It's a Boy!!!!!

The neatly arranged bins of toddler boy clothes have errupted into a chaotic mound of whites and darks on Caleb's bedroom floor. I folded up the 12 month and under clothes and placed them in a "give away" pile because he's already too big for them. The 24 month clothes are going in the dresser and closet. The 18 months I'll save just in case he's smaller than we expect. To me the putting together of the bed and the washing of the tiny clothes are two of the biggest moments of getting ready for a new child. Every time I walk by and see his bed, I think about how I long to see him in there. There's nothing like a sleeping baby. Even a toddler looks like a baby when they're asleep. It's really precious. And I'll know he's safe with us. If he coughs, cries, or calls out for us, we'll be there to scoop him up and hold him.

And the clothes, well they're just little and cute. I remember folding the tiniest onsies, anticipating dressing up my little girl. Now, the clothes are a bit bigger but I still long to see him in all the cute overalls, button up shirts, and the vast array of train/animal/sports themed t-shirts.

Hopefully soon his room will be back in order!


As for Bethy, she's having tubes put in her ears next Friday. Let's not even talk about how she just had surgery to remove her adenoids!!!! The ENT said this is really rare and she doesn't know why her ears are having trouble post adenoid surgery. Because of the fluid in her ears she can hardly hear out of her right ear and has muffled hearing in her left. It's been like that for over 6 weeks, so it's time. I feel fine about it but still appreciate your prayers.

We're also on the mission to allergy proof our house in any way we can think of. Here's our to do or have done list:

• Replaced all the floors
• Air purifier in her room
• Cleaned out A/C
• Air vent filters on every air vent
• Fix Bethy's window to make sure no outside allergens are making it in
• Replaced the exhaust fan in her bathroom
• Made the switch to homemade allergen free laundry soap
• Make the switch to homemade cleaners
• Mattress and pillow covers to prevent dust mite build up
• Dust and sweep daily

She also takes two allergy meds and a nasal spray daily, does breathing treatments twice a day, has another breathing treatment as needed for cough/wheezing, and a rescue inhaler just in case.

Because she gets so sick if we try and take her off allergy meds, we still haven't been able to have her tested for allergies. Maybe this summer. We do think we've found an allergy medicine that works for her though.

I have to say that I had no idea what it was like to deal with a chronic medical condition. At times I feel so helpless. I would do anything to protect my daughter and to help her have a healthy life. But I am thankful it is not worse and that she is still able to have fun and play like normal most of the time. If anyone knows a really good specialist in pediatric allergies/asthma I am looking for one so let me know.