Hannah Mai's First Allergy

The day seemed to be going as any other. I had my bowl of cereal for breakfast, went for a walk around the neighborhood, and met up with some friends for Starbucks. I took my car to get it checked out (after a fender-bender on Friday) and hung out with my husband James while we waited. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I finished his Starbucks as well. Things started to settle down once we got home. I fed Hannah Mai and shortly afterwards, went to change her diaper. Not only was it a poopy one, but it was mixed with blood. I debated whether or not I was imagining things and asked my husband what he thought it looked like. He confirmed my “diagnosis” and I immediately called the pediatrician.

About two and a half hours later, we were walking out of the pediatrician’s office with the verdict – an allergy to a protein in cow’s milk. She’s nearly three months old, why didn’t we know this sooner? Thanks to my day full of dairy (remember the Starbucks?), we found out the hard way. Considering she’s breastfed, it means her mommy, aka yours truly, has to either cut dairy out of her diet or switch to formula. Can I do that? What about my morning cereal? What about my chocolate? What about my beloved Starbucks?! After the initial shell shock I tried to think logically. Well, there is soy milk, I could substitute. But would I like it? How long would it take to get used to it? Thoughtfully, my wonderful neighbor Amy promptly sent her oldest son over to my house with some to try. And it was not all that bad after all. She also informed me that they make it in many different flavors and I was sure to find one I liked. Okay, so that problem is solved. Now what about my chocolate? Here’s where my friend Kelly comes in. Her oldest child is also allergic and she’s been substituting for several years now. She reminded me that there are brownie mixes and cocoa recipes that don’t call for milk. She promises I can still get my chocolate fix.

The pediatrician said he sees about two to three patients per year with this situation and Hannah Mai’s diaper was “textbook” perfect. Great. Look what we get to brag about! I read that only one to three percent of children actually have an allergy to this protein. Fortunately, I was assured that most children grow out of it by the age of one and many of the remaining ones grow out of it by three. Then there are poor kids like Kelly’s son who get it for good. Where will Hannah Mai fall?

It should be an interesting transition, that’s for sure. I always says I’m up for a challenge if it’s able to be overcome. I guess this is my newest!



Take care,
Terra

Safe and Sound - A Praise!

So today I (Terra) was rear-ended. Oh yeah - the joy. However, I have nothing but praise to announce regardless.

#1 - Hannah was not with me at the time (she was being babysat while I went to a meeting). Praise God for that.
#2 - I was not hurt. I went to my chiropractor about 3 hrs later and after xrays, he says there is no instability in my neck and I'll probably just be a little sore for a few days. Praise God.
#3 - The young girl that hit me was also not hurt - a little scared but not hurt. Praise God.
#4 - My car has very, very little visible damage. There is the tiniest paint scrape and little dent in my license plate. You wouldn't even notice it if you weren't trying. Praise God.
#5 - Her car looked a bit worse than mine but still minimal compared to the potential. Praise God.
#6 - An off-duty cop pulled up less than 5 min. after it happened, started directing traffic around us and called a cop on duty. Praise God.
#7 - Everything went smoothly. The girl admitted she "must not have been paying attention". Her dad showed up to help take care of the details (ins., contact info, etc). He even called the car place to let them know I'd be bringing in my car for a checkup (just to make sure there's nothing wrong) and to bill him. Praise God.
#8 - It was my own car that it happened to. Just hours before I'd discussed switching cars with the babysitter (a friend of mine) so she would be able to drive to the grocery with Hannah's car seat. She decided she'd just wait. Otherwise, I would have wrecked HER car. Praise God.
#9 - I was just hired to do some part-time assistant help for very good pay - at home and dealing with my undergrad. degree! That's the meeting I was leaving from. Praise God.

Needless to say, much could have happened that didn't. I praise God for His love, protection and provisions!!!

In Him,
Terra

Growth in Christ

So often in life it's easy to cruise through each day as if we have a million more to live. Even when we see death all around us, it can be tempting to think that we will somehow escape it. With each day comes a new trial and with each trial comes a lesson in steadfastness and growth in the Lord. Today I stopped to evaluate my growth. And this blog is one result.

I often pray for others to grow in their Christian walks, maybe even subconsciously thinking that I'm ahead of them on the path. I was convicted during Sunday School yesterday of my lack of love for the Word of God. I tend to pick up my Bible (almost every day) and read two chapters and then offer up a quick prayer to God. It's no wonder that I'm not growing more. I need to not only read it but listen to it, study it, memorize it and meditate on it knowing that Christ will reveal Himself to me if I do. THAT is what it means to love the Word.

On another note, tonight I told someone that "I had to have the internet at home" because "my world revolved around it." There is something incredibly wrong with that statement. My world should first and foremost revolve around Christ, then my husband, then my child - never the internet. Needless to say, I've resolved to fast from the internet for the next week. It will be incredibly hard for me as I probably check my email 20 times a day (no joke). Please pray that I grow in my nearness to God in the process.

Last night, James read his resignation letter to the church. It was not an easy time and there is much uncertainty about our future in the ministry. However, I wholeheartedly believe God will lead us and grow us during this time.

As you can see, much has been happening to cause me to question my sincerity of love for our God. I pray this week rejuvenates me and draws me nearer to Him. Will you pray with me?

Take care...
Terra

P.S. As a side note and a "gift" for those of you that are interested, here are some of the latest pictures of Hannah!