ER and RSV

Until this past week, I had never taken a child to the ER. I suppose 7 years is a pretty good record. Little Simon Oliver was the child who broke the streak. I'm not one to rush to the doctor when my kids are sick. Tuesday, though, I knew I needed to take him. He had been running a fever and had a cold but he starting wheezing and almost panting to breathe. He was breathing over 70 times a minute and was not his smiley self. (I need to add that we were out of town-Hilton Head-and Rick was not with us but my mother was.) I took him to the doctor and after examining him, I was told, "Don't panic, but he needs to go straight to the ER." Those are not exactly the words a mother wants to hear but by the Lord's grace, I did not panic.

We went to the ER and he was diagnosed with RSV. He was given breathing treatments and we had to stay until he began breathing more regularly. He was also given a steroid shot, which was also something new to us. Boy, that was an experience. I also had to do breathing treatments at home for 3 days.

He seems to be completely well now and I am grateful and thankful to the Lord for keeping my little guy safe.

Simon Oliver - 7 months old

My sweet little boy is now 7.5 months old. He weighs 20 lbs! Kate was 19 lbs and Claire 20 lbs at 12 months! I'm so thankful for him and he brings much joy to our family. He is so laid back and easy going. He can sit up now and rolls all over the floor. Kate and Claire treat him like he is their baby and the boys are prepping him for wrestling. We love you little guy!!

Mamma Kids

Last week Henry told Kate in no certain terms that she shouldn't be bossing him around (see previous post.)

Today he told me Kate and Claire are "momma kids." I guess he's finally resigned himself to life with 2 older sisters. :)

I can't find the battery charger for my camera and it's dead so I'll just repost a video from 3 years ago of my "mamma kids" and Henry.

Henry

These are just memories for Henry and me when we are older. He has just turned 4 and it's fun to have a little boy.

Kate was bossing Henry around and Henry said, "The Bible says you are supposed to honor your mother and father, not other kids."

Henry and Rick were wresting and Rick picked him up, flung him over his shoulder, spun him around, and threw him down on the ground. Immediately Henry said, "who won?"

The boys got their first Nerf guns for Christmas and they have been a huge hit. My days now consist of many moments like this: Henry says, "Can I shoot you and you die after lunch?"

Kate's Birthday

Our Birthday celebrations concluded today with a trip to the American Girl Doll Store in Atlanta! Today is Kate's 7th birthday and she has been talking about going to this store for months. Here's a tip, call ahead and make a reservation with a personal shopper. It's free and a store employee will walk you around the store, leave you alone to make your purchasing decisions, and then she'll check you out so that you don't have to stand in the long lines! It was great!! She also gave the girls an AG magazine and craft to take home.

We went with my mom and my youngest sister Emma. We were sorry Rick's mom couldn't join us!

We heard screams of joy as we drove up

Claire wanted her picture taken by every "Julie" doll in the store. Look at that smile!! :)

Kate with "Kit"

Lunch in the food court with Auntie Em :)

Emma, Mamma and Me :)

My dear sister Emma. We are 12 years apart. She was 10 when I got married, and 13 when I had Kate. I am so thankful for her, even though I was horrified when I found out my mom was pregnant because I had just been told out what "caused" it a few weeks earlier. :) I honestly can't imagine our family and my life without her. We missed our other sister Sarah who was hard at work.

Happy Birthday to my dearest Kate. She made me a mother. She was the first of my babies I held, and nursed, and prayed for. She is growing up but she is still a little girl. I am thankful that she has professed a faith in Christ. I am thankful I am her mother. May the Lord grant us with many more years together and many more sweet memories to make like we did today.