Charlotte Elizabeth

Charlotte Elizabeth Rambin arrived on December 20, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. She weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz. and was 20 inches long. She was born at 35 weeks but is doing very well.

This pregnancy was supposed to be the easiest yet. After our loss in the spring, we had lots of questions about whether or not we would be able to have another baby. The question was answered quickly, though, when I was able to get pregnant the first month. My new OB watched me so closely from the beginning that we had lots of details this time. Once it was determined that the pregnancy was where it was supposed to be and growing properly, we sighed a sigh of relief.

My first trimester went smoothly - other than the morning sickness. There was some concern about my progesterone level, but that seemed to solve itself. I continued to work, take care of the kids and nap whenever I could. The second trimester was a welcome change - the morning sickness went away and I felt really good. I had been referred to a high-risk OB in Dallas (because of my "advanced maternal age") but was released at 18 weeks because the baby and I were too healthy to be seen in the high-risk office. I was incredibly thankful and relieved.

At 24 weeks, everything changed. I started having physical symptoms that were not familiar to me as "normal pregnancy" symptoms. My doctor ran a few tests and I was quickly diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (a syndrome only in pregnancy that presents as high blood pressure and protein in the urine). I was hospitalized 4 times in the two weeks following the diagnosis to get the symptoms under control and receive medication to mature Charlotte's lungs in case she had to be delivered early.

When I wasn't in the hospital - I was on bed rest. I was told I could get up to go to the bathroom, take one shower a day and heat a plate of food. I wasn't supposed to do anything else. My first thought when my doc prescribed bedrest - No really! Be real! I have three kids and a job. It was quickly apparent, though, that any time I was not laying down or reclining, my blood pressure would go up causing blood and oxygen to the baby to be restricted. So I took it seriously...for 12 weeks! I found out that bedrest is one of those things that sounds good until you have to do it. Then you find out it is boring and lonely and hard on your body.

Thanks be to God for my church family at Glenwood. They took care of me and my family in so many ways: meals every other day, grocery shopping, errand running, carpooling, babysitting, housekeeping and most importantly, prayers. We were completely covered in prayer. In the midst of all the stress and questions, my church family calmed the storm. I feel incredibly blessed and eternally grateful.

At 35 weeks, my blood pressure jumped up and the doctor decided it was time for Charlotte to be delivered. While it was stressful to think about having a preemie, we were very glad to have made it to 35 weeks. She was born with out any issues and was able to go home with me from the hospital.

Stay tuned...next time I'll tell you about Charlotte's jaundice!

Truth and Lies

If you know me, you know that the months of February and March were a living hell. I don't use that term lightly or flipantly...I use it literally. After finding out I was pregnant with my 4th child (the result of a planned attempt), I started having problems. By February 6th, I was in the ER being told that the pregnancy was ectopic - in the tube instead of the uterus. Trusting my doctor of 10 years, I started an ill-fated course of treatment that resulted in 6 weeks of extreme pain, both physical and mental. In the end, I had 3 trips to the ER, 2 rounds of chemotherapy, a d&c and an emergency laproscopy.

The truth: those 6 weeks were a result of medical mis-management and took a huge toll on me and my family.

The physical and emotional suffering were not the worst part. Within a few days of finding out that I would not be having a baby on September 27th, I found myself in a deep spiritual hole. I was incredibly angry at God and spent my quiet time asking why he would do this to me? Have I not been faithful enough? Am I not a good enough mother to be trusted with 4 children? Is this punishment for something specific I have done? I stopped praying and started blaming. I was unable to worship and could not feel or hear the presense of the Lord. I felt completely and totally betrayed by the the One whom I have served.

The lies: God caused this to happen based on my actions. God abandoned me in my time of greatest need.

My greatest strengh came from the people around me. Far above all others was my sweet husband. Jeff was absolutely incredible. His calm nature and willingness to help me in any way without trying to "fix it" made me love him even more. He stood by and held my hand. He backed off and let me grieve. He was my rock. I was also blessed by my mom who loved my kids with great compassion when I could not. She cleaned my kitchen and gave baths and insisted that I rest even when I didn't want to. Then there were my friends who surrounded me and cared for me in ways I didn't even see. My kids got to and from school every day. They were loved and fed - some days without me even knowing where they were. Each night a meal was delivered to my front door. Most importantly, though, is that these ladies prayed for me when I could not.

