Trauma on the school front

Today marked a monumental moment in my baby boys life.  His true first day of pre-school.  The day started off slowly and pretty shakey.  when he woke up all he could do was cry.  Not sure what was wrong we got some breakfast, watched an episode of Handy Manny and began to talk more about where he got to go today.  We talked about singing songs, playdough, circle time, the kitchen that his teacher has in his room....all prepping the little guy for what definitely wouldn't be the most traumatizing experience in his life, but something mommy will remember as being a not so happy one. 



I have done some challenging things in my life so far with Jackson.  I have watched him leave me after only being with him for a few hours, carried him off to surgery at a couple days old and continue to do so as is needed, but today.  Today was a different type of difficult.  Today was optional.  Not something I have dealt with before.  HE was so excited to get out of the car and put on his backpack.  So excited for everything, until the teachers came out to get him and he grasped my leg and began to scream as I told him I loved him and he would have so much fun with Miss Charlene.  As I grabbed Avenlea and walked away the screams were so loud....I am sure louder to me than to anyone else in the parking lot.  As Avenlea and I began to drive away, I started to question our decision for sending him to preschool this year.  But then I remembered his excitement about going to school for the past three months and that today was only the realization that he had to do it by himself.  I am sure this week, and possibly next week too, are going to be a little emotional and difficult.  But when I look at how far he has come and what he has been through, I find total Joy in thinking about what he will be continuing to share with me as he learns more and more at school. 

Happy Birthday to The toughest guy I know.....

So today, August 10th, my baby boy turns three!!!  HE has accomplished so much in his three years.  I actually thought through it all today.

28 Days in the Riley NICU
3 GI (butthole) surgeries

a gaping hole in his abdomen from the nastiest infection I have every seen
3 hip surgeries

1 back surgery
failure to thrive
Multiple tests from CT scans, xrays, MRI, EKG, EEG, Cinta scans...too many for one little boy.

one urinary tract infection resistant to three antibiotics
two hospital stays due to the flu ( and during everyone he keeps those nurses on there toes.  that is his heart monitor lead in his hand as he is laughing) 

three blood transfusions (not including ones used during surgery)

G-tube surgery
a set of SMO braces

circumcision and reconstruction down there
-6 vision in both eyes requiring glasses
two cases of the HIVES
 one dentist visit

and what can he do:
swings a bat like a pro
eats some food....even says he is hungry.  WOW I need to just sit with that one for a moment.  What a HUGE accomplishment.  

loves to fix things and make things with daddy especially when it includes tools

loves on his baby sister

walks up and down the stairs
climbs in and out of his own bed
stands up in the middle of a room
can walk acrossed our backyard and pick veggies from our garden
loves to pick up his feet and giggle as he races down our drive way on his big trike
yells at the TV with daddy when there is a good hit or play during a white sox game
touches gooey thing and play dough and has a good time
 loves to color and paint pictures for our frig
enjoys cooking
loves when he gets to feed his dog Macy.  or as he calls her "My MaeMae"
these are just a few of the many things he does.  

As I thought through everything that the doctors said he might never do, I am so proud at what he has accomplished by the young age of three.  My baby boy is who he is because he has fought through what was given to him.  He is one tough and resilient little boy.   We are so sad to be exiting First Steps and we will dearly miss all of Jackson's therapist that have really become part of our daily life over the last three years.  Man, he wouldn't be where he is with out all of you.  Thank you Cathy, Wendy, Christy and Susan for the amazing work that you have done working with Jackson.  His quality of life has improved so much since we first started with each of you.  As he exits First steps, he also gets to enter a new and exciting new adventure....PreSchool.  ON August 18th, I feel like I loose all control.  Jackson will get on the BUS, yes you heard it right, the BUS and will be off to school.  He will now get three different therapies at school and one maybe two at an outpatient therapy center.  He is super excited for school and to ride the bus.   It will be quite strange in a house with just one again...but it is so cool to see Jackson heading off to school.  Although he still has alot ahead of him when I look at this list I remember just how far he has come so far.

