tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73198210170975051542012-02-13T14:03:43.277-05:00This is the place to come and unwind, drink some southern ice tea and savor the little things in life. This is not going to be a debate site or even about current events in the world...just a place of escape to share pictures and ideas from my neck of the woods in north Georgia.carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.comBlogger1791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-64607117326745983412012-02-13T13:31:00.003-05:002012-02-13T14:03:43.281-05:00

Bad things happen to good people. Things not in our control; things that leave us shaking our heads; things that make us ask "why my family?". A five year old little boy is dying from cancer. Cancer caused by the medicines his body needed to keep his transplanted kidney. There is a fifteen year old daughter and sister, who was unable to attend her parents' and siblings' funeral because she was

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-20478800555523839922011-12-13T13:19:00.004-05:002011-12-13T14:17:45.783-05:00

I've been stewing over gifts for the past couple of days. I've been done with the family shopping since October, but now is the time for teachers, para-pros and therapists to be added to the list. What makes a "good" gift? Something useful or creative? Something homemade or store bought? Something costing nothing but time and love or something with a high price tag?I've come to the conclusion

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-72149672854528061832011-10-18T13:47:00.002-04:002011-10-18T14:37:42.895-04:00

From the moment you wake up until the moment you fall back asleep, you are constantly making decisions. Some require more thought than others like buying a house or car and others not so much like what to cook for dinner. One choice can affect another. The choice to hit the snooze button three times can now take away your choice of stopping for a cup of coffee on your way to work. And when a

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-5990755620636157562011-10-07T12:58:00.004-04:002011-10-07T13:34:50.719-04:00

Psst - it's me - I'm hiding...in the bathroom. Don't roll your eyes at me, if you are a stay at home mom, I will bet my life savings (which is NOT much actually) that you have a hiding place too!Every SAHM craves conversation with someone. And boy howdy do we get it! What's that? Where's that go? Why did you do that? What are you doing now? Can I do it? Look at this. Watch me. Mommy, mommy, mommy

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-41840668075887849422011-09-26T19:47:00.001-04:002011-09-26T20:36:05.354-04:00

If I had a million dollars - oh the things that I would do! I would just completely replace the a/c unit instead of buying a $1400 coil! I would donate to our Children's hospital. It would in no way, shape or form compensate the time and attention they have given us...but it would be a nice start. I would help my fellow kidney mommies that are getting short changed by the government, because why

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-11180216374884594752011-08-15T13:04:00.006-04:002011-08-15T13:42:32.210-04:00

24 - the number of times my son has been wheeled into the OR. 4-6 - the number of hours I will wait for this particularly surgery to be finished. 2 - the number of nights we "should" be staying 4 - the number of nights I packed to stay ;) 3:00 - when we turn his feed pump (filled with pedialyte) off tonight 7:15 - when they will begin to give my son his chance of "normal" Does this get easier?

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-89897251562322248802011-07-10T21:05:00.003-04:002011-07-10T21:53:19.698-04:00

My heart is heavy tonight. There is a couple in a group I belong to that have made the decision to terminate their son that has a bladder obstruction, much like Matthew and many of Matthew's friends did. The doctors recommended termination since they believe the baby to already be in kidney failure. They have agreed. It is not my place to judge them or their circumstances, but I can't help but

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-63475251871388423382011-07-07T12:24:00.003-04:002011-07-07T13:28:14.026-04:00

Alright, we know how to help out the elephant's caretaker, but what about the one riding the elephant night and day. Wait, let me re-phrase that...what about the one tugging this 8 ton weight on his/her shoulders? The one that has to deal with the symptoms, surgeries, procedures and numerous hospital stays. How do we help them carry their burden?I'm going to tell you something that you may find

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-83271514020676458202011-07-05T13:19:00.004-04:002011-07-05T15:31:41.898-04:00

I'm a very lucky girl! God didn't give me a sister through my bloodline family, but boy did He go over and above in my friends. They've held me up when I was exhausted both mentally and physically; held me back when I knew I would regret something; and held me down when I was when I wanted to do nothing more than just go off on everyone. My sisters really came though once Matthew arrived.Audrey

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-86935038400488361242011-06-05T12:40:00.003-04:002011-06-05T13:20:12.252-04:00

This time three years ago, I was in route from Cartersville Medical Center to Northside Hospital in Atlanta via ambulance. My youngest son, Matthew, was born today. Born into sickness and pain and uncertainty. I look back at my first born son's birthday and think of that day with such fond memories, immediately thrown back into the warm fuzzies and feelings of awe and wonder as we became parents

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-1847127582191813522011-05-26T21:00:00.003-04:002011-05-26T21:31:27.737-04:00

"Often the real test of courage is not to die, but to live" - Conte Vittorio Alfieri. I see this courage everyday in Matthew. He has so much to be afraid of and anxious about, but he does his best and puts on a brave face when all is said and done. Even this afternoon, after being strapped down, so upset he threw up and covered in a sheen of sweat due to his screaming and thrashing about, when it

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-41509436638540786922011-05-03T13:27:00.002-04:002011-05-03T13:48:49.244-04:00

There is a poem floating around facebook right now (partly because I shared it on there too!)that talks about all the "lasts" our child(ren) go through. It brought a tear to my eyes when I read it. But upon thinking about it later...I wondered why?I look back over the years of my two children, the good and the bad. I will miss certain things - the newborn baby leg draw up, the baby sighs of

