1st ENT visit!

We were up bright and early on the 30th of December 2010. We are always up bright and early but this particular day required us to get dressed and head out the door VERY early. Thankfully, school was still out and so the traffic was minimal and we arrived at Children's in 50 mins. We had breakfast at the little deli inside of the office building and prayed for a great visit!

Bear slept and slept...until it was time for him to be poked and prodded AGAIN. Bless his little heart, he has been put through the ringer and I hate it for him.

Dr. Sipp is who Bear will be seeing from here on out. He was absolutely WONDERFUL! He had a positive outlook on the situation and had nothing but great things to say...considering.
He did say that there were 3 different cases of microtia (small ear): mild, moderate and extreme. Bear has a moderate case (grade 2). What makes Bear even that much more special is that he has it in both ears-bilateral- versus unilateral which is more common.

We loved the fact that Dr. Sipp was very candid with us about Bear's future and potential surgeries that could follow if we so choose to have his external ear reconstructed.
Trey made mention that we were people of faith and Dr. Sipp looked at us and said, "I am a man of faith but you are people of GREAT faith!"
That's exactly what we want people to say when they come into contact with us. We want Jesus to radiate through our family no matter what we face!

We met with the audiologist and she scheduled us for his ABR hearing test on the 25th of January. So, we ask that you begin praying now for the outcome of that test and that Bear sleeps for 3 hours during the test. It is making me nervous just thinking about it. If he doesn't sleep the entire time then the test can not be considered accurate and we would have to schedule another visit to try again. Ugh. Not fun.

Once Bear completes the test then Dr. Sipp will fit him for hearing aids. He will have to wear a head band with the hearing aids attached to it until he is 5. From there they will fit him with bone-conductive hearing aids.
The head band will have the bone-conductive hearing aids as well, it's just that when he gets old enough they will attach to his skull and he won't have to wear the head band any longer.
By the way, my husband can do a much better job describing all of this. As his momma, all I want to do is just give him my undivided attention and love on him ALL.THE.TIME. He deserves it.

Someone asked me if I was concerned about the expense of what may lie ahead. My answer? NOPE. Trey and I will do whatever it takes to see that Bear gets the best from this life. Now that I am a parent there is nothing that my child will lack esp. when it comes to his ability to hear and speak. I'm reminded that God will never give us more than we can handle and every time I look at my love bug's face...I believe it!

He is our angel baby and is beautiful in soooooooo many ways. We.Are.Blessed. PERIOD!
Every time you see this sweet little face please say a prayer for him. We are believing that God is going to do something great through Bear and that Bear will grow up with an amazing testimony!

Bear's 1st Christmas!

This Christmas brought on a whole new meaning to me and Trey. We obviously kept it real and informed Bear what the real meaning of Christmas is all about.

It was just the three of us Christmas morning. Our own schedule. Ummm....well, I should say, Bear's schedule! :)  And it was centered around two most precious gifts I have ever received-the birth of my Savior and the birth of my little miracle, my son! Who needed any presents when I already had all I needed?!?!

Before Bear ripped his presents open his daddy read the Christmas Story to all of us. It was beautiful to me! I know it will be the start of many memorable Christmas' to come!
Unfortunately, I'm not real sure how much Bear heard, he fell asleep shortly into the story. In his defense, I know he wasn't bored because he even fell asleep during the unveiling of his presents. Who does that?!?!? ;)

After we opened his presents it was about time for him to eat. So, Christmas was short lived....until we headed to Gigi & Poppa's!

Trey and I exchanged gifts long before Christmas. I gave him a new GPS & a Norelco shaver-both were super cheap & I never left my house to buy them!!!
Trey SURPRISED me this year (I'm not the surprising type)! During the laboring of our son, my sister-in-law had been taking pictures with her camera...not realizing that it wasn't her new one, she ended up giving us her old camera and Trey went and bought a lens for it. In MY defense, I would have realized it had I not been breathing in between contractions! ;) lol I also got a FlipMino-LOVE it! Once again, got to love deals on the internet a week before Christmas!
Anyways, it was great and I am loving using both of them. Pictures and videos are priceless and I can't wait till Bear can enjoy them!
I do need to get another lens to take close up pictures. It's driving me crazy that I can't get close up's of my "love bug!"
Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!

There's nothing sweeter than my 2 boys!

Daddy Bear (with Bear's hat that his "Mo" gave to him) and Baby Bear about to read the Christmas Story!

Mak and Tripp lovin' on their cousin!

3 generations of Sheneman men!

For the record, I am his mom regardless of there not being any pictures of us. :( I will definitely makeup for that...

Christmas at Gigi and Poppa's was GREAT! Gigi and Poppa got him lots of clothes and toys!

Overall, it was a blessed day! I only hope next Christmas my family will be able to enjoy what we enjoyed this Christmas!

In His Great Love,
Jenni

Finishing Well...

