Round and round we go.

The darling littlest Schloss had an appointment today with an "ear nose and throat" Dr. The original purpose of this appointment was to obtain a referral to a university hospital so her ears could be further tested. It turns out that the children's hospital in Pensacola is now doing the testing also. This will save us a 6 hr. car ride. From what I understand the testing process will be safer here also, since the Dr. is required to be present for the entire 2 hour test done by the audiologist, where at the University that is not the case. The reason it would be safer is b/c Aggie will have to be sedated for the testing to be accurate, there can't be any movement or noise, it would cause too much artifact on the readings. Apparently they can also fit her with hearing aids here if that is what is needed. All in all the appointment was a success.

I must be honest I am struggling a bit, it's really quite silly, well actually it's sinful worry, so silly is not the word. Here is why... upon entering the room the Dr. asked how old Aggie was? I replied she is 6 months, but before I could finish the months part, or perhaps i wasn't speaking loud enough, he piped up with "weeks", ugh. Little reality check. My now 11 lb 5 oz baby is deceivingly small. I of course replied " I know she is very small for her age, her Dr. is checking into it. I mentioned the handful of referrals we've already received." He, trying to be helpful suggest that she doesn't seem to have problems in the areas I mentioned and asks if she's seen an endocrinologist. I politely said I would mention it to her primary care provider. This gets the wheels in my head turing in no good direction, worry. On my drive home I am thinking of all the endocrine problems I know of, at the same time trying not to think of them, the battle of my mind. Lord forgive me! God is her creator, he sustains the universe in the palm of His hand, he is perfectly able to construct, sustain and fulfill the life of this precious little girl.

"Wonder Red"

Shiloh got some roller skates from her Mema and Papa for Christmas, and she loves them! This is the first time she took them out for a spin.

" The cone of shame"

If you aren't familiar with the movie "UP" that is where the quote is from. It has been my struggle to keep the "cone" off. This is all regarding Aggie. She had another weight check last week. I've been reluctant to share b/c I've been struggling with it myself, and hold to "if you don't have anything good to say, don't say it", though I fail at that sometimes. It altogether isn't horrible news, but it isn't the best either. God has been so faithful to lavish His grace on me by reveling sin of worry, anger and pride in my heart. And He wants me to know that He is in control, not me. Which is a far better arrangement. I have had to "cast my cares upon Him" and find peace that "He cares for me". I surrender Aggie to His care, her creator, who knows her every need.

So Aggie had poor weight gain, she is now 11lbs., which means she gained 2oz. in 3 weeks. I am greatful for the gain. The Practitioner finally put her on the "premie" growth chart, instead of the normal one, which Aggie fell off of 2 months ago. She is 2% on the adjusted chart. I suppose the reason for my uneasiness on this topic is that Aggie's practitioner, tells me these things, and expresses her discontent with them, but has little help or advice in how to correct the problem. Aggie is still nursing and eating rice cereal mixed with formula. I've started giving the cereal twice a day, and just to see, i've been offering a bottle after I nurse her, but she really seems full, and doesn't take much at all.

The other topic of concern is that we recently noticed that Aggie's pupils are different sizes. I looked back in pictures and it has been this way at least since September. The good news is that both react to light equally. So we now have more referrals. She will see a Neurologist and have a Pediatric Developmental Evaluation. As it has been going, it takes about a month for the referral to go through and the appointment to be made, if it all gets put in "the system" correctly. And then once an appointment is made, it usually is about a month wait. So I'm not anticipating knowing much for awhile. This trade-mark of the system has been a very active part in my sanctification. It has reveled my impatience, lack of trust and worst of all unbelief.

I say all this so you know that my imperfect heart has failed time and time again to please my Lord as we learn of new news and potential problems Aggie may have. But the good news of it all is this, He waits with His arms open wide for His daughter to come back to Him. He has been holding me up, taking my steps in the midst of my frailty. The great news is........ God is pleased........He is pleased with His son Christ, whom I hide in. I thank Him soo for that!

Missouri and back again.

It was so nice to see my family for Thanksgiving! Our time was packed full of fun things.

We did some tree climbing.

My cousin Ashley invited us out to the farm to see the bottle calf eat. Shiloh really liked the chicken. Thanks Ashley!