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-86544544781265253952011-04-10T21:10:00.003-04:002011-04-10T22:05:34.759-04:00

It's been a long time since I have written. I had decided to live and celebrate life rather than writing about it. And we have - we have enjoyed every moment. You have to in this family, our kidney family. You never know what will become of the next infection, complication or medical mishap. Today is a sad day in our kidney family. We have lost yet another fighter, just 10 days shy of his 1st

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-62456708948739295082011-01-06T13:32:00.002-05:002011-01-06T14:11:59.777-05:00

Some of the kidney momma friends have been talking about guilt. The guilt we harbor with our kidney kids. Naturally all parents have guilt - too much tv, too much junk food, not enough one on one time. It's in the fine print of the pregnancy books (when the little bundle is handed to you, with him/her comes a life time of guilt for not doing enough or for over-indulging too much) With Matthew all

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-39025079655221788092010-12-02T14:07:00.002-05:002010-12-02T14:51:38.771-05:00

Have you ever needed a certain pair of shoes for an event and borrowed some from a friend? They don't really fit right do they? They are already molded to their owner's feet - not yours. Good news - you get to take them off eventually.However some people are left wearing their shoes for much longer. The grow to be uncomfortable and tight. They pinch the toes and blister the heels. You long for

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-66148862428480318782010-11-14T11:30:00.004-05:002010-11-14T12:15:53.828-05:00

Mom-nesia = the blessed occurrence that has to happen before we are willing to go through the trials of pregnancy and labor all over again. Had it not, there would be many more single child households out there!May I see a show of hands of how many women upon receiving stitches to their hoo-ha said I immediately want to do that again. Mmmm-kay. Now raise your hand if you were one of the c-section

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-46716659804956964722010-11-01T13:32:00.002-04:002010-11-01T14:25:56.199-04:00

Halloween - the day everything started happening last year. The day I noticed dangerous signs in my son.We had gone over to my in-laws house to trick or treat with Woody the cowboy and a frog. The night ended with my husband and I taking turns listening to our son sleep in the night and making sure he was still breathing. The day before, Matthew had been to Egleston for dialysis. We were supposed

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-2135488155153939712010-09-28T11:37:00.003-04:002010-09-28T12:05:53.194-04:00

I chose the hard way. How much simpler life would be if I never had to worry about PD, hemo, surgeries, medicines and the like. We would have traveled, explored and spent more time together as a family. But something would have been missing. If I had agreed to terminate my pregnancy...if I had a do not resuscitate order in the NICU...if we didn't have someone step forward to donate her kidney -

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-8032461374391095502010-09-26T23:28:00.003-04:002010-09-27T00:00:07.938-04:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when life stands still? Perhaps as you exchange vows with your soulmate. Gaze at the flickering heartbeat during an ultrasound. Or raise your glass to toast your grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. What wonderful times, times we wish we could slow down and savor as they speed past us leaving an imprint in our souls.Then comes the times that are slow, and

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-9314791568674402482010-09-21T13:03:00.005-04:002010-09-21T14:04:52.394-04:00

Our little family has been through lots of medicines and supplements - especially in the past nearly three years (when I found out I was pregnant). Some work wonders right away, others take some time for the body to adjust to it. A lucky few have no side effects (or no side effects worth mentioning at least) and others....AAAAHHHHHH! Do you want to know what my favorite is? A smile. From a

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-79702342276677169462010-09-01T20:53:00.003-04:002010-09-01T23:14:15.916-04:00

Change. Change is natural - the phases of the moon, the turn of the season, the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. Change is sought after - job promotions, bigger houses, a new baby. Change is resisted - moving, divorce and diets. Change can be all three as was the case in my life, the mother of a special baby boy that just happened to be fighting end stage kidney disease when he was

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-69850173836944543692010-08-28T13:57:00.002-04:002010-08-28T14:13:14.760-04:00

Well, I can't title it update since it's been well over a month since the last time I put anything in here. Whoopsies! What can I say except my standard pathetic excuse of "it's been busy"! Just after I posted on here, Matthew had his 6 month biopsy. The results came back that he was in rejection. Needless to say, mommy had a wee bit of a melt down and we had to go to the hospital daily for IV

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-59993225867735828292010-07-12T11:01:00.005-04:002010-07-12T11:30:27.295-04:00

I've been asked recently how do I keep going with all of Matthew's needs, William's needs, the dog, the house, myself when Ian is gone for extended periods of time. Well, in all honesty, it's not much of a difference in care when he is here.Now that sounds bad actually. My husband does an astronomical amount of work around here, especially in helping with the house! I got one of the good ones I

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-9998802188613450842010-07-08T22:05:00.006-04:002010-07-08T23:23:23.324-04:00

This time two years ago, I was finally breathing a sigh of relief. We had received a call at 6am saying we needed to come down to the NICU right away, Matthew had taken a turn. Just a couple days prior we had started getting the paper work ready to begin our PD training to go home, so this call kind of came out of left field. I quickly called Ian's parents to come get William (as they live 5

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-55938199366831344392010-07-07T10:59:00.007-04:002010-07-07T12:30:45.953-04:00

I am proudly announcing that I have seen the new Twilight movie 3 times in one week. :) Yes, I love it and yes I will be 31 in less than a month. It's not so much the movies, although they are entertaining and the effects are getting better with each movie (in my opinion), I'm in love with the books.I never was a real reader when I was younger. I would read the necessary books required by the

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-43005146046203770132010-06-14T14:39:00.005-04:002010-06-14T15:19:22.609-04:00

I'm back! Oh man was that needed!! I truly enjoyed myself - every minute. I left the house at the same time my mother left with my youngest. We pulled out onto the main road together, me turning towards interstate 75, her towards interstate 575...and I cried. I just didn't see how I would like being away from my boys and didn't understand why I had even agreed to do it.Then I met up with my honey

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-56727192567794852082010-06-09T07:55:00.001-04:002010-06-09T07:58:25.340-04:00

Don't leave the baby powder where they can reach it!