We will have pictures soon of him in his glasses...I am sure it will only up his cuteness factor and of course this craft mom will have off to preschool pics as well.

ok...after starting probably 5 posts and never finishing them.  I am actually going to right a new one to update on our summer.  We have been busy busy busy.  WE started of June with Avenlea's bday party!!!  had a lot of fun and I can say Life is very busy with a three year old and a one year old in my house.  Jackson and avenlea are kinda learning to do some stuff at the same time.  She is talking up a storm and climbing on everything.  The good thing (or bad depending on how you see it) is she doesn't seem to be upset when she falls.  She is quite the character.  Or Bulldozer as we like to call her.  She knows what she wants and will be very persistent at getting it.  I know I know...she gets that honestly too. 

I can't believe my baby boy is turning three in a few days....he is up to know good.  Typical three year old stuff.  THinking mom and dad know nothing and that NO should be his response to everything.  WE have accomplished graduating from first steps, climbing stairs and in two weeks we start preschool.  HE talks a big talk about being excited for going to school.  WE will see on the 18th what really happens.  he is looking and acting more grow up everyday, even though he hasn't changed his size of clothes in a year or more.  I guess that is cheaper...or you start to get sick of all your everyday pictures being in the same clothes.  we did a little test to see how tall he would be when he is 18....he is 31 inches now...anybody want to take a guess? 

Our summer was going so well, we had survived 5 weddings, a break out of the HIVES On the fourth of July and we had decided it was time to get a few projects done.  That is when our air conditioner decided to mal function...well not really the air as much as the drain decided to clog.  Needless to say we had water in our basement right after we moved the family room downstairs.  WE were totally blessed in this minor catastrophe.  nothing but our carpet was ruined and our insurance covers it.  So we are in a whirlwind trying to get the other projects finished before we lay new carpet.  I think I have talked to 6 different heating and cooling people in the last week and three plumbers.  The sad part is the one plumber that has done a bunch of investigating can't seem to find our problem.  That is never a cheap fix.  So all in all we are going to get some new carpet and get a very cozy family room out of the deal.  plus a lot of projects that have been put on the back burner for a long time are now getting done very quickly. 

Then tomorrow I get to celebrate 5 years with my best friend.  5 very full years and some could say difficult, yet I would say we love each other more than ever and we are both better people for what we have been through.  I could imagine spending my life with anyone else!!!  Happy Anniversary Babe!!

Stay tune for progression pics and final pics of the kids kitchen too.  Turned out super cute.....:)

Happy Birthday my sweetie Avenlea

OH my to think last year at this time I was hanging out in triage at the hospital.  I had been leaking fluid all day with no contraction and feeling embarrassed like I had pee'd my pants....continuously.  Especially when the doctor sent me home saying that it wasn't fluid that I was leaking.  It wasn't too hard to figure out that I must have been peeing my pants, right? 

 Well I had a previously scheduled doctor's appointment that I awoke for the next morning and the leakage continued.  I went through two outfits and four heavy duty pads just getting ready that morning.  Either something was very wrong or I was loosing my mind.  ok...even more than you normally do while prego.  Within minutes of meeting with Dr Weaver....I was being scheduled to be admitted.  Sure enough I wasn't loosing my mind, instead we were going to be having a baby.  WE didn't even have a car seat to bring her home in.  Seriously people we had 6 weeks left!!!  Plenty of time for normal people, but not for the Schrock's.  The nurse was at the house watching Jackson, so we sent strangers to her, Ashley and Erin, to our house with their kiddos to distract Jackson and we began the waiting process.  If only I wouldn't have drank that glass of OJ that morning, you would have been born at around 10am...but oh no...we had to wait til the afternoon.  Good thing too.  If any of this would have been an emergency, things would have gotten life changing for this mama.  God had a plan that once again I didn't understand, but I trusted.  Our sweet baby girl was born 2:59.  Weighing in at 4 lbs 11oz and measuring 17 inches long.  She had a little trouble learning to eat.  But she was breathing great and had all necessary organs and orifices.  She was beautiful and healthy.

