Trip to PA: Pictures coming!

Stay tuned! I am currently working on the pictures from our trip.... and will post at least the first installment (there will probably be a few, so as to not overload any one post with pix!), VERY soon!

Just picked up my dress!!

Hi!!

Everyone has gone to bed for the night, so I decided to quickly update with a very small sampling of the pictures we uploaded to my gallery this afternoon... and still have to upload later!! :)

Enjoying snuggle time with my nephew....
he is SUCH a sweet baby!!




KB really loves her baby cousin...



She calls him "my baby" and is constantly giving him kisses!

I still can't believe we are actually here! It's has been SUCH a blessing to be with everyone! The crazy thing is, that it's already nearly Wednesday and the week is half over! Wow! It's flying by! - but oh.SO. wonderful!!

Ok, off to catch some winks, so I fresh for more snuggle & family time in the morning! Goodnight y'all!!

Off....

Off to PA - see you when I return!! Expect Lots of pix!!

blessed.... grateful.... excited!!!

Tiph Chatzistamatis is blessed beyond words.... overwhelmingly grateful.... and OH.SO.VERY excited!!!

Over the last few weeks, B has been building a website for a friend's new business he's co-constructing. In order to help him get more done & make his time most efficient, I have been helping him put the product up (basically just a bunch of copy/paste) . Grateful for my help, and knowing how much I wanted (and was *praying*) to be able to go see Heather & the baby.... B decided that he'd give me $1 for every product I finished. So, I set to work. (part of the reason my blogging has been lacking lately.)

Jump to present day.... afore mentioned friend called us this afternoon, asking if we wanted to join his family at CiCi's for dinner (their treat!) Blessed already, we joined them. Throughout dinner conversation of business & personal... his wife (a fellow homebirth mama) asked me about Heather, my new nephew, how things were going, etc. and asked if I was going to be able to see him. I shared with her, that while I had hoped to get there, due to our current financial situation, it just was not looking possible. We enjoyed the rest of our dinner, and then went our separate ways. Just as we were arriving home, B's phone rang. It was the husband of the couple, asking B if we had found a plane ticket for me... ??? B told him that while looking, we had found one for just around $150, but didn't/couldn't' get it. They talked a bit more, and then I heard him say "hold on". Next thing I know, his phone was on speaker and the friend was telling me to go buy a ticket, up to $200, and they would pay for it. I was so overwhelmed, I was literally speechless! I am not usually an overly emotional person, but was so happy, grateful, and excited, I just could not hold back the tears!

This afternoon, I didn't think I was going to get to see them anytime soon... and now I am buying my ticket, to go for a whole week!! (AND the ticket is looking like it's going to be $10 less than I originally thought!!) yayayayay!!! ::happy dance::

God is SO good.... ALL the time!!!

I can't wait to meet this little guy!!! <3>

Finally going home!!

Bryce Eric's x-ray looked fantastic this morning - MUCH better than last night, and no more pneumothorax! - and he was able to be discharged this afternoon! ~ Praise the Lord!!

Snuggled happily in the ring sling we gave them!!! <3>

Bryce Eric Update: 3/14/09 9pm

As posted by Marmee...

This evening's x-ray showed that Bryce Eric's lung appears to be re-inflated for the second time. He has been out of the oxygen tent since 7pm and is breathing in slow, steady, even breaths. He is nursing well and looks so healthy and wonderful! He has the sweetest, calmest disposition you could ever dream of. He has even shared a few precious smiles! My heart just melts!
I am totally convinced that God heard the many, many prayers lifted up on his behalf and saw fit to heal him. We will continue to ask God to allow him to make progress and possibly even come home tomorrow, Sunday! This is a long shot, but Daddy Bryce has to work Monday and I want him to be the one to bring his family home! Thank you to everyone who joined with us in prayer across the US and around the world! We serve a mighty God!!
We will update after the Dr. comes in Sunday morning! blessings and hugs! Marmee

Win a free Mai Tei!!!

Win a Free Contoured Mei
Tai Carrier by Uppy Me Mama

You can't have too many baby carriers, right? :)))

Collapsed again... (w/ UPDATE @ 6:55pm!!)

UPDATE: 6:55 pm

We Are at the Hospital I got to peek at him (he's in the nursery) He is so sweet!

BE is gonna be coming off the oxygen and going in for another x-ray at 7 PM(in 5 mins) please pray very hard!!! If the x-rays don't show good news(improvement) then it's possible they might have to transfer him to Hershey... Pray Pray Pray! ~Thank you!

----------------------------------------
Written By Heather M & Ashlee this morning....

