Red Envelope Day March 31st

Do you have your Red Envelope ready?

Focus On The Family as well as many local Catholic communities plan on participating in this event to help show how we feel about some of the decisions our President has made recently with regards to abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

You can follow the link above or read on for more information on how you can participate.

RED ENVELOPE DAY

When: March 31, 2009

Get a red envelope. On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message.

This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world. Responsibility begins with conception.

We will mail the envelopes out March 31st, 2009. Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this event to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died [in the U.S.] before having a chance to live.It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and the world that the voices of those of us who do not believe abortion is acceptable are not silent and must be heard. Together we can change the heart of The President and save the lives of millions of children.

Thank you.

Barack Obama spoke at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event, uttering the now infamous line, "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, sign the Freedom of Choice Act. [Applause.] That's the first thing that I'd do." An empty red envelope will send a message to President Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue [The Freedom of Choice Act, which will essentially "undo" every law currently in place to limit abortion in the U.S. (i.e., parental consent laws, parental notification,waiting periods, prohibition of transporting a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion, etc.)]. It will be quiet, but clear. Please read more about The Freedom of Choice Act here:

http://www.lifenews.com/nat4359.html

Awwwww....

Sometimes it's just soooo sweet...

Crazy Hair Girl...Is This Just the Beginning?

As most of you know, Rebekah has had very little to no hair since birth. The poor thing has been considered one of the boys so many times...regardless of how much pink she is wearing...that it's a good thing she's too little to get a complex! She has had one hair cut and that was in August of last year. I'm beginning to think she may be due for another to help tame the "wildness" of her hair. She reminds me of a certain cousin of hers who started out much the same way. Emma had about the same amount, or lack there of, hair that Bekah has. Lori had a heck of a time trying to get it into the tiniest little whale spout on the top of her head. Now, look out...that girl has hair! Emma has quite the head of beautiful, thick, curly, out-of-control hair!! Is this the beginning of the same hair style for Bekah???

Update and Pictures

I believe it was my cousin Lori who called these contraptions "baby salad bars". They do look a lot like a salad buffet bar minus the cage like feature! In any case these are a lot bigger than the ones they were in up in the NICU. All four of our boys have been on the pedi floor of the Elliot. Ethan was in about 3 years ago for a bacterial infection in his cheek, and Josh was actually there for five days, two years ago this month for his asthma attack. So this trip was neither our first, (Ethan) nor our scariest (Josh), but still not fun all the same. One of the only changes is in the Kindergard system they use. They've tried to improve it, and needless to say have a few kinks to work out. Now it is so super sensitive that we couldn't even leave the floor to go get the babies chest x-rays without setting the darn thing off. At least we were reassured the system works by having 4 big burly security men come bolting upstairs each and every time the alarms went off.


We were able to come home on Thursday, around lunch time. As always it's nice to return home, but you always worry about how well it's going to go without the careful eye of the nursing staff watching over them. Needless to say, poor Eli went downhill Thursday night with a fever of 102.9 that wouldn't respond to Tylenol. We were on the phone with one of the awesome pediatricians from our pedi office most of the night trying to prevent us from having to go back in to the office. Sure enough we got his fever to go down after some medi. calculations by the doc, we got some infant Motrin into him and his fever immediately began to drop down. Along with it his respirations, which was making the doctor nervous. Eli slept well that night, but has since then still been fighting a fever.

They had their checkup on Friday morning to see how their lungs are doing, and it is believed that the flu has passed through their system and that what we are still dealing with is the RSV. We can continue to see fevers through the weekend, as well as lots and lots of mucous...yummy! Calebs fevers being really low and Eli's being a little higher around 101. The boys and I are sleeping downstairs in that little room off the kitchen so we can keep a vaporizer going, and the other kiddos away from them. We don't want any secondary infections right now, so we can't allow anyone else near them until their fevers subside, and their lungs clear.


