When Lydia was 1, she had double ear infections and a fever that wouldn't break. After Doctor E was unable to prescribe a medicine to combat this "virus", he admitted her to the hospital in Andalusia. She stayed overnight in the hospital and was able to go home the next day.
When we walked into the Dr's office Sunday, October 25th, little did we know history would rear it's ugly head.
Lydia had gone to bed that Saturday complaining of a headache. (Since she and Trinity had just finished playing hard, I felt this was the possible cause for it.) I allowed Lydia to sleep in our bed that night and at 4:00 AM I awoke to "Mommy I don't feel good and I need some medicine". She then proceeded to throw up, but this time it was different than in the past. So, I decided we'd go ahead and take her to the dr on Sunday that she couldn't wait for Monday to go. A friend from church went with me to take her and after 5 minutes of sitting in the waiting area, were called back to see Dr. Smith. (For those of you with small children, you know the wait at the dr's office is usually torturingly long!) Almost immediately coming in, Dr. Smith began to examine Lydia and soon after, we were told we were to go to the hospital for further testing for meningitis.
I began to cry and heard nothing else after this possible diagnosis! How could my baby have gotten it and were we going to loose her? As these and other questions passed in my mind, I still felt that motherly instinct to try and be strong for my baby girl. We loaded up and headed over to the hospital, where two more friends showed up and walked with us to the pediatric floor. Those ladies will NEVER know the impact they had on our family by staying with us, not only as Lydia was enduring her spinal tap, but they also took the bull by the horn and loved on Trinity while we were at the hospital with Lydia. The dr soon called that afternoon to give us Lydia's White Blood Cell count, which was 20,000 and 150 in her spinal fluid! The normal level is 6,000 to 10,000 and 6 in her spinal fluid.
We stayed in the hospital for a total of 2 1/2 days. The flood of calls, prayers and gifts was humbling. One of the things that I would do when I came home is to check Facebook and supply updates on our situation. The number of well wishes and prayers was MIND BLOWING! We know that Lydia was healed by God because of how serious her condition was and to walk out of the hospital two days later singing and dancing is nothing short of supernatural intervention. I remember telling the nurse my belief in the power of prayer and that God honored that profession is awesome.
We found out that Wednesday Lydia had viral meningitis and the virus was the enterovirus. Through this experience we've learned the hard lesson of the power of the common cold and not to take it lightly. But also, the power of prayer and how when two or more gather together not even Satan himself can stand in the way!
Now, you might be wondering about the title and what is listening ears? Listening ears = stethoscope, thermometer = self explanatory, tigers = Lydia's hospital gown had tigers on it and benedryl because they had to knock her out Monday night. Her medicine was making her hyper and she was singing and dancing in the middle of her hospital room. The nurse and Doctor Evans were more than happy to help out!
From time to time, one of my Facebook friends will post some great statements. A friend of mine from high school posted "Dentures should come in child sizes" on her wall. OBVIOUSLY, she has an infant at home who is teething. Teething has to be another punishment added to the list, after the fall of man (another was pain during childbirth). The screaming and inconsolable crying is enough to drive the sane crazy! My precious baby girl, who will celebrate her first birthday soon, is going through an awful time of teething right now. She's screaming shrilly (and when I say shrilly, I'm talking I'm surprised the windows haven't shattered or my ears haven't bled yet!) and wants nothing more than to be held. Add a rambunctious 3 yr old sister to the mix and WHAM! you've got chaos.
Having been an older sister, I can think back to when my sister Ashley and I were younger. The aggravation I did to her while she was an infant was avenged 10 times over when she grew up. For example, there was one time I was minding my own business watching television and she decides to toddle past me, grab a handful of hair and continue walking dragging me along! Now, after reliving my childhood memories, I can only imagine what Lydia is in for as Trinity gets older. I'm praying that the opposite doesn't happen and they become partners in crime - teaming up against Daniel and I! I'm afraid this is going to be our outcome. But as long as they continue to be friends and get along we'll be just fine.
Today started out like any other day, but I noticed Trinity wasn't feeling good when she cried because Lydia walked past her. That's it, no hitting, or stepping on little toes. She is now in bed, hopefully for the rest of the night. As for me, my ears have gotten a much needed rest and my eyes are slowly wanting to shut.