We celebrated Christmas with family while we were home. The kids loved that!

I got to meet my new niece Taytum (on the left), my new nephew Kohen (middle), and Aggie enjoyed hanging out with them (right).

Here we are en-route.
Our travels were more eventful than one would hope for, but what do you expect with 3 little people. We flew, the kids were great on the way there. Our main event was an over-night stay in Atlanta, b/c of a flight delay. Thankfully it was a mechanical problem and we were compensated for our troubles.
On the way home, we learned an important lesson. The Schloss family only has 2 flights in them. As we were approaching Atlanta from Kansas City, we were informed that the Atlanta airport was closed b/c there was a storm over the air field. About 90 aircraft were diverted to out-laying fields to wait, we were one of those aircraft. So we hung out in Huntsville, AL. Thankfully it was only a couple hours and we were back in the air headed to Atlanta. We landed and our connection was delayed, so we had a few hours to burn there. Our final and 3rd flight of the day was short, but eventful. It was 8 or 9 o'clock ish, a long day. I was that person with the screaming baby, most of the flight. Shiloh had a potty accident in the seat. And Hosea, who has been doing pretty good with potty training, decided to fill his pull up with #2. The flight attendant suggested that maybe the baby filled her pants. She had gas, but hadn't bore any fruit from her labor. It wasn't until we got off and stopped at the bathroom to clean Shiloh up that we realized it was Hosea that was stinking the place up. If we had stopped at 2 flights we would have been good. :)

It's so nice to be home, I am catching up on sleep and chores. Hoping to decorate a tree soon!

Hosea is 3!

We celebrated Hosea's Birthday twice this year, I suppose that makes up for last years left over thanksgiving dessert with a candle in it. I realized that we need to celebrate his birthday early in the month if friends are going to be able to attend since it is so close to Thanksgiving.



This is his 2nd Party at Mema and Papa's house. It was a dual party with one of his cousins. With all his first cousins in attendance.

He enjoyed his Buzz cake!

This was the small celebration at our house. We had some friends from our church over. There was another boy in attendance, 2 actually, but I just realized they are not in the picture.

I made a "Kung Fu Panda" cake, since Hosea is a Kung Fu Warrior himself. He has a mean low round-house kick. We had fun celebrating our little man, we are thankful to the Lord for another year with our exuberant 3 year old.

Physical Therapy

Aggie had her PT evaluation this week. It went well. They checked all her range of motion, her muscle tone, and some coordination. She did well. She is a little behind her average age, but there were "no red flags" the therapist said. She will see her again in a month to see if she is progressing. The "head lag" that the Dr. expressed concern about, was not present, which was good news!

Life

We had Hosea's birthday party today. He wasn't born until the 28th, but no one is usually available to party then, so we had it early this year, and probably will every subsequent year. It was truly a sweet time of fellowship, we had a couple of families from our church over. It was very laid back, informal and enjoyable for all, we are so thankful for our little man! We are so blessed to have such sweet friends. Thanks for coming to celebrate!

Monday we will head out to Missouri to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, the 22nd-30th. I'm very excited to see my family and meet my new niece and nephew!

My next update will probably be after Aggies PT appt. on Dec. 2nd.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

The Doctor Office

We spend a lot of time there....

We went back there today. Good news, Aggie gained 1 lb. in 2 weeks! This was very exciting after her regression last month, of no weight gain. I was right about the feeding thing, and we are back on track now.

The doctor is still concerned about her motor development. I'm starting to be concerned also, which I know is sinful worry, please pray for me in this area. I do desire to please the Lord with my thoughts. I continue to cast my cares upon Him in prayer. I'm so thankful He hears. She is significantly behind. She has a physical therapy evaluation in Dec., the 2nd I think? That should give us some clear direction. If she does poorly there she will see a neurologist for further testing to figure out the cause of her delays.

We received a "This is not a bill" statement in the mail Saturday from her last hearing test. It was informing us of the cost of her testing and that our insurance covered it, praise the Lord! Her last hearing test was $918! That's not to mention the 5 tests she had prior to that. In addition to that we have been to the Doctor for one thing or another at a minimum of twice a month, we already have 4 appointments on the calendar for December, and we haven't even scheduled her next hearing thing. I struggle with growing weary of spending so much time there really. But getting that "not bill" has made me so thankful that we have all the resources available to us for her care for free! That's right free! We are so blessed, so many people suffer b/c they can not see a doctor or have access to medicine or treatment, and here we are becoming "regulars" at the doctor's office. Obviously this is what the Lord has for me in this season of life, I should rejoice and be glad in it!

