Post-Op Updates

Hi from the Children's Hospital here at the Lake!


Just a quick update to let y'all know that Jude is doing great!  His surgery went well.. he had a little low heart rate from anesthesia and the medicine to correct it caused him some agitation in recovery.  He also had a teeny weeny little bit of trouble maintaining his oxygen levels in recovery, but he is much better now.  He is sleeping very peacefully in his "Big Boy" hospital bed (no longer in a crib at the hospital).


Jude's ENT said that Jude's ears were super infected, and his adenoids were huge!  So the surgery came right in time.  Now we are going to have a very, very strict "no-water-without-ear-molds" policy to keep his ears in good shape.  And if Jude does well tonight, we will get to go home tomorrow!!  


Ok.. that's it for now.  I'll post updates as needed!  Thank you to all my awesome praying friends and family!  We love y'all very much!!


Big hugs,
Angel

A Prayer Request for my Judey Jude

Hi, everyone!  I hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day!  Not only is it the official kick off to summer, but most importantly the day is to remember the Servicemen who sacrificed their lives for our simple little freedoms!  **On my way though town this morning, the median and sidewalks were covered with flag poles flying our country's flag every few feet!  It was a beautiful reminder of what today is for!**

My day was great!  Jude and I got to visit and shop with my mom while my hubby went fishing with his father (I was a little envious- I love to fish).  Then we headed over to my brother-in-laws house to spend the afternoon with some good friends and family!  Now we are at home getting ready for tomorrow...

Here is my prayer request and Jude update:

Tomorrow morning Jude will have surgery to replace the tubes in his ears again (this time with a different type of tube that should last longer) and have his adenoids removed.  He will stay in the hospital, but only overnight if all goes well.

Please pray that the surgery is a complete success WITHOUT ANY COMPLICATIONS!!  Because of Jude's history, his anesthesia risk is greater than that of a typical child. 

I'm just going to say thanks in advance for all your prayers!  I know I have some awesome prayer warriors for friends and family!  And I'll try to update as soon as I can tomorrow.

Jude sends lots of hugs and kisses to y'all!!

The Lord restord the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.
                 Job 42:10

This is a tribute

to the father who carries his son on his shoulders with pride

to the father who sings in silly voices when his son is sad or just to see him smile


the one who rocks his son in the middle of the night


the one who takes him for wagon rides 

the father who sleeps with his hand covering his unborn child 


the one who prays for his son every night before putting him to bed


the father who does not look at his son and see disability and disappointment, instead he takes delight in the wonderful works of God and gives thanks for his blessings

for the father whose adoration and love for his son is always on full display like a crown of jewels on his head


for the father called "Papa"

To the husband that still holds his wife's hand and always gets the door for her


to the husband who takes pride in his wife's accomplishments and brags on her

the one who still thinks his wife is beautiful and makes her feel like the only important person in the room


for the husband who buckles his wife's shoes because she can't reach them anymore

the one who can never tell his wife "no"


the one who places his wife's wants and needs above his own


to the husband who always apologizes first and the fastest even when his wife is to blame

to the husband who prays for his wife in the middle of the night when fear takes over her.


the husband that works very hard and without complaint so that his wife can stay at home with his children and still provide the things she wants


to the husband who loves his wife much more than he loves himself

For the man, who sets examples of what a good father and husband should be everyday, you are one of God's greatest gifts to us and we thank Him for you everyday!

Happy Birthday, Lane!

We love you very very much!

My FIRST Order...

This afternoon, I got to do something so exciting...

I GOT TO DELIVER MY VERY FIRST ORDER FOR THE MUSTARD SEED BOUTIQUE!!

I was contacted by a good friend from the past about making a carrier cover and some burp cloths for her son, and I was so excited and so honored to be able to make some goodies for such a sweet and adorable baby boy named Coleson.

First I made his carrier cover...

These burp cloths to coordinate with the cover...

And these LSU themed burp cloths...

I also learned (with some trial and error from the directions in the manual) how to do appliques.

My friend was so excited about them when I delivered them!  I was too; I couldn't wait for her to see them and Lane was just as excited!

