More Thanks and Thoughts

Once again, I feel the need to write down evermore thoughts. I have been experiencing some weird side effects to my medication for the blood clot, namely intense anxiety, and have had the wonderful opportunity to come stay with my mom while things sort themselves out. Shortly after getting here, my aunt noticed a hernia on the baby. We took him in only to find that he would need surgery. Needless to say, that didn't help my anxiety much, and it also made my stay here longer. I have been blessed to have my wonderful little sister come over every single day to help me and make sure I am okay (another thanks to Andrew for letting me have her every day). She has her own newborn to care for and yet she's found time to help me with mine, keep me occupied, drive me wherever I need to go, sacrifice sleep to be here early every day, make numerous phone calls regarding insurance for the surgery, pediatrician visits, lab work, etc. and many other things. She is such a beautiful young mother, and I love watching her with her baby...she is calm and collected and so loving. She is very intelligent, mature and capable. I love listening to her little quips and outrageous wit. I love laughing with her about dorky things. I don't know what I would have done without her cheery face every morning! (And Marci, I love you too...and thanks for alllll those phone calls...wish you were here too!)

And without the support of her and my mom, mother-in-law (who have each traveled to my house twice to help), and the many others who have watched my kids for weeks every day after school, watched Little Man N for days, brought food, taken over my church responsibilities, cleaned my house (Becca and Leslie!!), held babies, brought well-wishes, prayed, called, sent emails and texts...it would have been so miserable for me and my family. I am so utterly overwhelmed with gratitude....I never thought this ordeal would go on for so long and yet friends and family are still there helping. (I hope I haven't worn you all out!! :) So during this Thanksgiving, I would like to send thanks to Jenae and Chris (for lots of driving), Becca and Kelcey, Deeona and Ken, Ang and Allen, Marci and Chris, Jake and Jacy, Grandpa and Shirley, Grandma and Grandpa Jones, Ron and Jill and fam, Penny, Stephanie V, Stephanie and Chad, Tonia and Darren, Jandi, Joni, Mary, Dani, Gina, Tawsha, Carey, Delna, Davi, Grandpa Bert, Mom and Dad, Jolene, Tammi, Nicki, Emily, Allison, Candace, Candi, Melissa, Allison, Sally, Ashley, Amy, Mandy, RaeAnn, Abby, Anna, Dana, Leslie, Arianne,Wendy A., Workmans, Metcalfs, Nicole, Andrews, Amy Burr, Petersons, Sullivans, Betty, Kena T, and the many others !!

Also, a huge thank you again to my husband who is happily playing both mom and dad...getting kids ready, going to work, picking them up after work and finishing homework, housework and all else that goes along with the responsibilities of kids and homes. He also calls me and cheers me every day. And when the week is through, he loads the two oldest up with clothes packed, and hauls them the 6 hour drive to see me and the two youngest for the weekend. I know it is not easy on any of them. And it is extremely hard to see them go each Sunday afternoon. C hugs me each time I see him and asks how I am feeling. B never wants to leave and clings to me desperately. Little N cries during the week for his Dad and "his kids" as he calls them. Dad and the kids kiss and squeeze the baby as much as they can and say he's fatter each weekend when they see him again. It has truly been a bittersweet experience. I hate being separated from my family and I know they do too, but it has made us all appreciate each other so much more and I am truly thankful for that!

In conclusion, Baby Q (pictured at 7 weeks and up to 13 lbs.) will now have surgery Monday after a re-scheduling due to some needed lab work. I pray that all will go well and then we will be able to go home and be a family together again.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!