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-70755622586227947102010-06-08T13:44:00.002-04:002010-06-08T14:44:34.494-04:00

So, my husband and I have the opportunity to go out of town for the weekend without our kids. When I say "go out of town", I mean I will accompany him on his reserve duty down in Savannah. No amusement parks, no villas, no spas. Just 2 evenings spent together as a couple without kids, because he will be working during the day. I'm getting a little flack for this. Not much and not enough to phase

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-70966293891347602192010-06-03T10:50:00.002-04:002010-06-03T11:26:58.343-04:00

This 4D ultrasound was taken just two days before Matthew was born. It was taken about 9 weeks before I was really supposed to see him. Surprise! Two years ago, Ian and I got up at 4:30 am and got ready to head out to Northside Hospital in Atlanta. We had a 6am appointment time, even though they don't open until 8am normally. (yeah, me and my MFM were tight like that) ;) He usually only worked at

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-65543505042136675142010-05-28T08:35:00.006-04:002010-05-28T09:23:12.900-04:00

So, some of my online friends that have not "met" me have asked to get to know me a little better. They are passing around a "confessions" post of sorts and I thought I would hop aboard. It will finally be a little light reading compared to my last...oh...20 posts. ;) So, here goes nothing!You have things you tell others, like how much weight you would like to loose, but never how much you

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-21360260526963492992010-05-10T22:56:00.002-04:002010-05-10T23:00:23.576-04:00

Yes, MANY special/medical needs moms swear by this writing. It completely sums up our way of life perfectly and helps others to understand. We don't want pity, we don't want awards, we don't want recognition...we just want the best for our children.So - without further ado, I give you Holland. :) It's a GREAT place to be!WELCOME TO HOLLANDbyEmily Perl Kingsley.c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-39535304272731502132010-05-09T19:21:00.003-04:002010-05-09T21:02:47.635-04:00

Yeah I know - I'm a slacker. Sorry. Two "healthy" kids is a lot more to keep up with than one sick baby that took three naps and another child that would take three hour naps. Yes, things have changed! First, I want to thank Marie for allowing me to be a mom to two healthy boys. Without her, this mother's day would be very different. I would still be a mother of two, but I might not have been

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-34714005959679671592010-04-15T11:32:00.003-04:002010-04-15T12:04:11.936-04:00

So - it's been three months and one day since THE day that saved my son's life. What has changed? Everything!* We go to the hospital ONCE a week...not twice, not three times - ONCE. That's huge!* Matthew is interested in food! Before, just to touch it (or sometimes SEE it) would cause him to spew. Oh yes, those were fun days... Anyway - now he is making progress of licking, tasting and taking

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-22200778228866002512010-04-01T11:06:00.004-04:002010-04-01T11:16:35.182-04:00

This is the flag that flies at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta during every transplant surgery. This is the flag that flew on January 14th of this year for my son's kidney transplant. I still get choked up seeing this photo. It takes me right back to the moment, the moment life was going into my son on an operating table. All because someone was selfless enough to give the gift of life.This

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-19687954715388324062010-03-19T11:57:00.009-04:002010-03-19T16:26:28.081-04:00

Typical around here is pretty much atypical for anyone else, but our typical has changed over the last two months - and for the better!Friday - pretransplant:Turn off feeds at 5am regardless if Matthew finished or not. Wake up again at 6am to get self ready, pack diaper bag and give baby a mini-bath from the 1- 3 puking sessions overnight. Throw the crib linens in the washer as I run out the door

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-45515835355773289712010-03-16T21:37:00.003-04:002010-03-16T22:10:29.546-04:00

This is a video I was proud of...sharing our story...getting the word out.http://www.11alive.com/video/default.aspx?menuid=149#/News/Daily+11+%40+7-+%235+18+month+old+gets+a+new+kidney/49906865001/50317397001/68957395001And then I opened my eyes and pushed my own feelings from that joyous moment aside. I'm glad they got the message of hope. People need to hold on to that - especially if that is

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-71313939494564314672010-03-10T15:10:00.004-05:002010-03-10T15:31:45.826-05:00

I've been quiet...I've been busy. It takes a LOT of energy to keep up with Matthew now. :) And we've been getting over a tummy bug. And who knew that a 24 hr bug could last 5 days in someone that was immunosuppressed? Now I know! Man, that was a LOT of puke. blech! Thursday will be a big day for us. We have clinic and Matthew's prograf levels and creatinine will be tested - with big hopes of

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-53978872513554580992010-02-19T11:54:00.002-05:002010-02-19T12:44:21.263-05:00

So I've been wondering...have I gone too far with my son? I look at him right this minute and just say that's absurd. He's SO happy, he's SO healthy! How can you doubt yourself Karen? Well, pretty easily actually. I am a mom, and mom's always wonder if they have done the best for their children in every regard. And at the moment...I'm wondering if I've done too much.Yeah, after my impromptu nap

