A Trip to the Mall: Day 59 (2/3/11)

Hannah in her new outfit.  I bought at Target with the new hair bows too!

I know there is a bit of a shadow but just want to share all of Hannah's pictures!

Terri Lynn loves Hannah so much!

She looks good here.  Precious baby!

Hannnah! 

Her nose is starting to look a bit purple sometimes.  I'm not sure why?  Maybe it is her breathing is not what it should be.

Hi! Sweet baby!

A Trip to the Mall

Today is Thursday, we did our morning routine with  feeding Hannah, feeding my children and doing our school work.  It all worked our great.  Sometimes I fed Hannah while I helped Valerie with her math or Heidi with her Grammar.  My kids are flexible and were willing to help me in whatever way I needed to do.  They didn't mind sitting on the carpet doing school instead of the kitchen table.  What great kids I have! 

We were planning to take Hannah to her feeding therapy but I got canceled for some reason which I don't know.  But since the appointment got canceled I decided to take the kids to the mall.  I had somethings I needed to exchange.  It was crazy to take all the kids to the mall all 8 of them but It worked out great.  Martin picked out a new shirt and so did Sam.  I needed some nylons so I got some all with my exchange money.  The lady didn't want to refund me all the money as I had a bunch of stuff to exchange and return.  She said I needed to have less stuff.  I told her can I take half of the stuff and come back tomorrow?  She then got her supervisor who kindly let me return all the stuff.  I think seeing Hannah and all the kids and I'm sure I was showing stress by now.  Thank you to the kind lady who helped me in such a little way! 

Sam and I looked at lockets and watches but we did not get any.  I had a coupon for Bath and Body Works so we went there a bit.  We got a few things  and then we headed home.  It was a good time at the mall!  I usually do not go to the mall.  I really don't like shopping.  The kid were really good and That helped me alot.  Hannah was carried by me or by one the kids the whole time. 

Thank you to Lynn, Landon and Lucas for your visit.  It truly means alot to me that you came to see Hannah and love on her!  What a blessing it was to us!

Psalms 63

 ¹ O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
² So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.

³ Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
⁴ Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
⁵ My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

⁶ When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
⁷ Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
⁸ My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.

⁹ But those who seek my life, to destroy it,
Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
¹⁰ They shall fall by the sword;
They shall be a portion for jackals.

¹¹ But the king shall rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;
But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Hearing Test at Children's: Day 58 (2/2/11)

Hannah sitting in the infant seat. All the kids have used this same seat.  The little blanket on top of Hannah was made by Valerie.

Hannah's weight: 5lbs 14oz

Hannah's Height: 18in

Hearing Test at Children's

Today Hannah had two appointments at Children's. At 11:30am test for her ear structure.  At 1:30 test for her actual hearing. 

I decided to take Valerie and Nathan.  with me and Hannah to Children's Hospital for Hannah's hearing tests.  I wanted them to be apart of Hannah's tests and doctor appointments.  Next week I will take Heidi and Terri Lynn with me to Children's for another appointment for Hannah. 

We left home for Children's around 9am.  I wanted to make sure I am at the hospital in time for the appointment and in time to park also.  I had all the things I needed to make sure I could pump breast milk for her and I had all the feeding stuff with us also.  I did not pack lunch for Valerie, Nathan and I, I planned to buy lunch just for fun at the cafeteria. 

On the drive down to Children's Valerie got Hannah all hooked up with her feeding equipment and started her feeding pump.  Valerie is so proud of herself that she could do this for Hannah.  I pumped breast milk one breast at a time while I was driving down to Seattle.  I have been so blessed by the use of this battery operated breast pump.  I feel like I can actually freely go places and pump in the van when I don't know where to pump. 

We arrive at Children's in plenty of time.  We get all checked in and wait.  We had to wait extra long for some reason.  It was ok.  Nathan, Valerie, Hannah and I had fun playing card games and reading books.  We planned for a wait in the waiting room so we had cards and books to read.  Finally, Hannah's name was called.  She was first weighed and measured.  Then we were put in a room.  We waited again for a long time.  I was getting worried how will we be able get lunch in the cafeteria because her next appointment was coming up soon.  The nurse came in to update me that the doctor who would check Hannah's ear canals and her ear structure was still busy and could not come.  I then asked the nurse it if was ok to go to the cafeteria for a bit.  He said it was ok.  So we headed down to the cafeteria and grabbed our food and headed back to the room in record time. 

