tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368205952024-03-07T16:43:52.992-08:00My Life, My journeyWhat a life. I kept a crazy detailed daily look at my life from 2006-2010. Then marriage and children happened. God still keeps things interesting though. Now I have an amazing wife and 2 beautiful daughters. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind & strength. This is my life. Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01496774840232416833noreply@blogger.comBlogger1145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-78119188567808395262020-11-09T11:52:00.000-08:002020-11-09T11:52:06.590-08:00Just an update. Ya know, after years. . . . . <p>Hilary (wife) and I have lived in Kentucky for almost 8 years. We have 2 daughters, Louisa 4 years, and Margaret (Maggie) 17 months. Still have the dog, Jackson. I love my job (Industrial Sales), and have even worked my way to be a branch manager. www.netherlandrubber.com </p><p>Here are some pictures, and a video. They pretty much describe my current home life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dycx-GlycbPaQyFEg06wqWYnpJghyEJK7prhrB-NaHHCdqotoHVxQbowkWs5qOzUQ4dbsMRTTx7WcY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><br /><p>This was a video taken, just a normal day in the Riley household. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfk7XoGbHvolLMo0gf1JspXpWxjWfXextpZZIMHl96tWAXPOAPaWyzBpqxIyno4OYo1QIZtBXjoV2aoCf1DkXblXLoNTLrWJwh01EvIkPaQ4SNqLXbL1MOSCo9UzS-zKnlBhkIg/s2048/Louisa+the+SUPER+HERO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfk7XoGbHvolLMo0gf1JspXpWxjWfXextpZZIMHl96tWAXPOAPaWyzBpqxIyno4OYo1QIZtBXjoV2aoCf1DkXblXLoNTLrWJwh01EvIkPaQ4SNqLXbL1MOSCo9UzS-zKnlBhkIg/s320/Louisa+the+SUPER+HERO.JPG" /></a></div>This is my beautiful daughter Louisa, ready to be a super hero for Halloween. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBYaIgH6UTEbLAQ6iaGZCHig-_A2oK-nrOcilr7pAa5sCy72tgP8SR1u2BD4JLY9qD3w3rDxOaEYaNcczvuLp4VtMB0JsYSB0IvV_cHGdgwbcSHj4WVJu6FV3oqRuAVNMVgPHrg/s2048/Maggie+the+OWL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBYaIgH6UTEbLAQ6iaGZCHig-_A2oK-nrOcilr7pAa5sCy72tgP8SR1u2BD4JLY9qD3w3rDxOaEYaNcczvuLp4VtMB0JsYSB0IvV_cHGdgwbcSHj4WVJu6FV3oqRuAVNMVgPHrg/s320/Maggie+the+OWL.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>This is my Maggie, totally ready to be an OWL for Halloween. And yes, she really doesn't smile all that much, not like her sister. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYjkBkI27GLez1C2yCJiahq6IEihvxnW_eGNf4qe6Imsg8WhvIlQqjdfWzac0pWfJGNSYsxR7k7j8Gy3JvZ-0IZ5fTloYaLLJuel8-aRB8-RedTNUkEpuDZ5s0aMZ_J_VKcbBFw/s2048/My+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1244" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYjkBkI27GLez1C2yCJiahq6IEihvxnW_eGNf4qe6Imsg8WhvIlQqjdfWzac0pWfJGNSYsxR7k7j8Gy3JvZ-0IZ5fTloYaLLJuel8-aRB8-RedTNUkEpuDZ5s0aMZ_J_VKcbBFw/s320/My+Family.jpg" /></a></div>I love the life that God has given me. My family is amazing. My goodness, see how much has happened in just the 3 years since the last post. Louisa is a little girl!!! Love it. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, that's all I have for now. </div>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01496774840232416833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-27654047140299419822017-04-18T03:22:00.000-07:002017-04-18T03:22:23.409-07:00Trailblazers<h2 align="center">
Trailblazers</h2>
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Recently logged on Mike's facebook page. I do this from time to time and yes I know it is cheating. Over a year ago I decided to withdraw from facebook and every now and then when I need a fix I will vicariously live through Mike on facebook. While on the social media time-sucker I looked up Born this Way from the A&E network. This is pretty crazy but I remember when Mike and I were in the hospital post-delivery room the Season Premier was the day after Louisa was born. I remember smiling at Mike and wishing we had cable so I could watch it. <br />
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During the episode Megan's mom, Kris Bomgaar shared Megan's birth story. She was 23 years old and found out about Megan having Down syndrome and a serious heart condition in the same day. While Megan's mom was sharing her birth story I was weeping, of course, because that is what I do. It takes me back to our story, not only the day I met Louisa but the serious heart condition we faced and the nagging fears of surgery. After listening to her story I was filled with an undying gratitude.<br />
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When I was pregnant with Louisa I found two blogs that rocked my world. When I was feeling particularly scared I would open up these blogs and allow myself to be reminded I was not alone. The first is written by a beautiful brave Momma, Kelle Hampton. Her blog is at Kellehampton.com. As I read Kelle and Nella's story for the first time I was comforted by the raw honesty of her words. Kelle is so genuine and brave. Her vulnerability shed light on my grief and 'loss'. I realized I was not alone.<br />
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The second blog revealed itself more as a divine intervention. While pregnant with Louisa I would incessantly google the words 'Harmony Trisomy Test: False Positives'. The Harmony test was the non-invasive blood test I took to see if Louisa had Trisomy 21. If you haven't read our Diagnosis story you can find that <a href="http://surroundedbygrace.blogspot.com/2016/07/i-thought-i-was-ready-diagnosis.html">here</a>.(It is a very long emotional post... consider yourself warned)<br />
After weeks of my unsettled investigation on the statistics for False:Positive test I came across this blog, <a href="http://www.newsanchortohomemaker.com/down-syndrome-diagnosis-story/">News Anchor to Homemaker.</a><br />
I was drawn to Jill's story and her faith. At the time I had not found a lot of reading material that included ones faith when talking about Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) because it is a 'thing'... a chromosome issue. I was finding article after article from the medical perspective and finding very little from the eyes of a mother. When I found Jill's blog I was late in my third trimester and I remember clinging to every word. My elevated frustration towards the Lord had lessened and I was ready to listen. After reading her blog I felt ready to fight for my child and her future. I felt excited to meet Louisa and see how she would impact the world. </div>
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That is why I have so much gratitude to those that have gone before me. I am having a hard time finding the words to express my appreciation. I think about Traci and Emily Brewer. Traci is the director of DSACK, Down Syndrome Association Of Central Kentucky. I think about Kris Bomgaar and Megan. I think about my friend Morgan Schafer and her daughter Gracie. I think about therapist that have pushed for early intervention for our babies. I think about Doctor's that specialize in Down syndrome. I think about our Cardiologist who when asked by my husband, "What if she does have Down syndrome?" looked at him and said, "You will be her biggest advocate." I am so thankful we were protected (mostly) from Doctor's encouraging us to abort our baby or give her up for adoption. I am grateful to our pediatrician who measures Louisa, solely on the typical milestone scale even after I tell him it is okay to measure her on the Down syndrome scale.</div>
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I often hear stories from friend's who now have children with Down syndrome in their 20's and some of the issues they faced. This journey has been difficult, yes, but if I am being honest, I wouldn't even know where to start fighting for my child without these resources. Signing Louisa up for a Medicaid waiver was insanely complicated but overall I have not had to fight like parents before me. I was gifted with a great First Steps Case Manager and OT. We have an incredible Cardiologist that loves her job so much she is 80 and still sees patients. Louisa is currently in an exceptional daycare and on the wait-list for the Child Development Center of the Bluegrass where she will be taught with children that have special needs and typical children.<br />
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Thank you! Thank you to all that have gone before me and fought hard for your child(ren). I am thankful for the hospitals that have taken great care of L. I am grateful for the other new mommas that have babes with Down syndrome that I can turn to when I have questions. I am grateful for the students and families that have fought, hard, to enforce the IDEA and the judicial interpretations that have been won through the Supreme Court. Thank you for fighting for the education for your student because of you I have an easier path and I have courage to fight for the best opportunities for Louisa. I am grateful for the real words said on the blogs I found in the darkest days. I am grateful to all that read our blog and support our little family. Thank you for your kindness.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-20830126077300191292017-04-01T17:45:00.002-07:002017-04-01T17:45:53.221-07:00When the Bubble Bursts<h2 style="text-align: center;">
When the Bubble Bursts</h2>
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Recently our little family of three took a vacation to Destin, Florida. Mike and I had planned the trip long before Louisa was born and after our naiveness wore off we realize why new parents don't often take vacations. The trip was a perfect storm of adversity and strain. Louisa got sick prior to departure and after a visit to her beloved pediatrician it was confirmed she had an ear infection. We hoped for the best and still proceeded with the plan. </div>
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We tried to take walks on the beach and go out to dinner but it typically ended with Mike and I taking turns inhaling our food and Louisa yelling in discomfort. After a couple days in Florida I started to feel this weight on my shoulders. I couldn't explain it. I started to feel insecure. In Lexington we are in a bubble. We have our family and then we have our friends, which I consider them just an extension of our family. People know Louisa and love her regardless of the Downs syndrome. While we were in Florida I felt like I had to explain her to the servers or people on the beach. I felt like I had to protect her from their judgements or negative thoughts. I was in the midst of some serious spiritual warfare and was failing to lay my insecurities before the Lord. </div>
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Towards the end of our trip after sleepless nights and stress Mike sent me to get a massage. The massage was by far the best massage I had ever had. As I opened the door excited to share my experience with Mike I was startled by a big, "Surprise," coming from my husband and some old/new friends. </div>
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Mike had arranged for Morgan, Chad and Gracie to come and spend the last three days with us at the condo. I couldn't have dreamt of a better surprise. Morgan and I went to middle school and high school together and after Louisa was born we reconnected. Gracie is their 4-year-old (soon to be 5) daughter. Gracie has Down syndrome. Gracie instantly became my new best friend and watching Morgan be her mom was incredible. I consider the timing of their presence a divine intervention. I saw all of Gracie's abilities and felt so encouraged. I saw her momma give her independence and grace. It was good for both Mike and I's hearts. </div>
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After saying good-bye to our sweet friends we began our journey home. As we drove towards Lexington I made the decision that I was going to try harder. I was going to push harder. I was going to stop failing to parent my child and do whatever needed to be done. As I played with Louisa in the hotel room I felt shame for being insecure about her having Down syndrome and again decided I wouldn't fall into that trap again. I decided I would be better. Oh the pride that was pouring out of my soul covering up my need for the Cross. </div>
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After getting back to Lexington I realized I needed like 45 more hours of sleep. Unfortunately, the extra sleep didn't happen and we started our normal work/daycare week. Louisa started daycare at Milk and Honey in Lexington. Every morning when I drop her off her teacher glows with excitement and joy. At first dropping her off was terrifying. <i>Would she eat? Would she sleep? Would she have meltdowns? Would her teacher hold her and soothe her? Would she be taken care of?</i> I soon learned the answer to all of my apprehension was YES. Yes she would eat. Yes she would be taken care of. Yes she would have meltdowns but yes she would be soothed. Ms. Rebecca made it easier and easier for me to drop Louisa off because I trust her with my whole heart. She loves Louisa. She is genuine and loving. I couldn't have dreamt of a better surprise. </div>
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Even though God was continuing to protect our little girl and provide her with the best care I was still discouraged. Sunday night I felt defeated and grouchy. As I listed, in my head, my insufficient attempts of the day I started to cry. I started blaming Mike. I convinced myself that I was the only one that cared about Louisa's progress. If he cared more Louisa would be rolling over and sitting up. I feel sad to admit this to you all but it is the truth of my dishonoring flesh.</div>