The truth: I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who love me and love my kids. I have taken my husband, my mom and my friends for granted; but will not do that again!

The story ends in a place I did not suspect: a picnic table in Lonestar, TX. After months of grieving and anger and seeming isolation from God, I was reminded of the truth by a total stranger. I went to Lonestar for a ladies retreat and was half-heartedly excited about the 8 hours of "silent time" when we were supposed to take a break from the world and spend time with God. Honestly, I had decided to use that time to get some work done. But after hearing the words of our speaker on Friday night, I thought I would give it a shot. I spent 8 hours crying and sleeping - but not listening to God. That night after dinner, we had a "celebration campfire" where all the women talked out about their encounters with God. I sat and listened (feeling even worse by virtue of everyone else's good fortune) and swore I would not ruin the evening for the other ladies. Then we were asked if anyone was disappointed and I couldn't help myself - I spilled my guts. I was immediately surrounded by 30 women who laid their hands on me and prayed. Of all the words I words I heard that night at the picnic table, the ones that struck me deepest were by our speaker (a stranger to me before that weekend). She prayed that God would quiet the lies and speak loudly the truth.

The lie: God was not listening to me and had abandoned me when I needed Him most

The truth: I was not listening to God, who was there all along!

Thanks be to God - I am able to pray again. Thanks be to God - I am able to hear Him speak. Thanks be to God - I am able to worship again. Thanks be to God - I can feel His presense. Thanks be to God!

Christmas, parts 2 and 3

Once the kids were out of school for their 2 week "Winter Break", we decided to head to Beaumont to see my grandparents. On Christmas Eve, they were celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary so I wanted to be sure we got down to see them. The kids love their great-grandparents. They are a true blessing in our lives.

Abby, Emma & Silas play ball with papaw; mamaw looks on

Abby and papaw "take a nap" on the back porch swing

We arrived back in Tyler just in time to spend Christmas morning at our house. All three of our kids still believe in Santa so it is incredibly fun to get ready for the "big event". The kids made cookies for Santa, put reindeer food on the front lawn and got in bed compliantly at 8:00 p.m. Only then did the evening really get going...Jeff and I both on the floor of the living room with instruction booklets for our assigned construction project. I built a 3-story dream home and Jeff put tother a motorized scooter and a race track with hundreds of tiny pieces. "Some assembly required" meant several hours of work for us. Of course, it was totally worth it...

Abby got a "motorcycle" (as she calls it)

Silas got a Mario Kart race track

and Emma got a Barbie Dream House

Christmas, part 1

We had our first Christmas celebration a few weeks ago in Nacogdoches with Jeff's mom. The kids absoultely love to go to her house...they get to see their Nanne Sue, eat hummy food and play in a big backyard with a swing. Abby would spend the entire time on the swing if we allowed:

Jeff's mom, Bonnie, has a new hobby: she is learning to play the dulcimer. She learned a few new songs for our visit and Silas was totally mesmerized:


After our outside play and entertainment, Nanne Sue had presents for all. What can be better than several huge boxes wrapped in beautiful paper with big bows. Emma got the unwrapping started:

We all had a great laugh when we opened the boxes and found "Snuggies" for everyone. These are the blankets with sleeves that people constantly make fun of. She bought three in kids sizes...

And two in adult size:

As silly as the commercials are...we have been so happy to have these this winter. I literally use mine every evening and the kids wear them to bed like giant robes. We love them.

The Trip

Several years ago, Jeff and I decided that we wanted to make our childrens' 6th birthdays very special and memorable. Since that is the year they start Kindergarden and by 6 they are old enough to remember, we have done special trips.

Silas turned 6 on November 20th so we took a Disney Cruise. I can't imagine that I even need to say how fabulous it was. The service was excellent, the food was great and the kids had a great time (minus Abby who stayed in Tyler with her "Nona").

