Prayers

Well, I have put this post off as long as I can... it is not easy to talk/blog about...

My mama is having serious surgery in the morning. Doctors found a suspicious tumor on her right kidney a few months ago. She will most likely need to have her entire kidney removed due to the large size of the tumor. This will be a lengthy procedure (4-6 hours) and will require her surgeon to reposition and work around other organs that the tumor is near. I know that God will see her and us through this... but please pray.

Among the things we will be praying for are... mama's health, comfort, and protection both during surgery and recovery; for God to guide Dr. Ogan's hand and decisions during the operation; mama's strength and emotional well being throughout the whole process; strength and patience for my daddy as he cares for her and supports her each day. We have already received such an outpouring of love from our family, friends, and church family. We are truly grateful for each and every kind word, hug, and prayer.

Please also add my little man to your prayer list. He is having some issues with the tube in his left ear. We battled a rough ear infection last week (the tubes were supposed to make them stop). His ENT saw him this morning. It was a painful visit for Lucas. He had to be put under a microscope and Dr. Novelly had to go in his ear with a long needle type pick to investigate the infection and position of the tube itself. He believes that it is a soft tissue infection around the tube and another round of antibiotic drops should clear it up. I sure hope so! It has been a long (birthday and holiday) week of pain, crying, and little sleep. I just wish there were something I could do to ease his pain especially at night (Tylenol only helps so much). Pray that this round of drops can heal his ear without putting him at risk for any possible/further hearing damage. At this point, I haven't seen anything that alarms me as far as his hearing or speech development, but it is a constant worry until we know he is all clear. We will return to Dr. Novelly's office just before Christmas for a recheck.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our good friends Kelli and Shannon Smith on the arrival of their daughter, Morgan Campbell Smith, born yesterday at 2:45p.m. weighing 7 lbs. 3 oz. (exactly what Lucas weighed when he was born almost a year ago to the day). Sweet little Morgan joins twin siblings, big sister Maddy and big brother Thomas. What a Thanksgiving blessing! We can't wait to meet the newest angel!

Good News!

We found our new church home! We joined Hillcrest Baptist Church this past Sunday. We couldn't love it more! The people are so warm and welcoming and our pastor Chris Wilkie has been a dear friend for years. We are excited about what God has in store for us there!

Birthday Party!

Choo Choo!

Some of our new church family that came to lend (more than) a helping hand... "Conductor" Brent and "Balloon Making Machine" Chase.

Lucas' birthday party was just perfect. Everything came together in the end and it was a magical day! I had been looking forward to that day since we first found out we were expecting our little man. God sheilded us from the rain that had been forcasted all week and gave us a day of sunshine to enjoy with our closest friends and family. We hated that some could not attend, but given the time of year... we had a great turnout!

I loved watching the children enjoy the fun we had prepared for them... riding the train (THANK YOU CONDUCTOR BRENT), eating homemade cotton candy, and watching Chase make them their very own balloon creations (THANK YOU CHASE)! Also, a big THANK YOU TO MELISSA, for making such adorable cakes.. you are amazing! And last but certainly not least, A GREAT BIG HUGE THANK YOU TO MY MAMA AND DADDY... without their help none of it would have been possible! It was so far beyond what I ever dreamed!

Community Reader's Day

My father-in-law was sweet enough to come and read not one, but three stories to my Kindergarten class last week. Mrs. Brenda joined us too, bringing goodies for all the kiddos!

Busy, busy!

Fall is such a busy time of year, but also a fun and exciting time too! We have had our hands full preparing for the little guy's birthday party coming up this Saturday. We are hoping for a good turnout even though I know that it will be impossible for everyone to come because of the upcoming holiday. I have been watching the weather everyday... and getting a little more worried everyday. Right now, there is a 40% chance of rain... that would not be good for the outdoor activities that I have planned! But, hey.. that's what umbrellas are for, right? And, there will be a lot going on inside too! Just pray for no downpours!

It is so unbelievable to me that L is about to be a whole year old. It makes me so emotional to even think about it. I have been retracing those days leading up to his birth in my mind this week.. all the worry, all the excitement....

He is growing so much. It seems that he can do or say something new each day. He is still doing his 3 legged crawl ALL OVER the house, pulling up to his feet and walking around furniture, standing on his own for a second or two, and saying "hey" "dada" "mama" and "nana." He says dada and nana much more than mama right now.. but before long, I'm sure that will change and I'll be wishing he would call on his daddy sometimes! :o) Oh, these are the most precious days. We are so blessed to live this life! I am LOVING every second of it!