The Time of Your Life

Yeah.....totally have not kept up with this at all.  Life has just been insane!  Not much time to myself.  But there isn't  a better time to start back than today.

My Facebook has been flooded with memories this past month of last year.  My family and I were holding our breath...just waiting...

 For this little cutie right here.  With my due date being December 22nd, and then my doctor saying we would probably induce early, we just knew this little man would be here by Christmas, if not earlier. December 25th came and went...then the 26th came and went...followed by December 27th...nothing.  Little man was refusing to work with our schedule.  How rude, right?

As I lay down to go to sleep (apparently after watching Downton Abbey, dealing with heartburn, sending Kyle to the store for milk because of it, and standing with the door wide open because I was having a hot flash - thanks Facebook memories). I figured we would go to my doctors appointment at 1pm and learn I would be induced the next day.  I didn't expect that I would wake up with mild contractions.  Within thirty minutes they were two to four minutes apart.  With a call to my doctor, and confirmation from them, Kyle and I loaded up and headed to the hospital.  This was all a new experience for us since I had the girls at home.  

Though I was in pain, I couldn't contain my excitement.  Our little boy was about to be here, and probably soon since Olivia proved to show up within three hours of labor starting.

I should have known something was wrong when we came to hour four, and there hadn't been a lot of progress, and the pain was worse than Sophee and Olivia combined.  Baby boy was not wanting to come.  Finally by hour ten, and three rounds of pushing, my doctor said we would have a c-section. This was something we both tried so hard to avoid.  I know she hated telling me this, and I hated hearing, but my sweet boy was not coming and his heart rate dropped with every contraction.  Much of this was a blur for me because between the epidural, spinal tap, and pain meds, I was out of it. (And while I was thankful for those but I hated how I felt being on them and coming off of them).  I never once felt a tug or pull like my doctor said I would.  

At 6:51 P.M., on December 28th, Deklan David Wyatt made his debut, weighing in at 10 lbs 6 oz and 23 1/2 inches long.  They tried so hard to get him over to his area before he cried...before he could suck down the meconium further into his lungs, but that did not happen.  All I can recall was not being too worried because Sophee had the same issue...and that I just wanted to have my baby in my arms.

The next two hours were tough, waiting in recovery, waiting to hear anything on Deklan.  Once we did, it was not what I was expecting.

Deklan had meconium aspirtation syndrome...his white blood cell count was way too high, and his right lung was collapsed.  There were other terms and issues thrown at me but I couldn't keep up with it.  All I could think was that I still had not seen my baby, and now I was being told he was being taken downtown to Texas Childerns Hospital.  This was not how this was suppose to go. He was suppose to be with me, in my arms.

I didn't get to lay eyes on my boy till 11 something.  And there he was. My big boy, in an incubater, almost too big for it.  And the worst part was, between signing paper work and people talking, I couldn't reach out and touch my boy before he left.  It was too painful to move and he was too far out of reach.  As everyone left the room, Kyle to follow the ambulance and my mom to get my stuff out of the car, I lost it.  What if he didn't make it?...What if I never got to hold my boy?  I quickly started praying and gave it to God...It was the only way to keep me sane.  I had no idea that during the drive something happened to make the ambulance go almost 100. I had no idea the fear that Kyle felt, as I found out later or what Kyle felt when he told God that if he wanted Deklan back, he was ok with it.  I had no idea that in those first 12 to 24 hours the doctor said that we were just living hour by hour, as my baby's life was hanging by a thread.  I had no idea in those first 48 hours of my son's life how close I was to losing him.  

Its never easy to see your child in pain.  When I walked into Deklan's room and saw him hooked up to so many things, it killed me.  I would give anything to trade places with him at that moment.  It killed me every time his machines alarm would go off, his numbers dropped, his diaper needed to be changed, because I could do nothing about it.  It's a mother's job to take care of her children, and I couldn't do it those first few days.  When they began to lower his meds, and I would see him cry, but no sound came out due to the breathing tube...I honestly don't know what words could adequately describe the pain I was feeling.

