Saturday, August 30, 2008

Sick Again



After planning a day of fun for our family including swimming, a picnic lunch and visits with some horses, this morning proved to create something different.

I found Abby in her bed this morning seizing.  Not her typical weekly/daily seizures but the kind that only come with illness.  We had no clear warning signs that she wasn't feeling well.  Because the seizure was already involving her whole body, and not knowing how long she had been like this, we quickly gave her rescue medicine (Diastat).

Not going into the details we ended up in the ER an hour and a half later with Abby in worse shape than she started.  Fortunately the nurse got IV access on her first try and then loaded her with several meds to stop the seizure.

Not long after her seizure had stopped her temperature spiked to 104.  Blood work came back clear which means she has another virus.

Tonight we are home feeling drained and exhausted.  Abby has been unusually agitated all day, including moaning and wakefulness not typical of her post-"prolonged seizure + incredibly powerful drugs" episodes.

We are heading to bed to try to get some rest, but wanted to leave you with some pictures of today.


Josiah, his usual cheerful self, making us smile during a discouraging day.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

New Baby Younger


Isn't he beautiful!?

This is a "preview" meeting of my new nephew due to arrive around November 4th!  I got to feel him kicking last weekend and felt bonded to him even more.

He is 30 weeks gestation and growing nicely.  His mommy is my very special friend and sister.  As of today his name is still a mystery, but I'm sure it will be adorable... just like his sisters'.

Anna and Norah anxiously await his arrival as well.  I've caught them practicing their mothering skills, and there is no doubt they will be Wonderful Big Sisters!  Eager to teach him how to laugh, love and enjoy dessert!

Friday, August 22, 2008



The Triathlon was so much fun!  Patrick and his team finished strong and I managed to complete the 400 meter swim without too much drama.

There was a large group of participants and supporters who showed up to give their support for Team Adriana.  We all look forward to meeting the little girl who inspired this joint effort!

Pray for the Clark's adoption of Adriana.  They have run into several delays and possible complications this week with their paper processing.  Check out their blog for more accurate details.  I'm sure they would appreciate any notes of encouragement!

These pictures give you a taste of the day.  A slide show of the event is coming SOON!

Dave, Patrick and Daniel




Dave and Gracie


Race numbers


Friday, August 15, 2008

The Race Begins...


TOMORROW!!


Bright and early Saturday morning we will run, bike and swim to raise money for our friend's adoption.  Little Adriana is waiting in Guatemala to come home to her family!

It should be fun!

Check back in a few days to hear about this adventure.

Abby is doing better.  She is still not feeling back to normal, but has not had fever today!  Thanks to those who prayed for her this week!!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Sick on a Rainy Day




Today has been rather strange.  Abby woke up not acting herself.  She was retching and trying to throw up, along with seizure like behaviors.  Not like her typical seizures (if you can call them "typical").  I could tell something was wrong.

After watching her and using her VNS magnet several times, I gave her morning meds.  She continued this odd behavior for about 35 min before I called her neurologist.  She had me give more of one of her daily seizure meds and watch her for another 20 min.  I called her back after 30 min when Abby started having jerky movements that were becoming rhythmic.  

The doc told me to give Abby Diastat, which I was really trying to avoid.  But since Abby didn't have a fever she said we could hang tight at home and watch to see if she would improve!  She started to relax a little, but with in another 45 min her jerky movements continued and picked up a little momentum.  

Once again we called our neurologist who told us to head to the ER.  Fortunately for us it was another pretty uneventful trip.  By the time the residents had examined her and gotten her vital signs she had mostly stopped the jerking, although she was still very agitated.

We are home now and Abby has been vomiting and started running a fever.  Although I'm hoping this will not progress into our pattern of hospital stays and prolonged seizures, I've packed my overnight bag and have started aggressive Tylenol/Motrin treatment!!


Monday, August 11, 2008

Swim For Melissa




This weekend topped off the fund raising efforts of all the families participating in the Swim for Melissa event!

It was amazing sitting by the pool watching group after group of enthusiastic kids swimming to help improve the lives of premature babies.  The only thing that would have made it more fun for us is to see Abby swimming with them.  After being a small part of this event we are hopeful that she will swim next year!  With a little help from Dad of course.


Thank you to Julie Golos, Rhoda Klopfenstein and David Clark for contributing on Abby's behalf.  All together our community raised over $133,000 for the Huntsville Hospital Neonatal Unit to buy state-of-the-art Giraffe Omni beds!  These beds truly were a blessing for Abby when she needed protection, comfort and high tech care.

Abby made a short appearance Saturday on WHNT news channel 19 evening news!
or
Check out their site and look under Top News Story Flash for the "Swim for Melissa" clip.


Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Triathletes for Adoption!



Meet our dear friends David and Gracie Clark.  This post is about their family.  

We met them almost 2 years ago and instantly clicked.  Our families have some major things in common: we are all outdoorsy type people, we enjoy sitting together and chatting over a good cup of coffee (or Mocha), and we've all been changed forever by our very special preemies.

I'll let them tell their story about their precious preemie son Drew, and the events that have led them to where they are today.  Trust me, it will be worth your time and tears to get to know them.

Fast forward to August 2008!  The Clarks are hoping to finalize a long awaited adoption of a little girl in Guatemala.  Adriana is 20 months old and has some special needs including vision loss (CVI), epilepsy and a dislocated hip.  Please visit her site to learn more about this gorgeous child!

This brings me to the point of this post.  You might be wondering about the title for today.  Yes, we have become Triathletes for a cause!  

For those who know about the International Adoption process can probably guess what we are up to.  For those who don't... well, let's just say Adoption is Very expensive and time consuming, but so very worth it!


Patrick and I have committed to participate in an upcoming Triathlon in order to raise money to help bring Adriana home from Guatemala!  We are asking for friends and family to rise up and agree to sponsor us as we run, bike and swim for the Clarks.

Patrick will run 3 miles, bike 6 miles and swim 400 meters.  I am swimming on a team with two teenagers who will be accomplishing the running and biking.  It should be fun!

David and Gracie first heard of Adriana's need for a home through an organization called The Shepherd's Crook.  This ministry strives to find families for children with special needs from all over the world! 

Your tax deductible donations will be managed by The Shepherd's Crook for Adriana's adoption.  Every child they list has an account open in their name for donations specifically made on their behalf for adoption purposes.  On-line donations are safe and simple!   If you would prefer to mail a donation instead, mark your checks "Adriana Clark" and send to: 

The Shepherd's Crook Ministries, P.O. Box 773, West Chester, OH  45071
 
We feel privileged to be part of something so special and so close to God's heart!  Adoption is such a wonderful way to obey our Father's command to care for the orphan.  Adriana has a special place in our hearts and we know God has a wonderful plan for her life.

Will you join us in this exciting adventure?!  We would love to count you in!

Contact us @ patrickandpatty@truevine.net to let us know if you would like to help.

James 1:27

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."