FRAGILE

I've been meaning to write about this for over two weeks now. But as always, time has eluded me.

October has been somewhat busier than expected. And this time, it started off with a bang (literally). Two Saturdays ago, October 1st, Bronson and I took the babies to Richmond to celebrate Poppy's 91st birthday. For those of you who are not aware of who Poppy is, he's Bronson's grandfather on his mom's side. We were pretty excited!!

Just to give you a little foresight as what was to happen that day, that morning, I was dealing with the thought of losing one of our children. It's not something that I take pleasure in doing; however, Mollie had contracted yet another staph infection and I was having difficulty in understanding why we keep having these recurrences. And I thought to myself what if I lost a child due to an infection (they can be fatal). And literally the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "These children are only on loan to you while you're here on earth. They are ultimately Mine. And if I choose to take one of them, understand it's all part of a bigger picture." I then felt a peace wash over me and finished getting ready.

We were all meeting at a restaurant (the same one every year) to celebrate. And as always, we reserved the party room in the back for all of our clan. Beyond the room, french doors opened to another room that looks like it has been vacant for quite some time. And as every year, we allow the kids to run around in the room(there isn't a sign that tells us otherwise, nor are the doors locked). This year, another toddler was added (Bronson's cousin's little girl...20 months old). So instead of leaving one adult back there to man all the children (usually Uncle Reed), I decided to join in. After about 10 minutes of running around and playing games, Elise (with Preston following close behind her) tripped over a folded piece of carpet. Preston then tripped over Elise knocking the wind out of him. When I saw Elise, I knew she was fine. She was more scared than anything. But looking at Preston, he let one yell out and then looked as if he fainted. I rushed over to him and began to pick him up. It was at that time that I realized he wasn't breathing. His face was already turning white and his lips blue. His pupils had dilated the size of his iris's (absolutely NO blue was showing) and they were rolling to the back of his head.

Panic took hold and I started screaming, "He's not breathing! He's not breathing! Call 911!" I then laid him on the table while everyone started to gather around. Kim, Bronson's cousin, tried to pry his fists open as they were clamped shut. His body was lifeless. Bronson's mom swiftly came behind me and took a position on my left side and put her hands on his chest. She let me know that she couldn't feel his heart beat and she would start compressions. As she counted them, I waited, watching his little face slowly go far away from us. I exhaled into his mouth and nose. We did this for four sets until he began to breathe again. All the while, I could hear everyone praying silently. I was also calling out to my Rock and Salvation. His life didn't flash before my eyes, but instead, a life without my son. How would I continue to be a mother to my two living girls? Could I find the strength to be everything I needed to be for them?

The EMT showed up and checked his vitals. As a precaution, we went ahead and took him to the hospital for an exam. Chest x-rays and a CAT scan proved he was fine. Thank you Jesus!

Once everything settled and Bronson and I were back home with all three of our babies safe and sound in their bed, it amazed me how the Lord kept us calm and at peace. While Bronson was talking to the 911 dispatcher, he was able to say everything that was required of him clearly and thoroughly. We stared into each other's eyes several times in between me breathing into Preston. Although I knew there was some fear there, I also knew who our Healer is. Not many people know or have that peace. Even if the outcome was much more tragic, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt who my Comforter is. All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

It begs me to wonder, how about you? Do you have the Almighty to call on when your life is in turmoil? Are you on a direct line to the One that can give you the peace that passes all understanding? It was never about religion or the law. It's always been about a relationship with Jesus. He is the only way, the truth and the life. NO ONE can come to the Father except through Him. It is my wish that you know this kind of peace. It is my desire that you know the One that can fulfill the void in your heart. For when you are faced with trials here on earth, it's comforting to know you're not alone. Matthew 18:11.

Our First Movie!!!

Yes, you read the headline right.....the triplets' first movie! I thought they were too young for movies (until they were 4 or 5)...but it came a surprise to me they were ready for one particular movie.

It all started with a plush Woody doll that was bought for Preston on their 2nd birthday (thank you Kisha!). After a few months of Preston playing with it, the girls took notice. Interestingly, all three of them became intrigued with this doll. So I wondered how they would respond to the movie, Toy Story.

All I can say is, "WOW!!!!" Absolutely unbelievable! It's a whole new phenomenon to them. Not only did we pick up the first Toy Story, but we had to go back and get #2 and GaGa picked up #3 for us. The second and third one is the one they watch the most. And they can just about say every work verbatim!

