New life and Ontario here we come

The double wave

Super silly guy

So we, like many of you, have peaked our heads up again after the fall flu. It spread rapidly through our church community, and then we kindly gave it to my family. Sorry. Of course super-star Noah did not exhibit any vomiting - what a handy surgery that fundoplication is :-)

Noah had a tough 10 days. His "sore" turned out to be a recurring infection on his tube site. Poor guy has probably had this for weeks and weeks. It is frustrating because the treatment for a sore actually complicated the infection. It kept getting misdiagnosed so I am so happy that the ped. was able to start him on meds. The meds. caused severe runs, making Noah miserable. It reminded me of the week following his surgery when he didn't smile for days. Finally, he started to adjust 7 days into the meds. We are finished the course of antibiotics and though some granulation tissue is starting to form on his site, the worst is behind us. Just in time for our trip to Ontario. Whew. We have to treat the granulation tissue still this week but hopefully we'll have no big issues when we are at the farm.

This week, I've been pondering the idea of new life. Brace yourselves people. Jared and I are humbled, awed, nervous and joyful to announce a growing life inside my body. God willing, baby #2 will join us in May. Yes, Noah will be 18 months. Yes, we are sorta crazy. I know lots of you folks have children close together in age but our little tube feeder makes things a little unpredictable so we will have our hands full. But we figured we'd see what will unfold for us in our journey of raising kidlets. Obvious question: what if "this" all happens again. Answer: then we do it all again. I think every single one of us can play the "what if" game when we move forward in life. When we take risks. When we challenge ourselves. There are no guarantees. I'm not seeking a "way out" but a "way through." Life is tough in many ways. I knew that before Noah came into our world. But I understand it on a deeper level now. I also understand how to move forward. Thanks, Noah, you have blessed me so many wonderful lessons.

I have to thank a few trusted friends who have been praying for me about having another child. For many months I was sure I wouldn't be able to do it. But I knew I needed help in discerning what God's plan was for our family. These amazing women walked through the questions and struggles I was having. I don't take this hesitation lightly. I know of many paining to have a child, or those have had to go to great lengths to bear children and perhaps I sound selfish and small. Nonetheless, for me it was a real journey. I feel peaceful now.

The next obvious question, considering my pregnancy with Noah, is that of nausea. Oh, it is on. In fact, this time even worse than with Noah. BUT my mental and emotional state appear to be stronger. The evenings from 4pm onwards are by far the worst. But Noah drags his suitcase and I drag my bowl around after him and we make it work. Many of my momma friends feel me right now. You've been there, many of you throughout your entire pregnancies. So, I certainly do not feel alone! We are used to having to modify most activities in life due to Noah and the same policy applies now to me.

Next blog will be a HUGE CELEBRATION of Anika and Andrew's wedding. I'll be sure to post lots of pics. Thanks for reading, for sharing your life with us through cards, emails, coffee visits, phone calls etc. It all is very meaningful to us.

ps. a special thanks to Jonah F. who graciously shared a ton of books for the airplane ride to Ontario. Thanks buddy (or should we say duckie?) Also, a thank you to the "K" family for the stunning Noah's Ark table and chair set. You so spoiled Noah and we know he'll enjoy this beautiful set for years to come. I have personally never seen such beautiful artistry on children's furniture! (see photo below)