Heidi's 11th Birthday!: Day 44 (1/19/11)

Moms cell phone picture of Hannah at IHOP for Heidi's birthday dinner!

Close up picture of Hannah at IHOP again!

Heidi's birthday present from Hannah!  Purple pillow pet!

All the children on Heidi's 11th birthday!

Heidi's mom and dad picture on her birthday!

Heidi's cupcake birthday cake!

Heidi blow those candles out!

Heidi's present from Cassie and Valerie a homemade necklace!

Nathan's present to Heidi a bag of candy!

Terri Lynn got Heidi a new shirt!

Sam got Heidi a bag of skittles

Martin gave Heidi a bunch of gummy candy!

Hannah's Weight: 5lbs 7 1/2 oz

Heidi's 11th Birthday

Today I the younger kids and Hannah to teach my class I teach every Wednesday morning.  All went well with taking Hannah along.  I once again went into the private bathroom to feed Hannah and to pump breast milk!  It is getting easier for me to take Hannah places and I am getting a routine down when I do! 

After lunch Hannah had another check up at her Doctor.  Dr. Levine checked Hannah over.  We discussed Hannah's stop breathing episode (as the doctors and nurses called it).  Dr. Levine thought it might be related to a seizure so he wants her to get a EEG done soon.  We will go to Children's hospital for that test.  He also her heart murmur sounds quieter.  I felt like that was good news.  Dr. Levine is pleased at how well Hannah is doing.  He also wanted Rick and I to come up with a plan if Hannah ever stopped breathing again.  How far do we go in trying to save her.  Rick and I never could answer that question.  We wanted to save our daughter anyway we could!  We love our daughter,  God's special gift to us!  What a blessing Hannah is to our family!

Celebrating Heidi's birthday began early in the morning.  We decorate and say Happy Birthday first thing in the morning.  Heidi doesn't have to do any of her chores.  She does have to do her school work though.  We always wait until dad gets home from work to open presents.  It can be a long wait waiting for daddy to get home!  Once dad got home, opening presents began.  Heidi received a gift from each of her siblings and from mom and dad.  This year Heidi got a sewing machine for her birthday and for Christmas.  She loves her machine!  We took picture of Heidi with each sibling and with mom and dad and then all the children picture! 

Heidi wanted to got the IHOP for her birthday dinner.  It was a great choice as she loves pancakes!   While we were sitting around the large table, the kids were playing paper games together.  They were interacting so lovingly.  We ordered or meal and the meal was brought to us.  While we were eating our waitress came up to us and said your bill has been paid anonymously.  The payer was so impressed at our family he wanted to bless us!  What a blessing for me and Rick and the children to hear!  We all took turns holding Hannah too! 

After our dinner,  we went home to enjoy Heidi's birthday cake cupcakes!  Yummy time! 

Heidi, We love you so much!  What a blessing you are to us!  God truly blessed us with you! 

Thank you to Aunt Jill and Natalie and Grandma for your visit!  Heidi really felt special because of your visit!  We love you! 

Ephesians 6: 10-12

 ¹⁰Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
 ¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
 ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Messed Up Appointment!: Day 43 (1/18/11)

Mom's cell phone picture of Hannah while waiting at the dentist!

Hannah in daddy's arms in the evening~

Terri Lynn copying mommy!  Pumping milk for Hannah!

Martin's cell phone picture of Hannah while waiting at the dentist!

Terri Lynn again working on "Pumping for Hannah!"

Messed Up Appointment!

It was a busy day of appointments again.  But this day was not filled with appointment for Hannah.  I knew it was going to be a long day in town so I planned ahead made sure Hannah's stuff was ready to go and packed in the van.  I even planned to time I got up to feed Hannah in the middle of the night so the timing would be perfect for leaving in the morning.  I had to get up early to get Hannah fed and dressed, myself shower, dressed and feed and then make sure the rest of the children were dressed and fed and ready to be out of the house by 8:30.  It was hard to get going because I was so tried and really would have loved to sleep a bit longer this morning! 

We leave in time with all the supplies to feed Hannah for the 6 hour time we would be gone from home.  At 9am all the children had an appointment at the dentist for their teeth cleaning!  So that means we will be at the dentist office until noon!!   I could do this with Hannah and try to function like a normal family.  I walk into the dentist office with all the children including Hannah.  Only to find out my appointment was in 2 days!  I felt like crying,  how did that happen?  I remember making that appointment, while I was on the phone I was writing on the calendar!  How did I manage that?  Well they were kind enough to do 3 of the children.  While I sat in the waiting room with the rest of the children.  Martin took time to hold Hannah.  He really loves to hold his special baby sister!  I treasure the moments in my heart the times that Hannah's older brothers held her and loved on her! 

