HAPPY FALL YA'LL!! :) (The helmet is on it's way)

So happy  ECSTATIC that it is FALL!!! Since all of this began with Luke I can't even tell you how many times this past winter, spring, and summer I kept saying "I am just looking forward to fall". Reason being is that we knew that his surgery was going to happen and happen in the summer sometime back in the first week of March so I just kept feeling like come fall things would start to have a new sense of "normalcy". The late winter was filled with "worry"...spring is usually my favorite season (I love how the world just all of the sudden becomes as though we are looking at it in HD and everything is bright and beautiful)...however I think I missed that this spring. Spring for us was "knowing" (shutter) what they were going to be doing to Luke but not knowing all at the same time. It was a very very anxious time in our lives. Then came summer SURGERY TIME....which actually after surgery wasn't too bad. We were blessed blessed BLESSED with lots of good news and progression after the surgery. However the whole month of June we were very cautious while he recovered...while we waited for the incission to heal, the stiches to fall out, to feel comfortable with a hat on his head and going in public ect...so all of that in June. Then come July we had a great report for the follow up appointment with our plastic surgeon and then began the helmet stage. He was casted on July 23rd and then it was sent to our insurrance for approval. So July was filled with that "progression" stage...and well then August was just plain HOT HOT HOT....and so needless to say IT'S FALL YA'LL!!! And WE could not be happier! Matt and I were enjoying our beautiful ride home from church on Sunday and he said it feels so good to be entering a "new season" (in weather and in life). Obviously it is not the end of the road for us but the helmet is the beginning of the end of the road and we are on it people! Today after our long wait for approval from the insurannce(you can read my previous post for that story) we went and got Luke's head RE-casted in Naperville. The Doctor that did it today was fabulous. Giving Luke lots of sweet sounds and noises to help (he sounded like Donald Duck which our 2 year old loved) and he gave Lane lots of high fives(even after Lane chucked lego's across the waiting room out of pure exhaustion an hour and a half passed his nap time)...so we thought he was pretty cool. Just like last time they had us take off Luke's clothes and put vaseline all around his neck. Then slipped on this white panty hose head sock thingy that made him look like a little bank robber, then inserted the plastic piece where the sizzors would go when time to cut it off, then applied layers and layers of fiberglass mesh. The panty hose part he actually didn't cry for this time...but the mesh wrap and pressing on his skull he WAILED! Lane and I left the minute he started crying because Lane started to cry and said Oh no Baby Lukie!!! (Lane was not as easily distracted during this helmet casting as apposed to last so better to just remove him, give him daddy's phone to play flash cards on and go to the waiting room right out side the door rather than upset him over what his little bro was going through...have no worries the minute the phone came out his tears disappeared and never even hit his cheek and he was happy as ever and tuned the crying right out.) As soon as I got Lane settled outside the door in the chair I peaked in and they were cutting it off  Luke's head and I was able to scoop his sweet sticky bright red/purplish face right up out of daddy's arms and get him to calm down fairly quickly. (oh how I hate it for him:'( ...he's been throught "ALOT" worse you may say...but even a runny nose makes this Momma's heart break for them...thank God it only takes about 3 minutes for this casting) We then got to hear the doctor call in and speak to the people right away in regards to the rush on the helmet and we are getting it next Monday the 17th! In plenty of time before the 23rd like we need it and on a Monday when my hubby is off! WHEW!!:) Thank you Lord! (blessings blessings all the way thanks to our awesome God). And a great shout out to my amazing clients for being sooo understanding and flexible with your appointments!!! YOU GUYS ROCK AND I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!
Also here is the GREATEST NEWS OF ALL....the doctor today thought Luke's head looked fabulous. He was acting as though he barely thought he needed this helmet. He said he will only need it for 4 months tops(however that is the plastic surgeon's final decision) and that he will only need it adjusted ever 3 weeks as apposed to once a week like they had told us back in July:) So we went today, will go next week to get the helmet, then the following week for our first fitting/checkup then every 3 weeks(so about 3-4 more times for fittings:)
Here are some pictures from today. I only took them of him with the "panty hose" thingy on his head while he was calm because once the crying began I had to exit and take care of Lane but here is a few. He is such a little cutie and such a tough cookie!!!


