Weekend with the grandparents (Shiflet's)

East Texas Sunset...beautiful picture Emily.

How many Shiflet's can you fit on a golf cart?

J.Michael having a great time riding around on the 4-wheeler.

Kathlena's favorite was to ride around with PawPaw on the
Golf cart.

Andrew's favorite of course, was fishing with Daddy.



Nice catch! Andrew was plucking them out of the
pond like apples off a tree. He is such a natural
fisherman. He is even getting to where he will
throw his own fish back into the water.



Emily caught this great picture of he Grandmother Shiflet. As
Emily was doing her favorite thing...taking pictures of the trip.

Mommy and blossoming baby Shiflet were doing their best to stay cool in the shade.

We had a very nice weekend of fun, splashing in the kiddie pool, fishing, riding anything with a motor and cooking out. David and I stayed at a nice little Bed and Breakfast over night just around the corner which was very nice...A/C and showers and still close by. The kids had fun sleeping in the camper (camper-ah, as Andrew called it) .

Andrew Looses his other Front tooth

Andrew has lost his other front tooth today. He has been wiggling it for quite some time now and he finally pulled it out! He was so proud. He immediately noticed that certain sounds were now harder to pronounce. It was so cute though. His other permanent front tooth has begun to show and I am sure this one will be coming in in no time. That little boy smile is growing up too fast into a young man, but I am so thankful to have these milestones with Andrew.

First pictures of Baby Shiflet #5

Face shot of Baby Shiflet

Our 4D pictures of Baby Shiflet. He/she
as we decided to wait to find out if it is a
boy or girl was so active that it was difficult to
get a clear pictures of him/her. This was a pretty
good picture though.

From the side of the face such a sweet profile.

Anxiously awaiting the sonogram to begin.



Kathlena wanted to see those pictures right away. She
was so cute right up next to my side during the whole sonogram.
She was very excited to see baby shiflet, only I think she thought
we were going to "get him out" today. We had to tell her that
baby brother or sister needs a little more time before she'll be ready
to be born.

After our ultrasound we took the kids to a nearby park in downtown Houston to have our picnic lunch. It was a little warm so we decided it would be a great afternoon to go and see a movie. We decided to see the new movie UP, (click here to see the trailer) and they even had a showing in 3D which was a first for Andrew and Kathlena and it had been a very long time for Emily and J.Michael. Here are a few pictures at the theatre before the show.


We liked the movie, but Mom needed a box of tissues! It is
a sweet movie about a widower and a little boys adventure together.

Andrew Post Surgery Update

Andrew is doing so well recovering from his surgery. We visited Dr. Mazow today and he was very impressed with Andrew's progress. He said he was healing up very well and that he could resume all activities except for swimming for 1 more week. He also gave us the go ahead to stop the antibiotic eye drops and only do the anti-inflamatory drops 2 times a day until Saturday. Yipeee!

I am still in awe when I look into Andrew's eyes to see both eyes looking at me. For all the struggle it has been to get to this point I am so thankful for this surgery. I really believe it has changed his life. He is still seeing double at this point, but this could be a good thing as his brain is trying to recalubrate and see with both eyes. We are hoping this is what is taking place. We go back to Dr. Mazow in 3wks to check his improvement. The above pictures testify to Andrew's excitment over getting to go outside again and be a boy! You can also see those beautiful eyes and how happy and proud he is of his surgery. Thank you sweet friends for walking through and praying through this time with us.

Baby Shiflet 21wks

Mommy and Daddy and Baby Shiflet


Baby Shiflet has been on the move this month. I believe my bump is more of a mound now that is rapidly eclipsing my feet and sometimes Kathlena...heehee. We are loving every minute of this little bundle of joy that we can only imagine about now. It reminds me of the days before our referral...waiting, waiting, wondering what our child(ren) would be like. Such a fun time.

Daddy got to feel baby Shiflet moving around this past week too. The kids have tried a few times, but little bit was being shy. I keep telling them it won't be long and he/she won't be able to hide and they will get to see and feel him moving around.

I am feeling great. While heartburn has become my new companion and some swelling in my legs I am otherwise feeling really good. We go this Sat. for our ultra sound...we are so excited to get a glimpse at this little one. We have however decided (I think!?!) to not find out the gender and let it be a surprise. Kids are a little disappointed, but this baby will be here before we know it. Here are some cute pics of me with each of the kids...you can see the excitement on their faces!