Be advised...I can't take credit for this post but it was so applicable to me. In this season. At this very moment. I hope you can take something from this blog. I did.

In a season of so many trials, Trey and I have clung to our faith- in the One who provided peace and reassurance- when no one else could. There have been times when we have both looked at each other and felt like we were Job...except this wifey will never say, "Curse God and die." We are in this for the long haul and plus, we know what the outcome was for Job! He is faithful!

Enjoy this post. I pray it blesses you and that you...FINISH WELL!

"It’s important that we pay close attention to timing of events that occur in our lives. We shouldn’t allow time to float by or to let things just happen. For those with a destination in mind, you have to understand the value of providential moments.

We serve a God with a purpose. He uses providential moments to effect and or change our current paths permanently if we are obedient. As we get closer to the end of this year of trying times, economic challenges and multiple job losses, it’s imperative that we draw even closer to God.

One of my first providential moments occurred in October 2003 when I was downsized from my job. I immediately knew that my survival depended on how I handled this moment. As I look back over the past years, I can tell you that I thank God that I recognized this occurrence as a providential moment that would segue way me into my purpose and not as an instance that was recorded by me as being wronged, picked on or overlooked.

Often times, we as Christians don’t practice what we preach. We consistently say that we want what God has for us. It troubles me that when God gives us what he has for us, we question him, curse him and even turn our backs on him. The story of Job is so befitting for those that want to finish well. We know that God allowed the enemy to test Job. We have to understand that our tests and trials are no surprise to him.

If we are doers of the word, we know that the enemy will want to challenge God’s best, which we all are. What assignments have you not completed that you know you must before the end of this year? Is it a book, a program for youth, or even a new career? What providential moment did you experience that clued you in that its time to make the next move?

It’s heart wrenching to get knocked out when you are in a fight. Successful fighters spend years preparing physically and mentally for the challenge that lies ahead. Like fighters, God prepares us seasons in advance. Don’t take anything for granted. You may not be where you think you should but what you have already experienced was for you to use in this season. God knew then what he could trust you with.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. One man was given 5 talents, one was given 2 and one was given 1. The catch is that they were given talents based on their ability. In order to finish the rest of this year of “birthing” it’s important to get back in place, refocus and commit to go all the way so that you finish well."

Scripture Of The Day: "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." - Hebrews 10:36

Our Birth Story...

It began at 5am on December 8, 2010. Little did we know Momma Bear & Daddy Bear were about to experience a wave of emotions over the next 8 days.

We arrived at Henry Medical at 5am thinking that the show was gonna start promptly...not so much. Labor didn't start till 7:30am when Dr. Lopatine broke my water and started me on pitocin. I definitely went into this experience wanting to go all natural. So much so, that the doctor basically told me I could go home, as he was extremely busy with many deliveries. Ha. Let's just say, in the moment, I was not very fond of him. But, I must say, he was great for the rest of the experience.

I was soooooo slow to progress...that I literally thought I would be in labor for at least 24 hours according to my mathematical calculations. Thankfully, I was not...only 17hrs!
By 3:30pm, I had dilated 4cm...and, it wasn't the pain that did me in...it was the thought of not having the strength to push when it came time.
Bear was not responding well, as his little heart was showing signs of distress. Tammy, who came on at 7pm, was a wonderful nurse. She actually delivered my girlfriend's little girl and she told us how incredible she was. So, we requested her and got her!
Regulating the pitocin, while trying to produce stronger contractions, was really messing with Bear. Let's just say he was perfectly content without being induced and probably could have waited just a little longer to enter this world. I know, son; you tried telling me over and over again. Through all the natural methods we used to get you here...I should have left the hospital that morning, but your Aunt Stacey wasn't going to be real happy with me. She took off several days of work so that she could be at your birth and so did your Gigi.

At about 8:30pm, I had dilated to 5.5 cm. YAY! Like I said, I was very slow to progress. :) The good news...at 11:30pm I was complete! WOOHOO! Aside from being on oxygen and concerned about my son's heart rate, I was extremely calm and in control. I had a few practice pushes with Tammy & then Dr. Lopatine came in at 12am for the special delivery...9 pushes and 20 minutes later Barington Stephen Sheneman was born! Well worth the long hours of labor! He weighed in at 7lbs. 3oz. and 19.5 inches long. It was by far the most incredible experience ever. To see my husband's face was priceless. He never left my side and watched the entire process till the very end. I do remember this comment coming from his mouth, "Baby, we can have 15 of these things if you want..." As I was getting stitched up. Ha. Right.

From there began the roller coaster ride. I will not detail every minute but will include the major details.
Shortly after his birth, his blood sugar levels were extremely low. My girlfriend, Melissa, who is a NICU nurse just so happened to be working in the nursery that shift. She actually gave Bear his first bath and took care of him for the few hours that remained on her shift. She was a blessing!

