New Hobby...and update on Katherine

When I get more made, I will post pictures of my new hobby. I have been making pacifier clips. I have a couple that were either given to us or we bought at the store....but the clip is so large it sticks out and gets in the way of things or stabs Owen. So, I decided to make my own! They are REALLY cute, if I do say so myself!! Need a baby shower gift?? :-)

We have come to the conclusion that Owen is starting to teeth. He loves nothing more these days than to get my (or Travis') finger in his mouth and bite down HARD. It actually hurts. I don't see any teeth or anything yet, so it will be a while. Poor tiny boy. I can tell it is bothering him. He seemed to like the cold teething toy I gave him today, but he wants me to hold it the entire time because he doesn't like the cold in his hands. That gets old. He isn't napping well, and he gets fussy sometimes...and he doesn't want to be put down much. This makes it increasingly difficult to get anything done. I am supposed to be packing for the move to Texas...but the boy doesn't feel good. Boo.

You should all read Katherine's mom's latest blog post (from Sunday) here. Also, you can keep track of her battle at www.katherinewolf.info and the facebook groups. The facebook groups are Pray for Katherine Arnold Wolf and Praying for Katherine Wolf.

Katherine loves Romans 8 and can recite it from memory. She encourages people to learn it. Go here to get on board to learn it for yourself. The site will help with some tricks. If you aren't interested, no worries. Just thought I would post it here. Some people (friends and family mainly I guess) might feel like prayer and learning Romans 8 are the only ways to help and feel useful. Katherine would love to know that her situation has prompted others to learn a chapter in the Bible that she loves.

Ok kids....my boy is sleeping, so I am going to as well!

Sweet moments

Today my friend Hannah and I loaded up our kids and went out to Westwood to the hospital to visit Katherine's family. (don't worry, the family is congregated down in a very large waiting room that isn't even in the main part of the hospital).

There weren't many people there when we were there. Katherine's mom got back from a break and was headed up to see Kat, so I asked if I could come along - mostly expecting an "only family can go up." But, to my surprise she told me to come along with her. Hannah watched Owen, and I went up with Kim (K's mom). I was bracing myself for the worst, based on this, written by Kat's mom. I wasn't expecting my friend to look like my friend.

What I saw was my usually bubbly and energetic friend held down by sickness and tubes and IV's. She had a patch over one eye, and her other eye was infected. She doesn't always have control over her eyes, so when her eye was on me I wasn't sure if she was looking at me or not. I'd like to think that she was. What I saw was my broken friend. She is only temporarily broken though, as I have faith that God will give her a miracle. Broken as she may be currently, she was still beautiful laying in that bed.

I told her the story of the snake visiting our mommy and me group (she organized the entire group in the first place...so she would have been there had she been able).

Her mom was amazing. I can't even describe her. Way stronger than I would be in that position- though that strength isn't her own I am sure. It was nice to see them interact - and Katherine was interacting in her own way, the best she could. She nodded her head in response to a few of her mom's questions. I could hear her voice in my head telling me something like I had to come up to her apartment and try these delicious cookies she had just made, because that is something she would call me about, and has before.

Then Katherine's dad and grandmother arrived, and I showed myself out and went back down to the lobby. While waiting for the elevator (which seemed like forever), I became very sad. Travis and I are moving in 2 weeks, and this is how we must leave our friends. I'll remember those delicious cookies though, and look forward to some more one day.

Keep praying.
________________________________________________________________

Another sweet moment: as Owen was laying on my tummy the other night I looked down to find him like this:
When I feed him, he folds his sweet little hands so nicely like this:
And look at this precious face:

SNAKES IN A PLAYGROUP!!!!

During our Tuesday playgroup today, I was sitting down in a nice shady area of the grass in the courtyard with 4 other ladies and their little ones. We were chatting and playing with the kids...I was tickling Owen when I heard my friends shrieking. I looked up just in time to see a 4 to 5 foot snake literally right behind (maybe a foot) Hannah (7 months pregnant) and her 18 month old, and Lyric and her 3 week old. Of course, I proceeded to FREAK OUT. We all scooped up our respective children and moved at the speed of light out of the area. As we were all moving quickly the snake raised his head up off the ground. YIKES!! Then he began slithering in my general direction again...I booked my booty and Owen's too up toward the clubhouse room screaming. (anyone that knows me well knows that I am TERRIFIED of snakes. I have nightmares about them. I have never actually seen one in person until today...I can pretty much guarantee a nightmare tonight). My heart was definitely working overtime and I had a mini anxiety attack.