 We were shocked at how quickly she caught on to breathing, eating and holding up her temp.  She spent exactly 14 days in the NICU.  Even though we were not happy to be back here, we can't tell you how much better it was to be local and around friends and family.  Recovery was so much smoother and it was a heavenly to recover in my own bed. 

 it was enjoyable to watch her grow and develop.  I won't lie, it took a lot to get used to two.  Everything was much more complicated, especially when Jackson wasn't walking or even standing on his own.  I know see why all of you wait until they are developmentally two years apart.  However now I wouldn't change it.  they are so adorable to watch play together. 

 at about 8 months....the above picture we started to see personality and it has never stopped.  She is such a ham.  WE get looks like the below one, even when she is being disciplined.  *for those of you that thought I got a way easy with the first one behavior wise, watch out Avenlea is going to give us a run for our money*

 I am pretty sure we wouldn't change her.  Her personality is what makes her so special to us.  you may have to remind me of this when she is in her teenage rebellion.  She began walking about a month ago.  She is still pretty unsteady at times...but she easily is able to follow her brother around the house, to his dismay at times.  She even decided one day that she could tackle the stairs.  It isn't on odd occasion to see her standing on something in a second.  She is much quicker than Jackson was and is very quickly catching up to his physical development.  HOwever it is fun to watch him step in up a notch when she shows she can do what he can do.  In this case a little sibling rivalry is a good thing. 

 WE have made it to one.  The other day we went in for Avenlea's wicked cough...found out she had a sinus infection...didn't know lil' ones could get these.  However....for those of us, yes I am including myself, that thought she was slimming out...Sorry folks...she is 22 lbs 12 ounces and 30 inches tall.  (Jackson 24 lbs 2 ounces and 31 and a 1/4 inches tall)  We are still in the 75 percentile for both height and weight.  She still has her rolls and wheres them well.  She is jibbering and jabbering.  Occasionally, we hear words that sound like something we have said but no distinct or identifiable words yet, however we know she has alot to say.  She is still sporting just the two teeth and is developing a curly mullet, (thank you Grandma Gloria for the curl).  

We are so delighted to watch our baby girl grow.  She is a delight more often than a terror and come on...with that face she is a delight even as a terror.  Hope you enjoyed our trip down memory lane.  Happy Birthday Avenlea Gayle. 

We love you!!!

Well I realized I have a bunch of posts that i have partially written and never posted.  Oh well...maybe they will be come important again...WE have to do a May wrap-up do to my lack of blogging this month.  So here goes. 
the beginning of May we started out with a rainy and cold weekend...but we began working our garden this weekend.  Due to starting it from scratch, we had to get compost and other things to spice up the soil.  SO far so good.  We also had our first night out to dinner with the kiddos.  Gotta say this isn't so enjoyable.  Adrian and I got to say one sentence to each other the entire time we were there.  I guess you could say it was father son time and mother daughter time.  However i think we decided the take-out route is the way to go.  (No pictures of this we were simply too busy).

the next week we had Jackson's preschool evaluation.  We met with the schools speech therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist and his teacher.  IT was great to meet the people he will be working with over the next year.  By sending him to the PACE program, he will get to focus on his therapies at the same time as going to school.  This way we will have a better Idea of what he will need to be successful in school.  This was an agonizing decision.  Tears were shed and lots of discussions were had over what we believed to be the least restrictive environment.  I do know from my time working with the Goshen schools that things can be adjusted at all times.  So we will keep our eyes on what is going on and keep in contact with the teacher, to see where we go as the school year progresses.  It is strange to think that I will now be scheduling things around my kiddo going to school.  CRAZY!!  as if we weren't busy enough.  ;)

the weekend of the 15th we planted our garden.  We planted seeds for everything in short rows.  We have a very different looking garden, but those of you that know my hubby, know it was very planned out and researched.  It was nice to finally have a plan and start planting.  WE planted zucchini, cucumbers, yellow squash and two types of peas....all trellised.  THen we planted four rows of beans, onions, beets, carrots, radishes, lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes and peppers.  We are watching it grow with great anticipation.  WE are also learning things about bugs and all sorts of bird predators along the way.  Hoping and praying we will have some results after all of out hard work.  Time will tell. 

Then the 21st and 22nd we participated in our communities garage sales.  We had some bigger things we wanted to get rid of in order to have space to redo the kids rooms and the basement.  We have a very long to do list for the summer, however we are being patient and trying to accomplish everything on a budget.  Which I say it is successful....we got rid of junk and made money.  that too me = success. 

