Monday's routine doctor's appointment became not so routine anymore. The great news we have been receiving every week has stopped coming (for this week at least), but there is still worse news that we could receive so we are still doing fine....just adjusting to some new changes. We now can see that my body has weakened more drastically than we thought it was capable of in one week, but the good news is that our little boy is still right where he is supposed to be. We have no way of knowing what next week's appointment will bring...whether my body will hold for a while longer or just continue weakening, but I sure wish with all my heart that I had some control over the situation!
I keep thinking what an incredible blessing it is to have control over all my other body parts....if I want to walk, I take a step. If I want to grab something, I reach out for it. If I want a hug, I wrap my arms around someone. If I want to dance, I shake my booty (maybe not with much control, but I can still do it). :) Shouldn't it make sense that if we want to bring another child into our family I should just be able to keep the baby in my womb? Well, some of us were given body parts that just don't work and we don't have control over it. It is extremely frustrating, but there are many in a worse situation than myself in that regard. What can we do in that kind of situation? Thank the Lord for what we CAN do and what we DO have and then do our best with the rest....right?
Well, the change that has come since Monday's appointment, sparing you from all the physical details, is that now I am on a modified bed rest. It's taking me a few days to get readjusted to the new schedule and lifestyle because it's not really in my nature to just sit around with my feet up and eat bon bons all day....wait. who are we kidding. But since there is no cure and we've done the treatment we can with the surgery the only other thing to do right now is try to relieve the pressure and weight from my body and wait and see if it will help. No matter what does happen or what news we may receive, we know without any doubts that the Lord is watching over our little family. May He continue to watch over yours!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Knowledge
"You don't know what you don't know until you know it." That's what my Dad said to me the other day and I've been thinking about that a lot since then. There are about a million things in our individual lives we don't know yet but one of them you (our extended family and friends) don't know because Doug and I haven't told you....we are expecting another little addition to our family in November. A boy!
I'm not very good at waiting to open presents. There is something about having the pretty wrapped box (actually it doesn't even matter if it's pretty) sitting right in front of me that just beckons my fingers to rip it open and look inside. It is completely uncontrollable. Well, that's what it feels like now and for many reasons it seems I'm watching the world continue to move quickly along, but I feel my world right now moves at the pace of a very small turtle because instead of ripping open my present I have to handle it with an immense amount of care and attention.
Many of you know that we were not planning on exploring this childbearing avenue again due to the extremely high risk nature of our particular situation, but the Lord let us know that He has a different plan for our family. He has been preparing us the last 3 years for a new journey and we are now choosing to walk down that avenue again, hand-in-hand with the Lord, praying we will be successful in adding this other little boy to our family.
I need to say that we are doing miraculously well. We were blessed to find a doctor who takes our situation seriously and is doing everything in his power to help us along this journey. We know so much more this time around and have been able to take some early actions which are supposed to help immensely. I had surgery about a month ago to hopefully help me keep our little boy where he is supposed to stay and so far the surgery has done it's job and we are thrilled! The surgery doesn't guarantee us success, but we've already seen the results of such a helpful procedure. It wasn't very pleasant and continues to not be very pleasant, but if that's what needs to be done for us to bring these sweet souls to the Earth....than I'll do it!
I'm 22 weeks along and have been seeing the doctor every single week since the beginning. They continue to watch me closely through ultrasounds, measurements and tests to hopefully catch my body weakening before anything drastic happens to me or the baby. I'm having lots of pain and contractions all day, everyday which makes it hard for me to be super happy and comfortable in my day to day routine, but I'm doing the best I can. With all this happening, I have been given very clear and strict instructions as to when exactly I need to call the doctor or run to the hospital and so far, no hospital run has been needed.
I've got to say how grateful Doug and I are for technology that can help us in such an important and life changing way. I know why I wasn't sent to Earth as a pioneer and it's not because of the lack of toilets or the abundance of cow patties....this time in history would be the only time that would grant me the ability to fulfill my mission here on Earth as a Mother.