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Monday morning we had Louisa's Occupational Therapist come to the house for her appointment. I confessed to Jessica my discouragement and doubt. Jessica graciously listened and offered encouragement. All day I just kept thinking; <i>What am I doing wrong? How can I be better? How do I motivate this child to push herself? </i>Tuesday evening L and I were finishing up her bedtime routine. If you have spent any time at our house in the evening you know I am a little bit crazy about bedtime. Our bedtime routine serves many purposes but it is also my most treasured time with my girl. I laid L down on her blanket on the floor and went to the bathroom to fill up her diffuser with water. As I walked back in her bedroom I had to do a double-take, L was on her belly. BUT WAIT... when I left the room she was on her back?? <i>It was probably just a fluke thing, every now and then she can roll</i> <i>if she is on uneven ground or has a bit of assistance.</i> I rolled her onto her back and turned on her humidifier and plugged in her diffuser and as I turned around and she was pushing herself onto her belly from her back again. <i>WHAT?? Did I just imagine that? </i>I laid her on her back again and this time I sat and watched and sure enough this little girl was rolling! I couldn't have dreamt of a better surprise.</div>
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Not only was the little girl rolling but she did it at home with me! She hadn't done it at daycare that day! Tears filled my smiling eyes and I held Louisa close. <i>I am so sorry,</i> I whispered, <i>I am so sorry for making it about me.</i> I closed my eyes and thanked God for continuing to humble my prideful heart and not giving up on me. The fact is I can do everything on my own accord and still fail. I can push, get frustrated, and plead but it isn't about ME. I could do everything 'right' and still fail. I could do everything 'wrong' and succeed. I pray God continues to open my eyes and humble my heart. I sometimes feel like I don't deserve to be this beautiful girl's momma but I am so grateful I am! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-11267679704560141702017-01-31T03:50:00.001-08:002017-01-31T03:50:17.277-08:00We call it 'Louisa time'<div style="text-align: center;">
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Louisa Jean Riley 6 Months Old</h2>
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I never imagined our first baby would have Down syndrome. I never imagined our first baby would need open heart surgery. I never imagined our first baby would be 'failure to thrive' and require a feeding tube. I, also, never imagined the lessons I would learn throughout this first 6 months of this sweet baby's life. Being a parent is a very humbling experience. I knew I would learn to be patience but I never imagined just how patient. </div>
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Louisa has had an NG tube since she was 2.5 months old. I remember the day her pediatrician looked at me and said, "It is time. She will need to get the feeding tube Hilary." The lump that formed in my throat was so painful. The phrase, "You just failed your child," scrolled on repeat through my mind. I pushed down the painful feelings and packed our bags for the hospital. I grabbed my fake smile and 'armor' and accepted the fact that Louisa would have a feeding tube.<br />
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Prior to Louisa's surgery Mike and I constantly looked to the surgery for relief. The surgery was our spot of light in the dark cave we had been stuck in for months. I was convinced that after surgery our lives would change immediately. I kept picking myself up off the ground because it WAS going to get better. I felt strength because there was an end to our mess. </div>
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When we brought Louisa home from Cincinnati and there wasn't instant gratification I was broken. It wasn't supposed to be this way. <i>Hadn't I been strong enough God? Hadn't I been patient enough God? Hadn't I glorified you enough God? Hadn't I loved this baby enough God? Had I not leaned on you hard enough? Had I not prayed hard enough? </i>My soul was hurting. My heart longed for a 'normal' life. I was stuck in 'tunnel vision' (Val Clark, Fort Wayne Young Life talk).<br />
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I hated the NG tube. I hated feeding Louisa with syringes. I hated washing thousands of syringes everyday. As much as I hated the NG tube I wouldn't even talk about a 'G' tube. (If you are not familiar with a G Tube click this link <a href="http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/g-tube.html">Kids Health G Tube</a>) Last week I could not shake the thoughts of Louisa getting a G tube. Several people asked me about the possibility of a G tube and I, myself, thought it was the path Louisa was taking.<br />
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Then a miracle. Louisa started taking more and more of her bottle orally. The first time she drank all 4 oz herself I sobbed. I was holding Louisa and walked into the kitchen with tears in the eyes and whispered, "She just took the entire bottle herself." Mike's eyes grew big and he smiled and said, "Then why are you crying momma?" It was the relief I had been deeply longing to receive. The following day Louisa took all of her bottles orally. Mike and I tried not to get overly excited because nothing is guaranteed with this child. By day 3 we decided to take our her NG tube and I am thrilled to report she has continued to take all her bottles orally.<br />
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<i>Praise you Lord. Forgive me. Forgive my impatience. Forgive my stubborn selfishness. Forgive me for not believing you were holding me the whole time. Forgive me Lord. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-59042700494382569162017-01-18T17:15:00.002-08:002017-01-18T17:15:53.451-08:00The New Heart<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Progress of Joy</b></span></div>
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This journey is unreal. I am humbled constantly by the support and encouragement of friends, family, and even strangers. Today I had to take Louisa to her cardiology appointment by myself, which can be a challenge. We had to get an x-ray first and then go to the other side of the hospital campus with the images to our cardiologist. I was feeling a bit anxious about having her by myself but as I waited with her I was offered such grace and mercy by complete strangers. </div>
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This journey has been refining. This child is OUR child there is no doubt in my mind. She is stubborn and strong willed. She is sensitive and sweet (when she wants to be). Her smile is perfectly timed. She recognizes my face and that brings this momma a lot of joy. </div>
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This journey is hard. We have been through the ringer. Louisa has been through the ringer. We had an appointment with a GI doctor last week. The GI doc thought she may have a dairy allergy and we started her on a specialty formula. The first 3 days were bliss. She was less fussy and seemed to tolerate the formula better but then the bliss ended in 2 nights straight of 3 hours of sleep and a screaming baby. I get up so much in the night that we brought her back in our room and she sleeps in the bassinet. Side note: She is 13 lbs 7 oz so she "fits" in the bassinet but barely. Every now and then when she starts to stir I will just see little feet or tiny arms kick high in the air over the bassinet. </div>
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This journey has been promising. Louisa's new heart allows her so much more energy and strength. I believe she is learning quicker too. This picture was taken at one of the thousand doctor appointments we have had and she is SO close to rolling over. We are working on arm strength so hopefully soon she will be moving and grooving. </div>
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This journey has been dark. In the nature of honesty I sometimes feel insecure about her feeding tube. Prior to surgery I had an excuse as to why she refused to eat and now that she still refuses to eat consistently without explanation I have to just accept it. Every time I look at that tube I feel like I am failing my child. Every time I am forced to syringe feed her I feel like I am depriving her of thriving. I recognize this is an issue of pride but I sometimes just can't shake the feeling of failure. I sometimes cry. Sometimes I cry and beg Mike to explain why this journey has been so difficult. I sometimes cry and apologize for not being able to fix any of it. </div>
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This journey is OUR journey. This season is a season. It will not last forever and I have to keep that perspective. This journey is tough sometimes but even in the darkest moments we are given small glimpses of light and hope. </div>
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Thank you for reading this. Thank you for walking through this journey with us. Thank you for praying and thank you for loving us. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-3549060759117948522017-01-02T18:37:00.000-08:002017-01-03T06:01:56.606-08:00The Day I Cried in Walmart<br />
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Last week was a tough week. After leaving UK Children's hospital I came down with strep throat. YEP. Add it to the list of yuck from last week. Mike and my mom took care of Louisa throughout the night(s). I had to wear a mask and run to the doctor before the holiday weekend. I started an antibiotic but still had a 103 degree fever. Saturday I woke up feeling better but then fear set in. My mom was going to have to leave and go back to Iowa. She graciously took an additional week off of work to help us, and let me just reiterate WE NEEDED her. I started to feel sick to my stomach just thinking about not having her help. On Saturday Louisa seemed the same. Very upset. She was pooping so much her bottom was getting very raw, and she was not sleeping. I was still sick, my mom was leaving, and my husband would be gone for minimum 7 hours to meet my brother half way to drop my mom off on Sunday. Saturday night my mom and I prayed over Louisa and we read scripture. On my knees I begged God to give me strength, wisdom, and patience. The Lord is the only one that can heal her. Trying to live in that truth I still couldn't eat because I was sick to my stomach.<br />
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Sunday morning my mom got up early with Louisa so that Mike and I could sleep in. The morning felt too fast and I wasn't ready to say good-bye. I held Louisa and looked at my mom, tears filling my eyes and thanked her for being such a huge help. She and Mike left to meet Blake in Mt. Vernon, IL and Louisa took a nice hour long nap. I whispered soft prayers all afternoon and felt a little lighter and a little stronger. I will say I could hardly talk to anyone on Sunday without just bursting into tears. My brother and my dad tried calling me but majority of the conversation was me crying. I was scared. </div>
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Prior to Louisa's heart surgery I had been told by SEVERAL people that the surgery was life-changing. Almost all of them said, "It felt like we brought home a different baby." No one really told me about the recovery process and what to expect because the short recovery was so worth the "new" baby they all experienced after the heart repair. In my moments of fear I wasn't seeing the joy everyone had told me about and I was getting more and more discouraged. My baby wasn't sleeping through the night anymore and she was in severe pain. She wasn't smiling or laughing but she was screaming a lot louder than she had before surgery. Again, I was scared.<br />
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My Aunt had told me about a Similac formula that she had just tried on her grandson and thought it might work for Louisa. I called Walmart, made sure it was in stock, and got Louisa in the car and went. Walmart is literally 1 minute away from my house so I said to myself even if she did scream the entire time, it was only 1 minute. However, Louisa didn't scream. She was perfectly content back in her car seat. We walked around Walmart for a bit and I picked up a couple things. It was a Christmas (week late) miracle. I walked up to the check out line and the sweet cashier looked at Louisa and looked at me. </div>
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She then said, "Is she sick?" </div>
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.... my eyes welled with tears. I croaked out, "She is, she had open heart surgery a week and a half ago and things have been really hard." Tears spilled over my eyes and down my face. The cashier's hands covered her mouth and it seemed like she lost her breath. Her eyes grew softer and tears started to form in them. She said, "I am so so sorry. I am so sorry for what she has been through. I am so sorry for what you have been through. I will be praying for you both." I couldn't stop from crying believe me I tried. I wanted to fall to my knees and weep. I wanted to cry loud tears. For the first time I was actually processing what Louisa, Mike and I, and our family had just experienced. That poor cashier did not have a clue what she was actually asking me. Sometimes God uses people to give us the grace we need. Sometimes He uses people you never would expect to help us cope. Sometimes God uses complete strangers to touch our hearts and challenge our perspective. That is the beauty of how God works. I am so weak and so broken. I am so glad He is in control and I am not. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-11567427411599947392016-11-24T08:48:00.001-08:002016-11-24T08:48:36.690-08:00ThankfulnessThe Presidential Election was November 8th, 2016 and the winner was Donald Trump. Regardless of how you feel one way or another I am just thankful I don't have facebook anymore! <br />