Oatmeal is a love/hate relationship.

I love oatmeal for it's healthful benefits, and that my kids enjoy it.
I hate it's ability to plaster it's self to my dinning room table and chairs.

Marine Corp Ball

It was so nice to have a date with my hubby, which is my favorite part of this annual formal event. A couple from our church watched the kids. I felt much more comfortable leaving them with two adults instead of one b/c our princess Aggie really needs her own attendant. She's so young and little and strongly opinionated. It all went well and the food was the best I've had yet.

If you are wondering why Hosea is mostly naked in all his pictures, it's b/c we are still potty training and he is way more successful with out cloths on for some reason? It's a process.

I love the backyard!

I truly enjoy our back yard. It provides us with much fun and relaxation, and has become a very popular spot for the kids to play freely.

We had the pleasure of hosting a costume party at our home this year. It was all because we were going to miss our dear friends, the Steel's, that we had grown accustom to attending, and decided instead of moping, we would host one and just use all their good ideas. Here is a great shot from the sack races.

The kids love playing in the rain.

He "didn't want to get wet". He cracks me up.

They take turns pushing each other in that thing.

And who could resist the hammock?
Note: I'm not sure if you remember that Mike wanted this beauty hanging in our home, but look where it ended up! I'm very pleased, and it was from no work of my own, but rather the simple fact that it would not fit where he wanted it. I'm so sad. (sarcasm)

The beginning of long adventure.

Aggie Rae had another ear check-up today. It was quite long, as the hearing testing takes a bit of time, and requires a still baby. The Lord was kind and Aggie was more cooperative than I would have imagined possible. They mentioned at her last appointment that "it is best if she sleeps during testing", hint hint. Since she is not on a schedule that I can manipulate, or predictable in any way, I just started praying then. The Lord was so gracious! She slept for nearly 1.5 hours in my arms. It was really amazing b/c the whole time she had a clip attached to each ear lobe,( it was tight too b/c there are still marks), she also had probes in each ear, and a metal probed taped to her forehead, and is was making loud noises in her ears. To top it all she is really out of the sleepy newborn phase, she is 4 months now and has a much more significant amount of awake time. I'm just saying all this b/c it really is amazing that she slept so long and so well in these circumstances! The unfortunate thing of it all is that, she really needed to sleep about 30 min. longer. :( So her left ear tested "inconclusive" which is important b/c her right ear has "significant hearing loss" we learned after her testing today. So now we need to learn how much or little the left ear is working to know what kind of correction she might need. We are being referred again. I'm not certain at this point the steps that will be taken, we may need to see an ENT first, but our final destination is likely The University of Florida speech and hearing clinic in Gainesville, about 6 hours from here. They deal with these things often and will be best suited to diagnose and treat our little baby doll. The part I'm unsure about is who we see next. There may be some steps we need to take with our insurance before we get to our final destination. I will be calling the clinic nurse tomorrow to start figuring out what needs to happen next. She has another well-check in two weeks for her low weight, so worse case scenario I will discuss it with her Dr. then who is the one who will be doing the referring.

4 month Well report

Well Aggie had her 4 month well check today. Honestly it was a little disappointing. I do believe God is Sovereign, so I'm holding fast to that. But the sweet little girl weights the exact same as she did last month, sigh. 9 lb. 14oz. Though the Dr. didn't think panic was necessary, and I agree, she did want to take steps to make up for it. The good news is she is now old enough to start cereal, which I wouldn't ordinarily do yet, but given the circumstances we'll give it a go. Also she wants her to eat every 2 hours again. I hold no promises there, I'm not sure that our life would allow for it, but I will of course do my best to get her as many calories as possible. Also 2 months ago the Dr. had me switch how we nurse, doing only one side per feeding, but since then her weight gain has been less, only 1 lb the first month and now this. I didn't think to ask the Dr. at her appt. about this b/c I was distracted by Hosea peeing his pants, but I think I'm going back to doing both sides, since she was gaining above average, 2pounds per month on that. She also isn't lifting her head as well or high as they would prefer, so we are headed to physical therapy for that. That should be interesting? So not the best news a mom wants to hear, but let me assure you that Aggie looks healthy and sweet to me, just a little smallish, which is super cute and helps to capitalize on her winter wardrobe. She is responding to sounds and starting to baby babble and baby converse with us, i am so enjoying her and watching her react to her environment. What a ray of sunshine she is.

