Busy Busy Day!: Day: 30 (1/5/11)

Nathan trying to feed himself like we feed Hannah Grace!

Terri Lynn feedling herself too!

I love this picture of Terri Lynn trying to feed herself like we feed Hannah Grace!  This is a treasure! 

Terri Lynn is also wearing a shirt the kids bought for her at the NICU gift store.  It says,"I'm a Big Sister!"

Hannah's Weight:  5lbs 1os

Busy Busy Day

Today was a very busy day with several appointments.  I'm not sure how we all got through this day with my sanity! Only by God's grace and help!  Here is the list of all we did today!

#1. Went to the learning center with Hannah, Heidi, Valerie, Terri Lynn, Cassie and Nathan.  Heidi, Valerie, Nathan all had classes.  The classes started at 9am until 12pm.  While I was at the learning center I pumped breast milk and fed Hannah in the bathroom.  I was able to use the private bathroom, I had no idea there was a private bathroom until I was talking to Melissa and she told me where to go.  I was getting all set up in the bathroom when one of the bus ladies saw Hannah.  She just was in love with Hannah.  She wanted me to take her to the lunch room so I could show her off some more.  This action by this strange really touched my heart!  Cassie helped me in the bathroom, she held Hannah in her arms while  the feeding pump pumped milk into her little tummy!  I sat on the ground pumping breast milk for Hannah's next feeding! 
At the learning center I sat and talked and shared Hannah until I had to teach my wrting class at 10am.  At my writing class I allowed my 3 students to hold Hannah for a bit.  Thank you to Jacqueline, Nathan, and Joetta for holding Hannah and loving on her for a bit!  I will never forget the day you got to hold her!

#2.  Hannah had a doctor visit with Doctor Levine at 11am (today Heidi and Valerie skipped one class at the learning center to go to the doctor with Hannah)!  She is gaining weight!  She is 5lbs 1oz!  She is doing so much better than Doctor Levine ever expected.  He was excited for us.  He said he was going to make a referral for Hannah.  He wants her to see an occupational therapist and a feeding therapist
(in the goal of getting her to suck from a bottle).  I was excited to hear that the doctor was actually going to help Hannah for a better quality of life!  Right after this appointment we race home so we can pick up Sam for another appointment.

#3.  Sam had an appointment at Children's Hospital in Seattle at 2 pm.  We had to race down I-5 go get to the hospital in time.  While I was driving Cassie hooked Hannah all up so she could feed Hannah her milk.  Cassie knew how to do all the steps in order to get Hannah fed properly.  Right after I get Sam checked at the doctors office.  I head to the nursing room to pump breast milk.  I usually pump at the same time as I feed Hannah but this time I could not pump while I drive to I had to do it there.  I was so lucky to get the nursing room all to myself!  I was so thankful for the nursing room.  One friend told me to just sit on the floor in the bathroom and pump who cares who comes in and sees you.  I was not ready to do that so a nursing room was an answer to prayer!  We got to show off Hannah Grace to Sam's doctor who ended up being Hannah's doctor in month also.  We love Sam's doctor! 

#4,  We drive home up I-5 during a very busy time.  Cassie was so good with Hannah in the car seat while we drive.  She had Hannah all calm.  I really needed to feed Hannah again while we drive but I wanted to wait so I could pump and feed Hannah on my lap.  I was needing my snuggle time with Hannah.  (Hannah was in the car seat too much today)  Anyway, I decided to have Hannah wait a half an hour to eat,  she was sleeping and doing good in the van.  So immediately when I walked in the house I started to get Hannah's feeding stuff ready and my pumping stuff ready. 

#5. relaxing at home.  This was a crazy day but it went so well.  I began to think I can get out of the house and I can survive! 

I Peter 5:6&7
 ⁶Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
 ⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Just Hanging at Home with Hannah Grace Kwant: Day 29 (1/4/11)

Hannah Grace! taken by Martin on his cell phone!

Just Hanging at Home with Hannah Grace Kwant

Today was a day of sitting back and relaxing at home.  I did try to do a bit of school with the children.  It was basic and not too much.  I needed to get back into the regular school routine.  We have not done any school since Hannah was born until today.  I feel like school went well today.  I guess I did not put too much pressure on myself.  During our school day, I held Hannah Grace in my lap while, I did spelling with Heidi and Valerie.  I also did grammar and math with Valerie.  I had Heidi and Valerie do science together today.  The children have their workboxes they complete on their own.  I might have trouble correcting these items but at least we are getting started again.  I feels good to get back into a normal routine.   I did get up late and Cassie did make breakfast for me so I could get focused on school work.  When it was time to feed Hannah, I just sat down with her and let the children do their own school work. 