Here he is getting the netting put on his head before the casting and the apron is to keep Matt's clothes clean....

Here he is after it is on.....Him's so cute even though I hate it for him:).................

Here he is as they insert the plastic piece they put for the sizzors to go over once the casting is done so they can protect his head as they cut...

Sizzor guard inserted.....then the head is wrapped with the fiberglass mesh (probably 30 wraps I'd guess and pressed all on his head(almost like paper mache but thicker)

And the tired supportive big brother....about 10 minutes after throwing the legos...and about 5 minutes after leaving the office... :)

And last but not least....I just feel the need to share again how much we appriciate you all praying for us, loving us, and reading our blog and being on this journey with us.  Many many many people in this world compare to us and our past and current circumstances make them seem minuscule (and that breaks my heart) and to many many people our situation is awful compared to theirs...but regardless of what people may feel I know what we feel and that is BLESSED BLESSED BLESSED beyond messure to have Luke!! And to have him alive well and normal is literally a feeling that washes over us and leaves us without words.

My heart aches for people that so badly want a baby and don't have them or that have them and are facing critical situations. We don't even begin to compare to what some people have to face and Matt and I would take this task again ten fold for the blessing of this child. Oh how we love him(and his big brother)!!

(and look for a post next week with pics of him in his helmet!!)

Luke's Helmet UPDATE

Well we finally heard from the inssurance that they are helping cover the helmet but since it has been 6 weeks since the first casting and his head has grown we have to go back Monday the 10th for another casting. Then we have to get the helment made and fitted before Sept 23rd for the inssurance. Luckily Monday we get to go to the Naperville office (which isn't as far as the first casting it should only be around 2 hours) and they said it will take a week or two to recieve the helmet. So please be praying all will go well and Luke will have it on his sweet little head before the 23rd of Septemeber!! :)

The bump that they are perfecting on his left side is getting better every day even without his helment! He is such an adorable little guy and so fun!! Can't believe he will be 7 months old next Friday! He loves the baby food I have been making him and he loves patty cake, his flash cards(he loves the "baby" flash card the best), So big, YAY, and to make the "indian noise" and literally fusses when I stop doing it!! Haha!

Here is a few developmental pics:)


Here he is on the way to his first helmet casting 6 weeks ago, this picture really showes off the bump on the left side....

Here is about 3 weeks ago and as you can see his head is taking more shape around the bump...

Here he is last week and it is even a little better you can definatly still see that bump right above his left eyebrow but his head is growing in around it making the bump appear  smaller and with the few months of the helmet I am sure he'll have the most perfect shape head :).....

Reflections....

It is great to be back with the awesome group of women "reflecting" on the same topic. This week we were to reflect on a verse or verses from the bible that speak so deeply into our lives. When I read that we were doing this topic all I could think was....WOW my post is going to be RIDCULOUSLY long....however after some pondering and praying and talking to my husband and realizing what that/those verse/verses are...I realized I actually could narrow it down. The past few months have been so great as I have been adding scripture into my life ecspecially healing scriptures for Luke. But THEE scripture that I feel is so daily and deeply in me is....get ready....it's pretty typical...but true to me..... THE LORD IS MY SHEPARD from the 23rd Psalm. Ok yes...I know....even the non christians of this world know this scripture and it's not "so original" but narrowed down....it is my deepest scripture. It goes way back to my infancy of being a christian  to having to memorize it during confirmation classes and now to my current christian walk. It resinates in me and my husband so much and into our family. No matter what we may be going through we know that He is our shepard. What we are believing for He is leading and guiding us (a.k.a.His sheep) down His amazing path. No matter what we are afraid of He is protecting us, no matter what we are thankful for He has given us His grace and blessings as our Abba Father. We can put that scripture into everything in our lives. HE is our SHEPARD. It is just the way we feel for Lane and Luke....we keep a constant watch on our herd. We would never let anything happen to the 2 of them. We have a constant eye on them when they are awake and when they are asleep we are monitoring their every noise. Even more than that the Lord is watching our EVERY move and moment and is guiding, protecting, and blessing  us in every aspect. The 23rd Psalm continues to say " I shall not want" and that is something I have finally began to be content with. Do I sometimes see an amazing commercial with something on it and thing "I want that" yes of course I do.... Or do I look at a stain on a shirt or on my carpet and think "man it'd be nice to get new" yes of course I do. But that is not exactly what that means to me.... It's finding contentment in what HE wants for me in my life. And Trusting that He will bless me and carry me through and protect me all the way and wanting only what He wants for me.