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People have very strong opinions. Period. That is all. I promise that is all I will say about the Presidential Campaign.<br />
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During the election Mike and I started a campaign with "Go Fund Me" for Louisa's medical bills and our upcoming stay at Cincinnati Children's Hospital for her surgery. There are two reasons we decided to do this; 1) Louisa's medical needs have exceeded what we had thought already. 2) I have no more vacation/sick time with my employer and may need to take some unpaid time off.<br />
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We started the "Go Fund Me" on Monday November 7th and by Saturday November 12th we had WELL exceeded our goal of $5,000. I am brought to tears when I see who gave. Some of our previous Young Life kids and their families gave. Some of my dearest friends gave. Some gave that we don't even know. If you are reading this and you gave please know that I cannot find the right words to say to express how deeply this has impacted both Mike and myself. We were both floored by the support of our extended 'family'.<br />
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Recently I was thinking about the 'Go Fund Me' as well as running the "To Do" list for her heart surgery in my head while feeding Louisa and I was struck with fear. I know in my heart this surgery will be life changing for our family, but it doesn't make the fear of it all any easier. I held my little one close and rocked as tears rolled down my face and landed on her tiny little head. It feels scary. I want to spend every second with her because I am scared. I want to take her pain away so badly. I can't help but be frustrated at times that we are even going through all of this. Sometimes I want to scream and say, "I shouldn't have to make this decision!" "I shouldn't have to buy a box of 100 syringes so that I can feed my baby!" "I shouldn't have to cry after an hour of trying to console my unconsolable little girl." I feel guilty when I lose patience. I feel wrong when I am tired. But all of these things are true. I am tired. I am scared. I am ready for her to feel better. I have cried many nights when I cannot console her and she won't stop screaming because I want so badly to take away her pain. If I could I would remove every ounce of pain from her and put it on myself. It is then I find myself at the foot of the cross. I am reminded of the beautiful story of redemption and how Jesus took all of my and Louisa's pain on himself to die for us.<br />
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The past several weeks I have felt a variety of unexplainable feelings; fear, loneliness, failure, joy, hope, and excitement. On Dec. 21 I will get to wake up and (God willing) my daughter's heart will be healed. I get to wake up and we will be on a road to recovery. I get to wake up to a different baby. I can't help but feel guilty because I know not every parent gets this gift. The gift of healing, of hope. Often parents don't even have an option. We have an option. We have a road. I am crying now just thinking of the parents that have to watch their children suffer. I am so sorry. I don't know what to say. My heart hurts for you. Please forgive me for complaining about the short 3 months I have watched my child suffer. I wish, with everything inside of me, that I could fix it. <br />
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Someday I will look back at these past 3 months and think.. Wow, how did we survive?<br />
This season of life has been hard on Louisa, as well as, on Mike and me but it is a season. We will wake up and this will be behind us. A part of me never wants to forget this season. I never want to take for granted having a healthy child. I want to remember this feeling so that one day I can be a support for another family experiencing difficulty. I don't want to take for granted what the Lord is doing in my heart during this season. I have been so weak and fragile but so dependent on the Lord and His strength. I am far from perfect, we have bad days, not just Lousia but me as well. It is then that I feel like Job's wife, angry at the Lord. I am not perfect nor do I want to be perfect. I just want to try and be what God is calling me to be and do the best I can.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-728910654539392152016-11-08T07:56:00.003-08:002016-11-08T07:56:26.392-08:00A Father's letter to his little girl. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Louisa, <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have been meaning to write to you little one. Ever since I
learned about you, even while you were still in your mommy’s tummy! I have had
so many thoughts and feelings about you. So many thoughts, at times it was
easier to ignore them. In 3 weeks, you will be four months old! It feels like
so much has happened so very quickly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I need you to know that daddy loves you very much. But daddy
is broken little one, just like your little heart is broken. Except daddy’s
broken is different than yours. Daddy is afraid, daddy is nervous about being a
daddy to such a special little wonderful girl. Louisa, I hope that someday you
can forgive me for being so scared, and for trusting God so little. You can’t
even speak yet, and God has used you to speak great truths to Daddy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Little girl, I found out yesterday that you are going to be
having a surgery soon. In 7 weeks, doctors are going to fix your little broken
heart. When I found out, I was so afraid! But then I felt something, maybe for
the first time. I felt pure joy about you. I was not afraid, I was excited for you and your future. I didn't see limitations for the first time, I saw a gift. You are my little gift Louisa! Then friends, and families, and even
strangers started to support your mommy and daddy, but really, they were
supporting you little one! They prayed for us, and they gave us money to help fix your heart, and It
reminded me that our God is a big God, and a God that cares deeply about all
his children. I am so very excited to teach you about our God one day little
girl. God has taught me that I do not need to be afraid for you anymore. I do
not need to fear what your future may hold. I do not need to feel sorry for
you, or for myself. God is in control. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you, precious baby, for teaching me. Daddy loves you
so much, and is going to love you and support you and help you to reach your
dreams. You are loved little <a href="http://nameberry.com/babyname/Louisa">warrior</a>, and you will do great things for Daddy
and God’s kingdom. You already have. <o:p></o:p></div>
Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01496774840232416833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-36910166175381990292016-11-02T11:51:00.002-07:002016-11-07T12:58:02.731-08:00Love of othersEver since Mike and I were married people have begged us to get pregnant. Working in a High School ministry every one of my girls would tease and plead for us to have a baby. They would chat up about how beautiful they would be and how fun we would be as parents. When we found out Louisa would have Down syndrome a small part of me was scared how our friends would treat us and her.<br />
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I know it is silly but I was worried they would be scared to interact with us and with her. I rarely told people because I was afraid they wouldn't know how to talk to us anymore and would slowly distance themselves from us. I could not have been more wrong. Our friends (and their parents.. ha) love on her hard. Our friends just constantly ask about her and are smitten by her. It is a blessing I cannot even describe. We have had friends come help us put her feeding tube in after she has yanked it out and patiently fed her when she was at her worst.<br />
They ask us hard questions about how we are doing and pick us back up after we have had a hard day. Truthfully, we probably don't reach out enough. I have gotten many emails from Christian woman that will write out their prayers and people asking how they can pray. I know it seems so small to them but it is a huge blessing to us. Mike's BSF Men's leadership group took the morning last Saturday and just prayed over our family. I am constantly blown away by support of the community around us. I don't feel like I deserve it but that is God's character shining through His people. Thank you Lord!<br />
People have already gone above and beyond to help our family. We are very blessed by the community the Lord has given us. I truthfully think of our friends as our family because they mean so much to us.<br />
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When we found out about Louisa's heart condition a co-worker/friend encouraged me to start a gofundme page. I have been reluctant to do so because it felt strange asking people to help us out financially. Mike and I have tried our best to be responsible with our finances and even though we make mature decisions we were never expecting to have a sick baby. It is actually pretty hilarious now looking back. Mike and I both find much comfort in planning things out, however, things rarely go as we plan. Our journey has been unique but because of our crazy path we have met some pretty amazing people along the way.<br />
Our 'go fund me' page is:<br />
https://www.gofundme.com/mending-louisas-heart <br />
Please do not give out of obligation. Truthfully we need prayer much more than we need money.<br />
Our prayer requests are:<br />
-Louisa would remain healthy for the next 6 weeks<br />
-Louisa would recover quickly and we be able to spend Christmas at home<br />
-Mike and I would have an indescribable peace as we approach her surgery<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-40857365868569868002016-11-01T13:01:00.002-07:002016-11-01T13:01:24.394-07:00No one said this would be easy<div style="text-align: center;">
The glimpse of light</div>
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Just when I start to feel the darkness of life overcome me the Lord gives me a glimpse of His mercy and truth. Louisa has started smiling. She knows me and she knows Mike. This picture melts my heart to tears every time I look at it. I want to hold onto this feeling of her smiling for the first time. It is as if God is promising us a bit of relief. </div>
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Louisa has been gaining weight and we couldn't be happier. She is a whopping 9 lbs 15 oz and it is obvious. She is not taking any feeding orally right now but I am trying to let that go and focus on the fact that she is gaining weight and we are one step closer to her surgery. </div>
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These past 3 weeks have been some of the hardest weeks Mike and I have had to face. After we left the UK Children's Hospital our neighbor's 7 week old little girl died of SIDS. It was absolutely heartbreaking. We ached for her and still do. My heart felt so heavy as I hold my precious gift. Ebony came over one night and just sat and held Louisa and cried and we cried and begged God to be near her. As I watched this hurting momma hold my baby I wanted to take all of her pain away. A week later Ebony brought some of Eden's clothes over to us for Louisa. I couldn't even open the box. I just stared at the box of pain and short lived memories. My heart hurt so bad for them. The next day I went through the clothes and sobbed. I sat staring at my baby weeping. I was reminded of when the Doctor told us Louisa would have Down syndrome. I remembered the ugly feelings that came into our hearts during our time of grieving. I remembered the Doctor asking Mike if we wanted to terminate this baby. I sobbed and sobbed. I felt guilty for not seeing the Gift that Louisa is today. </div>
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A couple days after Eden passed away, one of my colleagues died from a long battle with cancer. I was so sad because our profession would not be the same without Tom. Tom loved the Lord and was such a joy to be near. We went to the funeral and grieved with coworkers as we said good-bye to a legend. </div>
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So things were already pretty rough and then the following week I found out that I may lose my job. </div>
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For six years I have been trying and failing to pass the National Certification Exam for Interpreters called the NIC. Before you get all judge'ie, that I should just accept this fate and move onto a new career, the pass rate is 19.4%. I have struggled to understand why I haven't been able to pass this test when my colleagues and coworkers feel strongly that I should continue to pursue this career. I have questioned myself and my purpose in life more times then I can count. I have cried and ached over this test. I was under the impression that once the NIC Performance Exam was accessible and I would be able to take the test again I would have 5 months to take it. Unfortunately, I was very wrong. Two weeks ago I found out that I have until December 17th, 2016 to take this test. Not only is it time sensitive but my 3-4 month old little girl is going to have open-heart surgery during this period of time. </div>
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To say that I have been feeling overwhelmed in a massive understatement. I feel like I am treading water and people keep holding onto my shoulders and pushing me under. My legs are getting tired. My head is almost completely submerged under water. I can only muster up enough strength to kick hard once to lift my mouth above the water level to breath. I sink deeper and deeper as I lose stamina. </div>