Then this past weekend we took a trip to Illinois.  We went to see Adrian's grandma.  WE had alot of fun.  Jackson walked for the first time last year at her house, so he had come along way since she had last seen him.  Avenlea was two months old when she was last there...so she was night and day different.  It was fun to watch them interact with her and explore the new terrain.  WE helped her with some things around the house.  She even gave me a huge plastic bag full of thread for my sewing projects.  I couldn't thank her enough.  Some of these threads I don't think I will ever have to buy again.  They are ginormous and much better quality than I would be able to afford.  Can't wait to have time to sit down and use them.  Our trip was a bit of a challenge.  Avenlea was still facing backwards and so everytime we were driving away from the sun it was directed straight into her eyes.  So she screamed the entire time.  So we decided it was time to switch her around thinking that she was 20 lbs and only four days away from being one.   We never had any issue with Jackson, however Avenlea was so tired by the time we left she just wouldn't give up.  She cried for an hour and a half of our trip home.  Since however we have been doing great.  She loves being able to interact with Jackson and with mommy while we are moving.  WE will have to see if this continues on our trip to MN in a couple weeks. 

We really did have a good time.....looking forward to the next visit. 
this brings us to today.  we are finalizing our plans for Avenlea's birthday and prepping for our trip to Riley on friday.  hope you all had a fun month of May.

30 day Gratitude Challenge

I have found myself sulking lately.  Letting everything that could bring me down.  So I decided to take a 30 day challenge.  My friend Stace gave me a website this morning called "Revive our Hearts".  This is exactly what I needed to do.  I decided to take her 30-day Gratitude Challenge.  So today I have spent my day thinking of all the ways I am blessed and I need to give a few shout outs to those who have blessed me and thought I would share with you all the ways I have found that I am blessed today.

1.  I have two beautiful children.  Even though they are a handful "most" of the time....they are a huge blessing to my life and a challenge.  I am blessed to have them both in good health at the present time and I owe all that to God.  He has protected our family and our home from all sorts of illness and destruction that could have brought us much pain and for that we thank him today. 


2.  I have a wonderful home that we live in.  WE live in a beautiful neighborhood with wonderful neighbors, who watch out for us.  When we are gone they help us out.  This winter we came home from Riley to a plowed driveway after a big snow storm. Our home...this year and the past couple of years we have done some major overhauling on our landscaping.  WE have had great people....Erin and Andy, and Colleen, and Sarah that have given us free perennials to help us complete our project.  This year we were able to fill stage two and three with plants and so far all we have paid for is dirt and mulch...(I think I have found a place I can get these for free this year too.  If it pans out I will share.)   Although I have a list a mile long of renovations and refurbishing that I would like to do.  WE are blessed and grateful for the home we live in and the people that have helped us make it safe for our children and for us over the past year with our mold removal and bathroom renovation.  IT is beyond words how grateful we are too all of you that donated your time and money to help us out.  *it is also beyond words in beauty* .

3.  My husband:  I have the worlds most patient and supportive husband.  I am not easy to get along with...I am stubborn, hard headed and when I think something should be done I want it done and my oh my don't even think of doing it your own way...I usually have that figured out for you as well.  ON the other hand there are times when I want things done and I don't have a plan and then there is no part of me that will ever want to make a decision.  Now put yourself in my husband shoes....the one who never knows which one it is, yet I expect him to read my mind and figure it out....and get the job done all at the same time.  hehe.....it makes for great entertainment if you are a fly on our walls that is for sure.  Regardless of my behavior, my husband and I have taken on many tasks together and separate and have manage to actually get things accomplished in our home.  WE will see how the summer goes with my big ol' to do list and our lack of expertise in any area....I am sure we will get it done.  Along the way we always learn about each other and how we work and I think that is the blessing that God gives us.  WE have come along way in our 5 years of marriage...been through some tough times, some challenging times and some GREAT times...and through it all we have become stronger for it.  SO I Thank my husband and God for the wonderful marriage I have.  

4.  he is also a super dad!!!  he is much better at playing than I.  HE cherishes his time with his children and goes the extra mile all the time.  He loves playing outside, walking and wrestling with them whenever he can.  Even when he is tired from a long day at the office.  I could go on...but God thank you for blessing me with a husband that is great with his children.

5.  I was once again reminded that my blessings are not mearly things as much as experiences.  Last night...Adrian and I got to experience Avenlea's first steps together.  It is not often when one parent works that these milestones happen in the presence of both parents.  I am awestruck at times watching my children as they learn something new.  They are so persistent.  Where does this go when we become adults...how quickly we give up on things as an adult.  God has blessed me more and more through the experiences I have had.  I love when He gives me the opportunity to share these lessens and experiences with others, so it makes the way easier for them.