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-24811407210117299392010-02-09T11:06:00.003-05:002010-02-09T11:50:50.785-05:00

If you couldn't tell by my previous post...I was having some hard times dealing with sweet Aubrey's passing. I just didn't see what purpose that could have served. But then realized the purpose wasn't for me to understand. I felt both the guilt of having a child that has defied death (let me count real quick) 9 times and the empathy of being a parent that has had to deal with the shock, confusion

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-42610938858028094072010-02-05T14:42:00.005-05:002010-02-05T15:27:49.326-05:00

Why is God mean? I know He is fair and just and loving...but yesterday, I didn't see that. My friend's daughter, whose 2nd birthday is on the 15th, passed away in the wee hours of the morning yesterday. A nearly two year old...seriously...that for an entire year of her life had to battle cancer. She was "cured" of it through a liver transplant, only to relapse 6 months later. Yet the drunks,

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-17286964089360054172010-01-27T14:02:00.006-05:002010-01-27T14:54:41.320-05:00

Fourteen days ago, my youngest son was hooked up to a machine that would empty his body of toxic blood and push it back inside him as mostly clean. He would be hooked up to monitors and have his blood pressure taken every 15 minutes. He would ride out stomach and leg cramps. Fight the want vs the need for sleep while people were carrying on conversations, televisions were playing and alarms were

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-82505558892733030322010-01-12T09:23:00.003-05:002010-01-12T09:52:31.008-05:00

We're here!! We've made it! After 137 sessions of hemodialysis (not mentioning the 4 months of peritoneal dialysis) for a total of 361 hours, tomorrow we will be going for our LAST treatment. Only three more hours of my son plugged up to the dialyzier! I think I'm still in denial that this is happening!! I just can't wrap my mind around it. After over thirteen months of going down to the hospital

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-87128502442709000422010-01-01T14:00:00.002-05:002010-01-01T14:03:37.541-05:00

We have a DATE! January 14th!!! And I have no words anymore. Seriously...I think my brain slipped out of my ears or something. I can barely put this sentence together and it is requiring a LOT of backspacing due to my fingers and brain not communicating right now!Just had to share!! I also posted on Matthew's caringbridge while my brain WAS working (for those brief five minutes). OK, I'm going to

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-10350999059214839922009-12-29T19:24:00.005-05:002009-12-29T19:54:49.898-05:00

for saving my son. For giving him part of you when I couldn't. For helping me to NOT take any more pictures of leaking hemo catheters that cause surgeries and blood transfusions and emotional chaos. Thank you for giving my son the chance to live OFF of a machine. Thank you for letting the only fluid that will be leaking out of him be the prettiest yellow, instead of red. :)Because of you - I get

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-20454246706088766372009-12-28T09:42:00.003-05:002009-12-28T10:16:56.751-05:00

I know - we make these every year and by Jan 15th...we conveniently "forget" about them. Well, this year instead of making broad and generalized things, I will be specific. No more, "Being healthier", no more "improve my patience", and no more "increase family time". Care to have a go with me and share yours? We could hold each other responsible. :)And we're off! First resolution of the year - to

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-69399392547075862252009-12-16T21:10:00.003-05:002009-12-16T21:47:21.476-05:00

I need music. Music is a form of prayer to me. It speaks to my soul when I'm too close minded, frustrated, hurt or checked out to listen to others. I kind of checked out this afternoon. Just went to my bad place of hugging my knees to my chest as sobs came freely. It is therapeutic...but I'm a mother and can't do it often. Matthew was taking a nap after we got home and William was decorating a

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-71372679274171782802009-12-14T10:36:00.004-05:002009-12-14T13:24:08.797-05:00

I've been trying to type this post for about two weeks now. And MY...how the weeks have changed things around here! In the course of 11 days I've gone through fear, anger, relief, elation and doubt. Two Wednesday's ago (Dec 2nd) my son was rushed to emergency surgery when his hemo-catheter was pulled loose. Yes, the catheter that runs straight THROUGH his heart. And yes, the same catheter that

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-38214066051275136602009-11-22T21:11:00.005-05:002009-11-22T23:12:20.808-05:00

I was working on an entry about premature awareness month for November, but then something happened. Something bigger than me, bigger than my small "platform" on prematurity (it will be coming later this week). Little Aubrey. Aubrey is an angel on Earth and if the insurance companies wouldn't spin out into oblivion by looking at how costly it would be...I'd promise Matthew off to her. :) Look at

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-58889975638427538192009-11-17T09:23:00.004-05:002009-11-17T13:09:12.176-05:00

Miracles...I don't use that term loosely. Pretty much the only time I "regularly" say miracle is when referring to a certain Christmas movie with that word in the title. So, what is a miracle: 1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. or 2. such an effect or event manifesting or considered as

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-32386174109904509582009-11-13T15:53:00.003-05:002009-11-13T16:13:24.947-05:00

So, welcome back to Five Question Friday!! The fun little carnival to get to know one another and have a little bloggy fun!Rules: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog, answer them, grab the MckLinky Blog Hop code, and link up! I would be ever so grateful if you'd link back to me...Mama M!What's that?You don't have a blog? Well...just answer the questions in the comments below!Let's

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-11420143459399829412009-11-12T15:24:00.008-05:002009-11-12T16:09:13.063-05:00