After hearing this and how crazy they were over Woody....GaGa (also know as Grandma, my mom) had to buy them their first original Woody dolls. They went wild over them! They sleep with them, carry them everywhere they go, and even set him on the dining room table so he can eat too!
I thought they might try another movie so they're not watching one of the Toy Story movies all the time. Nope....not interested. All they want to watch is Woody, Buzz, and Jesse.

The one who is most enthralled with Woody is Preston. He's so amazingly cute showing me all the things that his Woody doll can do (ride the scooter, jump on the couch, walk around the house, etc.) Thank goodness this doll has an off switch as Preston wants him in bed every night.

Needless to say, their 3rd birthday party theme just may be Toy Story. Now we just need to incorporate all the other characters into their imaginative play.

Big Girls and Boy!!!

Last month we experienced a lot of different changes. One of them being....toddler beds!!! Well, only for the girls. Preston can't quite crawl in and out of his crib...so we thought it would be easier on me to leave him in his crib until we knew for sure he was ready for the toddler bed (and we could train the girls to stay in their's).

Mollie and Elise both were SO excited to see their new "big girl" beds (as they call it). And like all toddlers of this wonderful age do, they climbed in and out, jumped up and down, threw everything out and then back in the bed. Pure chaos for the first week or so!

It's interesting to see how well we've trained them on their sleep habits. So far, they don't dare get out of their beds in the evening. They know it's time for sleep and they normally don't play. On the other hand, naptime has become somewhat of a novelty. It has gotten to the point of me sitting in the room, by the door for about 20 to 30 minutes waiting on them to go to sleep. At first I viewed it as a little bit of an inconvenience for me. It takes away precious "Mommy Time" of which I utilize to clean, work on my quilt, read my book, etc. (you get the picture). But now, I've realized this time can be used for reading my emails, reviewing my calendar, write out a grocery list...pretty much anything that doesn't cause a lot of distraction and I can do sitting down in their room.

Bless Preston's little heart! He loves the girls' beds and I know he wants his changed too. But right now, I can't imagine having to sit between both of their rooms, trying to watch all three. I know it's coming.....I'm just trying to slow it down a bit.

Not only did we change the beds....we changed the swings! They finally got comfortable enough to allow me to swing them on the "big kids' swings". For over two years now, we've had the baby/toddler swings. It was a hassle for Bronson and I to pick them up and put them in and then of course when they were done, we had to pull them out. Now, they just get on the swings themselves, and then call out to me to come swing them! They haven't quite figured out the "pumping" technique of swinging. But I'm showing them as quick as I can!!

Seems like every day there is something new for them and for me to experience (them experiencing the world and me experiencing them). I'm enjoying them so much! Once again, God knew what He was doing giving Bronson and me three at a time....but much later in life. We both take the time to teach and train them in everything we possibly can (and as much as their little minds can understand). They are our little world. We can't imagine anything different.

Six Week Update on Elise

Elise had a follow up visit with her cardiologist on August 16th (I know, I'm a little late). The appointment was to find out if the device had moved, if there were any concerns I had, and just to review Elise's overall condition. She had an EKG, as well as an ECHO. No murmur was found and everything was awesome!!! Although I knew in my heart the report already, it was nice to hear it confirmed.

The appointment went well; however, the timing was a huge ordeal. Usually I leave Mollie and Preston at home while Elise and I go alone. This time, I thought it would be fun for Mollie and Preston to go with us (and I would get to spend more time with my mom). Of course the one time I decide to have them tag along, the doctor's office was backed up!! It normally takes us exactly an hour to wait, see him and leave. It was THREE hours this time! And on top of the wait, he wanted Elise to have an X-ray (just in case). That took another half hour. Despite the craziness of roaming the huge hospital (almost getting lost)...two hours late for lunch...and no nap, the kids did amazing!!

As if I didn't have enough going on already, I thought going to the McDonald's at the Museum of Natural Science would be a good idea. What was I thinking??? The kids were okay with looking at the butterflies from the outside (instead of going into the exhibit). Everything else was seen the same way....from the outside. But at least I know where to take them when everyone else is back at school!

Overall, it was a good, but hectic day. Of course it was.....Elise is better than ever!

ELISE

I have finally set aside time to update you all on Elise! It's been quite a hectic, busy week and a half and I'm still trying to catch up.

