Daddy and Alaina, 9 months
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Just a little bit of bragging...forgive me!
I am being forced to brag...I can't help it so bear with me.
Liam "gets" letters and sounds; he always has. Starting at just a very little guy, maybe 15 months he pointed to a pretty saying on my wall and said, "ABCs." I was floored that he understood that the words were, in fact, a bunch of letters...and that he even cared. Then by age 2 he knew without hesitation all the letters, upper and lowercase, by heart, all mixed up without fail...that's by 2 years old, not 2 1/2.
By 2 1/2 he knew letter sounds, could count to 20, had known his colors and shapes for some time....then the seizures. Throughout his acute illness, he still would rattle off all he knew even though he had trouble saying other things.
Over the past year, Liam has liked to say things like "D says ddd, like Dad." It's just part of what he likes to talk about. Well, lately, he has really amped it up. He is saying ALL day things like..."A says aaa, like D-aaa-d." I have been really impressed. He has also memorized some sightwords.
Today at Hy-Vee in the coffee section, he sees the word "coffee." Liam says, "Mom, that says "of." He picked out "of" from the word "coffee!"
I will add that this has very little to do with me. Liam is very self-motivated in this department. That coupled with a desire to learn and a good memory...and you have a kid that "gets it!"
He says the funniest things of late too. Things that are so goofy and just-like-Liam that it's hard to portray how funny they are to someone that doesn't hear it or know him really well. Like today...he loves the book "I Stink!" about a trash truck. He has it memorized, as well as several other books. Often he, Cade, and I will recite books or say part of one as it relates to our day. In "I Stink!" the trash truck is telling about the trash by saying, "Get a load of my alphabet soup." The letter M is "Moldy Meatballs." Well, I had bought (at Hy-Vee) a bag of kiwis for Cade. I was putting them in the fruit bowl and telling Cade about them, and Liam says as I pass by, "Moldy Meatballs." I stop in my tracks and start laughing. Cade realizes what Liam is referring to (the kiwi!) and he starts laughing too! It's stuff like that with Liam.
He is such a blast!
Liam "gets" letters and sounds; he always has. Starting at just a very little guy, maybe 15 months he pointed to a pretty saying on my wall and said, "ABCs." I was floored that he understood that the words were, in fact, a bunch of letters...and that he even cared. Then by age 2 he knew without hesitation all the letters, upper and lowercase, by heart, all mixed up without fail...that's by 2 years old, not 2 1/2.
By 2 1/2 he knew letter sounds, could count to 20, had known his colors and shapes for some time....then the seizures. Throughout his acute illness, he still would rattle off all he knew even though he had trouble saying other things.
Over the past year, Liam has liked to say things like "D says ddd, like Dad." It's just part of what he likes to talk about. Well, lately, he has really amped it up. He is saying ALL day things like..."A says aaa, like D-aaa-d." I have been really impressed. He has also memorized some sightwords.
Today at Hy-Vee in the coffee section, he sees the word "coffee." Liam says, "Mom, that says "of." He picked out "of" from the word "coffee!"
I will add that this has very little to do with me. Liam is very self-motivated in this department. That coupled with a desire to learn and a good memory...and you have a kid that "gets it!"
He says the funniest things of late too. Things that are so goofy and just-like-Liam that it's hard to portray how funny they are to someone that doesn't hear it or know him really well. Like today...he loves the book "I Stink!" about a trash truck. He has it memorized, as well as several other books. Often he, Cade, and I will recite books or say part of one as it relates to our day. In "I Stink!" the trash truck is telling about the trash by saying, "Get a load of my alphabet soup." The letter M is "Moldy Meatballs." Well, I had bought (at Hy-Vee) a bag of kiwis for Cade. I was putting them in the fruit bowl and telling Cade about them, and Liam says as I pass by, "Moldy Meatballs." I stop in my tracks and start laughing. Cade realizes what Liam is referring to (the kiwi!) and he starts laughing too! It's stuff like that with Liam.
