Daddy’s Girl April 26, 2008

I think someone looks like her daddy. Curly hair and all. (Daddy’s picture is the one with the blue background.)

(For those who know as little about computers as I do – you can click on a picture once to select it, and when that is done, click on it again to enlarge the photo. I know, some of you are probably laughing at me right now – *you know who you are* – but… I know some of you are thanking me.)

Causing Trouble April 26, 2008

As promised, I am finally adding pictures…

This little girl is quite the opinionated little lady. She has grown and changed so quickly – it’s amazing how fast she learns new things. Her latest has been to rather loudly proclaim “eeeeeww” when walking past the toilet or looking at her dirty feet (she and I both prefer to go barefoot!) She has also added “uh oh” to her vocabulary.

Some days are quite challenging, but – after a battle of the wills – I’m not sure who really wins… she’s too cute for me to stay angry with. And then there are so many things that she is so very good about. She never cries when I put in her bed. After reading a Bible story and rocking for a few minutes, we go to the bedroom to say her nighttime prayer, and after a kiss, I put her in bed with Blankie. Tonight, the only thing out of her mouth was a “bye,” muffled by a pacifier and accompanied by a sweet little wave of the hand. Awwwww… it makes me choke up, just thinking about it.

Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right April 19, 2008

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His holy will abideth;
I will be still whate’er He doth;
And follow where He guideth;
He is my God; though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to Him I leave it all.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path:
I know He will not leave me.
I take, content, what He hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait His day.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking.
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to Him I leave it all.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/a/whateerm.htm

Trinity Hymnal #108

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Oprah’s Theology April 14, 2008

Wow. I don’t watch Oprah, but I find the cult-like craze over everything surrounding her rather disturbing. This video is proof. Oprah is not a Christian. Oprah does not know God. Oprah is leading many down a path that will not lead to eternal life, but eternal judgment.

http://paradiseregained.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/americas-most-influential-preacher/

Here’s To… April 10, 2008

The World’s Coolest Stroller. Without you – it would be almost impossible to venture out of the apartment. Thanks.

http://www.philandteds.com/nz/sport_07_1.htm

(It seemed inappropriate to waste a good bottle of wine toasting an inanimate object. I figured the least I could do was put in a shameless plug for this company. And Craigslist. And Grandma. )

Josiah Discharged and Home With Us February 14, 2008

We are excited to let you all know that Josiah came home on Tuesday night.  His discharge was somewhat sudden, although we had been told to expect it sometime during the early part of the week.  He is doing very well, according to the doctors and nurses.  The stitches in his back were removed on Tuesday morning — the incision has healed nicely.

Our challenge now is to adjust to his care routine.  Every three hours he is fed (the milk has to be thickened because of feeding problems), we change his diaper, do his catheter, and alternate time with his braces off and then on.  We also have a list of things to monitor — warning signals that will indicate additional fluid up in his brain.  The surgeon told us that as long as there continues to be no need for a shunt, we can expect to have to monitor things closely until he is two.  After that point, it would be unlikely that the hydrocephalus would build up and require a shunt.  We will be going to the hospital for regular check-ups and tests for at least the next couple of years, right now on a weekly basis.

He is such a happy, content baby — he very seldom complains about anything and spends a lot of time sleeping.  Hannah seems completely unphased by his presence, and hasn’t seemed too interested in what’s going on, except for when he peeps up once in a while — and she has taken an interest in his pacifier!

Again — thank you all for your prayers, cards, phone calls, e-mails, etc.  We’re particularly thankful for Casey’s mom (Betty) who has stayed with us for an extended period time to help with housework and taking care of Hannah (quite a handful!) — we don’t know what we would have done without her being with us.  The Lord has continued to give us strength through this time of new challenges and responsibilities, and we’re thankful that he cares for his little child Josiah and even now has his loving and wise hand upon him.

Josiah’s Progress February 8, 2008

Thank you all for your prayers, e-mails and phone calls. It has been such an encouragement to us in this challenging time.

The last several days have been a crazy flurry of tests and meetings with doctors and specialists. Josiah “graduated” from the neonatal ICU to the neurosurgical floor (and a big boy crib!) on Monday afternoon. Because the nurses on that floor specialize in the care of children with neural tube defects, his being there has allowed to learn so much about spina bifida and what we should expect for the future.

So many specialists have been monitoring his progress… one of the more interesting meetings I have had so far was with the physical therapist. She is a very gentle, soft-spoken lady who is eager to teach. She spent time yesterday showing me how to properly position Josiah while he is in bed, to promote even growth of his spine and muscles. He has been through muscle testing, and at this time they are predicting that he will be able to walk with lower-leg bracing – with a possible need for crutches. He has already been fitted for ankle-foot orthosis (AFOs) – similar to braces, but used on infants to promote proper leg and foot positioning. They are so tiny and cute, but they look huge on him!

There are a number of other things that are being closely watched by specialists, and if there is one thing we have heard often and learned well it is that we need to be prepared for the unexpected… that there is no way to know or predict anything about his condition with any certainty.

But, all things considered, he is doing very well (we hear that often from the doctors and nurses), and we are very thankful for how the Lord has provided for us at this time. The opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House has relieved the pressure of having to think about a lot of daily responsibilities – they have a fully stocked pantry, groups that make dinners in the evenings… even the small things like laundry detergent and shampoo. Hannah has warmed up to the staff, and, because she’s one of only a few young children here right now, they spoil her horribly! The hospital staff has also been very enthusiastic,helpful and encouraging – I would not want our son to be anywhere else right now. I sleep well at night, knowing that Josiah is being cared for by people who really do care about his comfort and health. (That doesn’t mean I’m getting a lot of sleep! )

Speaking of which… my goal was to be in bed an hour ago, and I still haven’t had dinner. Thank you all again – we are thankful for all the friendships that have been such an encouragement – I’m sorry that I have not been able to return all your phone calls just yet… I will continue returning calls as I have spare moments (and remaining minutes on my cell phone!)

Josiah Owen January 29, 2008

Dear Friends,

We’re thankful to the Lord that Josiah Owen Bessette was born Monday morning at 5lb 14oz and 19in long. He’s doing well, and so is mom (and she may be released as early as Wednesday). Pictures 1 & 2 are at the hospital in Hinsdale, picture 3 is Josiah ready to go with the transport team, and pictures 4 & 5 are him sleeping at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Josiah is scheduled for surgery sometime on Wednesday.

Thank you for your prayers