Over the past few weeks, I keep thinking about choices. We make choices everyday that affect the rest of our lives. Even the seemingly insignificant choices can have a big impact. I know I haven't posted in a while. A few people have asked me about it, and I just haven't had a lot to share. Things come to mind and then they somehow don't seem profound enough to share, but the subject of choices keeps coming up. Today is the day before election day, my youngest daughter's 11th birthday (Happy Birthday Brianna!!!!) and a few days past what would have been Nolan's 2 month birthday. Again choices - what person will I choose to be our country's leader, how will I raise my children, who should be the one to give and take away a life no matter how small. It all comes down to one thing - God's plan. He already knows the outcome of tomorrow's election, he already knows every choice that I will make regarding my children and he knew what choice I would make when presented with the option to take away my son's life because T18 is considered "not compatible with life" in the medical world.
Consulting the ultimate counselor has become something that is not optional for me. It's been a rough year and I can't imaging how much harder it would be if I did not choose God's path for my life. 2 Chronicles 18:4 says "First seek the counsel of the Lord". We need to come to Him in prayer, to present our requests to him with thanksgiving. He wants to hear all of our requests and concerns no matter how small, everything from our daily life to the election. I pray everyday that He will see me through, give me a joyful heart to serve my family and my community. It seems small, but sometimes when i'm having a bad day, chosing to just stop to ask for His strength makes a big difference. Pray that God will show us who he would have to lead our nation. Someone who is concerned with the financial/economic crisis as well as the moral crisis of our nation. Someone who will consult the ultimate counselor when making decisions that affect us all. No matter the outcome of the election, remember that God is still in control and He has the last say.
Job 12:13 "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
In His shadow
Today was my orginal due date for Nolan. I always said my children like to "bake" longer as both girls were 9+ days past their due date. So, I assumed 9/18 would come and go and we would still be waiting to meet our sweet boy. Things don't always go as planned, and it has been over three weeks since Nolan was here with us. It makes me sad that he is not here in my arms. I think God has been protecting me. My devotional scripture this morning was Psalm 91:1 ~ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Hurricane Ike has kept us more sheltered than usual. I have mostly stayed home, the kids are still out of school, and I haven't even been to the grocery store. In some ways, this shelter is good for me. In other ways, I need to get out, but getting out has it's consequences. Yesterday, I went with friends for a much needed pedicure. One of the ladies came up and asked "how's the baby?". I sat there for a minute - this had to come up sooner or later and I have to learn to deal with it. I've been saved from answering this question twice already - once by my Mom when someone asked at church 4 days after Nolan's birth and once by Troy when a neighbor saw us out walking the other day. I'm so thankful to them for answering for me, but I have to do this sometime. So, I told the nail lady that he only lived for about an hour. Of course she was shocked and so sorry. I even felt bad for her feeling bad about asking. Later I went into Subway and one of the teenagers that lives on our street was working there. He asked me if I had the baby. I said yes. He asked what his name was and I told him, 'Nolan'. As I left, I wondered if I should have said more. As far as he knows everything is fine, but I just couldn't bring myself to say more and he didn't ask more questions. I'm not sure if it's better to answer only the questions asked or to spill my guts. When fears overcome me and the cares of this world worry me, I have ventured out of His protecting shadow. I can't hide in my house forever, but I can live under the protecting shadow of our Lord. That is my goal - to venture out into the world, but let God's shadow protect me. He knows what I can handle, and He won't give me more than that.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2
The Power in "no power"
Praise
We have a lot to be thankful for this week! We made it safely through Ike with only some limbs down and a part of our fence down. I never would have thought it possible to be thankful for plywood that cost $30 per sheet, but boy was I thankful on Friday night as the hurricane force winds blew through, and we were safe and sound with our family in our bedroom which was the only room where we boarded the windows due to a shortage of plywood and time. We were without power for less than 2 days. God was good to us again!
Prayer Request
There are many people who lost their entire homes in the areas near the coast. We even have friends who live within a few miles of us in the suburbs north of Houston who have trees that fell through their roof. A lot of our friends still don't have power. Gas, ice and perisiable foods are hard to come by. Please pray for all the people affected by Ike. Specifically, I would ask for you to pray for the Ekdahl's and my friend Debbie who both had trees go through their roof during the hurricane. Also, my brother-in-law's parents who lived on the west end of Galveston. They still have not been able to get back on the island to see if they have a home left.
I got an email from a friend this morning regarding the aftermath of Ike. She says it so well, that I asked if I could share with everyone in blog land. I think it reminds us that God can use every situation to his glory.
The Power in "no power"
"My home town is hurting. And so is almost every other town nearby. We've collectively endured an enormous storm, and it packed a hard punch. Not a knockout blow. Not quite. But close.