He is such a blast!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Falling out and coming in...
Cade has lost his first two teeth. Miss Alaina just had her first tooth poke through...
Also, Alaina is 6 months old! Here she is eating for the first time!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A funny
Today Cade's friend from down the street was visiting him. Bauer (age 8) asks me, "How do you know Alaina's a girl?" I couldn't help but smile. Cade pipes up, "Because she's wearing pink."
Isn't that great!?!
Another funny...I would love to post the picture I took of the following but it totally would not be appropriate...
Liam came out of the bathroom today after going potty by himself, including pulling up his pants on his own. Cade and I glance up at him and his boy parts are sticking up out of his pants. We start laughing so hard that we couldn't even talk...
Isn't that great!?!
Another funny...I would love to post the picture I took of the following but it totally would not be appropriate...
Liam came out of the bathroom today after going potty by himself, including pulling up his pants on his own. Cade and I glance up at him and his boy parts are sticking up out of his pants. We start laughing so hard that we couldn't even talk...
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Just a couple...
Alaina has gotten into sticking her sweet little tongue out...all the time!
Cade with baby toy...earrings!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Just some random thoughts...
Things in the Johnson home are going well. We have three healthy children, two happy parents, and PRAISE GOD the weather seems to be getting a bit (very little bit) warmer...do I dare say, even the days seems a bit longer too!?! Our rental house is set to close sale on March 1...it will be a relief when that it all done.
I am feeling blessed beyond measure. The last couple of weeks I have been stressed with dealing with everything that I do daily. I have been feeling so rushed and spread thin...ineffective and worn out. The feeling of doing so much, but only being able to do it with part of me, instead of giving it my all. Sort of like there is so much to do, so many people to tend to, so much to accomplish, that it's impossible to give everything my all...I feel like, in the end, I have just given everyone just a small piece of me...of my time...when everyone deserves so much more. Then, I have nothing left to give myself...or my God.
I think, though, I just needed some sleep, and prayer. I am feeling much better about things. Honestly, I don't give myself the credit that I deserve. Mark is forever telling me to stop being so hard on myself and I totally think...finally...that he's is right. Life is so much more complicated with an infant. In reality, I am doing a pretty good job keeping it all together. You might not think so by looking at the shape of my home, but listening to Cade read to his daddy tonight reminded me that a clean home is totally overrated.
I am feeling blessed beyond measure. The last couple of weeks I have been stressed with dealing with everything that I do daily. I have been feeling so rushed and spread thin...ineffective and worn out. The feeling of doing so much, but only being able to do it with part of me, instead of giving it my all. Sort of like there is so much to do, so many people to tend to, so much to accomplish, that it's impossible to give everything my all...I feel like, in the end, I have just given everyone just a small piece of me...of my time...when everyone deserves so much more. Then, I have nothing left to give myself...or my God.
I think, though, I just needed some sleep, and prayer. I am feeling much better about things. Honestly, I don't give myself the credit that I deserve. Mark is forever telling me to stop being so hard on myself and I totally think...finally...that he's is right. Life is so much more complicated with an infant. In reality, I am doing a pretty good job keeping it all together. You might not think so by looking at the shape of my home, but listening to Cade read to his daddy tonight reminded me that a clean home is totally overrated.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Just had to share...
Okay Friends, I admit, there are times that I feel like we are accomplishing NOTHING while schooling at home. I know that's not true as Cade is obviously gaining proficiency in reading and writing. Here's a story from tonight that really impressed me...
I was reading to the boys before bed. Richard Scarry's What People Do All Day. I pointed out that Mama Pig made a mess with the eggs as she made breakfast. Cade looks at what I pointed to and reads, "Eggs." He says, "That isn't how Eggs is really spelled though. AA-ggs is how we say it." I said, "No. That's how it's spelled, but sometimes people get into bad habits and we say things wrong. We should be saying Eehhggs, right?" You could just see his mind working. I told him that when he hears us say "Aggs" he can correct us by saying, "How do you spell eggs?"