Then Hannah called the campus police who sent out a campus firetruck. The guy couldn't find the snake...but he did mention that it could have been a rattle snake because it is rattle snake season. We told him we didn't see a rattle, and he said that we wouldn't necessarily see a rattle. AGHHH!! But, it was probably just a gardner (Spelling??). Nevertheless, it was SCARY!!!!!

sad...

i am sad tonight. please pray for my sweet friend.

updates and pictures

Travis and I went with a couple of our friends today to UCLA Medical Center to see Jay (Katherine's husband). Katherine is in ICU, and only family is allowed to see her currently. Jay was happy to see us, and seemed to be in good spirits.

Yesterday was not a good day for Katherine. She was basically unresponsive for most of the day, which was a step backward from the day before when she was so responsive. The doctors went in to replace or do something with a drain/tube in her brain that measures the pressure/swelling on her brain. When they took the tube out they found a blood clot and flushed it out. When they replaced the tube tons of fluid came out and Katherine was immediately responsive. So, last night was a good night. Today has been a good day as well, and she is still responding. When we were at the hospital her mom told us that she was telling Katherine to recite Romans 8 while she was in her cat scan. Her mom started to recite it and was botching it up, and Katherine was becoming visibly frustrated. Jay asked her if she could say it better, and Katherine nodded. The doctors are all amazed at Katherine's progress, and how quickly she is progressing after the surgery - especially when she wasn't expected to make it through the surgery. This just further proves the power of prayer. So, keep praying. It is working.

What really got to me last night was the fact that Katherine is missing so much time with her little boy. I miss 5 hours a day with Owen while I am at work right now, and that is hard enough. I can't imagine how she is missing James and all the little moments with him.

Katherine was recently on an episode of Are you Smarter Than a Fifth Grader. Below I have posted a picture of Katherine, and if you click on "are you smarter than a fifth grader" above it will take you to a clip of the show she was on - so you can put a face with the name to pray for.


Ok, now on to lighter topics. Owen is 3 months old!! He is so sweet and cute I could just eat him up!! :-) Here are a few pictures.

the latest

Katherine is no longer in the medically induced coma, but she is still not fully awake and aware. She is still responding to commands, and was able to squeeze her husband Jay's hand, and she apparently is opening her eyes and looking at people. Her doctor is encouraged.

She does, however, have a bit of fever that they are watching closely. She also has some swelling on her brain, which can happen after her type of surgery - somewhat common. But both of these things can be concerning, so we need to pray about them.

Please continue to pray. She is still not out of the woods.

(if any of you are reading the updates on facebook, sometimes they call Katherine's husband Jason - his real name - but we call him Jay here).

Tomorrow we will update, but it will also be a light post, as tomorrow is Owen's 3 month birthday!! He is SO cute!

a new update

The doctors were able to remove all of the AVM from Katherine's brain!! Not only that, but she raised up her hand and wiggled her fingers, and tried to take out her feeding tube - which leads them to believe that it was bothering her, so her swallow reflex is not affected by the surgery which is one thing they were worried about. Also, she was able to wiggle all ten toes on demand more than once. She is still in a medically induced coma for the next 35 ish hours. But, the good news is she is NOT paralyzed, as she has been moving her extremities.

Her baby boy is taking a bottle like a champ (mom was breastfeeding), and seems to be holding up quite well regardless of all of the stress.

This situation is not resolved, and Katherine still has a long road ahead. Please continue to pray.

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed to let us know you were praying. For the next couple of days there will be a prayer meeting here at 7 am and 5 pm pacific time. If you can join us then, please do! Otherwise, any time you think of it, lift up a prayer. It is working. God is good.

Update on our friend...

Our friend Katherine underwent emergency brain surgery last night. It was supposed to last 6-8 hours, and it ended up lasting 12 hours due to some ruptures that apparently happened during the surgery. To our understanding, Katherine suffered from a condition called AVM that she was unaware of. She is currently in ICU, and they are not aware yet (to our knowledge) what damage there is. She is in a coma, though we don't know if it is medically induced or not.

Katherine's husband, Jay, is in Law School with Travis...and is due to graduate on May 16 with Travis. They have a 6 month old baby named James.

Please continue to pray for the Wolf family. If any of you have facebook, you can join a group called "pray for Katherine Arnold Wolf".

We will update as we know more. Thanks everyone!

(for some reason the links above are not underlined. The bold green words are clickable).

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

There is a group meeting at 5 pm Pacific Time (7 pm Texas time, 8 pm East Coast time) to prayer. Wherever you are, if you can, please pray at that time. Let's cover this family in a circle of prayer all over the country. Please pray.

Urgent: Our Friends Need Your Prayers

A couple of our friends need your prayers right now. Earlier today our friend Katherine passed out, luckily her husband Jay was there to revive her. They took her into the hospital and she has some serious bleeding on her brain.

Katherine is currently undergoing emergency brain surgery at the UCLA medical center in Westwood. The surgery began at just before 5pm and will last 6 to 8 hours if it goes well. Jay and Katherine have a 6 month old son, so please pray that his mommy will be ok.

