And it's just me, Joey and Jena. This is our time to feel comfortable with her with all her feedings, changes, temps, and whatever else comes. And thankfully with nurses right outside the door in case we need something. So far the first feeding went well and hopefully so will the rest. Tomorrow we should be able to come home with Jena. Praise the Lord!!
We have so much to be thankful for. Our family, church family, everyone who has prayed for us and the Dr's and nurses who have taken care of Jena and myself over the last month. From our family to yours, we hope you have a Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving. And to you Black Friday shoppers, you can have it this year. :)
Blessings to you,
Lisa

I made it!!!

Well the day was not that bad. Jaci just had the one time temp and has been fine the rest of the day, hopefully our night will be good too!! Since I couldn't go see Jena, her nurse sent me emails throughout the day and she took 5 bottles in a row, which is awesome. She is doing so good. I missed her today. She looks so sweet in the pictures. Hopefully I can go see her tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers.
Blessings to you,
Lisa

Can I do this?

Oh My Word!! My first morning with just me and my kids. And already Jaci has woke me up at 4:30am and she has a fever. I have a Dr. appt today and now need to make her one and hopefully beat whatever is going on with her. I have to keep Jaci and Joseph as well as possible for Jena's sake and our own. I told Jaci that she would be in her room most of the day so that Joseph doesn't get near her and I probably will not get to go see Jena since I'm not sure what is going on with Jaci and she needs me today. Can I do this?????? Lord please give me the strength I need. Oh, did I mention that I need to pump every 3 hours.....

Sweeter as the days go by...

I have not written in a couple of days just because but she is doing so well. Jena has started to feed from a bottle and the times that she has taken it she has done very well. Since our nuzzling times are limited she has not taken to me well. If you know what I mean. She is 4lbs 10oz. And for the last two days, right when I start to leave, she decides to be wide awake and that makes it hard to leave. She is so beautiful and I can't wait till she is home.
Thank You again to those who continue to help us and those who get me to the hospital and back home again. You are all a blessing to our family.

Jena moved from the incubator to a normal crib today. The same kind of crib that you would have in the room with you when you have the baby the normal ways. She is gaining more weight, 4lbs 8.7oz. She is doing good with her feedings and moving fast to 35cc. She is having a bit of reflux. Hopefully she will grow out of this and it won't be an issue for her. She was in a cute onesie without any IV's to her and she is holding her temperature well.
Her nurse today, I'm sorry I forgot her name, said that she was in the OR with me and she was the first one to get Jena. She said Jena was very lucky, that normally she sees these cases go the other way. I know it wasn't luck, it was God's hand upon her. Praise the Lord for all He has done for us through this whole situation. We have been so blessed by so many and continue to be blessed.
Please continue to pray for our family, Joseph is having a hard time understanding why mommy can't be with him all day and pick him up. We are still having help during the day so that I can come and see Jena.

Blessings to you,
Lisa

She's Growing!!

Sundays are always a blessing cause that's when the family is all together. Lunch at MawMaw's is something to look forward to. And hopefully next Sunday I will join the gang again. Joey and I were able to go see Jena. I had called to check on her this morning and the nurse told me that she had a good night and that she had gained an ounce. Praise the Lord!! I knew it wouldn't be long. She is already up to 19 cc on her milk. Once she gets to 36 cc she will be put on the bottle and when I am there, we will try the breast. We nuzzled today and she latched on a few times, which surprised the nurse. We'll see how that goes this week. Her nurse said that it's normally around 34 weeks before she learns to swallow, suck and breath at the same time. Pray with us that she is able to do this.

Blessings to you,
Lisa

Moving On Up

Jena is moving up quickly on her feedings. They are now going up a CC every feeding instead of every six hours. She should start gaining weight soon. She had not lost any more weight since yesterday. She seems so content in her little bed. Holding her is so sweet even with all the monitors attached to her. She didn't open her eyes much today but we got to cuddle and she would smile for me every once in a while. I already miss her, her smell. But knowing that it will just be a couple of weeks before she is home, makes me nervous. Hopefully it wont be much different than the first two. But please be aware that I will probably be that over protective mother who never lets people hold her child. With this crazy flu season, I can't take any chances. It will be hard enough to try and keep Jaci and Joseph well as possible.
Granma brought me today to the hospital, this is the first time that she was able to see her. She too has been sick. Tomorrow Joey and I will go see her after church. I don't think I will make it to church. The mornings seem to be the worst for me. Maybe by next Sunday I will feel better to go to church. Keep us in your prayers.

