Kaela Update

** I've added a link to the right that will always go to the post on how to help us if you'd like to. That way, we can keep it updated and it will always stay up, so we'll try to mention it if we've added something new. Rachel just added some things that would really help us out and a number for her Mom, who will be acting as our "relief coordinator". Haha... I just thought of something funny: FEMOM. Get it?

I only have a minute, so I'll put pictures up later. Kaela is still doing well, but a few of the complications of being born so early are starting to show up. Here's a quick rundown:

Most frightening to us, the doctors just did an ultrasound of her head, and found a Class I Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH, or bleeding in the brain). They are going to monitor it closely and see if the bleeding progresses. Statistically, if the bleed stays at a class I or II then she shouldn't have long term complications. But yeah, as her parent I guess that should make me feel better than it actually does at this very moment. Here's an article with a little more on the subject if you are curious.

Her blood gases continue to be okay, but not stellar just yet. She is still breathing just with nasal oxygen, and is breathing close to room air and doing a great job of staying warm. Her little GI tract appears to be working just fine, and she continues to be receiving feedings of breast milk through a tube. She even pooped yesterday! I've never been so happy to report that.

She is having trouble regulating her blood PH, which the doctors say could be par for the course, or could indicate a trouble with her PDA (the hole in infant's hearts, more if you click here) . They are treating her with Sodium Bicarbonate, which she is tolerating well, and we'll see what happens. If it continues to be an issue, the doctors will order some tests on her heart to see if the PDA is the issue.

Kaela continues to have spells where she forgets to breathe, or her heart slows down significantly (called Bradycardia and/or Apnea), but she usually wakes up when you open the door to her isolette. This is very normal for a 27 weeker, and Christopher had lots of issues with this, but it eventually goes away as the baby matures. Even though I know all that, it doesn't make it easier to sit there and watch your kid in distress while warning lights and bells are going off on all her monitors.

Yesterday night was tough for me. Just being honest, I was pretty depressed. I know to expect that cycle now...feeling sad even when there are many reasons to rejoice, and at other times feeling on top of the world because of the everyday miracles that we witness with little Kaela and Christopher. The cycle is part of my body and mind trying to cope with everything that is going on, and it's not always something where being rational can make it go away. There will be an end to this, and we'll bring her home one day, and things could ALWAYS be worse, but that doesn't mean that right now there aren't some appropriate times to just feel down, lousy, scared, or just plain worn-out.

Still, we have lots of reasons to be thankful...the wonderful network of support we have here and from all over the world makes this not just bearable, but a testimony to the blessings of being a member of the body of Christ. And I know Kaela will be okay and some day soon come home. We love that all of you are reading and journeying through this with us, and we gain strength every day from your prayers.

On a nerdy note, I've started taking different lenses for my camera with me when I go to visit Kaela, and that always provides a little creative outlet for me. Oh, and Christopher just emptied an entire box of wet wipes all over the family room. Did I mention that we have lots of reasons to smile? =)

UPDATE: My Grandfather (Mom's Dad) has been hospitalized with a brain hemorrhage. They knew he had pressure on his brain that was causing him to lose some basic functions, and he had elected to have a surgery to relieve the pressure that involves drilling two holes in his skull. When they were preparing for the procedure, the doctors discovered a bleed in his brain that is too severe to operate on at this time. They are monitoring him as well to see what happens. I never like the "just wait and see what happens and hope it gets better" treatment. Nothing against anyone in particular, but doesn't it seem like there should just be a solution for every problem? The internet has made me impatient and unreasonable.

--Andy

How to Help

Many of you have been asking how you can help us. Here are some ideas:

1 - We're home now, so my Mom, Cindy Tolan, is working on coordinating some meals for us. If you would like to help, please call her at 423 | 426 | 1300.

2 - If you're interested in volunteering to sit with Christopher while he's asleep some evening during the week so Andy and I can go see Kaela in the hospital (probably from ~7:30 - 9:30 pm), that would be helpful.

3 - If you just LOVE cleaning we may need some help with that later on - Andy's mom and sisters cleaned the house this week, so we're ok right now.

4 - PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. That's the best help right now. =)

If you want to help with anything, just let my Mom know what you're interested in and give her your phone number/availability or email me.