A Quote from "Becoming God's True Woman"

"As women, we are created to be life bearers. Our bodies have been designed with the ability to mother-to receive, carry and bear young. In fact, our bodies prepare themselves repeatedly to conceive and bear young. We express our femininity by gratefully embracing every stage of childbearing, receiving and nurturing each child as a gracious gift from God." -Carolyn Mahaney

So......How is life with Three???

I've been getting this question a lot. I haven't come up with an answer yet, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

It seems like three children is the maximum to an American average? Most people stop after three, if they haven't already. But we know so many lovely larger than average families that our mere three seem like child's play. Let me assure you, that is not my view at all.

Honestly, it is exhausting, but exhilarating. Hard but fun. Frustrating, but peaceful. It is what God has called me to right now, to serve my husband and three small children and care for our home. See the thing is, "it is all meaningless, a chasing after the wind" (Ecc.), except with Christ it is so much more than that. My heart longs to be with my Savior, and yearns for my children to have the same longing. So that is my focus right now, and hopefully, by the grace of God my focus everyday. I am doing my best to glorify my Lord in the context of our home. He gives me joy when I'm faithful, because He loves me. He is so faithful to rebuke me when I fail because He loves me. He is so faithful to catch me when I fall because He loves me. So I've had some successes and some failures, and have been face down in the preverbal mud, but He still loves me. He is sufficient in my deficiencies. And I pray that He blesses my meager efforts for His great purposes. I trust He will, He is so faithful!

Now for some pictures.


This is Shiloh waiting to be released from "quiet room time", I fell asleep on the couch, so it was longer than planned and longer than usual.

I just thought this was funny.

Hosea come to "cuddle" with me after his nap, which was also obviously my attempt to nap. He fell asleep on me, and I was doing my best to doze also and Mike came home just in time to capture it.

Now you might be thinking, it sounds like she's getting a lot of naps, but let me assure you that is not the case. Getting 3 little people quiet long enough for a nap to occur is a gift from heaven.


Did I mention it was exhausting?

Heart melting

An update with words

Things have been a little busy around here. With Hosea potty training, Aggie and Mike's Dr. Appts. and another visit from Grandma and Grandpa, the computer has not been much a priority. But I'll say this. Mike is well, praise the Lord for that! I know I didn't post on this, but if you heard from word of mouth, he had some unusual blood work and over the course of 2 months several tests. Thankfully the Lord has healed him, his blood is now normal with no explanation other than God's kindness. Aggie can hear in her Left ear, for certain. Her right ear will be re-tested Nov. 2nd. I am so thankful for this, as long as one is working normal development with language can be expected! We had a great time with Grandma and Grandpoo, the kids adore them and they were very helpful with Dr. appts. and we even got a date!! The "potty-train" has slowed down a bit, we are having some regression and I'm unable to give him the attention I wish I could. He is about 70% on the right track. I'm praying for patience and wisdom. I had a new niece and nephew born this month. We are planning a trip to MO for thanksgiving, I can't wait to meet them! Mike has been working more, 2 flights a day. He comes home pretty late and worn out, and is having to work at least 2 weekends a month. I'm praying God gives me the strength and energy to serve and love him during this busy season. I find myself pretty exhausted frequently, but it forces me to rely on God's grace which is a pretty sweet place to be actually. Otherwise I find my self slipping into self-sufficiency which is not pleasing to the Lord. All-in-all we are doing better than we deserve.

Choo-Choo.... Here comes the "potty-train"!!!