We ate ice cream before lunch

and swam in the middle of November

and played in the Atlantic Ocean

and held up rockets with our brute strength...

First Day of School

Emma

Emma started 2nd grade today. She has Mr. Simms, who taught 5th grade last year at Rice. She came home today talking about how funny he is and how he likes to play games and make jokes. She had a fabulous, but rather serious, teacher last year so this will be a change. I'm thankful for varying opportunities and the chance to interact with lots of personalities. She knows a few of her classmates but is also going to have lots of new friends in the coming weeks. She has been asked to read at least 20 minutes each night as well as study her spelling, vocabulary and math. She will have a test each Friday. Emma desires perfection in herself and strives to be the best. She has a kind heart and loves to help others. She will bless many people...

Silas

Silas started Kindergarten today at Rice. He is in Ms. Jordan's class (the same K teacher Emma had). She is a wonderful woman who has spent 30+ years helping 5 year olds learn how to start and succeed at school. She is kind and loving; with a very structured classroom. I know from past experience that she is going to bless Silas this year. He will also have a little time outside the classroom at speech therapy. We expect he will start twice a week then reduce to once per week. He has made amazing progress in his speech and should be completely dismissed from the special education program by Christmas. Silas is eager to learn and has a complex, intelligent mind. I can't wait to see what he becomes...

Abby

Abby is going to school at Little People's School again this year. She is in the purple room which is specifically for boys and girls who are almost three or just three. Most of her class is learning to use the potty; her teachers are very patient women. She will learn her numbers, colors and be introduced to the letters in the alphabet. She is also going to have a special (and new) class this year called "world wise" that will be 30 minutes every day. A wonderful Christian woman who spent lots of years in Africa as a missionary is teaching the kids about different cultures around the world using music, dance, food and art. How many 3 year olds get that type of exposure? Abby is a calm and gentle soul. She is almost always happy and is delighted to go along with whatever is happening. Even though she is still hard to understand, she can sing songs without missing even one note. She has music in her heart...

Grapevine Botanical Gardens

I had no idea that there were gardens in Grapevine, Texas. What a find! Thanks to my sister-in-law, we used this fab spot to take some photos. I did a "shoot" with my kids, with her kids and then some will all the cousins. It was hot...and the kids got tired...but we got a few usable pictures.

Silas swims

Silas swims the backstroke

Silas has been on the Apple Gators swim team this summer. Their season is almost over and he is really going to miss it. He has been going to "swim team" every weekday morning from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. He has also competed in two swim meets. He never wins...but he loves the water and has been a great member of the team.

Thad's Birthday Party

We had such a good time at Thad's birthday party.

He was surrounded by Godly families who were willing to take time out of their week to celebrate his birthday - most of whom had never met him. Forty moms, dads, cousins, grandmothers, sister and brothers swam, ate pizza, swam, ate cake and ice cream, swam, watched Thad open presents and then swam some more.

By 8:00 p.m., we were all exhausted...but so encouraged by the love that was shown to our family. I'm thankful for our life in the Spirit and others who choose to live their lives in the Spirit as well. God has blessed us greatly and now Thad has been blessed. Please pray for our family and his future.

Another one "bites" the dust

Silas at 9:30 p.m.

Silas pulled another loose tooth this evening after our swim. We noticed that both front bottom teeth were loose this morning but one was much more loose than the other so we assumed there would be several days (or weeks) between the teeth coming out. No way, not for Silas.

He's been messing with that thing all day and finally told me, "e-mail the tooth fairy and tell her I've got another one". How can you argue with that?

Silas lost his first tooth

Silas this morning at breakfast...

Silas just after lunch...

The first lost tooth is just as exciting for the second child as it is for the first. Without any warning, Silas woke up with a loose tooth and it was out by 2:00 p.m. He worked on it all morning with his fingers and tongue and then asked me to pull it out. I worked it loose and then he pulled it out himself.

Homesick

Have you ever been homesick? Well, I have and it stinks. Especially as a child, homesickness is more than just a feeling - it takes on physical forms like stomach ache and tears.