I am very proud of his phonetic awareness...
I was reading to the boys before bed. Richard Scarry's What People Do All Day. I pointed out that Mama Pig made a mess with the eggs as she made breakfast. Cade looks at what I pointed to and reads, "Eggs." He says, "That isn't how Eggs is really spelled though. AA-ggs is how we say it." I said, "No. That's how it's spelled, but sometimes people get into bad habits and we say things wrong. We should be saying Eehhggs, right?" You could just see his mind working. I told him that when he hears us say "Aggs" he can correct us by saying, "How do you spell eggs?"
I am very proud of his phonetic awareness...
No accidents!
Okay, this post is for those out there that have listened to my cries of frustration AND those that have dealt with the same thing (but too afraid to admit it!)
Liam seems to have mastered the toilet! He has gone all day without one accident. He is one smart boy but it sure has been a trip with potty training...yes, he'll be 4 year old next month. :)
Liam seems to have mastered the toilet! He has gone all day without one accident. He is one smart boy but it sure has been a trip with potty training...yes, he'll be 4 year old next month. :)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
To the readers of my blog
I have been very sentimental of late...
Last year on this very date, I was in the hospital with Liam. I remember being quite ill with morning sickness and even more ill watching my son endure seizure upon seizure with no idea of what the future would hold for him. I held his beautiful little body and we walked up and down the hallways with his head upon my shoulder. We watched hours and hours of Wall-E and we prayed...and prayed.
I visited the chapel at St. Mary's as a broken vessel seeking the presence of the One who I knew could provide it. I heard over and over again that still small voice whisper to me at the times I needed it most, "Calm down, My child. Trust Me. I am taking care of Liam." I heard it and felt it every day.
While I knew Liam was in good hands, I was still terrified and so very, very sad. And, then, a modern day miracle....
Today while taking a shower with Alaina in her bouncy seat and Liam on a step stool playing with his cars in the sink (where is my peace!), I said to him through the curtain, "Liam, this time last year we were in the hospital, you and me. You were having lots of seizures." For a moment there was silence, then he replies, "I NOT have a shot, Mom! Yah-na (Alaina) have a shot!"
"Thank you, Lord, for performing a miracle in Liam's life. For being there for us. For listening to us. For protecting our boy. Words alone cannot express our gratitude. I am humbled and honored to call you my God."
Last year on this very date, I was in the hospital with Liam. I remember being quite ill with morning sickness and even more ill watching my son endure seizure upon seizure with no idea of what the future would hold for him. I held his beautiful little body and we walked up and down the hallways with his head upon my shoulder. We watched hours and hours of Wall-E and we prayed...and prayed.
I visited the chapel at St. Mary's as a broken vessel seeking the presence of the One who I knew could provide it. I heard over and over again that still small voice whisper to me at the times I needed it most, "Calm down, My child. Trust Me. I am taking care of Liam." I heard it and felt it every day.
While I knew Liam was in good hands, I was still terrified and so very, very sad. And, then, a modern day miracle....
Today while taking a shower with Alaina in her bouncy seat and Liam on a step stool playing with his cars in the sink (where is my peace!), I said to him through the curtain, "Liam, this time last year we were in the hospital, you and me. You were having lots of seizures." For a moment there was silence, then he replies, "I NOT have a shot, Mom! Yah-na (Alaina) have a shot!"
"Thank you, Lord, for performing a miracle in Liam's life. For being there for us. For listening to us. For protecting our boy. Words alone cannot express our gratitude. I am humbled and honored to call you my God."
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Yeah! It's almost February!
because Januarys are rough around our house.
Everyone is doing well...very well, actually. Miss Alaina doesn't even look like she's been sick, let alone in the hospital. Liam endured almost 5 days of big fevers WITHOUT a seizure! We are thrilled! He's much better now...the doctor said it was this crazy virus that's going around.
I am back at work...working Saturday and Sunday night.