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I have felt broken in the past. I have felt scared. I have felt overwhelmed. However, I have never felt so supported yet so alone. I feel like I am invisible. I have had my times of wrestling with the Lord but this time has felt different. It isn't that I have turned my back on the Lord but I have forgotten that He is good. I convinced myself the darkness is comfortable. I am too tired and weak to wrestle. I am just living, which is more frightening to me than being angry. </div>
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I am ready not just for this season of darkness to pass but to understand what the Lord is teaching me. I don't want to go through all of this and be blind to His movement in our lives. He has taken me to the edge of the cliff before where it feels like everything is impossible and asked me to jump into His arms. The next two months feel impossible but I am too weak to jump. Then Louisa smiles and Mike holds me tight and I am reminded that the Lord has already been carrying me. I don't have to jump, I just have to hold tight while I am carried on His back. This is the glimpse of God's grace. God never promised me my life would be easier when I accepted Jesus into my heart. God did promise He would never leave or abandon me and that is the promise I need to remember when this gets too hard. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-38617245596352464942016-10-04T07:45:00.000-07:002016-10-04T07:45:23.986-07:00The Roller Coaster that is Louisa<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last Thursday my mother-in-law came to Lexington to help us out with Louisa. I could tell that morning that Louisa would have a rough day, she wouldn't really eat for me that morning. I started to become anxious because these characteristics appeared when we first struggled with 'silent reflux'. I said good-bye to the babe and my Mother-in-law, Dianna, and went to work. I cried on the way there and continued to tear up every time I looked at Louisa's picture in my office. Something didn't feel right. I felt like something was wrong. I text Dianna and asked how she was eating and she said Louisa hadn't really taken much but she would try again. Later that morning I asked again how things were going and Dianna told me the same thing. My insides started to shake. Something is wrong. I know something is wrong. I cried hard at work and called my co-worker and told her what was going on. Amy Holt, my co-worker, is such a special and dear friend to me. I am so blessed to work with her. </div>
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Amy told me to go on home but I didn't want Dianna to think I didn't trust her. Dianna is a dream. She is a great 'grammy' and loves that little girl so hard. I am so thankful for her. I didn't want her to think she wasn't capable of caring for Louisa. So, I waited. I tried to distract myself with work and I waited. When I arrived home I found Dianna crying in Louisa's nursery with baby girl on her lap. "She won't eat. I tried and she just won't do it." I fell to my knees and just sobbed. I was so confident we had overcome the lack of eating. I was so sure we were turning a corner and she would start gaining weight but she didn't eat and she wasn't gaining weight. I cried hard. I held my baby in my arms close to my chest and I sobbed. Dianna came to the floor and wrapped her arms around me and cried too. I was so scared. Dianna was scared. </div>
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I stayed home from work Friday to help out with Louisa and monitor her throughout the day to see if she was getting any better. Eating was still a struggle. She would suck hard for an ounce and then she would start crying and arching her back. She would want to eat but couldn't, it is literally the saddest thing to watch your child starve. That night Mikey and I went out to dinner and tried to have a date night. We had much needed conversation and intentional time together. Throughout that night into Saturday morning I tried feeding her and we were in the same boat. Drink one ounce and then cry. I asked Mikey to call the pediatrician and all four of us went to Dr.Warner's office. We joked once Mikey got off the phone with the receptionist. I am sure she yelled back to Dr. Warner and his nurse, "The Riley's are coming again." Dr. Warner is wonderful and truly he cares deeply for Louisa. He worries about her and makes sure that we see him at least once a week. When we arrived she had lost another ounce. I had a feeling that would happen so I didn't panic. Then, the hard conversation happened. Dr. Warner said we needed to go to the hospital. I felt my heart in my throat. We would have to go to UK Children's hospital where she could be seen by a G.I. doctor and get a feeding tube inserted. I only cried a little in front of the doctor. Milestones... am I right..</div>
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We arrived at UK Children's hospital a little on edge. Our good friends had just shared with us a very awful experience they had with UK children's hospital. I tried to be optimistic and let our experience be a new one. Our nurse was wonderful and we were all settled in. The resident on call came in to talk to us and mentioned they wanted to monitor her for 48 hours before they do anything. This was not going to work for us. I monitor her at home. I didn't come in to the hospital because I am delusional I know there is something wrong and things need to start happening immediately. The resident said she would relay our stern message to the other doctors and we would most likely be visited by Dr. Cotrill the next morning. The first night was awful. Nurses and techs are in and out so much that once you get Louisa to sleep she is woken up by the extremely loud door to our room. The sleeping arrangements weren't horrible. Louisa was connected to a monitor for her Heart rate, oxygen level, and blood pressure and it was going off every 5-10 minutes so Mike got up and unplugged the machine. It is a wonder they didn't boot us out of there. </div>
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The next morning Dr. Cotrill came into see Louisa and to talk to us about the game plan. She originally wanted Louisa to be monitored for 48 hours and then possibly have a feeding tube inserted. I cried and asked that we go ahead and put the feeding tube in. Things were not going to change and I knew that. A feeding tube is not what I had envisioned for our little girl but there are a lot of things I didn't envision that we have had to deal with...moving on. Dr. Cotrill was comfortable with our plan and gave the go-ahead to the doctors there at the hospital. Sunday afternoon the nurses and techs came in to insert the tube. The nurse showed us what to do in case it came out. I sobbed while they were putting it in. The tube was in place and we began feeding her with the bottle and then whatever remained we would put through the tube. Mike went home Sunday night to sleep and I stayed in the hospital and learned how to use the overnight pump. </div>
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This is the sweetest picture of Dr. Cotrill and Louisa. She really is an amazing woman.</div>
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We were discharged yesterday at 6:00p. The doctors were happy with the success of the feeding tube and we were ready to come home. The only plan we have right now is fatten this baby up. We will see our doctors next week and get more of a plan in place once she starts gaining. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-75716153135414266822016-09-27T13:37:00.000-07:002016-09-27T13:37:41.238-07:00Back to work Blues<div style="text-align: center;">
Back to work blues</div>
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Often people asked me if I was struggling with Postpartum depression. I think it is a fairly common question and I can't blame people for asking... I have been a bit on edge but that isn't new. I like to describe my anxiety as if I were a squirrel that is constantly moving and scanning their surroundings. My brain is constantly going. It can be paralyzing. After some intentional prayer I realized I wasn't struggling with postpartum but I was struggling to really give my fear over to the Lord. When you become a parent you instantly want to protect your child from every illness, cut, stick with a needle, and pinch of the car seat. It became very easy for me to get caught up in how much weight Louisa was gaining. I have become obsessed with her weight and making sure she is eating every meal. I believe they have a name for parents like me, "helicopter parent" is that right? </div>
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I know I sound crazy but let's face it, I have a touch of crazy in my bones, I am okay with it. The truth is I was scared to come back to work. I was scared that once I came back to work Louisa would stop eating and start losing weight. I was scared we would have to get her on a feeding tube. I know a feeding tube is not the end of the world, but it feels a little like failing in my heart. I don't want it to, but it does. I desire with everything inside me for Louisa to fight and fight hard for her life and herself. I am telling you if I could drink a bottle for her I would. I find myself every time I feed her sucking on the inside of my mouth... seriously... I know... it is bad...but every first time mom is like that right?...right??</div>
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I came back to work last Monday. It was a sad day when I dropped Louisa off with Elise but she could not be in better care. Elise Holuta is truly a gem. She is everything I am not. She is calm and sweet and soft spoken and rational. Very rational. She doesn't get bogged down with the little things. She loves the Lord and cares about Louisa. She has a son James who is wonderful and smiles and laughs at me. Elise has agreed to watch Louisa. Right now Elise is watching her 3 days a week so we can transition slowly. I don't want to overwhelm Elise because James is only a month older than Louisa. Two babies and she doesn't even bat an eye. Mike said he walked in last week to pick up Louisa and both babies were sleeping next to her on the couch. He calls her the 'baby whisperer'. I value her friendship so much. I am so grateful Louisa is with her.</div>
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After leaving Louisa with Elise for 3 days I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. God is taking care of all of the details. God is in control of Louisa's life and I have the opportunity to watch Him move. I don't want to miss out on what he is doing through her because I am constantly stressed out. Yes things are still overwhelming trying to pack 5-6 bags every morning. Seriously, I thought I was a bag lady before but after having a child I am at an entirely new level of bag lady. Yes my mind wonders off into the world of Louisa and wondering if she is crying or sleeping or eating but ultimately I am happy to continue working. I love my job and I feel like God has placed me in this position right now for a reason. I would love to stay home with my sweet little girl and hold her for hours but right now that isn't where I feel God calling me. Some day in the future He may call me to stay home and play a completely different role but right now He is asking me to trust Him and continue as an Interpreter. </div>
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My favorite parts of the day are holding her first thing in the morning and right before she goes to bed at night. She snuggles me and places her face right in the crook of my neck. She only wants to feel skin. When she is trying to snuggle she does not want hair or clothes to be in the way of her face and her mommas chest. I love when she stares at me with her big almond shaped eyes. I love changing her clothes and watching her kick her legs and stretch out her arms. These are the moments I don't want to lose because of stress. I want to breathe in these moments with her. I don't want to get fogged with worry but I want to see this baby how the Lord sees her...perfect. </div>
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The other day I was worrying about something as I so often do and I remember thinking, "God probably wants to punch me in the face." Not lying.. that is exactly what I thought and then I immediately thought, "that is the craziest part, He doesn't want to, He loves this mess of a woman I am." I am not justifying the fact that I have crazy anxiety and often don't release my fears to the Lord but even in the moments that I hold tight to the fragile He still holds me in His stable hands. Even though I am so weak God still uses me. God still looks at me through the lens of Jesus and calls me His child. He looks at Louisa that way and He looks at you that way. I pray that you experience God's unconditional love. I pray that if you have never experienced unconditional love, that God will change your life with the unconditional love He pours out on His people. I pray that we all can breathe in the moments with the ones we love here and now. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-14746347189936871852016-09-01T08:35:00.001-07:002016-09-01T08:35:22.987-07:00Dark Journey<h2 style="text-align: center;">
The Struggle is Real</h2>
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Wow. Being a parent is the most humbling experience. I have had so many moments of leaning HARD into the Lord's presence. Louisa's thrush has cleared up, however, she still wouldn't eat. Feeding her became some my weakest moments. She would struggle and pull away from the bottle after only taking 10 ml. She would cry and I would cry. She would be so hungry, fussy, and still refuse to eat. I started to become more and more anxious over this of course. </div>
