Oh my word.

Has it really been almost a month!

I will write as long as I can!

We will start with clinic, already 2 weeks ago!  EEK!

Ike is doing well, physically.

His numbers were good.  He is gaining weight.  In general, he is a pretty normal kid.

Emotionally.  We have hit a wall.

When Ike was first diagnosed, he was 17 months old.  So he didn't really remember all the pokes and going to the hospital.

That has changed.

This last visit was AWFUL!

Kicking, punching, screaming, and begging me to take him home.

You can imagine the emotions this pregnant mama was going through.

I cried this time.

I haven't done that in a while.

So, between Miss Jen and I, we are going to work on anger management with Ike.   At home and at clinic.

I am praying for some wisdom and break through in this area, because emotionally, this sucks.

That's all I can say about that.

Ok, lets see here...

Laney is going to be a bat for Halloween.  Where she got the idea?  The only thing I can think of, is my mom is afraid of bats, and she wants to scare here!  What an odd thing for a 5 year old?

And of course, she had to put Ike in it as well....

We also celebrated Gabby's second birthday!

I am never really one to talk about how fast my kids are growing up, but her life in particular seems to be going by fast!  She seems like such a baby to me still!  When Laney was 2, I thought she was so big!

Gabby got babies, the Cinderella movie, duplos, giant ponies, and baby accessories!  I think her favorite part was helping me make cupcakes!  Laney and Ike loved that as well!

Onto the next....

My sister bought my family a membership to the Children's museum which we have used often already!  

And here are some random photos of a life in the Quist family!

We have been really loving watching baseball, so Jacob had Gabby show off her favorite team!

 

And Laney, once again. Sometimes I wonder what she is thinking....

 

This is Thumbelina.  She was a beloved doll.  She must have gotten caught in a fly trap?!

So random.....

I am officially 7 months!  I will put a photo up here shortly.  And I am proud to say, without saying, that we are officially done having kids!  I'm super excited to meet this baby girl!  But am excited to have my body back.

And well, now everyone is awake, and I must move on with my day!  Sorry for the lack of "flow."  But, I had to get something down!

Adios!

Hello blogging world!

Here I am again.

Life has continued on.  Even with insanity.

I am just going to catch you up with pictures.

We have been loving the cooler weather.  I now begin my morning with a cup of coffee.  Well, as much as I can drink of it!  Ike has been joining me during my 6 a.m. quiet time.  Which I find frustrating at times.  But, so is life.

We have been back to baking in this house again!  Halloween has inspired cookie making of all sorts!

Laney and Ike are masters on the i-pad.  And now Gabby is getting pretty good at it as well!

And Gabby is most certainly in the "two" phase.  Although she will not be 2 for another 2 weeks, she is in full swing!  Realizing her independence and enforcing it whenever she can!  I walked into my bedroom for 30 seconds and I walk back into the kitchen to find this.

Apparently she REALLY wanted some bananas!  (Side note, I have taken up calling her Wednesday with all her hair!)

My sister Jamie blessed us with a pass to the Children's Museum, and we are all about it!

They are featuring the animal hospital.  And Laney took it upon herself to put them all in cages.  I asked the workers if I could take some to go!  (Cages that is!)

Also, I am now into the 6 month mark!  24 weeks!

And last, but most certainly not least.  I happened to take a video of the what takes place on a daily basis around here.  So, I will leave you all with this!  ENJOY!

 

Hello blogging world.

Sorry no pictures.  Just some thoughts on life.

Lately.  Things have been.....a little challenging.

Laney.

School is going much better than last year, which I am thankful for.  But, still.  Laney is just who she is.  Laney alone has taught me more about life and people than I ever really wanted to know!

Ya see, growing up.  Although I was very mouthy at home, I NEVER challenged another adult. NEVER.  I was and still am a rule follower.

And then God...

Yup, He is always messin' with me.

He gives me Laney.

Laney, who is NOTHING like me.  Who challenges every.single.adult she comes into contact with.  Who has PLANNED escapes from Sunday school because she doesn't like the toys.  Laney, who REFUSED to take the computer test at school.  And every time they opened the lap-top to have her try, she would just slam it shut and say "No."  Who after telling her 5 times to "not pick up other peoples' babies," picks up some random baby and places it on a booth like seat to where the baby couldn't get down.  Why?  WHY?!?!?!??!!?