It was again time to fed Hannah and I needed to pump.  I fed Hannah first and let Valerie hold Hannah also while she was being fed.  I then pumped breast milk for Hannah.  All while we waited for the doctor to come into the room.  So far in the room we all ate lunch, I pumped milk and fed Hannah.  We also played cards.  Finally, the doctor came into the room.  She used her tools to look in Hannah's ears.  Hannah's cried, she did not like how the doctor was trying to look into her ears.  The doctor looked in both ears.  The doctor then told me Hannah's ear canals are just too small.  She could not see Hannah's ear drums so we need to come back in 3 months for another check.  We waited just a little bit  for Hannah's next test. We just sat again in this room and waited only a little bit. 

 The audiologist  came to the room.  We followed her into the room for testing her hearing.  She was a bit concerned about Valerie and Nathan being with.  She was afraid they'd be noisy.  I assured her they would be quiet.  She was willing to give it a try.  We got into the room, I got the special chair because I got to hold Hannah.  It was a rocking chair.  Hannah was sleeping right now.  It was ok for her to sleep. Actually the audiologist wanted her to sleep.  It helps get a better and more accurate test.  The audiologist got Hannah all hooked up with the monitors and ear piece.  Hannah's ear is so unique that she had alot of trouble fitting it in her ear.  I forgot to mention the audiologist had a student with her and the student did most of the work on hooking Hannah up. 

Nathan and Valerie played quietly on the floor, they did not make a noise the whole time.  It was like an hour and half in the room total.  They were extremely good and well behaved.  They colored and played card games (war).  I am proud of them. 

While Hannah was doing her test, she slept most of the time but not all of the time.  The Audiologist seemed to be frustrated with the test.  Things didn't seem to go well.  They had to change ear piece in both ears.  The computer runs through the test.  But Hannah was not passing any of the sounds.  They were not done with the test but Hannah was getting fussy.  I was trying to calm her down.  The Audiologist decided to stop  the test.  She said we will try again in 3 months when Hannah comes for anther ear check.  It was ok with me, I was tired of sitting so quietly and Nathan and Valerie were also getting tired of being quiet. 

So the Audiologist basically told me Hannah can hear the sound of a chain saw sawing.  She is profoundly deaf in both ears.  Anyway I didn't care whether Hannah can hear or not.  I will do what I can to give Hannah the best quality of life she can have!  We love Hannah exactly the way she is! 

When the test was done, the audiologist told Valerie and Nathan how impressed she was in how quiet they were.  She wanted us to wait a bit she had a treat for them.  In a few minutes she came back with 2 stuffed animals.  Nathan got a Zebra and Valerie got a pink monkey.  They treasure these stuffed animals very much.  It is a Hannah memory. 

We got all loaded up in the van.  We head out. While we were in the U district.  Valerie says in a worried voice.  Hannah is turning blue!  I pull over quickly in a car selling parking lot.  I didn't care who I was blocking in, I needed to check on my baby.   I whip her out of her car seat quickly.  I decided she must of turned blue because she was pooping.  I am thankful she is not blue anymore and doing good.  I held her in my arm after I changed her diaper.  I needed to calm down.  I was stressed and worried for my baby.  We get home after I made Hannah wait and extra 30 minutes to eat.  I wanted to sit comfortably with her in my arms while I fed her and pumped breast milk for her. 

I tell Martin and Sam that Hannah can't hear very good basically the sound of a chain saw.  A bit later while they were holding her. I see out of the corner of my eye, Martin and Sam yelling at the top of their voices, "HANNAH CAN YOU HEAR US? WE LOVE YOU!"  I will never forget this seeing her big brothers yelling at her they wanted to make sure that she could hear their love for her! 

Proverbs: 31:10-31

   ¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
²² She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹“ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Love, Sandra Kwant (Hannah's mommy)



Pake's Birthday Today: Day 57 (2/1/11)

Nathan and Hannah!

This is where I found Terri Lynn and Cassie when I got out of the shower this morning!

Close up of Hannah!

Another sweet picture of Hannah!

Hannah modeling the skirt Valerie made and the shirt that Aunt Alice gave Hannah!

Hannah in an outfit that Terri Lynn wore when she was a newborn!

Hannah sitting in Terri Lynn's chair!

Hannah with the big flower!

Nice picture of Hannah and the big flower!

Hannah looks so peaceful!

Another Hannah picture during her special photo shoot!

Terri Lynn loves to talk to Hannah right in her face.  I love this picture , it shows how much Terri Lynn loves Hannah!

Terri lynn loves her baby sister!

Hannah is a bit happier here!

Pake's Birthday Today

Today we did our normal school routine.  I did my normal routine with feeding Hannah and timing it every 3 hours around the clock.  I continue to sacrifice sleep to help my sweet daughter the best that I can.  It is a honor to be a mommy to a special needs baby.  God picked me to be her mommy. He know I could do it.  God only picks a few special moms to be special needs mommy's! 

