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Thursday, February 28, 2013

In Recovery

Janessa is safely out of surgery and being kept comfortable with very small doses of morphine (sounds scary...but it seems to be helping)



Everything went exactly as it was supposed to (once they got started!) and the surgery was almost exactly 2 hours. She woke up from anesthesia calmly which is apparently unusual for a child so that was a pleasant surprise!

She is now in a pediatric room overnight and I am expecting a rough night ahead. There probably won't be much sleeping happening so pray for this pregnant mommy that I don't go crazy! 

Janessa is now snuggling with daddy and resting! 



We plan to be here until tomorrow afternoon at this point!

Again...thank you for all of the prayers...they are/were certainly appreciated!

Surgery Day...So Far

Here we are, waiting in the waiting room for Janessa to get out of surgery. Here is a synopsis of our day so far:

9:30--We arrived at Strong and Janessa played in the waiting room until about 10:00


10:15 am-- the nurse came and checked her vitals...they were perfect!

10:20 am-- Our Youth Pastor, DL, and Worship Pastor, Mike came to visit and pray (they also happen to be good friends)


And then we waited...and waited...and Janessa fell alseep in Daddy's arms before realizing how hungry she was...


11:30 am-- Janessa woke up...and she was hungry...so we entertained her...



...and she continued to be hungry until they FINALLY came to take her at around 1:00 pm


Thankfully she likes strangers and this wasn't heartbreaking!

At 1:30 pm, the ENT came out and told us that she is doing great. Her ear tubes were in and VERY necessary!

That is all for now but will keep you posted. Thank you for all of your prayers!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Cleft Palate Surgery

It's here...well it will be here tomorrow

We will be taking our sweet baby girl into Strong Memorial Hospital at 9:30am to have her Cleft Palate repaired and tubes put in her ears to prevent future infections (or at least many of them!). Prayers are appreciated.

I do plan to update throughout the day on her progress for those who are interested in following along. Right now, we really do not know what to expect in terms of recovery but supposedly it won't be too bad. This worried mama would like to be sure of that!

So....here is a picture that my cousin (Thanks Christi!) managed to capture on accident a few weeks back and it actually allows you to see the hole in the roof of her mouth: (Don't mind the drool)

Tomorrow morning, God willing, her is a picture of what they will do:



Seems simple enough to me. As far as we know, Janessa will wear elbow restraints for 2 weeks to prevent her from touching her mouth or putting anything in it. They say that she will be uncomfortable just for a day or two with soreness and pain but it will be easily controlled with medication. She will be unable to use her pacifier (sad for mommy and daddy). 

That is all we know for now. We will keep you all updated and appreciate the prayers!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

New Surgery Date

Janessa's surgeons are awesome. While I was happy with the fact that her ENT was going to do the tubes this week to prevent more infections, they still rearranged their  schedules and the hospital accommodated them. They are able to do BOTH procedures on February 28th (2 weeks from now) so she will only be under anesthesia once. I believe if the same problem happens again, we will not be the ones that are rescheduled so I am thankful for that and am thankful that I trust in the Lord and am able to see that somehow this is his provision and protection for us...


....but man am I tired!

Surgery Cancelled

Thank you all for your prayers this morning, however, Janessa's surgery was cancelled. Apparently they discovered at 6:30am that there weren't enough beds for the surgical patients today so they called us at 6:58 (while we were pulling into the parking garage) to let us know that.

Obviously I am still a little bit angry at how the hospital runs especially after speaking to the man who was in charge of all of this. However, we do realize that this is all in God's hands and for whatever reason, it is in Janessa's best interest to not have her surgery today. I am just upset at how Strong apparently deals with these cases.

I will update when I know for sure when her cleft surgery will be...it is not rescheduled yet at this point but is in the works.

I did however speak to the ENT who was putting tubes in her ears and she will be going ahead with that sometime this next week to prevent further ear infections. She called me at 7:45 this morning and was SOOOOO incredibly nice. She was fine before with waiting to do the tubes so that Janessa could just go under anesthesia once but now that it is delayed, she does not want to put it off any longer.

I am very thankful for her as my biggest concern in all of this is Janessa's hearing.

Again thank you for your prayers and sorry for the false alarm!

I will update again soon...after I take a nap!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Rite Aid Deals 2.10 to 2.16

For those of you who know me well, you know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE couponing. I have taken a break from posting store deals but am going to start up again. My deals are based on my local deals in Fairport, NY. Rather than trying to post deals from several different stores, I have simplified my life and try to stick to just shopping at Rite Aid and Kmart for my coupon deals. I just don't have time to go to several different stores each week. Please feel free to contact me with any questions! Happy Shopping!


Colgate Max Toothpaste 6 oz.--$3.50
-Receive $3.00 +UP Reward (limit 4)
-$1.00/2 Colgate Toothpaste, 4 oz+ SS Insert (exp 03/02/2013)
Final Price: 2 Free!


