In March of 2009 we were blessed with our third child, Israel David. He was born with congenital limb differences and micrognathia. This blog was started to share our journey with friends and family and anyone else who God brings our way. Our hope is to share our miracle with you...and as you read, that you will be blessed. Remember to always enjoy the miracles in your life!
Monday, May 25, 2009
A growing boy
I got this idea from a fellow blogger (Kelly) and decided I would steal it and do it with Izzy. I thought it would be fun to watch him as he progresses and grows each month. Sometimes you don't even realize just how much they have grown until you compare them like this. So here he is at 1 month and 2 months :-) Enjoy!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Praying for YOU!
I am so blessed, honestly beyond words, for each and every one of you who has been praying for Israel and for our family. I can't imagine where we would be without all of your faithful prayers. There would never be enough that we could do to express how much you mean to us, or to even begin to repay the favor. But one thing we can do is PRAY! We would be honored to be able to pray for you, for whatever is going on in your life. If there is something you would like prayer for, please leave a comment below or send us an e-mail. You can add as much or as little detail as you would like, although if you could leave at least your name it would be helpful. If you don't feel comfortable sharing publicly, feel free to just leave a comment saying to pray for you. Truly, let us return the favor and lift you up in prayer. Remember, there is no request to big or to small. God hears them all!
Friday, May 22, 2009
HUGE PRAISE
Shortly after writing my last entry I went out to get that mail...and what did I find...bills of course, but I also found a CHECK! Not just any check, you see it was a check from Social Security! YES PRAISE GOD, ISRAEL QUALIFIED FOR SSI! God is so good and so faithful to take care of us. He always knows our needs and is faithful to meet them. Additionally, Israel was accepted for Medicaid too! How amazing! All of this "stuff" means a HUGE weight has lifted from us and we can breath a little easier now.
SSI is a check we will get in the mail once a month, it will be to help cover any cost/expense we choose to put it toward! It isn't a huge amount, but we are so thankful we are getting anything at all! *Ahh* I just took a nice deep breath and was able to really relax and let me shoulders down.
Medicaid is a secondary insurance. It will cover any cost that our primary insurance doesn't cover...which means we shouldn't have to pay for any more medical expenses at all! PRAISE GOD!!! They will even back pay to the date that I submitted the application, which was on April 4th (When Israel was only 3 weeks old)!
This just goes to show, that GOD is still here and still cares. He promises to take care of us and not give us any more then we can handle. Even though there are times I wonder why God trusts me so much :-) I can rest easy knowing that HE is in charge and HE knows what he is doing!
SSI is a check we will get in the mail once a month, it will be to help cover any cost/expense we choose to put it toward! It isn't a huge amount, but we are so thankful we are getting anything at all! *Ahh* I just took a nice deep breath and was able to really relax and let me shoulders down.
Medicaid is a secondary insurance. It will cover any cost that our primary insurance doesn't cover...which means we shouldn't have to pay for any more medical expenses at all! PRAISE GOD!!! They will even back pay to the date that I submitted the application, which was on April 4th (When Israel was only 3 weeks old)!
This just goes to show, that GOD is still here and still cares. He promises to take care of us and not give us any more then we can handle. Even though there are times I wonder why God trusts me so much :-) I can rest easy knowing that HE is in charge and HE knows what he is doing!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Hope for the future
We had a doctors appointment at Shriner's Hospital last week and to be honest...I was a little nervous to go. Doctors appointments so far haven't been my most favorite thing to do with Israel. I am tired of hearing all of the negative things they have to say about how it will be a "long road" and how his "disability" will effect him etc. Not to mention the shocked looks I get(even from professional doctors). Honestly...I don't think of him as being "disabled" at all. When I look at him all I see is perfection! God created him this way on purpose and God has really given me "HIS" eyes to see just how perfect Israel really is. Truly when I see him all I feel is perfection, love, joy and overwhelming peace. He is an amazing baby and I plan to raise him as a "normal" child just as I have been raising Rachel and Jaxon. The only difference is he might have some prosthetics along the way. But I don't see any reason he won't be able to do all the things "normal" children do. He might just do them differently.
Anyway...Some appointments Jon has been able to go with me, others I have had my sister, and sometimes I have had to go by myself. Going by myself is always the hardest. I don't have a "support person" to walk with me through it. And this appointment to Shriner's I had to go alone. Israel and I got there and there was immediately a peace about the whole thing. For the first time in a public place I felt "normal" and not as though people were staring. It was amazing! The receptionist, nurses, doctors...everyone was amazing! They deal with precious children every day and see them for who they really are and not for their "disability" and that really shows. We saw a total of 7 different people anywhere from nurses, doctors, case workers, prosthetics specialist and the list goes on.