Some of you have asked if there is anything we need, here are some ideas:

1 - If anyone has a crib or changing table they're done with and want to get rid of, we're interested.

2 - A pack and play crib

3 - A baby monitor, noise only or video, that will monitor two or more rooms (not just two receivers, but one with two or more bases).

Thanks so much!

Going Home

Today was a wonderful, yet hard day as well. We packed up everything in our little room that had become "home" for the past 5 days and checked out of the hospital. It is wonderful to be out in most ways, but it was hard to leave Kaela behind. I do think it was a little easier this time around knowing in general what's ahead of us, and also having a rambunctious toddler at home to focus our time and energy on as well. I have missed seeing Christopher and am amazed at how much his vocabulary and type of play has grown since I've been "gone." I definitely now have a little boy and a baby girl...it's wonderful.

During our last visit before heading home this afternoon, Andy and I were blessed with an unexpected gift. We were told we probably wouldn't be able to hold Kaela for a week or so because of the arterial line in her umbilical cord, but the nurse was getting her out of her incubator and all swaddled for us to hold when we walked into the room! It was a precious time to share with each other.

Mommy and Kaela Ruth.















She felt weightless in my arms.






















Kaela wearing Daddy's ring. We were trying to help everyone get an idea of just how small she really is by including something of a "known size" in the picture.















Andy holding his daughter for the very first time. I cried.















Daddy and Kaela. She snuggled right down against him and wanted the blanket touching her little mouth. Each time we moved it away to see her face, she would wiggle her head until the blanket was up against her lips again. We laughed, because Andy always sleeps with the sheet touching his mouth too. Already 'like father, like daughter.'















Perfect, little face - almost her whole head is as long as Andy's thumb!!!!! Tiny.















Kaela was not very happy with the nurse when she unwrapped her to put her back in the incubator - she was quite comfortable and content in her Daddy's arms.





















After our special visit, we drove home to meet our Monkey. Anna and my Mom were there to help us unload and settle in, and Cortney brought us a delicious supper - so we were set for the evening. Thank you.

We brought pictures and video of Kaela to show to Christopher. As he sat beside Rachel on the couch and watched Mommy and Daddy holding Kaela, he suddenly wanted to turn around and put his arm on me and rub my neck (his way of showing affection.) Then he wanted me to say hi to him and hug and kiss him...guess he was feeling a little insecure and jealous already. I'm sure that's going to be challenging to deal with and quite a shock for him, so please keep him in your prayers as well.

It was wonderful to be able to sit and play with Christopher again, snuggle on the couch, and sing and rock him to sleep. I couldn't understand how a mother could love two children equally - I loved Christopher so much...but in an instant of time, I fully understood.

UPDATE: Kaela now weighs 2lbs 9oz! She is so amazing and we are so blessed!

"Beloved, Sweetheart"

Just like the meaning of her first name, my little Kaela has already become my beloved sweetheart. My mommy's heart melts each time I gaze on her little angelic face. It's such a joy to sit and watch her sleeping so peacefully in her little boxed-in world. Each time I see her, I'm amazed at the miracles occurring each second as I stand beside her - awestruck that at 12+ weeks early, her little body is still functioning perfectly with minimal help. Thank you, Jesus.

Kaela Ruth had a great night. She is still breathing fine on just a nasal cannula; she did wonderful digesting her 2 mL of breast milk and they've bumped her up to 4 mL per feeding now. We're so proud of her - now we just need my milk to really come in so she doesn't get ahead of me! =) She was starting to get a little jaundice - completely normal for a preemie - so they've put her under a billi light for a little while.















As I was sitting at the foot of her bed just watching her sleep, I looked out the window behind her bed and could see the beautiful mountains. It was all so peaceful, and brought another of my favorite songs to mind:

















I lift my eyes up, unto the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You, maker of heaven
Creator of the earth

Oh how I need you Lord
You are my only hope
You're my only prayer

So I will wait for You
To come and rescue me
To come and give me life.

What fitting words for my baby girl.

~Rachel

Kaela is 24!

