Better than the Astros...

Even with a little bat!

Hitting the Charts

Well.... one of them, anyway.

Whit had his endocrinology appointment at Texas Children's, today. We started the growth hormone shot almost 3 months ago. This video was done on April 5th... one month into the injections. He made lots and lots of progress in one month - and is continuing to make progress - on the emotional side as well as the growth side. He still cries sometimes, but it's not usually a "real cry." In fact, Chap said one time... "Whit squeaked!" He receives the injections in his legs mostly... his choice. We tried his arms (as in this video), but he still likes it in his legs.

At his appointment, today - he finally made the chart for height!! He was 36.1 in. His doctor said that he is on a projected growth rate of 4 inches per year... which is great. She was very pleased with his growth! AND... He made the charts - in the 3rd percentile!!!

He is still below zero percentile in weight, but he did have a gain of 1 lb 12 oz in 3 months... weighing in at a whopping 25.1 pounds!

We have a GI appointment on Friday, for a review and consult of his progress in that area as well.

Our Performers...

As the school year is coming to a close, so are school-year activities. Whit received his medal for gymnastics last Wednesday, and he was soooo proud of it!! I have never seen him so proud and showing ownership for something like he did/does his medal.

And, Maggie had her dance recital today! She did such a good job... we were all so proud of her! Originally, she liked ballet better than tap, but the last few weeks - tap had become her favorite.

Ballet was danced to Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

Her friend, Jenny...

Tap was danced to Fun, Fun, Fun ('til your Daddy takes your t-bird away).

While Chap didn't perform (due to his shy nature)... he was a great supporter of his brother and sister!!

And... before you feel too sorry for us that our events are coming to a close.... DON'T! The summer events of more gymnastics (which Chap has announced he will participate in... (we'll see, though)); tumbling (to gear up for Cheerleading in the Fall that Maggie will do so that she can dance and cheer and do gymnastics all in one sport); swimming lessons; Kindermusik; Whit's therapies; VBS; Maggie's birthday; and I'm sure we'll find more to do before long! ;)

Change

A few weeks ago, Maggie needed $.50 for a fruit roll-up for lunch dessert at school. I didn't have the change, so I gave her a dollar bill. I explained to her that she would need to get change after buying her fruit roll-up. It just so happened, that I was able to have lunch with her on this Friday, too. So, as we were wrapping up our pizza, she was ready for her dessert. She and a friend took their money to the lady to purchase their tasty fruit roll-up. Maggie with her dollar, and her friend with her two quarters. They laughed and visited as they made their way to and from the cafeteria lady and making their purchases. When they got back, I asked Maggie if she got her change. She laughed, and said... "No, she tried to give me Kyla's money - so I gave it back to Kyla." So, there Maggie was - no change, and Kyla with the same amount of money she started with - but with a fruit roll-up in hand. I explained to them what happened, and that sometimes change is good - and we need to keep it if it's ours!

Sometimes, change is a little scary. But, I've recently been reminded that we still need to keep it.

About a month ago, through some circumstances, decisions, and changes - I turned in a letter of resignation for my current job. When this thought first crossed my mind, my concerns went to the babies that I service and provide therapy to. What will happen to them? Who will love them? Who will help them? Will they be able to find someone that wants them to succeed like I do? God was in it all the time, but this is where I felt him really step in.

Hello, Jana! What about your children?

Don't get me wrong. Not once did I neglect them or fail to think about them in my decision process. They are always at the forefront of my mind and heart! Each one of their personalities... Maggie - my sweet, sensitive, worrier - that can light up a room with her smile and sweet spirit! Chap - my bashful, loving, helper - that can brighten my day with his quippy-ness after a long day! and last, but not least, Whit - my energetic, questioning, miracle little man that makes me laugh even when I'm at my "wits" end. They're the best, and I'll do ANYTHING for them! Even resign a good, fun, flexible, and enjoyable job!

I was enjoying every minute of my job, and then wham-o, things changed. Corbett and I prayed about what to do, and without a doubt - I was led to resign. While I have/had nothing on the back-burner, I have/had no idea what was to come.

God always has a knack for bringing me back to reality. While I am concerned and do love the babies with whom I work, I was reminded that my first priority is my family. For they are why I went back to work 3 years ago. And, now - it's just a new season, and God is leading me to a job that is perfect for us... as a family! It's not nailed down, yet - but I can feel Him working. It is an awesome feeling!

In an article that was just published in ParentLife magazine, an author writes about how important prayer support is! In this specific article, the topic was about the desire to become a mother. It was mentioned that a major form of support was that of prayer by her parents. These were my parents. And, once again - they are lifting me up in prayer in this season of change.

My tunnel vision was like a horse in a parade with blinders on. I had sent a few resumes other places, but doors were closing left and right. I had a great idea, though! I was going to make a difference! I was going to bring a ministry into a place that I thought needed it! (they desperately do, but that's beside my point). I had tunnel vision! I had blinders on for this one specific ministry in which to use my skills. It would help children. It would help Whit.

Little did I know (well, I knew it - but forgot it). My dad was lifting me up in prayer one day before I received a phone call. There my parents go again... thankfully! The phone call was from one of the resumes that I sent out weeks before, that I hadn't heard from. This person had been studying my resume, wanting to visit more. The phone call led to an interview. The interview is Friday, May 14th. The tunnel vision and frustration is gone, and it has been replaced by hopefulness and excitement in God's plan. Isn't it grand that His idea is ALWAYS better than our own?

My main source of excitement is the thought that I am about to be able to spend the entire summer with my children, with no interruptions! Every day with them, traveling to and from summer activities, therapies for Whit, and just playing with them. That is what I'm most excited about! I do love them, and am thankful for the prayer support of my family and friends and most of all God's mercy and grace in allowing me the opportunity to raise them in His image!

Change is sometimes good!! We just have to be able to accept it.

It is unbelievable that she will be 6 this summer!

He amazes me every day with something new!

And he melts my heart with his smile and big blue eyes!

So, while apprehensive, anxious, and excited at the same time... I'm ready for change, if God allows that door to open on Friday!! My hands are open, ready for my quarters!

Tut-Tut... Looks like rain...

Or, wait! It's just a sprinkler!