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My entire life I have struggled with anxiety. Not just a worry or nervousness but mind paralyzing anxiety. It will come over me and I start to lose all sense of reason. I am ridden with fear and just cannot function. This started happening with Louisa's feedings. I dreaded them. I would start to shake and overcome with fear that she wouldn't eat. I only let this go for two days and on the third day of her not eating during the day and then screaming all evening I finally called her pediatrician. We brought her in and that is when he found the thrush. I thought once we got the medicine for that she would eat and I would have my baby back. <br />
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She didn't eat. Her eating actually got worse. I cried and cried. My husband thought I was going to shut down. On the third day of her struggling to eat I once again called the pediatrician and took her in. She had lost an ounce in two days! My heart sank. The doctor believed she had gas pains and that is why she wasn't eating. That could have been the case for that moment in particular but in my heart I knew that wasn't it. There was something bigger. </div>
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Monday morning I called her cardiologist. I, of course in all my mom glory, sobbed and said, "she won't eat. She is so hungry but won't eat." Dr. Cottrill said, "Okay, we will figure this out together." Dr. Cottrill thought it might be reflux. We started her on a medication two days ago and I already feel like I see a difference. Last night she cried and cried because she was hungry and every time I offered her more to eat she drank every bit of it. I am hoping and praying this is the solution to our eating strike. </div>
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I am so humbled by the Lord. Honestly, when I was pregnant I just kept saying, "I won't need any help. I will just figure it out." Oh I was so wrong. I needed a lot of help and thanks to my Mom and my Mother-in-Law I have had the BEST help out there. The Lord has truly blessed our time together and I cannot be more grateful. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-67054535441543494912016-08-18T06:59:00.002-07:002016-08-18T06:59:45.795-07:00Home<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Homebound</h2>
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I apologize for the delay in posting. These past three weeks have been overwhelming. I need to apologize to all the mothers I have ever offended by saying, "Don't you get bored when you stay at home?" Oh if all of those preciously patient women could see me now. I am a mess. I am lucky to shower at noon when Mike gets home for lunch. It seems like if I am not feeding her or pumping I am holding her because she is fussy. I feel that a 'routine' is nowhere in sight. </div>
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When Louisa came home from the NICU, Mike had to go back to work so I was parenting solo and there were lots of tears. In the NICU Louisa nursed like a champ. She would eat and nurse every time I was there. When I brought Louisa home, she would not nurse and would hardly take her supplement from the bottle. As I stated before, there were lots of tears. Many of my close friends have given me all kinds of perspectives when it comes to nursing and even with all of that prep I still feel like a failure.<br />
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I was told by a couple of our doctors that babies with Downs often don't nurse well, however, because I have pride issues I refused to accept that fate. When Mike and I found out we would have a little girl with Down syndrome I remember thinking to myself, 'she is going to be exceptional'. There is a lot I need to learn about Down syndrome but what I have already found out from other parents is that every single child is different. Crazy right... kind of like children that don't have Downs. Your first child will most likely be different from your second and you are different from your spouse. I assure you I am not living in a place of unrealistic expectations but I also don't want to lessen her opportunities because I choose to categorize her a certain way.<br />
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I promised myself I would not stress about her not nursing and I am going to continue to try everyday to nurse her during one of her feedings. Once Louisa went to only nursing once a day I started to exclusively pump which is a load to bare. </div>
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We went to our first doctor appointment last week and little girl lost weight. This shouldn't have surprised me because she wasn't nursing well, but in true Momma Hilary fashion I had to cry just a little. We saw a lactation consultant who changed our feedings and today when we went to the heart doctor she gained all her weight back AND some! </div>
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I may sound old when saying this but I am amazed by the medical technology that is available! I mean seriously. Phillips has created these tiny EKG stickers that are placed on baby and they BAM an accurate EKG is done in 15-20 seconds. Our heart doctor is Dr. Cottrill, a 71 year old WONDER woman. I promise you cannot say her name to anyone in the medical field without them absolutely RAVING about her. When you walk into her office there are 5 walls FILLED with pictures of little patients she has seen over the years. She has written articles and articles have been written about her. Dr. Cottrill is truly a blessing. I know she has been told that for years but I pray she feels the Lords presence in her work. </div>
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Louisa's oxygen level was 94% and Dr. Cottrill said she doesn't really hear her laboring to breathe. All of this is precious words to my heart because we were told her breathing would be labored and she wouldn't have a lot of energy to eat, but little girl has abolished both of those expectations. We will keep you posted and continue to share updates of our sweet girl. Thank you to ALL of you who have been praying for her. I feel your prayers and I am truly so grateful for them.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-29660733157477999742016-08-04T15:23:00.001-07:002016-08-04T15:23:27.874-07:00It's Official We are Parents!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
She arrived!!</h2>
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Louisa Jean Riley arrived to us on July 25th at 5:28pm. She weighted 7lbs 5 oz and was 19 3/4" long/ I will spare you the details of birth, although I now understand why Moms will share their story it is pretty fascinating. I mean think about how many months have lead up to this marathon moment. It is rough but amazing. I will be honest I did not enjoy being pregnant but I do understand why moms will promise to never get pregnant again and then immediately after the birth we forget the last 9 months. </div>
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Once Louisa took her first breathe and started crying everything in my body relaxed. She was here and her heart handled labor/deliver just fine. Mike and I decided prior to her arrival that if she needed to go to the NICU, Mike would go with Louisa and my mom would come stay with me. The NICU nurses were in the room and ran their initial tests on baby. They decided she would need to go to the NICU to do further testing. I held my little girl for probably 20 seconds and just cried and cried. I was so grateful she was here and was safe. I didn't want to let her go. It hurt my heart to give her back to the nurses. </div>
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Often moms will talk to me about their hearts overflowing and bursting with love and joy for their baby and to be honest I didn't feel that way right when she was born. I loved her of course but I think because she was taken away so quickly that I didn't get the chance to really enjoy her. Then my mom walked in the room and the tears wouldn't stop. I was feeling so many things that I couldn't express except through tears. It was confirmed that Louisa had Downs, I just had a baby, I wanted my husband to be next to me, and I wanted my mom. My mom cried too, she was very nervous and glad everyone was okay. </div>
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Once I recovered from the Epidural I wanted nothing more than to go to the NICU to see my little girl. The moment I was wheeled into her NICU room tears streamed down my face. I loved her. I am her momma and she is my baby girl. I held her close to my heart and just cried happy tears with Mike crying next to me. Mike and I were both exhausted and starving so we then went back down to our room where Mike's parents and my parent's were waiting for us. We all cried joyful tears together and then Mike and I inhaled a cold chicken meal. </div>
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That night Mike and I went up to the NICU at 1:00a and 4:00a to hold and feed our precious baby. We were a bit delusional and I was extremely swollen but it was in this room that we would find ourselves for the next 8 days. The day I was discharged I sobbed. I didn't want to leave Louisa at the hospital. Everyone kept telling me it was for the best and I believed them but it didn't make it any easier to leave her there. Even though it was extremely painful to leave her there I will say the one sense of comfort I found was that every single one of her nurses in the NICU at Central Baptist were the most amazing people I have ever met. I am pretty sure they loved her as much as I do. They spoke so gently to her and cared for her so deeply. It didn't feel like she was just a patient to them. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation I pray with my whole heart that you have the same experience as we did in the NICU. </div>
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Tomorrow I will post more about the NICU and why little girl was there for 8 days and our first 24 hours at home. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-73444336867802049742016-07-25T06:22:00.002-07:002016-08-02T06:00:25.433-07:00Louisa's biggest day yet. Life seemed very still and simple last night. We got the house ready, walked the dog, went out to eat, prayed, and went home to pack up the car. It was a surreal feeling seeing a car seat in the back of the Mazda. I think it is officially official when you see that darn car seat. From my perspective (husband/soon-to-be-daddy) I felt a very real and tangible sense of peace. Something I have not had much of through most of this pregnancy. More than anything I was and am so excited to meet my little girl. I mean pumped! I want to touch her little fingers, I want to feel her little breath on my cheek. I want to start to learn who this little one is and fall even more deeply in love than I already am with her.<br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I am so proud of my baby girls. I have called Hilary my "baby girl," very affectionately for as long as I can remember. And I am proud of my actual baby girl, who is actually my baby girl. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">- I am proud of Hilary, because we got to the hospital last night at 9:00pm, and she quickly got induced. This woman had very minimal sleep, and a whole lot of contractions all through the night. The above picture was taken at 11:11PM Sunday, July 24th. She took it like a friggin champ. It is 9:00am now, Monday, July 25th and she is 7cm dilated. She had the epidural roughly an hour ago, water is broke, and contractions are regular! I am blown away by her strength. I have a pathetic pain tolerance, Hil seems to have an endless one.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">- I am proud of my actual baby girl because she has behaved wonderfully in utero ever since we got to the hospital last night. Her heart has stayed strong, and she is positioned quite well. She is ready to </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I have been trying to use my knowledge of my wife to best serve her. I know she is crazy about brushing her teeth and washing her face. I know her face well. When the nurse asked if everything was fine, and people-pleasing Hilary said yes, but her face said no. I quickly stepped in. We are going to make darn good parents. This is way more exciting than I had thought it was going to be. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">That is all I have for now. Hopefully the next post will have beautiful pictures of little Louisa!!!</span>Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01496774840232416833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-77608445505042483202016-07-22T13:21:00.001-07:002016-07-22T13:21:55.900-07:0039 weeks.. The final days<h4 style="text-align: center;">
If I don't laugh I will cry </h4>
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If you have experienced pregnancy yourself or have a sister, sister-in-law, friend, best friend, co-worker, cousin, someone you have done life with, you know hormones play a huge role in pregnancy.<br />
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Mine are all over the place.<br />
When I go out to ANY store this is how I feel:<br />
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And then the moment I begin talking about having our daughter this happens:<br />
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My poor husband has walked into our bedroom when I am crying and he will just look at me and say, "Hilary, why are you crying." Sadly, I just say, "I don't know. I don't even think there is a reason I am crying." - Spoken like a true crazy person! <br />
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I am nervous/excited/terrified/ready/not ready/hopeful all wrapped into one crazy woman. The heat does not help not emotional state either. It has been over 90 degrees here in Lexington
for the past two days and tomorrow is supposed to be worse. I had to
move my watch latch down another hole... I am holding water in my wrist...