Hours old, that is. And she's doing great. They have her off the CPAP machine and on nasal air with minimal oxygen support. They say that the first 24-48 hours can be the "honeymoon period" and that things can go down from there, but we're enjoying every minute with our little girl. Here's a BUNCH of pictures for you.

Also, I know we've been posting like crazy, but Rachel wrote a really beautiful post during the waiting period in the hospital that I believe merits being mentioned again. If you haven't already read it, read this post: Who am I? by clicking on the link. Rachel did a beautiful job of articulating why we can have strength, hope, and peace during this time of upheaval and uncertainty.

If you have dial-up, you may want to consider going to broadband because of this post:


Kaela late last night, on the CPAP machine, holding Daddy's finger


















Some shots from this morning, with Mommy and Daddy's hands (yes, that's a ManCamp shirt I'm wearing!):































































































Unlike the NICU where Christopher stayed, this NICU has some more relaxed visitation policies. In Lexington, the only people who could see Christopher were his parents, and grandparents. Here, as long as they're not sick, we've been able to take our siblings in to see Kaela as well. This is a welcome change and a real blessing as we are able to share the joy of this miraculous little girl with so many more people in our lives. Here are some pics from family members getting to visit her. With shots of people outside the isolette, you get a better sense of scale and how small she really is!

A visit from Christopher's "Buddy", Auntie Meg. We're sure Kaela will grow to love her if Christopher doesn't keep Auntie Meg all to himself!



















Sho Sho, Aunt Anna, Uncle Silas and Babu




















































De-Da and Aunt Jenny



















Gramma (I forgot to snap one of Papa and Aunt Stephanie, but they were here too!)




















Christopher is too young to go into the NICU to see his baby sister right now, but he did amuse himself watching the "wurkers" outside climbing the ladders and making phone calls. Everytime he saw one on the phone, he said that they were calling "Megnan". He also insists that the workers are using "Babu's Truck" to get around, and they are also using "De-Da's Tools" to fix things. He's going to be such a great big brother, as he's already helping to hang up "Kae-ya's Clodes". He's such a blessing to us and a constant source of smiles.


































When Megan came into the NICU with us, and I broke out the camera and started snapping pictures, she said to Kaela: "Kalea, you'd better get used to a camera in your face, because this is how it's going to be for the rest of your life!" Probably true, but I think she likes the camera.


















We love you little girl! Stay strong!

--Andy

She's HERE!!!!!

2lbs 6.4 oz and 15 inches long. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Kaela Ruth Didyk.















She's a fighter and a perfect and beautiful little girl! Her big brother Christopher already loves her. Her Apgar scores were 8 and 9, and she cried when she first came out. Rachel is doing well and we are resting. We get to see her in the NICU in about an hour, so we'll post more pictures when we can. We are happy and praising God for this little miracle!















Love,

Andy


UPDATE: 5:30PM. Little Kaela is doing pretty well. We just got back from being able to see her in the NICU. She's still breathing room air, but with a little help from the CPAP machine (it's a machine that helps provide positive airflow into her lungs, without forcing it in like a ventilator). Her blood oxygen levels were "decent," but now she's stable and doing okay. As the hours go by and she gets more fatigued, they may have to briefly switch her to a ventilator, or to increase her oxygen levels. So far, so good.

Her little face is bruised up, which is why she appears so dark in pictures. We think it's because she spent so long with her head lodged so low in the birth canal before she came out. But that should go away within a few days.

We are already so in love with our little girl, and can't wait to show her off to family and friends. She's a fighter, and needs your prayers. God will provide! Here are some more pictures:

What, Mommy? I have a sister?! Cool!
















Kaela's first visit from Mommy and Daddy in the NICU


















Little feet on Mommy's hand
















Perfect little toes!
















We know this will be a long journey and filled with ups and a few downs, but we both have faith that God is in control. We love all of you and will update again soon!

--Andy

Morning Update

We had a relatively peaceful night, thank you Jesus.

This morning, as of 10:00AM, Rachel's labor has started to go into full swing. She's 6-7 centimeters, and her contractions are strong and regular. Please pray. We are confident in the Lord's generous provision. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. He's here with us now, and we know whatever happens, this baby and everyone in our growing family is in His hands.