When 2.8 million people lose power in one city in one night - well, that's big. In fact, sources are claiming that Hurricane Ike was the cause of the largest power outage in the history of the great state of Texas .
On Friday night Ike was downright wicked. Scary. The limbs of trees with trunks as big around as my waist were twisted off like grapes from a stem. One huge tree close to our house was split near the base of its trunk: rendered roughly in two, with one half landing on one house, and one half on another.
The morning after the storm, my front door and porch were plastered nearly solid with green leaves that looked as if they'd been run through a food processor. Hardly any of them were whole. What the winds left resembled fresh green mulch more than it did discernible foliage.
And now, four days later, the question heard most frequently in conversations between friends, colleagues and neighbors is "Do you have power?" (Second only to "Where have you found gas, or ice?") Because without power, even the most ordinary-seeming tasks must be re-thought. No air. No lights. No cable or internet, or phones.
Transistor radios are in vogue again. So are paper fans, brooms, early bedtimes and board games. Neighbors are out on their porches, not hibernating inside, seldom seen. Children are outside playing and not indoors with their Wii's. A few weeks ago, before the storm, I had decided I would meet and get to know my neighbors. Sunday, we had our neighbors, Jan and Sandy, over for dinner, they were tired of turkey sandwiches. We had a nice visit, they are from England and knew nothing of hurricanes. We even enjoyed a movie thanks to my wonderful fiance who bought a generator before the storm hit. I'm hoping to see them again soon.
What I've decided in the aftermath of September's thrashing storm is this: there's a special power in "no power." It's a low, humming, steady power, and I hope when the lights come on, it stays. It's a power that has meekness at it's heart, and I like it - even though I wouldn't have chosen this particular method of delivery.
My lights are still out - along with two-thirds of the city. But I'm seeing more clearly every day." - anonymous
But he said to me, "My power is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9-10)
We have a lot to be thankful for this week! We made it safely through Ike with only some limbs down and a part of our fence down. I never would have thought it possible to be thankful for plywood that cost $30 per sheet, but boy was I thankful on Friday night as the hurricane force winds blew through, and we were safe and sound with our family in our bedroom which was the only room where we boarded the windows due to a shortage of plywood and time. We were without power for less than 2 days. God was good to us again!
Prayer Request
There are many people who lost their entire homes in the areas near the coast. We even have friends who live within a few miles of us in the suburbs north of Houston who have trees that fell through their roof. A lot of our friends still don't have power. Gas, ice and perisiable foods are hard to come by. Please pray for all the people affected by Ike. Specifically, I would ask for you to pray for the Ekdahl's and my friend Debbie who both had trees go through their roof during the hurricane. Also, my brother-in-law's parents who lived on the west end of Galveston. They still have not been able to get back on the island to see if they have a home left.
I got an email from a friend this morning regarding the aftermath of Ike. She says it so well, that I asked if I could share with everyone in blog land. I think it reminds us that God can use every situation to his glory.
The Power in "no power"
"My home town is hurting. And so is almost every other town nearby. We've collectively endured an enormous storm, and it packed a hard punch. Not a knockout blow. Not quite. But close.
When 2.8 million people lose power in one city in one night - well, that's big. In fact, sources are claiming that Hurricane Ike was the cause of the largest power outage in the history of the great state of Texas .
On Friday night Ike was downright wicked. Scary. The limbs of trees with trunks as big around as my waist were twisted off like grapes from a stem. One huge tree close to our house was split near the base of its trunk: rendered roughly in two, with one half landing on one house, and one half on another.
The morning after the storm, my front door and porch were plastered nearly solid with green leaves that looked as if they'd been run through a food processor. Hardly any of them were whole. What the winds left resembled fresh green mulch more than it did discernible foliage.
And now, four days later, the question heard most frequently in conversations between friends, colleagues and neighbors is "Do you have power?" (Second only to "Where have you found gas, or ice?") Because without power, even the most ordinary-seeming tasks must be re-thought. No air. No lights. No cable or internet, or phones.
Transistor radios are in vogue again. So are paper fans, brooms, early bedtimes and board games. Neighbors are out on their porches, not hibernating inside, seldom seen. Children are outside playing and not indoors with their Wii's. A few weeks ago, before the storm, I had decided I would meet and get to know my neighbors. Sunday, we had our neighbors, Jan and Sandy, over for dinner, they were tired of turkey sandwiches. We had a nice visit, they are from England and knew nothing of hurricanes. We even enjoyed a movie thanks to my wonderful fiance who bought a generator before the storm hit. I'm hoping to see them again soon.