It was that morning that we were informed he would be heading to the NICU as he was not getting better. From there we were told he may have Down Syndrome, no ear canals, fluid on his brain, possible coarctation (heart related), heart murmur and eventually would have an issue with his sodium being too low.
Needless to say, Trey and I curled up in the hospital bed late that evening and cried out to God. We were both completely overwhelmed by the series of events that had transpired...could you blame us? Once again, the devil set out to steal our joy...but we rebounded and continued to press on in prayer believing for a completely healthy baby boy.
With many prayers going up on behalf of Bear, we were told that he did not have Down Syndrome and his brain scan was normal. After 4 cardiologists looked at Bear's heart, we were told that he was good to go and there was no reason to follow up. The prayers of the saints were being heard and the Lord was working it all out. Thank you, Jesus! After recovering from the low sodium levels which ended up being a fluid issue...nothing more and nothing less...we were given the green light. It's time to go home!
The ear issue will have to be looked at by an ENT & a cranial-facial surgeon, but this momma already believes that he can hear and that it will just be a cosmetic fix. I will continue to keep you posted and definitely appreciates any and all prayers.
"We are over comers by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony."

Sometimes we just need to tell the devil...that he has already been defeated!

By Grace Alone,
Jenni

Twas The Night Before Your Birth...

and all through the house, Momma Bear was doing laundry, with no time to pout. The dishes were cleaned, and placed in the cupboard, as the house sat so quiet, not even an utter. Dad hurried home from calling his games, then packed moms 35 bags away in their sleigh. All of this bustle, was completed so quick; as we anticipated a gift not from St. Nick. No storks will be needed, to bring us our loot; just a doctor and nurses will help us induce. So tomorrow we'll meet you, the battle is won...Merry Christmas to us, we've been given a son!


We have anxiously waited for this day to come. Now that it is here, it seems so surreal..
You have not been very cooperative with our plans as it appears the name Bear is very fitting considering your nice long hibernation; nevertheless, it's time for you to come out! Two very special people are waiting to hold you and love on you...not to mention everyone else who can't wait to do the same.

Our prayer is that you feel the Father's love through His Son Jesus early and often in your lifetime. Daddy and I will love you unconditionally. Even so, our best attempts to love you will pale in comparison to the agape love of our Heavenly Father. We have prayed for your destiny to lead you down the narrow path and for your life to be an example of Jesus Christ. Your daddy and I are far from perfect but we do have some things right: 1) Christ is the center of our home and marriage 2) we are very much in love with each other and 3) we are already in love with you!

You were an unexpected blessing conceived in a time of testing. Yet, God knew all along the road He had planned for the three of us. We want you to know that you are loved beyond words, blessed beyond measure (because your daddy says we are the coolest parents ever) and more perfect than our wildest dreams.

barington stephen sheneman

our very special Christmas gift!

B-A-L-A-N-C-E

I have really been thinking about that word and how drastically my life is about to change...for the better, of course! Everyday I think about how I will handle life, you know? God, husband, new baby, job, my home, family, friends etc...For those of you who have ever been a first time mom then hopefully, you can relate and share some words of wisdom. I definitely do not want to lose focus on the most important "person" in my life-God, but yet even in the midst of preparing for Bear I find myself already putting Him on the back burner. It is certainly not intentional. I just need to find that balance. My first thought is, "Lord, I need more hours in the day..." and I feel as though He gently responds and says, "No, you just need to use your time wisely." Ouch. Obviously, with a newborn, there will be certain things that take priority but nothing should take priority of my God. I definitely follow the principles of God first, family second and career third and everything else follows. Yet, why do I already feel so guilty that I have neglected the first?

This is just me being open and transparent. I am a firm believer in accountability and have not ever had an issue with disclosing personal struggles to keep me in check. So, maybe this is just what I needed to do! If anything, I have my blog to fall back on as my accountability partner! :)

By the way, when our sweet little bundle of joy finally arrives I will keep you up to date about this whole issue of B-A-L-A-N-C-E.

Love this time of the year...and,

I love it even more because I get 50 free holiday cards to send out to all of you AND, of course, I love that very soon we will get to meet out new addition! I can't wait to capture his precious little face on some of these sweet Christmas cards...

Speaking of Christmas cards, did you know that Shutterfly does online Christmas cards? They are very cost effective and well done. All you have to do is choose your images, create your cards, order them and then send them out. Plus, if you are willing to blog about their great deals, then you can get 50 Christmas cards for free! Pretty neat, huh?

So, take some time to blog about such a cool opportunity and then enjoy Shutterfly's giving spirit during this Holiday season.

Well, Trey and I have practically finished the nursery, readied our home, and are now readying our hearts to embrace BEAR and welcome him into the world. We truly hope that all of you experience the peace and joy that only the love of Jesus can bring during this year's Holiday season. So, go take some time and blog about the giving spirit, grab your free Christmas cards, and be sure to give away lots of Holiday cheer!

Tis the season!

Just some of my favorite cards...