 I'll be posting them to my Facebook page and maybe as examples on my Etsy shop!  

Well.. you made it through another "embroidery" post :-)  Thanks for letting me share. 

He's Officially a Big Boy!

Yesterday, we decided that it was finally time to make a change in Jude's routine.  It is a transition that was well overdue, but that didn't make it any easier... for me.

We put Jude in a...

Big Boy Bed!!

Well... it's really just his crib converted into a toddler bed, but nevertheless, he is no longer in a "crib".

This change was inevitable and actually my idea.  I have gotten to big in the belly to get Jude in and out of the crib.  So I had no problem when Lane was putting on the toddler bed rail.

However, the tears flooded when I put him to bed last night and he looked like such a big boy sleeping in his new bed.

I quickly left Jude's room and blamed it on needing to get the camera to take pictures of him in his new bed.  I guess I am as transparent as can be, cause when we were done saying goodnight to Jude, my husband treated me to a bowl of ice cream.

As we talked about Jude growing up and how it just doesn't seem like he will already be four this year, I talked to my belly and told Sweet Pea that I was thankful to be getting another little baby to put back in a crib.  I also told it that it better stay little for awhile.  My husband smiled and reminded me that Sweet Pea is going to grow up even faster than Jude did, so I better prepare myselft now.  It made me realize that Jude's delays have been a blessing in a way that our baby hasn't grown up too fast for us. 

Regardless of what kind of bed Jude is sleeping in or how many other babies we might have, Jude will always be my "baby"!

Sweet Pea News

So this morning, I had my 31 week check up and ultrasound for Sweet Pea!  And everything still looks good!

Sweet Pea is still measuring on the petite side, but has gained over a pound in the last 3 weeks.  The doctor said that was good growth.  And sweet pea did fine on it's biophysical.. the baby has good movement and is practicing its breathing well (I knew this would be okay because the baby keeps the hiccups).  Overall, the doctor didn't find any concerns! 

Such a sigh of relief!!

The plan is to repeat the ultrasound at around 36 weeks to check on developement and position.

So everything is going right on track and we should be able to meet this sweet baby in 2 months or so!

Hope everyone is having a great week so far!
XOXO,
Angel 

and the WINNER is...

#21 DEBORAH

Yay and congratulations!

I used the generator above for the number!  Now, as some of you know, Blogger was down last weekend and I lost a lot of your entries for the contest, so I asked you to please re-enter.  And not everybody re-entered or got the message because any record of your comment was deleted.  Well tonight when I logged on, all the comments were back!  I figured it would take forever to sort through everything and since y'all went and entered twice for me, I'd just let it stand as it was. 

Thank you to all who participated and all who ordered some "pink products"! 

Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend!
XOXO,

Angel

Lions, Tigers, and Bears...

Lane and I have been trying to spend a little extra time with Jude before the new baby comes because we know the baby will need a lot of attention in the beginning. (Which in hindsight might be a bad idea because Jude may be even more attached to us and used to getting all our undivided attention... we shall see.)  


Anyway, a couple of weeks ago on the Saturday before Mother's Day, we traveled to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans with two of our closest friends, Darren and Nicolette, and their daughter, Hannah Grace.


Jude napped off and on through the zoo but it was still a great day spent with our little family and our awesome friends!  I did manage to get some cute pictures throughout the day...




Our friends.. it was Nic's first time ever to the Audubon Zoo...

Nic had to walk away... She couldn't handle her baby petting a snake.

About this time, Jude woke up with some serious "stroller hair"... so he got to pet the snake and other animals too.

Lane and Hannah Grace... She LOVED him and he was so good with her.  I think he needs a daughter. I'm just sayin...

We paused for a break and I got some cute pictures of our friends! (It was cute, but I wasn't climbing into the tree for pictures as big as I am.)

And Jude got to see some of his favorite animals...

 ZEBRAS!  Or "EEBA" as Jude calls them!

Then Jude decided to go back to napping.  We took him through the water mister to cool him off and he slept through the whole thing!