What I've decided in the aftermath of September's thrashing storm is this: there's a special power in "no power." It's a low, humming, steady power, and I hope when the lights come on, it stays. It's a power that has meekness at it's heart, and I like it - even though I wouldn't have chosen this particular method of delivery.
My lights are still out - along with two-thirds of the city. But I'm seeing more clearly every day." - anonymous
But he said to me, "My power is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9-10)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Bring the rain
As we, like many other people along the Texas gulf coast are preparing this evening for Hurricane Ike, I told Troy and the girls - It's just weather. We have been through a lot more than weather recently and God will protect us. He has gotten us this far, and he won't let us down now. In my women's bible study today, one of the speakers talked about the coming hurricane and how she was sure that some people in the room were thinking that it would be nice if a hurricane was their worst problem today. I was thinking "amen, sister"! Bring on the rain! If God can calm my storm, he can take care of Ike.
First I have to say, that everything I am sharing tonight I can't take credit for. I'm mostly repeating things I have heard in church and from various people over the last week. They happen to be things that have spoken volumes to me in my current situation, and I feel like right now my calling is to share and pray that someone else can encouraged by reading these words.
I believe that our outlook on a situation can affect the outcome. Our sermon in church last Sunday was about praise. Two things really stood out to me. First, praise is a pathway to God's power. When you feel attacked by Satan - praise God. ". . . Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!" 2 Chronicles 20:21 Second, praise brings perspective to our problems. An unshakable faith can only come from faith that has been shaken.
When I was in the hospital after Nolan was born, Troy left one day to go home and shower and then went to get a haircut. When he was on the way back to the hospital, the blade from a fan in our vehicle broke off and stuck in the radiator. He immediately knew there was a problem and drove to the repair shop. The fan and radiator had to be replaced. Then the day that we came home from the hospital our ice maker stopped working when we had a house full of company. Normally, these little inconveniences really irritate me and can get me in a bad mood. This time neither of us seemed really bothered. Troy asked me later if I thought that it was Satan trying to get us when we were down. I answered that I believe it certainly could have been but we choose instead to focus on celebrating the life of our son and God didn't allow the circumstances to get us down. I also believe that because we chose to praise God and share his love with others through Nolan that he guarded our hearts and minds from the other issues that were thrown at us during that time.
Our bible study today was about David and how he was anointed by God to to lead his people. We are all in different "seasons" of our life whether they are good, bad or just plain ugly to us, God has anointed and empowered us to be there in that season right now. He has a plan and purpose for us. I talked with women today whose husbands were out of a job, a son is in jail, businesses are faltering due to the economy; but all of them chose to praise God and continue to believe that God has a plan for their families. I would urge you to praise God for your season and choose to use it for His glory.
Please continue to pray for Kenzie and baby Faith as well as for the protection of the people in the path of Hurricane Ike.
First I have to say, that everything I am sharing tonight I can't take credit for. I'm mostly repeating things I have heard in church and from various people over the last week. They happen to be things that have spoken volumes to me in my current situation, and I feel like right now my calling is to share and pray that someone else can encouraged by reading these words.
I believe that our outlook on a situation can affect the outcome. Our sermon in church last Sunday was about praise. Two things really stood out to me. First, praise is a pathway to God's power. When you feel attacked by Satan - praise God. ". . . Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!" 2 Chronicles 20:21 Second, praise brings perspective to our problems. An unshakable faith can only come from faith that has been shaken.
When I was in the hospital after Nolan was born, Troy left one day to go home and shower and then went to get a haircut. When he was on the way back to the hospital, the blade from a fan in our vehicle broke off and stuck in the radiator. He immediately knew there was a problem and drove to the repair shop. The fan and radiator had to be replaced. Then the day that we came home from the hospital our ice maker stopped working when we had a house full of company. Normally, these little inconveniences really irritate me and can get me in a bad mood. This time neither of us seemed really bothered. Troy asked me later if I thought that it was Satan trying to get us when we were down. I answered that I believe it certainly could have been but we choose instead to focus on celebrating the life of our son and God didn't allow the circumstances to get us down. I also believe that because we chose to praise God and share his love with others through Nolan that he guarded our hearts and minds from the other issues that were thrown at us during that time.
Our bible study today was about David and how he was anointed by God to to lead his people. We are all in different "seasons" of our life whether they are good, bad or just plain ugly to us, God has anointed and empowered us to be there in that season right now. He has a plan and purpose for us. I talked with women today whose husbands were out of a job, a son is in jail, businesses are faltering due to the economy; but all of them chose to praise God and continue to believe that God has a plan for their families. I would urge you to praise God for your season and choose to use it for His glory.