I think we are going to head out of town next weekend to LaCrosse. They have a fun little Children's Museum and a Chucky Cheese. We are going to meet some friends, The Frankes as well. We are even talking of staying over night at a hotel with a mini water park. We need a get-away for sure.
Minnesota winters are a DRAG!
Everyone is doing well...very well, actually. Miss Alaina doesn't even look like she's been sick, let alone in the hospital. Liam endured almost 5 days of big fevers WITHOUT a seizure! We are thrilled! He's much better now...the doctor said it was this crazy virus that's going around.
I am back at work...working Saturday and Sunday night.
I think we are going to head out of town next weekend to LaCrosse. They have a fun little Children's Museum and a Chucky Cheese. We are going to meet some friends, The Frankes as well. We are even talking of staying over night at a hotel with a mini water park. We need a get-away for sure.
Minnesota winters are a DRAG!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Going home pictures
Alaina has been checked out by the doctors. Now to get all the prescriptions and medication that she will be going home on. Praying that she can go home by noon...
Monday, January 25, 2010
Another update
Miss Alaina is doing MUCH better. She has been napping for about 1 hour and hasn't needed extra oxygen yet. The doctors want her oxygen saturation above 88% while she is sleeping without added oxygen. Right now she has been 88-90%. Yeah! I am relieved and excited about the prospect of going home tomorrow. Also, even more relieved that my baby is on the mend. Praise the good, good Lord...as always.
Tonight, my wonderful friend, Jennifer Brommer from work is coming to relieve me so I can go home and love on my sick boys for a bit and take a HOT shower. The hospital showers spit out lukewarm water! I am very grateful to her...before she comes here, she is dropping a meal off to Mark and the boys. Crazy good to us.
Other friends are helping out too with love, prayers, and meals. Our church is incredible... the support is priceless. My MOPS girlies are surrounding me with love too.
Remember that cup of tea I talked about a few days ago? The one that came straight from heaven and God's hand? Well, my lovely friend Pam just had some sent to me. My heart just melted...both for gratitude and sorrow that she is leaving for Mongolia in a matter of weeks. I truly love you, Pam, and your friendship and mentorship has been a gift of the sweetest kind.
Tonight, my wonderful friend, Jennifer Brommer from work is coming to relieve me so I can go home and love on my sick boys for a bit and take a HOT shower. The hospital showers spit out lukewarm water! I am very grateful to her...before she comes here, she is dropping a meal off to Mark and the boys. Crazy good to us.
Other friends are helping out too with love, prayers, and meals. Our church is incredible... the support is priceless. My MOPS girlies are surrounding me with love too.
Remember that cup of tea I talked about a few days ago? The one that came straight from heaven and God's hand? Well, my lovely friend Pam just had some sent to me. My heart just melted...both for gratitude and sorrow that she is leaving for Mongolia in a matter of weeks. I truly love you, Pam, and your friendship and mentorship has been a gift of the sweetest kind.
This morning
Well, Alaina has taken a step back. She is happy and looking a lot better but requiring more oxygen then yesterday. It's a huge bummer because we won't be able to go home like we wanted. Also, the predinsone that she is on for her lungs keeps her AWAKE. I think we slept 3 hours last night.
At home the boys are still sick...including Mark. I called this morning and Liam was crying and he sounded awful. No seizures though! It breaks my heart that I can't be there to see them through this. Mark is being a mommy and a daddy.
I need to call my manager this morning and see if I will still have a job after all this.
At home the boys are still sick...including Mark. I called this morning and Liam was crying and he sounded awful. No seizures though! It breaks my heart that I can't be there to see them through this. Mark is being a mommy and a daddy.
I need to call my manager this morning and see if I will still have a job after all this.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Today, so far
Alaina is much improved. She is requiring a lot less oxygen and medication to help her breathe. She isn't feeling well though and cries when she coughs. Her fever is back up too. She did sleep well last night...we both needed it.
At home, Mark is struggling. Liam woke up with a fever. He hasn't had a seizure, but is acting "twitchy." That frightens us, but we are praying he comes through this well.
