Where have the past 6 months gone??

Sorry it has taken so long to post. Free time? What is that? Yes things are incredibly busy here these days, but getting a little easier.... some days. Where do I start? With our dear Luke...

Luke continues to do well. We have continued to see some improvements since China. He is consistently sleeping through the night now, has much better head control and definitely making more sounds. Luke went to school this spring 2 days a week. It was hard at first for me and him, but after a few weeks he adjusted great and loved it. It was nice to know that he was getting the stimulation he needed that I couldn't provide. ..and it was great for me to have a little break and get to spend some time with just Ethan and Emily. He had surgery on his eyes back in April to help align them and since has started reaching for more things. He still wears his glasses for far sightedness. Luke has a stander now which helps him with weight bearing on his legs. He's not crazy about it, but we'll keep working at it, just like everything else. He absolutely loves having a little brother and sister. When we put Ethan or Emily next to Luke his face just lights up!! They love him too, they're always touching his face and smiling right back at him. It's been very difficult for me not having as much time to work with Luke as I used to. The guilt is overwhelming at times...but I know that the babies will be getting more independent soon and slowly I'm beginning to have more time to work with him. I also know that Luke has some form of therapy 5 days a week. .. that first and foremost, he is just a kid. He deserves a break and wants to have fun like everyone else. Our life cannot and will not be consumed by CP!! He is still the sweetest, smiliest little boy I've ever met. Although, he is definitely a 2yr old! He has become more expressive when he is not happy and attempts to manipulate both myself and his therapists with his BIG pouty lip. Lastly, he started horseback riding therapy, which is supposed to be great for building up trunk and neck control! It's so cute to see him on this big horse, he seems to really enjoy it!

Cody is doing great, finally potty trained!! It only took a week. I knew once he figured it out it wouldn't be long. Thank goodness, a few less diapers to change in a day!! He is still loving his "diggers", really anyone reading this, please stop buying more diggers, it's getting out of hand. How many excavators does one 3 yr. old boy really need :) He still says the funniest things, he is my little man for sure. A few months back he put a necktie around his neck and told us he was Barack Obama!! Too funny! He has learned to ride his bike like a champ, although I'm afraid Clint is turning him into a daredevil, riding up and down the ramp to Clint's shop and doing "skids" in the driveway. He is all boy.

Ethan and Emily are now 6 1/2 months old and I can't believe it! I am thankful they are sleeping pretty much all night now. Our chunky boy Ethan still likes to have a little snack around 4 am and Emily likes to wake around 5:30 am, ready to play. Emily is still a little peanut, but poor Ethan. He's only in the 50th percentile for weight, but 5-10th for height... he is our little tank. He is a very happy little guy, like Luke, very laid back. Emily is our pretty, sweet, little girl, but she is going to give Cody a run for his money. She is a pistol and never stops moving. I am completely amazed by them everyday. I didn't realize how much I took for granted until I had a child with special needs. I appreciate all the little things they have the ability to do....something as simple as rubbing their eyes when they're tired. Luke has never done that..don't get me wrong, he also amazes me with his determination and believe me, I really appreciate all of his little things too.

So I guess to sum it all up, Life with Luke is crazy busy, sometimes very sad, sometimes frustrating, but mostly...beautiful....I wouldn't change a thing. Well... maybe one thing.

MMMMOORE!!

