Our Quiverfull
Dec. 1, 2007
Our Day

Posted in Noah Updates

I am going to update more fully at the end of the day, but while I have a few quiet moments I wanted to post a long-overdue thankful list.  I've been giving thanks in general for God's care and provision, but usually when I post I am so tired that I haven't been listing any of the specific bright spots and blessings in our days.  Let's see how far I can get before it isn't quiet any more LOL!

1.  This one is waaay overdue - thank you SO much to the blog reader who sent our children an incredible care package a few weeks ago.  The children love to get mail, and a dear reader (whose name I cannot remember right now as the note she wrote to me is at home) sent all sorts of very thoughtful gifts - sticker books, art supplies, flashlights, magnifying glasses, books, a butterfly net, stuffed animals, books (Noah LOVES the book about the bear who wants "more" all of the time), games, and more.  It was a kind, generous gesture and my children have played and played and played with everything.  Thank you so much!!

2.  Jeff called me the other day and and told me that I had received a very large box in the mail containing a beautiful glider rocker and ottoman in the very color I had been wanting.  He knew I would absolutely never make a purchase like that without consulting him and he was a little surprised.  I assured him that I hadn't ordered the chair, and we were both baffled.  Jeff finally found a phone number on the paperwork and realized that this lovely chair was apparently sent to us as a gift!  We don't know who sent it, but are so thankful.  Jeff said that I will love it and that it accents our front room furniture perfectly!

3.  I am thankful for the snuggliest little boy on the planet.  Every night when I climb into the hospital cot with Noah, he settles in smooshed against my side with his head on my shoulder and his arm over me and his hand on my cheek.  Every couple of minutes until he falls asleep he uses his little hand to turn my face towards his face and kisses me.  Can you imagine any better way to end these long days?!   I watch him every night as his little eyes get heavier and heavier between kisses and I praise God for every moment that He has given us with this amazing little boy.

4.  We just have the best nurses around up here, and they make such a difference.  Noah loves them so much and it is very obvious that they love him too.  He spent part of the morning hanging around at the nurses' station this morning getting loved on and played with so I could take a shower.  They consistently go out of their way to make sure that Noah and I have everything we need.  They take excellent care of him and truly advocate on his behalf.

5.  The Child Life department has given our family tickets to see a big-time production of the Nutcracker tomorrow on Sarah's birthday.  The tickets were donated to the hospital and our family was among those chosen to receive them!  They are orchestra section, expensive tickets that we couldn't have afforded on our own.  Our friend Lynette is coming to sit with Noah and we are all so excited about our treat for tomorrow afternoon!

Well, that ended my quiet time but sure isn't the end of my list.  :-)  I'll keep plugging at it in future posts.

Sarah had a great time this afternoon.  She had an extra treat - a dear reader drove all of the way from Atlanta to bring her a gift and some treats from Trader Joe's.  Store bought cookies and treats are a BIG deal for a child with allergies to artificial flavors and colors, so she was thrilled.  She also had a blast playing with our visitor's 5 yo dd in the playroom.  

Noah's cardiologist stopped by this afternoon.  We keep missing  our appointments with him because of Noah being inpatient, so he is arranging for a full cardiac workup for Noah over the weekend.  The echocardiogram went over like a lead balloon with Noah and he got extremely agitated to the point that they had to stop the test.  They are going to sedate him with versed and try again in the morning.  There are concerns about Noah's heart and it is SUCH a blessing that his doctor is really going the extra mile to arrange this for Noah with his comfort and our convenience in mind.  We should know the results of everything tomorrow.

Noah is still in a good bit of pain and may get another MRI on Monday.  He ran a bit of a fever today which concerned me because he is on round-the-clock motrin.  His labs should show if this is an infectious issue or a fluke.

I spoke to my dad and my stepmom today.  My dad had a better day today and of course I am SOOOOO thankful for that.  It was just terrific to hear him sound better on the phone.

I need to run-  Noah is just irritable and tired of hurting.  The only reason I could finish this post is because his darling nurse came and took him for a walk to give me a break.  I'll try to either update in the morning after we see the cardiologist or in the evening after our Grand Adventure.