Love,

Andy

Good Night

We're about to go to sleep for a little while. Rachel has been very stable throughout the day, and in good spirits. Her contractions have picked up some, so we've cleaned up the room and moved stuff out of the way in case the baby comes tonight. Silly maybe, but we're parents and we just have to do something =).

No real news other than that. I toured the NICU here today, and at 30 beds it's a really impressive facility. The staff were all excellent to me and it was extremely confidence-inspiring to have them take a lot of time with me.

Praise God, we've made it to just under 48 hours with the steroids! Rachel and I celebrated by spending some time in the bed together just listening to music and talking about things. It was a really nice moment of peace. I think we're closing in on some names too, which doesn't hurt.

Thanks for your calls and prayers. We've had some fun visits today and everyone traveling has arrived here safely.

God Bless, good night, and hopefully Rachel will still be pregnant in the morning =).

--Andy

Who am I?

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours.
I am yours.

These lyrics from Casting Crowns have been playing through my head today...and I've been focusing on the title/theme of "who am I?" As I was lying (on my left side!) in bed last night, with contractions every few minutes for several hours, I was worrying about the baby...willing it to stay inside a few more hours...days...weeks...so it would "have a better chance." As I was praying yet again, begging the Lord to stop the contractions...this song title popped into my head and I heard the question "Who am I? Am I limited to your womb?" That really made me think as I started to recall these lyrics, and then think about all the miraculous things the Lord has done in my life, and the lives of my family and friends. Then it made me think..."Hmm, Lord...right...who are you? and better yet...who am I to try to limit you to my womb?" I mean...we're talking about the Creator of the Universe here! Daily I'm amazed at the world in which we live: I'm blown away by the awesomeness of God's creativity and design as I watch my son grow and learn, as I examine the intricacies of nature, and now as I yet again experience the power of prayer and support of Christ's church through the many wonderful family and friends that Andy and I are so blessed to have.

In my limited human experience, babies are "knit together in my mother's womb" for 40 weeks, plus or minus a few days. But just because that's what I'm used to...how God created for that process to normally occur...doesn't mean that's the only way He can bring a child into this world. How limiting of me to think that the baby is better off staying inside me. I can't see the future, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God can do anything. He is all powerful and all knowing. As I thought throgh all this and begin to relax, as my back quit hurting and the contraction stopped and I drifted off to sleep, I was completely overwhelmed with the peace of God which truly does surpass all understanding. He is here. He is with me, and He loves this little one more than I do...he knows everything about it - the things I can only guess at and hope for. Whether in my womb, or a clear plastic box in a little room in TN, God is not limited to what He can accomplish through and for this precious gift we're expecting. Praise the Lord!!!!! And praise Him that he hears us in all cirumstances, and despite our weaknesses and doubts, is ready, willing and loning to shed His love and comfort and peace upon us, calmly reassuring us and reminds us "Who am I?"

I pray he blesses each of you as much as he has blessed me today, and that this post provides opportunity to reflect upon who God is to you.

Love and Peace,
Rachel

Morning Update

No baby yet.

Last night was rough. Things were pretty calm until midnight or so, when Rachel began having regular contractions again. Just like with Christopher, the monitor was not picking them up, so we had a constant barrage of nurses coming in and out trying to reposition the machine, give meds, etc. Rachel needs help getting up because of all of the cords, etc., that she's hooked up to, so neither one of us slept very much.

We haven't seen the doctor yet this morning, but the nurse checked Rachel last night because of the severity of the contractions and she estimates that Rachel has dilated to 5 centimeters (from 3 earlier yesterday). However, in the middle of all the contractions at about 5:00AM, Rachel was praying to herself and trying to psyche herself to sleep, trying to talk her way out of the constant back pain, contractions, and just plain being uncomfortable with having to always lay on her left side. Suddenly, her mind cleared, the contractions stopped, and the pain in her back went away and she was able to grab a couple of hours of sleep. We know from experience that peace only comes from God, so thank you to whoever was praying for us around 5:00AM this morning!

It was a great joy and encouragement to read the emails, text messages, and blog comments from all of you when we both "came to" this morning. Please also pray for my Dad and stepdad Tony who are driving down from Fort Wayne as I write this. Christopher, a natural fighter, is taking most of this in stride, but woke up last night and this morning crying for Mommy and Daddy...it's just hard because it's impossible for him to understand why we're not there.