6.  Friendship:  I have some Phenomenal friends...most of whom it doesn't matter how often we see each other..we can pick up right where we left off.  WE hit the great and the ugly in our conversations...I have many friends struggling with infertility right now, I have many without jobs, struggling to make ends meet, friends who have amazing transitions happening in there lives: new jobs, new homes, new additions. All of these things you experience with them.  You loose something with your friends and hurt for them in times of loss and struggle as much and sometimes more than you celebrate with them in times of excitement and celebration.  TO all of this i am grateful the good and the bad.  For I have God to praise in the good times and God to look to for support, peace and strength in the ugly times.

8.  Jack's health:  This one gets a BIG OLD WOMPEN "PRAISE JESUS"!!!  if anyone questioned the modern day miracle...I have a story to tell them.  No One believes me these days when I tell them Jackson is sick.  Cuz he is a beacon of God's light.  He has been more of a testimony to Gods work in the brief two years of his life than I have been in my 32.  He is my little BIG miracle!!!

9.  I started my day today....with a cheery voice babbling from the other room, birds singing outside my window and a kiss from my husband.  I had my morning devotion while Avenlea played on the floor...IT is a blessing that I have all of these.  There are millions of people out there that aren't allowed to freely express there love for there Savior, many that don't have the joys of little voices waking them up at all hours of the night and I am sure there are some that don't get to enjoy the nature around them the simple beauties of God's creation.

10.  Family:  I don't say this enough but we are totally blessed to have the support we do from our families.  I spent time on the phone with my mom today, hashing out my frustrations with the school system and preschool.  (So frustrating,....but this is a positive post and I am only being grateful).  I am so grateful to have my mom to chat with about these things.  Someday we will live close enough to each other again to meet for the occasional lunch date.  We are also grateful and most likely indebted to Adrian's family for all the free babysitting help we get...sometimes on very last minute notice.  (ok...most of the time).

God is good to us...we have a ton to be Grateful for.  We are blessed beyond measure.  I have a better attitude today, since I have put my focus on the good.  I have been more patient with my children and I have accomplished a ton while I have been at it.  Can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store.  Gotta go my daughter is walking across the living room... time to find the camera. 

Avenlea's Got Skills!!!

I am so pumped that i found the video uploader again.  How cool is it that I find it just before this happens and I can share it with you all.  Avenlea has been pulling up on things for quite a while as I shared in the last post.  However she has been really wobbley.  So we have had lots of bruises, big red welts, smashed fingers, pokes in the eyes, tears and all the other things that go along with learning to do new things.

we also have been very curious about everything and we are exploring it all by putting it in our mouth.  I have been so careful inside about vaccuming and picking up little things that Jackson leaves on the floor.  (WE are so not use to this stage.  I know i have said that alot, but this one we NEVER experienced with Jackson)  Yesterday we were outside, (I have AWESOME FRIENDS that have given us more plants for our landscaping) and planting some new plants.  Sides NOTE:  can't wait to see all the lilies and see what colors we have.  I am sure I will have to do some rearranging, cuz I still have burgundy ones to plant too.  ANYHOO!  Back to the real story....I left her alone for a second to walk around the corner and find this...

I removed the twig and she just went right back to it.  I moved her away from the landscaping about seven times before Adrian arrived home to hold her.  I am happy to say that she has no texture aversion...she loves getting dirty and the girl likes her fiber.  We laughed really hard when we got inside and she had a poopy diaper within an hour.  I am sure the two were not related, but still very funny.

Jackson is recovering very well, kids are so darn resilent!!!  this was the day after surgery.

He slept alot, which was good for mom and for him.  I was going to vaccum and he wanted to help, but I convinced him to hold his vaccum and watch me instead.  He was so tired, he fell asleep in a matter of minutes. He was so cute.

 we have had alot of moments like these...followed by oooohhhh!!! mommy hurts!!  we expected this...but we have also gotten alot of moments like these...

who could ask for anything more.  All in all he has had a great recovery and we have all survived really well.  Thanks to our friends that helped with distraction and the many prayers that have been said.  I am not sure we could have made it with out all of it.  THANKS A BUNCH!!!  We have GREAT FRIENDS!!!