Sunday, March 27, 2011

Not Much New...

Here's what's been going on the last couple days...

1. Dallas returned safe and sound from his snowmobiling trip in Wyoming! He had the best time! He missed us much more than he anticipated (now that felt good), but loved every minute of "climbing" and riding on the trails. Coming down from climbing, well, shook him up a bit. One of my favorite things about Dallas: while he's incredibly masculine and likes all things danger, he's got a whole lot of sensibility and even sensitivity. I love that he gets scared and cries every now and then. I also love that he feels best carrying a gun and killing things. Never thought I'd say that.

2. Layla is back to herself! Throwing fits, coloring marker all over her face, running to every destination, and wearing undies again! We still have her appointment for Iowa City, but feeling like we may be able to cancel it. She looks so much better and is talking like crazy again! She is back to her funny self, making us laugh and laugh every day.

3. Maleah, oh Maleah. She has been thinking and thinking about Dallas's birthday. Today she told me that we should make him a white cake with a John Deere on it. Sounds splendid, sweetie. She also informed us last night when bringing her to bed that, "You can go, guys. I can do it." Okay. And this afternoon? I was resting in my bed and all the kids in theirs. Dallas was gone and Charlie woke up. She came to tell me he woke up, but "I can watch him and you can keep taking your nap." Me and her. We get along pretty well.

4. Charlie - is up on all fours! He can even get across the room, but backwards. Excuse me, Charlie. You are my baby! When did this happen? And how did you totally skip over the rolling over? He will roll from front to back on accident, but has yet to roll otherwise. He is very much in love with Maleah this week. I brought out his 9-month clothing. He still smiles at every one he sees. He's back to sleeping well again (thank goodness!). And he's still obsessed with his mama.

5. Then there's Mommy. I'm so thankful Layla is back on the mend. I didn't realize how much she wasn't herself until the last few days when we've been dealing with the real Layla again. I hated every minute of her being sick, but loved the time I had snuggling with her. I've started running again. I am planning on 2 5k's and a 10k this spring-fall. I haven't run in quite some time, and was very pleased that I was able to do a mile (yes, only a mile), fairly easily. Having said that, I have absolutely no clue how I will be able to complete six miles. Holy smokes.

Lastly, last night we went to Dallas's parents to go through everything left in his bedroom. Talk about a trip down memory lane. We laughed and laughed, looked at pictures, threw away junk, brought home his football jerseys, old tractors, trophies, looked through yearbooks, and had so much fun talking about the "old days."

On the way home we got pulled over: no taillight and a trailer with no license plate nor any lights. I'll let you imagine all the conversation that generated between the girls and I.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Layla Update.

Thank you everyone for caring so much about Layla! It's been a strange couple of weeks, even months. I'm happy to report the last couple days have been better, and we are getting to the bottom of things!

She was very sick last week while Dallas was gone. She wasn't herself at all, seemed to be in pain, would wear out so easily. I brought her back to the doctor and insisted that we look more into it. I said I would be more than happy if they proved to me it was viral. Until then, I wanted something to be done! Daily battles with stomach issues are getting old for everyone. They did blood tests, etc., and this morning we went for an ultrasound. The ultrasound doesn't show the bowels or stomach, but is a good place to start with a 2-year-old (no radiation, no needles, etc.).

Her blood tests showed an elevated white blood cell count, which means infection. The infection could be as small as viral, or something that needs more attention.

We just wait and see what the next step is. We have an appointment for April 7 in Iowa City with the GI peds specialist. Hopefully we can cancel it along the way as we've gotten a headstart on figuring the problem out!

Layla seems to be better everyday! It seems food goes right through her (up or down), she has lost almost 3 lbs. (when you aren't even 30 to start with, that's a good chunk), and doesn't eat much. But we are thankful her spunky self is coming back around.

Thank you all, again, for caring so much!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sunshine!

Wasn't the sunshine so great today? We went to the park this morning and met up with a bunch of friends. Mornings like today I feel so incredibly blessed. I am a people person and really value relationships. Spending time this morning with like-minded people was so refreshing.