Please pray for Katherine, Jay, James, and all the doctors currently performing the surgery.

Thanks,
Travis

Need Information...Again

Hey Mommies,

In a few short weeks, Owen and I (and CiCi) will be getting on a plane to move to Texas!! My question is: what do I need to take on the plane/trip with me?? And advice for air travel with a wee one?

Help me out ladies.

THANKS!!

Moving Right Along....

Well, I went back to work on Monday. It totally sucks, but I am only working 8:30 to 1:30 and only for 3 weeks total. So, almost one week down, 2 more to go. My sister has been here this week to take care of Owen while I am at work and Travis is in class. Owen made a new friend. :-)

We move back to Texas in 4 WEEKS!!!! I can't wait! While my sister has been here we packed up a few boxes...so the process is underway! My cousin has a rent house in Austin and we are going to rent it!!! WOOHOO!! It will be so great!

My cousin Rachael has been letting us use her Acura SUV to get around. It is SO DIFFICULT to fit ANYTHING in our cars with all of Owen's gear. We fit us and Owen in his car seat, and we could fit one more person. In the trunk: the stroller. That's it. Grocery shopping is a nightmare, any other kind of shopping is a nightmare too. I mean, ABSOLUTE nightmare. There is no room at all for anything. We are going to HAVE to get a larger vehicle very soon, or I will completely lose my mind. It has been so nice to use Rach's SUV and not worry about fitting all of us and all Owen's gear, and any groceries or other things we buy. And it is SO MUCH more comfortable. Our time with the SUV is coming to an end, and I am VERY sad!! I mean seriously, I cannot tell you how much I am totally dreading going back to our little cars.

Today a couple friends and I threw a "Sprinkle" for our friend that is having a second baby girl. Instead of having a regular shower, we did a "sprinkle" - a smaller version....people gave money ahead of time and we got a large gift card to Babies R Us and a swing and a "Hooter Hider" (he he, yes, they are AWESOME for nursing!). She didn't need more clothes or anything since she already has a girl, so this was a perfect little party. I made 2 diaper cakes, some super cure cookies, and cute fruit-ka-bobs.

Below are some pictures of the "sprinkle", and some other random pics.

hmm...REALLY?!?!

ok, so you know how you sit at your computer and type random things into Google...otherwise known as you "google" something?? Well, I was typing random things in tonight and came up with a website that tells about ACU. I don't know, like the Wikipedia of universities or something.

According to this website, apparently ACU has a fight song??

Fight Song

ACU Fight Song (a.k.a. Wildcat Victory)
Wildcats! Hold that line! Hold that line!
Wildcats! Now's the time! Now's the time!
Strive on! Drive on! We must make a score
For ACU, as we have before.

Wildcats! Throw a pass! Throw a pass!
We must win this game.
Come on and fight,
Fight, fight, and give us just another
Wildcat victory.

W-I-L-D-C-A-T-S!
Purple! White!
Purple! White!
Fight! Fight! Fight!



What is this?? I have NEVER heard this before. Have any of you fellow ACU alum heard this?? Now, the end part I am familiar with...the very last 4 lines. But other than that, I have never heard this. Was it retired 50 years ago or something?? I'm so confused.

Owen's first hickey.

Yes folks. You read that correctly. As my tiny boy was resting on my shoulder, he was also sucking on his wrist. A while later I noticed a spot on that very same wrist...a hickey!

View the evidence:

The lighting wasn't the best, but you can see the long spot there on his arm.

Yesterday we went out to run errands. As we drive through Malibu Canyon to get to the Valley, we go through a tunnel. Well, obviously inside the tunnel is somewhat dark, and there are lights that seem to flash as you drive through. Owen was mesmerized. Here is a series of pictures.

"Hi mom. cool camera"

"I like riding in the car."

"really? another picture?"

"Whoa! This is crazy!"

"did you catch that, mom?"

Every time we go through the tunnel his eyes get HUGE!

Here are some other random pictures.

talking to daddy

daddy is funny.
I like to touch mom's face.
"what's up?"

Pray for this family NOW

Hi guys. I have been reading this blog for a while now. You should check it out.

The wife has Cystic Fibrosis and is in surgery to get a double lung transplant as we speak.

www.cfhusband.blogspot.com

oh good grief

UPDATE: first of all, I'd like to point out that no less then TEN people have read this blog post since I posted it, yet only ONE person has commented on it. COME ON PEOPLE. Don't stalk. Comment. :-) Seriously.

Secondly, as soon as I posted this, Owen woke up. We played a while, ate, and then played some more. Then, with a rather large smile on his tiny face, Owen proceeded to vomit IN my mouth, in my hair, on my shirt, down my shirt, and everywhere in between. Sick. I had to take another shower.