Well, great news, Luke has spoken his first word: MORE. No, it's not perfectly annunciated (not sure how to spell that), but he says it at appropriate times (usually while eating) and seems very proud of himself. You cannot even believe how excited we are about this!! It brings tears to my eyes every time I tell someone. In other great news with Luke, he is now sleeping through the night on a regular basis (yes, I'm knocking on a bunch of wood right now). He's been doing it for over a month now. I know he must feel so much better and what a relief for us... just in time for the new babies to come home and keep us up!! Like I told Clint, it's better to be up with 2 kids than 3! Luke just seems to be getting so big, I can't believe he's going to be 2 next month. Luke is also going to be starting a class at the Learning Center this week. I think it will be great for him to be around other kids, and he gets more special instruction there, which will work on cognitive ablilites as well as more oral motor therapies. His occupational therapist will also be able to work with him an extra day while he's there. He' s going to start with one half day a week and then will go 2 half days in a month or so. I know Luke will love it, but it also makes me a little sad to send him off. I am going to miss him so much. I guess in a way I feel a little guilty. It's a mom thing I guess. It will also give me some time with just Ethan and Emily. This is more of the guilt I've been feeling. I just hope I'm giving all the kids the attention they need. I just have to try my best and learn to deal with the guilt I guess.

Ethan finally came home a few weeks back, what a joy for us! No more running back and forth from the hospital. For those who didn't know, Ethan contracted RSV while in the nursery at the hospital. Luckily, he didn't get pneumonia, but he was a pretty sick little fella, and this delayed him coming home for a few weeks. He is still on a little whiff of oxygen, but otherwise doing great, he's topping the scales at 7lb. 8oz now!! Emily is doing great as well, weighing 6lb. 12 oz. She is a little pistol, very squirmy, whereas Ethan is very laid back and mellow. Cody and Luke just love them to pieces! We are very glad to have our whole family together again. Thanks to all of those who have been praying for our family and little babies.

Last, but certainly not least, Cody is still a "Little Clint". He just cracks us up these days, but also such a sassy little 3 year old! He told me to "take it easy"the other day. He has now gone on the potty 2 times!! WOOHOO! I really hope he continues, 4 kids in diapers is just too much and too expensive!! Well, I must go try and get some rest before the babies need to eat again!

Welcome Ethan and Emily

We would like to introduce the newest members of the Pickett family: Ethan David and Emily Brook, born Tuesday, Dec. 16th!!! They were a little early, but are doing great. I made it to 34 weeks exactly! Ethan was born at 12:15 pm weighing 4 lb. 5 oz. and 17 3/4 inches long. Emily was born at 12:17 weighing 4 lbs. and 17 1/4 inches long. They are both doing well. Ethan is still on a little bit of oxygen and they are both working on putting on some weight, but otherwise very healthy little babies. They will most likely be in the hospital a few more weeks. I have put some pictures up of the whole clan since it's been a while.

Luke is continuing to do well, although a little stiff lately. Unfortunately we have not been able to work with him as much with things being so crazy, but we hope to get back to it soon. The cold weather probably doesn't help either. Cody is doing great, as you can see by the pictures, he has been more eager to wear his underwear lately, which is a big step forward for him. If only we could get them to stop leaking on the floor!!! His picture is him showing off his muscles! I don't know, I think he may be a future underwear model?? LOL He is so funny these days, and such an awnry little booger! He seems to be very excited about the babies, so that's a relief. Let's hope it stays that way once they come home! Well, I better go get some rest. Take care and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

A long overdue update

Yes, an update is LONG overdue and I apologize. Things have been crazy around here since Clint and Luke returned from China. Yes, they are home safe and sound, thank goodness. It has been so great to all be together again. I will try and post some pictures of their trip a little later, after I get everyone caught up.

So we'll start with Luke! Yes we have seen some results from his stem cell treatment! His head control has improved tremendously and his hands move with more of a purpose these days. Instead of "batting" as much, he seems to really focus and grab something. His therapists are very pleased, saying they're now doing things that they couldn't have done before. The docs in China said that we will probably see more results in 3-6 months. We are very excited and very hopeful for any more improvements. Luke and Clint adjusted back to the time that first week, which was a relief. Luke still isn't taking great naps, but the past 4 nights,(I'm afraid to say it) he has slept ALL NIGHT!!! Granted, he's had a little help with some Benadryl due to a stuffy nose, but we've given him Benadryl before and he didn't sleep this well, so keep your fingers crossed that he continues to do well.