Praise the Lord!! The little man is ready. I wasn't really ready, b/c I wanted the baby to be sleeping through the night before this all started. But the last couple weeks he's been showing signs of being able and ready, I just needed to pull up my boot straps and do it!! After reading about my good friend CS success the previous week, and Hosea desire to wear is "mater undies" I said, "ok buddy let's put them on" and we haven't looked back. Today was day 4, and he is doing great! We got off to a slow start b/c there was some trouble-shooting with position and aim, some trial and error and a bit of frustration, but I think we've found our nitch. So much so, that he is able to do it on his own, which is his preference b/c he's mister independent and my preference also, since i'm usually nursing when he needs to go. If anyone wants or needs to know details about what worked for us, I would be happy to share, b/c honestly finding our "position" was the biggest headache of it all, and I think it could be a common boy problem. I'm sure as he grows it will change, but for the time being, I praise the Lord for creative thinking!

Camera Question

My camera is on it's way out. Any recommendations or ones to avoid in your experiences? Any input is welcome.

Notice a Theme?

You got it..........her hands are up. They are usually up, in-fact, she came into this world with one hand up and she still likes it.


It think this picture shows a bit of her personality. She isn't sure what to think about us yet. she's in the defense position. I can't say that I blame her.


Love this picture! She still acts a lot like a newborn and will sleep in unusual situations, if she only knew she would probably be making the above face. Look how big she looks on Shiloh's lap!


Ahhhh...... Sleeping babies are soooooo sweet! We were at the zoo here, she loved it!

Thank you Mema and Papa!

Thanks for sending the wizard of oz costumes, the children loved them, Shiloh's reaction speaks for it's self when she saw the sparkling red shoes.

She's Happy!

Aggie got a new medicine for reflux last Monday and it has been a God send! She eats better, sleeps better, and she is starting to smile. It melts my heart b/c she seemed so uncomfortable before.

Family fun!!

This Saturday Mike spoiled me and we got to do two of my favorite things, eat breakfast out, and go for a boat ride.

This was at breakfast Shiloh asked, "mommy does this say eeeeffffaaac", she sounded out cafe backwards. I'm glad she is noticing words other places than her school book, and is applying what she is learning!

Then we rented a pontoon boat from the base for 2 hours and took it for a spin down the black water river, the kids and I loved it! I think Mike had fun too!

We stopped to cool off.


The kids loved "the bumps".

Summer Visitors

When Aggie was born June 29th, Mema and Papa came and watched Shiloh and Hosea while we were in the hospital, and stayed a few days beyond that, it was such a blessing!

I have some family with a vacation home near here, so we had the privilege of seeing some of my cousins and family in July.

Then Grandma, Grandpoo and Granny Annie surprised us with a visit in July! They were eager to meet our sweet little Aggie, I don't blame them!

MeMa came back again! She already had booked a flight near my original due date, so she went ahead and came back to help out, and she was a great help! Thanks mom!! I love you and you know the kids do too!!

Summer Visitors Take Two.....

Aunt Stacy came in July for 10 days, and was a huge help!

My oldest brother Benji his wife Lindsay and my sweet nieces, Kamryn and Trystan were here for a week in August. It was so fun to watch the kids play together b/c they are basically the same age as our children.


Uncle Tyler was here for 10 days in August, the kids loved having him to play with!

Grandma Kathy and Uncle Ryan came for about 5 days in August as well, we were glad to have them.

Thanks for coming to see us everyone we can't wait for your next visit!

Playing

Mike has done some work on Shiloh's bike, we bought one second-hand a long time ago, which she was content with, but we noticed the handle bars were a bit low for Shiloh, though the rest of the bike seemed to fit. So we picked up another one at the thrift store and Mike merged them to create this. Good job Babe, she loves it!

We've cut back on the amount of movies the kids get to watch, it has gone from 1 a day to about 1 a week and we are really enjoying the fruit of it, this is an example of Hosea's mind engaged. It has been so fruitful and fun to watch them enjoy playing together and separate instead of staring at the TV screen, or asking all the time for a movie.

The interview......

Hungary Guys!

One night after we put the kids down for bed, we came in and sat on the sofa and discovered these two having a midnight snack on our coffee table.

Weight Report

Aggie had her well check today. She was 8lb. 8oz. and 20 in. long, so that's great. She is being put on some medicine for reflux, I'm hoping it helps, she's been battling it for a while, i mentioned it at the last check up and they said they wanted to wait another month to see what she did, it got worse, poor baby. She also got tons of shots today and her little legs seem to be hurting her, she's a pitiful little thing right now, we are doing our best to give her some extra TLC.