I am thankful that Matthew's surgery allowed him to be in patient for 10 days so we could learn about some potentially dangerous complications due to his high blood pressure. I knew high blood pressure over the long term was bad, but no one expected it to get so bad so quickly. Matthew's heart is damaged, but not irreversibly. With new meds, (and a new kidney, minus TWO crappy kidneys) Matthew's

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-81683469901643685062009-11-04T19:41:00.002-05:002009-11-04T20:26:06.568-05:00

Found a loop-hole in the Children's healthcare system and am able to do a quick post as Matthew just went down to bed...hopefully. Yes, we are still here, but more on that later (see his caringbridge site for full updates).Being in patient, I was able to witness a beautiful moment today. The first steps into a new life. A liver patient received his life saving gift over three weeks ago. Since

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-60959568599083011772009-10-28T14:37:00.003-04:002009-10-28T15:40:23.376-04:00

Look out the window? See Mother Nature's display. God is painting the trees again. Beautiful isn't it? Did you know it was there all along? These fiery reds, striking oranges and vivid yellows...all hidden away under a peaceful shade of green. Yes, anthocyanin and carotenoids are there the whole time, you just can't see them. They need a catalyst to show their true colors and certain situations

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-59341375641230464432009-10-23T13:34:00.002-04:002009-10-23T13:48:14.668-04:00

Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog, answer them, grab the MckLinky Blog Hop Code, and link up! I'd be ever so grateful if you'd link back to moi, also! If you don't have a blog, but wanna participate, I invite you to answer in my comments!1. Whats your favorite horror movie?I'm not really a horror movie kind of girl. I mean I've done the

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-62886714915666947522009-10-15T12:32:00.003-04:002009-10-15T14:18:55.062-04:00

2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Today people throughout the US and Canada will unite and light candles at 7pm to honor the tiniest and sweetest of lives. It's a day I grieve for my friends'

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-44724944403607946332009-10-15T08:20:00.002-04:002009-10-15T08:24:26.405-04:00

Alright I'm going to do a little "tweaking" with my blog today, tomorrow, next month - you know...however long it takes before I throw the laptop down the stairs with a satisfying smash. :)Please bare with me as things get a little disorganized around here. Hopefully things will be good by next week sometime. Gotta do it in spurts and the darling hubby has reserve duty in Savannah this weekend,

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-64879790028103878362009-10-13T21:19:00.004-04:002009-10-13T22:09:02.968-04:00

What a difference a weekend makes! Matthew now has three new potential donors. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! That was my shriek of delight incase you didn't recognize it. :) Three people to selflessly volunteer an organ for my son. Who does that?? The parents of course and yes, my mother the grandma. That's my child, that's her grandson...we

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-24839969880235932232009-10-09T17:07:00.004-04:002009-10-09T17:41:21.198-04:00

OK, I'm normally involved in a blog carnival that Mama M hostesses on Fridays every week, but this week I'm kind of stepping out on my own. (just for one week though and to answer ONE question - COKE!! It's all about the Coke in the south (especially in Hot-lanta were the World of Coke is located!). I am just listing 5 things I am thankful for. Yesterday, I got some bad news that kind of put a

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-63437820923828920582009-10-08T12:01:00.003-04:002009-10-08T12:31:25.538-04:00

It seems I am not to be the donor for my son. I called over to Emory this morning in hopes of getting my 48 hr urine test on the way. No such luck, it's been put on hold. Though a nephrologists does want to see me. I have stage two kidney disease. They did a GFR (Glomerular filtration rate) to test my kidney function by collecting 24 hrs of urine and then a blood test to test serum creatinine in

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-13580456269234126132009-10-02T16:35:00.002-04:002009-10-02T16:46:52.247-04:00

Rule rundown...copy and paste the following questions to your blog, answer them, grab the MckLinky Blog Hop code and link up!! And I would be Mama Grateful if you linked back to me! BTW, if you don't have a blog of your own, but wanna join in, just leave the comments below! Alllll righty-then! Here we go (thanks to Amanda, Sandy, and Liz for questions or inspiration! Want to contribute? Join the

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-1358776106733814412009-09-29T14:24:00.003-04:002009-09-29T14:44:00.291-04:00

We have a new family member. Her name is Kathy and Ian adopted her last week. I've finally gotten in contact and have been emailing her back in forth for a few days now. She's a pretty neat person to get to know and I'm glad she is part of our "family" now. Want to "meet" her? Here is a little about her from her own email: I should be pinning on my E7 in a few months - been in the Army for 17

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-17834913485553782942009-09-25T13:10:00.002-04:002009-09-25T13:34:51.501-04:00

Quick run down of the rules...copy and paste the following questions to your blog, answer them, grab the MckLinky BlogHop code and link up! I'd also be very grateful, appreciative, forever indebted, honored, etc...if you'd link back to me, Mama M.! Oh, and if you don't have a blog, but want to join in, just leave me your answers in my comments!September 25th Questions: Thanks to Keely for

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-47242904555626565512009-09-23T15:13:00.005-04:002009-09-23T16:16:08.762-04:00

I'm a wife, daughter, mother and friend. I was a teacher, student and a child before. When people on the street ask what I do, I reply I am a domestic engineer. Not only because it sounds "cooler" than I chase kids and dogs all day and consider myself ahead of the game if I manage a shower before 2pm, but I suffered through two semesters of college physics and did earn a bachelor of science

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-85891574026090380892009-09-19T07:49:00.002-04:002009-09-19T08:06:34.819-04:00