We are missing out on Cana Couples tonight, and haven't really had a break from everything for about two weeks now. I never would have imagined how truly difficult it is to care for 5 sick children, especially when I was sick at the same time. It has been one of the most difficult things I've had to do so far...even more difficult than breast feeding the twins! I'm looking forward to spring more than you can imagine...but even more I'm looking forward to cleaning and disinfecting this cesspool of viral bugs to get my house ready for the coming week...we have to some how get back into the swing of things! :)

Pajama Week

Okay, so our pajama day which acutally started last Monday, due to the snowstorm we got, has lasted right up until yesterday evening...well unless Mike left the kids in their jammies today...I wouldn't know as I am currently at the hospital with the twins!

So, let me back up a few steps...we have all been very sick for about 8 days now. When I say very, I mean that in different degrees and on diffrerent days. We've all had fevers varying from the lower 100's all the way up to the 104's. We've all had coughs and runny noses, typical symptoms of head colds, or upper respiratory infections. The twins had just finished getting over ear infections, so I figured they were out of the woods...uh...no...foolish mommy.

We had visited the doctors office on Saturday for Caleb and Joshua as they seemed to be the worst affected by whatever had us. The doc. said that although Josh had a little fluid in his right ear since the left one was fine, she wouldn't treat him just continue to monitor. If he still had a fever by Sunday night, Monday morning, then he should be seen again. Caleb looked fantastic...his ears looked "beautiful", his lungs sounded "clear", it was just another cold that had a hold of him and unless he exhibited any other symptoms come Monday, he would just be monitored as well. Come Sunday, everthing began to fall apart.

First there was Joshua. His fever had definitely come back, and he just wasn't looking or doing well. I called the docs. and they decided they wanted to see him at 11am the following morning. So, we checked everyone else's temps. and they were mild, gave medications and got them to bed. Then I started back up with a horrible fever, (that I thought I had already been rid of as I was feeling a little better...ahhh the calm before the storm), and I have to tell you I thought for sure that I was going to chatter the teeth right out of my head. I couldn't stop shaking and shivering...for over an hour! Once it calmed down I went to bed where I began with the night sweats, and then the shivers again. Finally around 5:30am, I ended up vomiting and calling it quits. I laid down on the bed and stayed there all day. Thank goodness my husband stayed home. He took care of the other kiddos and brought Josh and Ethan to the doctors...where Josh was diagnosed with a double ear infection...hun! Ethan was checked over and given the clean bill of health and we finished up the day with some absolutely delicious homemade chicken soup that my husband made for us.

As I was feeling slightly better, (not vomiting anymore), Mike went to work on Tuesday (yesterday) while I maintained the troops at home as best I could. Caleb started the morning off with a low fever, 100.8 degrees so I gave him some Tylenol as I could tell he just wasn't feeling well. Both Caleb and Eli have already had slight fevers the week before with cough, and congestion. The fevers had gone away, but the cough and congestion hadn't. So, when Caleb's fever started again, I checked Eli's and it was fine. Exactly 4 hours later, again and again, Caleb's fever continued to rise, to the point where I checked him 2 hours after a Tylenol dose and it had jumped up another degree since the dose. I called the docs. explained the whole sordid story...again...and they decided it didn't sound good and wanted to see him at 7:30 last night. In the meantime, Eli decided to start exhibiting an elevated fever, so by the time we brought them in they both weren't doing well. Their respiration was very fast, their fevers were moderate and they were moaning. After checking O2 stats, temps, ear, listening to their chests, and doing a RSV test that came back negative, the doc. decided to admit them to the hospital for overnight evaluation. Well, thank goodness he did.

They did a chest x-ray on both of them with some blood work. We're still waiting on the official results but so far Caleb's x-ray shows possible pneumonia. Not sure on Eli's. The doc. that came by this morning decided to repeat the RSV test and do a Flu test as well and both came back positive. One of Caleb's ears are infected while the other now shows fluid building up. Eli's ears appear okay for now. Caleb is definitely the sicker of the two, but as of now, they are both here at the hospital for another night...at least.