I was given lots of hope for the future for Israel and told all of the MANY things he will be able to do as he grows and develops (As opposed to what he won't be able to do). I felt so at peace being there and knew how loved Israel was by these complete strangers. It was an amazing experience and I am so thankful for this fabulous hospital that will be a big part of our lives. But I haven't even told you the best part yet...Shriner's is a 100% free hospital! PRAISE THE LORD! Israel will be able to go there until he is 21 years old and during those 21 years any and everything that he needs done for him in the way of his arms and legs will be completely free to us! No matter what the need is (Regarding his arms and legs only), there is nothing they won't cover! WOW! Thank you Jesus! A big weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing I won't have to pay for any prosthetics, surgeries etc. that he will need along the way. I won't have to spend my time and energy worrying about how we are going to be able to afford these future medical expenses, I will just get to spend my time and energy loving and raising my precious little boy.
As all of this is a huge praise and I give all the glory to God! However, I would also ask for prayer for two items we have applied for which would also help with other future medical expenses we might incur that Shriner's wouldn't cover. You see, Shriner's will only cover the cost for anything he needs regarding his arms, legs, hands and feet. They will not cover anything else that might come up, like issues with his jaw, teeth etc. We have applied for SSI (Supplementary Security Insurance) as well as Medicaid. These are both still being processed and we pray we will get accepted for both of them. Along with those, please also be praying for us regarding the current medical expenses we have that were incurred during my pregnancy (the tons of doctors apts and ultrasound apts), my labor/delivery, and Israel's stay in the hospital. We need God to come through in a HUGE way for us to be able to get these items paid off.
Thank you all for your faithful prayers and love. Know we love you all and pray for you often.
Anyway...Some appointments Jon has been able to go with me, others I have had my sister, and sometimes I have had to go by myself. Going by myself is always the hardest. I don't have a "support person" to walk with me through it. And this appointment to Shriner's I had to go alone. Israel and I got there and there was immediately a peace about the whole thing. For the first time in a public place I felt "normal" and not as though people were staring. It was amazing! The receptionist, nurses, doctors...everyone was amazing! They deal with precious children every day and see them for who they really are and not for their "disability" and that really shows. We saw a total of 7 different people anywhere from nurses, doctors, case workers, prosthetics specialist and the list goes on.
I was given lots of hope for the future for Israel and told all of the MANY things he will be able to do as he grows and develops (As opposed to what he won't be able to do). I felt so at peace being there and knew how loved Israel was by these complete strangers. It was an amazing experience and I am so thankful for this fabulous hospital that will be a big part of our lives. But I haven't even told you the best part yet...Shriner's is a 100% free hospital! PRAISE THE LORD! Israel will be able to go there until he is 21 years old and during those 21 years any and everything that he needs done for him in the way of his arms and legs will be completely free to us! No matter what the need is (Regarding his arms and legs only), there is nothing they won't cover! WOW! Thank you Jesus! A big weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing I won't have to pay for any prosthetics, surgeries etc. that he will need along the way. I won't have to spend my time and energy worrying about how we are going to be able to afford these future medical expenses, I will just get to spend my time and energy loving and raising my precious little boy.
As all of this is a huge praise and I give all the glory to God! However, I would also ask for prayer for two items we have applied for which would also help with other future medical expenses we might incur that Shriner's wouldn't cover. You see, Shriner's will only cover the cost for anything he needs regarding his arms, legs, hands and feet. They will not cover anything else that might come up, like issues with his jaw, teeth etc. We have applied for SSI (Supplementary Security Insurance) as well as Medicaid. These are both still being processed and we pray we will get accepted for both of them. Along with those, please also be praying for us regarding the current medical expenses we have that were incurred during my pregnancy (the tons of doctors apts and ultrasound apts), my labor/delivery, and Israel's stay in the hospital. We need God to come through in a HUGE way for us to be able to get these items paid off.
Thank you all for your faithful prayers and love. Know we love you all and pray for you often.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
2 Months Old
Israel...you're 2 months old now!
What are you up to these days?
*You sleep through the night in your own bed! Thank you Jesus! You usually go a 10 hour stretch which is like heaven to me!
*You eat every 3-4 hours and you know when you are hungry!
*You take 2-3 naps a day (In your swing) that range anywhere from 2-4 hours! Again, thank you Jesus!
*You really don't cry much unless you are hungry, tired or poopy.
*You love looking out the window! You will do this for 20-30 minutes at a time while you just sit in your bouncer.
*You are very good at tracking people/things. Watching your brother and sister play is one of your favorite things to do.