Cody will be 3 tomorrow (Dec. 4) which is so hard to believe!! He is Mr. goofball and says the funniest things these days. He told Clint the other day "Dad, you're a nice old man!" And today he told me "Mom, don't get me all worked up" . He is quite the character these days! A little sassy, but he is 3 afterall. We are excited that he's been putting on underwear after dinner this week! It's not much, but it's a start! In other news, the past two times he's been dropped off at school he hasn't cried, woo hoo! I'm sure this makes it a little easier on his teachers. He has been talking about some of his "friends" that he plays diggers with at school as well. Cody is very happy to have Clint and Luke back. He hugs Luke every morning and says "Hi buddy" in a very sweet, high pitched tone. And Clint is back to roughing him up, which he loves! Oh yeah, and Mia, our chocolate lab is his best buddy. He is always hugging her... he told her last night "Mia, I'm so happy to see you, I love you little Mia girl", which is funny, because she weighs about 65 lbs. Too funny that little guy!

And lastly, but certainly not least, the babies in my belly are doing well. I am now 32 weeks along and was unfortunately put on bed rest 2 days after Clint came home. The babies are fine, I was having some contractions a few weeks back so my activity is now limited just to be safe. It's a bummer, but we will do whatever it takes to keep these babies safe and sound! The ultrasounds are showing that both babies have lots of hair. No surprise to those who have seen baby pictures of Cody, and especially Luke. They are moving around like crazy and the boy really likes to do dances on my bladder!

Well, hopefully you now understand why it's taken so long to do a post. We've been busy trying to line up help and just adjusting back to family life! Clint is doing an amazing job with the kids and the household duties, albeit a little frazzled sometimes, but I understand that. Myself and the kids are so lucky to have him as a husband and Daddy.

Well, I better go do some more "resting". I just wanted to remind everyone to remember the true meaning of the season. I know times are tough and stressful for so many people right now, us included, but our family has so many blessings to be thankful for this year. More than ever, we are just really looking forward to spending time with our families and rejoicing in the birh of Jesus. Have a wonderful and joyous holiday season. God Bless.

A short update

Here's some pictures of our little guys taken somewhat recently. Luke in his new bumbo and Cody having some fun in the tub. Luke and Clint are still in China and Luke is scheduled for 2 spinal treatments next week on top of his physical therapy. Sounds like they were able to get out this weekend and see some sites.

Cody and I are hanging in there. We went to the pumpkin festival and had a great time. He enjoyed seeing all the tractors!!! As much as I miss Clint and Luke, I've also really been enjoying some time with just Cody, especially before the babies come. That's all for now, I'm pretty tired and need to go to bed!!

It's been a while

Wow, it sure has been a while since the last post. September was a very busy month for us, but let's back track a little bit to give some long overdue "thank you's"!! The end of August we had 2 fundraisers for Luke's trip to China. The first, a 5K run at Stephens Lake, which was put on by Kirk (Luke's uncle), and another back in Ohio put on by my sisters and mom and dad. They both had a great turnout and helped us raise the remaining amount of money for Luke's treatment!! I know we've said said it before, but thanks sooooo much to everyone who organized or attended a fundraiser, donated, or just said some prayers for our little guy. Our last fundraiser was just last weekend, a golf tournament in Fulton. Again, a huge success and thanks again to the Pundmann's for all their hard work.

In other news about Luke and Cody.... Cody started a little preschool program once a week last month. He did ok the first 2 times, but wasn't too crazy about going the last time. He cried when I dropped him off, which broke my heart. He was fine of course when I picked him up. We'll see how he does next week. For those who don't know, Clint wasn't real crazy about school until about the 3rd grade! Cody has definitely blossomed into a "little Clint". He is such a little sweetie and so smart. His imagination has really taken off the past few weeks. I can't believe he's going to be 3 soon! They grow up so fast!

