One whole month.

Eek!

But really, in my defense, 4 kids under 5 is busy.

Jordyn is currently 5 weeks old and we are battling reflux and colic.  I thought I was scott-free, but alas, we have spent the last two days with Jordyn SCREAMING whenever she was awake.  The worst was last night.  The screaming started at 9:30 and lasted until 1 a.m.  No joke.  This is kind of hard to juggle with 3 other kids who really could care less that you only had 3 hours of sleep last night!

In the meantime, I have been doing my best to keep them busy and outside.  With Jordyn being fussy, my other kids have been pretty neglected.  But, we just keep moving forward.  We all know this is just temporary!

So, bring on the pictures!

The kids have been doing really well with Jordyn!  I do have to keep them from bouncing her to death or mauling her with her pacifier.  The hardest has been Gabby, as she misses having my time whenever she wants it.

Gabby is probably the most fascinated with the baby.

Gabby ALWAYS wants to hold the baby.  Ike sometimes.  And Laney really could care less.  But Laney does like to hold her sometimes.

Papa Jim has been plowing our driveway which has been a HUGE blessing with all the snow that we have had.  He pushes up into the lawn and makes a HUGE hill for the kids!  Jacob took them out one day and helped get the sledding started!

Add caption

Gabby, in particular, loves everything about the snow!  Getting stuck, eating it, the icicles it makes!  I really love that about her!

Ike on the other hand?  Well, he likes it. But is usually the first one inside.  On this particular day, he got stuck!

But, I sure do love this cute little guy!

And with Jordyn screaming so much, Jacob has had mercy on my soul and been doing a lot of this....

I can not sleep with her anywhere near me, but he has no problem with it!  Which works out great for me!

And that is my quick update!

Back to the screamer!

Adios!

Alright.  Well, I am pretty delirious.  This blog may seem really random, but I wanted to get something out there!

Welcome to the world Jordyn Marie Quist!  8# 2 ounces, 21" long!My biggest baby yet!  2 pounds MORE than Laney!

We had a really hard time with the middle name.  Finally, at midnight, we decided.  In honor of my Mom, sister Katie, Jacob's Grandma, and the most important person.....ME!  (Not really, but eh, I'll just pretend!)

I'll share a quick version of the birth, just because I always LOVE hearing people talk about their birth story.

After MANY failed hopes of going any earlier, my OB took pity on me, and allowed me to be induced at 39 weeks.  I was miserable.  If I had to go one more week being pregnant, I think I would have cut her out myself!

So, On January 15, I called at 4 a.m. to make sure they had room.  Sure did!  I had to arrive at 5 to get the prep going.  I was so thankful God had allowed it to be this way!  They once again had a hard time getting my IV started.  3 pokes and one huge bruise later, they were in!  Let the Pitocin begin!  Well, they started it, but I noticed 2 hours later, that they had never added the line to my fluids!  Ha!  I guess all those hours at clinic paid off, since I was being nosey and looking at my IV line!  So, really at 9 a.m., they started things!  I asked them not to break my water until I got my epidural.  Mostly because I am a chicken and I made it to an 8 with Ike and Gabs.  Not trying.  And I KNEW I never wanted to feel that pain AGAIN!  It was so weird getting my epidural relaxed  and not in between contractions!  They broke my water, and I thought for sure that she would come quick since I was already dilated to a 5.

Nope.

Laid back chicka did not want to come out.

After sitting around for almost 10 hours, around 7 p.m., I was ready to push.

I am not exactly sure, but I think it was 45 minutes of that fun stuff....

Jordyn was born at 7:48 p.m.

And I could not be more thankful!  I was no longer pregnant.

Although it took me 15 hours to feel my left leg again, I was so happy to be able to breath!!!!  I could bend!  I could wash my feet!  Relief!

As with most 4th children, I really do not have a lot of pictures, but I will share with you what I have!

 

 The hair!  Oh the hair!  I think I have called her Gabby more than I have Jordyn!

I thought of all my kids, Laney would do the best.  And that I would have to watch Gabby the most with the baby.  But, alas, I am wrong.  Laney has been having a REALLY hard time with the adjustment.  Ike and Gabs can't get enough of Jordyn!  I know everything will eventually go back to normal.  But Laney has been very challenging to say the least!

 This boy LOVES his sister

 My friend EB made me this BEAUTIFUL rainbow bow.  I can't get enough of it!

She's here!  I thought I would just HATE having a newborn again, but I find that I am REALLY enjoying it.  For now.

I have so many things to say.  Like why did it take me to my fourth kid to give my kid formula until my milk came in?  I got to just enjoy her AND get a little sleep.  Instead of "cluster feeding" all day and night while PRAYING my milk would come in faster!

Or instead of taking a nap when help is here, cleaning my house!  Why did I do that?!!?!?

Needless to say, I have learned a lot.  Mostly that I don't know much.  But at least TRYING to relax a bit.  And allowing people to help me.

Thank you all that have helped with EVERYTHING along the way!  Time, diapers, infant carriers, nursing bras!  I feel so overwhelmed by the love from you all!  Thank you.  SO MUCH!