And I didn't get in many pictures cause I was taking them; okay by me because even though I am small framed, pregnancy has a tendency of making me HUGE everywhere.  Nevertheless, my hubby did get a picture of Nic and me cooling off.

We finished the day by stopping by Pottery Barn Kids, which was torture for me not knowing the gender of Sweet Pea.  But I managed to be too tired to really shop for long so I left without spending a dime.  Lane says he loves to shop with me when I'm pregnant.  I go right in a store and come right out.

The day was great.  It was actually my Mother's Day treat since we'd be spending (planned to spend- but the emergency room got to see us instead) with our moms.  Lane even started the day off by treating me to Krispy Kreme just like he did last year for my Mother's day breakfast.  

We plan to do more special family outings before it gets too hot and I get too pregnant which won't be long because I will be 31 weeks preggo tomorrow!  

Hope everyone has a great day!

Angel

Facebook!

After a lot of good feedback on my post yesterday via comments and text messages, I have decided to push forward (with teeny weeny baby steps) and start a little business for my monogramming and handmade gifts!

Now, please be patient with me!  I am just learning how to do all the monogramming stuff with my new machine, so I won't be full swing for a while.  But as I learn, your options grow :-)

I started a brand NEW Facebook Page for my little business, "The Mustard Seed Boutique".  I know I had one before, but I've been having trouble with it and this one is fresh with more of a purpose.  Does that make sense? 

Anyway, you can support and easily "LIKE" my new Page by clicking "Like" in the box under Facebook to your RIGHT! 

Like I mentioned on my first status update on my new page, I have a direct goal for the profits: to help pay Jude's therapeutic preschool.  As Jude's language development increased greatly, so have the fees at the school.  **While we DO NOT worry about the "price tag" of Jude's development, it would be nice to lend my hubby a helping hand in meeting our family's needs and wants.

Now, I do eventually plan on opening a little Etsy shop and getting fun things made like business cards and such. (I am not the design guru, so I'll need to seek a little help.)  But for now, we are starting with Facebook.

Thanks so much for all your sweet comments and all you support!  Please pray for me as the adventure begins- I'm still a little nervous about it! 

Hope y'all have a great Tuesday!
Angel

Baby Gifts

Even though a nasty virus has plagued my house for the past couple of weeks keeping me and my sweet redhead miserable (thank goodness Lane has been spared), I have found some times, mainly nap times, to play with my new embroidery machine.


Shamefully, the first week I had my new machine, it went completely untouched due to being sick.  So last week, I couldn't take it anymore.  I read manuals and sewed and embroidered with a box of Kleenex and a bag of cough drops next to me.  


The first things I've had the opportunity to make were some baby gifts for some of my friends and family who are expecting.  


First, I made some carrier covers...

This is to keep strangers and greeters at Walmart and Target and wherever else you go from touching your baby!  It always amazed me that strangers would reach out and rub Jude's head, pinch his cheeks, and play with his hands.  Strangers still approach Jude and run their hands though his curly red hair.  This is a huge pet peeve of mine and I keep my baby bathed with antibacterial wipes.  I guess that's a characteristic of a NICU mom.


Well this carrier cover will keep baby covered and protected from those "baby touchers" and their germs!  I've made three so far... two for little baby boys on the way and one zebra and hot pink one for a sweet baby girl.  And trust me, Sweet Pea will definitely have at least one made for it too!!


The next gifts I made were burp cloths to coordinate with the carrier covers.

Then I get to personalize them with my new embroidery machine!!! 

I still have a lot to learn about my machine and the software that came with it: stabilizers, thread tension, sizing, editing, etc.. But it's coming.  I also have a lot of projects and ideas planned for it including more baby gifts, a couple of nursing covers, some baby blankets, things for Sweet Pea, things for Jude, some dish towels for a housewarming, some beach towels for the summer, some gifts for a new bride, and some birthday presents for our family and some of Jude's friends!  And, YES, you'll probably have to suffer through a post about each one ;-)


I'm also thinking about opening a little Etsy shop with some of my gifts in it to help make a little extra money and help raise some funds for Jude's preschool at LSU (fees have increased greatly for this upcoming semester- more on that later).  Lane and I have been trying to come up with some cute names for it.  So far we have Lane's idea of "Nap Time Designs",  "Merry Bobbins" which is another one of Lane's ideas and his favorite, and of course "The Mustard Seed Boutique".  It's just being talked about now, but I'm still a little nervous about it.  So feedback is greatly appreciated!