We were only in the dentist office for an hour or so!!  Not the 3 hours I had planned.  In my mind I had planned this whole day out.  Dentist office in the morning, then lunch out with the children and then moms doctor appointment while the children waited in the van.  Funny how things don't always work out when you have it planned so detailed in your mind! 

I had Martin drive home in the van, while I sat and pumped milk for Hannah while Cassie fed Hannah.  It worked out.  I had Martin just drive home.  We did not need to hang in town for 3 1/2 hours waiting for moms appointment.  I am so thankful that Martin could drive me and the children home!  It helped me DEstress!

At home I had the children do some school, while I relaxed with Hannah. I sat on the couch and was available for questions on school work. 

At 1pm.  I loaded Hannah in the van and together we head to Dr. Bynum.  Dr. Bynum was the doctor I had been seeing for my pregnancy with Hannah until Hannah became too high risk and she needed to be delivered at a hospital with a NICU.  Anyway,  I was at my appointment for a 6 week follow up after delivery.  I was so glad to introduce Hannah to Dr. Bynum and his nurses.  It was a joy to me and to them!!  What a blessing to them to meet Hannah Grace!  They did not think they'd ever get to see my baby! 

At 4 pm.  Hannah's occupational therapist came to work with Hannah and explain their plan of helping Hannah!  I love Hannah's therapist Shaun!  What a joy to work with her! 

In the evening the kids have Awana's.  Martin brings them every Tuesday evening and lately Martin has been picking them up.  But today I told him I wanted to pick up the children because I wanted to show off Hannah Grace!  Mrs. Lee loved holding Hannah! What a blessing to me to have Heather hold her.  She just took so much pleasure holding her.  I showed Hannah off to many there!  Of course I am so proud of my special little girl!  I love showing her off! 

We got home, got the children to bed and sat down to feed and snuggle Hannah. I love you sweet girl!

Psalms 139

 ¹O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
 ²Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
 ³Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
 ⁴For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
 ⁵Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
 ⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
 ⁷Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
 ⁸If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
 ⁹If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
 ¹⁰Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
 ¹¹If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
 ¹²Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
 ¹³For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
 ¹⁴I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
 ¹⁵My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
 ¹⁶Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
 ¹⁷How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
 ¹⁸If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
 ¹⁹Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
 ²⁰For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
 ²¹Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
 ²²I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
 ²³Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
 ²⁴And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Hannah's Feeding Therapy: Day 42 (1/17/11)

Nathan is so proud to hold Hannah.  He wanted to do kangaroo care!  Terri Lynn wanted to do it too!  She is pouting here!

Terri Lynn waiting her tourn for kangaroo care with Hannah!  Nathann is so pleased!

Terri Lynn holding Hannah in her "kangaroo care".  Terri Lynn didn't really want Nathan  in the picture!

Hannah!

Hannah!

Hannah!  Again!

Here we are in the waiting room for Hannah's feeding therapy.  Just waiting our turn having fun with my phone!

Another picture from my phone waiting for feeding therapy to start!

Another closer close up of Hannah in the waiting room!

Hannah's Feeding Therapy

Because of the busy day yesterday,  Hannah was so tired, she slept alot.  She is so sweet sleeping!  We all love holding Hannah awake or asleep!  We love you Hannah Grace! 

This morning we did not get our usual time for school because Hannah had an appointment with Erin her feeding therapist!  While we were waiting in the waiting room, we had fun for a few minutes taking pictures on my cell phone; all of Hannah, of course!  During feeding therapy, I was told Hannah needs to get her sucking instinct back!  That means I need to work more on Hannah using a pacifier.  I am to give Hannah a pacifier with breast milk on it so Hannah realizes breast milk tastes means a tummy full!  My homework now is to give Hannah a pacifier dipped in my milk at every feeding.  Now I have another thing to do while pumping breast milk while holding Hannah being fed and now trying to get Hannah to suck on a pacifier. 

Went home and worked on school and set up my system for Hannah's pacifier homework!  It was a great day for Hannah! 

Thank you to Teresa for your visit,  Your visit was a blessing to my family!  Thank you for coming to see Hannah! 

Joshua 1:9

 ⁹Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Feeding Hannah Away From Home: Day 41 (1/16/11)

Hannah, mommy and Terri Lynn sleeping together after church!