Layla took her Reglan last night and did NOT throw up at her usual time. She woke up so happy and rested. But this afternoon she was so incredibly whiney, even fussy, and seemed very uncomfortable. Maybe she needs that throw up? After taking care of some diaper business this evening she was happy as a lark again. Something is going on, that's for sure. She is certainly not herself. She doesn't play a single thing. She just lays around and complains. It's pretty pitiful to watch.

Dallas proved himself wonderful again by leaving me a present; Rachael Ray serving dishes I've been talking about for months! I talked to him when they were 40 miles away and he said all was going well. After a good night of sleep and, well, the little gift, I feel a renewed sense of excitement for him. Praying for his safety, of course, but I trust he has great judgement. They are going to have a blast. All that to say, I'm already excited to see him again. I was not made to live by myself, that is for sure.

It's 7:34 and I'm very seriously considering going to bed. Like I said, couldn't live by myself. :) Good night, all.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Update on Layla.

We visited the doctor this morning about Layla's constant throwing up. She threw out some ideas and options, but is sending us to see a GI pediatric specialist in Iowa City.

Basically, she is pretty sure it is not reflux as it's not related to specific foods, and doesn't happen when Layla runs or is super active. She doesn't cough, and doesn't complain about her throat hurting/burning.

One possibility could be something wrong with the valve between the stomach and esophagus. As Layla grows, the valve may not be adjusting, growing, doing its job, etc. This is only a chance, and I don't even remember the other scenarios she threw out. She did say her stomach was very bloated and did not feel quite right. The other doctor talk I don't much understand.

While Angie (our wonderful PA) doesn't think it's something to be super concerned about, it does need to be checked out further. It is not okay for Layla to throw up every single night. If we don't get into Iowa City soon, they will do blood work here. She is also on Reglan in the meantime, helping her intestines work properly and hopefully keeping the nausea and vomiting at bay.

So that's that. I feel good about everything. But, please pray for her, us, the doctors. We are anxious to get to the bottom of this.

Life.

These boys came to our rescue yesterday when we were having a BAD day. No sleep due to Layla's nightly "poooke" is wearing on everybody, including Maleah. Her cousins and a little mud cheered everyone right on up.

She had on her cute, brand new, pink boots. The mud was so thick she stepped right out of them. This was the result. Lucky for Maleah, my sister (with all boys) was encouraging me to try to not care, and think about all the chidhood memories they were making. Nothing a bath couldn't fix. But for the record, still not a fan of dirt and mud.

That's my girl. Pink toenails with a little dirt to make her "well-rounded." :)

This is 2:13am. This has been the middle of the night for the past 15 nights. Layla is tired of it, I am tired of it, Dallas is tired of it. She is perfectly fine during the day, but every.single.night she throws up. We are going to the doctor today. Enough is enough.

Here she is at 2:24am. Bathed & moved to the couch, ready for the rest of the night's sleep. She's happy as can be. For that I am so thankful. While being up in the middle of the night is getting old (to say the least), this smile keeps me going.


So, what have we been up to lately? Honestly, trying to keep one foot in front of the other. The no sleep is hard enough. Facing throw up, laundry, baths in the middle of the night is really hard. All the stirring in the house usually wakes up Charlie, and interrupts Maleah. Everyone begins the day dragging, and that is no fun. Oh, and did I mention Charlie has goop in his eyes? Every morning they are mattered shut. Not sure what that is about.

In other news, we had a great weekend! A post to come about that soon. Today we are meeting up with cousins at Chuck E. Cheese's. Tomorrow Dallas leaves for a snowmobiling trip for four days. I hope he has fun, and we'll just leave it at that. :)

Have a great week, everyone! It's Spring Break. That means no bible study or MOPS, and lots of time at home. I'm very hopeful by the end of this week, there will be absolutely zero sickness in this house.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Proud Wife Moment.


This beaut was delivered this week to its fine owner, Dallas Wessels.