Seriously. I have read every James Dobson book.  Looked up information on the internet.  Come up with so many creative ideas for discipline to write a book!  And there is nothing I can do.  God has given me a "gift."  A child who will not just do as she is told.  So, I am forced to more patient than ever thought possible.  I have to explain the why and what to EVERYTHING!  Not because I want to, but if I don't, she might come up with her OWN reason why she should do something.  Which is NEVER a good thing.

....deep breath....

So, as I reflect on another challenging day with Laney, I wonder.  "Really, God?!  A fourth?!" 

 (I do want to say, I know there are MANY people out there struggling with having children.  I am really sorry for you pain.  Really, truly I am.  And I want to be sensitive here.  So, please hear my heart!)

I am REALLY just not cut out for this job.  After a day like today, I am so exhausted mentally.  I just really don't want to be in this stage any more.  I hate these training years.

This leads me into my thoughts recently.

After much thought and conversation with friends, I have come to the conclusion that God DOES give us more than we can handle.

Yup.

Because then we so desperately need Him, we would not survive with out Him!  (or our children for that matter!)

That is why Laney is my gift.

She has caused me to seek God in ways I never dreamed of!  I am on my face for her DAILY!  I read the word of God with her DAILY!  I pray with her, DAILY!  I believe God for break through in parenting her.  I ask for wisdom to get into Laney's head, because I know my King knows her heart. I pray a thousand times a day for PATIENCE!

Talk about a way to get my attention!

Not that I wouldn't have sought God, but Laney has FORCED me to seek Him!  I am at a lost most days in what to do!  Trying to force Laney to do anything is a JOKE!

And God, in all His goodness, does give me moments.  Some are things to laugh at.  But, sometimes.  Every once in a while.  God shows me the person Laney will be.  Although it does not change the fact I am frustrated RIGHT NOW!  But, it gives me a glimmer of hope.  Of things eternal.  Of the things that really matter.

Like when Laney cries because somebody doesn't believe in Jesus.  How when I give her a kiss she says, "I am NEVER going to wipe that off!  Because I love you that much!"  Who prays for her little friend in class who is always getting in trouble.  When Laney writes lyrics and sings songs written to HER King, Jesus, from her own heart!  Laney, at her core, is good.

If God have given me Ike or Gabby first.  I would never have appreciated them.  Also, I would most certainly be very proud of the parent I was! Gabby and Ike are very compliant and easily entertained.  They don't tell me things like, "Mom.  You are wrong.  I can hear better than you.  It is "Fairy God Parents", not, "Fairly Odd Parents."  (Remember.  She is 5)  They sit and read books.  Clean up toys when they are asked.  THEY LIKE TO SLEEP!

Any bit of pride I might have had as a parent has been totally burned away.  I can honestly say that if there is ANY inkling of good parenting in my body, it is all from God.  His wisdom. His ideas.  Because apart from Him, I got nothing.

So, as I close another day in the "Life with Laney", I am thankful for her teacher as she sees that Laney is stubborn, but is quick to mention her good heart!  I am thankful for the mom, that as she was nursing, let Laney touch her baby.  I am thankful that Laney will follow Christ all the days of her life.  And not because of what she was "told to do", but because she genuinely loves Him.  I know that seeking God on her behalf will bring a harvest!  I just have to make it through these years without strangling her!

I am thankful to God for His many gifts.  And although most don't feel like gifts at the time, I am thankful that He does allow me to see His eternal in all the trials.

And that my friends, are my thoughts for the day.  A bit random, as I used up all my logic on the person described above!

Adios!

I had clinic today, but I want to stay in order.

Last week was awful.

Isaac broke our toilet.

2 kids, a preggo and only ONE toilet in the house is not cool.

A new toilet later, we are all happy.  We are doing our best to keep toys OUT of the toilet.  Oh, and Gabby from drinking it.  Sigh.

And some more pictures of a day in the life....