Cade also woke up and vomited in his bed.
Oh, yeah, and our washing machine is broken as of yesterday.
Please pray for us. For health, safety, spiritual and physical strength...oh. and sanity.
At home, Mark is struggling. Liam woke up with a fever. He hasn't had a seizure, but is acting "twitchy." That frightens us, but we are praying he comes through this well.
Cade also woke up and vomited in his bed.
Oh, yeah, and our washing machine is broken as of yesterday.
Please pray for us. For health, safety, spiritual and physical strength...oh. and sanity.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Back in the hospital
Well, the Johnsons continue to have medical drama. Alaina caught a virus, the virus settled into pneumonia, and we are back in the hospital...oh, and today's my birthday.
It seems that she has "reactive airway" just like her brothers had as babies. The encouraging thing is that both of them grew out of it by age 1. Baby girl was and is quite sick, but today she is looking much better. The breathing treatments are doing her a world of good. Right now she is sleeping...and she starting nursing again which in a good, good thing. She has lost one pound already, but even I admit that she has plenty of chunk to support her right now.
This "reactive airway" if you are wondering is when the lungs or airway acts just like asthma during a cold. Cade and Liam both experienced the same thing...Liam having pneumonia when he was 9 months old...yes, I believe in January. I have no idea where these genes came from but for some reason, although Mark and I don't have a problem with it, all of our kiddos have. Alaina also has eczema which, the doctor's tell me, is a clue that she would have issues. Eczema, asthma, and allergies go hand in hand. Weird, huh?
She is doing okay now. Yesterday was bad, but it seems she is more comfortable now. She still has a long way to go though and feels quite bad.
Yesterday when we arrived on the Peds floor, I lost it. I was worried about Alaina, sleep deprived, and upon arriving, the memories of Liam's stay at this exact time last year (in January) was just too much. Every morning I wake up to several cups of tea and hadn't had any that morning. My head was pounding from crying and lack of caffiene. Alaina was getting an IV placed and screaming her sweet little head off. I asked God to meet me in this place...I needed to hear His voice. Right afer that prayer a very kind nurse asked me if I needed anything. Like usual I declined, but she offered a nice cup of tea and a warm blanket. How many times does someone actually offer hot tea? I knew it was God speaking His language to me and it felt wonderful. She brought me the best cup of tea I have ever had.
It seems that she has "reactive airway" just like her brothers had as babies. The encouraging thing is that both of them grew out of it by age 1. Baby girl was and is quite sick, but today she is looking much better. The breathing treatments are doing her a world of good. Right now she is sleeping...and she starting nursing again which in a good, good thing. She has lost one pound already, but even I admit that she has plenty of chunk to support her right now.
This "reactive airway" if you are wondering is when the lungs or airway acts just like asthma during a cold. Cade and Liam both experienced the same thing...Liam having pneumonia when he was 9 months old...yes, I believe in January. I have no idea where these genes came from but for some reason, although Mark and I don't have a problem with it, all of our kiddos have. Alaina also has eczema which, the doctor's tell me, is a clue that she would have issues. Eczema, asthma, and allergies go hand in hand. Weird, huh?
She is doing okay now. Yesterday was bad, but it seems she is more comfortable now. She still has a long way to go though and feels quite bad.
Yesterday when we arrived on the Peds floor, I lost it. I was worried about Alaina, sleep deprived, and upon arriving, the memories of Liam's stay at this exact time last year (in January) was just too much. Every morning I wake up to several cups of tea and hadn't had any that morning. My head was pounding from crying and lack of caffiene. Alaina was getting an IV placed and screaming her sweet little head off. I asked God to meet me in this place...I needed to hear His voice. Right afer that prayer a very kind nurse asked me if I needed anything. Like usual I declined, but she offered a nice cup of tea and a warm blanket. How many times does someone actually offer hot tea? I knew it was God speaking His language to me and it felt wonderful. She brought me the best cup of tea I have ever had.
Friday, December 25, 2009
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