Please pray her precious teeth would come in soon and it would be more than one. The time she's had so far with this set has been nerve-grinding! She didn't have this much trouble with her first two, so maybe she's getting in what's known as her "eye" teeth. Anyway, tomorrow is another day and I look forward till we meet again.
Trinity is now a whopping....drum roll please.....30 inches tall and weighs 20 lbs! I give her another 6 months to catch up and surpass Lydia Grace. She's into EVERYTHING and is in the "testing phase". Lydia is going through the "life isn't fair already and I'm only 3 1/2 yrs old phase". Life in general is good and very busy! The next few months are packed full with birthday parties, church events, trips to be taken, EASTER (enough said), and the never ceasing day to day activities that we all dread.
At the time of this entry, I'm in Panama City visiting my sick Granny. She's 91 years old and the bluntest person I've ever met - which I love her dearly for! She's straight forward and if you ever need an answer you go to "Gert". She is the glue that keeps my family from falling apart and the reason most of us grew up decent. With all that being said, I'm staying with my family and both girls have caught a cough. I think it's from being in 4 different environments in two weeks....1. Gainesville, GA, 2. Valley, AL, 3. Albany, GA, 4. Panama City, FL. All have different pollens and the temperature has gone NUTS! So, both are being given medicine and I was searching in the cabinet here in PC for something for myself. I bump a full bottle of Nyquil and guess what, the lid wasn't on good. It looked like a crime scene investigation was going on. I immediately begin the clean up process, so the audience looking on wouldn't get into it. Can you imagine two labs - one 85 lbs and one 90 lbs- and a little dachshund all whacked out on Nyquil?! Well, I get the mess cleaned up after a good 30 minutes of cleaning. After all, it was the red Nyquil and my hands are no longer pink if you were wondering. My parents now have pink mail on the counter and a little less in the Nyquil bottle.
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It's comical today, but that's after a HUGE cup of coffee and a night to forget. Now I know what it means to be caught red handed, but not because I was doing something wrong - for once. We think we have found the culprit who is lid challenged and held a class to promote the correct way to screw on a lid.
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a safe New Years. It's officially my first blog of the new year and so much has happened. I'll do my best to catch all of you up on the goings on around the funny farm.
Dr's Visits
Lydia is now a whopping 39" tall and 39 1/2 lbs, as of December. She also got her first sinus infection and conjunctivitis in both eyes! It was a wonderful experience (sense the sarcasm).
Trinity weighs 18 lbs and is a enormous 28" tall. She also made it to the sick side this winter with bronchitis. After a few weeks, we finally got rid of the cough. PRAISE JESUS! She is also cutting 3 teeth and in December received the first blessing - one of her bottom canines.
Thanksgiving
For Thanksgiving, we went to Daniel's Family in Valley, AL. Normally, we do two Thanksgivings - but FINALLY we only went to one, instead of two houses. It was fun, and the girls were able to make gingerbread men cookies with their cousins and their Aunt Hey Hey. They had a blast decorating the cookies. I enjoyed eating them.
Christmas
Christmas was wonderful! Santa Claus and I are going to have to have a heart to heart talk before next year. He showed up FIVE times this year. The first was at Uncle Scott and Aunt Rochelle's house in Dothan, AL. Secondly, our church had a Christmas party and since Santa RSVP'd in time - MORE PRESENTS! Third, our house in Albany. Fourth, Granny and Grandaddy's house in Panama City - Lydia got a Barbie Jeep(the one made for people), a laptop, and several items that fit in a small box. Trinity received a Radio Flyer Rocking Horse for Babies and Toddlers(the plush horse) and several items that thankfully fit in a small box. Fifth and finally, Nana and Papa's house in Valley, AL - where we were able to leave quite a bit behind for future trips.
My sister, Ashley, got a Nintendo Wii for Christmas and boy, was it hard not to covet your neighbor. I WANT ONE! Now, I know it would be a temptation that would probably cause me to procrastinate quite a bit. But, I think I can handle the challenge. Guitar Hero, for instance, is just not a game you can play once and walk away. Bowling and Golf are games I could come to love if I became the owner of a Wii. So, next year Santa - I WANT A Wii! Not clothes, gift cards, a Wii.