Please continue to pray for Kenzie and baby Faith as well as for the protection of the people in the path of Hurricane Ike.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Update on Kenzie
Some of you had asked about Kenzie and baby Faith since her blog is currently not working. Here is a link to Kim's blog who has had an update from Kenzie. Keep praying for her. Thanks!
http://marygracesummons.blogspot.com/
http://marygracesummons.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 5, 2008
Urgent Prayer Request
Friends, please pray for my friend Kenzie who is 26 weeks pregnant with her third child, Faith Claire. She started having contractions on Wednesday and was admitted to the hospital. The medication they have been giving her seems to have stopped working and contractions have been picking back up. Kenzie and her husband lost a son earlier this year to Trisomy 18 and their journey and faith has been a great inspiration to me during the past few months.
http://thestanfieldjourney.blogspot.com
Yet he did not waver thru unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20
http://thestanfieldjourney.blogspot.com
Yet he did not waver thru unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20
Thursday, September 4, 2008
One Life Can Make A Difference
I hadn't planned on a post today. I didn't have any words to share. However, Troy went to the gym, and I was getting dressed and ready for the day, I decided to turn on the radio to KSBJ, our local christian station. When I turned on the radio, I'll Fly Away was playing . . . "i'll fly away . . . to a land where joy shall never end". We sang this song at the end of Nolan's memorial service on Wednesday as we released about 100 blue ballons to celebrate our baby flying away to heaven. The next song was Give Me Words to Speak . . . "give me words to speak, don't let my spirit sleep, I can't think of anything worth saying but I know I owe you my life". This song was so "me" right now. I sat down to check emails and began reading recent comments to my last post. Then it all began to make more sense. God has the words. Someone said that our faith has encouraged them to make a step closer to God, a good friend thanked us for inviting their family to church several years ago. Our family motto has always been "adapt and overcome". We try to teach our children that everything is not always going to go exactly as we want or as we plan but to make the best of each situation and not to give up. They even quote the motto on occasion:) Last week at the hospital, I think Troy may have unknowingly come up with a new motto or at least a wonderful addition to the one we already have . . . ONE LIFE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I thank God for using Nolan to give us words and actions to encourage others.
I have added the two songs above to my playlist.
Karen
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
I have added the two songs above to my playlist.
Karen
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Puzzle
Today it has been one week since our sweet baby Nolan entered and left this world. It has not been an easy week. Everyone has commented on how strong we are but, we are not really strong. It's so very hard, and I am so sad that I can't hold my little boy and love him the way I want to, but I do have a peace that I would not have thought possible knowing that he is in good hands (God's hands), and I will see him again one day and that his short life can make a difference. Troy and I have said time and again that we could not have done this without God in our lives. He is our strength! "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2
I have done a lot of reflection on how all of this played out. I said in my first post that I know God has a plan for us. We may not be able to see the big picture, but I can definitely see the pieces of the puzzle being put in place. I think back on how there have been so many people over the past week and the weeks and months leading up to Nolan's birth that have played an important role in our lives. I believe that God put each one of them here for a special purpose in His plan for our lives. No matter how big or small each of them may feel that their part was, it was significant! From family and friends, our church family to doctors, nurses, other medical staff and even strangers - each one is a piece of the puzzle and God used them to continue unfolding his plan for our family. Each one was perfectly shaped by Him to fit into the puzzle that is His plan. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
I know that God has perfect timing. He knew that this journey was not something we could have handled six years ago before we found a wonderful church home and drew closer to Him. He knew this is not something we could have handled before our entire family had become Christians. He knew that this is not something we could have handled when our girls were younger. But really God's plan goes back to before we were even born. Every situation, every person we encounter in our life here on earth is a part of God's plan. "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16
Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for all of your prayers and for the love and care that has been shown to us and continues to be poured out. Please know that we truly appreciate all that has been done for us and that you are all a part of God's plan. Our hope is that Nolan's life can make a difference in your life and in that of people for many years to come. We pray that you know our savior, Jesus Christ, so that you will get to meet our little boy in heaven one day. ". . . if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
I have done a lot of reflection on how all of this played out. I said in my first post that I know God has a plan for us. We may not be able to see the big picture, but I can definitely see the pieces of the puzzle being put in place. I think back on how there have been so many people over the past week and the weeks and months leading up to Nolan's birth that have played an important role in our lives. I believe that God put each one of them here for a special purpose in His plan for our lives. No matter how big or small each of them may feel that their part was, it was significant! From family and friends, our church family to doctors, nurses, other medical staff and even strangers - each one is a piece of the puzzle and God used them to continue unfolding his plan for our family. Each one was perfectly shaped by Him to fit into the puzzle that is His plan. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
I know that God has perfect timing. He knew that this journey was not something we could have handled six years ago before we found a wonderful church home and drew closer to Him. He knew this is not something we could have handled before our entire family had become Christians. He knew that this is not something we could have handled when our girls were younger. But really God's plan goes back to before we were even born. Every situation, every person we encounter in our life here on earth is a part of God's plan. "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16
Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for all of your prayers and for the love and care that has been shown to us and continues to be poured out. Please know that we truly appreciate all that has been done for us and that you are all a part of God's plan. Our hope is that Nolan's life can make a difference in your life and in that of people for many years to come. We pray that you know our savior, Jesus Christ, so that you will get to meet our little boy in heaven one day. ". . . if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Celebration of Life
A memorial service will be held
to celebrate the life
of
Nolan Alexander Zuckero
to celebrate the life
of
Nolan Alexander Zuckero
at
Fellowship of The Woodlands-Chapel
One Fellowship Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77384
on
Tuesday, September 2
at 4:00pm
In lieu of flowers we would like to suggest that contributions be made to either:
Fellowship of The Woodlands Children's Ministries or Teach for America
Donate online to Teach for America at TeachForAmerica.org
Checks payable to FOTW
(indicate Children's Ministry in memory of Nolan Zuckero on memo line) may be mailed to:
FOTW
One Fellowship Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77384
One life can make a difference. Please read 'The Heart' below.
