The Two Month Rollercoaster

If someone would have sat me down two months ago and explained to me the things that would transpire in my life over the course of the last two months I would have called them a liar. It all began with the biggest blessing anyone could have asked for, Karlee was born and there could be nothing more precious or beautiful in our lives.
The fallout however began that night in the hospital, after two nights of little sleep I found myself with some returning effects of mono that I had but a few years ago, awkward kidney pains (so I thought), night fevers, and a cold. This lasted a few weeks then right as I thought I was pulling out of it, the unthinkable took place in the brother's family, most of you know the story but I can't imagine a deeper low in the roller coaster of life. Although I believe we have all begun to take a step forward on that front, my personally health has been in question of late.

All my life I would iterate to others the truth that if I could but become half the man that my father is, then I would be happy. . . . The forgotten part to that phrase would have added, that I would prefer to have the mental and spiritual half and spare myself the physical ailments that have tortured him through the years. Since returning from my mission, I have noticed that besides a weaksauce immune system I seem to have a maintained stomach ache that until recently was not profound enough pain to worry about. However over the course of the last month or so I have found myself curled up in a ball in pain on the floor or trying to figure out why I often feel like I am being stabbed in the abdomen. Some of these pains are completely random, while others have been constant over the past month.

So Monday I decided that I better put my stubborn self in a doctor's chair. Monday I had various tests done and X-rays taken in hopes that they could shed some light on the situation. At the end of those tests, they could tell me that for the most part I am normal in every way, no infection, no weird blood count or inflammatory problems, just more questions. So Tuesday I met with an internal medicine specialist under the pretense that I may have more serious problems. After another round of tests yesterday and this morning there is still only nonexistent answers to my many questions. I have pending tests to determine if I have Cilia cs Disease, which if positive would require a major lifestyle change. What has been determined is that I most likely suffer from Acid Reflux Disease along with Signoid Pain and Hepatic Flexure Syndromes (which are both subsymptoms of IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

This morning one of my ex-mission presidents (a Gastroentrologist) called and has started me on some acid reducing medication to go along with the side noted antibiotics and steroids to cure my current sinus infection. More to come on both fronts, but I will not know test results till next Tuesday, so till then I plan to eat and act as normally as I know how.

Despite all of that, this season brings with a special time of gratitude for the countless blessings we all enjoy. Despite the pain and unknowns in my life, I am so very grateful for a wonderful family on both sides, great friends, and the foundation of truth that gives me hope for the future no matter the bumps in the road of this life. For whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger, and I believe we often learn so much more in the trial then when the we finally see the end result. Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!! Let it be a time to reflect how blessed we all truly are.

Pretty Dress

My friend Autumn made Karlee this dress. I think it's so cute. I had to take her picture in it before she grows out of it. I cannot believe how fast she is growing. It makes me kind of sad but it will be fun when she starts smiling and interacting with us. Anyway, thanks Autumn for the cute dress. You are quite the seamstress.

Now and Again

Just some thoughts:
Every now and again we are reminded of the struggles we face in this life. We find ourselves asking questions like why me? why now? However, the answers to those questions go unanswered for as we look deep into our souls the answer often is the whisper in the heart that says "wait and see." One such situation currently faces my brother and his young family, as they face the death of a son and the unknown future of his brother who spends his days in the NICU. I have been reminded of the cruelty of this life and the blessings that await the righteous through all eternity. Although I never met Dex in this life, I know him and of his goodness. Now as I pray for his brother to have the Lord's will revealed in his life I am reminded that now and again no matter how much we desire something we must pray for a back to bear the burden and a heart filled with faith and understanding. Now and again the Lord shows forth an increased portion of love that provides us the comfort we seek. Now and again we realize just how much we are loved. Now and again our true character shines through our eyes as we look into the dark unknown that lies in front of us and take a step forward. Now and again we step into that darkness without fear of the future and find that the way to walk is lighted before us. Now and again we stumble, however we only see the obstacles of this life when we focus on those obstacles.

Sunday Pics

Karlee is now officially a church goer. This Sunday marked her second week not only making the whole block of meetings, where she has become a fan favorite. This morning I came home from PEC to find Karlee decked out in the cutest outfit yet.





Karlee waiting for Mom to get ready so we could go to church.

Just hanging out.

We caught her during a sneeze. Perfect picture.

Last night she wouldn't fall asleep till she was laid on dad's chest.

Enjoying Some "Tummy Time"

The other day we received some advice from a nurse about some things that we could do in order to speed Karlee's progression and help her to strengthen her little muscles (ninja muscles). One of these suggestions included giving her a few minutes a day on her tummy so she can get upper body strength and focus on holding her head up. We were told that she would probably scream at us during this process but it was necessary to help her. So today we geared up for our first attempt, prepping the floor with a blanket and something to help her hold her head up. The result however, was 100% contrary to what we were told, Karlee simply laid down, closed her eyes, and dosed into a slumber. Definitely a non typical reaction from a non typical girl. She also was weighed and jumped in two weeks from six pounds fifteen ounces to eight pounds five ounces. To say the least we think she was feeling a little offended being the smallest cousin and has decided to narrow the gap in size. She also mentioned to us today how excited she was for all the upcoming family events and to see all her cousins before the end of the year. She did hint at her little ninja plans to get Tanner and Kara when they come for Christmas. So keep your eye on her!

Doing the Karlee Wiggle

A few pics.




Understanding that all anyone wants to see is Karlee..... here she is. Matt here is singing the new hit, Karlee wiggle.

Our Little Tiger

Karlee told us that she wanted to be a tiger for Halloween this year. So with the help of Kayla, she got her wish. Here are some pictures of her yesterday. Enjoy.






Don't ask, when she got tired of her photo shoot rather then cry she just tipped on over.