Blessings to you,
Lisa

Home Sweet Home

Oh how sweet it is to be home. Wednesday night, Jaci and Joseph were so excited to see me and I felt the same way. It's amazing how you can miss the little things of your home. Looking around my house is very different now. I love my house. I love my sweet family and all of you who have helped, prayed, and just showed us love. Just saying Thank you doesn't seem like enough, so we pray that God would bless you.

Thursday, Joey and I were able to go back and see Jena. She is doing so good and making improvements everyday. Joey did go back to work today, and man, I missed him. Thankfully the morning helpers, Granma and Aunt Cretia, came back to help this morning getting the kids ready for the day. We gave them a break Thursday morning but told them that we were not through with them yet. And they seemed OK with that.

I can't drive for two weeks so I'm depending on others to get me to the hospital to see Jena everyday and to give them breast milk that I have pumped. Ok, that is hard work!! Every two hours but it is worth it. Jena has been taking the milk very well and as of tonight she is taking 8cc of milk and able to hold it down. Which is wonderful. The nurse Jan told me today that she needs to get up to 30 cc which is 1 oz. They move her up every 6 hours now which it was every 12 hours. She is being fed through a feeding tube. But doesn't seem to mind. I did get to hold her today for almost an hour. Which is a long time for a preemie. Normally 15 to 20 minutes is all the stimulation they can handle. But she seemed content in her mommies arms. I talked to her about love. That so many people loved her but it was nothing like the love of Jesus. I sang Jesus loves Me to her several times and she never made a face, so I guess she approves of my singing.
We have the plan that someone bring me to the hospital and drop me off and Joey comes by on his way home from work and gets me. That way he gets to see Jena too. Thank you Amy for bringing me today.
She wasn't as wide eyed today as she was yesterday. She looked around for a long time and when we would talk to her she looked right at us. Hopefully she is learning who mommy and daddy are.

Campbellton is having a baby shower for us Saturday night but I will not be there. I still can't do to much in one day so if my choice is shower or Jena... Jena wins hands down. Thank you Campbellton family. Thank you Prays Mill family.

Please keep Jena in your prayers and that she continues to make progress. Pray for me and my recovery and for the cough that I picked up in the hospital from dry air to go away. It makes the belly hurt bad.

Keep Joey in your prayers as he still has many hats to wear. And as he tries quickly to get the house prepared for when Jena comes home. Much still needs to be done in our basement. He is thinking of taking vacation time now to get it done.

Blessing to you,
Lisa

Still in His care

We had a good day. Mommy and baby are recovering great. Jena is making good progress. The nurses say she is a feisty one, Lisa could have told them that a month ago. Today, Lisa got to go and see Jena for the first time. It was a very good visit. When we went back later we were able to check her temp, change her diaper, and feed her.

During this flu season no kids are aloud in the NICU and Jaci don't really like that, she is so ready to see her baby sister.

Looking at how everything played out we can definitely see the hand of God. The PICC line being in place they had quick access to get her the medicines and all to put her to sleep quickly. Dr. Hudson was already in the hospital and run right to the OR. Sharon the nurse got to ride on the bed with Lisa and we thank her for knowing what to do in the case of a prolapsed cord. The staff in Antepartum unit, the OR and Dr. Hudson (bottom)as she said "we were just the instruments in the Lord's hand." Thanks to all the staff in the Mother/Baby unit, NICU, Lactation also, all the staff here you have all been a great blessing to our family. We send out our love to our Church family at Campbellton and Prays Mill for your prayers and support, and especially our awesome family. Lisa and I may come home today, but we will continue to update the blog since Jena will be here a little longer. God bless you all.

Joey

Lisa and I would like to proudly announce the arrival of our healthy and beautiful baby girl, Jena Danyel, 4lbs. 12oz. and 18 in. She was not satisfied with a quiet entrance into this world, she had to bring some excitement with her. A little after 2:00pm Lisa went to the bathroom and thought that she was passing another blood clot, she realized that things weren't right and called for the nurse. When the nurse come to check on her she found that the umbilical cord was trying to come out. She helped her back to the bed and hit the emergency alarm on the wall and then run out in the hall and called for help. Lisa was rushed to the OR for emergency C-section. Praise the Lord for His timing Dr. Hudson was already in the hospital and she already had a pipe line, I mean PICC line, in her arm, so they were able to quickly get her the stuff she needed to knock her out and do the surgery. The Hospital called me at 2:55pm and said "This is so and so from Cobb Hospital we told your wife we would call and let you know that your baby was born. The baby is in NICU and Lisa is in recovery." I was in shock, I had just talked to her not to long ago. All I could say was Uh, Uh, OK. The guys at work were like "what's up", I said "my baby was just born". Their response was "get out of here, What are you still doing here?!" Jaci was fired up, she finally got her baby sister. As for Joseph he is taking it like a man, at home probably proped up in front of the T.V. with a warm bottle of milk. He doesn't have a clue what he is in for yet. Let us continue to rejoice in the Lord for His goodness and mercy. Thanks again for your prayers. Continue to lift up Jena, she will be several weeks in NICU unless the Lord sees fit otherwise.