Daddy giving Terri Lynn a needed diaper change!  So cute! 

Feeding Hannah Away From Home

Today is Sunday. Since I have the breast pump which is battery operated, I decided I could go to church and Sunday School.  I would just spend some time in the van pumping and feeding Hannah! 

As we all got ready for church I made sure I had all my pump supplies and Hannah's feeding stuff along.  We had to be out of the house by 9am.  As I was calculating Hannah's feeding every 3 hour feeding schedule,  I realized I needed to feed Hannah right when I got to church during the Sunday School hour. 

We arrived at church I was thinking of just staying in the van with Hannah but I thought I'll go into church maybe there will be a more comfortable place to feed Hannah and pump breast milk for Hannah. 

I get into the nursery and sit down a bit and Danielle comes in and talks with me.  I told her I needed to feed Hannah, she offered to help me.  She wanted to hold Hannah while I did my pumping.  What a great idea for my friend to help me and also she gets to enjoy my special baby!  I got Hannah all hooked up and hung the feeding bag from the window with tape!  Hannah was all set up being fed in the arms of my sweet friend Danielle! 

While Danielle is feeding Hannah,  I told her I need to pump.  But it is hard to be modest while you pump!  She told me to go into the bathroom which is connected to the nursery and sit with the bottom of the door closed and the top of the door open.  I thought what a great idea. I can visit and feel modest at the same time!  So I sat on the toilet, got all my pumping things working. I get comfortable and start talking with Danielle! What a great time visiting with Danielle.  Hannah was blessed by Danielle and I was blessed by Danielle's help and I'm sure Danielle was blessed by Hannah! 

After church, we headed to grandma's house,  since I have the battery operated breast pump, I can pump in the van and feed Hannah while Rick or Martin is driving.  That is what I did on the way to grandma's house! We had lunch at grandma's house (Rick's mom).  It was a nice time and a delicious lunch!  We did not stay too long so I could get home and feed and pump for Hannah in my comfortable and normal spot. 

I was so tired in the afternoon, after feeding Hannah and after pumping, snuggled with Hannah and Terri Lynn and we took a nap together on the couch!  We all fell asleep!  It is amazing I actually took a nap. I am not a nap taking person! 

Rick also got the pleasure of changing Hannah's diaper!  Hannah was challenging to change as her hips did not work properly and we had to be careful so not to hurt Hannah.  I'm so thankful that Rick took the time to change her diaper! 

Exodus 20:8-11

 ⁸Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
 ⁹Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
 ¹⁰But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
 ¹¹For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Love you Sweet Hannah,  Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Hannah Gets Couple New Blankets: Day 40 (1/15/11)

Nathan picked the fabric for this new a little bit bigger blanket for Hannah! 

Heidi helped him sew his blanket for Hannah!

Here is the blanket Valerie made for Hannah! 

Nathan is always so proud to hold Hannah!

Hannah so snugly in her blankets! What a treasure she is!

Hannah Gets a Couple New Blankets

It is Saturday today!  Daddy is home from work!  Today was a very good day for sweet Hannah Grace!  We so enjoy her everyday!  What a blessing each and every day we are blessed to have Hannah in our arms! 

Today, daddy said it was ok for us to go to JoAnn Fabrics.  The girls and I decided that Hannah needed a couple more receiving blankets that were a bit bigger than the ones she already had but not too much bigger.  Nathan came along too so he also picked out two flannel pieces of fabric for his choice for Hannah!  Valerie, Cassie, Heidi and Terri Lynn also picked out a couple pieces of fabric.  When we got home the girls got to sewing the new blankets for Hannah.  Hannah will be so comfy in her new blankets!

Hannah later in the day had a big blow out!  We had fun changing her! 

James 4:6-10

 ⁶But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
 ⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
 ⁸Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
 ⁹Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
 ¹⁰Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Hannah's Loud Poop!: Day 39 (1/14/11)

Terri Lynn is playing baby!  She is laying in the doll bed!  She was so happy!

Hannah all snuggly in my arms!

Hannah and her mommy!

Hannah's famous picture as the kids call it.  Cassie took this picture just because she wanted a Hannah picture and she is so proud of her sister Hannah!  This is the first time Hannah got to wear the hair flower. We picked it up from Walmart today.  The girls just had to have a picture of Hannah and her new flower!   

Hannah in my arms! We wanted to take a few pictures of Hannah and her new head band flower thing!  She is so cute!

Cassie with Hannah.  Hannah is wearing a some pants that Cassie made for Hannah!  She looked so cute with the pants on!!

