Reese's Half Birthday

Oh my sweet girl!! It is crazy to me that you will be turning 5 in just 6 short months?! Where is time going? We've had a rough month that we've managed to get behind us (with the Miralax episode), but you are back to thriving. This incident that we had with your reaction to Miralax -see previous post- really impacted me. While we were unsure of why your emotions were so out of control,  I turned daily to God. I prayed over you more than you will ever know, and I would read James 1:2-4 daily. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kind, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  I prayed that there would be some kind of good to come out of this situation. 

I believe some of that good was how it affected me. This situation opened my eyes and reminded me that you are just 4 years old. I don't know if it's because you are my firstborn, or maybe it's because you're a girl, and I know the expectations I have for MYSELF, therefore have similar ones for you. But I realized maybe I'm too hard on you....  Maybe my expectations of you and your behavior are a little high.  Your vulnerability to this drug and the reaction it had on your little body and brain reminded me that you need LOVE more than anything. Your Daddy and I love you fiercely, but this situation was an eye-opener to show you that even more! I am choosing to take good out of one of the scariest weeks for me as a Mom. I'm so proud of you Reese! You're a fighter, and that's obvious even at this young of an age.  I can see it!

You are growing before my eyes, and there are so many things I love about you right now.


Your kind heart always compliments people. You tell me every day that I look pretty, even if I'm still in my pajamas with no makeup on. You tell Brooks all the time how handsome he looks in his clothes.

You still love playing with your baby dolls. You take care of Stella, Molly, Evie, and Heart every day. You will be a wonderful Mommy.

You use your manners all the time, keep it up girl!

You still love watching Doc, Daniel Tiger, and Paw Patrol. Your favorite movies are Moana, Trolls, and The Chipmunk Aventures.

I've been laying down with you every night in your bed. We always say our prayers, and then you ask to hold my hand. You fall asleep every night curled up next to me, never letting go of my hand, until I get up to go downstairs.

You often want me to reassure you at night that I am right downstairs with Daddy in our bedroom by the kitchen. ;)

You have always been girly, but in the past 2 weeks, you've found a new love for dresses. They are all you've been wearing.

You are excelling at MDO, and doing such a great job with writing your name and numbers. I can't believe you'll be Pre-K in the fall. I hope you always have a love for school and learning.

You are still 32 lbs. (a tiny, dainty thing) but are getting taller by the minute, measuring just the other day at 40 inches.

You are such a light in our life, Aven Reese. I thank God every day for allowing me to be your Mommy. I pray with every ounce of my being that I'm doing this thing right. Keep loving yourself and loving others. Always listen to your heart and keep your eyes on the Lord above. I love you so much!

Our Nightmare with Miralax

I have been so behind on blogging...I guess you can say LIFE has gotten in the way.  It's been a pretty difficult 3 weeks for our little crew.  If any of you follow me on Instagram, you're already well aware of what I'm about to post. 

Our sweet Reese has been battling what we thought to possibly be bladder spasms. We established care with a pediatric Urologist last November at AR Children's Hospital.  At the time, she wasn't symptomatic and was doing great, however we felt it was important to make sure we saw a specialist, as our PCP (who is amazing) had already done an ultrasound, X-ray, UA testing, etc.  Everything was coming back perfectly normal.  

Fast forward to two weeks ago.... I called AR Children's because her symptoms had returned.  I was told to try Miralax, they were thinking it was constipation causing her problems.  Reese was to take Miralax every day.  So, for 6 days straight we loaded her little body with this horrible toxic drug.  After 3 days of taking Miralax regularly, I began to notice a change in her temperament.  She was angry, would get frustrated so easily, and her anxiety level was through the roof.  She would obsess when it came time to go to the bathroom. At drop off at MDO on Tuesday, she went into a fit of rage that I couldn't control.  It was so horrible, I carried her out screaming and had to call into work. She had the same reaction on Thursday, I had to call into work again. What was most disturbing about this day was that she refused to wear any clothes once we got home.  This medication was affecting her tactile nerve endings. She was curled up in a ball and telling me to leave her alone.  This was OBVIOUSLY NOT.MY.CHILD. 

Being in the pharmaceutical industry, I knew enough to start researching this drug more in depth. I also had an HCP who brought up to me that he thought there was something concerning about using Miralax with kids. Sure enough...after extensive research, I found that there is a study underway (the FDA is funding it with a grant) that is looking into the neuropsychiatric problems Miralax can cause children.  This drug is indicated for 17 years of age and above, however we have specialists all over who are prescribing this for children as young as 6 months. The effects that have been seen are
exactly as I've described with Reese.

I'm so thankful that we were able to identify what was causing all of these tantrums, anger, and anxiety. Thank God she only took Miralax for 6 days. We're going on 10 days without it, and I feel like my sweet girl is finally back. I hold her each night (I've been lying with her until she falls asleep) and just thank the Lord for watching over her. 