Today is my dad's birthday!  He is 75 today!  We called him and sang Happy Birthday to him!  The kids all love Pake!  My dad is such a godly man!  He loves his family and loves God!  I love you, dad!

Today Hannah had an appointment with the occupational therapist.  Shaun came to our house to do therapy with Hannah.  Shaun felt that Hannah's hips were not as tight.  I was happy to hear that!  It has been a challenge to change her diaper and clean her all up when her hips don't move out.  I just make due but I also am careful so not to hurt her. 

I love you, Hannah Grace Kwant!

Psalms 37:1-8

¹ Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.

³ Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
⁴ Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass. ⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

⁷ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm. 
         

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)



Heidi and Hannah

This is the drawing that will go on Hannah's grave stone. I love Hannah sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!

and I miss Hannah soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!

this will go on the back of Hannah's grave stone.

Love, Heidi Alice (Hannah's sister)



Valerie and Hannah

 I love you Hannah!!♥ I miss you Hannah!!♥

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

With lot's of love Valerie (Hannah's ♥ sister)    

Playing Babies with Hannah: Day 56 (1/31/11)

                                         

 

In the waiting room waiting for Hannah's feeding therapist! Terri Lynn put a sticker on Hannah's outfit!

Heidi having fun with Hannah.  Hannah is on a play baby bed.

Nathan and Valerie having fun with Hannah  on the play baby bed.

Hannah on the play baby bed. Nathan watching over her.

Hannah again on the baby bed. She is content and happy to be playing her siblings!

Here she is again on the play baby bed!  Happy to be with her siblings!

Playing Babies with Hannah

Today was a fun day and a busy day!  We did what we could for school.  I did what I usually did for Hannah.  Getting up every 3 hours to feed and pump milk for Hannah.  That left me with an hour and half of sleep that is if Hannah would go to sleep right away.  I would sleep a bit longer if I helped with my planning the day with Hannah and our outings.  Like going to feeding appointments.  I want to make sure Hannah has been fed before or that we will be able to get home on time to feed Hannah. 

Anyway today we had Hannah's feeding therapy, a doctor check up for Sam, and a skin/wart appointment for Cassie and Valerie.  So today I made sure I could plan the times for feed Hannah and pump for her during this day of appointments.  We went to Hannah's feeding appointment.  She did nothing.  She was too tired!  The therapist even brought in another lady to help but Hannah just slept!  I think she was too tired from Sunday being at church then grandmas house.  She must have been worn out.  We left the feeding appointment and headed right away to the skin appointment. Valerie and Cassie has some warts we are working on getting taken off.  It was so nice to introduce Hannah to their skin doctor.  The warts are actually going away!  We sat quietly in the office and watched Valerie and Cassie get their warts worked on.  Each of the children held Hannah in the doctors office.  Sam even came along.  Martin did not he had to work.  After this appointment we headed to Sam's appointment.  I had the younger kids stay in the van with Cassie so Sam had privacy.  Hannah came along though.  Dr. Levine was happy to see Hannah and Sam was doing good and we are happy. 

When we got home I fed Hannah right away.  It is just more comfortable for me to feed Hannah and me pump.  Sometime lately Hannah cries at first when I start feeding her.  I just bounce her until she stops crying.  Then I try to get her to suck on the pacifier with breast milk.  She just is not really interested in the pacifier.  I am a bit disappointed because her interest in sucking would help her to be able to be fed by mouth.  Oh well,  I will do whatever I need to help Hannah! 

In the afternoon after we got home from the Doctors and after feeding, the girls played babies with Hannah.  Hannah was the doll!  It was so cute to see her in the play baby bed.  The girls had a great time and Hannah was a great live dolly!  I love my girls want to play with their baby sister.  I trust them 100% to be careful with her.  I'm glad they have the memory of playing babies with Hannah!

Proverbs 31:10-31

  ¹⁰ Who^[b] can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
²² She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹“ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Hannah's mommy)

Brotherly Love: Day 55 (1/30/11)

Sam holding Hannah!  He loved holding her.  Hannah was very special to him! 

Hannah sweetly sleeping in Sam's arms!

Martin holding Hannah!

Hannah sleeping on Martin on the couch! 

Hannah's weight check:  5lbs 13oz!

 

Brotherly Love

Not too much exciting happening today.  We went to church.  I fed and pumped breast milk in the van while the kids and Rick were in Sunday School.  Hannah was good in church!  What a joy to have her and show her off!  I love you, Hannah!  I'm so proud to be your momma!