My husband purchased his first ever tractor! It's a little bit scary & nerve racking, but a lot more exciting. He could not stop smiling and even admitted to feeling like a kid in the candy store. I had to call him out in the shed and remind him that we were :still: waiting for him to come in and eat supper.
I'm excited for years down the road when we look at this picture and laugh. I'm sure tractors will continue to change over time and this will seem just ancient!

I am very proud of Dallas. He has certainly worked hard for this.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Crazy. Going Crazy.

Remember this blog is mostly for my own personal record. This post isn't going to be exactly peachy, but it is our life right now. I am choosing to want to remember this time, because I am confident that some day I will laugh. So, if you want to check out now and come back when things are happier, feel free. Until then, holy smokies...


1. This poor child is battling the stomach flu something fierce. She has been throwing up randomly during the nights for weeks and months now (any ideas why?), but this, my friends, is hard core stomach flu. She moans and groans, moving from the couch to the floor to my arms. Both ends are constantly in action, and she is downright miserable. She's been sleeping a lot. And secretly, there is something so great about taking care of a sick babe. But this is day 3 of the flu, and hearing, "My ummy hurty me Mommy" is getting rather pitiful. All the laundry and baths are getting exhausting. And I'm just watching it happen. She's got to be so sick and tired of this business!

2. As if dealing with vomit in the middle of the night isn't enough, why not have a bat going crazy in Charlie's closet? Really. Really. The only thing worse than mice is bats (can you say a mouse with wings!)! Of course Charlie couldn't sleep with the racket going on, and I couldn't sleep because there are RODENTS in my home! Pretty sure there were little micey running in the walls behind our bed too. My dear husband? He does what he can, but knows that at 1am, nothing much can be done so he sleeps. Yup. You better believe there will be an exterminator visiting our home. And soon.

3. Sleep, or lack there of. I know what you are thinking. How can I talk about no sleep? Let me just tell you: I am paying my dues for having babies who sleep! Charlie has been so restless. He doesn't want to eat, but kicks his legs, wants his ba, on and on. I was reading that their sleep pattern is disturbed around 6-9 months when they are experiencing cognitive or motor development. If this proves to be true, I'm pretty certain he'll be walking in no time (it's a joke. I know he isn't a genius)! Layla has been throwing up throughout the night, so I've been doing laundry at insane times of the day, and I'm pretty sure Maleah doesn't want to miss out on anything, so she's been up too! We have missed out on more sleep in the past two weeks than we missed out with any of our newborns.

I sound like a big ol' complainer. Good thing the day time lends to lots of cuddling, big smiles from the little boy, and Maleah being compliant with all the craziness. But, please, could somebody take away our pests, sickness, and sleep issues?!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Our Last Swimming Hoorah.

It was another splendid weekend! We met up with Dallas's family in Dubuque Saturday afternoon for swimming fun, pizza, good hotel times, and more swimming. It was a blast! I finally remembered my camera. Here's some photos, in no order. You would surely think I could arrange these like I wanted, huh. I am apparently not nearly as technically savvy as I would like to be. Anyway, here goes...

Maleah and Wesley. By Sunday morning, these two had the slides mastered. They could have gone up and done and up and done for hours. Oh wait, they did. It was so sweet. They would wait for each other at the bottom, get so excited when the other came shooting down, and run up to the top again. Continue this cycle over and over. It was great.

Grandpa has a bum shoulder he had surgery on, so he hasn't been able to hold the kids for months. I think he was more than happy to be the Charlie keeper this weekend.

Then there's this wonderful man. We had a rough overnight. Layla gets sick quite often during the night. We were hoping we would get through the night with no throw up, but no such luck. Hotel rooms are a challenge with three small children the way it is, but add some nasty vomit (I won't even begin to tell you what she had eaten...), and things get even more trying.
He was in the bathroom cleaning blankets and jammies. He even laid down in the bed that was still wet from throw up. Yes, nasty.
But here's what I love most about him: after cleaning up, getting everyone settled again, and retreating to our third sleeping position of the night (in separate beds, boooo), he said from across the room, "Marissa." "Yes?" "I love you." I just smiled. This time of our life is not easy. And we are not perfect. But we are perfect for each other. Even when we were dead tired and dealing with the ickiest of ickies.