What a trip! I'm still trying to recover from my, what now looks to be was a case of the flu, while Mike is home trying to help take care of the other three. Rebekah now has a moderate-high temp with a runny nose...she had it last week too...so we have at least one more to go through. She's a pretty tough cookie though, I think she'll fight through it okay.

Well, that's where we are at for now. One of my babes is waking and I need to get him to eat. I'll post pictures at some point later, but for now just pray that this is the worst of it, and that we will all be home and on the way to health soon!

Pajama Days

We LOVE Pajama Days!! For many reasons...the obvious being it's just so comfy to stay in your jammies. But the other reason is because we are the house of ill right now. Between fevers, boogie noses (as Josh and Bekah call them), asthma attacks, various bathroom issues, and exhaustion...it's soooo much easier to have on those footy p.j.'s!

As you can see, when they are exhausted they will sleep anywhere...except their beds!! Of course I could as well, but I'd prefer to be in my bed! :)

Li'l Dragons

For as long as I can remember I've loved martial arts. I have to admit that I don't know much about it, but I find myself mesmerized by the way they can move their bodies to do those seemingly impossible moves. (Especially impossible for those of us who have had a few babies!)

Well, I will now have the opportunity to learn a whole lot more...without ever having to throw a punch or do a kick! (Eventually I would love to participate in a program myself, but not until my youngest chitlins are a little bit older!) We decided to sign up Ethan and Joshua for the Li'l Dragons program here in Manchester at Steve White's Manchester Karate Studio. This place came highly recommended to us as one of our babysitters, Nicole, currently attends classes there.

To say the boys are excited about this opportunity would be an understatement...just look at their faces. They were so proud to come marching out in their uniforms at the end of their orientation, I could feel my own heart beat with pride...and they hadn't even done anything yet! We look forward to the next year in this program as we watch our little boys become confident, and strong with better focus and coordination in all areas of their lives.

For anyone who has an Asperger child, this type of program is an excellent way to have them participate in something with other children yet still have the structure and one-on-one time they need to achieve their goals. For some Aspy kids, competitive sports...at this young age...may not work out well as it can be difficult for them to adhere to the rules of the game. This is definitely one of Ethan's weaknesses, so instead of exposing him to a sport that relies on team effort to accomplish a goal, we decided to introduce him to an activity where the outcome directly relies on his...and only his...ability to follow direction and improve himself one step at a time. Once he learns some self-control, reaction skills, and respect for himself and others, then he may be ready to take on a group sport if he is interested. So far, I believe he will really enjoy this program...at least for the next year. As for Joshua...he just loves to do whatever it is his brother is doing and even though he is technically a little young for the class, he showed that he could grasp some of the basic concepts during orientation. It may take him a little longer, but once he gets it, he should go quite well. Besides, that kid has a mean kick and a deadly accurate punch...those kick bags won't know what's coming!

The Rug Race

It is amazing how much fun can be found in the simple replacement of a rug!

What a Handful!

A moment with their grandkids!

Gluten Free and Growing

These two are just too cute...don't you think? Every chance they get...which is pretty often...they reach out to each other and hold hands. I can't tell you how many pictures I have of them doing this. It is just so amazing to watch them interact. They've begun to really notice each other. When they make eye contact they actually smile and sometimes grunt or coo at each other. I think I'm beginning to see just how much mischief they will be causing! :) Developmentally they are right on target if not ahead of the game in most areas. Considering they were 4 weeks early, we are extremely happy about their progress. The picture above was recent...within the past week. The one at the bottom is from last month...see how well they are holding up their holds?

As for how they are growing...amazing. Here are their stats from their 4 month check up, (yes they are 5 months old now...see previous post!): Caleb is 12 lbs. 12.5 oz and is 24 1/4". Elijah is 12 lbs. 14 oz and 24 3/4". WOW! Some of you may read those stats and think it's not that big of deal, but let me tell you why it is. First of all they were 4 weeks early so being twins they tend to have some catching up to do. Having said that, they not only caught up, but have passed their siblings. At 4 months old Ethan was 11 lbs. 9 oz and 24", Joshua was 11 lbs. 15 oz and 24", and Rebekah (who you can't really compare because she is a girl, but just for FYI) was 11 lbs. 7.8 oz and 23 1/4".