I was really scared last night, I'll admit it. But today is a new day, and I'm looking forward to visits from family and friends.

"Faith is being SURE of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see." This definition has challenged me a lot in the past 48 hours. May we all have faith that God will protect Rachel and this little one.

--Andy

Evening Update

Thanks so much to everyone who has called, emailed, stopped by, and other stuff. It's such a wonderful blessing to feel so supported and loved by everyone around us. As I've explained to several people, this is likely going to be a relatively long ordeal: either Rachel will spend an extended amount of time on bedrest, or this baby will come soon and will spend a very long time in the NICU, or a little bit of both. Either way, we're talking about weeks, if not months, of having some type of a situation, and we appreciate so many people committing to helping us. That being said, I'll probably end up spacing out specific requests over the next several weeks, so don't feel left out if I haven't asked you for something specific yet...only a matter of time and I probably will!

News: as the saying goes, right now, no news is good news. Rachel continues to be doing well while laying prone on her left side and staying still. Contractions go down to about once or twice an hour when she's like that. However, if she gets up, goes to the bathroom, sits up, or does anything else (like lay on her right side even!), the contractions strengthen immediately and go up to several within 10 minutes. We believe this is because the baby is so far down the uterus, and is exerting pressure on everything. The doctor wants to minimize checking on her cervix unless contractions pick up, so our next update on dilation, etc., will be some time tomorrow. This could go one of two ways, but it's the same pattern we experienced with Christopher so that's always in the back of our minds (he stayed in for 40 hours after we got the steroid shots).

It is great having Mom, Jenny, Megan, and Stephanie drive down to see us today. The trip had been planned for literally several months as just a weekend to come down and have fun, but the timing couldn't be better for everything that is going on. Here's a picture of how much Christopher appreciates their being here (read: he LOVES the attention!):















Playing in the "linen storage" area of the labor and delivery room with Auntie Meg:
















It's pretty cool to be able to give updates on the blog on from our hospital room. I guess it's kind of weird, too, but it's so nice to let everyone know what's going on without having to rely on just the phone.

Feel free to call or stop by. Our spirits are pretty good right now and we are putting all of this in the hands of the Lord. As much as is in our power, we're trying not to be afraid of what "could" happen, or at least not dwell on it. We're busying ourselves with friends and family, and picking out names and sleeping in between. We love you all and deeply appreciate you support. One of us will update again tomorrow.

--Andy

Baby Didyk #2 On the Way

Dear Friends and Family,

Just a quick note to let you know that Andy and I came to the hospital yesterday evening (thursday) because I was having contractions again every 4-5 min. apart. My doctor met me there to check me out and admitted me because I was 2 cm dilated and still contracting. My cervix was starting to efface as well...so he decided to start my steroid shots to help the baby's lungs produce surfactant. If my contractions stopped, I could go home after the two shots (48 hours).

Then: an ultrasound revealed the baby had dropped and was descending into the birth canal. A section of my uterus is also so thinned out that's it's only 4mm thick!! Though there aren't statistics/research to show this might cause preterm labor, if that section stretched much more it could rupture - not good! So...God knows what He's doing and we're just trusting Him.

This morning I had progressed to 3cm and 70% effaced and the head had dropped another 1 1/2 - 2". I don't think we're going to be going home any time soon! =) My doctor started me on procardia to try to stop the contractions long enough to give the steroids...which seems to be working as long as I'm lying on my left side. If I roll over, get up, etc, the contractions start up again. Yeah left side! Good thing that's how I like to lie down anyway.

My next steroid shot is at 10pm tonight, then we're hoping to at LEAST make it to Sat at 10 pm b/c that's 48 hours. Each hour is a blessing. We're either at 27 weeks 4 days (says first ultrasound) or 28 weeks 4 days (says logic when Andy and I calculate what's "possible"). =) That's either 1 or 2 weeks before Christopher was born, though this baby is weighing in via the ultrasound at 2lb 7 oz, 1 oz less than Christopher weighed. With all the latest technology, we're looking at a healthy survival rate of 80%. We've seen tremendous miracles already in Christopher's life, and are looking forward to the blessing of experiencing many more. Though emotionally challenging at times, it's always amazing and such a blessing to see how God works and how much He loves and cares for us. Each moment of keeping this baby safe is a blessing that we're constantly thanking the Lord for.