Luke is doing great, he is in China now with Clint. They arrived on Thursday after a long couple days of travel. The link to the blog that Clint will be keeping over there is the following:
http://stemcellschina.com/blog/lukepickett/
Before they left Luke had started sleeping a little better, still not great. We've started putting him on his side when he wakes instead of his belly and he seems more comfortable. He is doing great with his eating in the kid cart and loves to sit and play in his new Bumbo designed especially for special needs children. He's a little small in it, but it gives him other options to sit instead of lying on the floor. We also have a stander on loan from the Learning Center that allows him to maintain a standing position, which is obviously more age appropriate for him. Lastly, we've been really working on him trying to hold his own bottle. Clint said on the way to China he actually reached up and pulled it to his mouth!! That is a big accomplishment for him and we are so excited. Clint said he's been holding it more since they got over there as well. Keep up the good work little fella! He is getting stronger every week it seems!

As for the the other babies, we found out that we're having a boy and a girl!! We are getting very excited and a little anxious as well. The time has just gone so fast! I am now 24 weeks and getting bigger by the minute it seems. The babies are moving around alot now and the heartburn has kicked in. I am feeling pretty good otherwise, just tired alot. I try to take a nap on most days, even if it's only 20-30 min. It helps me feel alot better. I miss Clint and Luke terribly, but I am so excited about the possibilities for Luke that this trip might bring. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Well, Clint and I will be keeping you updated on their trip so keep checking back . I'll try and not go so long next time. Take care

THANK YOU!!

I was watching some videos of Luke yesterday when he was just a little baby and I started to cry a little bit. I guess I just got to thinking about how innocent he was and that at the time, we had no idea there was anything "wrong" with him, we had so many hopes and dreams for him. But as I sat there crying and holding Luke (smiling at me, of course) on my lap, a calmness came over me. There is nothing "wrong" about our little angel and we still have hopes and dreams for him, they're just slightly adjusted. Sure, he has a brain injury and his body doesn't work the way it's supposed to, I am not naive to this. But he is also pure sweetness and joy, and no stinkin label of Cerebral Palsy is going to take that away from him. I started to think about how far Luke has come in just a little under a year since he first started therapy. His head control is getting sooo much better, he is eating solid foods, interacting with toys, chewing on his hands, tolerating tummy time, interacting with his big brother... the list goes on and on. No, Luke is not crawling, sitting up, or walking..yet, and to some these little "inchstones" don't seem like much, but they are to him and I couldn't be more proud of him. He has brought so much to my life and made me a better person. I thank God every day for my beautiful little family.

Ok, there is my reflection time. Whew! On to other news! As most of you reading this know already, but for those who don't, Luke is going to China in October to receive stem cell treatments!! We are very excited, as it is fast approaching. We have been doing numerous fundraisers, which you may have read about. This weekend we had a dinner/auction for Luke and had an AMAZING turnout and it was a HUGE success. We are eternally grateful and so appreciative of everyone who came to the event, helped plan the dinner and everything else that went along with it. For those who couldn't make it, or have sent donations, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We are still amazed by how much people are willing to help our little guy. It has been an extremely overwhelming and emotional experience for us. And of course thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, please keep them coming .

We do have some more fundraisers coming up as well. Next weekend there is a wing-ding night in Olmsted Falls that my family is putting on. In addition, there is a 5K run/walk at Stephens Lake park here in Columbia with a barbeque following. Then in Sept. we have a golf tournament in Fulton, a 4 man scramble. If you'd like more info on any of these, just let me know and I'd be happy to email you some information.

In other exciting news, again for those who don't already know... Clint and I will be adding to our family in January!! Yes, we are expecting AGAIN, but this time there's 2 babies!! Yes, twins, can you believe it? No, we don't know how we're going to do it either, but we'll do our best! I am 18 weeks along and feeling pretty good, just a little tired. So needless to say, we have been crazy busy with fundraisers, planning for China, babies, and just trying to make it through another day! Finally, as I was reminiscing, I found the funniest baby picture of Luke , he was about 1 month old. He had CRAZY hair when he was born, check it out in the pictures section! Hope it makes you smile as much as I did!