The Heart:
'Tomorrow morning,' the surgeon began, 'I'll open up your heart...'
'You'll find Jesus there,' the boy interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed, 'I'll cut your heart open,' he continued, to see how much damage has been done...'
'but when you open up my heart, you'll find Jesus in there,' said the boy.
The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. 'When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up, and I'll plan what to do next.'
'But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart.'
The surgeon had had enough. 'I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart. I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well.'
'You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there.'
The surgeon left. The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, '...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis: here he paused, 'death within one year.' He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. 'Why?' he asked aloud. 'Why did You do this? You've put him here; You've put him in this pain; and you've cursed him to an early death. Why?' The Lord answered and said, 'The boy, my lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow.' The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. 'You created that boy, and You created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?' The Lord answered, 'The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for He has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb.' The surgeon wept... The surgeon sat beside the boy' s bed; the boy's parents sat across from him.
The boy awoke and whispered, 'Did you cut open my heart?'
'Yes,' said the surgeon.
'What did you find?' asked the boy.
'I found Jesus there,' said the surgeon.
Author Unknown
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Nolan Alexander Zuckero
Nolan Alexander Zuckero was born today at 12:41pm weighing 3 lb 13 oz. Our family and friends were able to spend about an hour with Nolan before he went to be with our heavenly father. Our prayers for a peaceful delivery and birth experience were answered.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Question of the day - Am I nervous?
This is one of those posts that I feel like needs a disclaimer or WARNING: This is not for the faint of heart (it may make you cry) and there will be some whining. You have the option to stop here and not read this:)
Last night my mother-in-law asked if I was nervous about Wednesday. (A special thanks to Nanny and Poppy for having us over for dinner last night.) I truthfully answered, "no". At the time, I was tired and exasperated but not nervous. Who would think the first day of school could be so hard on a parent. I mean, by 9am both girls were in school. I got to go to my annual Mom's first day of school lunch with my friends. We talked and had a great time. Then the after school whirl wind began. Brianna came home to tell me that she didn't get the school supplies that I pre-paid for back in the spring because her name wasn't on the list. Now, I promise you I filled out the form and paid for them. I really really think I did, and i'm usually pretty organized when it comes to things like that. So, I get out my checkbook register because I am going to prove that the school is wrong, and I did pay for them. After going over it three times, looking all the way back to March, I decided maybe I didn't pay for them. Great!! If I had known this, I would have bought the supplies a month ago when they first put them out and they were not all picked over - remember I am very organized:) Of course I already know that when I pick up Brittany (who decided to pretend not to see me waiting to pick her up from school while she talked to her friends for 10 minutes - oddly enough, several of those friends could see me and even waved to me) she will need additional school supplies. Jr High is a little different, there are always a few things that they need that are not on the standard supply list depending on what electives are taken. So, we go back home, get both girls lists and proceed to spend an hour with our family of 4 searching the store for a red folder with pockets and brads, centimeter square graph paper, etc. Of course, they are out of several things. By then I am so tired. I'm hungry and I just don't feel very well. Oh, did I mention that the girls are starting that picking back and forth that siblings like to do? We go back home for a few minutes and I begin to believe that school lunch must have consisted of straight sugar today. We go to Troy's parents for dinner and I am convinced that I must speak with whoever plans the school menu - something is not setting well with my wonderful well-behaved children who are currently aggravating each other as much as possible and bouncing off the walls. Now that is a long explaination, but you can see why I wasn't nervous about Wednesday. I'm not even sure i'm going to make it to Wednesday without going completely crazy!
