It's the Little Things

It is the little things in life that we take for granted. The daily blessings that are so often missed. Just living life itself is a blessing, no matter how hard things seem at times.

Things continue to be busy here, but busy is still a blessing.


We are blessed with many things, but most importantly the three beautiful children that amaze me each day.

AND

~The beauty of the snow covered landscape and a gorgeous sunset!

~The joy of playing with a baby doll (and then pulling the bottle out of her mouth because it is funny to listen to her cry).




~The unexpected facial expression when taking pictures of Camden's amazingly blue eyes.


~And watching Broderick continue to grow and become the young man that he is-- interested and curious about everything that is around him.





And all of you....one of the biggest blessings that I never expected. I am so grateful for the love, support, and encouragement you have provided over the past year and half. It is all the little things that you have shared, written, and said to help make this journey "a beautiful journey" as our new header says. (Allison & Abby---notice the shirt!! and everyone else....noticed the HAIR!!!!)


....these are the things that we are blessed with on a daily basis.

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The kids all had dentist appointments over the past few weeks. Everyone got a good report. We did learn that our local water supply is not fluoridated, but at least we are blessed with clean water. At this point, no one needs flouride supplements, but the kids will be monitored.

Adalynn does have a significant underbite, but it is all related to the scaring of her palate causing it not to grow as quickly as her lower jaw. But, we are blessed with knowing that it can and will be fixed when she is older. Her teeth seem to be coming in in the correct place, which is a huge blessing even though one is facing sideways (see the close-up picture).

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Adalynn had her 18 month well-check (though a month late) and also got a clean bill of health. She weighed 21 lbs. and 3 oz and was 32 3/4 inches long. The doctor was pleased with her weight gain and she even jumped from the 5% to the 10% on the growth chart. She is still around the 75% in height. It is a blessing that she continues to be healthy and other than her cleft she has not really been sick (except for several stomach bugs, pink-eye, and a UTI at 6 weeks old).



She has been having night terrors which have been absolutely miserable for all involved and we are at our wits end! She used to sleep so well and now it has been a joke. She is convinced that her bed is the worst place in the world. She ends up in our room before the night is over about 99% of the time. And even then, she still doesn't sleep well. I wish I could do the "cry-it-out" method, but we tried that years ago with Broderick and it was miserable! The boys both sleep in their beds all night long and by themselves, so I know this isn't forever-but at this point in time we are all frustrated.




And though we are all blessed with good health, there are many who are not. Ryan and Missy are still fighting for their lives. Cancer is such a horrible thing, but to have the strength, courage, and faith that they do is another blessing. Having them in my life is a HUGE blessing. Love you guys and praying for you constantly!!!

And John's dad is struggling as well. He has been fighting a respiratory infection/cold for a few months and after a recent trip to the ER and a diagnosis of pneomonia, they also noticed some abnormalities with his heart. The doctors now believe that he has had several small heart attacks, and it is possible that he has congestive heart failure. He is currently in the hospital undergoing tests to see what the next course of action is. Please keep him in your prayers.

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Blessings are all around us, but it is always the little things that we so often forget to be thankful for. Please remember to count your blessings!!