HOW? I would say most the time I feel like this though:<br />
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We are so close to holding our little babe in our arms that I can hardly stand it. We went to the doctor yesterday and my cervix is still closed so we will be induced on Sunday night and hopefully have her Monday at some point. I am going to get a manicure and pedicure this evening and I am so looking forward to just relaxing and soaking it in. #TreatYoSelf. Tomorrow I will be in a pool 70% of the day because that is the only exercise I can do outside without passing out. <br />
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Prayer requests:<br />
- Prayer for sleep the next two days<br />
- Prayer for labor to go smoothly <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-64865124193357501842016-07-19T12:05:00.001-07:002016-07-20T06:25:44.666-07:00Learning to grieve<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>How I have learned to grieve</b>.</h3>
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This post is meant to be encouraging but very raw and real. I want to share our experience of grieving, however, I want it to be as authentic as possible. This post is meant to serve those that are currently grieving their expectations or have grieved their expectations in some form or fashion. </div>
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Mike and I believe authenticity is extremely important as Christians. We do not want people to think we have it altogether and are perfect. Again, a quote from one of my favorite woman:</div>
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Every time something difficult has come up or I have had to let go of unmet expectations I have tried to understand grieving. Six years ago my grandfather killed himself at age 69 leaving an already dysfunctional family a state of total ruin. My walk with the Lord was strong but this shook me to my core. I remember asking God to teach me how to grieve correctly. I did not want to rush the process or put on a brave face for the world. I wanted to grieve the way that God shows us to grieve in the bible not the way the world desires for me to grieve. I didn't want to rush my grief and make others feel comfortable by pretending to be happy again. I wanted to be sad and cry and be alone. At my grandfathers funeral we sang the hymn <i>It is well with my soul</i>.<i> </i>To this day I still am unable to sing that song without choking up tears that stream down my face. I don't think it is just because it was sung at his funeral but because I am not ready to say <i>It is well with my soul</i>.<br />
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Once we found out about our sweet baby girl, Louisa, I started to grieve my expectations. They didn't flood my heart all at once but they came in waves. I had written a letter to my daughter during this pregnancy that I would give to her on her wedding day. My heart ached because I couldn't picture our baby. I had dreams of her but I never saw her face. Would she swim on a swim team? Would she excel in school? Would she be able to go to a mainstream classroom? I was also very sad and very scared that my little girl would need open heart surgery. I pictured this little tiny body on an operating table. They are going to have to cut into her tiny body to repair her tiny heart. My soul was not well, my soul was overwhelmed with sadness, with devastation.<br />
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I have started reading Crabb, L.(2001) <i>Shattered Dreams</i>: <i>God's unexpected Path to Joy</i>. This book was recommended to us by a pastor from our church. I have found it to be extremely encouraging. This book has allowed me to breath and live in the discomfort of pain. Crabb asked the reader to read through Ruth and focus on Naomi and her suffering. Naomi did not apologize for her grief and pain, not only that, but she said in Ruth 1:20-21 "Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me." She was devastated. I am sure people did not want to be around her because of her honesty. Naomi did not try to put up a front and be someone she was not. Naomi was emotional and her heart was in pain. She was in a state of darkness.<br />
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<h4>
World's misconception of grief</h4>
Crabb talks about two unwritten rules that surface in our response to one who hurts. <i>First, mourning has a time limit. Second, we think there is a proper way to mourn. Ugly battles should remain out of sight. Acceptable battles may be shared, but only if we season our account with hope. </i><br />
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During this time of grief Mike would say to me and others, "we are going to choose to glorify the Lord in this situation." I remember thinking, <i>I want that, I want that so badly, but I don't feel that. I don't want it to be her. Why does God have to use our innocent child at the expense of others? Why can't he give me cancer instead?</i> It hurts my heart to hear those words now but they are truly what I felt. I tried bargaining with God begging him to take this away from her and giving it to me.<i> I will do anything if you just protect her from this Lord.</i> Mike and I also shared with each other openly about some of the dark and ugly thoughts we had experienced. We confessed to one another the anger and bitterness we were rebuking on this sinful world. We talked through God's redemptive mercy and admitted worship felt too heavy to pick up. Grief may not seem beautiful especially when you are experiencing the callous pain but I believe with my whole heart it is necessary.<br />
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One night Mike and I watched the movie <i>Risen</i>. I saw the roman soldier transform from hard hearted to accepting. My heart ached because I knew I was taking for granted what God was doing in our lives but I could not shake the pain of our little girl having Down syndrome. I tried to distract myself by folding laundry. I was in Louisa's nursery folding her clothes bellowing out cries. Our dog sat next to me just staring. My husband found me manically weeping. There was his wife, broken on the floor crying out to God to<i> FIX this. Take this away. I don't want her to have Downs. Why her God? Why?</i> I craved the answer. I was demanding an answer. Mike just sat with me tears falling down his creeks. He tried to make it better but he needed arms wrapped around him too. <br />
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<h4>
What Jesus teaches about pain</h4>
Later in the book Crabb says. "Jesus' teaching might be summarized this way. When you hurt, hurt. Hurt openly in the presence of God. Hurt openly in the presence of the few who provide you with safe community. Feel your pain. Regard brokenness as an opportunity, as the chance to discover a desire that no brokenness can eliminate but that only brokenness reveals." Then Crabb states "For Jesus, the answer to suffering is to suffer intensely, to risk feeling so bad and then walk through that pain-through prayer, the Word, spiritual disciplines, and community-toward the center of your soul where above all else you desire God."<br />
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This is where I desire to live. Pain is pain. You do not need to apologize for feeling heavy, burdened, forsaken, alone, and undesired. The world may not be ready to receive your weakened soul but God is ready to receive you. I pray with everything inside me that if you are experiencing this kind of pain, if you desire to be called 'Mara' instead of your name, God sends someone to live in these moments with you. <br />
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I am so grateful I went through this with my husband. Mike can be so
strong even in oppressive darkness. He is a fighter and puts the Lord
first in our marriage. God put him in my life so I could experience what
unconditional love looks like. When I am falling apart he carries me on
his back. He would breathe for me if he could. If our daughter is even
half of him she will be the most amazing person.<br />
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I pray that one day you will breathe life again. I pray you seek comfort
in the Word and stories God has given us because he is a merciful and
sensitive God. I pray that even when Satan is trying to convince you to
find hope in something fragile that you would remind yourself of God's
truth. I pray that someday <i>It will be well in your soul</i>. <br />
<h4>
Matthew 5: 3-11</h4>
<span style="color: red;">"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil again you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-34784854422017210452016-07-18T13:44:00.000-07:002016-07-18T13:45:04.584-07:0038 Weeks Pregnant <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last week of pregnancy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Currently we are 38 weeks and 4 days and boy are we dropping. There are perks to this because I can actually breath again, however, the downside is that my clothes are starting to not fit. My belly is starting to peek out the bottom a little. This makes it truly difficult for a lady. The once treasured task of getting dressed in the mornings for work now it is probably the most daunting. Dress clothes are not comfortable and wearing shorts or pajamas in my profession is frowned upon. </span></div>
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People have warned us about the last two weeks of pregnancy and I heard them but in true Riley fashion I thought, <i>oh it won't be that bad.</i> It <i>is</i> that bad. I have been nesting for several weeks and there just isn't much left to do. We just have to wait... and wait... and wait. I was given a bit of relief from swelling the past weekend by getting into a nice cool pool. The temperature is rising and the humidity is almost unbearable. I am swollen all over. My husband has made me feel like the most beautiful person in the world during pregnancy. He isn't good at faking things so I know he truly sees something I don't and I am so grateful. My eyes see a swollen face that doesn't look like mine. Legs that are weak, large, and desperate to be worked out. He sees... I don't know what he sees, but I do know that he makes me feel beautiful and wanted.<br />
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Last night I was tossing and turning from 3am until about 6:00am. I believe it was a mixture between a stomach ache and nerves. I cannot complain about sleep because truly my sleeping patterns haven't changed all that much. Although most of the times I do get up to pee in the middle of the night I keep my eyes closed and convince myself that I am still sleeping so that once my head hits the pillow I am immediately out again. I do not function well on little sleep. I know, I know, I won't get hardly any sleep when she comes home but I also won't have to function on a high level. Yes I will need to function to take care of my daughter but interpreting a presentation of State Government policies and laws won't be in my daily job duties so I think I can manage. <br />
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We have labor/delivery plan, unless Louisa decides to come early, we will go to the hospital Sunday July 24th at 9:00p to be induced. Mike and I both are a bit nervous about being induced. If you are seeking prayer requests we have a couple:<br />
-Pray for my body to go naturally into labor<br />
-Prayer for both of our families travels here once she arrives<br />
-Prayer for rest (for both Mike and myself)<br />
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Thank you all for taking the time to read this blog. It is a very special thing for me and I am excited to begin this journey with you.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-46798284313628300282016-07-08T12:02:00.000-07:002016-07-08T12:02:03.043-07:00I thought I was ready-Diagnosis <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought I was ready to share our diagnosis story with you all, however, I find myself holding our story close to my heart. I try to convince myself that people aren't ready to hear what I have to say but I think the reality is... I am not completely sure I am ready to be that vulnerable. With prayer and courage I am going to try.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite woman phrases it this way:</span></h4>
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I am willing to take a risk for the sake of connection. If this touches just one woman/man/soon-to-be-mother/soon-to-be-father/grandparent/sibling I am willing to put myself and my family out there.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
When I got pregnant it felt like a whirlwind. We only had to
try once and boom we were pregnant. I had morning sickness and I started eating the greasiest food I could buy. I started gaining weight and hated being pregnant. I actually hated
when people asked me about being pregnant more than the side effects. I have
major self-esteem issues and when my body started to change so much I couldn’t
keep up and wanted it to be over. I found myself wishing away the pregnancy and
counting down I would have my body back. All of that changed at our 20
week appointment. We found out we were having a little girl. On one hand I was so excited we were
having a girl and then on the other I was terrified of how to raise a little
girl. Mike was in love. Goo-goo eyes pressed on the ultrasound as tears filled
his eyes. He loved our baby girl in an instant. I remember I didn’t want the
ultrasound to end, I wanted to see her. I wanted to see how she moved and her
little hands. Mike had to rush back to work immediately after the ultrasound. I
had to return to our OBGYN’s office to discuss the ultrasound and then I was
headed home because it was my day off. I was overwhelmed with excitement of the news we were
having a girl. I could not wait to tell our families and live in the joy of
their reactions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
My doctor came in
to the room excited and funny as always. She talked to me about our baby girl
but mentioned they saw a calcium deposit on her heart. She explained we would
need to get a Diagnostic ultrasound done at our next appointment. Dr. Ashmun
repeated over and over, “Do not worry. Please do not lose sleep over this.
Often when Calcium shows up on the ultrasound it clears up before the baby is
born.” I wholeheartedly trusted my doctor and did not worry about the calcium.
Once I left the doctor’s office I called Mike and explained what Dr. Ashmun
said and he started throwing questions at me like a batting practice machine. I
assured him over and over that is was nothing and we need not worry about it.
Once I got to work I even sent him several links of other people’s experience
with the calcium deposit. That night we told our parents about our little girl.
My mom, in all her excitement, screamed over the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom doesn’t get excited about many things,
but us having a little girl made her heart leap with joy. My dad’s response
was, “A little Sis” and he started crying. My parents have called me Sis since
I was a little girl and I am sure they will call our little one the same thing.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I began feeling more connected to the baby that was growing
in my belly. I didn’t feel like she was a foreign object anymore. She was a SHE
and we could name her and she would be half of me and half of Mike. We lived
blissfully in the next 4 weeks. I finally started to love the idea of being a
mom. I longed to hold our baby. Mike and I started discussing names and we were
down to three; Aurora, Louisa, and Eloise. After days of going back and forth
with names Mike finally agreed to Louisa Jean Riley. My baby’s name is Louisa.
I imagined our life over the years and the nicknames we would call her. I smiled every time I thought
about her growing up with Mike and me as her parents. I imagined her having
dark hair and dark eyes like we have. <i>Unless she comes out with red hair, she
has no hope for any other eye and hair color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started getting bigger and my clothes became tighter and
tighter. I worked out as much as I could manage and tried to eat better than I
had been. Mike and I forgot about the calcium deposit and the diagnostic
appointment until a couple days before our appointment. We were living in the
presence of joy for our little one. The morning of April 11<sup>th</sup>
Mike and I were running late. <i>I don’t think we had shown up to an appointment
on time once during this pregnancy. </i>After waiting for an hour and a half I was finally called back and the nurse asked me
questions, without Mike in the room, and then she called Mike back and we went
into the ultrasound room. <i>I was impatient and annoyed with the amount of time we had to wait, little did I know what was to come.</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We got to see our baby girl again. She was beautiful and
looked huge to me on the screen, although she only weighs 1.5 pounds at that
point. I imagined myself pushing this human out of my body and shivered. The
nurse was very kind and took lots of pictures. The Doctor entered the room and he was kind but seemed distracted. He sat down next
to the nurse and asked me a couple questions. He then asked the nurse to zoom
in on a couple places of her body. One of those places was her heart. The
doctor then said a bunch of words that seem like blurs now. Through the medical
jargon I heard him say she has a <b>Heart Defect </b>and it will <b>require open heart
surgery</b>. Hot tears filled my eyes. There must be a mistake, I couldn't have heard him
right, but just then Mike started asking questions. <i>I did hear him correctly,</i>
Louisa will need open heart surgery. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so thankful for my husband because
when hard news hits him he can still sort through his thoughts. The Doctor explained
again that she has an <b>Atrioventricular Canal Defect</b>. We will have to monitor
the severity of the hole and we would need to schedule an appointment with a
Pediatric Cardiologist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could not control the tears anymore. My heart sank deep
into my stomach. I began questioning things I had done as a pregnant woman.
