Halloween 2009

We stayed home this Halloween because there are so many illnesses going around. Some of the girls in our Sunday School class gave the boys pumpkins with outfits and books in them. We took pictures in their outfits in front of our house where the girls set up fall decorations for us. Thank you for helping us to make the boys first Halloween memorable.

This Week in Pictures

We have learned this week that Nathan doesn't like to be held as much anymore. He likes to "sit up" and look around. He likes to sit on the couches, recliner, and bumbo seat. He will even sleep in those places. I also caught Nathan actually holding his head up during tummy time. Jacen still loves to smile, and he is getting better at holding his toys. He has "red boxing gloves"or splints on his hands to keep him from holding his hands in the fist position (ECI).

4 Month Doctor Visit Pictures

More Beautiful You

I have a confession to make. There have been a great many times since the boys were born that I have wished and prayed that Nathan was "normal". Normal health, normal brain development, etc. I heard a song on the radio the other day and it really convicted me on this though. The song is called More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz. Here is the chorus:

"There could never be a more beautiful you.
Don't buy the lies, disguises and hoops they make you jump through.
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do.
So there could never be a more beautiful you."

I know this isn't the intended meaning of the song, but it really struck me. It doesn't matter whether Nathan is ever "normal" or not. God has a special purpose for him. He is beautiful just the way he is. And whether Nathan is with us another week or another 20 years, I believe God will use him and his condition in very special ways. So, while I still pray for healing, I've also begun praying that God will use Nathan and his condition to His glory.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

4 Month Doctor Visit

We were finally able to go to our 4 month doctor visit after rescheduling because of Nathan's hospital stay. Kyle took some pictures, so hopefully we can post them later. Jacen tolerated everything pretty well until we got to the shots, but he really enjoyed drinking the roto virus vaccine. Nathan wanted to be held, but unfortunately tolerated the shots just fine because he gets shots weekly. Poor guy. He didn't want to drink the roto virus vaccine, and we still can't get him to bottle. We have already started Jacen on cereal, and Dr. Gray said we should be able to start Nathan on cereal soon. I am so glad that Dr. Gray is very patient because I spent at least 15 minutes asking questions. He calmly answered them all. I learned a lesson today. Don't take the double stroller in because after shots neither boy really wants to be put back in the stroller.

Nathan: Length - 21 3/4 in. Weight - 9lbs 9oz (He still isn't on their percentage charts yet but getting closer.)

Jacen: Length - 26 1/2 in Weight - 13lb 11oz (He is in the 90th percentile for height, 40th percentile for weight, and 50th percentile for his head circumference.)

PICTURES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have finally posted pictures. I know now that I do not need to wait for a month to post pictures. There are lots and lots of posts (like 13) with pictures. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone that has prayed for us, brought us food, and donated things. Thank you all for all the wonderful comments on the blog posts. We really appreciate all of you. We continue to live each day and enjoy each moment! We continue to enjoy life and see what God decides to do with our precious little Nathan.

Prayers please for Nathan. Since we returned home from the hospital, he has refused to bottle.

Nathan and Jacen - Part 2

Me and all 3 Boys

Jacen grabbing for the toys.

Jacen on the playmat sucking his thumb.

Nathan during tummy time.

Nathan on the playmat.

Nathan and Jacen - Part 1

Nathan on The Wedge

Tummy Time

Daddy and His Boys

Like Father Like Son

Play Time

Dressed and ready to go!

Visitors - Part 2

Thank you to our Sunday school class at Monterey Church of Christ for the groceries, to the girls for the Fall Decorations, and for all of the visits.

Visitors - Part 1

Thank you to my coworkers for the food and visits.

Thank you Wiley for being a wonderful friend to Kyle.