And now, I must bid you ado. Everyone is asleep, and now I as well!

Adios!

The time is currently 2 a.m.  I can't sleep.  I can't get comfortable, so I blog.

 

I have had pictures uploaded for a couple days now.  But I kept hoping and praying I would be "too busy" to get to this post.  But alas, I am not.

So, on to recent happenings.

I hate the holiday let down.  My kids keep asking when the next Christmas party is, but to their dismay, there is no more.

With this let down, and being 9 months pregnant, I have been trying to do fun things.  Moving around has been tough, and I have been in a lot of pain.  This limits a lot of activities.  But, we have been able to keep moving!

Going outside to get freezing cold, and coming in to drink hot chocolate is always a classic hit!

We also had our first milestone in our home with Laney losing her first tooth!

She has since lost another one.  Two baby teeth down!  We are working on her quitting sucking her fingers, and trying to rip any other teeth out.  This whole "cash" thing has her motivated!

With the nudge of one of my favorite people, Stacy, I DID take recent pictures of my belly.  One even showing some skin.  She said she never took one, and regrets it.  I have debated whether to share it on here or not.  I know that I LOVE seeing other peoples' bellies.  So, I decided to share with you all my big 'ol belly.  Skin and all!

This was me.  37 weeks.  Total weight gain, 40 pounds.  I totally share this with you because I always LOVE comparing notes, and pictures.  And really. I am not ashamed of it.  The "baby fat" will be coming off, and staying off.  Forever.

With my "moms" having mercy on my soul, they have been taking turns helping me with my kids.  Cleaning, babysitting, and getting the tornadoes outside. I know that people can do it without their family, (Stacey, you are my hero!), but I am thankful I don't have to try!  I seriously HATE being so needy, but am thankful for the rescue that has come!

 

 One day was snowman day, and I got to stay inside and take a nap!

I keep reminding myself to try and cherish things like this.  I am trying.  With lots of prayer and grace from my King, I will continue to pray for a good attitude.  I practice gratitude as much as I can.  I know I won't be pregnant forever.  And pictures like these, although I had nothing to do with it, make my heart happy.

In Ike news:

 

He REALLY has been doing AMAZING!  I still do not get tired of hearing him ask for something to eat!  He is wild.  Insane.  Completely normal if you ask me!  For this, my heart sings.  I love that I am counting months now, instead of years of treatment!  Thank you all who have followed me on this journey and have been praying for me!  I KNOW that without this support, my family and I would be in ruins.  Your prayers have saved my life. Thank you.  I really mean it.

 

And the next blog will be introducing to you the newest member of the Quist clan!  Whenever she decides to show up!

 

Adios!

I have really not been very good at taking pictures.  I am so sorry.

But, really, this is just an update on Ike.

After we went to clinic to check on his liver, everything looked great!  His ANC was a little low, but other than that, he looked great.

Which leads to today.

Today, we had clinic once again.  December has been the month of appointments.  And I know once this baby is born, there will be more.

Our day began with a CT scan this morning at 7:30 a.m. to check on his blood clot.  I didn't mention a lot about it, because it has left me sorely disappointed in the past.

 

Ike had to be sedated.  So being 9 months pregnant, my Mom came with to handle Ike.

 

We were warmly surprised!

 

Although the IV part was screaming as usual, he woke up rather pleasant today!  That made things a little easier!  I had them draw labs before they did the CT in hopes that our day would be a little shorter.

 

His ANC was over 2000 again, so up his chemo went.  Sigh. I just hate that.  We are now taking a whole 6MP every day and 8 Methotrexate once a week.  This is with one year left of maintenance.  We also had some issues with the IV, which left us getting a total of 3 pokes today.  This is never fun.  My ears are still ringing from the screaming.  And I know my heart is still hurting watching my son be pinned down.  I really hate that part.

BUT!!!!!

Today.

We got some great news.....

Although his clot is "unchanged", we no longer have to give Ike shots daily!  I almost passed out when they told me this!

Also, I am sure completely due to all your relentless prayers, IKE HAS BEEN EATING!

I love what my Mom says: "Ike told me he was hungry, and I have NEVER heard him say that!"

We are only eating a few things, but I am ok with that.  Let's just say I make a TON of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!  And I do it happily!

We also have not had any complaints about his legs hurting!  My heart could not be more full.

And now, onto the countdown.  12 months.  One year.  Then we will be done with treatment.  They will monitor Ike for a total of 5 years, but only 3 1/2 years of treatment.  I am not going to lie.  I can't wait.

I can't wait for my life to not revolve around pills, remembering to refill scripts, and questioning ever thing that is wrong with him.  And I am sure that Ike can't wait for no more pokes!

So, although many things happened at Christmas, that post will wait for another day.

Today I relax.  I sit and PRAY for Jordyn to hurry up and get here.  I watch as my son acts like a total boy, and wait for the day for things to be normal.  Whatever that is!

So, Adios!

Well, here is what is going on.

They think the liver enzyme thing is from the infection he is fighting.  But to make sure, we have an appointment on Wednesday for a physical and count check.

I came down with the flu on Friday, which was AWFUL!  My mom came and took care of me and my kids all day.  Thank God!

