Day 13

We've had an eventful couple of days here in Tennessee. Mom and Dad came down on Monday night. They were planning on watching the kids on Tuesday for Adalee's appointment and then again on Thursday for the FRG meeting. Well Monday night we had some issues. Adam had a rough time sleeping. He was crying a lot and really wouldn't settle down. He kept complaining his knees hurt. I brought him to bed with me and he finally settled down around midnight or so. Then about 1:30 my mother woke me up because she was burning up with fever. I had to get her a thermometer and some Tylenol. Then Adam woke up at 2:30 just as I was getting back to bed. He started crying again. He was very restless and couldn't settle down. I finally gave him some Motrin and within the hour he was back to sleep and then slept the rest of the night. Then at 5:30 I woke up Adalee to give her a little bottle since she couldn't eat anything 4 hours before her test. So needless to say we didn't get much sleep around here that night!

On Tuesday we got up very early and headed to Nashville. The Embassy Suites was so great to us. They allowed us to check in at 8:30 in the morning. So I dropped off Mom, Dad and the boys and Adalee and I headed to the hospital. We were seen very quickly. I have to say I was so impressed with everyone at Vanderbilt, from the receptionists to the nurses to the doctors and other support staff. Everyone really cared for Adalee and treated her like a little princess. We were in and out in about an hour. The test didn't go so well. Adalee just didn't appreciate that yummy drink or them holding her down. But we finally finished up and headed home. We then picked up the boys and went to and early lunch. After lunch we got back to the hotel and all the little ones took a nap. By this time my mom's fever had returned. She really wasn't feeling well.

After naps we went back and met with the doctor. For details about the visit you can see yesterday's entry. After the appointment we really wanted to take the boys to Opry Mills, but the weather was terrible and Mom was feeling pretty bad still. So instead we ordered dinner in and got everyone ready for bed. Everyone was in bed pretty early (including myself) but no one except Adam slept well. Adalee was very restless. She kept bonking her head on the portable crib rails. Alden was awake on and off all night. Mom was up as well since her fever spiked again. So by 5:30 we were all awake and getting up.

Today we got up, got things ready and had breakfast. Mom decided to go ahead and go home since her fever was still high and she really had no symptoms. She didn't want the kids to catch whatever she might have. So we drove to Clarksville, Mom and Dad picked up there car, and they headed back home. So after they left, we ate lunch, had naps and then went to church. We're all pretty exhausted now. Lack of sleep is definately catching up with us. I have to say I am so happy about our trip to Nashville. I am pleased that we finally have a diagnosis after 5 long months.

By the way, my Mom called and said she went to the doctor and she has a urinary tract infection. She got on some medicine so hopefully she'll feel better in a couple of days. So the silver lining is that the kids won't catch it! Mom and Dad, thanks for coming up and helping. We're sorry you have to leave, but am glad that you got some medicine so you can get better soon!

A couple of tidbits: Tonight driving home from church Adam started singing the Zacheus song. It's a song he is singing in choir and has to perform it on Sunday. So we were singing and I kept stopping so Adam could fill in the words, and Alden started singing it. He knew the words and what came next. He isn't in Adam's class, so I am not sure where he learned it. What a talented little guy.

Also tonight on the way home they kept telling me they were very hungry. Thinking they just wanted something sweet, I said that they could have some carrots if they were that hungry. So instead of changing their minds, they both sat down and ate several carrots! Just when I think I have them all figured out......


A happy Adalee in her hospital gown before the procedure. I should have taken an after picture as well. We had white stuff (the Barium she had to drink) all over both of us. She had it in her hair and all down the front of her. Needless to say, she didn't like that stuff very well!

The kids with Papaw at the hotel

Next door to the place we ate lunch yesterday was a Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream store. So since everyone had a good lunch and we'd had a hard day, we all got some ice cream. Sorry Grammy and PopPop for going to the competition, but there were no Bruster's in Nashville (although the guy scooping ice cream had heard of it and said they were considered Ben and Jerry's competition).

Adam enjoying his ice cream cone

Alden eating his chocolate ice cream cone after lunch

Yesterday after Adalee's procedure she was so exhausted, she fell asleep sitting up in her crib

All 3 watching TV in the hotel last night

Grandma Jean feeding Adalee

Day 12

This will be a short update today, but I know a lot of you are reading the blog to see what happened at Vanderbilt today. We had the Upper GI test this morning. Adalee wasn't very cooperative, but the staff and doctors were so wonderful. They kept on working with her to drink the yucky stuff so they didn't have to put in a feeding tube. According to her doctor she has a terrible case of reflux. He said in most Upper GI series reflux doesn't show up, but because hers is soooooo bad, it showed up really well. He was kind of excited, I was kind of stressed. He says that the reflux can cause all of the issues she's been having. He said because it is coming up so high, higher than most, the acid is causing the congestion, stuffy nose and ear infections. He upped her medicine and we'll try that for a couple of weeks. If that doesn't work then he'll change the medication. Then the final step is a more invasive procedure if none of the medication is helping her congestion. He really wants to see that disappear. It was quite a stressful day. But I am so thankful for all the doctors and nurses and Vandy. They were so amazing with Adalee (and me too). They were kind and compassionate. It was so nice to be in a place that acts as though they love my child and just want to see her better. Overall I was very encouraged by the doctor and hope with this new medicine she's better soon. I'll write more tomorrow when we get home, but I wanted to say a big Thank You! to everyone who has been thinking about us and praying for us these past few weeks and especially today. They were truly felt.