Joey

Family Day

Today, we went to see Lisa. The young ins love to see their mama. They miss her very much and the longer daddy has to feed and bath'em they miss her even more. They used to like bath time and daddy don't play, we're in there to get a job done and get on with it. I took out two bags full of toys and still left some to occupy them with. Nevertheless, it doesn't get any easier day by day. Lisa had a difficult start today, she had some bleeding and was concerned, but the doctors said since it was not continuous that it was OK. They said she needs to lay flat and only sit up to eat and go to the bathroom. The goal is still for Nov. 20, she will be 34 weeks. Baby J is looking good, heart rate is fine and movement is good. We don't understand everything, why stuff happens, but we know God is still in control. We must ask ourselves in difficult times. 1. What does God want me to see about who He is? 2. What does God want me to see about myself? and 3. How is God trying to grow me? We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. In the mean time we will wait upon the Lord, knowing that He may not put more on us than we can bear and always provide a way through the storm, but He will put enough on us to keep us humble and depending on Him because His strength is made perfect in weakness. God Bless and thanks again for lifting us before the throne of grace in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Joey

The waiting game

Yesterday the ultrasound results were good but concerning. The fluids have decreased to 1.5 which now makes it difficult for the nurses to find the heartbeat on the monitor. But there is plenty of movement. And when I am on the monitor we have a great heart rate. Baby J is breech again but measurements show 4lbs 15oz, head is 32 wks and tummy is 34 wks. Lungs are developed and baby responds good to sound and is practicing breathing. So we wait till labor starts basically. It amazes me that they can see all these things. I know this is God protecting us. Baby is good, now mommy is a different story.

Emotions are high and every day gets harder but I have to work through it for my baby. Please pray with me that God gives me the strength to endure each day. They say each day keeps the baby out of the NICU two days.

We are in the Lords hands and He knows this babies birthday. My faith is in Him even in the weak moments. Love and Blessings to you,
Lisa

The rest of the story...

Ok, I'm not sure what happened but to finish the story, my blood presure got better but not me emotionally. I got the PICC line which is in my arm and saves me from getting stuck again. As long as not infections creep up on me. The rest of the day was pretty much a depressed day for me.
Today has been alittle better. I just got to see my precious Joseph. Thank you Mrs. Jackie and Ms. Jean for bringing him and helping our family.
I'm to have a ultrasound today so I will probably update later. Keep us in your prayers.
Remember like I have, when you cry out to the Lord, He is there to answer your call for help.

Blessings to you,
Lisa

What a week it has been, more like an emotional roller coaster. I haven't been able to write lately so I'm going to back up some. Monday I was thankful to make to monday. My ultrasound showed that the fluids decreased to 2.2. It's getting harder and harder for the nurses to draw blood. Which is more and more painful. I'm still got the IV in and everytime we plug it so that I can take a shower, I clot easily. Which makes it painful getting hooked back up and getting the IV flushed. But I got the shower with my hand wrapped in plastic and hanging out the shower, so it makes it alittle difficult to do everything with one hand. While i was in there my machine starts beeping and I think I smell something burning. So in a panic I pull the "Call for help" in the shower and within seconds two nurses were in the bathroom to help. My machine was OK and the burning smell was the tape that wrapped the plastic on my arm.

But I got to thinking that when we need the Lord all we have to do is Call for help and He is there and believe me I'm calling on that help on a daily basis.

Tuesday was a terrible emotional day. It started about 5:30 am when I had blood drawn plus a urine culture. The day was down hill from there. My IV in my arm was so sore so the IV team came to put in a new one. The first try she burst my vein and the second time was place in my hand. The most tender spot and most difficult to work with. So the tears are streaming by this time. This nurse talked about a cathetar in my arm and within 20 minutes two new nurses with this machine came in to do it. I had called Joey during this time very upset and he said to tell them that I didn't want to do it till he could be there. They understood and talked to me alittle bit but I was not in the right frame of mind to do anything.

Joey came that night and a nurse came to talk to us and answer any questions. I was just scared and nervous about this new found knowledge that I clot easily. By bedtime my eyes were red as could be and buring from all the crying. I was looking forward to my Ambien that night. What I'm I talking about I look forward to it everynight.