I write this to say please do not use this drug, no matter how safe physicians feel it is.  Second, we are our children's advocate. Research everything that is ever prescribed for them, know the side effects, and always trust your Mommy instinct. Mine has never been wrong!!

LOVE Month

February has started off with a BANG!  We've been busy but have been squeezing in lots of fun too. The weather here has been crazy!!  One day it's 70 degrees, the next it's 40.  I'm shocked my little crew has stayed as healthy as they have. We've had our fair share of colds and the sniffles, but for the most part, we're trucking along. Here's what we've been up to so far this month....

My sweet nuggets ready for church :)

Jocelyn, Laura, and Ted came in town and we all went to Mamaw's for dinner on Tuesday, and then we had BBQ at our house with everybody on Friday. It's always so good to see them!!

We had a district meeting in NWA at the beginning of the month, and I got to soak up some time with these two. We had drinks at the Hive and dinner at Tavola. 

Brynlee at her dance competition in Springdale. She was in 3 dances this year. 

Sweet Emma Grace also danced in the competition and had 3 dances. 

These two are naturals! I love watching them dance!

And...Sunday afternoon naps.  We love them! #myboys

One day after MDO, it was so pretty outside, so we went to the playground.  Well, I lost track of time and let the kids just enjoy the warm sunshine and the fresh air. We came back to the house and I was trying to hurry and fix dinner, when Reese volunteered to set the table and get everyone drinks. Her little heart is so sweet!  She was proud of her work in this picture. ;))

My new favorite...a jelly pedicure! Do yourself a favor and go get one!

We decided to take a road trip to Tulsa yesterday. The weather was perfect so we went to the zoo and then to see Nana and Papaw.  It was such a wonderful day!

Loving the carousel at the zoo...

B-man is still deciding what he thinks of the carousel ;)

Riding the train...by far his FAVORITE part.

Talking to the penguins

It was so hot outside, I imagine that they are both dreaming about jumping into that water.

We got to meet Carrie and Austin's little nugget today!! We are head over heels in love with baby Natalie, who is just beautiful.  

Our precious Nana

Papaw and Brooks...having quite the conversation. :)

Nana helping Reese with her lunch

And my precious Papaw, giving scooter rides to the kids around the apartment

I love that I have precious memories of my children with their great-grandparents.  Papaw and Nana are so special to me and the kids have talked so much about how fun this day was. They LOVED spending time with them. 

Reese and Brooks before church this morning in their pink and red. Yes!  I had the whole crew sporting Valentine's colors ;)

Just because he looks so ornery in this pic!

It's crazy this month is halfway over. We're getting excited about Valentine's Day this week!

Evie Rose Turns One

My precious and beautiful niece, Evie, turned ONE on January 21. Kyndall and Blake did a great job planning the most perfect 'Winter Wonderland' party for her. They were surrounded by family and friends who love them so much.  Our crew of 4 drove down Saturday morning to celebrate and had a great time. I took tons of pictures to capture her special day!

We loved getting to see Jules and Morgan, Liz and Henley, all of Blake's family, the birthday girl, and many more friends that we love in Little Rock. I still can't believe you're ONE sweet girl!!  You are such a blessing Evelyn Rose!! We love you!

Random Rambles

There have really been some things on my mind and heart that I want to do differently this year.  You saw (if you read my blog) that one of my NY resolutions is to read more.  I'm excited to say that I've already finished 2 books in January.  It's amazing how refreshing it is to disconnect from social media and just take time to indulge in a book.  I know I am one to post pictures on Instagram regularly, but one could spend hours scrolling through all the different posts.  It's been freeing to put it down.

I just finished reading "Killing Christians," a beautiful book about our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that risk their lives every day just to worship Him. It was eye opening to me, and it caused me to think twice about taking for granted the freedom of religion that we have in this country.  I have included in my daily prayers these Christians in the Middle East who could lose their life at any time because of their beliefs.  I would encourage you to read the book and do the same. It's a non-fiction read that will truly get you thinking. 

And another subject, which has been on my heart lately, is tithing.  Whether you tithe or not, it isn't my business...how much one tithe's isn't my business either.  But I have been looking around lately and counting my blessings, and in my own personal world, there is no reason why tithing shouldn't increase every year. God has so richly blessed all of us in different ways, therefore he expects us to bless others.  There are many ways to bless others, that don't include a monetary value, I realize. But Luke 12:48 is always at the forefront of my mind... "To whom much is given, much is required."  I'm making it a goal to double our contributions in helping others this year, over last.  I realize this is a hefty goal, but I'm hoping that by making it a priority (and putting it on the blog to hold myself accountable), I can make it happen.  After all, blessing others and taking care of the less fortunate is what we are called to do. 

A post full of random thoughts...I haven't had time to do that in a while. How nice!! ;)