I often wonder if that's what life is really about...climbing the mountain AKA going from glory to glory to glory. The process of sanctification is no easy one...as Christians we have to "put up our dukes daily" to prevent the enemy from invading our territory.
Now that I am a mama, I "see" the enemy that much more at work, trying to invade my camp so to speak. Well, I got news for him, I may shed a few tears, OK A LOT, but he must not know who he is coming up against.
I don't back down...well, I may grow weary every now and again, but quitting is not an option. I have a race to "run" and I will finish strong. Why? Because I have a husband and a son who need me.
For those of you who don't know, Bear was born with Bilateral Microtia Atresia (BMA), and with that comes some complications, his speech being the most affected. He may be slow to speak but I declare that when he does that wisdom and understanding would flow from his mouth. In Jesus name.
Over the last several months I have noticed some unusual behaviors that of course I googled and googled until I was pretty much sick to my stomach. I was a basket case for a few days but I regained my strength & sanity. The internet can be a great thing and a horrible thing all at the same time. However, I am glad I did it because I have an understanding now of what lies ahead for us as a family.
We took Bear to see a developmental pediatrician today and he was WONDERFUL! He even told us that the name 'Sheneman' was German and it meant 'beautiful person.' He obviously was referring to our son; little did he know he was prophetically speaking over him...
We know he is beautiful both inside and out. He also mentioned that when he looks at Bear he sees such determination. Amen. We receive it.
So, for the last few months I have been very open about what I think was going on with Bear...and I am pretty certain a few people thought I was a hypochondriac, over paranoid, not thinking clearly...you know- "CRAZY." Even my pediatrician with out saying it thought I was a little extreme in my thought process. However, if you are a parent, excuse me- a mama, then you know when something is going on with your child. It's instinctive. Ya know?
With that being said, Dr. Rubin "diagnosed" Bear with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-not otherwise specified. Bear shows characteristics of autism but not enough to label him autistic. Obviously, speech plays a huge role but that has to do with his hearing and the fact that he doesn't want to wear his hearing aid. :/
So, I ask that you would pray for my family daily as the road ahead will be long but promising. We believe that God has given Bear to us for so many reasons and we will do whatever it takes as his parents to see that he flourishes in every area of his life.
There will be lots of doctor visits involved as well as speech therapy and occupational therapy and at home visits from medical professionals, but all in all he is 10 months old and intervention is starting now! The brain, at this age, is so "moldable" that the things Bear does now can "easily" be fixed with help, so that's what we will do. It won't be easy and I'm sure there will be days that I will be exhausted but my help comes from the Lord and I will draw on his strength that much more.
Thankful that I don't have to do this alone and that I have a husband who is just as much involved as I am, family members who love Bear more then anything in this world and friends who are there to help.
I'm sure you all will want frequent updates as they come, so I will do my best to be more consistent. Not making any promises. Ok? Ok.
I will close with this verse:
Joshua 1:5-9
"5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Blessings to all of you,
Bear, Jenni & Trey
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Back to the beginning of the book...
You know, sometimes it's good just to go back to the beginning of the good ole' book. You know? The Bible. The Holy Bible. The Truth. That became flesh and walked among us. That book.
Just to be totally honest, and, well, to show you all that I am completely human; I have been literally going through some serious mental torment. For the record, I am not crazy or need to be committed to a mental institution. I'm talking about the attacks that the enemy throws our way to get us to lose focus of what God's word says about us and our family.
I have never really experienced it to this extreme, but now that I have a baby it's been more prevalent.
To be quite honest, I also believe I have experienced it for other reasons. Possibly to see what others go through and to remind them that God's word is enough to set us free. Jesus' death was enough to set us free.
Keep following.
The fact that Bear was born with Bilateral Mictroia Atresia and spent 8 days in the NICU was enough to send me over the edge. Not to mention the scares during our pregnancy and what we faced when he was born with a potential heart defect, down syndrome etc..
However, God's grace has sustained me.
Yet, the mental attacks still come. Completely my fault because I allow it. I entertain it, unintentionally, of course. Or not?
Still there?
During my devotions this morning, it lead me to Genesis 8. You are probably thinking, "really?" Yep. Really!
Just to briefly recap, in Genesis 7- The Great Flood occurred. God decided to basically start over with the human race because of all the wickedness that walked the Earth. However, Noah and his family were spared because of their righteous living.