*You have finally advanced from the newborn diapers to size 1 diapers!
*You weigh 9 lbs 9.5 oz (8th percentile) and are 22 1/2 inches long (32nd percentile)
*You love taking walks in your stroller.
*You SMILE a ton and it is beautiful! It absolutely makes my day!
*You coo and make cute baby sounds. You are trying to laugh but haven't quite figured that one out yet.
*You are a very easy going baby and let just about anyone hold you.
*You love your binkie!
*You still don't particularly like the car seat or the car unless you are super tired and then you will give in and go to sleep...otherwise you just cry.
*You are the joy and the light of our lives. You bless our family more then you will ever know! Pretty much you're amazing!
Watch a little slide show of Israel's 2 month old pictures.
What are you up to these days?
*You sleep through the night in your own bed! Thank you Jesus! You usually go a 10 hour stretch which is like heaven to me!
*You eat every 3-4 hours and you know when you are hungry!
*You take 2-3 naps a day (In your swing) that range anywhere from 2-4 hours! Again, thank you Jesus!
*You really don't cry much unless you are hungry, tired or poopy.
*You love looking out the window! You will do this for 20-30 minutes at a time while you just sit in your bouncer.
*You are very good at tracking people/things. Watching your brother and sister play is one of your favorite things to do.
*You have finally advanced from the newborn diapers to size 1 diapers!
*You weigh 9 lbs 9.5 oz (8th percentile) and are 22 1/2 inches long (32nd percentile)
*You love taking walks in your stroller.
*You SMILE a ton and it is beautiful! It absolutely makes my day!
*You coo and make cute baby sounds. You are trying to laugh but haven't quite figured that one out yet.
*You are a very easy going baby and let just about anyone hold you.
*You love your binkie!
*You still don't particularly like the car seat or the car unless you are super tired and then you will give in and go to sleep...otherwise you just cry.
*You are the joy and the light of our lives. You bless our family more then you will ever know! Pretty much you're amazing!
Watch a little slide show of Israel's 2 month old pictures.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Please Pray
As I do every morning I got on the computer and checked out the blogs that I keep up with. There is a precious little girl names Kayleigh who has had quite the journey in her short 11 months of life, starting out with being born way to early and weighing only 1 pound. She has undergone many surgeries including being the youngest baby to ever have open heart surgery. She has been a fighter and has overcome many obstacles. However, as I read her blog this morning I learned that she went to be with Jesus today. My heart breaks for her parents as they will never be able to put her in her car seat and drive her home from the hospital, or tuck her into her own bed in her nursery they so lovingly prepared for her. Please say a prayer for this precious little one and her family as they mourn the loss of their sweet daughter. Below is a "button" you can click on to view this families blog.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Still praying for Israel
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Only God knows the plans He has for Israel's life and our job is just to trust that He knows what He is doing. Even though Israel was born with the conditions we were told he would have, we will continue to pray for his healing. God can still heal him and we will continue to believe for this until we see it happen. God knows exactly what He is doing with Israel, He didn't "forget" about him or "mess-up". Israel is exactly the way he is supposed to be. Why? I don't know. But I can rest easy knowing God all ready has it all figured out! I believe there is a big calling on his little life and that he is going to touch nations. How? I don't know. But again, I can rest easy knowing God's got it all figured out. What a peace I feel knowing that I don't have to know why or how, but that I can just trust in God to work it all out. I can not imagine how I would feel if I didn't have God to get us through this. Where would I look for hope? For joy? For understanding? I am just so thankful that God is here with us, holding us up when we can't hold ourselves and walking us through each and every step of the way.
Israel continues to do well. He is growing, slowly...but he is growing non the less :-) He weighs 8 lbs 10 oz. He eats great and still naps a ton and is sleeping through the night. He is just starting to outgrow his newborn clothes and beginning to fit into some 0-3 month things. He is very alert and smiles and coos all the time.Many have asked about future doctor appointments, surgeries etc. Here is a little update on all of that.
Israel will continue to see his pediatrician at the normal milestones. His next one will be at 2 months old (Which will be next week all ready!).
We have seen a ENT (Eat, nose, throat) specialist at Dornbechers once all ready for Israel's Micrognathia (small chin/recessed jaw) and will continue to see him once every three months as we watch how his chin/jaw grow. There are no plans for any surgeries regarding this condition at this point as it is not posing any problem for Israel. There may be surgeries in the future, but it all just depends on how well his chin/jaw grow and how it effects his eating/breathing/teeth growth etc.