Well that's it for now.  Hope everyone is has a wonderful week!

Think Pink {A GIVEAWAY}

As some of you know, I am a Pampered Chef sales consultant.  I started the business because I LOVE to cook and wanted everything in the catalog.  

And I love that I can make myself a little extra spending money.  Year before last I was able to pay for a little beach trip for the family and pay for my husband's hunting lease as his anniversary present.  Last year I saved and bought my husband another awesome anniversary present: a brand new acoustic-electric Taylor guitar. 

I love the extra money, but I don't push the business and try to make a career out of it.  I haven't forced any of my friends to host a show, I don't push my customers into signing up to become a consultant under me, and I haven't blogged about it... well, until now.

But this blog post is for a good cause and...
I'M DOING MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!  So keep reading to find out more! 

The Pampered Chef is a huge contributor to the American Cancer Society's breast cancer programs with their own "Help WHIP Cancer" campaign.

Every year in May, The Pampered Chef offers special "pink" products that can only be purchased during this month.  And for every "pink" product sold, The Pampered Chef donates $1 to the American Cancer Society's breast cancer programs.

This year they have some really cute "pink" products..

An adorable "Pink Zebra High Heel Cake Server"

A "Pink Color Coated Paring Knife"

A "Pink Zebra Ceramic Spreader"

And a cute "Pink Zebra Microfiber Towel"

If you are interested in purchasing any of these products and supporting the American Cancer Society, you can leave me a comment or email me at ourmustardseed@gmail.com for details.

or

If you are interested in hosting a Pampered Chef Show for the month of May, you can also purchase all four of these "pink products" for only 60% off plus your regular hostess benefits!

Now the GIVEAWAY part!

I am giving away one of my FAVORITE Pampered Chef products:

The Salad Choppers

Make fresh chopped salad or salsa, right in the bowl! Our exclusive stepsaver has titanium-coated stainless blades for unmatched sharpness. Hollowed recesses called grantons prevent ingredients from sticking to the blades. Its spring-loaded design and soft-grip handles keep hands from tiring. A lock provides safe and convenient storage. Great for vegetables, tomatoes, even boneless chicken breast! Dishwasher-safe. 

A $25 VALUE!!

(I use these Salad Choppers more for chicken.  They make the best shredded chicken for chicken salad, BBQ chicken sandwiches, etc.)

Okay.. you can win these Salad Choppers by doing any of the following...

1. Become a Follower of my blog if you aren't a Follower already

2. leave a comment and tell my what your favorite Pampered Chef product is and why 

3. Share this link on Facebook and/or Twitter

4. and of course you get one entry for every "pink product" you purchase

Just leave me a comment for each thing you do and every purchase you make!

**Comments must be left on the blog, not facebook!  Thanks

Giveaway ends at midnight on May 20th and the winner will be chosen by a Random Number Generator and announced on May 21st!  Good luck!

Join the fight and Help "WHIP" Cancer!

A Mother's Day Story Part 2

If you have been my blog reader or follower for a while, then you probably remember that Mother's Day for me last year was quite eventful.  We spent most the day in the emergency room and ended up being admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the end of the day.   You can read all about it by clicking here.

Well, I was determined to not have a repeat of that this year.  However, God had a different plan. 

We started the day off at 2am with Jude waking up crying with a fever, congestion, and vomiting. 

After getting up with him off and on all night, we decided to take him to our urgent care center when it opened at 9.  When the doctor come in to examine Jude, she spent 10 seconds with him and told us she was afraid that Jude was having an appendicitis and that we needed to go to the emergency room immediately.