That month in the NICU was tough.  Two weeks at Texas Childrens and two weeks at Methodist West.  We were so blessed to have amazing doctors and nurses who loved our sweet boy and fought for him.  They not only took care of him, but us as well.  One nurse left me a sweet note on my birthday, while another made me lactation cookies.  It always made me laugh when the nurses would see me come in and they would get sad because that meant they didn't get to hold Deklan.

I know there are many people who spend much longer in the NICU. No matter though, if you spend a couple of days, a month or a year, seeing your child in pain, in need, hurts.  Time holds no meaning while you are there. When I think  back on that time I feel like we were there much longer...days ran together.  

It was definitely a time our faith was tested...well maybe not tested...but it did grow my faith as well as my husband's faith.  We had to rely on God in a way we never had before.  While I hate that Deklan went through all that pain...I am thankful for the journey. What a testimony our sweet boy has. What a testimony our family has because of this.

As we celebrate our sweet boy today, this year comes rushing back to me.  It has been a true joy having Deklan in our family. I don't think Kyle, myself, or the girls realized our family was incomplete until God blessed us with this sweet little boy. 2016 has seen some tough times for us, but all I have to do is look at my sweet boy, hear his laughter, or watch him learn something new and I'm reminded how blessed we all have truly been this past year.

Happy Birthday my sweet Deklan. My prayer is that you have a heart for God and a heart for people. That you have joy like no other in your life, and that you know how much your family loves you very much.  We will always be here for you, and will be here when you need a good laugh. - Our Warrior!

To The Dream Team Member

To the Dream Team member I encountered Sunday:
We had never met before. We are a growing church so there are a lot of us, serving in a lot of areas. And as hard as I try to picture your name tag in my mind I can't, so I don't remember your name. But we are family.
Even though I know this, you caught me off guard Sunday. I showed up with the mindset of serving, not being served. So when I realized what you were doing, I was overwhelmed.
You were a couple of people in front of me, waiting to get coffee. As you were getting yours, our eyes met for a second and we smiled at one another. My attention then went back to the little man in my arms. All of a sudden, you spoke up. "What kind of cream and how many?" It took me a couple of seconds to realize you were speaking to me...and that as you were getting your coffee, you also filled one up for me. I told you how I took it and your fixed it up for me...finishing it off with the lid. I kept thanking you and headed off to the kids ministry.
And I did my best to hold back the tears.
Because you didn't know I was going on week three of my husband working  out of town...that my middle child is pushing the boundaries and figuring out how far she can push them...that my oldest is trying to be the boss since daddy is out of town and is not getting that she isn't the parent...that the baby in my arms is teething like crazy and dealing with separation anxiety...that I'm exhausted playing mommy and daddy these past few weeks...that I made myself a cup of coffee at home but didn't get a chance to drink it because I was getting everyone ready to leave by 6:30.  You didn't know the struggles I have had these past couple of weeks...you probably didn't know that this simple gesture of making my coffee would remind me that I'm loved and that I can do this.
So thank you...thank you for being a picture of Jesus for me that day. To some it might have just been coffee...but for me it was so much more.

It was also a reminder that sometimes the simplest things could be just what a person needs at that moment. A cup of coffee, a smile, a gentle word, could make a workd kf difference for someone. We don't always know what someone is going through. It could just be a bad day, or it could be a bad year. No matter what, you can make a difference in that person's life.
So I encourage you: ask God to keep your eyes open and show you someone you can serve, someone you can encourage today. You may be the only Jesus they ever see.

And thank you once again to that sweet girl who made my coffee. I'm going to be looking for you so I can give you a hug.