Look at how tall Emily is...I can't help but
remember it seems like yesterday that she was
right here in my tummy and now she is as tall as
I am...time flies so quickly.

Andrew and Mommy with baby.

Andrew giving baby brother or sister some

"sugars"

J.Michael and Mom...again look at how tall

he is...yikes and only 11yr old. It won't be

long before I am having to look up to talk to

him.

hugging baby

Kathlena giving baby shiflet kisses. Every

time she sees me holding another baby she

says "Baby Shiflet come out?" She can hardly

wait too.

Kathlena practicing for when the baby comes.

Spring Piano Recital

Emily and J.Michael had their spring recital. They both have worked very hard this year and been very disciplined to practice, practice, practice their piano. We were so blessed by their efforts and how the Lord is growing this love for music, especially hymns of the faith in their hearts. Emily has really enjoyed learning how to arrange music this year and has found a love for the creative and challenging part of exploring music in this way.

Here is the video we took of them. J.Michael played Jesus, Thank You; In Christ Alone/Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone and Emily played Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent. Both enjoyed the opportunity to play on a Grand Piano, it is quite different, but sounds so beautiful. We are so grateful for their wonderful piano teacher, Miss Sarah Hulin who inspires them and encourages them to play unto the Lord.

Taking the Bounce out of Tigger

Andrew and Kathlena watching "The Adventures of Winnie
the Pooh" one of their favorites. They are cuddled up in
the blanket Emily knitted for Andrew.

Well I have to admit I am feeling a bit like Rabbit. Andrew is doing very well, but keeping him from bouncing around...well, is a challenge. Bouncy, trouncy Andrew is the norm so post surgery no bouncy, trouncy is less than desirable for our little Tigger.

He is feeling pretty good today, but has mentioned he is having some eye pain and when we use the drops it is stinging now. I am thinking this is a sign of healing and a good thing, but not pleasant. His bottom eye lid looks more swollen to me, but then puffy eyes are to be expected. I have always been told that for some reason the 2nd-3rd day post op is sometimes the hardest days. I am not sure if that is because of the healing process or if it is that the body has completely gotten rid of all the anesthesia by then. At any rate we are taking it easy today. I wanted Andrew to rest so that we could all go to Emily and J.Michael's piano recital tonight.

Emily and J.Michael went blueberry picking with the Hoods today. I am sure we will have pictures to post of this too.

TTFN for you Winnie the Pooh fans!

Post-Surgery-Removing the Bandage

Andrew slept for quite a while...almost 3pm.
We woke him up to try and eat a little, remove
his bandage and give him his first round of eye
drops since surgery. Here he is sitting up and
drinking some water and eating some crackers...
he was really thirsty as you can imagine.

He told us he felt a little queasy walking around. We set
him back up in our bed to remove his bandages and see
his eye for the first time.

Lots of tape to remove carefully.

The hardest part removing the last part.

Andrew was such a trooper though. His eye

looked fantastic. We had been prepared

for bruising especially since he is so fair skinned,

but not a single bruise. His eye was really not

even as swollen as we would have thought. Praise

the Lord. Andrew was not in pain he could feel

the stitches, but that was all.

Some light sensitivity, but very normal.

Wow! truly amazing. His eye is straight and they are tracking

together nicely already.

Here is Andrew sporting his new hat that was the packaging from PawPaw and Grandmommie's gift...homemade play dough. What a thoughtful gift, thank you! Andrew was so excited to get a package and he said, "Grandmommie even made it in my favorite color, yellow"

He is also eating his requested V-8 blueberry pomegranate homemade Popsicle. He is keeping

everything down despite feeling a little queasy. I gave him some peppermint water to help with

the nausea some. We have also had him keep an ice cold rag soaked in Ledum (essential oil, anti-inflammatory) water. His swelling has reduced significantly. He is seeing double vision which contributes to the nausea and dizziness, but that is to be expected for the first few days. In fact we believe this to be a good sign that his brain is recognizing the eye in its new position. Dr. Mazow said it should clear up in a few days.

Kathlena has been checking in on Andrew as he has been sleeping on and off today. She told me she just wanted to watch Andrew sleep that she knew he couldn't play yet. Such a sweet little sister. She has been very concerned about Andrew and his surgery. She keeps telling Andrew that she is having her surgery tomorrow or Monday. Because what ever Andrew does Kathlena wants to do also. Even after Andrew explained all that he remembered today she was still ready for her "surgery". Perhaps a good thing that she is so ready as she may very well one day have the same surgery...only time will tell. If she does need it, we couldn't be more pleased with Dr. Mazow and count it a privilege to have him do the surgery.