~Psalms 23:1-6~

The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not  want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Amen.
 

Rain....

On Friday I took Luke to his doctor appointment in Clinton and on our way I was listening to Klove and they had everyone that was listening pray all together for rain due to the drought. I joined in and prayed for rain and it is raining today!!! ;) so neat to be apart of prayer things like that! Made me smile to see that rain this morning! Reminds me of the scripture we talked about last week in church....Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NIV). ;) Coming before him boldly and making our requests known is exactly what He wants to hear! Try it for yourself!!!;)

6month picture of Luke that will make you smile

Kiddos....perfectly not perfect

Well Hello there blogland. The inspiration of this post was given to me by this snotty lady I saw today at Target (who shall remain nameless). First off the boys and I went to Target this morning and Luke slept on the way over and Lane watched a movie...the sun is shining, birds chirping, beautiful weather, coffee is in the cup holder, and weeerr'rreee off. It was a very pleasant ride over. We get to Target (I park next to the carts like I always do so I can grab a cart before I remove my children and the put it back easily after they are strapped in.) and head inside. Luke wakes up shortly after getting into the store and Lane is holding his little airplane and is excited to look all around. We first go to the clothes where I was looking for a pair of jeans for our tall 2 year old and a pair of comfy pants as I realized the other day that he has a current pant shortage. We bump into my dad's cousing Renae and talked for a minute...Lane was just quietly zooming his little plane and Luke was just chilling in the carseat( He's a great baby but extra chill right after waking up:). She was nice and said how big they were, how cute, how fast time goes, ect...we talked about her grandson starting school and then went merrily on our way. We got the pants(1pair of cargo type pants and 1 pair of "swishy pants"...all of targets jeans for toddlers seemed like "super skinny jeans" so I will have to look else where) and headed over to the pharmacy section. There is where we saw her...I was heading down an isle getting toothpaste and she passes me(I tried to pretend like I didn't see her because as my mom would call her....she is just "nosey"). Well she says "HI LAUREL" ....in this super surprised voice...and I responded with "Oh Hi___________".
I kept walking but she kind of stood there and I just said something like good to see you and kept it moving. Well we finished our shopping and the boys were angels (they are not always angels, ecspecially in stores, but today they were....good timing on Mom's part for Luke and prepared with snacks for Lane:) and when we were heading to the check out  there she is again walking towards me....now mind you Lane is sitting down eating fruit loops out of his baggie and Luke is just pulling his little carseat toy into his mouth...neither making a peep, and  yes the cart had some items in it, some by Lane and some under the cart on the bottom thing but only about 4 bags worth.....and for whatever reason she says in a super snotty voice " Well you look like you've got your hands full". AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Is literally what I was saying inside my head.....thankfully what came out of my mouth was "Not really this is pretty easy for me" and she says even snottier "Well good for your Laurel". UGH UGH UGH.
Now you may be thinking Im over reacting but let me tell you....I can completly understand if they were screaming or throwing a fit (like they were at the fair last Saturday when they were sick of being paitent, were tired, and ready to move on in the stroller and not sit still any more and a lady said "She looks like she has her hands full" to my mom.... still RUDE if you ask me but somewhat true in that moment. But today...oh no...NOT TODAY. Today it was all good in the hood, all gravey baby!! And I was so proud of them and proud to be at a store with my perfect(at the time) little boys....and for some reason she said that! Is it because one is 2(who is tall enough to look at least 3 or maybe even 4) and one is in a carseat (who is 6 months )?? Because it certainly can't be because of their behavior today. It's just irritating to me because alot of people I know have kids 2 years (well 22 months) apart. There is mom's out there with 4 kids 2 years apart or twins shopping in Target...man wonder what "snotty women" thinks of them. This is not me being over sensitive to her comment either because I have heard this more than once and it definatly irritates me regardless of the situation its just a RUDE comment that needs to be left unsaid. We intentionally had our children 22 months apart (in our late 20's mind you) and are sooo greatful and thankful every day for them  in every perfect and not perfect moment. And even if was a situation where someone had an "unexpected blessing" and had two really close in ages children or was a teen mom...then that is not ok to make that comment then either LADY!
WHEW....ok....all better. But you mommies out there can relate right?!?! ( I am sure your scared to make a comment after my venting fit...please don't be...I'm usually really nice LOL:)
Never the less....she could have been having a bad day(well I know this women and this is just how she is) or maybe she didn't "mean it that way" (but still...I know this women and that is how she is)....but it will hopefully be a lessoned learned for me to keep "comments" to myself. I have NEVER been that person to stare if a kid was melting down or look at a mom like "whoa she has her hands full" (even if she did)...not now as a mother and not even before I was a mother but I will DEFINATLY make sure not to make accusations about anyone and ecspecially not say them. Thank you for reading my post today and letting me vent here in blog land:) Look for a more "positive" post in the near future.