 I'm so thankful that I homeschool right now.  Here is my reason:  Because we homeschool, it has given the children as much time as possible with Hannah. They have gotten to know Hannah, they are part of everything Hannah.  They have been with Hannah everyday in the NICU.  They have seem much more than many children will never see in their entire life time.  They have loved on a baby that many may see as unloveable!  What a witness my children have been to many.  I am so thankful for each one of my children!  I love you, Martin!  I love you, Sam!  I love you, Cassandra!  I love you, Heidi!  I love you, Valerie!  I love you, Nathan!  I love you, Terri Lynn!  I love you, Hannah! Mom!

Thank you to Kelli, Caleb and Holli, and Rod, Zindra and Julia for your visit.  Your visit truly meant so much to us!  Your visit is a treasure in our hearts!

James 2:17

¹⁸Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Love you Hannah!  Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Showing Hannah Off: Day 28 (1/3/11)

This picture shows me with my littles.  This happened alot to me! 

So here is another picture of what happens daily in our house!  Terri Lynn had to help hold Hannah and Nathan just had to get in on the action too!  I love my children so much!

Terri Lynn and Hannah are so cute together!

I love this picture of Terri Lynn kissing Hannah!

Showing Hannah Off

Today we did not have really anything going on, so I decided to show Hannah off.  I took Hannah to to place I work really part time.  I have families with their Home schooling learning plans.  The ladies at the learning center have been so supportive to our family and to Hannah. I thought they need to see our sweet Hannah Grace.  I am so proud to show off my special little miracle!  I took Hannah and the rest of the kids to visit the learning center.  I handed Hannah to many of the ladies so they could hold and gaze at Hannah.  Gazing at an Innocent baby that has more problems then they could ever imagine brings many to tears.  This special time these ladies had to hold Hannah is a time they will treasure in their heart for years. The unconditional love and peace that Hannah embodied brought many to tears and to pray.  I was so proud to hand Hannah over to anyone who wanted to hold her.  She was perfect in my eyes, my little baby!

No one came to visit today but we did get to visit some friends.

Phillipians 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)

Martin + Hannah = ♥

Martin and Hannah Grace ♥♥ Martin loved Hannah so much!

Martin's picture!

I don't like this picture. Because it was taken but Hannah was not in it. :-(

Love, Sandi Kwant (for Martin : Hannah's oldest brother)



Sam + Hannah = ♥

A

Sam and Hannah!  These pictures are the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep pictures!

Hannah Grace + Samuel Roger = ♥♥♥

Sam loves his little sister Hannah so much!

I really like this picture of Sam!

All my blessings!

One more picture, Sam is holding Hannah.  I love looking at each of my children, they all loved Hannah so much!

Psalms 100

¹ Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
 ² Serve the LORD with gladness;
         Come before His presence with singing.
 ³ Know that the LORD, He is God;
         It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves

         We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.    
 ⁴ Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
         And into His courts with praise.
         Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
 ⁵ For the LORD is good;
         His mercy is everlasting,
         And His truth endures to all generations.

Love, Sandra Kwant for Sam (Hannah's brother)

Brother Love is Shown: Day 27 (1/2/11)

We wanted to remember Hannah's clothing and how small it was.  We decided to compare her clothing to a can of pop.  The one set of clothing is newborn size and the other set is the preemie size.  Hannah is in the preemie size.  Her clothing is amazing how small it really is. 

Rick and his two youngest girls. Terri Lynn is having fun. Rick held Hannah so I could get ready for church!

Terri Lynn and Hannah and Rick all look great!  This is Sunday morning!

Hannah's ready for church.  Hannah got this special dress from a very special little girl.  Her name is Kimber.  Kimber wore this dress.  Kimber's mom was told her baby would die very soon after birth. Kimber is now 4 yrs old and doing very well!

Nathan is showing his brother love for Hannah in this picture and the following pictures.

Nathan is so sweet how he just loved to look at his sweet baby sister!

I love this picture.  Hannah and Nathan are looking at each other!

Nathan was so proud to be holding Hannah.  He was sitting on the counter too yet!

Nathan just loving his sister.  Another photo favorite!

Hannah in her infant seat.  The one each my her brothers and sisters used!