Laney dressed Ike up as Rainbow boy.  She was rainbow girl.  Oh IKE!  How I PRAYED this baby was a boy!  Like every second of every day!  I love my girls, and I am sure I will love this one as well.  But, I am so sorry!  When you are 15 and want to die from all the things your sister have and will do to you.  Forgive me.  I really had nothing to do with it!  I just documented it!

And clinic.

Well, actually. Let me begin with the morning.  Oh, lets say, 5:45 IN THE MORNING!

I got up as usual to get some quiet time, and I was met by Ike.  Covered in pee.  Complaining that he couldn't smell his blankies because they too were covered in pee.  Laundry at 5:45 in the morning is so not fun!

As I come up the stairs, I hear Gabby crying.  Sorry girl.  In bed you stayed!  It was too early, and I had too much to do today!

Quiet time.  Exercise.  Get Laney ready for school.

Oh wait, no.  FIGHTING Laney to get ready for school.  Like, lets change our outfits 3 TIMES fighting!  First, NO, you can't wear a dress that has spaghetti straps and is FILTHY dirty!  Second, NO, that SHIRT is NOT a dress.  Even though you are wearing tights!  FINALLY!  Blue tights, with rainbow polka-dots, a black mini skirt, and a leopard print shirt.  I quit.  By then it was 7:30.  I HAD TO GO!

I go get the ONE stroller my husband did not load up.  (He was being super helpful and loaded 2 of 3 thinking for sure I would use one of those)  But the umbrella stroller was needed, as today was spinal day.  (Which I will get to later.)  Lucky me found it FULL of acorns.  So, I was picking Laney's "friends" out of the stroller and running REALLY late!

My mom grabbed Laney and Gabby and took Laney to school, while I got to the hospital as fast as I could.  I was still 10 minutes late.

From there, it was alright.

We got our FAVORITE nurse, Michele.  She got his IV started so quick, I couldn't believe it!  Ike did alright.  He was screaming pretty loud that he wanted to go home, yet he laid very still.  I was so proud of him!  He was really brave.  And Ike will tell you that!

But, the topper for the day.  Spinal tap day.

I officially hate these days.

He woke up from being sedated just swinging away!  Hitting, head butting, you name it!  AWFUL!  I thankfully had help!  Because with a belly on me, and the mad strength of Ike, I could not contain him!

Hence the umbrella stroller.

We have to strap him in super tight, and this is the only stroller that can contain him!  It was nuts!  I looked like a lunatic mom pushing him back upstairs!  Kicking, screaming, and all the works!  Super fun!

We kept Ike locked up for about 30 minutes.  Usually once he starts to eat or drink, it gets better from there.

And, it did.

We played in the toy room.  Ike is always making friends! His counts were ok.  His ANC was around 900, which is a little low.  We like it to be around 1500.  But, he is feeling alright.  So, I guess I am ok with it.  The past few visits have resulted in upping his chemo, which I hate.  That is probably why his ANC has dropped.

The good news is Ike weighs 34 pounds!  That is 5 pounds in 4 months!  He still won't eat.  But, we are thanking God for Ensure.  Although our wallets don't really like it, we will do ANYTHING to keep him putting weight on!

That was clinic!

And now, the moment you all have been waiting for...(not really, but I took a picture!)

My belly pic.  21 weeks!  Now, I on purpose chose this one because I look somewhat skinny in it.  So, hey, be deceived!  I am ok with it!  As long as I look good!  :)

Not to brag, (but maybe I will), this WAS after zumba class.  That's why my hair is super awesome.  But, hey, it's this or nothing!  :)

And that my friends, is another update!  I hope you laughed a little!  As that is always my goal!

Adios!

Alrighty!

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I will do my best to post a belly pic!  I always LOVE seeing belly pictures.  I just keep forgetting to take one of me!

But, now I can finish my update!

For Labor Day, the family headed up north to my dad's trailer in Newaygo.  Where in the woods we get filthy dirty, ride 4 wheelers and golfcarts, go swimming and boating, and eat so much food you can hardly move!  I was able to remember to take a few photos!

We love to go up there!  The night time is always a different story.  Nobody slept much, which makes for one grumpy Mom!  We headed home on Sunday.

We have officially integrated Gabby into living with the Quists.  Soon, she will have her fair share in time out just like everyone else!