Why are they doing so well? It's because I'm gluten free! This is truly the healthiest I've ever been in my entire life. And I still have a long way to go to continue achieving better health. But, being gluten free has introduced me and my family to a whole new world of "good for you" foods that we may not have tried had we not been gluten free. It's made me read labels a little more carefully and eliminate useless ingredients that cause more harm than benefit to our bodies. Some people, I'm sure, have scoffed at me on more than one occasion for what they've seen in my cabinets and fridge...but as they say...the "proof is in the pudding"!

Where Are They??

Howdy all! Happy New Year! Yes, we know it's February...but somehow January came and went while we went about trying to get into the swing of this new year. I'll do my best to be brief, but hey I do have a whole month to catch up on!! :)

In any case...we are all doing just dandy. It has been a whole three years since we started our gluten free journey, and yet we feel like we've been doing it our whole lives. It has become so much a part of us, that I can't imagine ever eating any differently. Our diet, for the most part, has become even healthier than I thought could be possible. Even Mike has commented that he never would have pictured himself eating and drinking the things we do. From gluten free, to casein free, and from gogi berries to amaranth grains, and from multivitamins to DHA fish oils...we are doing our very best to ensure not only the health of our children, but ourselves as well.

My goal this year is to try to incorporate more about our gluten free lives than I have in the past. I think it's important for other families to realize that if (or when) you find yourself having to switch to a gluten free lifestyle, you see that not only can it be done, that it can be done well. We enjoy what we eat. As I mentioned it's quite a bit healthier, but gluten free foods have come a long way even since we started three years ago! We now have restaurants we can eat at, take out food available, and almost every grocery store you walk into now has a gluten free section!

Now, don't think you won't get to see some great pictures of the kiddos, as well as some very funny video clips...you should see the stock pile I have! I know that most people probably click on here just to see the pix of the kids...and why not...they are pretty darn cute if I do say so myself!! It's more that I want others who visit this blog, who are gluten free, get a sense of security in knowing that others have walked the path they are now on and have survived it. Trust me, there are far worse foods out there as you know, that people can die from if they eat them...that gluten, to me, is a walk in the park! As with any kind of change, it can be difficult, scary, and intimidating not knowing where to start or how dedicated to it you have to be...but it's always nice to know someone else who has gone through it, and come out on the other side alright...a little banged up...but alright! :)

As for the other issues in our family...Asperger, SI Dysfunction, and Stuttering/Speech Delay and Developmental Delays...I'm sure I'll be getting into more of that to. It has become so much a part of our lives, that a lot of times I just forget it's even there. Ethan is Ethan...Aspy or not. But the roads he has led us down have taught Mike and I some valuable lessons. We are not the same people we were 6 years ago when we brought that little babe home. Which can be said for any parents out there. Our path is just a little different. I think I've steered away from talking about some of it simply because I didn't want to "deal" with what others would think, or how they would respond. I've had my fair share of cruel comment posts, and I'll admit it has made me a little gun shy with regards to some of the stuff I'm willing to write. I'm hoping that now I have a thicker skin and am able to shake off or take on whatever comes my way. (Something Ethan has taught me.) Tomorrow is another day...one with a whole new beginning.

Having said all that...now that we have been able to get a whole month of therapy for the boys under our belts, I find our weeks a little more predictable. I'm hoping to get here to post more pictures and stories of our days about therapy, homeschooling, activities, and the general goofiness and chaos of having 5 children under the age of 6! Not every day is a great day, but it's still a day that we have together, and I truly can't imagine any other way to be.