Lydia had the opportunity to spend some extra time with her Granny and Grandaddy after Christmas, so she rang in the New Year with them.
New Years 2009
This year, we had an awesome party at church. Complete with bonfire, marshmallows, cotton candy, popcorn, a dazzling game of air hockey, and great friends. I was the only one to make it till 12:00am so I rang in the new year with Carson Daly. FUN!
So, in a nut shell that is what's been going on in our redneck of the woods. Talk to you later.
It has been quite busy these last few weeks and Daniel has done a great job keeping everyone updated. One thing he hasn't mentioned is the MONSTROSITY or birthday party (whichever you prefer, but I'll let you make your own mind up at the end) for Lydia.
We first had decided on a "Cinderella" theme, but the more I planned and thought out, the more expensive the party became. So, we went to plan "B" - a circus theme. ***WARNING! If you have small children and include a grandmother in the process....BOOM!.....you have just entered "THE BIRTHDAY ZONE"!!!*** I got my Mom involved and the more we planned the bigger the party became.
We talked Ashley and Hannah (my sister and Daniel's sister) into dressing up as clowns. One played with the children, and the other did balloon animals. Next, I ordered 100 feet of red plastic tablecloth to try and make our carport look like a circus tent. Then, we ordered a bounce house and borrowed the popcorn machine from our church for authentic "circus" popcorn. Finally, we borrowed the games from our church and VOILA! instant circus!
The weather was horrendous and the rain (Thank You LORD!) held off until we were done. We had cupcakes and I ordered the pics from an on-line store - they're adorable! We also grilled hot dogs and wrapped them individually in tin foil for authentic "carnival" food. Drinks were stuck in a baby pool and chilled down with ice. The goody bags had funny glasses, a craft, and circus peanut candies.
We stuck with the colors red, white, and gold for the balloons, streamers, etc. Lydia's little friends all came and we had a blast. I think Lydia was a little OVERWHELMED, but had a ball! Needless to say, after all the planning and such that went into the party....I'm going pro, baby!
If you would like us to plan your next event, just shoot us a line and we'll be happy to do it....for a small fee!
It has been non stop at the "Funny Farm" since my last update and boy am I exhausted! Our internet has been giving us problems, so that's another reason for the long pause. If you have phone/internet service with Mediacom, God bless you on your quest for communication in this century! Our phone has been fritzing out for the last couple of months and it is very frustrating to finally get a dial tone only to have your conversation interrupted mid way through! My children have also decided that when Mommy gets on the phone that it is time to ask, or cry, for something they didn't need the four hours previous to me getting on the phone!
An update on Lydia's potty training: she's still in Pull Ups and is still giving us a hard time when we take her to the potty. We've tried EVERYTHING, except letting her go to the bathroom on the grass outside like the dog, and she is still refusing to go! I recently took her to the bathroom and made a discovery - she's holding her pee in when she's on the bathroom and when her pull up is back on.....then she goes! So sneaky!!! But, the only thing I can figure is that her bathroom habits are the only thing she has control over in her little world. We control where she goes, what she watches, when she goes to bed, and what she eats. So, it may take us a little while longer until she decides to potty in the potty!
As promised, here are two "Lydia stories" for you to enjoy and then I'll give you an update on Trinity.
Lydia and I were sitting on our couch playing with Trinity. Lately, she has been hooked on a book that talks about teeth and how everybody has them. She looks at Trinity and asks me if Trinity has teeth. I tell her no, but that hers will come in soon. Lydia then asks to see my teeth and to show me that she has all her teeth. I go back to playing with Trinity, who by this time is looking at us like we're crazy for not playing with her, and Lydia says "Mommy, don't talk to Trinity, she doesn't have any teeth. Talk to Lydia, she has ALL her teeth!" It was precious.
I caught Lydia getting into something she shouldn't and begin to ask her why she would do something that I've already told her not to do. She looks up with me (yes, with tears on the brim of her eyes, ready to spill over the edge at any moment) and says: "Mama, I'm just a little girl. Don't spank Lydia." No, she didn't get a spanking and I've not gone soft!