Okie dokie, my friends (that's a little straight up MinneSOOOOtan for ya, dontchaknow?)...here's the rules: copy the questions below, paste them to your blog, answer them, grab the MckLinky code (link back to me, if you'd be ever so kind) and then join the fun! Honestly, you don't know what your missing if you don't participate in Five Question Friday...really.September 18th Questions: (Thanks to

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-57518993355069455152009-09-12T13:04:00.005-04:002009-09-12T13:38:00.603-04:00

Ok, so here's the rules for this hop:Go to the place where you upload all your photos. If you don’t upload them online, just go to wherever you store your pics on your computer. Open the oldest album, and post the first photo. Tell the story behind it. Grab the MckLinky and post it on your blog. Just for fun, tag 3 people you want to see old photos of :)Well, I believe this is pretty self

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-25904433967460941472009-09-11T14:06:00.004-04:002009-09-11T15:00:41.579-04:00

First and foremost - a shout out to my awesome hubby and family for allowing me to be selfish last night...and this morning. Getting in at 1am and not going to bed until 2am, I knew it would not be the wisest decision for me to brave the morning commute for a two hour drive going 20 mph into Atlanta again (for the 4th trip in four days). Love, hugs and kisses. Thanks for allowing me a little

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-90083449131864819932009-09-11T13:01:00.005-04:002009-09-11T13:40:46.020-04:00

In memory of the September 11th attacks and in honor of those who died, I've decided to make this version of Five Question Friday patriotic. I hope you'll join along!Rules: Copy and past the following questions to your blog, answer them, and grab the MckLinky blog hop code! Then, link up! I'd love it if you'd link back to me, but that's not required!! If you don't have a blog, but would like to

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-27653164397772614202009-09-04T12:02:00.002-04:002009-09-04T12:13:15.179-04:00

Copy and paste the questions to your blog, answer them, grab the MckLinky Blog Hop code, link up and voila (I soooo wish I could put that cute little accent above the 'o'...or would it be the 'i'?)!! You're hoppin' along with us!A special thanks to Sandy, Megan Silva and Keely for this week's questions!!September 4th Questions:1. The clothing outfit you remember from childhood and why?It

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-1939007001389789932009-09-02T10:44:00.004-04:002009-09-02T10:58:46.523-04:00

I don't know who originally came up with the idea, but I am borrowing the idea from the lovely Susie from Writer's Block. http://writersblock-susie.blogspot.com/2009/08/wordless-wednesday_19.html She's pretty cool. :)No words needed - just a smile. :)

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-7408198953432968592009-08-29T14:22:00.011-04:002009-08-30T13:01:06.545-04:00

It's been a long time coming, but I'm finally getting to it. A day in the life of Matthew, photo journal style. Now some changes have been made since I took these pics a month ago - like no longer on procrit/epogen, he is on Aranesp that he gets once a week at diaylsis.) These include diaylsis and the common what we do when the g-tube has been pulled out too. If you have any questions about these

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-54733583261704926302009-08-28T21:01:00.002-04:002009-08-28T21:26:05.969-04:00

Here we go, my friends! I was super excited that last week's Five Question Friday was "off the hizzay" and that I learned a hip new word from Keely! Thanks! (P.S. Isn't that a cute button?!! Again, muchos gracias to Michelle!)So, the rules? Copy and paste the five questions below to your blog post, answer them, grab the MckLinky Blog Hop code and link up! I'd also love it if you'd link back to me

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-60228865968978838672009-08-25T11:44:00.005-04:002009-08-25T14:36:39.706-04:00

No, I'm not entering a spelling bee contest (I'd loose miserably!), I'm getting the paperwork in to be my son's donor. Unfortunately grandma's glucose levels were just too high...even with the cheating. Yes, we were trying to cheat. :P It just wasn't meant to be. But honestly, all along since we were told Matthew would need a transplant to save his life back when he was three days old...I knew

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-18708251743249077112009-08-22T11:09:00.002-04:002009-08-22T11:19:22.011-04:00

I know, I know - bad blogger friend. I missed the McLinky cut off, but I'm still doing it. Had to wait til naptime though. Yesterday = bad! But today promises to be better. :) So, here's my five.1. What is your biggest Pet Peeve? (Thanks, Meghan!)People talking with food in their mouth. It's just disgusting. Really, you have something SO important you can't take the 6 seconds it takes to swallow

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-60480899224508653612009-08-20T14:31:00.005-04:002009-08-20T15:05:32.239-04:00

OK, so it looks like grandma will not be able to donate. She didn't pass her glucose tolerance test. It would not have been any harm towards Matthew, but the transplant team will not take a kidney from someone that may be pre-diabetic. Diabetes is usually the number one route to dialysis in adults. She is attempting to re-take the test again tomorrow. We are not optimistic, but it will make her

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-23105608613818015872009-08-14T19:24:00.004-04:002009-08-19T22:05:54.763-04:00

1. What is the most embarrassing thing your Mother-in-law has ever said to you? (Thanks Meghan, for the fun question!)My MIL has been on a "on again, off again" kicks of writing a romance novel. She has asked me what my husband and I "like"! Seriously...you want to know how I sex up your son?? Yeah, I think I'd rather talk about hemorrhoids! EEEWWW.2. What would you say is your favorite thing

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-8175542888693288282009-08-11T13:34:00.003-04:002009-08-14T20:51:07.437-04:00