Elise's procedure was scheduled on Wednesday, July 6th. Above is a pic of her in the waiting room that morning. There's one thing I can say confidently about Elise....she is a TROOPER! She was not to eat anything past midnight before the procedure. She could have clear liquids up until 8 am that morning. The plan was for the doctors to prep her at 11:30 (and we had to be there by 10 am) and then they would be ready. As with most hospitals, that wasn't the case. It's crazy to put a toddler through no eating or drinking for such a long period of time. But Elise was fine with it. She didn't even ask for water or her juice after 8. Amazing! Once we told her that she couldn't have breakfast, she looked up at us and asked, "No breakfast, Momma?" and went on playing until it was time to leave.



Typical of hospitals and doctors.....they were running a little behind. They finally got us in a prep room close to noon. For the most part, Elise was in good spirits. She would play a little, but we knew she was tired and weak from no food or drink.

We took this opportunity to take a few pictures and just love on our little girl! A few times she would take her gown off. She would say she only wanted to be in her diaper and socks. Go figure!

Above is right before she went into the room where the procedure was taking place. She didn't cry or get upset. We couldn't go in, so we had to leave her at the door. She waved to us both and said, "Bye-by Momma, bye-bye Daddy". So adorable!

The procedure took approximately 2 1/2 hours. They began at 12:30 and finished around 3 pm. Everything went better than expected! Right after they completed the PDA closure, Dr. Brown called us into a room and showed us the video they took of the catheter going in and placing the device in her heart. It was amazing! The device fit perfectly into her valve and no blood went through or around it (which is what they wanted to make sure of). The pic above is her an hour after the procedure drinking juice. She was to lay flat on her back for a total of 6 hours. Not easy for a toddler, but she did just that! She did have a leg brace keeping her right leg straight as to not injure or reopen the catheter site in her groin.

Bronson's cousin, Rachel came up to the hospital shortly before the procedure and stayed with us until Elise's 6 hour bed rest was up. I didn't think we would need another person up there if Bronson and I were there......but little did I know that Rachel's presence was a Godsend!!! Rachel is all too familiar with hospital stays from her brother being a heart patient, that she knows the support that is needed when anyone is admitted for medical attention. Later that evening, her husband Kevin joined us and was a bit of a comic relief for Bronson. We are so grateful to them both for giving us their time when we needed it the most.

What a night! Elise had to be given antibiotics from having a foreign object inserted in her heart so we were woken up several times during the night for those to be administered. There were also her vitals that had to be checked. And on top of that, a chest X-ray was ordered for 3 am!!! We were told several times that we would be discharged around 10 am. I said it would be a miracle if we got to leave by 4 pm that day! The wheels were set in motion from that chest X-ray....the ECHO was scheduled immediately following as well as the EKG. Both tests showed that Elise no longer had the heart murmur and all the blood was flowing in the right direction!!!!

We left the hospital at 10:30 am!!! I cannot thank Dr. Brown and all the staff at Memorial Hermann enough. They made this whole event bearable as well as comforting. I wouldn't say it was a pleasant stay, but it definitely wasn't terrible!

The old Elise was tired and whiny most of the time. When Mollie would wake up first, Bronson and I would make a mad dash for the room to get her out of there before waking Elise. We tried to allow Elise as much rest as possible. The old Elise could barely keep up with her siblings running and playing. She would come sit by me and just play with her small toys. And she wanted to be held all the time. What a difference a day makes! The new Elise is constantly running, jumping, giggling and being silly. Now that she has more energy, she puts up a fight like a normal two-year old that doesn't want to do what you want them to do. The new Elise doesn't always want to be held or carried....she would rather "do it herself!" The Friday after her PDA closure, we went up to my mom's to spend the weekend and eventually bring Mollie and Preston home. My mom asked me if I gave Elise speed! She couldn't believe how different she was. It's like the real Elise finally emerged. I was not expecting this. Not so soon. But I'm so happy! I'm so thankful that she feels better and she can finally be herself. Thank you to all that prayed for her (and for us!). Now I'm asking for prayer for me to have strength to keep up with 3 very active toddlers!!!!

Independence Day!

This year, 4th of July was very low-key for us. Like every year, we go up to my mom and stepdad's house, either watch or be a spectator in the Rusk parade, and just enjoy being with one another. It was a little different in the fact that we were the only family that visited (Tommy, Gina and the kids have relocated to New York and Jason, Ashley and their kiddos decided to stay home this year). Needless to say, it was about as quiet as 3 toddlers running around the house can get. This trip served two purposes: one because it was our regular 4th of July vacation; and two was to drop off Mollie and Preston while Bronson and I took Elise home with us to prepare for her procedure (I will explain in the next post).