I slept great that night but woke up already thinking about the day. We decided that this PICC line cathetar would be the best thing for me and would save me from being stuck with a needle anymore. My arms were sore and bruised and could not take any more.

My nurse Pauline took my vitals which was good and she left me to get some more sleep, but in the matter of minutes things started changing. I started feelin dizzy and clammy. I ate a couple of crackers but it wasn't helping. I called Pauline back in and my BP was 60/37. They

"And the Lord said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him." Gen. 2:18
My hat is off to moms, God bless you in your ministry in your home. Joey

I was very excited to have 3 comments the other day. Thank you to those who are "followers". Not much has happened today, just getting through another day. My wonderful hubby is coming tonight to stay here with me in the hospital. It will be good to have this time together even though it is in a hospital room. I'll take what I can get. He will probably need to take the computer with him to be able to use for Sunday but if there is any changes I'll have him post the news.
My little Jaci told me she is ready for me to be home. She also informed me that daddy said we can go to the mall to eat after I get home, and she and I are getting Taco Bell. It's always the little things that excite children. And I can't wait till we are able to go to the mall and get that
Taco Bell. I hope each of you have a great and safe weekend, just remember us in your prayers.
Blessings to you,
Lisa

My attitude today was not at all good! I was ready to call it quits, game over, I'm done!!! Two weeks today in the hospital has taken it's toll. Despite my weakness, I know I need to be strong for my baby. And I need to correct the weight that I first said. The baby is about 4lbs not 2lbs. Today I had another ultrasound and the fluids have increased to 3.99. This is great for the baby and the painful IV has helped. Tomorrow we will be 31 weeks!! Praise the Lord!!

Please help me pray that this precious child does not come Saturday. Some people like my brother think it's funny, but it's not. I'm very serious about this and Dr.Hudson is off this weekend and I'd prefer that no one else to be cutting on me. So help me pray to make it till monday. It helps to have goals, this is the goal. Plus this would give my UTI time to get out of my body. I hope that you have had a good day!!

Blessings to you!

I read today 2 Corinthians 1: 3-11. With all that I am going through God is still and will always be my comfort. He will comfort me through my afflictions, help me to endure this daily battle of trying to do whats best for my baby and being away from my husband and my precious kids at home. My hope is in Him that we will be delivered from this separation in His timing. Now I do admit that I'm praying that we don't deliver on October 31 and hopefully you know why.

I'm glad to see the sun shining through my blinds, it helps lift the spirits. I wanted to thank you all for the prayers, phone calls and visits. Please continue to pray for our family and for baby J to come into this world safely and as healthy as possible.

Verse 11 says, "You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessings granted us through the prayers of many." ESV

Blessings to you,
Lisa

Today, I got the dreaded news that I had to have an IV back in my already sore arm. My blood pressure dropped to 80 over something and it made me feel like I was going to be sick. And on top of everything else I still have an UTI. Yes I'm still hanging in there but it is a day by day thing and sometimes it's minute by minute.

Yesterday's ultrasound went well. The estimated weight of the baby is 2lbs and measuring 32 weeks, which is awesome. But the fluid level has dropped to a 2 which is low but the baby is OK. Again we take it day by day.

Well we are working on 2 weeks in my new residence and get this... I got mail!! Yes, I received mail yesterday, I thought I would crack up. But the way it's going, Dr. Hudson doesn't think we will last 4 more weeks. I'm clinging to 2 Cor. 12: 9-10.

Thanks for your prayers and keep us in your prayers.

Lisa with Joseph at Pawpaw and Mawmaw's for Christmas
Joey and princess Jaci are off to the Princess Ball.

Jaci loving on Mama's belly

While I'm Waiting......

Dear Lisa,

While your waiting for your sweet baby to get here, I thought you might have a little time on your hands...since your on bed rest and all. I created this blog for you to update your family, friends, and to stay connected to those you love. I have seen how this crazy world of blogging can form a prayer chain faster than the phone can. I have the amazing power of prayer through some of the blogs I read. God has laid people on my heart through blogs...He has worked on my heart through reading different blogs...my prayer life has been changed! I pray that this is not just a way to keep everyone updated...although it will....but I pray that it would start a chain of prayer for you and sweet baby "J"! I love you my friend....hope you like it....did you see the JDR in the title? I wanted your kid's initials in the title....Steph helped and this is what I got...you can always change it...or get me to:). I love ya friend and am praying for you in a mighty way!! We will all be storming heaven on your behalf and your sweet baby's!

Blessings,

Genie