I Stink At Friendship

This thought has been in my mind for awhile. A couple of things caused me to really think about this. One was a conversation between some of us soccer moms about how we didn't do a single thing we talked about this summer (get together with kids, as couples). It kind of made me sad. Then a couple of days ago, a blog was posted on Facebook that another mom wrote and I got excited.
Yes!!! Someone feels like me. I couldn't click on the link fast enough.  And honestly it was a great article...for moms of only small kids. She was writing from the view point of a mommy of toddlers, and that is great...but it caused me to feel like I didn't have a good enough "excuse."
I have two elementary age kids and a baby. I'm not chasing all three around all day...it's just one usually during the day.

But yes, I stink at friendship and it's been really getting to me. It's not on any one else, it's me. It started almost a year ago. Between moving into a house, being pregnant, having my sweet boy, spending a month in the NICU, and honestly being consumed with him (I struggled with letting him out of my sight, even though he was completely healthy) I lost the closeness that I had with a lot of friends. 
In these past few months I would think about texting someone to get together, and one of two things would happen: I would get self conscious and think that the person would be too busy or already have plans, or I would honestly forget. (I have learned three kids is my limit...anymore and I will be hiding in my closet all day eating chocolate.) There are nights I want to get together with it other women, but I know then I'd have to also bring little man since he refuses to take a bottle. Momma needs a night out...but it's hard making that happen right now. ( unless we get the night started after 8 o'clock, and let's be real I'm exhausted usually by then!)
I've at times said, oh all mommas are like this, we're all crazy busy. But then I see other moms who are doing it. They are nurturing friendship and getting together; they are doing life together. So what is my excuse?!?!
I'm at an absolute loss. I long for these friendships, I long for the closeness. But I just don't know how to get back into that world. I feel like that I'll let certain things consumed me that I neglected relationships in my life.
Relationships are so important. We were not meant to do life alone! God created relationships. He knew it would be a need for us to have relationships. (Marriage, friendships, etc.) We just went through a series at church on relationships, and while it was mainly focused on a marriage relationship, there were so many good points that went along with friendships.
There are many verses in the bible about friendship. One that always sticks out to me is in Ecclesiastics 4:9-10

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

Life was not meant to be done alone. It has always broken my heart when I hear people say they don't need anyone; they don't need any sort of relationships. My best memories are not me being alone...they are memories I share with those I love. Whether it be family or friends, my fondest memories involves people I love and care about.

So to my friends who I've neglected, I'm sorry. I will do my best to be a better friend and to be there with you. And if I don't, you have every right to knock me upside the head and tell me to get it together 😁😁😁

Everyone be blessed.

Bye Felicia! Get an Education

The first day of school. What a glorious day. Don't get me wrong I love my girls, but it's nice get back in a schedule. I wanted to be that mom who took the pic of me jumping for joy, but the man I do life with is working in Louisiana with FEMA so I didn't have anyone to take it. But I did get some very cute pictures of all my kiddos. 

We were able to get quite a few pictures and make it to the school early. I was very proud with how well it all flowed. I even got the kids signed up for swimming lessons at Mary Jo B

Peckham and get Deklan in Tiny Tot. I was feeling very accomplished.  Then school was over. The bus was 15 minutes late, Deklan and I were sweating, the girls tell me what they will do when we get home (um negative) and chaos begun. 

With Kyle being gone I have list set up of what needs to be done in the morning and done at night. I did this to keep organized, and calm. But...I ended up losing my cool at times tonight. I raised my voice, I got frustrated, and I got angry.

I briefly got to speak with Kyle tonight and I said pray for my patience. I was being dead serious. I desperately need it while he is gone. It caused me to feel frustrated with myself, and a little overwhelm. But then I saw a friend post this. 

I am doing the best I can. I need to show myself some grace. Now this doesn't mean that I can lose my cool and it be ok. I should always be striving to be more like Christ...but I don't need to get lost in my mistakes. I think especially moms struggle with this. We try our best to be the best for our kids, to do all we can. We always try to be better, greater, and a whole lot of other -er words. (Check out the sermon from Hope City this past Sunday https://youtu.be/airULinsePM)

We have to remember to be gentle with our selves. To take a breath, remember who you are in Christ, and show the love of Christ to others. 