* OK - little parental warning - harsh and unladylike language will be in this post; can't help it...I'm pissed *I just found out something about a friend. She is jealous of me. No, I take that back - she's jealous of Matthew! Well, he is waited on hand and foot, surrounded by toys and adoring family members and has someone to wipe his tiny hiney daily...that is a pretty sweet existence if you

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-5097542956265719122009-08-10T11:19:00.006-04:002009-08-20T08:31:21.573-04:00

One of my dear friends just found out she is pregnant. I'm SO excited for her! Her son, who I haven't seen in almost two years and MISS, is such a sweetheart and I know he'll make an awesome big brother. Her happy news made me flash back to the first few months of bringing my baby number two home. Man, I really do miss those baby snuggles. Just WHO said my babies were to grow up SO fast?!?Anyway,

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-90178558860227535912009-08-07T13:05:00.003-04:002009-08-19T22:06:31.109-04:00

I know - I know - photo story of Matthew. I'm on "couch rest" however. Not even at dialysis with Matthew today. I'm home with strep throat! I know! Who gets that when they are older than 10? ME! Put until I'm 48 hrs on antibiotics, that are doing a number on my stomach mine you, I'm laying low. Photo story to come. :) Until then I'm doing a Five for Friday from Mama M. :) (and I don't know how to

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-89662000960085537912009-08-05T10:22:00.003-04:002009-08-19T22:07:00.633-04:00

Man, have I been spoiled. My husband has been home for two months and took full advantage of it. He went to dialysis on Mondays so I didn't have to pull double duty. Sometimes he even went on Friday too if I didn't sleep well or had arranged a playdate for William. We were able to all eat together as a family at 5:30pm. I was able to go to the grocery store at normal hours, run errands as needed

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-37185094205134907132009-07-29T08:29:00.005-04:002009-08-19T22:07:28.271-04:00

Judge and jury collaborated this week at Egleston Children's hospital in Atlanta and in the small city of Woodstock in the Faust household of my parents, where I was staying this weekend. We had to do some soul searching since all three donors who tested came back as matches. My match was just a smidge above daddy's and grandma's...making me the likeliest to go first. The better the match, the

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-22320095569383251592009-07-18T09:38:00.003-04:002009-07-18T10:24:41.212-04:00

God never gives us more than we can handle - HA! He obviously doesn't KNOW me very well, OR maybe He knows me more than I know myself. I can honestly say my son Matthew's first year of life has put me through the ringer. Everything from the mundane (like stomach viruses) to the unheard (there is no urethra in your son). I'm thinking if things keep happening, then we (I) obviously missed the point

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-2024792731228950952009-06-28T21:28:00.003-04:002009-06-28T21:41:45.631-04:00

OK, the McBroom and Faust family (cause we are including the grandparents) are in the works of a big surprise for our one year post transplant. Now we don't have our transplant date or anything useful really at the moment...still waiting!!!! But we know it will be (God willing if urology ok's it) late summer, early fall tenatively September is what we are guestimating based on my other sources

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-82599636024834165622009-06-26T13:43:00.004-04:002009-08-19T22:08:27.700-04:00

Sorry...nothing "inspirational" here today...just clean the closets of my brain. Everyone once in awhile I need to spring clean in here before it gets so bad I can't remember which house is my house on my street.No, no news on the transplant front. I was told by my transplant mentor that it took two weeks to get back to her about matches...the more people...the longer it takes. We had three,

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-58982141593067891072009-06-19T14:32:00.004-04:002009-06-19T15:42:26.818-04:00

So, what is your favorite bandaid? I am quite partial to the Garfield ones...I love that cat. ;) My three year old is obesessed with Scooby Doo...though he's never even seen the cartoon. Go figure! We are about to embark on a journey of bandaids...they will look like 4 inch scars on my sons abdomen. The name is called kidney transplant.Yes, a kidney transplant is just like a Garfield bandaid. It

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-70178388859579654522009-06-08T20:24:00.003-04:002009-06-08T20:36:51.101-04:00

This was sent to me in an email. I wanted to share with all the other moms out there that have been "picked". Especially a certain mommy in Atlanta whose precious boys need our special prayers. This one is for baby E's mommy. :) God Chooses Mom for Special Childwritten by Erma Bombeck, published in the Today newspaper Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-64927558572785919992009-06-04T10:34:00.003-04:002009-06-04T11:53:44.325-04:00

Tomorrow is my baby boys first birthday (even though...techinically he's still 10 months old). I have bought all the necessary birthday shindigs...balloons, centerpiece, cake, plates, napkins, presents, cupcake hat with ONE birthday candle - OK, not all of the things were necessary. :) But really, none of that matters. It's just to put pictures in the baby book so we can look back later in life

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-72340337138307848552009-05-27T19:39:00.006-04:002009-08-19T22:29:27.302-04:00

Has it only been a year?? (well, almost a year) Next Friday, my son Matthew will turn one year old! He will spend the first part of his 1st birthday driving 1.5 hrs down to Egleston Children's Hospital, one hour getting fed and medicated, 3 hours for dialysis and vital and another 1.5 hours traveling home. Not a fun birthday...but a great one nonetheless! This is the baby that I was told to abort

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-18564042306298050062009-05-12T13:55:00.003-04:002009-08-19T22:08:52.945-04:00

I feel so restless. I need to do something. Yes, my house is in shambles and the clean dishes in the dish washer are calling out to me...but that's not what I'm talking about. I need to fight, hug, cry and shout from the rooftops. I want to be an advocate for sick babies, both born and unborn...but I'm stumped on how to do it! I want to be an advocate to all of those, from day one to year one