We will be going to Shriner's Hospital in July for Israel's first evaluation for his arms and legs. We are very excited that we have been accepted into this hospital because most of there services are free of charge...thank you Jesus! After this appointment we will know a lot more about what our future will look like for Israel regarding prosthetics, physical therapy etc.
Thank you all for the TONS of prayers that have been said for our precious little boy, as well as for our family. We ask that you please continue to remember Israel in your prayers as we believe God isn't finished with him yet! I created a new button for you to add to your page if you would like. The link is at the top righthand side of our blog.
Only God knows the plans He has for Israel's life and our job is just to trust that He knows what He is doing. Even though Israel was born with the conditions we were told he would have, we will continue to pray for his healing. God can still heal him and we will continue to believe for this until we see it happen. God knows exactly what He is doing with Israel, He didn't "forget" about him or "mess-up". Israel is exactly the way he is supposed to be. Why? I don't know. But I can rest easy knowing God all ready has it all figured out! I believe there is a big calling on his little life and that he is going to touch nations. How? I don't know. But again, I can rest easy knowing God's got it all figured out. What a peace I feel knowing that I don't have to know why or how, but that I can just trust in God to work it all out. I can not imagine how I would feel if I didn't have God to get us through this. Where would I look for hope? For joy? For understanding? I am just so thankful that God is here with us, holding us up when we can't hold ourselves and walking us through each and every step of the way.
Israel continues to do well. He is growing, slowly...but he is growing non the less :-) He weighs 8 lbs 10 oz. He eats great and still naps a ton and is sleeping through the night. He is just starting to outgrow his newborn clothes and beginning to fit into some 0-3 month things. He is very alert and smiles and coos all the time.Many have asked about future doctor appointments, surgeries etc. Here is a little update on all of that.
Israel will continue to see his pediatrician at the normal milestones. His next one will be at 2 months old (Which will be next week all ready!).
We have seen a ENT (Eat, nose, throat) specialist at Dornbechers once all ready for Israel's Micrognathia (small chin/recessed jaw) and will continue to see him once every three months as we watch how his chin/jaw grow. There are no plans for any surgeries regarding this condition at this point as it is not posing any problem for Israel. There may be surgeries in the future, but it all just depends on how well his chin/jaw grow and how it effects his eating/breathing/teeth growth etc.
We will be going to Shriner's Hospital in July for Israel's first evaluation for his arms and legs. We are very excited that we have been accepted into this hospital because most of there services are free of charge...thank you Jesus! After this appointment we will know a lot more about what our future will look like for Israel regarding prosthetics, physical therapy etc.
Thank you all for the TONS of prayers that have been said for our precious little boy, as well as for our family. We ask that you please continue to remember Israel in your prayers as we believe God isn't finished with him yet! I created a new button for you to add to your page if you would like. The link is at the top righthand side of our blog.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Getting back to life
So alas, I finally feel I am getting into a new rhythm of life with 3 children. He is 7 weeks old now (How did that happen?) and I feel we are all quite adjusted to having a baby around. Rachel and Jaxon are over the "new baby" thing and don't find him quite so interesting anymore...lol...although they still really enjoy holding him and making him smile. I am finally getting some sleep! Thank you God! Israel started sleeping through the night all on his own at 6 weeks and it is SO very exciting to me :-) I now have time for showering on a regular basis and eating before noon! We are back to homeschooling (after 4 weeks off, the kids loved "spring break") and work as usual. I do still find it hard to manage getting all the housework done, responding to e-mails etc. like I did before...but all in all I can't complain. Life is good :-)
I'm sorry to all of my faithful readers who have been checking my blog only to find a rare new post. I honestly have not had the time...and more then that, I haven't known what to write. There wasn't much to say about life around here as all the news was pretty much the same. And my feelings were still a little to raw to share so publicly. However I feel after having the past 7 weeks to process that I am in a much better state to start really blogging again...so there should be new posts on a more regular basis from now on...hopefully :-)
For now, enjoy a few pictures of my babes that we took at the Oregon Garden's on an impromptu photo shoot of the three of them (Which is the reason their outfits don't match and you can tell they are very into dressing themselves!)
I'm sorry to all of my faithful readers who have been checking my blog only to find a rare new post. I honestly have not had the time...and more then that, I haven't known what to write. There wasn't much to say about life around here as all the news was pretty much the same. And my feelings were still a little to raw to share so publicly. However I feel after having the past 7 weeks to process that I am in a much better state to start really blogging again...so there should be new posts on a more regular basis from now on...hopefully :-)
For now, enjoy a few pictures of my babes that we took at the Oregon Garden's on an impromptu photo shoot of the three of them (Which is the reason their outfits don't match and you can tell they are very into dressing themselves!)
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