One thing I did get right today, and I know because my girls told me, was the prayer I put in the girls backpacks. I found it at this site http://courtneydefeo.com/back-school-prayer/

Here is a picture of the prayer. 

Sophee told me she was going to keep it at school and that she used her eyes to find new friends today. 

And that's what it's all about: I may fail in some areas of being a mom, but if at the end of the day, if my kids know Jesus, and shine his love to others...I know I'm doing this mom thing right. 

Have a wonderful night everyone. I pray God's blessings on you and your family.

I Stink At Post Titles...

...Well at least for this one, being the first post and all.
To tell you the truth I'm not even sure why I decided to start a blog...it’s not like I have a ton of time on my hands.  As I was in the middle of typing just this first part I had to go chasing after my son to save him from the dangers of electronics and the tile floor. :-)

I could use Facebook to share what I want...or document it in pictures on Instagram (I'll leave that to the hubby...he just got an account and is so into it.) But no one wants to read a super long post on Facebook, a picture can't always say everything I want it to...and I haven't touched Twitter in a long time.  Seriously...limit me to 140 characters...LOL yeah ok.

So as I sit here drinking my Cinnabon flavored coffee (yum) and listen to the rain and my son play, I'm contemplating what to post.  The blog is titled The Wyatts: Doing Life Big.  So what grand event should I talk about, what activity should I share? Should it be humorous? Should it be serious?  Should it just be about life in general? 

Yes...in time all of that will be touched.  Sometimes this might be about something funny my kids do (all three of them are absolute hilarious) sometimes it might be something I learn in the wee hours of the morning during my alone time with God.  Sometimes it might be something BIG, and other times it might be something simple.  Doing life BIG doesn't mean we are constantly trying to one up what we did before, or doing something better than someone else.  We're not trying to keep up with the Jones...we're just trying to be us...who God created us to be, and enjoy the gifts, talents, and life He has given us.

So today's big thing is pretty huge...Cheeseburger Soup.

Yep Cheeseburger Soup.  One of the many meals I have some what prepped in preparation for school to start.  

Being a mom of three now is a new adventure.  Having school age kids and a baby is a crazy circus sometimes. Trying to get dinner going some nights is tough.  I'm tired, I'm just done.  So decided to get into the whole meal prepping deal...you know 40 meals in 4 hours.  I was determined to do this!  Then I read a blog that said their potatoes turned black, the veggies tasted rubbery, and all around just wasn't good.  So between that, and Gordon Ramsey gagging over food that had been frozen (if you have watched any of his shows you have seen him be absolutely disgusted by thawed out frozen food) I decided to do a minimalist approach to it.

I separated all the meats that I had into individual freezer bags and wrote on the bag what meal it was for.  That's it, and it has honestly saved me time.  

So for the Cheeseburger Soup, all I did was pull out two 1 lb. bags of precooked ground turkey to defrost.  The meat doesn't go in until the last hour of cooking so it’s no big rush on it.

What does go into the crockpot first is a bag of shredded carrots, about five small russet potatoes, peeled and chopped, 32 oz. of chicken stock, a tsp of basil, and a tsp of parsley.  You can let this cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.  In the last hour of cooking you add in the meat and 16 oz. of Velveeta cheese.  

Then, serve it up!  We like to have toasted Hawaiian bread with ours.

Now for you money crunchers out there (like me) I added up the cost of everything and how much per serving it was. By adding two pounds of meat instead of one, like the original recipe calls for, we got 10 servings out of the meal, which made the meal $1.30 per serving, just coming in a little over 10 dollars for the whole meal!  I am loving this!  That is not a bad deal at all.  

This will make a great back to school dinner; its hearty, its yummy, and kid approved.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

So that's how the Wyatts are living it big this week: dinner meal prep.  

For the original Cheeseburger recipe, you can go to this link and check it out: http://life-in-the-lofthouse.com/crock-pot-cheeseburger-soup/
She actually has pictures...unlike me who completely forgot!