Bryce[Eric]'s lung has partially collapsed again so they are repeating the oxygen treatment for 8 hours..... which was successful before for 8 hours. He'll definitely be in the hospital till tomorrow, but the good news is he can come out of the oxygen tent to feed!! If there are any further complications or episodes he will be transported to Hershey, PA. (1 1/2 hours away)

Thank you all for praying!!
We are on our way to he hospital now! Pray really hard for Heather too... as we all can imagine it would be very hard to see your baby go through this!

Ashlee<3

Bryce Eric ~*Update*~ 3/13/09

Here's what our sister Ashlee wrote a little bit ago...

Bryce is no longer under the oxygen tent! His lung is not collapsed anymore! Praise the Lord! He is still in the nursery hooked up to all the monitors but Mommy, Daddy, and Grandparents are allowed in to hold and snuggle with him! I can hardly wait to get to see him again. He will be in the nursery(so they can monitor him closely) for 12-24 more hrs. Heather was able to try and feed him earlier... She had success! YAY!!! She has been released, but is allowed to stay there until he is also allowed to go home! They have moved her to a room with a more comfortable bed (yay for Nae)!!

Thank you all so very much for all your Love, support, and most importantly your Prayers!

I will try to keep you posted... untill later... God Bless!

~ Ashlee (proud Auntie)

Goodnight!

What a day! ~ Going to bed.... but just wanted to share the latest picture....


He's calm and doing a little better! - Pray, pray, pray!! ♥


(Aunt Debi's sweet post: Prayers needed for Baby Bryce)

PRAYERS!! (8pm: UPDATE at bottom!!)

I want to ask for your prayers!!! Heather & Bryce Eric were supposed to be released from the hospital** but after some tests, were postponed until tomorrow. I just got a call from my Mom, and after some x-rays, have discovered that the lower part of BE's right lung is collapsed. They are going to put him in an oxygen tank for the next 8-12 hours (most likely the latter due to the time of day), and then take another x-ray to see where we stand. They have requested that the oxygen tent be in their room, and the doctor said he'd do his best to make that happen. Please pray that the staff will be able to arrange something, so he won't have to be separated from Heather. Also, unfortunately, this means Heather will not be able to breastfeed BE for the next while... but given how shallow his breathing is, hard he is having to work to breathe... he's not really nursing, as it is. The nurses are supposed to get H a breast pump, and if she can get any colostrum, they will give it to BE. Otherwise they will monitor his hydration, and give him some electrolyte solution if needed. Please pray for BE's quick healing, and ease in breathing.... and that weight or jaundice do not become an issue!! Thankfully, the rest of his lungs & his heart look healthy and fine.... and we are praising the Lord they are not having to transfer him to a bigger hospital or anything! Most likely they will not be released tomorrow - discharge all depends on getting & keeping BE's lung inflated.

(Photo taken last night!)

Thank you for your prayers! - I will keep you updated as I know more!!

~Tiph

**(for clarification, her midwife delivers in a birthing center area IN the hospital)


Edit: 7:56 - What a day!

I just talked to mom again, and Heather was able to pump about 3oz in just a short time... so they will be giving that to BE from his tube!! That's a major praise! Unfortunately, they were not able to put the oxygen tent in Heather's room. Meaning he is down in the nursery for the next 8-12 hours as he gets his treatments. Please pray for strength for Heather. She is having hard time, as she cannot hold him while he is getting his treatment... so if he cries, etc. it's very difficult to deal with. She called my mom, and Marmee is headed back up there, to lend some extra support.

Then, on top of all this news of BE.... my dad came over this afternoon, and went on & on about job/life problems... and then, my mom calls back to tell me about some other things going on.... INCLUDING that my Grandma (her mom) was recently diagnosed with cancer again. (It's in the same lung as she had partially removed a few years ago - she will begin treatment (chemo) next week.) I just don't know how much more I can take! I really feel so helpless. I am praying... but it's just not the same! I want to BE there with them, and see my nephew, and *hug* all of them, and tell my sweet sister everything will be alright, and eat Oreos with Peanut butter with her.... ::tear:: this is SO hard!! ::tear::

(and of course, it doesn't help (emotionally) that a certain monthly visitor came to town this afternoon.... arg!! )

One day old... I am in love... <3

Bryce Eric II --- update @ 11:54pm: HE'S HERE!!

He's here!! I'm an auntie!!! I am SO excited!!!

11:54 pm - The little guy just couldn't wait any longer, and decided to make his entrance a little early. Bryce Eric Reckner II was born today, March 10th, 2009, at just barely 37 weeks gestation. He weighed a tiny 6lbs 14 oz and is 19 inches long. Both mommy and baby are doing well!! ::happy sigh:: -- Welcome to the world, Bryce Bryce! I am SO happy you are here!! I cannot *wait* to meet you, and pray it will be very soon! I love you little man!!