Sam loving on Hannah too! ♥♥

Brother Love is Shown

Today is Sunday!  Hannah went to church today! But we did not stay for potluck.  Usually on the first Sunday of the month we stay for church potluck.  But this Sunday I felt too overwhelmed to stay for potluck.  I needed to feed Hannah and pump breast milk soon after the church service was done. I did not feel comfortable to pump at church.  Our church building is not big so there really is not a place to hide and pump.  So that is why we went home to have lunch.  As soon as we got home, I sat down and feed Hannah and pumped breast milk.  At this same time, Cassie and Heidi got lunch ready for the family.  I am so thankful my daughter know how to make an easy meal.  I can tell how much you love Hannah by your willingness to help me in the kitchen! 

Hannah wore a very special dress to church. This dress became known as her Sunday dress!  It was so cute on her.  She was princess in this cute little dress!

We spent the rest of the day at home relaxing.  Hannah was very good and peaceful.  I treasure the pictures of Nathan and Hannah Grace.  These pictures show is heart toward Hannah! 

Thanks to Jessica and Jody for your visit today.  We are thankful that you got to see Hannah Grace! You blessed us by your visit!

I Corinthians 13

 ¹ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

In Christ's Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Cassie + Hannah = ♥

I am holding Hannah these photos were taken by the now I lay me down to sleep foundation.

Another of Hannah Grace and I.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Everyone looking at Hannah grace she looks so little is this picture. The man taking the pictures had us put are hands on Hannah. When we where doing that it felt silly but it looks cool now.

Another of all of us looking at Hannah.

These pictures where taken by the now I lay me down to sleep foundation.  These pictures are special to me was because Hannah is wearing the blanket I made for her.

With Love Cassie (Hannah Grace's oldest sister)

Hannah's First Day of 2011 (major picture day): Day 26: (1/1/11)

The day started with Nathan and Valerie wanting their picture with Hannah Grace!

This is one of my favorite pictures!  It shows how much Hannah was loved by her siblings!

This is the start of the head pictures!  Valerie, Hannah, Nathan and Heidi

We added another!  Valerie, Cassie, Hannah, Nathan, Heidi!

Heidi and Cassie wanted their picture with Hannah laying on the ground too.  I love this picture too!  Shows more love!♥♥

Everyone wanted their picture taken with Hannah Grace!

Hannah in the doll car seat!

Hannah looks so little in this doll car seat!

Terri Lynn wanted a turn to hold Hannah in the car seat!  Terri Lynn was crying because she wanted to do it now! 

My girls!  Valerie Kay, Heidi Alice, Terri Lynn, Hannah Grace, Cassandra Marie

All my blessings!  Nathan, Valerie, Heidi, Martin, Hannah, Sam, Terri Lynn, and Cassandra

I'm so thankful we got this picture! 

My boys and Hannah Grace:  Nathan Richard, Samuel Roger, Martin Allen

Cassie snuggling with Hannah. Hannah is snuggled in the blanket Cassie made.

Our special visitors!  Marv, Kim, Nic, and Trevor

Nic holding Hannah. 

Trevor holding Hannah,  He was not sure he wanted to hold Hannah but she changed his mind and I'm sure he was glad he did!

More of Trevor and Hannah

Hannah looks good!  Rick not so good!  Usually Rick always takes great pictures and me not so good!  We we had a great laugh over this picture! 

Hannah's First Day of 2011 (major picture day)

Hannah made it to 2011! Praise the Lord!

Aunt Alice and her children left this morning to go home to Oregon.  I am so thankful they took the time out of their Christmas vacation to come meet Hannah Grace!  It truly meant so much to us!  We love you!  ♥♥

Hannah had many special pictures taken today!  Hannah's sisters had fun taking pictures of Hannah with her brothers and sisters!  I love all these pictures because they show how Hannah was treated in our family.  She was loved and treasured!  They all are so proud to have Hannah as their sister!

Terri Lynn really wanted to play baby with Hannah just like her sisters were doing!  She got upset when her turn was not coming soon enough!  I'm so thankful,  I allowed Terri Lynn to play with Hannah and make memories with her.  (under adult supervision!)

Hannah peed on Kim while she was holding her!  It was so funny.  Kim was ok about it!  Hannah had a really good day and evening!  We love you ,Hannah!

Thanks to Aunt Alice, Kaitie, Jessica, Roger, Annabelle, Marv, Kim, Trevor, Nic, Aunt Janet, Kurk, Brenda, Jack and Luke for your visit!  I'm so thankful that you did come see Hannah Grace,  That was a true blessing to us!

Colossians 3:14&15

¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

In Christ, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)