Moving forward to Ch. 8- Noah's Deliverance. Not only did God save Noah and his family from dying during the flood but he delivered them. He saw them through.
Ummmm. Hello? Did you get that? It hit me like a ton of bricks.
Noah and his family were not EXEMPT from experiencing the flood, but they were protected by the mighty hand of God, were seen through it, they were delivered! That deserves a HALLELUJAH!
As a child of God, I will always be delivered. Does it mean I will be exempt from the attacks, the storms, the raging flood waves? No. Unfortunately not. Does it mean that life will be a bed of roses and easy? Nope.
The "famous" line in Ch 8.1- BUT GOD REMEMBERED NOAH...and he didn't just stop with Noah, "but every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark."
I don't know about you, but that's so reassuring to my soul. He loves us. He desires to save us, restore us and see us free.
I hope this has encouraged you as much as it has me. God's word is our reassurance of his promises to us. We often forget because we neglect his word. Guilty. Be encouraged; God still loves us! However, true freedom comes when we are in His Word daily, confessing with our mouths his promises and then walking out his will for our lives.
Be Blessed!
~Jenni~
Just to be totally honest, and, well, to show you all that I am completely human; I have been literally going through some serious mental torment. For the record, I am not crazy or need to be committed to a mental institution. I'm talking about the attacks that the enemy throws our way to get us to lose focus of what God's word says about us and our family.
I have never really experienced it to this extreme, but now that I have a baby it's been more prevalent.
To be quite honest, I also believe I have experienced it for other reasons. Possibly to see what others go through and to remind them that God's word is enough to set us free. Jesus' death was enough to set us free.
Keep following.
The fact that Bear was born with Bilateral Mictroia Atresia and spent 8 days in the NICU was enough to send me over the edge. Not to mention the scares during our pregnancy and what we faced when he was born with a potential heart defect, down syndrome etc..
However, God's grace has sustained me.
Yet, the mental attacks still come. Completely my fault because I allow it. I entertain it, unintentionally, of course. Or not?
Still there?
During my devotions this morning, it lead me to Genesis 8. You are probably thinking, "really?" Yep. Really!
Just to briefly recap, in Genesis 7- The Great Flood occurred. God decided to basically start over with the human race because of all the wickedness that walked the Earth. However, Noah and his family were spared because of their righteous living.
Moving forward to Ch. 8- Noah's Deliverance. Not only did God save Noah and his family from dying during the flood but he delivered them. He saw them through.
Ummmm. Hello? Did you get that? It hit me like a ton of bricks.
Noah and his family were not EXEMPT from experiencing the flood, but they were protected by the mighty hand of God, were seen through it, they were delivered! That deserves a HALLELUJAH!
As a child of God, I will always be delivered. Does it mean I will be exempt from the attacks, the storms, the raging flood waves? No. Unfortunately not. Does it mean that life will be a bed of roses and easy? Nope.
The "famous" line in Ch 8.1- BUT GOD REMEMBERED NOAH...and he didn't just stop with Noah, "but every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark."
I don't know about you, but that's so reassuring to my soul. He loves us. He desires to save us, restore us and see us free.
I hope this has encouraged you as much as it has me. God's word is our reassurance of his promises to us. We often forget because we neglect his word. Guilty. Be encouraged; God still loves us! However, true freedom comes when we are in His Word daily, confessing with our mouths his promises and then walking out his will for our lives.
Be Blessed!
~Jenni~
Friday, August 19, 2011
I.LOVE.YOU.
It's a 3 word phrase that can pack a powerful punch. I say it to Bear at least 5-7 times a day...and Trey probably just as much.
I "love" the phrase and when I look at my 2 boys it takes on a whole new meaning. I love to love and be loved. Who doesn't? I believe it is the most natural feeling to have and desire. I mean when we look at the greatest example of love, why wouldn't you say it much less show it?
I believe that when you have the "Ultimate Lover" in your life then loving is like breathing...completely instinctive. It's apart of you. You.Do.It.To.Survive. Just like loving and being loved is something we all desire and want.
I often feel as though we get into a rut of life and fail to say it and show it. We just go about our daily routines and just assume that the other person knows that we love them regardless of whether we show it or speak it.