She is in time out for refusing to say sorry to Ike for hitting him!  Watch out!  Although very cute, she can hold her own against any 5 year old!  You have been warned!

And lastly, a day in the life.  My kids LOVE to crack eggs.  I buy a carton of eggs just so they can crack them and "help" me bake.  Of course, eggs ended up everywhere!

 

I will do my best to have Jacob take a picture of #4.  I really wanted to record every month, since this will be the LAST one.  But, fail.

Well, that is it for now!

Adios!

I hate insurance.

I just spent 45 minutes on the phone with Priority Health.  Now I get to call Spectrum back.  I am going to wait until tomorrow for that.  Seriously.  So many things I could just yell about.  But, I have other things to share.  So, here goes.

Today was Laney's first day of school! She is attending Byron Center Charter.  Where the aide in her classroom is also one of her Sunday school teachers! I could not ask for a better fit!

I had everything packed the night before.  Up at 5:30 a.m. to do my usual stuff.  And had Laney up by 7.  We might have to make that a little sooner.  But, it worked out well. I didn't cry.  And Laney kept asking me to leave from home and once we got there!  Well, so much for being sentimental at all!  I wanted pictures with her teacher, but Laney refused anything else.

So, here is to Laney on her first day! 

 

And this cracks me up!  Everyone wanted to be in the picture!  One at a time, the kids added themselves!

In each picture, one kid was looking, so you got them all!

And talking about each kid adding THEMSELVES to each picture....

Introducing Quist #4!

New to us, January 22nd.

Surprised?!?!!??  Yah...so were we.

Life is never boring here at the Quist household!

More updates to come!  But I'm gonna let this one sink in for a while.....

This is my first year of having a child "in-school".  Laney did do pre-school.  And that was pretty rough on me, but she really wasn't gone for very long!

This year she will be going all day.  This comes with many mixed emotions.  I'm terrified of un-leashing her on some teacher.  Laney has a beautiful heart, and is not mean in the least bit.  But she is INCREDIBLY strong-willed and impulsive.  For example.  In pre-school.  She didn't care that she was put on yellow.  So, they gave Laney her own time-out chair.  Her response?  "That's ok.  I'll just play with my friends when I'm done!"  And remember how kids are usually better for other adults than you?  Yah, not with Laney.  If she could be with me 24-7, she would be.  Sometimes I wonder if some of this stems from Ike getting sick.  There is really no way to tell. And even if that is the case, we need to nip it in the butt!

Second, I really do love having her home!  As much as I want to pull my hair out sometimes, the thought of someone else taking care of her if she has a hurt heart makes me sad.

Third, I can't wait for the break!  Maybe I will really miss her when she is gone.  But, she could use a good dose of "learning to appreciate your Mom!"  I'm hoping school will bring about an appreciation for how much I do for her.  And the amount of patience I practice on her! I hate even saying that.  But, it's true.

So, I have been feeling VERY overwhelmed.  I have never done this, "enrolling your kid in school" thing.  Lots of running around and paperwork.  All with kids in tow.  Which is super exhausting!  Plus, I don't even really know what to get her!  I bought her a back pack and a lunch box.  Now what?  

And I am thanking God for providing once again.  Laney skipped size 6 and went right into a size 7.  And I had NO CLOTHES for her.  This is not an exaggeration.  I was shocked when I started to go through her clothes!  Thankfully, I have some amazing cousins who passed down ALL their girl clothes to me!  Laney's drawers are full, and she has changed her clothes at least 15 times in 2 days!  We are all set for the school year!

And last but not least, Laney's "first" real hair cut!

About a year ago, I could not stand brushing Laney's tangled mop.  So, I put it in a pony-tail, and cut it off.  Without her knowing!  So, to say it was uneven is an understatement!

So, yesterday, after much convincing that her hair would grow faster and as long as Rapunzel's, we got a real hair cut!

This one is blurry, but totally Laney right now!

And the end product!

Ariel bangs, and soon to be Rapunzel length!  (Yes, this is what I told her!)

She looks so old!  Here is to your first real year of school Laney!  Thanks for all the hands on training!

And that my friends, is it for now!