Emma is in Nachogdoches for the week (going to day camp with her cousin, Thad) and she had a bout of homesickness yesterday. When we spoke on the phone, she was in tears - ready to come come. In fact, she had already packed her bag! As it was early afternoon, I told her that Abby was asleep and I could not go anywhere until she woke up. I assured her that I would make a plan with Jeff's mom and call back when Abby was awake.

Thankfully, Bonnie was a 2nd grade teacher for many years and understands the emotions and outbursts of 8 year olds. As it turns out, a bit of distraction and fun solved the problem and Emma stayed without having to call again.

Thank you, God for loving grandmothers!

Meanwhile, back here in Tyler, I had two smaller children who were anxious to get in a running sprinkler (after nearly 2 hours in the pool)...

Three extra wishes

Today was Silas' first swim meet. He and Jeff left at 6:00 a.m. to be in Lufkin by 7:45. He swam in three races and came in dead last every time. Thankfully for us, Silas loves to swim and could care less whether he was first or last.

As soon as he was done with his third race, we all converged on Nanne Sue's house in Nacogdoches. Earlier in the week, Silas had requested a cake to celebrate his first swim meet. Nanne Sue and Thad accepted the challenge and created a cake that looked like a swimming pool. Even though it was not anyone's birthday, Thad decided they needed to add three candles to give Silas "three extra wishes". What a sweet and thoughtful cousin.

After lunch and "pool cake", we got out in the back yard and the kids played with water balloons:

After about half an hour outside in the 100 degree weather,

we went in the house to play some games. Jeff got in on the action:

One game the kids love is "button, button" where Nanne Sue plays the piano. The object of the game is not to hide the button from her, but the kids think it is so funny to do so...

What can be better than a day at grandma's house with a super fun cousin?

Silas the Psalmist

This last semester, Silas' Wednesday night bible class learned the 23rd Psalm. Thanks to two women of God, the little boys in that class have learned the entire chapter.

Several weeks ago, when Silas was just about done with school, he stuck his head into the office of our pulpit minister to tell him about learning these memory verses. Silas held out his piece of paper and recited the entire chapter (of course, he cannot read so the paper was just a prop). In a moment of insanity, Jeff (Christian) asked if Silas would like to say it in front of the church.

Silas said, "sure"
Jeff said, "it will be in front of like a million people"
Silas, "OK"

Nanne Sue (Jeff's mom) came from Nacogdoches and Nona (my mom) was sure to get a front row seat. I slipped down to the front row to get video and up Silas went onto the stage.

and now, the rest of the story.....

Breast Cancer

Stephanie Harris has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Please pray for her. Also, please pray for her husband, David and her children, Trevin, Aspen and Blake.

In the next few weeks, we will mobilize a team to help the family in any way we can. Think of ways you can help then let's get together...

God is the great healer.

Please pray for my friend

A friend of mine from church is going for a breast biopsy at 1:00 p.m. today. Please pray for her. She has young children - 10, 7 and 4 - and is a faithful christian woman who loves God and her family very much.

By some strange coincidence, we actually lived in the same small town in New Mexico. My family spent 17 years in Farmington, NM. Her family lived there during a portion of that time. We attended the same small church (200 members). Now we both live in Tyler, TX - go figure.

She and I help each other every weekday - I pick up her kids in the morning and she brings Emma home to me in the afternoon (so Abby can get a good nap). She is a blessing in my life and I am earnestly praying that whatever was seen on the mamogram is a non-issue.

Go get your mamogram!

My sweet Easter bunny

Last January (2008), Abby got ear tubes. In October, we found out that they had both come out of her ear drums (this happens naturally as a child grows). For some children, the one year with tubes is enough for them to "grow out of ear infections". Not for Abigail.

Within 2 weeks of the tubes coming out, she had a ear infection. Each month after that, she developed another ear infection. We worked with the pediatrician and she took 10 days of antibiotics every 30 days (each month we tried some new 'wonder' drug). In March, she was put on 30 days of some incredibly expensive medicine. By day 20, she had another ear infection. We found ourselves back in the surgeon's office.