2/$3.00 items—Receive $1.00 +UP Rewards (limit 4 rewards)
Ricola throat drops (19-24 ct.)
-$1/2 Ricola Bags SS Insert (exp 03/06/2013)

Chap Stick .15oz
-$1/2 ChapStick RP Insert (exp 03/09/2013)

Luden’s Cough Drops (25-30 ct)
-$1/2 Ludens, 25 ct or 30 ct SS Insert (exp 03/17/2013) Sucrets (18 ct.)

Carmex (.15-.25oz)

Lypsyl (.1 oz)
-$0.50/1 LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer SS Insert (exp 03/10/2013) (Regional)

Ocean Nasal Spray (3.5 oz.)
- $1/1 Ocean Nasal Saline Product (IE) Bricks Rolling












Hershey’s, Reese’s or Nestle Valentine Bags 8-8.5 oz.; M&M’s Valentine’s Bags $2.99-Receive $1+UP Rewards (limit 4)
 $1/2 Mars Valentine Bags coupon found in the Feb. Video Values
$1/2 Hershey’s Kisses coupon found in the Feb. Video Values.
-$1.50/2 M&M's, 9.9 oz+ RP Insert (exp 03/10/2013) 

Final Price: As low as $.74!


Lipton/Knorr Sides--$1.00
-$0.50/2 Knorr, rice & pasta sides RP Insert (exp 02/24/2013)
Final Price: $.75 each when you buy 2

Colgate Manual Toothbrush--$2.99
-Receive $2.00+UP Reward (limit 4)
Final Price: $.99 each


Right Guard or Dry Idea Antiperspirant or Deoderant--$2.99
-Receive $1.00+UP Reward (limit 2)
-$2/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 or Xtreme Deodorant Products, Not to be combined with any other offer Betty Crocker (exp 03/10/2013) 
-$2/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 or Xtreme Deodorant Products, Not to be combined with any other offer Coupons.com (exp 03/03/2013) 
-$1/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Deodorant, Anitperspirant, Gel, Bodywash or Bar, 6 or 8 pk Facebook Rolling

-$2/2 Dry Idea Roll-On or Gel Products Coupons.com (exp 03/03/2013) 
Final Price: As low as $1.00 each


Clorox Bleach (64-96 oz.)--$1.97
-$0.50/1 Clorox Liquid Bleach, 55 oz+ Clorox Rolling (must share "bleachable moment" for coupon)
Final Price: $1.47

Orville Redenbacher Microwave Popcorn (3 pack)--2/$5.00

-Receive $1.00 +UP Rewards when you buy 2 (limit 3)
 $1.00/2 Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn, 3 pack+ SS Insert (exp 03/03/2013)
Final Price: $1.50 Each when you buy 2


Kotex Maxi Pads (14-24 ct.), Pantiliners (48-64 ct.), Tampons 18 ct.--2/$6
-Receive $1.00+Up Reward when you buy 2 (limit 2)
-$1.50/2 Kotex Natural Balance, not valid on 14 - 22 ct SS Insert (exp 02/23/2013) 
$2/2 Kotex Natural Balance Products, Not good on Liners 14-22 ct Coupons.com (exp 03/03/2013)
Final Price: As low as $1.50 each

Playtex Gentle Glide or Sport Tampons (18 ct.)--$3.99
-Receive $1.00+UP Reward (limit 2)
-$1/1 Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons or Sport Tampons SS Insert (exp 02/24/2013) 
-$1/1 Playtex Sport Tampons, 14 ct+ Playtex Rolling 
Final Price: $1.99

got2b Hair Care--$3.99
-$2/1 Got2B, full size RP Insert (exp 03/17/2013)
Final Price: $1.99

Scope 710mL-1Liter--$4.19
-Receive $1.00+UP Reward
-$1/1 Scope, 750 mL RP Insert (exp 03/31/2013) 
Final Price: $2.19


Triaminic Cough Syrups (Daytime Cherry or Nightime Grape)--$5.99
-Receive $1.00+UP Reward (limit 2 offers)
-$3/2 Triaminic SS Insert (exp 03/31/2013)
-$1/1 Triaminic SS Insert (exp 03/31/2013)
-$2/1 Triaminic Product CouponNetwork.com (exp 03/24/2013)
-$3/2 Triaminic Products Coupons.com (exp 03/03/2013) 
-$2/1 Triaminic Product Coupons.com (exp 03/03/2013)
Final Price: As low as $2.99



Covergirl products--Spend $10.00 Receive $3.00+UP Rewards
-$1/1 CoverGirl, excludes accessories & trial size P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013)
-$3/2 CoverGirl, excludes accessories & trial size P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013)
Final Price: Varies

L'Oreal Preference Hair Color-$9.99

-$2.00 off in-ad Rite Aid Coupon
-$2/1 L'Oreal Preference RP Insert (exp 04/05/2013)
Final Price: $5.99

Old Spice (Fresh Collection, Red Zone Antiperspirant or Body Spray 2.6-4oz)--2/$8.00