What if I took too hot of showers? What if I eat too much fish? What if it is
because I forget my prenatal vitamins sometimes? Just then, the Doctor broke my
trance and looked at me in the eyes and said, “There is nothing you have done
to cause this. Sometimes this just happens.” I began to weep. Mike was holding
me close and I felt like I couldn’t breathe, what have I done? I felt heavy. The doctor then told us several times we needed to have blood work
done to test for Down syndrome. We
agreed to get the bloodwork done downstairs and then head over to our OBGYN. Our
blood test was called the Harmony; Dr. Mulligan said it is a 95% accuracy rate
for testing Down syndrome. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We arrived at Dr. Ashmun’s office (OBGYN) and I felt like a glaze lay across my face. Mike
and I both were just still and silent. I cried and he held me close. When he
looked at me it felt like he was saying, “I don’t know what to do, but I am
here.” I loved him and I loved our little baby. I didn’t want her to be broken
or wounded. I wanted her to be healthy and safe. Dr. Ashmun arrived to us and
talked a little more about the findings from Dr. Mulligan and she said we were
in good hands with the Cardiologist we would be seeing the next day. Dr. Ashmun
wrote down her cell phone number and made us promise that if we weren’t
sleeping and couldn’t turn the worry off that we were to call her. <i>She has
three boys, there is no way I am going to call her in the middle of the night,
and she is a doctor for goodness sake. I am still thankful for her though. She didn't have to open herself up but she did and I am so grateful she did.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mike had to go back to work and I was off so I went home and
waited for my mom to call me. When she did I could hardly say the words without forcing them out of my chest. I sobbed and tried to catch my breathe. My mom cried and listened. She asked if she needed to come to Lexington to be with us which was sweet but there was nothing she could do to make it better even though I know she wanted too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mom suggested I go on a walk or something to get out of
the house but I couldn’t move from the couch. I was scared to move, scared to
do anything. I didn’t want to hurt Louisa. I laid there on the couch and cried.
Our puppy, Jackson, lay next to me on the floor. My
heart felt heavy but numb. I cried every time I looked at our dog. I cried
every time I thought about our little newborn having open heart surgery. I
cried when I looked at my husband. I cried when I looked at Louisa’s room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bfUPfQk1rqIveHSKgBzXwWT9lSNjm9LMV2X6kEK3ifMPBLTya536JdOkE8fINCTYqYsrTNoaGrRHDBwEzGmNpEUNlnNgVAo6J6l5c8MA6dtebOZZEr2z-Gisz94KRPQL_jPz4Q/s1600/IMG_20160708_144824618_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bfUPfQk1rqIveHSKgBzXwWT9lSNjm9LMV2X6kEK3ifMPBLTya536JdOkE8fINCTYqYsrTNoaGrRHDBwEzGmNpEUNlnNgVAo6J6l5c8MA6dtebOZZEr2z-Gisz94KRPQL_jPz4Q/s320/IMG_20160708_144824618_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday April 12<sup>th</sup> Mike and I met at the
Pediatric Cardiology department. For the first time in the entire pregnancy we
were both early to this appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
felt pale and like I couldn’t possibly cry another tear. Mike looked like he was
holding it together on the outside but I knew his mind was going round and
round. We were called back into the room where we met our Cardiologist. Her
name is Dr. Cottrill. She is 71 and in a wheelchair due to a spinal disease.
She explained exactly what she would be doing and began asking me questions. My
mind was foggy and I couldn’t think clearly but I tried to answer the questions
as clear as possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ultrasound tech nurse was sweet and laughed every time
Louisa turned around and tried to hide from the ultrasound wand in my belly. Dr.Cottrill said she would be a dancer. Our
little pea, apparently, doesn't like ultrasounds. I laid there with tears
streaming down my face. I wanted to be the one sick not her. I was scared and
angry. Mike came close to me and held my hand tightly. We watched the monitor
closely as if we knew what they were looking at. Louisa’s heart was smaller
than the size of a nickel truly I was amazed they could even see anything. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the ultrasound was done Mike and I sat patiently
together ready to fire questions at Dr. Cottrill. She told us basically the
same information that Dr. Mulligan told us the day before. Dr. Cottrill is a
Christian and it was very obvious she was passionate about her work. She gave
Louisa her first book, which was a Congenital Heart Defect book, not what I had
in mind for a first book but HEY, dreams…Am I right? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dr. Cottrill explained the Atrioventricular Canal Defect is
a way Mike and I could understand. If our little one was going to have a heart
problem the AV Canal Defect would be the one we would want. The repair for this
type of defect is successful and surgeons have been performing the repairs for
over 50 years. We asked our questions and she patiently answered each one. At
one point Mike said, “What if she does have Down Syndrome?” Dr. Cottrill’s
reply was, “then you will love that baby and be her biggest advocate.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That night Mike and I sat on the couch together and just
stared at each other in silence. We were both exhausted from crying and
thinking. We eventually fell asleep for several hours and both woke up still feeling
really heavy. Our good friend Lauren Greenman stopped by with flowers,
listening ears, and kind words. Lauren is studying to be a Physician’s
Assistant. She and her husband have been great friends of ours for 3 years. Something
Lauren said that night that struck both Mike and me was, “A lot of things have
to go right during pregnancy to have a healthy baby.” We were both taken back.
No one had said that, but it was true. Many people take for granted healthy
pregnancies and babies. This idea will come up time and time again throughout
the next several months. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday night April 18<sup>th</sup> I got home from Bible Study Fellowship and
got ready for bed. Mike finally got home and came upstairs
to find me lying in bed (which I did often because I am pregnant and my legs,
back, neck, eyes, fingers, elbows, everything hurt). He lay beside me. He said,
“Hilary, we need to talk, Dr. Mulligan called me today. They found Trisomy 21
in your blood. Louisa has Down syndrome.” In the nature of honesty I literally
said, “Are you lying?” To which he replied, “That would make me the worst
husband ever.” When I realized he wasn’t kidding, a huge lump formed in my
throat. Tears marched their way into my eyes and down my face. I wanted him to
say he was joking and she was fine, but he didn’t. I looked at him expectantly like <i>why are you not telling me you are joking?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mike just stared at me. I
couldn’t breathe. I just kept repeating, “They are wrong. They are wrong. Mikey
they are wrong.” His eyes filled with tears. I think he would tell you that experience
was probably the most difficult thing he ever had to do in our marriage. His
heart was being ripped out. He wanted to save me and his daughter from this
pain and there was nothing he could do. He just had to watch me unravel. My
strong and powerful husband was forced to tell his already fragile wife that
our little girl had Down syndrome. We were vulnerable and broken. We lay in bed
staring at each other because that was the only comfort we could receive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6Z_jH5lk2xvnSIpOkvKqOK2gVFmhMcYp26JArtJ-19yMVP4fPbXLbPbgVusvanJfeEdAjHaYdBkf8DswvhhPGSpjx2x3zMljNRAMBMQ5CJVCmYA2Vo99FGyL6SY2_W1CClEtoQ/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6Z_jH5lk2xvnSIpOkvKqOK2gVFmhMcYp26JArtJ-19yMVP4fPbXLbPbgVusvanJfeEdAjHaYdBkf8DswvhhPGSpjx2x3zMljNRAMBMQ5CJVCmYA2Vo99FGyL6SY2_W1CClEtoQ/s320/IMG_0906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day was by far harder than the night before. Again,
I was forced to function. I had to get out of bed and go to work in my office.
I had to work next to people that asked me about being pregnant on a daily
basis. I called my parents that morning to tell them about the news. I couldn’t
say it without crying out, “Louisa most likely has Downs.” Both my parents
cried and cried on the phone. Their once joyful hearts for this little girl
were just as scared as I was. I got to my office and could not stop
crying. I shut my office door and just sat staring at my computer. I called
Mike and all I could say in a weepy voice was, “I don’t think I can do this.” He came over,
brought me coffee, and just sat with me in my office. He didn’t cry but
his presence was the strength I needed to keep going. I didn’t want to eat. I
didn’t want to work. I wanted to have the privilege to crawl in a hole and
hide. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The grieving process began. Mike and I would grieve our
expectations at different times. Prayer was difficult, worship was almost
impossible, and joy felt like it was a lifetime away. I couldn’t look at babies
and I know that is an odd thing to say. It wasn’t fair that my baby girl
wouldn’t look like them. She would be recognized in society as less than or as
not capable of xyz. I told my friend, “I am one bad news away from shaving my
head and hanging out with the homeless crazies’ downtown.” That was how I felt.
I felt like I was going to lose it. Smiling felt exhausting and laughter seemed
impossible. Hope was a tiny flame inside my heart that would be extinguished
every time we had an appointment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>This is the abbreviated version! Imagine what the long version is like. ;)</i><br />
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Someday I would like to publish the longer version and the entire story from beginning to end but I will wait patiently for that moment. I will end this entry today with this; although our hearts really did feel this way and sometimes still do hurt we are in much different places right now. Mike and I are really excited to bring home this baby girl. Our excitement does not change what we have been through or how scared we are and have been.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-76063142955274577452016-07-08T11:02:00.000-07:002016-07-08T11:02:13.041-07:00A gal's best friendsToday we had an OBGYN appointment with Dr. Ashmun. We are 37 weeks and she checked to see if, by chance, my cervix was open. It isn't. Boo. <br />
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Tomorrow four of my very best friends are coming down from Fort Wayne, IN to spend the night with me. I am absolutely thrilled to spend some time with each of them. These four ladies are friends I met my freshman year at Ball State. We all went to CRU together, we shared a bible study, and we started a gum tree. We played and laughed constantly. I have lots of friends that I care deeply for, however, these four woman are my soul friends and will be forever. They all love the Lord and love each other. When they found out about Louisa's heart and our diagnosis they decided to come down and spend the weekend with me. I know they are giving up a lot to do this and I am so grateful to them and their husbands/boyfriend.<br />
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Casie Barker, Melissa Pearson, Kayla Fox and Erin Hagerman</div>
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They are so special to me. P.S. I didn't ask them permission to talk about each one of them OR post their picture, individually, but I am going to anyway because I need to say thank you.</div>
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Erin Hagerman:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExxnE5ORRrSZIAbRY0eNc4BEMtUMP-2H6jbNnaGMVEd5md6mP0PfFKd7Qb92KHIDu-mNxUGlej9aJSgJ3dNsHfpktQezNr4CZ-V0AoY6h0pJzRkKFN3jJ4ACYCJCPJMyENxQilQ/s1600/284069_10100201707293968_5674573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExxnE5ORRrSZIAbRY0eNc4BEMtUMP-2H6jbNnaGMVEd5md6mP0PfFKd7Qb92KHIDu-mNxUGlej9aJSgJ3dNsHfpktQezNr4CZ-V0AoY6h0pJzRkKFN3jJ4ACYCJCPJMyENxQilQ/s320/284069_10100201707293968_5674573_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_Suwz7wKXHEbreeB_dDTIEv6rw_XbH5M1yYnJun7LhNqA_HV_ulDpu2z2XDRFVdJ3_gV_PJXjzCo9qw1pYnYPhRQekr4SvZEDc_xcCr42XGMXwQiaEfADbLul5EU9n1-S64Mnw/s1600/284145_10100201691036548_8278300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_Suwz7wKXHEbreeB_dDTIEv6rw_XbH5M1yYnJun7LhNqA_HV_ulDpu2z2XDRFVdJ3_gV_PJXjzCo9qw1pYnYPhRQekr4SvZEDc_xcCr42XGMXwQiaEfADbLul5EU9n1-S64Mnw/s320/284145_10100201691036548_8278300_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Erin,<br />
You are the best. I love your sense of humor and the laughter we share every time we are together. You are always really open and honest with me when things are hard and when things are good. Thank you for loving me even when it was hard. Thank you for always listening to me and sharing hard moments with me. Thank you for crying with me and sharing your family with me. You are my DEAR FRIEND and will be forever! Thank you for scaring the crap out of Casie and making life fun! Thank you for the adventures we share. You work so hard in a profession you care so much about. I look up to you because of your perseverance. <br />
<br />
Casie Marie Barker:<br />
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Casie,<br />
If I were ever stuck in an airport or stranded on an island I would want you to be there with me. I cannot think of another person that makes every situation fun and amazing. You and Mikey are hilarious together, which always warms my heart. You are so positive and fun. I think you smile more than anyone I know. You bring so much joy to everyone you are around. You have more energy than my husband, which is pretty remarkable. You are always up for any adventure and I love that about you. You are brave and kind and I love you. We share so many precious memories that I will never ever forget. Thank you for sharing life with me.<br />
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Kayla Fox,<br />