Luke is 6 MONTHS OLD!!

I can not believe that our precious little boy is 6 months old  today.
What a "filled" 6 months we've had. Filled with lots of tears, but even more smiles...filled with lots of "busy" moments, but even more precious moments, more doctors appointments than I think I have had my entire life, a major surgery, recovery, and all the other awesome things that go along with growing to be 6 months old!

Here are a few fun facts about Luke being 6 months old....
1. Luke went from being the youngest grandson to having a baby boy cousin on his mommy's side and a baby girl cousin on his daddy's side so he is no longer the "youngest" he is a "big cousin" at 6 months old:)
2. Luke can sit up now on his own and he loves to play on the floor with toys and not just baby toys, oh no, of course he prefers his big brother's toys (big brother is learning to "share" his trucks;)

 3. Luke can hold his own bottle(when he wants too) and loves to play with it.4. Luke has been eating baby oatmeal for a couple of months now
5. Luke has started in on eating some "baby food" his favorite is his Great Grandma Landheer's canned apple sauce! He has also had bananna's that his mommy made him in her new baby bullet!:) (I am going to "attempt" to make most of his baby food....I also attempted with Lane but it did not go well...but I only had a blender so I am hoping this is much easier:)
6. Luke LOVES to ride in the side by side jogging stroller with his big brother and is out of his carseat and sits directly in the stroller and just rides like a big boy!7. Luke loves to "talk" and hear himself (his little voice is absolutly adorable and he wakes up "singing" every morning)
8. Luke now sleeps in his crib (but not all through the night yet)
9. Luke loves to watch his big brother and his dog and is always laughing at them. (He has a sense of humor already)
10. Luke is seriously soooo happy. ALWAYS smiling, no work at all to make giggle, so content, plays by himself so well, but loves to be entertained and read or sang too. His name means "The bringer of Light" and that is truley what he does to our household and our lives. He has brought so much "light" into our family, marriage, and way of life. We are BLESSED BLESSED BLESSED BEYOND MESSURE by this amazing special little boy.

Here he is "happy boy" with his daddy

                                             Here are a few of him this morning on his "half birthday" playing on the floor with his brother and baby cousin Cohen...

(sorry most of those are vertical I couldn't figre our how to flip them:)

                                                               And here he is the other day sitting on his
Poppy's tree stand.....

And playing on the deck in his walker(that he can move around in:)...

                                           
He is such an AMAZING and wonderful little baby! We are waiting to hear from our inssurance so we can get his helmet made and get it on him to get the fine tuning of that bump on the left side taken care of....beside that he is doing FABULOUS since his surgery. It seems that it didn't change him a bit and that he hasn't skipped a beat (I can't say the same for Matt and I but our change was better that's for sure). It was a CRAZY, HARD AND LIFE THREATING AND  LIFE CHANGING 6 months for Luke and for us. But we would do it all over again in a heartbeat!  Our lives are better because of him and we could not be more greatful for the gift of Luke (and of course his big brother Lane:)