We finally get home and send the girls off upstairs to shower and get ready for bed. Troy and I have a few things to discuss about the big day and he can see that i'm really tired and suggests that I go to bed. I go to bed, but that's when I start thinking about everything that has been pushed from my mind during the first day of school madness. I pray, please God not again I just really need a few good hours of sleep. Of course I can't sleep, I get up and Troy is watching TV, the girls have gone to bed and no one came to tell me goodnight. They thought I was asleep:( So, I sit down beside Troy, he looks at me and I just start crying. Now i'm nervous - I'm worried about what might be the beginning of the end. I know i'm not supposed to worry. I know what I hope and pray for, and I know what the doctors' prognosis for Nolan is. I know that i'm supposed to give all of this over to God.
Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. "
I was thinking that there is only one more day with this precious life inside of me. He's doing ok in there. He's alive, his heart is beating and he is kicking around. What if his body can't handle our world? Parents aren't supposed to have to worry about how long their children will live. Children are supposed to far out live their parents. If you know me very well you know that i'm not usually a worrier, I have a child and several other people in my family who tend to worry. They know who they are, but I not one of them. However, i'm worrying now. As tomorrow at noon approaches, please continue to pray, first for a miracle and then that I will not be consumed with worry and that no matter the outcome we will feel peace in the delivery room and in the days to come, that God will guard our hearts and our minds.
Karen
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7
Last night my mother-in-law asked if I was nervous about Wednesday. (A special thanks to Nanny and Poppy for having us over for dinner last night.) I truthfully answered, "no". At the time, I was tired and exasperated but not nervous. Who would think the first day of school could be so hard on a parent. I mean, by 9am both girls were in school. I got to go to my annual Mom's first day of school lunch with my friends. We talked and had a great time. Then the after school whirl wind began. Brianna came home to tell me that she didn't get the school supplies that I pre-paid for back in the spring because her name wasn't on the list. Now, I promise you I filled out the form and paid for them. I really really think I did, and i'm usually pretty organized when it comes to things like that. So, I get out my checkbook register because I am going to prove that the school is wrong, and I did pay for them. After going over it three times, looking all the way back to March, I decided maybe I didn't pay for them. Great!! If I had known this, I would have bought the supplies a month ago when they first put them out and they were not all picked over - remember I am very organized:) Of course I already know that when I pick up Brittany (who decided to pretend not to see me waiting to pick her up from school while she talked to her friends for 10 minutes - oddly enough, several of those friends could see me and even waved to me) she will need additional school supplies. Jr High is a little different, there are always a few things that they need that are not on the standard supply list depending on what electives are taken. So, we go back home, get both girls lists and proceed to spend an hour with our family of 4 searching the store for a red folder with pockets and brads, centimeter square graph paper, etc. Of course, they are out of several things. By then I am so tired. I'm hungry and I just don't feel very well. Oh, did I mention that the girls are starting that picking back and forth that siblings like to do? We go back home for a few minutes and I begin to believe that school lunch must have consisted of straight sugar today. We go to Troy's parents for dinner and I am convinced that I must speak with whoever plans the school menu - something is not setting well with my wonderful well-behaved children who are currently aggravating each other as much as possible and bouncing off the walls. Now that is a long explaination, but you can see why I wasn't nervous about Wednesday. I'm not even sure i'm going to make it to Wednesday without going completely crazy!
We finally get home and send the girls off upstairs to shower and get ready for bed. Troy and I have a few things to discuss about the big day and he can see that i'm really tired and suggests that I go to bed. I go to bed, but that's when I start thinking about everything that has been pushed from my mind during the first day of school madness. I pray, please God not again I just really need a few good hours of sleep. Of course I can't sleep, I get up and Troy is watching TV, the girls have gone to bed and no one came to tell me goodnight. They thought I was asleep:( So, I sit down beside Troy, he looks at me and I just start crying. Now i'm nervous - I'm worried about what might be the beginning of the end. I know i'm not supposed to worry. I know what I hope and pray for, and I know what the doctors' prognosis for Nolan is. I know that i'm supposed to give all of this over to God.
Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. "
I was thinking that there is only one more day with this precious life inside of me. He's doing ok in there. He's alive, his heart is beating and he is kicking around. What if his body can't handle our world? Parents aren't supposed to have to worry about how long their children will live. Children are supposed to far out live their parents. If you know me very well you know that i'm not usually a worrier, I have a child and several other people in my family who tend to worry. They know who they are, but I not one of them. However, i'm worrying now. As tomorrow at noon approaches, please continue to pray, first for a miracle and then that I will not be consumed with worry and that no matter the outcome we will feel peace in the delivery room and in the days to come, that God will guard our hearts and our minds.