Well it has been an exciting day and Mommy is quite tired. Even though I snuck in a nap with Andrew too. The boys are sleeping in the guest room tonight in case Andrew needs to get up or Mommy needs to get up and check on him. I thought the airplane bed was just to much for Andrew and Mommy to navigate in the dark and a fall for either of us would not be good.

Andrew's Eye Surgery

Andrew's surgery went very well and quite quickly. Here we are in the lobby filling out the last of the paperwork to get checked in. We made it downtown in record time...just over 50mins with no traffic so, we were early and that was a good feeling.




Here Andrew is opening his toy the nurses gave him to play with
to pass the time. He also received a star over his left eye to make
sure they worked on the correct eye.

Andrew and Daddy setting up his aquatic figures. Andrew was a little
nervous and the fish were a great distraction and way to pass the time.

We opted for the "goofy" juice that helped Andrew to relax.
He was a little concerned about us leaving him while he was in surgery.
Within about 15-20 he was giggly and very tired. We were right at the
entrance to the O.R. so Andrew got to see lots of people young and old
be taken to surgery before he went in. I think this helped him too, to
see what would happen when it was his turn. When it was his turn he
went without a peep or reservation...he was ready.

After a little over an hour we were called back to talk to Dr.
Mazow and he was quite pleased with the surgery and said
Andrew was doing great. We were then sent down to see
Andrew in recovery. He was still asleep when we first saw him. It
wasn't too long before we were able to get him to stir as I
whispered "what ice cream are you ready to go get?" The
anesthesiologist told us it might take longer for him to wake
up since he had the "goofy" juice. He woke up fairly quickly,
but a little groggy as you can see below.

He was soon ready to drink some apple juice and wanted to play
with his mask they let him keep. He did end up with some
bandages for the ride home to keep dirt out. We will take them
off once we are home and he is settled. He also kept telling us
that " I didn't feel or hear anything" Just as we had hoped he
will likely not remember much of this.

We had a wonderful recovery nurse, Teresa,
who helped us get going quickly. She packed us
with snacks and drinks for all of us as she knew
we had a long drive home. She was a real blessing
and pictured below pushing Andrew to the car
in a wheel chair which he was really excited
to ride in.



Andrew slept the whole way home and didn't have any trouble with nausea...PTL! That was an answered prayer as getting sick was a big concern with a long trip. As soon as we were home sisters and brothers greeted him, but he was really tired so he went straight to bed and is still sleeping now. I will update when he wakes up. We haven't removed the bandages yet since he was so tired we thought best for him to sleep with it on to not rub his eye in his sleep.

Thank you sweet friends and family for your prayers, calls, emails, and txt msgs of encouragement we are very blessed and grateful to the Lord for all that He has done today.

Andrew's Surgery Update

Andrew will have his surgery around 8am tomorrow. We will be arriving for pre-op around 7am which means we will be heading out from the house around 5:30am. Andrew's surgery should be about 45mins-1 hour with an additional hour in recovery.

It all seems relatively simple until I factor in that this is my child which makes it anything, but simple to Mommy. With much prayer I am in a good place knowing that despite the complexity and number of people involved in making this surgery happen who will only know us by a pre-op number; I know that ultimately Andrew is in the most capable hands...the Lord's. We pray for precision and wisdom for Dr. Mazow whom we are very confident is exactly the surgeon Andrew needed.

Andrew is so ready for this surgery. He was telling us at dinner last night that he cannot wait to be able to see better and be able to read. Now, we had to explain to him that we will still be working on his reading as that is learned not acquired through surgery. But, I do have to wonder if in some way he is correct and that he will be reading soon with his corrected vision. By sound and large letters he is sounding out and "reading" simple words. The phonics part makes absolute sense to him and he is so auditory that he hears the distinct sounds and can say them (well most, blends are still a challenge) . I cannot at this moment imagine how much this will change him and the continued phenomenal growth we will see in his life.

Andrew will be the second patient in line tomorrow. Join us as we pray for a safe ride to and from Gramercy Outpatient Clinic, no complications with anestesia and surgery itself. We are so thankful that the Lord hears our feeble prayers and for His great love and mercy towards Andrew.

"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:30-32