Ockle Djake

What an exciting past few weeks it has been. It started when my SIL Dianne came from Hawaii and brought my nephew Zach. They stayed with us and it was so much fun watching the kiddos play. The first time Jeremiah was deployed after they were married, Jake was on the road Monday-Friday as well. We would spend almost every night together. Our friendship was always so easy. Most nights we would sit in our twin recliners and watch TV and cross-stitch. Something as simple as that was made infinietly better by having a dear friend to do it with. Well they had been stationed in Hawaii for several years and I had missed her so much. However, it says a lot about our hearts for each other when she came and we picked right back up where we left off like it was only yesterday. She would sit in the recliner and do homework and I would do my glass work and we didn't even have to talk to enjoy each other's company. I have missed her so much.

We held a birthday party for Zach with a cars cake and theme. I think he had a great time and made out like a bandit. I have pictures, but I haven't uploaded them yet. The babies and Zach are very close in age and grew to be very close. Zach would get up in the morning and say "Hi Mina!" every morning. When Zach would leave and come back, the babies would stand by the front door and look at us and go "Where Zack?". It is stinkin cute, but sad because they keep asking for him.

Zach is a little ham and talks very well. He would get up and snuggle with me in the couch, but "Ockle Djake" was where the fun was. Jake was very aware of the fact that Zach is missing his Daddy and so he treated Zach exactly like one of ours. Jake and all three babies would be rolling on the floor, Jake would toss them in the air, and Jake even bathed the threee of them together. Jake really wanted to be there as a good uncle to Zach. I was very touched at the amount of love and attention Jake made sure Zach got from out family.

When it was time to leave I cried like a baby. Zach was probably wondering why aunt Stephy is hugging him and bawling like a baby. I will miss them so much, but I know that they will be back soon. I would like to take this time to thank all of the friends and family who made their trip special. I know Jeremiah appreciates the love given to his wife and son in his absence. If he can't be here, I know he is glad to know he can count on his friends and family to support them. It was really a great time.

NICU

There is a new show on cable called NICU. It follows babies born who have to go to the NICU. It is a very informative show about what life is like for babies and parents who have to spend time in the NICU.

A lot of the babies were born prematurely. Some to mothers who have Incompetent Cervix. It makes me sad when I see babies who were only a few days older than Mason survive and go home eventually, but it also opens my eyes to the struggles these babies face. It also makes me realize how awesome our God is. My babies were born almost 6 weeks premature and did not have to go to the NICU. There are babies who are born only a few weeks early spending time there and I realize just how blessed we were. It is truly amazing what God had to overcome to bring Noah and Mina into this world healthy. I truly thank Him for his mercy and love.

I encourage anybody who might be facing prematurity, or has a relative facing premature delivery to check it out. I think the information both scientific, and emotional will help anybody facing this trial. When you see what can happen, it makes you realize what a miracle we are.

Aunt Jennifer is Awesome!

My cousin Jennifer is not working this summer so she has been taking Jamie and Linda on all sorts of adventures. They have been to fairs, and McDonald's, and Spangles, and the Indian Center. Jamie announced that she is awesome. Here are some photos of their adventures.