Love needs to be spoken and shown.
Love is a gift, and if you have received it, then speak it and show it. It's really that simple.
I LOVE YOU TREY & BEAR!
I "love" the phrase and when I look at my 2 boys it takes on a whole new meaning. I love to love and be loved. Who doesn't? I believe it is the most natural feeling to have and desire. I mean when we look at the greatest example of love, why wouldn't you say it much less show it?
I believe that when you have the "Ultimate Lover" in your life then loving is like breathing...completely instinctive. It's apart of you. You.Do.It.To.Survive. Just like loving and being loved is something we all desire and want.
I often feel as though we get into a rut of life and fail to say it and show it. We just go about our daily routines and just assume that the other person knows that we love them regardless of whether we show it or speak it.
Love needs to be spoken and shown.
Love is a gift, and if you have received it, then speak it and show it. It's really that simple.
I LOVE YOU TREY & BEAR!
8months old....ALREADY?
Yep. And I am not the least bit surprised! He is growing.like.a.weed.AND.I.LOVE.it! He is an AMAZING boy! I am blessed to call him mine. He is more than anything we could have asked or prayed for...that's for sure!
I have to admit I have done a HORRIBLE job at writing things down. I did good in the beginning but I have been a major slacker. I'd like to think that I will remember everything, but who am I fooling? My memory is still not the same pre-Bear.
So, at 8 months you are doing the following:
-Scooting backwards...but getting up to move forward & then realizing, "maybe not."
-Eat like a champ...well, baby food that is. Not interested in table food yet. If it is soft & mushy-sure. Other than that you're not having any part of it. You literally have gagged to the point that I thought you would vomit. You eat 4 times a day-fruits, veggies & formula.
-You have 2 bottom teeth.So.CUTE. :)
-You are still a pretty content baby. LOTS of SMILES!
-When we are playing and I leave the room for a minute...you cry. :( Separation anxiety? Maybe?
-Your torticollis has pretty much corrected itself. You have been going to see Dr. Magee-he's been helping you!
Waiting on:
-You to say "mama" & "dada." We know that you will have some sort of speech delay but we are fully confident that it will not be a set back!
-You to crawl.
You are mommy & daddy's GREATEST blessing and we look forward to seeing you grow into an amazing little boy!
I have to admit I have done a HORRIBLE job at writing things down. I did good in the beginning but I have been a major slacker. I'd like to think that I will remember everything, but who am I fooling? My memory is still not the same pre-Bear.
So, at 8 months you are doing the following:
-Scooting backwards...but getting up to move forward & then realizing, "maybe not."
-Eat like a champ...well, baby food that is. Not interested in table food yet. If it is soft & mushy-sure. Other than that you're not having any part of it. You literally have gagged to the point that I thought you would vomit. You eat 4 times a day-fruits, veggies & formula.
-You have 2 bottom teeth.So.CUTE. :)
-You are still a pretty content baby. LOTS of SMILES!
-When we are playing and I leave the room for a minute...you cry. :( Separation anxiety? Maybe?
-Your torticollis has pretty much corrected itself. You have been going to see Dr. Magee-he's been helping you!
Waiting on:
-You to say "mama" & "dada." We know that you will have some sort of speech delay but we are fully confident that it will not be a set back!
-You to crawl.
You are mommy & daddy's GREATEST blessing and we look forward to seeing you grow into an amazing little boy!
Friday, July 1, 2011
6 months old!
June 9th was a big day...half-way to a year. At this point, I am not surprised...everyone warned me that it would get here quickly, and I am pretty much ok with that.
I will say that I am not the momma who wishes he was itty-bitty (newborn) still. I have LOVED watching him grow up! The fact that he is beginning to take on a personality is priceless to me.
Trey and I look forward to the day when Bear can say, "I love you momma & daddy" & when he can use words to express and communicate his feelings. Am I rushing it? No. I just look forward to those days.
I will say this much, I have embraced and basked in every moment of his development...but this stage has been the most fun...SO FAR!!!
Doctor's Check-up:
Weight: 18.1 lbs. & in the 63%
Height" 27.5 in. & in the 83%
Head circumference: 18.5 & in the 99%...not surprised. Have you seen his daddy's head?!?!? :)
Things you can do:
1) You can sit up
2) You can roll from your tummy to back...and you just started going from your back to tummy (at random occasions).