You are prefect! You are a cornerstone. You are a wise woman of God and I really look up to you. You are one of the most empathetic people I know. You practice grace and mercy so well. I am so grateful to you for reaching out to me during this difficult time. Thank you for allowing me to be honest and loving me through the toughness of our situation. Thank you for giving me permission to grieve and not making me feel guilty. Thank you for your constant prayer. I can only pray that someday I am half the woman that you are. You have the best laugh and sense of humor. Thank you for sharing life with me.<br />
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Melissa,<br />
I am tearing up just thinking about what to say to you. You are so special to me. I love you with my whole heart. Thank you for years of laughing, crying, listening, and teaching. You have taught me so much. You are honest and wholesome. You love people hard and it is a beautiful thing to witness. Thank you for sharing parts of your motherhood with me. I know you won't believe me but you make it look very easy. I love your relationship with the Lord and with others. You have taught me; how to be a loving wife, how to have fun in marriage, how to care for two babies, and how to have faith even when hope is hard to find. You introduced me to my husband and you shared your entire family with me for years. You always made me feel welcome and like you wanted me to be around. I adore you.<br />
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Ladies. I cannot wait to see you all! It has been way too long since we all have been together. Again, i am so grateful that you are choosing to spend the weekend with me!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-48706364040127682932016-07-06T12:44:00.001-07:002016-07-06T12:51:00.175-07:00A different pathHi. My name is Hilary Riley. I am Mike's wife of almost 5 years. I know this may seem strange for those that have followed Mike's blog for several years so let me explain. We decided to revamp Mike's blog so we could have an avenue to communicate with friends and loved ones about our pregnancy, birth, and parenting journey. We will write this blog together. We will share our perspectives and journeys together because to be honest Mike and I although very different are much better as a team.<br />
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Someday I will share how I believe God orchestrated our lives to intersect in so many ways. Before I post about our little one I first want to introduce myself and catch you up on Mike and I's life. While you patiently wait for that let me refresh your memory with this Save-the-date video. Mike had a lot more hair at the time, I guess that is what 5 years of marriage will do to a guy. =) I just watched it and I am crying and laughing out loud all at once (I will blame the emotions on being pregnant).<br />
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<a href="http://surroundedbygrace.blogspot.com/2011/03/ohh-it-is-official-i-am-getting-married.html">http://surroundedbygrace.blogspot.com/2011/03/ohh-it-is-official-i-am-getting-married.html</a><br />
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I am a sign language interpreter in the state of Kentucky. I currently work for EKU through a grant for the State of Kentucky. I am a full-time Vocational Rehabilitation Interpreter. I am insanely blessed with this job that I do not deserve but I am very grateful. I have been an interpreter for 6 years now. Mike and I moved to Lexington in 2012 and we bought a wonderful house in January of 2015. We love Lexington and our "family" we have created here. We recently became members of the Tates Creek Presbyterian Church. We are very excited to become a part of our church family and serve in a Church that brings so much to our lives. Mike works in industrial sales for Netherland Rubber Company. I know way too much about his profession because of how passionate he is about selling products. This man was made to be a salesman, spend more than 10 minutes with him and you will see what I am talking about. We are currently 37 weeks pregnant and it is extremely humid outside. I am ready to meet our baby and (Bonus) to get working on my body being normal again.<br />
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We are the Riley's.<br />
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We passionately seek the Lord and try to be as vulnerable and open as possible with everyone we meet. That is why we have decided to create this blog. I truly feel called by the Lord to start writing about our life and our diagnosis journey. So, onto the journey portion of this post.<br />
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We are having a little girl!<br />
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Her name is Louisa Jean Riley. This has been a long pregnancy. We found out basically at 4 weeks that we were pregnant. Needless to say it feels like I have been pregnant for 5 years now, not to exaggerate. My body has changed so much over the course of these 9 months. I am excited and nervous to have Louisa. I will post the extended version of our pregnancy journey tonight. For now, I just want to share how this week has been. Mike will tell you that I have begun nesting and our house is spotless. Although I have begun cleaning odd things there is still so much to do. This past weekend Mike's parents, Dianna and Pat Riley, came down for 4th of July and to help me prepare frozen meals for post baby arrival. We were able to make 12-15 freezer meals which will be a huge help. Tonight I am going to pack the hospital bag, not to throw him under the bus but, I don't really want to depend on Mike to pack. Mike has been overjoyed with so many things during this process, however, one thing he is rarely thrilled about it baby stuff. I will say the one purchase he was excited about was the monitor and I would say that is the only thing. I have a feeling he will be singing to Louisa through the monitor as she grows. He has helped me a lot with her nursery which I will post pictures of that later as well. Mike is so excited to be a dad. Neither of us know what is to come but one thing we do know is how to love someone with our whole hearts. I hope you enjoy this blog as much as we will enjoy writing it.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06482362538472991982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-15734980155626305512015-08-13T07:50:00.001-07:002015-08-13T07:50:19.960-07:00TODAY IS MY D DAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, today is the day. Today is my D-Day. No, in my case the D stands for DRIVE. I will be doing a lot of driving over the next 84 hours. A TON OF DRIVING. Jared (my best friend who has been living with us for the past 3.5 months) is currently at the grocery store getting all the food. Then around 3pm I will be picking up the rental car and getting it packed up & and ready to go for Hil's arrival home. WOW WOW WOW!!! I am really crazy excited about doing this. I am also a little nervous as well.<br />
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To be perfectly honest, I almost pulled the plug yesterday. This is what happened. . . .<br />
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I wake up to Hilary being right next to the bed saying, "hey I need to tell you something, but I don't know if you are ready to hear it." That's never good. Also, know something about me. I am kind of a tight-wad. I don't really like spending money when I don't have to. I mean I give generously, but spending things on little stuff isn't really important to me. Also, we recently had to fix the tire & other stupid expenses. Life stuff. Also, I just paid a bunch of money, so all our funds are currently accounted for. Also, last month we paid off a big cruise that we've been wanting to go on for years. . . . Are you up to pace? Back to me waking up. . . .<br />
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So I say to Hilary, "what is it?" She says, "Well, I forgot about the check for $550 we wrote to Young Life to send that kid to camp. . . . I thought it had already been taken out, but it just came out today. We have like $150 in checking." Now, at this point, I am thinking about how the monies we have are already accounted for, and I am kind of freaking out. To make a long story short, I did let it slip that I have been planning something for Her, for our anniversary, and I was planning on using that money. So, she knows something is up, but no idea that we are going to the Grand Canyon, and especially not the <b>SPECIAL THING </b>I have planned. I am a responsible adult, and I figure You Only Live Once. Especially living once without children. So the plans are still a go!!! We rock out today as soon as Hilary get's home. I am super excited to spend the next 3.5 days with my beautiful wife. And I love her so much, it is going to be epic. And they money part is not a big deal. I just hate not being super prepared financially. But we both get paid 4 more times this month, including 2 that are coming in tomorrow. We will be just fine. I just inherited that from my dad. Not a bad trait, but just a trait I have.<br />
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<br />Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01496774840232416833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-21668412796456692152015-08-08T08:16:00.000-07:002015-08-08T08:16:14.025-07:00Interesting day yesterdayRight now I'm sitting in the Mazda 6, at Shillito Park in Lexington, very close to the mall. I just got the tire repaired and the rest of them re-balanced. You might have several questions, first, let's start with the car.<br />
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Yesterday after work, Hilary and I were to drive to Cincinnati. And it is the owner of Netherland rubbers wife's 70th birthday party celebration. However, leaving Lexington was wrought with struggle. Hilary had trouble getting back in town from Louisville, work stuff, and more. THEN, we needed to get air in the tires. We only had credit cards to pay with, no cash, no quarters. So we had to use those little automatic fill-up stations that take your card. . . . . We tried 3 different locations, and 3 different cards at each one. NOTHING!!! None would accept our cards!!! Finally we get to a marathon in Georgetown, and Hil just said, "Screw it, go to the ATM and get a 20 so we can get quarters." I did, and when I was finally ready to fill up the tire, the valve stem broke off. The tire was completely flat in like 8 seconds. It was crazy. Then, to make matters worse, I was missing a component for my jack. I was having to use brute strength to get the tire up so I could change it. It was not working to say the least. I asked three different gentleman at the gas station if they could help, and all three said they were too busy and left. But a good Samaritan came to our rescue a man in a very big truck who works for Catapillar not only changed our tire, but would not except cash for helping. It was amazing. I guess God had a much bigger plan than us just being frustrated. Perhaps he protected us from getting a flat on the highway going 80, perhaps he wanted us to see his people still love genuinely, who knows?<br />
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I felt blessed even though we missed a great party, I'm sure.<br />
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However, when we were finally ready to go to bed Hillery told me she was really sad because she really wanted to spend some one on one time with me. She said, "ya know, it's been so long since it's just been you and me. I really want just us to hang out." Of course, I played it off like it's just hard for that to happen right now. . . . . Bla bla. Little does she know, we will be spending a lot of one on one time together in the very near future.<br />
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:-)<br />
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Oh, and by the way I'm in the park because I'm waiting to meet at the Apple store to see about getting my email fixed. It's only been not working properly for a year and a half. Isn't that exciting?Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01496774840232416833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820595.post-38776769108453695342015-08-03T07:46:00.001-07:002015-08-03T07:59:10.204-07:00That was a close one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hilary and I had a great weekend. It was great because my parents came down from Fort Wayne to our house in Lexington. They got here on Friday, and left this morning (Monday, August, 3). It was a fun weekend because we had tickets to the Red's VS. Pittsburgh game on Saturday. Beautiful weather, great crowd, and a very very fun time. However, it was a very long drive up there because we ran into some crazy traffic on our way up I-75N . . . . . </div>
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So, as we are sitting in traffic, my parents start talking about this & that. One thing leads to another, and my mom says, "Remember when you had that BLOG?" My response, "Yea, of course I remember." My mom then says, "Well I used to really enjoy that BLOG, you wrote in it almost every day, it was great." At this point I am frantically searching my brain for a way to lead the conversation away from talking about my BLOG. The last thing I want Hilary thinking about is my BLOG. . . because what if she decides to go and take a peek at it, ya know, to read through some of my old posts?!?!?!? If she checks the BLOG, the element of surprise for this trip is RUINED!!! It's silent for a moment, and then Hilary says to me, "Ya know, you should start blogging again." I quickly, and passively acknowledged her comment, and moved the conversation in a different direction. . . .<br />
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*** UPDATE *** Hilary has scheduled herself to work on Friday, August 14th all morning & early afternoon. I got in touch with her supervisor, and I am fairly certain that Amy G is going to get it all taken care of. I should know more towards the end of the week. I have gotten a great price for a rental car, and everything is set for a August 13 departure date. HERE WE GO!!!!Mikeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01496774840232416833noreply@blogger.com0