I said earlier that the Lord took the last 3 years to prepare me for this journey and I really mean it. With His help, I did all that I could to prepare myself emotionally and spiritually to endure this period of time, but the preparations seem to continue to come. I often find myself standing in front of these big emotional hurdles knowing that I am the ONLY one who can jump them. The Lord has helped me through them all so far and I know will continue to do so. I feel I'm spending most of my time (after each hurdle is jumped) readjusting myself, my thoughts and my emotional state to try and stay strong and optimistic.
I think most of you who know me well would categorize me as a worry wart...and yes, I am. I'm okay to admit it. 3 years ago at this particular time in my first pregnancy I was lying on strict bed rest crippled with many things, but one of them being worry and fear. It kept me from seriously seeking help from the Lord when I really needed it most and I have learned since then that Faith and Fear cannot co-exist. That has been quite difficult for us to balance with each coming week being such a nervous one full of unknown possibilities. We have come to find ourselves sitting evenly between Faith and the reality of our situation which seems to be what is best for us at this time. Some days are better than others, but we've been holding onto each other and the Lord, hoping for the best.
We are very excited and are pushing forward with Faith that we can enjoy this sweet little boy in a few months!
I'm not very good at waiting to open presents. There is something about having the pretty wrapped box (actually it doesn't even matter if it's pretty) sitting right in front of me that just beckons my fingers to rip it open and look inside. It is completely uncontrollable. Well, that's what it feels like now and for many reasons it seems I'm watching the world continue to move quickly along, but I feel my world right now moves at the pace of a very small turtle because instead of ripping open my present I have to handle it with an immense amount of care and attention.
Many of you know that we were not planning on exploring this childbearing avenue again due to the extremely high risk nature of our particular situation, but the Lord let us know that He has a different plan for our family. He has been preparing us the last 3 years for a new journey and we are now choosing to walk down that avenue again, hand-in-hand with the Lord, praying we will be successful in adding this other little boy to our family.
I need to say that we are doing miraculously well. We were blessed to find a doctor who takes our situation seriously and is doing everything in his power to help us along this journey. We know so much more this time around and have been able to take some early actions which are supposed to help immensely. I had surgery about a month ago to hopefully help me keep our little boy where he is supposed to stay and so far the surgery has done it's job and we are thrilled! The surgery doesn't guarantee us success, but we've already seen the results of such a helpful procedure. It wasn't very pleasant and continues to not be very pleasant, but if that's what needs to be done for us to bring these sweet souls to the Earth....than I'll do it!
I'm 22 weeks along and have been seeing the doctor every single week since the beginning. They continue to watch me closely through ultrasounds, measurements and tests to hopefully catch my body weakening before anything drastic happens to me or the baby. I'm having lots of pain and contractions all day, everyday which makes it hard for me to be super happy and comfortable in my day to day routine, but I'm doing the best I can. With all this happening, I have been given very clear and strict instructions as to when exactly I need to call the doctor or run to the hospital and so far, no hospital run has been needed.
I've got to say how grateful Doug and I are for technology that can help us in such an important and life changing way. I know why I wasn't sent to Earth as a pioneer and it's not because of the lack of toilets or the abundance of cow patties....this time in history would be the only time that would grant me the ability to fulfill my mission here on Earth as a Mother.
I said earlier that the Lord took the last 3 years to prepare me for this journey and I really mean it. With His help, I did all that I could to prepare myself emotionally and spiritually to endure this period of time, but the preparations seem to continue to come. I often find myself standing in front of these big emotional hurdles knowing that I am the ONLY one who can jump them. The Lord has helped me through them all so far and I know will continue to do so. I feel I'm spending most of my time (after each hurdle is jumped) readjusting myself, my thoughts and my emotional state to try and stay strong and optimistic.
I think most of you who know me well would categorize me as a worry wart...and yes, I am. I'm okay to admit it. 3 years ago at this particular time in my first pregnancy I was lying on strict bed rest crippled with many things, but one of them being worry and fear. It kept me from seriously seeking help from the Lord when I really needed it most and I have learned since then that Faith and Fear cannot co-exist. That has been quite difficult for us to balance with each coming week being such a nervous one full of unknown possibilities. We have come to find ourselves sitting evenly between Faith and the reality of our situation which seems to be what is best for us at this time. Some days are better than others, but we've been holding onto each other and the Lord, hoping for the best.