The annual 4th of July parade held in Rusk is your typical small town parade.....which is why I LOVE it! There's not a lot of participants or extravagant floats. Just nice, small town folk celebrating our independence and the history of those who brought about that independence.

Unfortunately on our way up there (mere 15 minute trip to town), I got motion sickness! And since I'm the photographer, we didn't get many photos. Oh well! But I survived and the kids still had fun.

Words cannot describe how much I love my parents' place. It's so relaxing and peaceful. Bronson and I don't receive cell phone service in that area....so no texts or phone calls. Although cable is available as well as the Internet.....we stay outside on the front porch a majority of our time. Above is Bronson with the kiddos right after they had a swim. The view from this seat is amazing! All you see is rolling hills with cattle scattered over them. Occasionally you'll see a few deer peering out of the woods and sometimes running across the pasture. Also my parents' horses are in plain sight from the porch. Every once in a while you'll catch them running the fence.

One of the highlights of the visit is PawPaw's tractor ride. PawPaw takes us around part of their land on his tractor. It's a bit of a bumpy ride, but the kids enjoy it so much! We get to see wild rabbits running around as well as spot more deer.

The kids seem to never run out of things to do up there. An imaginative play area is set up for them in the house; the drive has a Playskool desk with an abundance of sidewalk chalk; they even have their own little playhouse outside as well as two swingsets; and let's not forget to mention the barn! That barn has tons of stuff for the kids to get into. And just like being on the farm, every night all three of them are dirty from head to foot and tired enough to go straight to sleep. It's no wonder they don't miss Momma and Daddy while they're up there. I consider it a blessing! I'm so glad they have that comfort of being where they know they have the freedom to do what they want (play) and the security in knowing that we'll always pick them up ('cause GaGa does NOT want to raise triplets!).

Overall it was a nice, long weekend. But come Monday afternoon, it was time to say goodbye to two of our little ones and prepare for what was to come......

World's Largest Sprinkler!!!

Yes, you read the headline correctly....the World's Largest Sprinkler (sponsored by Target) was in Houston this weekend at Discovery Green. So of course we had to go!!!

We arrived a little after it opened and it's a good thing we did! The line was somewhat long and the wait ended up taking almost an hour. The event wasn't exactly what I had expected. I thought the World's Largest Sprinkler would resemble the sprinkler system that is used on huge crop fields and that it would be on the open field of Discovery Green for everyone to run under (all at the same time). But history has proven that it is better to have organized chaos than crazy chaos. Target and their organized way allowed several children/adults to enter in a gated area where the sprinkler was located and "play" for about 5 to 10 minutes (depending if you're waiting or playing.....10 minutes if you're waiting in line, but only 5 if you're the one that's playing).

Thankfully, all of the kids did very well on waiting......well, up until it was just about our turn for the fun. That's when my kids started getting a little anxious. For two year olds......I think that was remarkable!

My close friend (and neighbor), Bobbi, went with us, bringing her crew: hubby, teenage daughter Haley, and young kiddos....Colby and Taylor. I would like to take this moment to give them a HUGE THANKS for being there. This trip wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for them. So, thank you!

The kids LOVED it! Above is Mollie running around and getting water up her nose. After we had all entered in the area, a group of teenage kids trampled in on the other side. And wouldn't you know it, Mollie decides she needs to go over there to join in their fun. She's a gluten for dangerous situations! They were rough housing and wrestling....never once minding children around them. It was expected....they were teenagers! Either way, keeping her on our side of the sprinkler was a challenge.

Elise had a great time! A few times she did want to get down to see what it would be like to jump in all the puddles of mud on the ground. But a little coaxing is all it took for her to stay put. And unlike Mollie, she didn't dare go toward the teenagers. She saw the damage they could do from afar!!!

Preston, for the most part, stayed with Haley. He did enjoy himself getting "rained" on. And he kept in the same area. He doesn't like to go too far off......well, unless he knows I'll chase after him.

Then off we went to the splash pad. This is an area where fountains of water is shot up from the ground. The kids were ecstatic! Above is Taylor and Colby goofing around. They were a huge help in keeping the babies close to us.

Nothing is better than a picnic in the park! Especially after a lot of fun in the sun. After our lunch, we went to the playground nearby and another fountain to get drenched. Before going home, I decided we needed to top off our great fun day with a snow cone! It was the trips' first real snow cone!!! They thought it was great! And they all had blue mouths (and blue down their swimsuits) to prove it!!!

Another crazy event documented! Even though it was a lot of work.....I would do it all over again.