Noel's in Surgery

I just left Noel in surgery; she's getting lot's of things done right now. First she's getting a PICC Line placed, she'll be getting TPN through that Line to help her gain weight. They're changing out her feeding tube and she's also getting other scans done of her intestines to try and find out what is going on with them. We may have answers to what the next step will be if they find any abnormalities. All in all she's been feeling better since we've been here. She hasn't gained weight since June, which is really disheartening. After months and month of doing all we can she hasn't made much progress in the weight department. Some time in the next few months we may be heading to another Hospital to get some further testing done on her intestines. I'll keep everyone posted.
Looks like we'll be celebrating Noel's 4th Birthday at our "home away from home." I'm planning, with the help of some special people here, a little celebration for our Birthday Girl tomorrow. Thanks again for all the prayers :)

What "sick" means for Noel

When I say Noel is "sick," sometimes I kinda wish she really was sick. I know that doesn't sound good, but let me explain; When someone is sick it usually means there is some kind of medicine that could be given and then they will get better. For Noel this isn't the case. She has a condition called Intestinal Pseudo Obstruction it's a big name that means her stomach suddenly stops working. She will do fine for about three weeks and then all of a sudden she can't eat anything. Right now I'm concerned because she's too skinny. I can't feed her for about two days when her stomach stops and unfortunately her little body is showing it. There isn't just some medicine that she can take that will make her "all better." In fact there isn't much even the doctors can do to help her. The one thing they can do is give her TPN which is pretty much food through her veins; she was on TPN 9 months last year. I wonder now if that might be our next option, TPN, which comes with it's own set of complications. I hope this help you understand a little bit more and thank you so much for your prayers. I know the Lord is bigger than anything. I know that He is the great physician and that's why I'm turning to Him and asking all of you to pray! Thanks,
Tina

Noel... The things I'm Thankful for...

She's Standing.... She's Walking.... She's breathing...She's seeing the colors of fall.... She's eating through her stomach....She's strong willed....She's sweet and kind....She's a testimony of the healing power of Jesus Christ... She's beautiful...She's so silly...She's wise beyond her years... She's here....She's still teaching me everyday...She's an awesome sister...She's a wonderful child and I wouldn't be who I am without her! She's the one who helped change my life! She's a gift from God.

Update

We have had so many changes in the past few months. We moved into our new home in March, it's so perfect for us, we have a park just a few feet from our drive way. We have also gotten really involved in our church and we've started having a small group meet at our house. It's been fun to meet lots of new people. Noel is doing great! She has been taking some steps on her own, praise the Lord!! She is growing into such an amazing little girl; as I type right now she's sitting here saying, "mommy I love you sooooo much!" What a joy. Lilly and Landen are doing great too. They are truly blessing and the joy of my life! Lily will be in Kindergarten next year and Noel and Landen will be going to pre-school; they'll all be going to a private Christian school. And my wonderful husband Dustin is just as awesome as ever. He is truly my best friend and my helper. He has taken on so much with Noel and he has done an amazing job! We are all looking forward to lot's of fun in the sun this summer. I hope to keep you all updated with pictures.