Now to Trinity. On Monday, we took her to the doctor for her 4 month well check. Here are her current measurements: 15 lbs. 2 oz. and 26 1/2 inches long. She has now begun to squeal when she's happy starting this past weekend. She's great and loves her Big Sis very much. The stronger their bond grows, the more scared I get as I think of the trouble they'll get into together when Trinity starts crawling!!
Oh well, they don't call parenthood an adventure for nothing!
It has been a while, since I've posted anything so I will try and get you caught up on what's been happening in the Garnett household.
First, we'll start with Trinity. Trinity just turned 4 months old on the 17th of August and amazes me everyday. She is beginning to show her personality little by little as she gets older and I'm pleased at how laid back she is. Our first child, Lydia, is so rambunctious and constantly into something, so Trinity's easy going attitude is a blessing. She's rolling over, and cooing up a storm. She also, as of this week, has come to LOVE rice cereal. I've also started to supplement with formula, but her diet is still mainly "Mommy Milk" (I know, TMI - get use to it). We recently pulled out Lydia's walker and Trinity adores it! She has figured out that if she scoots just enough and coordinates her feet to work together that she can actually make the thing move. (Our cats and dog just love it when she really gets to going on the tile floor!) Trinity and Lydia get along famously and the bond they have formed is precious! If you let them alone and don't instigate anything, you will find them playing together having a wonderful time. The other day we were on our way to meet Daniel's Dad (aka Papa) to eat and Lydia was singing to Trinity in the backseat. It was great!
Now for Lydia. Lydia is starting to have a very extensive vocabulary far beyond her years! I think for my next few posts, I'll share with you some of the things we hear from day to day. Today, I'll share two stories with you from this week. Enjoy!
Sunday night, we were getting ready for church and Lydia comes up to where I'm sitting. She says, "Mommy, I don't feel good. I stay home." I ask her what's wrong and she tells me that she has a headache. So, I take her to church and her daddy asks if she still feels bad. She says "Nope" and off she goes without a care in the world.
Monday, we were reading The Legend Of The Three Trees and at the end is a picture of Jesus on the cross. Lydia begins to ask me questions about Jesus and why He is on the cross. So after I explain why, she wants to know who Jesus died for and we begin to list everyone in our family (on both sides) plus half of the people at church (the ones she remembers anyways). Afterwards, I ask her if she would like to go to heaven one day and this is her reply: "Mmm Hmm, but I want to take my cup!" It was the sweetest moment and now I have a great story to share with her when she's older!
Well, that pretty much catches you up to present day in the Garnett Household. Make sure you stop by if you're ever our way!
Like most (normal) people, I find myself from time to time humming when focused on the "task at hand". Usually, it is either the latest song I've come to love, a treasured hymn, or one of the few songs I can sing really well. Being a Mom is hard work, so during those moments where you really need "peace like a river" I turn to my old pal "It Is Well With My Soul". In our household it has been sung as a lullaby, nerve relaxer, and as entertainment for the maid (me). I love the words and how wonderful is it to know that no matter what we go through, our Lord will never give us more than we can handle.
Now with two girls under 3, I've come to know personally that the Lord truly has a sense of humor. How else would you explain the need for potty training?!!?
Speaking of potty training, Lydia is bound and determined to stay in Pull Ups until Jesus returns. She has to be forced to go and sit on the potty or else she isn't going. We've tried everything to get her to go on her own: reward chart, doughnut rewards, candy rewards, and books. Vacation Bible School killed the sticker chart we were doing. Lydia used stickers all week long and never did I ever think it would interfere with our potty training when I planned the activities. Her princess books seem to be working when it comes to her actually sitting and not getting up until she's finished or she's sat until she finishes the book. Either way, she is sitting and staying put for now. We did have a breakthrough on Monday of this week when Lydia went #2 in the potty and decided she was "ready" for underwear. The underwear only lasted for about 4 hours and then she went back to Pull Ups.
Another thing we struggle with is the teenager sized attitude in a 2 1/2 year old body. We are now at the age of "why" and "nope". When did this happen? My sweet little angel now has to have an explanation for everything and doesn't accept the answer, " Because I'm the Mama and you're the baby" . Now when it comes to Daniel handing out discipline, Lydia takes it open armed and without physical negotiations (aka spanking). Not with me, she fights, screams, and kicks until she finds herself in the corner or in her room. I know what you're thinking, why her room when there's probably caboodles of toys in there, right? WRONG! I took them out and now it's a haven of rest or prison when necessary.