Frustrated because the doctor spent so little time with Jude, we didn't agree that Jude may be having an appendicitis.  But we aren't doctors and you cannot take chances with your baby's well being, so off to the hospital we went. 

I cried on the way because this would be the second consecutive Mother's Day that we would spend in the hospital and the fourth Mother's Day I was spending with a sick baby. 

Once we reached the ER, the doctors took Jude back right away and ruled out an appendicitis.  They did however, want to take some x-rays and get a urine sample to rule out any pulmonary issues and urinary tract or kidney infections.  The x-rays came back fine, but we waited and waited and waited for Jude to give us a urine sample.  Twenty ounces of pedialyte and seven and a half hours later, we finally got the sample.  It was clear and the hospital discharged us with instructions to see our pediatrician for testing in the morning.  Why they couldn't do the testing is beyond me!

Well, I brought Jude to the pediatrician yesterday and after a few tests, it seems that Jude just has a nasty little virus that has to run its course.  Jude is still very sick and miserable so hopefully the virus is peaking today.

While at the hospital, I (in tears once again) asked Lane if we would get back all the time we've lost in doctors' offices and hospitals.  He answered that he didn't see today as a loss- that he got to spend the whole day with his wife and son and that was all that he really wanted to do anyway; all that really mattered to him.  His response was so sweet.  What would I ever do without that man!

Now on some other Jude health news... Friday, we saw Jude's ear, nose, and throat doctor to check on those chronic ear infections and nasty noses.  It seems that Jude's ear infections are only going to be cleared up with a new set of tubes; his third set (we got the second set only 6 months ago).  This time the doctor wants to put in a different type of tube that should last 2-3 years.  They have a few minor risks, but they are extremely out-weighed by the benefits.  The doctor also wants to remove Jude's adenoids.  We are a little excited about this because Jude seems to keep a runny or crusty little nose these days.  This could also alleviate Jude's obstructive sleep apnea, and he would no longer have to wear oxygen at night.  Oh how nice it would be to go somewhere overnight or on vacation without an oxygen tank and concentrator!!

We scheduled the surgery for the end of May which should give Jude plenty of recoup time before Sweet Pea gets ready to arrive.

Well...Mother's Day was not the best day on the calendar, but like Lane said, we spent it together so we couldn't ask for more. 

Hope all you Mommies had a great Mother's Day! 

And to my "special" mommies:

For all the moms who had to wait longer to hear a first word and first step, who spent more time in doctors offices with their child than on play dates, who endure the countless "bad days" and the constant..For the moms whose child's first friend was their therapist..For the moms who find their joy in the Lord and not the accomplishment of milestones..For the moms who face special needs everyday... Happy Mothers day to the greatest mothers of all!

Sweet Pea Update

Today I had another baby appointment.  They also did another ultrasound to make sure that the baby's growth and development is staying right on track.  Well, we did the ultrasound first and got to see our sweet little baby. 


It was amazing to see how much it had grown in just a few weeks.  Everything still looks wonderful.  The baby is on the petite side (still) but following the growth curve perfectly around the 50th percentile.  The baby is frank breech (head and feet up) so that explains why I feel a lot of movement but just not a lot of strong kicks.  They said not to worry about the baby being breech, that it had plenty of time to get into position.


The baby also weighs 2 pounds and 3 ounces now!


We got some super cute pictures of our Sweet Pea today!  So, of course, I had to share a couple of my favorites with you. 




The first picture is of Sweet Pea's nose and lips..  (If you can see that on there)  And it definitely has some smackers on there ;-)

The second picture is my favorite... While we were doing the ultrasound, the baby kept bringing its hands to its face.  At one point it looked like the baby was sucking its thumb, so I asked the technician, and she said she wasn't sure.  Then we saw those fat cheeks start moving, and she said YEP, it's sucking its thumb!! So she got a picture of that for us!

Now, I know that having a "thumb sucker" is not ideal in the dentistry world, but this is a HUGE deal to us.  Our sweet baby Jude has struggled from the beginning with his sucking reflex, so this sight immediately put our hearts at ease!