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-82451834316617078602009-05-07T10:32:00.002-04:002009-05-07T11:15:14.173-04:00

The other night I was in the car of a friend of mine after attending a pampered chef meeting with her (I honestly was just there for the food). We ended up talking about the trials of life...and motherhood. She has lost twins via a miscarriage and also had to deal with NICU nightmares due to a blood disorder with two of her three children. Luckily, they are happy, healthy and thriving now with no

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-67350151081607191012009-05-04T14:20:00.006-04:002009-05-04T14:58:16.913-04:00

This will be my 4th Mother's day I have celebrated. My first mother's day, my infant son (William) was only 3 months old, and I left him for the first time ever to go have dinner with my husband. I cried pulling away from our friends' house that were keeping him. I quickly got over it has I enjoyed a dinner at the Oceanic Restaurant located on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean in Wrightsvill Beach, NC

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-24439604609568945732009-04-21T14:03:00.003-04:002009-08-19T22:09:53.658-04:00

Some people have emailed me and requested Matthew's caring bridge site link again. This site is the journal I started to keep everyone informed the day of his birth, so it goes back from emergency c-section, NICU, PD, the brief period of OUR "normal" and onto hemo. It's medical talk and some milestones. Usually just the facts, but if the facts interest you or you know someone (whether they are 5

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-36218023607281816122009-04-10T09:40:00.003-04:002009-04-10T09:49:44.047-04:00

It's Easter weekend. And much rejoicing will be done through out the world. Here's a snapshot from my world. Are you counting your blessings this Easter?I hope everyone has a beautiful Easter with friends and family...and chocolate. :)

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-87224528339323026312009-04-06T08:10:00.003-04:002009-04-06T09:02:07.623-04:00

Matthew Oct 08.I can't quite figure out how I got so lucky. Most people would look at me right now thinking I have lost my mind. With everything that has happened in the past year, they wouldn't have said "luck" was on our side...but it really is! That and God's good graces. For every "bad", something better has come along!My ten month old baby is on dialysis. I'm blessed - it makes him feel SO

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-63996919268019281882009-04-01T11:24:00.004-04:002009-08-19T22:10:19.186-04:00

Sharing our menu for this week:I never did the pot roast from last week...oops, so that's a repeat. :)Sunday - dinner @ Artuzzi's with my parents.Monday - Sweet and sour chicken and rice.Tuesday - Tacos and all the fixins...YUM! (having taco salad for lunch today from the leftovers)Wednesday - pot roast is cooking away, served with my parmesan squash and rice pilaf.Thursday - stovetop stuffing

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-39670306295211719602009-04-01T10:33:00.002-04:002009-04-01T11:07:04.595-04:00

Happy April Fool's day...the day all 7 year old boys look forward to with great expectation...as well as a few "grown" men too. My mother used to always fool me and my brother every April Fool's day by waking us up a little bit early saying "it snowed last night!". And dumb as we were (snow in Atlanta...in APRIL??) we always jumped out of bed and ran to our respective windows. I'm sure I'll do

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-80679436220676361572009-03-24T14:23:00.004-04:002009-03-24T15:50:44.304-04:00

*not meant to offend or spark debate about the Catholic church, just my thoughts and where my heart is at this time*I've gone to church all of my life, from two weeks of age. I was baptized and married in the Catholic church and have joined many services: lecturer, communion minister, youth group mentor, choir and pantry pals (stocking a local soup kitchen). I've never really questioned my

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-85218651875328875482009-03-23T18:56:00.004-04:002009-08-19T22:10:43.918-04:00

Well, I've been writing out a menu for the week for about a month now. It's kept me in line and has helped a bunch with grocery shopping since I go in with a definite list rather than "easy dinners" to check off. So to make me even more accountable to keep up with my menu, I'm posting it on here now. Plus, I like seeing what others are having for dinner and after seeing Steph's menus for the past

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-56128041356085641162009-03-21T13:10:00.006-04:002009-03-21T16:37:39.849-04:00

*OK, so click on the pics to see the full pics, my computers all types of funky today!!*Two exciting mail adventures in 24 hours. First, the arrival of my pre-ordered Twilight before it was even available in stores...woohoo! Happy surprise! And then, this morning, the arrival of a thank you note. About two weeks ago, I sent a thank you note to Dr Gomez, my Maternal Fetal high risk specialist. It

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-53882414527194334752009-03-13T17:09:00.003-04:002009-08-19T22:11:19.004-04:00

I just want to put out a prayer request for the Harden family. A beautiful baby boy named Matthew has been born. He has the face of a cherub and the spirit of a warrior, unfortunately his lungs and kidneys were not as strong. He passed a few hours after his birth on Sunday. Keep his mother, Jenn along with her husband and two older children in your thoughts and prayers. This little baby boy took

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7319821017097505154.post-33728589752986558352009-03-10T13:53:00.003-04:002009-03-10T14:28:05.749-04:00

All of the babies born with PUVs, some that are walking miracles and others that are guardian angels. These little ones' strength and resilience is awe inspiring. No comic books here...they are your true super heros and role models. I want to introduce you to an amazing family I have been blessed to share this experience of PUVs with: the Campbells. Kristin and Chris Campbell have a beautiful

carebearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17035056284371717970noreply@blogger.com3