Maleah has gotten to be very brave. My little rule follower was even breaking the rules! She told me she went down upside down. Her guilty conscious always gets the best of her. She had loads of fun on this slide, and it was so great to watch her gain confidence with every time down.

I love this picture of Layla's face! Layla is definitely the most spirited child of ours, but she's not always the crazy lady she's cracked up tot be. She loved the slides, but was equally as happy to sit and watch the world go by. She goes crazy at the idea of going to the "mimming cool" and putting her suit on. Then we get there and she's totally chill.

Thee slides.

Charlie got a little swimming action himself. He could have cared less what he was doing. He hardly made a peep and just went with the flow. It makes chasing his two big sisters much easier when he happily obliges to doing whatever.

The clan. The two oldest are only 4 years old. The littlest lady, Elena, isn't in the picture.


Pretty sure Maleah could do this every single weekend. Also pretty sure she thinks this is what we do every single weekend. She is a little fish. There is no doubt this girl absolutely loves swimming. Now we're all practiced up for summer.
Oh, doesn't summer and sunshine sound so nice!!


Friday, March 4, 2011

New Mercies.

I woke up this morning thankful that our gracious Lord gives us new mercies each and every day. Even when I am not faithful, He always is. Even when I don't see goodness, He is always good. When it's hard for me to love, He reminds me of the love He shows me, unconditionally.

I can't pinpoint the pit I was in the last couple days. Group no sleep with minor annoyances and being a lady, and boom; more than one can handle! It's not like my days were horrible, but I just felt crabby. I felt disconnected from my husband (is there really worse feeling!). I even had lunch at my grandma's house, and yet felt out of sorts. I hate the feeling.

Last night I came home from teaching and my husband had a hot bubble bath waiting for me. Candles lit. Cherry Coke Zero with grenadine. (I kept reciting the line from Dumb & Dumber in my head: and then you go and totally redeem yourself! It's not like he was in big trouble, but well, ya know...) I got into jammies, went to bed early, had a great night sleep thanks to Dallas helping with all the night and morning duties, and voila - I woke up ready to tackle life again!

The crew and I. Ready for a new, fun day.

We had a fun morning of playing and storytime at the library. Everyone (but Maleah) is down for naps now. She got "Beauty and the Beast" from the library, and today is a special day because she gets to watch it while all the others sleep. She told me it's a "Maleah date." Well then. :)

We are off this weekend to our last swimming trip. We're headed with Dallas's family to Dubuque. It should be a great time, and we are looking forward to one last winter getaway before Daddy is pretty much obsolete for a couple months again.

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Charlie - 6 Months!


Here is goofball Layla. I was taking a picture of Charlie at six months, and of course she couldn't be left out.




Does it get any cuter than this?



Charlie Boy. 6 months old.

How can it be that our Charlie is already six-months-old?! I know it gets old to hear, but holy smokes the time has flown! Here is what he is up to at six months old...

Charlie can sit up. Charlie can roll from tummy to back. He gives everyone he sees a giant smile. He has one dimple on his left cheek. He has killer eyelashes. Charlie is a teensy thing, just like Maleah was. Last month he was in the 5% for his weight. We don't care one bit. In fact, I think it makes him extra cute. This sleeper is 3 months. But he is starting to wear mostly his 6 month clothing. Charlie loves his exersaucer. And oh man, does Charlie ever love his Praise Baby DVDs. Layla makes him nervous. But Maleah has the touch with him. Mostly he loves his daddy and mommy. Every time I hold him he tries to eat me up. Really, he does. And I feel the same about him.

I feel a very special bond with you, Charlie. I don't know if it's because you are a boy. Or maybe because there's a good chance you are my last baby. Maybe it is because the initial days of being pregnant with you weren't the best days we've had, and you are reminding me of God's faithfulness and goodness. I know one thing for sure. His plan is better. And you remind me of that truth every single day.

I can't believe you've been with us half a year already, sweet boy. I can only imagine the joy you will continue to bring. You are the sweetest. You are so loved. You have blessed your mommy so much.