I am back to the old, "my house is not clean" bit. Seriously, it is annoying. I am not saying that my little distraction is not a GREAT distraction, but I know MANY other mothers that somehow manage to have a SPOTLESS house and have a tremendously happy baby to boot. Tell me: HOW?!?!?

Please, tell me your secrets. I constantly apologize to anyone that knocks on our door about the state of our abode. Their response, "you have a good excuse." While I am sure this is true, that response tends to wear on me a bit. Not that I would rather them say "yeah lady! this place looks like trash!" But, nonetheless, I shouldn't have an excuse for not keeping my house.

MOMMIES, YOUR MISSION: GIVE ME ALL OF YOUR HOUSEKEEPING POINTERS!! How do you do it?? And I am serious this time, if you read this blog at all, even if you NEVER comment: if you are a mom I NEED you to tell me. My sanity is on the line people.

The laundry is endless. Yes, I did know this would happen before little Owen arrived, but it seems that even if I do find the time to actually do the laundry 8 times out of 10 I don't have time to fold it. Sometimes for a few days. Don't judge me people, I have only been doing this for going on 10 weeks now.

Before I move on, let me just say that reruns of Dawson's Creek have kept me somewhat looking forward to my early morning wake up call (around 6:30). And, on that same note, reruns of 8 Simples Rules have kept Travis and I entertained at about 3:45 AM when we BOTH get up for the one time in the night that Owen wakes up. Yes, we both get up. This has been going on since Owen was born. Not that we are both necessary, but for some reason we both get up. Makes for good company, and thank goodness for DVR's (or the cheaper version of TIVO).

Just a few things these days:

1. Owen is becoming quite interested in his toys. He likes to play on his gym/mat thingy, and he is actually reaching for the toys that hang around him.

2. He has this one toy that he really loves. It is a little green elephant that you pull and it giggles and shakes. He LOVES this elephant. He gets the most GINORMOUS smile on his face, it is so cute.

3. I think he is on the verge of a giggle. He has almost done it a couple times, but not just yet.

4. He really enjoys making spit bubbles with his mouth. That has made for many a soaked outfit.

5. He only wakes up once in the night to eat. Between 3:30 and 4:30. So that means we sleep. It is nice. Although, Owen has been sleeping in at least 4 hour stretches since he came home from the hospital, so we were never too deprived.

Well, he has just fallen asleep while playing with his toys on his mat. So, I guess I should go try to get a couple things done while he sleeps.

rough week

Owen had a tough week. He had his shots on Tuesday, and was just not himself until today. He was so fussy (which he NEVER is), and actually screaming sometimes. He also had diarrhea (sorry if that is too much info) for a while. He wasn't smiley, he wouldn't eat much, and he didn't want to play. Basically this was a really rotten week. We took him back to the doctor yesterday because we were so worried about him. Here are some before and after pics:

This was in the doc's office about 10 minutes before his shots, happy and playing with daddy.

This was when we got home from the doc's office after the shots. Poor baby boy.

The shots sucked. I hated it. The last one was the worst because he lifted his entire upper body off the table and screamed bloody murder.

But today he is much better. He smiled most of the day, even as he spit up on me three times in the car. Yes, he barfed while smiling. Crazy kid. (I was feeding him in the car while Travis was in the store picking up something we had dropped off to be fixed. We had been out for a couple hours and the boy was very hungry!!) We were both covered. :-)

Here is a picture of him that I took this morning in his Bumbo chair. I couldn't resist. And I was singing and dancing, so the look on his face is pretty hilarious.

Here are just a few pictures from the couple days before his shots.

Owen says, "Please dad. not again."

And here we have the life of a smile.

"I think I can, I think I can..."
"I can! I can!"

"If only I had something to put in my mouth."

"OH!!!"
"Maybe I can get my hands in my mouth."
"Yep."
"That was hard work."
Wiped Out.

Need Info from Mommies

Owen just had his 2 month shots on Tuesday.

What was your child's reaction to the shots, and how long did it last??

Please: if you are against immunizations and did not have your child immunized, do not comment or tell me why to not have my child immunized. I respect your decision, but that is not why I am asking. So please, respect my decision to have my child immunized and leave it at that. Thanks.

Paci's Beware...

...If Owen gets his mouth around you, he will suck the life out of you. View the evidence:
Friday was Travis' birthday. We didn't do a whole lot...but we went to eat at his place of choice, and then we came home for cake.
We went to Target the other day...and Owen pretty much let us know when he had had enough.

This is what his shirt says in the last two pics:
We sort of caught one of his smiles the other day, and he just happens to be wearing a REALLY cute outfit.

And last but not least: Yesterday was Owen's first trip to church AND his first trip to the beach. All on Easter Sunday. He looked SUPER cute in his Easter sweater vest outfit. And cousin Rachael came over for Easter lunch and then went with us to the beach and took some pictures of the family.





My baby is TWO MONTHS OLD today!!!! Unbelievable.