Happy 2nd Birthday Rebekah

Yes, she IS royalty in this house. The crown is a present from her older brother. He was very excited to give it to her, as he made it for her on Monday at therapy. He also saw it fit to be the one in charge of keeping it on her head...at all times!
We can't believe our little girl is two years old...technically yesterday...but since we are doing her cake tonight, she got her crown and a post on the blog. She has been practicing her "blowing out the candles" technique over the past few weeks by attempting to blow out our Advent candles each night. We'll see how she does tonight!
In a house FULL of boys, this little girl has managed to live up to her "pretty little thing that no one will mess with" reputation. She is all girly on the outside, but inside she's a fierce bear that when riled, will strike out quite un-girly like...and smile when she's all done.
Having a birthday not only around Christmas time, but just before the New Year is proving to be difficult for us. There really isn't a good time to do any kind of party the way we do for her brothers, so instead we are celebrating with those who dare to venture out tonight to come to our house and bring in the New Year. We couldn't think of a better way to start off 2009 than by celebrating our little girl!

Happy Birthday Rekekah! We love you!

Who? and How?

Who's that girl?






How is he doing that?

Happy 6th Birthday Ethan!

It's hard to believe that 6 years have come and gone since we brought our first born home. We couldn't have imagined the journey that tiny little baby would have taken us on. In some ways it feels like only yesterday, Mike and I we were sitting on our couch staring at his little body, wondering what he would be like, sound like, look like as he got older. Now, as we see, (and hear) what he has become, we couldn't be prouder or more excited about what is yet to be. In other ways, we feel like he's been part of our lives for so much longer...how did we live before him? :)

Happy Birthday Ethan. I know it's a little late here in "blog land". Mommy was a little behind at party planning, and getting it all together to celebrate for you. At least you got to enjoy a cake and the company of the people who love you, on your birthday.

We love you big guy!

Santa...Meet the Ouellettes

Believe it or not...it only took 7 pictures to get this one. Even Santa was impressed. Thank goodness for that John Deere wagon...Joshua didn't have to touch Santa at all! Of course Eli decided it was a great time to yak up his previous meal...but Santa was a good sport! The Elf said we had the best prop, (the wagon) she's ever had in a photograph. We weren't thinking of it as a prop so much as a way to keep some of our kiddos contained with minimal screaming!

Merry Christmas!

One Of Those Days

Some days, this is exactly how I feel. I just didn't think the world needed to see my belly. Ethan's belly is looks soo much better.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection...an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful. The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus."

- Charles Swindoll

Got It!

Here's the other cutie pie! Just love those smiles. Tell me...do you think they have the same smile? Do you know who is who? :0)

The Fab Five

Yes, it's been awhile since I've given updates on our kiddos...but you try getting near the computer for any length of time with the brood I have!! I'm lucky to use the bathroom during the day! :)

Having said that, I actually have some moments here and there, so bear with me as I try to get the info. out there.

ETHAN - We couldn't have given this child a more suitable name. It means strong...and this kiddo is certainly that. He has had a rough go of it lately, but still remains our lovable Ethan.

He had his GI appt. last week, and we are happy to report he is again thriving. He weighs in at 34 lbs which keeps him at the 1st% for weight. His height is 40.67" (or 3ft. 4.67in.) which also keeps him in the 1st%. As Dr. Hofley put it..."he's back on his own curve again!" She looks at the overall more than the little gains and since his BMI is in the 22nd% she is happy.

We have had setbacks though in other areas of his life...mainly the therapeutic ones. Due to many insurance snafus, he hasn't had regular OT since June, nor has he had HIPPO since August. It is showing, and is difficult for everyone in the house right now. It is amazing though how forgiving a soon-to-be 6 year old can be. Every night when I go in to tuck him in, I kiss him and tell him I love him...and he ALWAYS says it back to me. Even on the roughest days. We hope to start up his schooling again as we took the summer and most of the fall off due to the arrival of the dynamic duo, and both he and I are anxious to get things back onto a more predictable schedule. The unpredictability of our days is getting to me as well! I will do more posts on Ethan another time. I do have 4 other children to talk about!