He has scheduled surgery for May 11th - the day after Mother's Day. She will have her tonsils and adenoids out and a new set of tubes put in. We'll be at ETMC for 'at least' one night. I hope we go home on Tuesday morning.

Pray for Abigail. She is not quite old enough to understand what is going on so she may be quite upset about all the pain. She is, however, young and resilient so the healing should be fast.

OnStar, take me away!

This was one of those days (we've all had them). Up on time and feeling good about the speed of the morning's necessary activities, I headed into the bathroom with just enough time to brush my teeth and slip on my shoes. Much to my disappointment, I was not wearing any make-up. Five minutes later I was headed to the door yelling, "HURRY UP DOES NOT MEAN JUST STAND THERE...COME ON". Into the van, buckle Abby, buckle myself, key in ignition...click...click...click. "OH, *@#%&*" (to myself of course). The van would not start. Call Stephanie (whose kids I pick up in the morning) - she comes in the blink of an eye and has Emma on her way to school. One call to OnStar and the towing company is on the way. Note to self: must leave van running for 45 minutes after "jump start".

Finally, I get the kids to school, deliver food for "teacher appreciation week" and am at work only 15 minutes late. Get coffee, do important legal work (HAHA!), everything is fine. At 1:00 I am thinking "van, please start". As I walk to the van I realize I do not have my keys. Of course, they are laying in the console - I can clearly see them through the window. One more call to OnStar, reveal super-secret code to "agent" on other end of call, van doors are open. YEAH!

So much stress has built up that I decide to make cookies "for the kids' snack" (yeah - if you've ever met me you know that I eat to relieve stress). The mixer is on and Silas is in the living room playing Wii saying something about the "studs" or "power packs". Who knows? I can't hear him. So I respond with what I believe to be an appropriate phrase.

Thank you, Silas, for bringing me back to the real world

and back to what is really important.

He says, "no, mommy...that was not a time to say 'whoa, baby', that was a time to say, 'oh, man'". Without any hint of having his feelings hurt he goes back to playing Wii and leaves me thinking that I should worry less about things outside of my control and worry more about hearing the "important" things around me.

The revolving...no, sliding door

We are in and out of the doctor's office all the time. I took Abby to the ear, nose and throat surgeon this morning. When we were in 6 weeks ago, he said she was likely on the way to the operating room (for ear tubes, tonsils, adenoids) but that he wanted to give her 6 weeks on a steroid to see if that cleared the fluid. Thanks be to God...it worked. She will not have surgery right now. Next winter will be another story.

But before any of this good news, we made a very dramatic entrance into the office. Abby has a thing about doors - she likes them closed. She is insistent that doors be closed. So, when she saw the automatic sliding door open, she put her hand on it to close it. Of course, her fat little hand got stuck (the door remaining in the open position because she was standing there). With my super-human mommy strength, I pulled the door closed enough to free her hand. Nurses came running and ice packs were applied. Thank you, God for soft and flexible 2 year old bones. Her wrist is bruised by fine. I'll see if I can post a picture this afternoon.

My shining stars

Indulge me while I brag about my kids...they are doing some amazing things:

Silas made the front page of the Tyler newspaper

Silas' class from Little People's went to the library two weeks ago to hear a special reading of "The Napping House". Some story-tellers had come in from Austin and his class ended up on the front row at the reading. When the ladies had a sing-along that included some make-believe motorcylce riding, Silas was ready to go. Lucky for us, a photographer from the paper was there. The newpaper online has a much clearer photo.

Meanwhile, Emma has had an adventure of her own. After the first of the year, she was screened for the Gifted and Talented program at her school. We got a letter saying that she was eligible to move forward to the second level of screening. She went last week for a day of testing. We are so proud of her math, reading and overall abilities in school. Her teacher says she is easy to teach and eager to learn. Let's pray that lasts her whole life.

Abby - well, she's my sweet angel. She loves to go to "school" 4 days each week and can say the names of all of her friends. I found out today that she even has a boyfriend at school - Logan. Don't worry, he comes from a good family. Would you believe she chose the only other child-of-a-lawyer at her school? Unfortunately for him, I think she will end up being about 6 inches taller (based on his parents' heights).