10:46 - Still waiting.... Bryce says she's resting well between heavy contractions.... (meanwhile, Marmee is in W.Virginia)

7:50 - She's at 9 cm!! I should be a auntie within the next hour or two!!! Praying for you, H!!! (and for Marmee as she rushes to get there!!)

7:00 - Talked to mom again. Contractions are strengthening and coming closer together. They are at the birthing center.

3:30 - Talked to mom. They left co-op early, threw their bags together and are on the road. It's hard for her to think of not being there for the actual birth, we know God has everything planned out exactly as it needs to be. Please pray for their safety - they have a long 11½ hour drive ahead of them! !

3:30 - Just heard from Heather! She met with her midwife, and she is already dilated to 5 cm and is 90-100% effaced! Heather says she feels really drained between each contraction. Her voice sounded tired. By the way things have progressed/are progressing, I am expecting to be an aunt before the day is over!! ~ Praying for you, H!!! I love you!!!

1:30pm - I just talked to Heather, and it sounds like she is in the beginning stages of labor!! She started having mild contractions last night (approx 10 mins apart), but thankfully was able to get some rest! She was up again at 4am.... and now, despite laying down, drinking water or taking a hot shower, they are coming steadily at 3-5 minutes apart!!

Bryce Bryce...

At Heather's last two appointments BE was measuring a couple weeks behind...so the midwife asked if they'd be interested in going for an ultra sound, just to check things out. Bryce jumped at the idea, knowing that the place where it would be done just got the new equipment for 4D ultra sounds! They went in Thursday morning, and from what the tech could tell them, he looks fine! He weighs approximately 6lb, 5oz. Heart rate was good, and his dates were right on track!! Praise the Lord!!

Wordless... Friday?!

photo courtesy of our new friend, Laura's Facebook

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... March 4, 2009

Outside my Window... A cool, yet warm, sunny day!

I am remembering... only 2 more months till my birthday!

I am thankful for... The random side work B has been doing!! (and a possible job lead!)

And, for ALL the safe arrivals of:

My midwife (Harmony)'s baby, Rio on 1/22

Fallon Paige on 2/24

(her parents, Amanda & Dave work with us in the youth program at church! )

tiny, little Hope Alberta on 2/27... Hudson William on 3/2...
Edit (3/5): Connor on 3/4!!! (Whew! All these babies!!)

And not too much longer, before it's Ruth's baby... and then my nephew!! ~ yay!!

I am thinking... What needs to be done, to rearrange/redecorate the family/media room!!

I am wearing... bathing suit, white t-shirt, blue gym shorts, barefeet & hair in a ponytail.

I am reading.. still slowly making my way through Devil Wears Prada

From the kitchen... Smoothies! We have discovered that a handful of frozen cranberries are a wonderful addition, and give it a fantastic sweet/tart flavor!! ~ Friday, I made Teriyaki glazed Turkey (made the glaze sauce from scratch!) & fried rice (also from scratch - the first time). It was tasty! ~ Sunday, B made Pumpkin spice whole wheat waffles for the church breakfast. (yum!) ~ Monday, I made potato/leek soup... and it turned out *awesome*! Better than I thought! ~ Yesterday, I made brownies (just a box mix someone gave to us), for the dessert fellowship following the revival meeting. ~ Sometime this week, I want to get more honey (I am out! - the horror!) and try making this Butter Ball Cookie recipe I found! The ingredients are fairly healthy & it's wheat free! If they turn out well, I will post the recipe! ~

I am hoping/praying... Heather's ultrasound goes okay tomorrow, and everything looks perfect with her fluids, BE's size/development, etc!

I am creating... I just made KB a quick, throw-together apron... it came out really cute!

I am hearing... absolutely nothing.... weird.

One of my favorite things... Garlic! Not only is a a beautiful, delicious, & savory way to [rather inexpensively] embellish a dish... but it's also an excellent natural antibiotic, good for kicking whatever ails you!

Around the house... Thanx to B taking a load (comforter/bigger blankets) up to the laundry mat last week... we are finally close to being on top of all the laundry! ~ Kitchen is cleaned, dishwasher is run, and the floor was mopped this evening! ~ Almost all the clean clothes are (finally) put away. ~ Need to pick up random misplaced items in the family room, and the 2nd computer desk needs to be cleaned up so we can rearrange the room (hopefully) this weekend!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... We have Revival all this week at church. Friday night (the last night) is Teen night, where various church youth groups will be coming in for food, competitive games & fellowship. ~ Tomorrow, B is working an expo for his seasonal job "Trimmers" (side work!). ~ I would love to go Strawberry picking sometime soon! ~ And I hope to get some thing moved around this weekend.

Quote...
"''It is a sad fate for a man to die too well known to everybody else, and still unknown to himself." -- Francis Bacon

Verse...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Wordless Wednesday: Ugh...