JOSHUA - My "Trying Three Year Old". I know that moms out there will agree with me...2 year olds are NOTHING compared to 3 year olds. OH MY GOODNESS! This child will be excellent at any profession that involves a strong will, and a charming personality. He is the reason for my gray hairs right now, and I am eternally sorry to my parents for my third year of life! Wow, what a trip!

He had his GI checkup as well, and is continuing to thrive quite nicely. Unlike his brother though, he is gaining in leaps and bounds. He weighs in at 27 lbs which places him in the 5th%. His height is still in the 1st% at 34.76 " (2 ft. 10 3/4 in.) Unlike his brother his BMI is at a whopping 55%! Needless to say, his visits with the GI may soon be a thing of the past. Dr. Hofley has placed both boys on a 3 month checkup instead of every 6 weeks, so we will see how things go.

We have also had some surprising, (not-so-surprising) news about Joshua. I may have mentioned back in the spring that he was receiving Early Intervention for a speech delay and that he was continuing on with HIPPO after he became 3 years old to help him along. Well, we had him further evaluated by Easter Seals for Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and he now needs to have at least an hour of OT a week like his brother. Because of the very same insurance snafus mentioned above, Joshua hasn't had his regular HIPPO therapy since August, and it is showing with him as well. He had been making excellent progress, and now has regressed a bit. We're looking forward to January 1st when our insurance starts all over again! In the meantime we've been doing research and filling out more applications to see about getting some financial assistance to help out when this happens again next year! The good news is that his Pediatric Neurologist feels that with therapy, Joshua will be able to catch up and learn what is needed to lead a typical child's life. (whatever that is! :)

REBEKAH - Ahh, little Miss Rebekah...she is everything a little girl should be...and Mike and I are glad she is in the middle of all these boys. Not that she will need the protection from them, but that it will hopefully keep her from becoming tooooo girly! I was a tom boy myself...and didn't have any brothers...so we'll just have to wait and see.

She will be 2 years old next month, so I don't have any updates on her right now. Besides, she is the healthiest one in the house...in both her general health and her development, so there wouldn't be much to write about in those regards. However, she is my daughter, and we never have a shortage of the many things that are Rebekah.

Precocious doesn't begin to describe my little darling...(as you can see from the picture on the right). She is full of "it" and she knows it. She will not only keep her brothers in line, she will out do them in any thing they try. Most people say to us..."oh the poor little thing, stuck in the middle of all those boys!" I say, "oh those poor boys...on either end of THAT little girl!" The stories we have to tell, and she hasn't even hit her second birthday. I'm not afraid to tell you that I'm a little apprehensive about her turning 3...yipes!

CALEB AND ELIJAH - Mike and I still find ourselves staring at them in awe of their presence. We even joked about having twins when we first got married. We agreed we wanted a big family, but by that we meant 3 maybe 4 children. We then said that we would decide to have the 4th child only to find out that we were instead having twins...who knew we'd be right?? Very bizarre. In any case, it still catches me whenever I say that I am the mother of 5 children. In fact, I had a good friend remind me the other day, that I am actually the mother of 6...with my Michaela up in heaven. It is amazing how God blesses us...

In any case...these two are now 2 months old. My how time goes by when you are so very sleep deprived. I have never, in my 33 years of life...including my college years...have experienced such sleep deprivation. It is amazing that I'm able to type this out and have it sound (mostly) coherent! Thank goodness for spellcheck!

As for the boys, they had their two month checkup and are growing quite nicely. Caleb is 9 lbs. 3.5 ozs. and Elijah is 9 lbs. 12 ozs. They are even on the charts, with Caleb in the 5th% and Elijah in the 10th%! WOW! Developmentally they are right on track, and unless you know they were born prematurely, you wouldn't know it looking at them. We were very happy with their checkup. It's so great to hear that all of these sleepless nights, and non-stop breast feeding days are paying off. I try not to think about future sleepless nights and the solid food filled days...just one sleepless night at a time!

What a Smile!

Isn't that beautiful? It only took 9 pictures too! Now, if I can just get his brother to cooperate...