Martin and Terri Lynn!  Martin is such a great big brother!

Daddy and Hannah!  Rick loved snuggling with Hannah!  This is one of the only times Hannah layed on Rick this way.  She did not like laying chest to chest.  Rick was a bit disappointed at she did not like it much because Rick loves laying this way with his babies! I think it was because her hips did not move out and it bothered her hips to lay that way.  When Hannah lay on my chest, I always put her on her side and she slept fine!

Hannah and her evening bath!  She still loves the bath so much!  She is so calm in the bath!

Martin and Hannah!  I love this picture of Hannah.  She looks so content and Martin looks like he is on guard for her!  Hannah looks like she loves Martin and is so proud to be in his arms!

Hannah's Weight:  5lbs 5oz (Michelle's scale)

Hannah's Loud Poop! 

We continue to school in the morning!  We are getting the routine down with Hannah!  In the morning Cassie and Heidi have taken charge of making sure breakfast is ready when I get up with Hannah. This is a blessing to me it helps to know I don't have to make breakfast for the rest of the family and feed Hannah and pump milk and then get schooling going!  I'm so pleased that I can get school work done and we have figured out how to work school in with Hannah! 

At 2:50pm,  Valerie and Cassie had a recheck of their warts on their hands. We went to the dermatologist for the warts because the warts were starting on the face.  I am so glad with did end of going because it took the warts away so much easier than what I have done at home!  Hannah got to come along.  We were so excited to show Hannah off.  While we were in the Doctors room.  Hannah pooped really loud! In a way only newborns can do!  We all laughed! 

We took alot of pictures of Hannah today.  Hannah was so good today! She was and is always to joy to care for!  I love you so much Hannah Grace!

 

Psalm 116

 ¹I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
 ²Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
 ³The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
 ⁴Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
 ⁵Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
 ⁶The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
 ⁷Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
 ⁸For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
 ⁹I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
 ¹⁰I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
 ¹¹I said in my haste, All men are liars.
 ¹²What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
 ¹³I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
 ¹⁴I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
 ¹⁵Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
 ¹⁶O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
 ¹⁷I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
 ¹⁸I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.
 ¹⁹In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Love, Hannah's mommy Sandi Kwant

Occupational Therapist Comes to Visit: Day 38 (1/13/11)

Valerie made this skirt for Hannah Grace!

Terri Lynn pretending to pump milk.  As you can see the littles copy what they see! 

Cassie made this adorable skirt for Hannah!

Hannah on her changing table.  Getting ready for another change of skirts.

Heidi made this sweet skirt for Hannah!

Hannah is looking so good.  She is gaining weight! She is on the changing table!

Hannah in her daddy's big arms!

Sam with Hannah!  He loves to hold her!

Occupational Therapist Comes to Visit

As usual we did what schooling we could today.  I'm just basically focusing on the important subjects so I can manage everything.  I feel schooling has gone well so far with Hannah here at home.  I make school a priority after Hannah's needs and my other children's needs.  I love homeschooling!  It is one of my favorite things to do besides breast feeding and being with my family!

Today at 11 am Hannah had an appointment to meet her Occupational Therapist Shaun.  I am thankful for Shaun.  She is a very nice lady. And a bonus we found out she and her husband own a dairy farm.  Those who know me, know I grew up on a dairy farm so I love farming families!  Anyway, Shaun and Annette ( the lady who will do Hannah;s initial paperwork)  both came and meet Hannah and explained how Shaun would help Hannah.  She will set out quarterly goals and work with Hannah once or twice a week.  Hannah was very good for Shaun today.  Both ladies loved Hannah.  The special needs lady from Conway stopped by for a short visit also to meet Hannah.  She needed to meet Hannah as SPARC works with the school district to get Hannah's needs met.  It was so much fun to observe Shaun and Annette work with Hannah to see what she can do want what they need to work with her on. 

In the afternoon after lunch, my wonderful friend, Julie, came to help me.  She would do whatever I wanted done.  I told Julie,"What do you think of cleaning my refrigerator?  You are one of the only ladies I'd let do that job?" Julie jumped right at the chance to clean my refrigerator.  What blessing you were to me, Julie!  I love you!  Every time, I opened the refrigerator I'd feel good as I see Julie's handy work right in my face!  Friends are a true blessing!

Thank you to Diana, Julie, Angie, Corey and Erika, and Christy for your visit.  You truly are a blessing to our family! 

Philippians  4:8

 ⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)