Once we were finished, we saw Dr. Ann.  She is so pleased with how well the pregnancy is progressing.  Her only worry was me and my cold.  She offered some antibiotics, but I refused.  She agreed that they probably weren't needed but made me promise to call if I didn't get well this week.

We are so so thankful for continued good reports and for those of you who pray for our little family!

Praise the Lord!  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty deeds' praise him according to his surpassing greatness!  Praise You!

Psalm 150:1-2

My New Toy!!

My husband and I have talked about getting me one off and on for a few years.

He was always willing, but I thought it cost too much.

I've shopped around and come close to buying one, but always backed out.  I tend to have a slight fear of commitment.

There always seemed to be a need or want greater when some extra money came in.  A new truck for my husband because his was too dangerous to drive.  New bedroom furniture for us because we were sleeping in the bed my parents bought when I was ten.  A porch and deck on my house because I wanted somewhere to be outside in the shade.  (I love being outside and so does Jude.) And... well I guess you get the picture.

Then, I decided I was ready to go ahead and get one.  BUT, where in the world was I going to put it?  We have a tiny 3 bedroom home (a little less than 1200 square feet), and my extra room is now going to be a nursery, so once again I changed my mind.

Then my sweet husband added cabinets in the dining room for all my crafty stuff, but do I really want to give up my only dining area?  or have my crafty mess of display for everyone?  Uhhh... no.

However, my desire for one just kept growing as did my husband's desire to get me one.

So we did some decision making on space and money, and decided to just go for it.

Last night my husband brought a huge box into the kitchen.

I excitedly opened it up and starting taking out my new...

EMBROIDERY MACHINE!!!

I am just so excited and VERY overwhelmed by it... I've got a lot to learn!

My new machine not only does embroidery work, but sewing, quilting, and appliqueing as well!!!

And I am one happy girl!! 

So to all my readers, family, and friends, prepare yourself for a lot of posts on my adventures in learning about all this new stuff!

Now, this machine is BIG and it takes up A LOT of room.  There is no way it's going to fit in those new cabinets.  But after some realistic thinking, I have decided to forgo Sweet Pea's beautiful dream nursery and let the new baby share a room with Jude.  Some of you are probably gasping in horror right now, but the decision seems so logical for several reasons.  

1)  The baby will sleep in our room until it's no longer getting up in the middle of the night to nurse.

2)  I purchased beautiful crib bedding from Pottery Barn that I'm too attached to it to sell it, but Jude really doesn't need a bumper pad or crib skirt on his toddler bed.

3)  I already have a changing table so I hate to buy another one, but Jude is still using it so they can share.  

4)  This baby is probably a boy and I planned on putting them together at some point anyway.

5)  I get to KEEP my craft room.  And I have extra cabinets ;-)  Now I am actually going to start working on revamping my craft room now instead of a new nursery.  So I'm going to be checking out Tatertots and Jello's craft room showcase here and here.

Now should Sweet Pea turn out to be a girl (I will be so thrilled), I think sharing a room will still be a good idea.  I just might get some new "girlier" bedding.  Hopefully we'll be in a bigger house by the time we need to separate them or another baby comes along.  But if we aren't, we'll figure it out and be just fine.  I mean, Dolly Parton's parent's raised 12 children in a two room house ;-)

On Jude news, he's doing great.  We have been battling some ear and sinus infections for a while, but he seems to finally be on the mend.  School at LSU has ended for the summer but we still have a few weeks of public preschool left.  He's growing and starting to pull up on things and CRAWLING.  He doesn't crawl all the time, but he's shown us he has the ability.  He's definitely keeping things interesting around the house.

On Sweet Pea news, everything is still going great.  I actually go to the doctor tomorrow for my 28 week sonogram to check and make sure the baby is still developing good, so prayers are definitely coveted.  We still don't have any names, and probably won't until the baby gets here- And that's gonna kill me since I have machine now and have to wait to monogram Sweet Pea's stuff.

Well, that's it for now... I've got to get working on learning about my new embroidery machine and redoing my craft room.  Hope everyone has a great day!