Gillette Antiperspirant/Deodorant--2/$8.00
Gillette or Old Spice body Wash--2/$8.00
Secret Antiperspirant or Body Spray--2/$8.00
-Receive $2.00+UP Reward when you buy 2
-$1/2 Old Spice P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013)
-$1/2 Gillette, deodorants or body wash, excludes trial size P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013)
-$1/1 Secret Outlast, Scent Expressions, or body spray, excludes .5 oz & trial size P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013)
Final Price:  $2.50 each when you buy 2 Gillette or Old Spice
                     $2.00 each when you buy Secret Scent Expressions or Body Spray

Huggies Pull Ups Jumbo Pack--$9.49

-Receive $1.00+UP Reward
-$2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants , Jumbo Pack+ Pull-ups Rolling
Final Price: $6.49 after coupon and Rewards

Vicks NyQuil or DayQuil Twin Packs--$10.99

-Receive $1.00+UP Reward
-$1/1 Vicks, excludes VapoDrops & ZZZQuil P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013) 
Final Price: $8.99

Gillette ProGlide, Fusion, MACH3, or Venus Cartridge Refill, Gillette or Satin Care Shave Gel or Foam 7-11 oz.
-Get a $10 +Up Reward when you buy $30 worth (limit 2 offers)
-$1/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Shave Prep or Fusion ProSeries Skin Care, excludes trial size P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013) 
-$10/1 Gillette Mach3 Razor WYB Cartridge, 4 ct+, excludes disposables & trial size P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013)
-B1G1 Fusion Shave Prep, up to $3.99 WYB Gillette Series or Fusion Shave Prep RP Insert (exp 02/28/2013) 




Pampers Super Pack Diapers--$24.99
-Receive $5.00+UP Reward (limit 2)
-$1/2 Pampers bags or (1) box diapers or pants, excludes trial size P&G Insert (exp 02/28/2013)
-$1.50/1 Pampers Baby Dry Diapers, excludes trial/travel size Coupons.com (exp 03/03/2013) 
-$1.50/1 Pampers Baby Dry Diapers, excludes trial/travel size Betty Crocker (exp 03/10/2013)
Final Price: $18.49 after rewards



Monday, February 4, 2013

Surprise...another baby! Giving God Control.

So....the day after Christmas we found out we were expecting little miracle number 4. That's right, I am now 10 weeks pregnant. (this is the longest we've ever kept it a secret) I would love to say that I was elated and beyond excited to have another baby...I mean...I love babies, right? And we really didn't think that our family was complete yet anyways, but still...I was shocked...overwhelmed...and feelings of dread came over me about telling anyone. Do I really want to be a stay-at-home-mom of four under the age of 5! I didn't want to hear other peoples opinions about our growing family...or know that they were talking about it behind our backs. Most people just can't fathom the idea of having 4 children. Even though I wasn't all that happy about it myself, I was more concerned that others would talk negatively about our beautiful unborn child. I actually convinced myself that I wasn't really pregnant and my body was playing tricks on me...until my first doctors appointment where I saw our tiny peanut of a miracle on the ultrasound...with a strong heartbeat!
These were the best shots we could get of the kids. Believe it or not, that  "in motion" picture of Janessa  was our best option even though the flash went off!


Of course...hubby was just excited as usual! (Probably a good thing). The kids are excited too.

Our first two girls (Keira and Libby) are 19 months apart. It was hard. Janessa and this new little love will be 17 months apart. I know that in a few years it will be wonderful to have such close playmates, but still...I felt really guilty that I was feeling anything but joy for this child.

By the way...Tom thinks that if its a girl, her middle name should be Joy...ironic! I can't even fathom it being a boy...we don't make those....and I wouldn't' know what to do! haha

I'm nervous....what if this one has a cleft palate too? What if this baby has kidney reflux like Libby? What if there is something else wrong...worse? Aren't you supposed to worry about these things with your first child...not your fourth?

But...this baby is perfectly the way God made them....God says so.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." -Psalm 139:13

...and my other children are perfectly the way God made them too...issues and all!

 I am excited. I will be more excited after we get though Janessa's surgery next week. This child is a joy. It is a miracle. I am honored that the Lord would bless us with a fourth child.

I expect that people will ask: "If it's a boy, will you be done?". The answer is still...it is up to God. We truly feel that God has called our family to allow God to control this area of our lives completely.

I know that people will look at us like crazy people for wanting 4 children...or even more perhaps..but I cannot let that take my joy from me.  I cannot worry about the opinions of others. I can only be obedient to what God has called  me to.  I urge you if you struggle with giving God control of a certain area of your own life to just do it. He makes all things great.

He will never forsake us or leave us. His will is perfect.

Just for fun...did you know that at 10 weeks pregnant my baby is already moving and kicking. It's heart has been beating for 5 weeks now. This miracle has all of its organs and some are already functioning! At this stage in my last pregnancy, Janessa would have already had her cleft palate! During the 5th week the heart forms into 4 chambers, and actually starts beating and pumping blood...this is before most abortions take place.

The more I think about how the creation of life is such a miracle, the more excited I get that God chose me to have another one!

I love to read your comments so please comment below!