Day 11

Today was a pretty good day. It started out pretty early getting Adam to school. After we dropped off Adam at school, Alden, Adalee, and I took the car to get an oil change. It was one of those things I have been putting off, but since we're driving to Nashville tomorrow, I thought it was something that needed to get done. It was actually one of the quickest on record. We were in and out in under 30 minutes!

When we got home Abrahm called. We were able to talk for quite a while today. He had gotten back from his first "mission". It was pretty uneventful and he logged several hours which is always a good thing. All is well with him. He is staying quite busy.

This afternoon my parents arrived to help out with the kids tomorrow. We'll be at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital all day tomorrow. Please say a prayer that all goes well and that we can get some answers. I'll update when I get the chance.

Pictures from Abrahm

Yesterday Abrahm emailed some pictures from his first week in country. There are a few of his room and a couple he took on his first flight. Enjoy!


One of the compounds Abrahm saw while he was out flying. He said that all houses that he's seen are in compounds. A lot like all of us having fences here.

Another picture of Abrahm's Room
These pictures were taken the first day he arrived. He's made it a little more "homey" now.

The hallway to Abrahm's Room

Abrahm's Bed

Pictures of the mountains that Abrahm took while he was out flying

Day 10

Wow! We're into double digits now. How can that be? Hopefully the rest of the time passes this quickly. We had a good day today. I was up a little early when Adalee woke up around 4:30 this morning. I am not sure what the problem was but she eventually went back to sleep. But by the time I got her to sleep they boys were up and ready to go!

We went to church this morning. Sundays are hard as well. That's another one of those family times when Abrahm's presence is definitely missed. I guess he could feel those vibes today and he called right in the middle of church. It was good to talk to him for a few mintues. He even sent me some pictures today. They are of his living conditons and some of the countryside from his flight yesterday. If I can get permission from Abrahm I'll post them tomorrow.

After church we came home ate lunch and took naps. I actually got a 30 minute nap this afternoon. After naps we went out and played outside. The kids loved swinging, sliding, climbing their rock wall, and playing in the dirt. While we were outside we had a special visitor come by. Monica, a friend from our church, stopped by with dinner for us. She brought a huge roasted chicken, cous cous, a big box of salad and homemade pound cake. It was very yummy and we have leftovers for 2 more meals. Thanks so much Monica and Jimmy. We really appreciated it.

After dinner we played and went to bed. It was a good day overall. Tomorrow my parents are coming up so they can help me out with the boys for Adalee's doctor's appointments on Tuesday. I'll update when I have some info! Thanks for all the prayers!


Adalee giving Daddy kisses

Adalee excited to see Daddy on the computer this morning

Alden holding his baby sister

Trying our hardest to get real smiles

All 3 of my silly monkeys before church this morning

Peodogi enjoying the day outside

The boys digging in the dirt. They are going to be so sad this spring when I actually plant flowers in this garden. It will be a shock to learn it's not their personal sandbox

Alden showing me his digger filled with dirt

Adalee watching the boys play

Day 9

Another quiet day here at the Romper Room! Overall a pretty good day. We started out by running some errands this morning. We bought some things for Abrahm and sent him out a special box. We had to wait at the Post Office for over 30 minutes. The line was just about out the door. Crazy! The kids actually did pretty well. We didn't even destroy anything. Usually I take my baby bag with the crayons, stickers and snacks everywhere. I didn't take it into the Post Office this morning since I thought we'd be in and out quickly. Goes to show what I know!

After our errands and Post Office expedition, we headed to Olive Garden for lunch. The kids were great! They both ate well and spent the time coloring and drawing pictures. Adalee is just one eating machine these days. She isn't crazy about her formula anymore, so it's a struggle to get her to take what she needs, but she loves real food. At lunch she ate tomatoes, bread, spaghetti and a banana. For dinner she ate mashed potatoes, green beans, country steak and grapes. I hope she continues to be as good of an eater as her brothers.

After dinner we played and wrote in our journals. It was also bath night since we have church tomorrow. The kids are now in bed, bottles are washed and laundry is done. So I am going to turn in a little earlier this evening I hope.

Today was probably emotionally the hardest for me so far. Saturdays are usually family days and we try to do things together. So Abrahm's absence was really felt today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

I did get emails from Abrahm today. He had his first flight in country and it was successful. Thanks for all of your prayers for a safe flight. Adam tonight said this prayer before bed tonight, "Dear God, Thank you for my Daddy. Please give him all the things he needs and keep him safe and sound while he's out flying. Amen."


Adam and Adalee playing together this morning

Hi Baby Girl

On her way up the stairs ready to take her bath this evening