What we are up to....... an overview

I sent this update in an e-mail to a friend, and decided I would recycle and post it. I'm so green.




Shiloh continues with school we are on lesson 32 of "teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons" we are both enjoying it for the most part and she is reading already, she still has a few sounds to learn, but she can read quite a bit already, I'm so proud of her. I think i"m going to start doing some devo and verses with her school work and incorporate memory and handwriting with it. She already does some handwriting with her reading lessons and she is doing very well. Other than that she is being our little princess, she dresses up most days as someone or something, i'm not sure why we buy cloths? She started ballet last week, i don't like it as much as NB Ballet, I"m not sure how long we'll stick with it? I'm hoping to find some other activity she might enjoy that doesn't involve dressing up to explore other options and exposure to new things. She did great at swim lessons this summer and is basically swimming independently for about 3 or 4 yards, she's so big. But still my little girl. She said the other day "God please make my kid (referring to Aggie) into a big sister so she can grow fast."




Hosea is himself. A big ball of energy with no limits. Ok he still loves to be cuddled by his mommy. I'm told he "talks very well for his age" by countless people, that is probably b/c he is trying to keep up with Shiloh, which is impossible since she rambles on and on about fake stories all day long. Hosea is still in need of potty training after a failed attempt or two. Boys are way more messsy! He is content hanging out in his diaper in the mean time. He loves to play "sword fights" and "shoot guns" with daddy. The rest of the time his dinosaurs and cars spend time attacking and wrecking. I think he's about to kick his nap? We'll see. I gave him the option of quiet room time or nap Sat. and he decided for the nap?

I am adjusting to life with three. Still up through the night, so some days I'm more tired than others, but honestly God just continues to allow me the energy I need to do what he has called me to. I do find that I get behind more frequently on laundry and dishes, but they all get done eventually. I just continue to try and make decisions and priorities that would please the Lord, if it doesn't get done one day I try again the next or the next until it does.

Ear Update

Our sweet girl had her follow-up test done yesterday and did not pass. They said her right ear showed improvement from the last test. Her left ear was also tested and failed, though it had previously passed. Confusing I know. I am under the impression that this form of testing isn't known for it's accuracy. They tested her right ear 5 times yesterday and got 5 varying results. Bottom line for us is, none of them were completely passing, so they had that in common.
What happens next?
We will be going to a pediatric audiologist instead of just the normal audiologist. Another test will be done, hopefully one that is more consistent with it's results.
The Dr. from yesterday seemed very uncertain of where we stood. He said "worse case scenario is this...... if she is in-fact hearing impaired we will send her to San Antonio, Tx for Cochlear Implants".
This is all we know for now, we are trusting in God's goodness and Sovereignty over our lives, and of course praying for healing if there is a problem. In the mean time we will continue to love on our sweet little girl. She is such a blessing and delight to us!

With my "extra time"?

So out of an effort to serve my husband and fulfill a request to mend his flight bag, it turned into this...........

My bobbin winder broke, so naturally I disassembled the machine and found the part in need of replacement and ordered it online, the bobbin tire. It seemed easy enough, right? Wrong........enough time elapsed that I had forgotten how to put it back together. I gave it my best guess and had 1 extra screw, never a good thing. So I swalled my pride and took it to the repair shop 2 weeks ago. They called today to let me know it was ready for pick up, I asked what the repairs and expense was and this is what he said. "Some one disassembled the bobbin winder and put it together wrong" I smiled behind the phone, he proceeded with "and someone took a screw out of the......(i forget somewhere)..... so i had to replace that, and it needed cleaned, so i did that also."

I think I should have just taken it there initially and I'd be paying for fewer repairs. Oops! Live and learn. Sleep deprived new mommies shouldn't take on mechanical projects, when keeping up with laundry proves to be a difficult task.

Smiles!

Randomness......

Shiloh likes to make sure Aggie keeps "her toy" with her anytime she thinks of it. I'm not sure who's little dog this actually is, but Shiloh has declared it to be Aggies.

Look how little she is all bundled in her swing......with her dog of course!

These are new born socks, they totally fit, it won't be long!

Just another tiny example.