3) You like to grab the spoon from me when I am feeding you.
4) You can hold your bottle; however, you'd much rather mommy & daddy do it! Little stinker.
5)You are "speaking" as you should for this stage of the game.
Still working on:
1) Getting your head/neck completely straight...you have what Ms. Kelly said a 10degree tilt to the left. We have finished PT but are now taking you to see Dr. Magee for some chiropractic work. Praying that this gets you completely straight!
2) Getting some teeth...and I don't see any arriving in the near future. I was almost a year when I first got teeth...for now I will continue soaking in that gummy grin!
Other than that you are growing like a weed and doing things in your own time...and that's ok.
You love Baby Eistein..well, only the 'World of Colors.' I got you two more but they speak in all different languages and, well, you don't like it. Simple as that. I can't blame you...learning one language is enough.
You are riding in your 'big boy' carseat. Bye bye to the infant carrier! You were way to heavy to tote around in that carseat.
You tried your kiddie pool out for the first time on June 8th. You kicked some but that was the extent of your fun. So, I am not really sure what you thought. Granted I didn't put much water in it....maybe that's why?
You sat in a high chair for the first time on June 24th. We were in Wilmington, NC and we went to dinner with your grandparents- Gary & Judy (momma's spiritual parents). They have done alot for us. They have supplied you with diapers, wipes, Butt paste (desitin), body wash, shampoo, lotions, formula, and cereal. All the practical things that we need for you...not to mention the loads of money it has saved us! We are extremely grateful for them.
Mae-Mae gave you some 'puffs-' apple flavored on June 26th. You didn't know what to think at first but you have grown fond of them. You are still getting the hang of picking them up and putting them in your mouth...you will get there. Oh and Mae-Mae is your daddy's aunt. So, your great aunt.
Naptime has become quite comical. It consists of you rolling over and in many cases we have come to check on you only to find a sleeping baby on his back with his blankie curled up in his face.
Well, I had to include the last little bit or else I probably would have forgot... :)
~Jenni~
I will say that I am not the momma who wishes he was itty-bitty (newborn) still. I have LOVED watching him grow up! The fact that he is beginning to take on a personality is priceless to me.
Trey and I look forward to the day when Bear can say, "I love you momma & daddy" & when he can use words to express and communicate his feelings. Am I rushing it? No. I just look forward to those days.
I will say this much, I have embraced and basked in every moment of his development...but this stage has been the most fun...SO FAR!!!
Doctor's Check-up:
Weight: 18.1 lbs. & in the 63%
Height" 27.5 in. & in the 83%
Head circumference: 18.5 & in the 99%...not surprised. Have you seen his daddy's head?!?!? :)
Things you can do:
1) You can sit up
2) You can roll from your tummy to back...and you just started going from your back to tummy (at random occasions).
3) You like to grab the spoon from me when I am feeding you.
4) You can hold your bottle; however, you'd much rather mommy & daddy do it! Little stinker.
5)You are "speaking" as you should for this stage of the game.
Still working on:
1) Getting your head/neck completely straight...you have what Ms. Kelly said a 10degree tilt to the left. We have finished PT but are now taking you to see Dr. Magee for some chiropractic work. Praying that this gets you completely straight!
2) Getting some teeth...and I don't see any arriving in the near future. I was almost a year when I first got teeth...for now I will continue soaking in that gummy grin!
Other than that you are growing like a weed and doing things in your own time...and that's ok.
You love Baby Eistein..well, only the 'World of Colors.' I got you two more but they speak in all different languages and, well, you don't like it. Simple as that. I can't blame you...learning one language is enough.
You are riding in your 'big boy' carseat. Bye bye to the infant carrier! You were way to heavy to tote around in that carseat.
You tried your kiddie pool out for the first time on June 8th. You kicked some but that was the extent of your fun. So, I am not really sure what you thought. Granted I didn't put much water in it....maybe that's why?
You sat in a high chair for the first time on June 24th. We were in Wilmington, NC and we went to dinner with your grandparents- Gary & Judy (momma's spiritual parents). They have done alot for us. They have supplied you with diapers, wipes, Butt paste (desitin), body wash, shampoo, lotions, formula, and cereal. All the practical things that we need for you...not to mention the loads of money it has saved us! We are extremely grateful for them.