Andrew seems to really grasp the concept of this new little brother and he is VERY excited! I've been keeping a progression book for Andrew (and us) full of every ultrasound picture from almost every week in the pregnancy. He loves to look at it and talk about his baby brother. He said yesterday..."Mom, your supposed to have this baby and when it comes to our family it is going to be soooo much fun!"
Andrew is also having a hard time with all of this too. He is a very sensitive little soul and even though we basically live our day-to-day lives the same at this point he senses something is different and not quite right. He seems to be worrying about me a lot and acts out in many ways to show it. We try to keep all our emotions and conversations at an even and happy level which seems to help a little, but when we have a tough moment you can tell through our sensitive little boy.
None of us know what journey the Lord has planned out for us....as my Dad says: "You don't know what you don't know until you know it." :) All we can do is walk in Faith and make smart decisions, with the Lord, based on the reality of our situations and move forward (even if it seems to be at the pace of a very small turtle).We are very excited and are pushing forward with Faith that we can enjoy this sweet little boy in a few months!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Delicious
If you want to taste pure delicousness than print this out NOW! My friend Kate, from the website Our Best Bites, has changed our lives here in the Wilson household. Through Kate, we enjoy beautiful and fantastically delicous food. Two recipies we enjoyed here on the 4th of July which I must say you would be just silly to not stop everything and try tonight....
Taco Chicken
Recipe by OurBestBites.com
1 lb. chicken breasts or thighs
A couple of juicy limes
A splash of red wine vinegar
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed or coarsely chopped
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Juice the limes and combine with a couple splashes of red wine vinegar. Add garlic. Pour over chicken. This will not completely cover the chicken; just turn it occasionally as needed. Marinate for at least 4 hours, no longer than 8.Heat an outdoor grill (you can also use a grill pan inside. Or your broiler in your oven.) Combine salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl. Remove chicken from marinade and rub the spices all over the chicken. Grill about 7 minutes per side.Remove from heat and allow to stand a few minutes so it doesn't lose its juiciness. You can either eat the chicken as it is, maybe with Mexican rice and beans, or use slice it up and use it as you would taco meat.
Grill-Roasted Corn and Tomato Salsa/Salad
Recipe by OurBestBites.com
approximate measurements. Just go with the flow and season to taste!
3-4 ears corn
5-6 tomatoes, slightly firm
3/4 C sliced green onions
3/4 C chopped cilantro
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (it's great without the beans too)
1/2 t cumin
1/4-1/2 t Chipotle Chili Powder**(you can substitute 1/2 t chili powder + 1/4 t cayenne pepper)kosher salt
pepper
2 limes
2 avocados
Prepare grill and set to med heat.Shuck corn. Lightly brush corn cobs and tomatoes with olive oil. I put them all on a big tray and just use my hands to rub 'em all down. Just do it. You'll like it. Sprinkle them all with salt and pepper. Place corn and tomatoes directly on the grill. Turn them periodically. The tomatoes will be done first, and it doesn't take long. They should be plump with the skins just starting to split. Be careful not to over cook tomatoes or they will be mushy and fall apart (but if that does happen, no worries, they still taste good!). They should be slightly firm to the touch still. The corn will take longer. Anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Just keep turning and you'll see the kernels becoming vibrant yellow indicating they've cooked) and you'll get nice brown charring
I mentioned there are several ways to eat this concoction.If you're having it warm, while the corn and tomatoes are cooking, combine everything except for the lime juice and avocados in a bowl so it's all ready.
Remove corn and tomatoes from grill. You can remove the skins from your tomatoes if you want, or leave them on. I just remove the ones that are falling off, and leave the others in. I kind of like the look at taste of the little charred bits- it gives it that "grill" flavor. Remove corn from cobs and chop tomatoes. Add them to the bowl and combine. The hot veggies will warm everything up.
Add the diced avocado and lime juice last of all and toss to combine.If you're having it cold- just let the corn and tomatoes cool before you chop them. Combine everything except avocado and chill in the fridge. Add avocado just before serving. Here's all of the ways we love to eat this at our house:
Warm or cold as a side dish:I chop everything a little larger for this one.
Warm off the grill with grilled chicken or steak on top for a main course:
Chilled as a salsa, served with chips:great party/summer bbq food
As an appetizer on scoops.How cute are these? (And yes, I totally expect you to answer that :)
**I thought that was all I would share, but then I remembered this beauty...we made these together on a Sunday afternoon. It was fun and REALLY good!
Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Recipe by OurBestBites.com
1/3 C (3 oz) cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa
1T fresh lime juice
1/2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t granulated garlic
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T sliced green onions
2 C shredded cooked chicken
1 C grated pepperjack cheese
small corn tortillas
kosher salt
cooking spray
Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it's soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.
Work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or come unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.
Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges. Then roll it up as tight as you can.Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top. Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.Dip 'em in salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or this dressing.
**You can thank me (oh, I mean Kate) later... :)
Taco Chicken
Recipe by OurBestBites.com
1 lb. chicken breasts or thighs
A couple of juicy limes
A splash of red wine vinegar
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed or coarsely chopped
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Juice the limes and combine with a couple splashes of red wine vinegar. Add garlic. Pour over chicken. This will not completely cover the chicken; just turn it occasionally as needed. Marinate for at least 4 hours, no longer than 8.Heat an outdoor grill (you can also use a grill pan inside. Or your broiler in your oven.) Combine salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl. Remove chicken from marinade and rub the spices all over the chicken. Grill about 7 minutes per side.Remove from heat and allow to stand a few minutes so it doesn't lose its juiciness. You can either eat the chicken as it is, maybe with Mexican rice and beans, or use slice it up and use it as you would taco meat.
Grill-Roasted Corn and Tomato Salsa/Salad
Recipe by OurBestBites.com
approximate measurements. Just go with the flow and season to taste!
3-4 ears corn
5-6 tomatoes, slightly firm
3/4 C sliced green onions
3/4 C chopped cilantro
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (it's great without the beans too)
1/2 t cumin
1/4-1/2 t Chipotle Chili Powder**(you can substitute 1/2 t chili powder + 1/4 t cayenne pepper)kosher salt
pepper
2 limes
2 avocados
Prepare grill and set to med heat.Shuck corn. Lightly brush corn cobs and tomatoes with olive oil. I put them all on a big tray and just use my hands to rub 'em all down. Just do it. You'll like it. Sprinkle them all with salt and pepper. Place corn and tomatoes directly on the grill. Turn them periodically. The tomatoes will be done first, and it doesn't take long. They should be plump with the skins just starting to split. Be careful not to over cook tomatoes or they will be mushy and fall apart (but if that does happen, no worries, they still taste good!). They should be slightly firm to the touch still. The corn will take longer. Anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Just keep turning and you'll see the kernels becoming vibrant yellow indicating they've cooked) and you'll get nice brown charring
I mentioned there are several ways to eat this concoction.If you're having it warm, while the corn and tomatoes are cooking, combine everything except for the lime juice and avocados in a bowl so it's all ready.
Remove corn and tomatoes from grill. You can remove the skins from your tomatoes if you want, or leave them on. I just remove the ones that are falling off, and leave the others in. I kind of like the look at taste of the little charred bits- it gives it that "grill" flavor. Remove corn from cobs and chop tomatoes. Add them to the bowl and combine. The hot veggies will warm everything up.
Add the diced avocado and lime juice last of all and toss to combine.If you're having it cold- just let the corn and tomatoes cool before you chop them. Combine everything except avocado and chill in the fridge. Add avocado just before serving. Here's all of the ways we love to eat this at our house:
Warm or cold as a side dish:I chop everything a little larger for this one.
Warm off the grill with grilled chicken or steak on top for a main course:
Chilled as a salsa, served with chips:great party/summer bbq food
As an appetizer on scoops.How cute are these? (And yes, I totally expect you to answer that :)
**I thought that was all I would share, but then I remembered this beauty...we made these together on a Sunday afternoon. It was fun and REALLY good!
Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Recipe by OurBestBites.com
1/3 C (3 oz) cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa
1T fresh lime juice
1/2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t granulated garlic
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T sliced green onions
2 C shredded cooked chicken
1 C grated pepperjack cheese
small corn tortillas
kosher salt
cooking spray
Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it's soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.
Work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or come unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.
Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges. Then roll it up as tight as you can.Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top. Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.Dip 'em in salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or this dressing.
**You can thank me (oh, I mean Kate) later... :)
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