So now you have a glimpse of why I am the way I am mentally. There are no prescriptions that can be prescribed. Only the love of Jesus and the thought that somewhere someone has it a lot worse than I do.
Thanks for stopping by...........
Daniel and I had the awesome opportunity to see one of the most powerful movies I have seen in a long time. It's called Fireproof and is put out by the same people who made Facing The Giants. I don't want to ruin it for you, so here is a brief synopsis of the movie. Caleb Holt (Kirk Cameron) is a young firefighter whose marriage is falling apart. During a visit from his father, he is introduced to someone who holds the keys to restoring Caleb's marriage - that's if Caleb will accept His help. It's a wonderful movie for everyone to see. It is nice to be able to have a movie that is suitable for all ages and where people of all ages can learn some valueable lessons.
Never have I been so caught up in a movie before like I was during this one. The scary thing about it is the fact that could easily be me and Daniel in that movie. There are so many seminars and books on marriage, but can you really "fireproof" your marriage?
Here lately, I ran across a seminar for "Affair-Proofing Your Marriage". How is that possible?! It is my belief that as soon as you say "never", that's the kiss of death. You are setting yourself up for disaster! You've heard the saying: "Never say never." . Well, it's the truth. I've seen some wonderful couples hurt by affairs that were committed to their marriage, and it was some pretty rough stuff to watch them go through. The crazy thing is that there is more than one type of affair. The two I can think of is emotionally and sexually. One is just as deadly to a marriage as the other.
When Daniel and I got married 7 years ago, we signed a covenant. The covenant is between us and the Lord. It is my prayer that I will be watchful in my darkest hours when our marriage isn't at it's best so that even the slightest temptations will be of no interest. I love my husband and I know that one thing keeping our marriage thriving is our relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, meaning Jesus, we are able to withstand attacks on our marriage and cling to God and His Word.
I've said all that to say this. Christianity isn't about any organized religion, it's about a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. Visit www.beaconbaptistchurchalbany.org for more information on how you can start a relationship that is full of forgiveness and mercy, or leave me a message and I'll be sure to get back to you.
In our master bath, we have an all tile, step in shower (no bath tub and the opening isn't big enough to hang a shower curtain in). It's a pretty beige/brown color and white compound. Beautiful! Well, this morning came time to clean our lovely shower and believe me this is an adventure.
To clean it good, you have to climb inside of the "beast" and scrub. I'm talking about some Mr. Clean, bald headed, muscle flexing scrubbing - no sissys allowed (if you're a woman, you know what I mean....ha ha). So, I start on the side with the faucet and work my way in the corners first. Then, I make my way to the floor and the drain (if that's what you wanna call it - Drain O disappears in our house!). Next, you rinse with a bucket because the shower head doesn't reach all the way around and we're one of the ones who don't have the shower massagers to answer that question. Now comes time for the grout to be cleaned, so you have to break out the all purpose scrubby brush that has definitely seen better days. After you repeat the "rinse cycle", you have a clean shower.
I have to tell you of a cleaning secret I have come across that actually works, while we're discussing cleaning. When you go to eat an orange and your microwave needs cleaning, save the peels, place in a bowl of water and put in microwave for about 5 minutes. The water will boil and once it is done, take out bowl and wipe down microwave with paper towel. The citric acid in the peel steam causes all the gunk to loosen up so clean up is a cinch with a paper towel! Plus, your microwave smells really good! You can even take the warm water and clean your stove top!
I also, have taken peels and added cinnamon, put in a small sauce pan and placed on the stove. Start out on Medium heat and once it boils, turn down to low until your home smells of cinnamon and oranges - really fragrant. Even Daniel likes the smells of the house and microwave.
Now I am not an eco freak, but this was a great way to clean without the chemicals and made my home smell good at the same time. I was able to wash my hands after cleaning and not worry about a transfer to my children. :0)
Kim Woodburn and Martha Stewart watch out......I'm a cleaning goddess now!