Andy and I are doing fine emotionally - there are moments of - "Oh, Dear Lord, help us!!!!" but really we're more upset for the baby - not wanting it to have to suffer, and for Christopher, who has no idea what's coming or why Daddy and Mommy are gone. Though PTL for wonderful friends and family who are already pitching in to help out. Christopher has been having fun with Sho Sho and Aunt Anna. He probably doesn't even notice we're gone in truth! =)

From here on out we will be posting updates on the blog for any/all to view. Please feel free to call/email us, though we don't promise any rapid responses depending on what's going on. We covet your prayer support, and are so thankful to know that we have so many wonderful friends who we can count on to lift us up at a time like this.

We love you all.

Resting in His Arms and Trusting in Him,

Rachel, Andy, Christopher and Baby Didyk



Rachel and Andy at the start of Round 2 of Early Didyk Births















Christopher sitting with Mommy. His first comment when Mama brought him to see us this morning was to look around and say "What is it?" at all the machines. Cute. Then he walked over to where the monitor was displaying the baby's heartbeat and started dancing to the "beats." I love our son! =)















Watching TV with Mommy.















Ok, Daddy. I love you too...but can I please get down again? ("Down please. Down please. Down please.")

n*tara Outing at Doe River Gorge

On Saturday, n*tara had a company picnic out at Doe River Gorge. In the morning, Andy went paint balling with a bunch of the men and had a great time. He also has some great "war wounds" to show off now. Christopher, Cortny, Sunny, Esther, Anna and I drove out to meet them around lunch time.

Christopher must have been hungry, because he ate a hot dog, a bag of sun chips, a huge chocolate chip cookie and a large spoonful of baked beans. Finally...he's developing an appetite.

After lunch, we headed over to the "lake/pool" to swim for awhile. It was blazing hot, so the water felt wonderful.

Jeff, Thomas, Cortny, Sunny, Christopher and Andy.















Sunny's "Rock."















Although she's now walking pretty well, Sunny still wanted to hold on to Christopher when standing in the water.















Relaxing in the water.















After swimming, we took a ride on the old ET and WNC railroad that stretched between Johnson City, TN and Boone, NC. It was built to haul iron ore out of the mountains. They now give rides from Doe River to a little over a mile down the track where the Gorge is located. It's quite beautiful!

Erin and Brian Pearson, Esther and Josh Hathaway, Cortny, Sunny and Thomas Eorgan, Rachel and Christopher.















Enjoying the view.















The Didyks on a train ride.















VERY HOT yet fun day. Thanks, n*tara.

Lake Watauga with Tolans and Josephs

Saturday, we spent the day up on the boat at Lake Watauga with my family and my mom's sister and family - the Josephs. It was hot, but the water felt wonderful! We had a great time relaxing, visiting and introducing Christopher to swimming in lake water.

Sho Sho and Christopher.



















Great - Uncle AJ holds Christopher's life jacket so he doesn't take a swim by himself as he looks out across the lake.






















Silas trying to throw Mollie off the jet ski.
















Eventually he dove off and took her with him.
















Christine and Sophie Joseph and Anna Leigh.

















Christopher points out the jet ski to Great - Aunt Debbie.






















Daddy, Mommy and Christopher enjoying the warm water on a super hot day. Christopher thought it was great to splash it in our faces.

















































Daddy and Christopher sat on this raft while Mommy stayed cool in the water (plus my belly kept me from climbing onto the raft from the water!) Silas gave Christopher two tennis balls which he had a blast throwing as hard and far as he could into the water and letting everyone else in the water chase the balls and throw them back to him. I'm not sure he would ever have quit that game on his own.

















Christopher also had fun driving the boat with Babu.






















When it was time for bed for Christopher, everyone wasn't quite done playing on the lake, so Andy, Christopher and I loaded up on the jet ski and road it to the dock. That was a first for Christopher, who was quite unsure about it and very unhappy about leaving for the first half of the trip to the dock...then he calmed down and almost enjoyed the last part of the ride! =) Fun day.