Mae-Mae gave you some 'puffs-' apple flavored on June 26th. You didn't know what to think at first but you have grown fond of them. You are still getting the hang of picking them up and putting them in your mouth...you will get there. Oh and Mae-Mae is your daddy's aunt. So, your great aunt.
Naptime has become quite comical. It consists of you rolling over and in many cases we have come to check on you only to find a sleeping baby on his back with his blankie curled up in his face.
Well, I had to include the last little bit or else I probably would have forgot... :)
~Jenni~
Slacker...BIG TIME!
So, it definitely has been a while since posting anything in this blog. Trey and I have gone back and forth about creating a new blog, with a new name. Excuses? Ummmm...I guess. :)
I have a lot to blog about and, well, I am breaking out in hives just thinking about it. Kidding. Or not.
From this post forward I will be dating back to Bear's 6 month check up...so stay tuned!
~Jenni~
I have a lot to blog about and, well, I am breaking out in hives just thinking about it. Kidding. Or not.
From this post forward I will be dating back to Bear's 6 month check up...so stay tuned!
~Jenni~
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Mother's Day
Considering that 2 years ago I was going through a miscarriage this Mother's Day means a lot to me.
Although it is just a day and Bear doesn't understand what this day means, I do. The smile on his face when he looks at me and the way he moves his mouth as if he has A LOT to say, is priceless. He brings me so much joy! Words can not describe how full my heart is at this very moment. When I look at him I see something beautiful. I see God's hand at work. I see, "you are fearfully and wonderfully made!"
I love the yearning in my son's eyes that say, "I need you momma" and oh.my.goodness. does that make my heart skip a few beats. Just knowing that my son needs me makes me feel important. Some people need a 6 figure career, a nice car, nice clothes, nice home etc...all I need is the love and embrace of my son and husband. There's nothing in this world that could ever replace that need. No amount of money could ever buy that. Love is everything.
I could go on and on but this blog was not intended to be about me.
I am asking that as you celebrate being a momma would you please stop and think about those momma's who have lost a baby?
Specifically I am asking you to pray for a young couple who I attended church with in Miami.
Unfortunately, they lost their baby while she was 7 1/2 months pregnant. Their first baby. To make matters worse she had to go into labor and deliver that precious baby boy. My heart breaks. I have shed many a tears about that situation since I found out. I don't understand, but I am thankful that they cling to the feet of Jesus. Oh how his love sustains us!
,
While the day is real and every momma will be celebrated, will you please pray for this couple? From what I have seen they have been warriors but in the depths of their hearts they hurt. I can't imagine what tomorrow will bring for her but I do hope she feels my prayers along with all of yours.
Thank you and Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day- Mom, Michele & Deb!
Although it is just a day and Bear doesn't understand what this day means, I do. The smile on his face when he looks at me and the way he moves his mouth as if he has A LOT to say, is priceless. He brings me so much joy! Words can not describe how full my heart is at this very moment. When I look at him I see something beautiful. I see God's hand at work. I see, "you are fearfully and wonderfully made!"
I love the yearning in my son's eyes that say, "I need you momma" and oh.my.goodness. does that make my heart skip a few beats. Just knowing that my son needs me makes me feel important. Some people need a 6 figure career, a nice car, nice clothes, nice home etc...all I need is the love and embrace of my son and husband. There's nothing in this world that could ever replace that need. No amount of money could ever buy that. Love is everything.
I could go on and on but this blog was not intended to be about me.
I am asking that as you celebrate being a momma would you please stop and think about those momma's who have lost a baby?
Specifically I am asking you to pray for a young couple who I attended church with in Miami.
Unfortunately, they lost their baby while she was 7 1/2 months pregnant. Their first baby. To make matters worse she had to go into labor and deliver that precious baby boy. My heart breaks. I have shed many a tears about that situation since I found out. I don't understand, but I am thankful that they cling to the feet of Jesus. Oh how his love sustains us!
,
While the day is real and every momma will be celebrated, will you please pray for this couple? From what I have seen they have been warriors but in the depths of their hearts they hurt. I can't imagine what tomorrow will bring for her but I do hope she feels my prayers along with all of yours.
Thank you and Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day- Mom, Michele & Deb!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)