I feel like writing just a bit as the kids are finally in bed for the night and I'm soon to follow! I'll try and add a few photos later.
We are getting rest!! Jackson has been in his own room now for about 4 nights and only cried in the night once! That translates to a good night for all of us praise God! He also is now in the crib and Kaylee moved into the room with Sydney. That transition went surprisingly much smoother than I thought it would. The girls have a bit of touble getting quiet enough for naps, but do very well at night when it's dark. I'm so proud of them!!
I've had to spend some time sorting through clothes for Jackson to find some that fit him now and get ready for cooler weather. This also means then going through the girls clothes and getting out the ones that are too small. Kaylee has lots of clothes that used to be Sydney's, so that's one less child to worry about! It brings back such memories of when Sydney was smaller--not to mention when I actually had TIME to shop.
You know, I was telling a friend today that I used to look at other parents whose kids barely looked like their hair had been combed or their clothes had just been thrown on and barely matched and wondered what was wrong with those parents. Didn't they care enough to even take the time to give those kids a little attention? Well, guess what? Most days that's me now! I have no idea where the time goes except to say with three busy kids who all seem to talk at the same time, all want something NOW, two who need diaper attention, and one little boy who thinks the whole house is his personal playground and nothing is off limits. Not to mention I feel like a referree if there is a squabble or crying (which happens regularly) or if someone cries and whines when I say no to something!
So, yes, my time goes by very quickly these days, but not so quickly that I can't be thankful for the little blessings that come. For example, tonight I had and aunt and uncle we haven't seen for nearly two years stop by in their RV as they're passing through town. My aunt said, "Can I bring supper? I just happen to have everything in my freezer to make a chicken and broccoli casserole. Oh, and I also have slaw and pickled eggs and beets (some of our favorites)". Well, I certainly am not one to say no if someone wants to make us a meal!
Another blessing is the little bedtime routine we've started. We all are together to say what we're thankful for and then pray. Then sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Jesus Loves Me, and a simple good night song that Andrew made up when Sydney was a baby that includes all the kids names now. They all sing and even Jackson attempts to sing which sounds mostly like honking!
Another blessing is we have an appt with what appears to be an excellent craniofacial specialist in Dallas for next Monday. There are two cleft teams in Dallas that I know of and several cleft doctors. However, none of them are considered in-network for our insurance. And all seem a bit unclear as to how much this would cost us. It all depends on the negotiations between the surgeon and insurance which we won't know until after the initial evaluation and the insurance company is contacted. Please pray that if this is the doctor we are to use that the insurance company would be agreeable and we wouldn't have to pay any extra costs. I've read the palate surgery itself is probably the most important of all the cleft surgeries since it will affect speech and eating. I'm pretty sure Shriners Galveston is out of the picture at this time. I haven't been able to even contact anyone there to even find out if they're still an option.
Jennifer