Karen
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7
Monday, August 25, 2008
First Day of School
Well, today our girls are off for the first day of a new school year. It's a pretty significant year at our house with Brianna in 5th grade, her last year of elementary school and Brittany in 8th grade, the last year of jr. high! We are excited that Brianna has some great teachers this year and Brittany got all of the classes she wanted (though not all of the classes with her friends like she hoped for). Just wanted to share some pictures with you of our girls that we are so proud of and some pictures with their friends that were taken this morning before school. I pray that God will guide and protect them throughout the school year and lead them to be good influences on their friends and classmates.
Karen
Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Karen
Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Friday, August 15, 2008
We have a name
The question we are most often asked over the past 8 months, is "Do you have a name for the baby?" And always the answer has been "not yet". We have had a boy name for 13 years and never the need to use it. However, somehow the name did not seem right anymore. Since our girls are old enough to have strong opinons about names, we solicited their input. It wasn't exactly a democratic process, but after much debate from all four members of our family, we have finally agreed on a name for our new little one! Nolan Alexander Zuckero will arrive into this world on August 27th (unless God has plans for him to come sooner). My doctor's appointment this week went well. Nolan's little heartbeat is still strong and he is expected to weigh around 4 pounds at birth. Only 12 more days until we get to meet him face to face!!!
Karen
But now, thus says the Lord, your God, and he who formed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
Karen
But now, thus says the Lord, your God, and he who formed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Sweet Relief
God is great and merciful!!! Before yesterday, I didn't know how I was going to make it to August 27th. The procedure went well. They removed about 3 liters of fluid which Troy and the Dr. weighed in at 9 pounds. It was immediate relief!! I was able to eat a normal amount of dinner and sleep laying down - something I haven't done in about a month. I no longer feel as if my ribs are broken, and I can move around without pain! I am still amazed at the difference it makes. I would not recommend it as a weight loss method if anyone is wondering - too painful:)
Now that I feel like I am able to function somewhat normally again, we can move forward with getting ready for the first day of school and finalizing all of the plans for the arrival of our new little one. Thank you for your prayers.
Karen
O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Psalms 143:1
Now that I feel like I am able to function somewhat normally again, we can move forward with getting ready for the first day of school and finalizing all of the plans for the arrival of our new little one. Thank you for your prayers.
Karen
O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Psalms 143:1
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Update
As I mentioned last week, I have a lot of excess amniotic fluid - more than twice the normal levels. We have decided to go ahead and have Dr. Rowe do a decompression tomorrow afternoon which is basically to drain off the excess fluid. This should make me much more comfortable and will hopefully allow for me to carry the baby to almost 37 weeks for the scheduled c-section on 8/27. Besides the fact that I feel like I have broken ribs, or what I imagine that must feel like, the Dr. thinks that my water may break before then if we don't release some of the pressure from the fluid. This is an outpatient procedure in the hospital. So, we should be back home tomorrow evening.
As always, thank you to our many friends and family and those out there whom we don't even know who are praying for us.
Karen
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
As always, thank you to our many friends and family and those out there whom we don't even know who are praying for us.
Karen
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Friday, August 1, 2008
Because He Lives
As I sit here needing to post an update, I didn't really know where to start or exactly what to say. Everything seems so jumbled up in my mind. So, please excuse me if I ramble. I read a response to my previous post from my Aunt Barbara and she said that my Grandmother and Papaw Morgan would be so proud of us. I just started crying, but that is nothing new these days. A lot of things make me cry - thinking about my girls starting school in a few weeks, how proud we are of them and that we will probably never see the baby start school. Just random things can start a gusher! I remember at my Grandmother's funeral we sang the old hymn "Because He Lives" - because he lives I can face tomorrow. Whatever tomorrow may bring, I know that our family will be together in heaven one day. Our youngest daughter, Brianna, accepted Christ and was baptized this summer on June 8. Now I know that even though the timing will vary, the eternal destination of our entire family is the same!
I had two doctors appointments this week. The baby is still growing and his heart beat was good! They were able to see his stomach on the ultra sound yesterday which they had not seen previously. This is good news as it means he is able to swallow!! The not so great news is that I am getting really uncomfortable due to a high level of amnionic fluid (not uncommon with T18 babies). Riding in the car and sitting at my desk can be painful. Dr. G has scheduled my c-section for August 27th at noon. The last week in August will be busy for us - the girls start school on 8/25 and then our new little one will arrive on 8/27. As Brittany said to us recently, "when our family does something, we do it right"! She was refering to our vacation, but we probably tend to be a little over the top most of time:) I guess it's like "go big or go home". Anyway, please keep us in your prayers over the next few weeks and thank you for all of the wonderful comments and prayers. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family and friends!
