Why me? Answered

Tonight Jenna might have received her answer to "Why me?" regarding the car accident she was a passenger in back in March that involved 4 surgeries, put her in a wheelchair for 3 months, boots for yet another 2 months, a lot of physical therapy and even more time in the pool to get back in shape for competitive swimming.

At our local fitness center after her daily 2 1/2 hours swim (over 4 miles), she discovered an elderly man who was purple and nearly unresponsive.  She pulled him from the hot tub putting him in the rescue position and remained by his side while staff and EMS arrived.

She's my hero .... and the hero to this grandpa and his family.  Sometimes you might never know "why me".

This was a sweet moment to see that even though she went through a long difficult experience, she blessed the life of another (although, I'd argue that she has touched many lives with her determination and positive outlook through this whole ordeal).

I love to see

I saw this on Julia's facebook page today.  This is pure joy for a parent.  Pure.

Julia wrote:  I love to see the temple, I'm going there ... today :)

More Fortunes!

The kids received fortune cookies this past weekend.

I had to laugh when Jenna read her fortune.   How true it is!!!  And yes, she did her chores on Saturday!

Kendall was excited when he read his.  The last time he received a fortune, he interpreted it a bit differently than I would.  He knew EXACTLY how it would come true!  (Fortune:  Soon a visitor shall delight you).

Buddy Club Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mike arrive tonight!!!  Julia and Jared arrive on Wednesday!!!

World Prematurity Day

In 2001 Kerst entered our family - a bit early.  2 months early.  He was 5 lbs 4 oz.  Thankfully he was breathing on his own - they were able to give me one dose of steroids to develop his lungs.  He still won a 1 month stay in the NICU.  We had many ups and downs during that time.  I journaled my experience on our family website.  It is amazing to see the emotions that occurred during that time.  It was a time of many blessings, tender mercies and miracles.

 Jaley with her life-size baby doll.  He was a perfect size for her!

Jenna with Kerst. 

Julia with Kerst. 

 Kerst having a spa day in the NICU.  

Kerst was in the NICU for 3 weeks and weighed his birth weight (5lbs 4 oz) when he arrived home.  He doubled his weight in a week when he was finally allowed to eat when and how much he wanted!

Kerst 4 months old

Fast forward to 2006.  To prevent a premature birth, I was monitored more closely and given steroid shots.  It was yet another time full of miracles and tender mercies as Kendall arrived 2 months early.  I almost didn't survive.  Jaley was a chronic sleep walker.  She came into our room in the middle of the night.  That woke me up.  I was in labor and didn't know it.  The doctors felt that with my blood pressure levels, toxic blood levels, etc, I probably would not have awakened and passed away in my sleep.  Jaley is my guardian angel :)

Kendall arrived weighing 4 lbs.  He would not have gained any more weight even if he lasted the final 2 months.  The placenta had stopped doing what it needed to do.  I developed preeclampsia overnight.  It was under control after several days in the hospital and then it spiked again and they had to do an emergency C-section to deliver Kendall.

Kendall was also in the NICU for 3 weeks.  He should have stayed longer, but since I was a "repeat offender" and they knew I knew how to raise a preemie, they sent Kendall home.  Kendall weighed 3 lbs 13 oz when he arrived home.

It took him a LONG time to gain weight.  We had to go in for weight checks weekly for awhile.

So thankful for modern medicine!  So thankful for my family!