SaraBeth's 21st Birthday

Today was SB's 21st Birthday. We had a party for her this evening and had a lot of fun together. Unfortunately, Andy's plane was delayed several times due to weather in Memphis, so he wasn't able to make it home until shortly after midnight.

We started off at Daddy and Mama's house with just family so we could give her our gifts.

Christopher giving his "Aunt BaraBeth" the best gift of all - lots of love.






















He adores her. She always gets the best smiles and cutest laughs out of him every time he sees her coming.






















The kids, grandkids and almost kid: Silas, Rachel and baby, SaraBeth, Christopher, "soon-to-be-kid" Mollie, and Anna Leigh.


















"This is the way the babies...ladies...gentleman...FARMERS ride..."


















..."all the way to town." Christopher loves to "ride the horsey" on Babu's legs.


















After presents, we went to the park where lots of SB's friends joined us for a delicious dinner of BBQ chicken, fresh salsa and fruit salad. I think I could have eaten all night long! =)

Chrsitopher trying his best to get down and go splash in the nearby puddle of "help" Babu grill the chicken. He's pretty good about staying back from the grill and knows it's hot, but he was getting a little close and I decided "seeing" how close he would get before stopping probably wasn't a very good idea.






















Mollie and Christopher unfolding the kite so Uncle Silas could fly it.






















Upside down over Uncles Si's shoulder.


















Playing soccer with Aunt SaraBeth.

Another Scare

Ahh, pregnancy. Sunday night, I woke up at 0345 having a contraction. I assumed it was a Braxton Hicks and started to drift off to sleep. After about 6 in the next hour, every 20 minutes and then 7 mintues apart, I started timing them around 0500. They were getting harder and were occuring every 7-12 minutes, mainly every 7 minutes. Hmm...timed contractions that weren't going away after 4 glasses of water and lying on my left side. I woke Andy and we called our doctor. He told me to meet him at the office at 0800. So we got up and showered and headed to the doctor's office along with my Daddy, leaving Christopher with DeDa and Megan.

By the time I got to the office, I thought they might be letting up a little, but I hadn't really been timing them since I got out of bed. When I saw the doctor, at about 0830, the last two had been 20 minutes apart again. Yeah! Anyway, he did some tests, and PTL...nothing indicated I was in labor despite all the contractions. One of the tests he ran even came back negative, with a 99% accuracy that the baby won't come in the next 2 weeks. That was relieving.

Anyway, he said it was probably just my uterus acting up as the progesterone from my shots wore off, since I take them every Wednesday. I asked how I was supposed to tell the difference between timed Braxton Hicks contractions that wouldn't stop and labor. The answer: "You can't. This might just become a ritual for us where you end up in my office every Monday until the baby is born." Yeah! Oh well...a trip to the doctor once a week is no big deal...we're just very thankful everything still looked good and this baby has decided it likes the uterus and will stay there for now. Thanks to all of you who are praying with us...we greatly covet and appreciate your prayers.

Johnson City Fireworks Show

Dad Didyk and Megan came to visit for the weekend. We had fun shopping, hanging out, and eating the delicious 7 lb Boston Butt that Andy smoked on his grill in the backyard. It was SO GOOD!!!!! Friday night, the 4th, we went to see the Johnson City fireworks show at Science Hill. It's only about 3-4 blocks from our house, so we decided to just walk rather than fight traffic on the way home. We stopped at a fair in a church parking lot on the way there and Christopher got a firework painted on his face. They were also giving away glow-sticks/necklaces (not sure the correct name for them), which he really liked. At the school, we met up with a bunch of my family and hung out on the lawn until the fireworks started.

Here are some pictures from the evening:

Aunt Donna, DeDa and Megan waiting for the fireworks to start.

















Eric, Uncle David, Mollie, Si, Jesse, Mama, Anna and AJ.















Christopher entertaining Cousin Isaiah.















FIREWORKS! This one looks like a blazing palm tree.
























































Christopher telling DeDa all about the fireworks in the sky.





























Mommy and Christopher enjoying the show.