Friday, November 12, 2021

An Update on Madeline and Life at Home

(Miss Madeline Sue, at 4 months old, the other day)

Hey friends! I'm popping in tonight to give a little update.

Being home with Madeline has been wonderful. The days have been stretching and long at times, but working through the challenges, growing together, and establishing a new normal in our own HOME has been truly beyond amazing. Anyone who has lived away from home during a crisis situation/extended hospital stay knows what I mean. There is nothing like that experience for giving one a deep gratitude and love for ones own home.

Madeline is doing well. She was sent home on an apnea monitor (that's the wires you will see in some of the first pictures) but it never alerted during the two weeks she was on it here at home which was such a huge blessing. There have been a lot of doctor and therapy appointments, a lot of medical decisions, and just a lot of a lot! But she is a precious little gem and so worth every moment. Each day she grows a little bigger, a little stronger, and even more endeared to our hearts! Her brothers adore her and literally dote on her---I declare, they don't have a jealous bone in their little bodies when it comes to their sister. The summer wasn't exactly easy on them either, and even though life looks different now with a baby sister who still requires a lot of care, they have adjusted great and just seem to love being home with all of us together ALWAYS. Axton still prays at night,  "thank you Jesus that we can be at old house". (over the summer, we explained the difference between our two houses and the trips back and forth by calling the apartment "new house" and our own home "old house")

I will likely be posting a lot less in the coming days. Being a wife, homemaker, and mama to three babies two and under is my highest calling right now, and definitely a full time gig! But as I've mentioned before, I keep this blog because I like to write a bit and pop in now and then. I am also deeply grateful for the opportunity to use it to update so many people and be so encouraged by everyones prayers and support during Madeline's NICU stay. What I post is by no means an accurate representation of our lives, so please know that just because I may not write for a while doesn't mean that anything is wrong-it simply means that I'm doing other things. 

Also, many of you have asked about Madeline's birth story. I wrote up a chunk of it right after she was born but for some reason that I did not understand at the time, I just could not post it. Part of it was maybe because we had no answers medically for why she came early, and a part of it was maybe that her birth was a very difficult and scary time for us. It is different to write about it than it was with the boys' stories, even though in some ways my labor with Axton was similar in length and transport. Anyways, I hope to be sharing her story and and some of what we learned through this experience, more sometime. But for now, just wanted to pop in and give this little update! Thank you all for your love and prayers, and caring about our little family! 

They say pictures are worth a thousand words, so here are a few taken over the past 2 1/2 months since we've been home with Madeline. I'll start with one taken the day we brought her home, and end with one I took yesterday, so y'all can see a bit of how she has grown along the way. =)
First time I got Madeline dressed in her own clothes and a headband, the day we brought her home. 
It felt so surreal. 
All three babies with their daddy.
I love her many many expressions!
All ready to go for her first chiropractor appointment.
Professional baby pictures! So special to get these done-can't wait to share more! This one makes me laugh every time I see it!
Matching with mama.
Axton helping with Madeline's bottle.
Miss loves her bouncy seat!
First time in the stroller!
Me with all my babies. 
Pink nails
Morning snuggles
Bathtime!
Not so thrilled about this outfit?
But more a fan of this one. =)
Featuring the dimples and the chins...
So many snuggles, cause babies don't keep.
Did I mention the brothers adore her? The feeling is mutual-she loves them too!
Signing off for now. Hope y'all have a lovely weekend!
-Chels and the little miss =)

12 comments:

  1. Thank you for the update! Happy to hear how well Madeline is doing. Praise the Lord.

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    1. Did you perhaps mean 3 children under 3? I thought Axton was 2 already.

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    2. She said 2 and under- Axton is 2, Elliot 1. Although Axton will be 3 soon.

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    3. It's been fixed! A commenter below repeated the phrase as it was originally - three under two. ;)

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  2. So nice hearing from you. Madeline looks adorable as do her brothers. Thank You for the update on your lovely family.
    God Bless
    Joan,Marilyn and Marion

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  3. So nice to read that you are all doing well. All three kiddos look adorable. I can't imagine how busy you are. I have three kids, but a lot more spread out in ages (10, 8,and 2). They keep me super busy, so three under two just boggles my mind. I totally understand not having time to update the blog frequently. Just know that I enjoy reading the little glimpses of your life, when you do get a chance to post. Blessings!

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  4. I was excited to see an update on Madeline! She is such a cutie, and I enjoyed seeing all of the pictures! Thank you for sharing them. I hope you all are doing well!��

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  5. I love the picture with the caption "Me with my babies"!! What a precious and wonderful Mama you are. The Lord has truly blessed you and John. I pray your days may be filled with joy and snuggles with all your babies.

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  6. Glad to hear she is doing so well. Growing fast and super cute!

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  7. Glad to see your sweet girl is doing well!

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  8. hi I'm new to your blog. im kiara. Your baby is so cute1

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