After church we went to grandmas house.  When we got there we ate and while we ate I pumped food into Hannah Grace!  She was hungry and I was hungry so we both ate with the family!  Then when we were done eating.  I went and pumped breast milk in private. 

Later in the evening after I gave Hannah a nice bath and the rest of the family were in bed.  Martin and Sam had some fun with Hannah!  I love it when the older boys take a liking to playing and loving on their sweet baby sister! 

Mark 12: 29-31

²⁹ Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.This is the first commandment.³¹ And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no other commandment greater than these.”    

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

Sam's Birthday: Day 54 (1/29/11)

Sam got baseball cards from Sam!

Sam got a dog bowl and some pencils from Nathan! 

Terri Lynn gave Sam a Coke glass!

Terri Lynn loves Sam!

Valerie made this blanket for Sam!

Heidi made this pillowcase for Sam!

Cassie gave Sam this hatchet!

Martin gave Sam some baseball cards!

The Sam with mom and dad picture for his birthday!

Sam with all his siblings! 

Sam getting ready to blow those candles!

Sam blowing hard!

Hannah and Terri Lynn,  Hannah looks so small next to Terri Lynn,  Hannah's outfit also was way too big!  This outfit was one Terri Lynn wore!  Hannah's feet were not even in the feet holes! 



Sam's Birthday

Today is Saturday!  Daddy is home for the day!  And on Sam's birthday what a treat for him!  We don't have to wait for daddy to open presents!  Sam is 15 today!  He was born at 2am on a very snowing day! 

This morning at 9am a man named Jerry came and taught us CPR which the main focus was infant CPR.  We decided we wanted the older 3 kids to know CPR so just in case they could help Hannah if she needed help breathing.  So Cassie, Martin, Sam, Rick and I sat through his training.  It was interesting.  I held Hannah most of the time so the kids could practice on the fake dolls!  Anyway the kids hope they won't have to do CPR on Hannah but now they know.  They know we would trust Hannah in their care.  I'm sure they felt honored to be included in the CPR training!  Heidi was in charge of the younger kids downstairs!  The funny thing is they did well until the last 5 minutes.  They were needing to see what mommy and daddy were doing! Heidi did well watching them all downstairs!  Thank you, Heidi! 

Ok,  when the CPR training was completed the day was Sam's!  We then spent time opening presents!  We also did some Saturday chores!  What a joy to have my sweet baby with me while I did some Saturday chores! 

After lunch of Sam's choosing, we had his birthday cake!  He blow out all the candles all 15 of them! 

We love you, Sam so much! 

In the evening, we went out to dinner,  Sam's choice.  He chose IHOP.  So we went for dinner there for a 2nd time in a month and we had Hannah with us!  The dinner was good but the company was even better!   

Thank you to Lucy, Hannah, Jason, and Devon,  And to Bobby, Stephanie, and Bethany, we are so thankful for your visit!  You blessed us!  Sam was thankful too that his birthday got remembered!

Psalms 139: 13-18

¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;^[b]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

¹⁷ How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You. 

Love, Sandi Kwant (Sam and Hannah's mommy)



Went to Shopping: Day 53 (1/28/11)

Hannah wearing the headband  

Hannah and the cute flower headband.  Her outfit came from her sweet friend Margaret.  It was a hand-me down!

Close up of Hannah! 

Nathan having fun with Hannah!  He is in the background! It warms my heart to see Hannah's siblings enjoying her so much!

Sam is so proud of Hannah!  What a great big brother he is! 

Another picture of Nathan having fun with his baby sister.  He is so proud to be her brother!

He loves loves holding Hannah!

Nathan in awe of his baby sister! 

One of my favorite pictures!  Nathan kissing Hannah!

Close-up of Hannah!  She has her eyes open.  She looks happy!

Went to Sopping

Today was rather uneventful!  Anyway,  we did our morning routine and got all our school work completed!  Then I decided we needed to do a little shopping. I took all the kids with me.   Sam's birthday is tomorrow so we needed to get a few gifts for Sam.  Actually, Sam's siblings needed to get him gifts. 

We went to the DollarTree first, we got all of Sam's birthday gifts.  We also stopped at Joann's, the girls wanted to make Hannah a couple blankets but make them a bit bigger. We also wnet to Walmart.  We then went to Costco.  I needed a few groceries. 

We did have fun taking pictures of Hannah and her new headband flower!  Blessed times!

John 14:1-6

¹ “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions;^[a] if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.^{[b] 3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Love, Sandi Kwant (Martin, Sam, Cassie, Heidi, Valerie, Nathan, Terri Lynn, and Hannah's mommy)