Sean

I am one of 5 kids.  My oldest sister, Ann, has 4 children.  Her oldest, Sean, has Angelman Syndrome, "a genetic disorder which causes severe developmental delay.  The most striking symptoms are mental retardation, seizures, a severe speech disorder (in most cases, lack of speech), and gross and fine motor difficulties". 

Sean is currently in the hospital with seizures.  This certainly is not the first time he has been in for seizures, but it is after the longest period since the last visit.  Sean went about a 1 1/2 years without an episode like he is experiencing right now.  Please say some prayers for this little guy. 

my little beach bum

It makes me happy that my daughter loves the beach as much as I do.  She tells us all the time "I want to go to beach house". 

There's something about the beach that brings me a sense of peace.  The coast, standing right there on the edge of land and water, gives me such a visual of God's wonder.  It helps me remember that there is a greater power, something that makes the world work.  I need that reminder these days. 

So, today we came to Bethany.  As soon as we got to town, Katelyn and I wanted to head to the beach.  Granted it was 30 degrees and windy, we still had fun.  I love my little beach bum.

Happy 3rd Birthday Katelyn!

Happy 3rd Birthday my sweet Katelyn!  We love you!

three years

Three years ago today I was in labor.  All day.  Katelyn wasn't born until after midnight, so her birthday is tomorrow, but I remember being in labor all day, the 28th.  It's amazing what having a child can do to you, becoming a parent.  I don't need to get into how thankful I am for Katelyn, and just how much I love her, I know that she knows. 

What I am thinking about on this birthday is how innocent I was, assuming that I made it that far, I would be going home with baby in hand.  I was Group B Strep positive with Katelyn.  When I went into labor the Dr gave me an IV antibiotic to prevent her from getting GBS during delivery.  That was that, I didn't think about it again.  

Goodness, was I naive!!! 

I had no idea just how dangerous and scary GBS can be.  I had no idea that it would take the life of my next child.   I had no idea.  I had no idea.

Have I lost my mind?

For Christmas Katelyn, Adam and I left a glass Christmas tree at Andrews niche.  Katelyn helped us decorate it with some ribbon and on Christmas eve we lit an led candle inside, leaving it with a soft glow.  On Christmas eve I took some pictures on my dads camera for my family.  When looking through the pictures, I was stuck on one.  I sent out an e-mail to my family, "does anyone else see a baby's face in the tree".  What do you think...under the green "Christmas" on the ribbon?   Have I lost my mind?  (when I took these pictures, Katelyn and Adam had already walked off.  There was no one around me)