Love,
Kate

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Comments

Dec. 1, 2007 - Blessed to read your list

Posted by Jaynee


In everything give thanks....Thank you for blessing my evening with sharing some of the blessings our dear Lord has given you in the midst of your storm. He is so wonderful. I was praying especially to day that you would have a better day today; that God would comfort your heart and encourage you through HIs precious word and through others.
We'll be praying for Noah in church tomorrow. Our little Mexican ladies especially pray for "Noe" (Noah in Spanish pronounced No-ay with the accent on the "ay") each service and have asked me about him when I go to their homes to visit during the week.
Have a wonderful day in Jesus tomorrow.


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Dec. 1, 2007 - hand on your cheek...

Posted by Anonymous


I read your post from here in Indiana... I just happened across your blog from another link months ago and can't turn away... I lift your family in my prayers daily.
I loved your note about your son resting his hand on your face and turning it towards his. I had a son who was very sick at 15 months with systemic JRA and he would do that too. He still does when he is having a hard day. It is such a sweet feeling that words can't describe.
Lifting you all before the Father... We lift up our eyes unto the hills, from where comes our help. Our help comes from the Lord which made heaven and earth.
-dawn
http://homeschoolowls.blogspot.com/


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Dec. 1, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous


What a great update. I will continue to pray and check back in. Have a great day tommorow!


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Dec. 1, 2007 - From Robin in Ohio

Posted by Anonymous


Was so thankful to read your list and continue to pray for you all...have a wonderful time at the Nutcracker and birthday blessings for birthday girl...Blessings and prayers, Robin


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Dec. 1, 2007 - Thank you for those nurses!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by jkiessling


Wow - the Nutcracker that sounds awesome!!! Hope that you all have an awesome time!!! That's some good family time right there!!

That sounds ssooooo good about your dad. PTL!!!!!

I am glad that they are doing another MRI - just to rule things out before you both go home. Another fever - huummm? Lord - please don't let there be anymore buggies hanging out anywhere in poor Noah's little body!!!

We'll keep praying!!!!!!! Eat well and try and rest well!!

Hugs and Blessings from the Kiessling family from Fresno, California


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Dec. 1, 2007 - Your Example

Posted by Anonymous


I am humbled by your ability to give thanks in all things. My own struggles with a toddler seem so small compared to Noah's health problems and yet I gripe and complain so much. Your example has brought me to my knees in repentance tonight. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His loving care.


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Dec. 2, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by BChsMamaof3


I always love to read what you are thankful for : ) and what wonderful surprises you have received in the last little while. Continuing to keep all of you in our prayers and have fun at the Nutcracker tomorrow!!
Blessings to you and your family,
Rosina


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Dec. 2, 2007 - Gifts from a Stranger

Posted by Blessedtobehere


Your post made me cry. Not just for Noah's pain, because children just shouldn't have to go through these things, but for God's blessings on you and your family. Especially when it comes from a stranger.
I want to tell you what happened to my family in a very hard time in our lives.
My husband and I had been trying to adopt a child internationally and were coming up against roadblocks everywhere we turned. I joined a support group on the net and became friends with a lady from Chicago I would never meet in person. Every week I poured out my heart to her about the things happening to hold up our adoption. She had adopted a child from the same country and would pray for us and encourage me week after week. I began to tell her about my sister who lived 1400 miles away from me and was fighting against cancer that was trying to take her life. She had started going to a research hospital in Zion, Illinois and my mother would fly from Texas to be with her while she was receiving experimental chemo. It was devastating to our family to watch my sister who had just turned 40 go through this when we were all so far away. We would be with her whenever we could but it was hard financially and we all had families to take care of too. I told my friend that my sister would be in Zion that weekend and we wouldn't be able to be there and I was worried about her. It was the first time she would be there alone. My friend prayed with me and I felt better after talking with her.
The next evening, my sister called me from Zion crying and told me thank you for sending my friend to help her. My friend had taken her 3 year old daughter, Hope, and drove over a couple hours from her home to spend her only day off work to stay with my sister all that day. Her beautiful China doll daughter had hugged and cuddled with my sister, sung to her and prayed with her as only children do. They had made that day in my sisters life a happy day during such a hard time. And all for someone, they had never meant before.
God sends us angels to take care of us when we can't see a way out.
I'll be praying for your family and your sweet son. God is definitely making a way for you. Let us all help you when we can. Thanks for helping me remember the kindness of a stranger in my life too.


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