Please pray for our friends, the Crady family, today as Julie's Mom is getting a liver transplant this morning! They have been praying for this day for many months now.
Karen
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3
I had two doctors appointments this week. The baby is still growing and his heart beat was good! They were able to see his stomach on the ultra sound yesterday which they had not seen previously. This is good news as it means he is able to swallow!! The not so great news is that I am getting really uncomfortable due to a high level of amnionic fluid (not uncommon with T18 babies). Riding in the car and sitting at my desk can be painful. Dr. G has scheduled my c-section for August 27th at noon. The last week in August will be busy for us - the girls start school on 8/25 and then our new little one will arrive on 8/27. As Brittany said to us recently, "when our family does something, we do it right"! She was refering to our vacation, but we probably tend to be a little over the top most of time:) I guess it's like "go big or go home". Anyway, please keep us in your prayers over the next few weeks and thank you for all of the wonderful comments and prayers. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family and friends!
Please pray for our friends, the Crady family, today as Julie's Mom is getting a liver transplant this morning! They have been praying for this day for many months now.
Karen
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3
Thursday, July 3, 2008
God's Plan
Dear Family and Friends,
April 3, 2008 was a day that Troy and I will not soon forget. At 16 weeks into our pregnancy, my OB sent us to a maternal fetal medicine specialist for a specialized ultrasound. Because of my "advanced maternal age", this was considered a routine check. I don't like the sound of "advanced age", but i'm healthy, in decent shape and have had 2 previous uncomplicated pregnancies! So, with no cause for alarm, we went to the doctor excited to find out if baby would make 3 girls or if we were in for a new experience with a boy.
To us, the medically unexperienced, the baby looked great! The tech was able to tell us that it's a boy!! Our excitement was soon shattered as the doctor explained that he was seeing many markers (including measurements and physical characteristics) that indicated that our baby has Trisomy 18. He went on to explain that Trisomy 18 is a chromosome disorder that affects 1 in 3000 babies. This occurs when the baby has three chromosome 18 instead of two. Only 10% of babies with T18 live to be a year old. A later amniocentisis confirmed that our son has full Trisomy 18. Needless to say, this was total shock and a lot for us to absorb.
Troy and I decided that day in the doctor's office that God has given us this child, and He has a plan for our family and this baby. Though we don't clearly see the plan at this point, we know that God is with us and will guide us every step of the way.
We have previously shared this with our family and some close friends. Many of you we see in the hall at work or church or at our children's activities and you ask how we are or how the baby is and we say "good" or "fine". Obviously, we haven't felt that those times are the best opportunity to share our story. I decided to start this blog at the suggestion of a wonderful Christian woman, who shares a similar story, as a way of updating family and friends on the progress of this pregnancy and our thoughts. Please pray for our family - for strength, health and peace.
April 3, 2008 was a day that Troy and I will not soon forget. At 16 weeks into our pregnancy, my OB sent us to a maternal fetal medicine specialist for a specialized ultrasound. Because of my "advanced maternal age", this was considered a routine check. I don't like the sound of "advanced age", but i'm healthy, in decent shape and have had 2 previous uncomplicated pregnancies! So, with no cause for alarm, we went to the doctor excited to find out if baby would make 3 girls or if we were in for a new experience with a boy.
To us, the medically unexperienced, the baby looked great! The tech was able to tell us that it's a boy!! Our excitement was soon shattered as the doctor explained that he was seeing many markers (including measurements and physical characteristics) that indicated that our baby has Trisomy 18. He went on to explain that Trisomy 18 is a chromosome disorder that affects 1 in 3000 babies. This occurs when the baby has three chromosome 18 instead of two. Only 10% of babies with T18 live to be a year old. A later amniocentisis confirmed that our son has full Trisomy 18. Needless to say, this was total shock and a lot for us to absorb.
Troy and I decided that day in the doctor's office that God has given us this child, and He has a plan for our family and this baby. Though we don't clearly see the plan at this point, we know that God is with us and will guide us every step of the way.
We have previously shared this with our family and some close friends. Many of you we see in the hall at work or church or at our children's activities and you ask how we are or how the baby is and we say "good" or "fine". Obviously, we haven't felt that those times are the best opportunity to share our story. I decided to start this blog at the suggestion of a wonderful Christian woman, who shares a similar story, as a way of updating family and friends on the progress of this pregnancy and our thoughts. Please pray for our family - for strength, health and peace.
Karen
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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