I was still feeling pretty yucky on Saturday, put had both my Mother in Laws came to help in various ways!  And let's just say, we are ready for Jordyn to come now!  Diapers, clothes, a ROOM FOR HER TO SLEEP IN!  Things like that!

And to add to the excitement on Saturday, Jacob and Papa Q were up until 5 am finishing this for Laney and Ike!

Treehouse bunkbeds!

I would say they love it!

We need to set the crib up yet, but that is pretty much it!  And being 35 weeks and having an OB appointment today, he answered the only question I needed to know.  "Will you stop labor now, if I were to happen  to go into labor?!"  Nope.  They don't try to help it along.  But my kids sure will!  All the elbows to the stomach, the chasing everywhere, and Christmas parties!  Please God!  I'm good with 38 weeks!

Oh, and in all the moving around and organizing, look what we found in the hallway closet....

 

I guess I got some artists on my hands?!

We also have visited various Santas at least 5 times! And I do have at least ONE picture

Gabs is not shown here.  She went "stealth" in her mind, and threw herself prostrate on the floor.  To which Laney quickly replies,  "Look Mom!  Gabby thinks Santa is a king and is worshiping him!"  That girl!  How does she come up with these things!

Gabby was just really afraid to see Santa, but whatever!

 That is my quick update.  I will have more info as of Wednesday!  And I will let you all know!

Linda

I want to quick update on today.  Mostly for me.  I have been trying to keep facts and interesting info on Ike on my blog.  Maybe someday it could help another Leukemia family if they are experiencing some of the same things.  

So we have roughly a year of treatment left.

This past week, they upped Ike's mercaptopurine and Methrotrexate.  He has not had his upped does of Methotrexate yet because last week he had a spinal with that same drug.

So, we developed a fever today. 101.  We called the oncologoist, (oh, THANK GOD Jacob stayed home from work!  I would be panicked!), and they sent us to ER.

I won't get into details, but there is a certain doctor there that likes to fight and try to intimidate me.  Every time.  I don't like.  I know that I do look young, but I am not stupid.  Just FYI.

After spending 4 hours in the ER, (thank you Mom for coming with me!), his ANC is still around 3000. So the fever must be from some unknown virus.  But, we did find out that his liver enzymes are slightly elevated.

A normal person's liver enzymes are about 45.  This level tests how "happy" your liver is.  Ike's is currently at 400.

Last week Monday they were about 60.

Interesting....

Now, they do expect some agitation to the liver because he IS getting chemotherapy every day.  But, this brings about some concerns.

We will have to talk to the oncologist tomorrow to find out more details.

Then, to only make the night more wonderful, I came home.  Jacob was down for the count.  Gabs was standing on a chair in the kitchen, and next thing I knew, puke was EVERYWHERE!

Jacob managed to get her in the tub, while I led operation damage control.

I am sure you can imagine a super pregnant chick, mopping her floors, and trying to disinfect her house from this stomach virus.  Super HOT!  Plus, I am pretty sure this little girl has dropped, and I have been in constant pain.  SUPER FUN!

BUT....

I find myself being thankful.

How you ask, I am not sure!

Here are my thoughts.

I'm thankful Jacob stayed home today.  I did get some rest before craziness hit the fan.  I am thankful that even though going to the ER is NEVER fun, we would not have known that Ike's levels were spiking.  We wouldn't have found out until his next appointment, and who knows what kind of damage could have been done.

Eek, I hear another kid puking!

Enjoy!

I know it has been a long time.  I just really haven't felt like blogging.  Probably because all I can think about it is how miserable I am.....

Yup, 34 weeks.  And if I give birth when I did with Ike and Gabs, 3 weeks left. (Please God, have mercy on me!)

I wish I could say that I have enjoyed being pregnant, since it will be my last time, but I can not.

Yesterday was AWFUL.

I was having contractions 4 minutes apart pretty much all day and night.  And today I had some here and there.

This has happened already during this pregnancy.  I went in to the OB last time to get it all checked out, and I was fine.

So why does this keep happening?

Well, after much thought, I figured out that it is my body's way of dealing with stress.  Both times, we had clinic, and then a week of steroids.  Once the steroids are done, the next day, my body melts down.

It's awful.  And poor Jacob!  I can not even move!

And of course, when a Mom is not feeling good, the kids always find ways to hurt her!  I was begging my kids to PLEASE not touch my stomach.  Like that would ever happen....

So, I will be thankful for this to be done!  I'm SUPER excited to meet my new little girl!  But the pregnancy, I can do without.

Thanks for listening to my rant.  That is enough if you ask me!

Ike's clinic visit went AWESOME!  We still had issues with sedation, and Ike getting his poke.  But it really went well!  Jacob is the master distraction.  Plus, he is Ike's hero. This made everything better!

Ike's ANC was 3000, so they did up his chemo to full dose.  A full 6MP every day and 7 Methotrexate on Thursdays.  The bactrim did not affect his counts, so that saves us an hour at every clinic visit! We also are still trying to find out why his legs are hurting him so bad.  He complains every day.  And this has been consistent for about 5 months.  They are not concerned about relapse, so that soothes my heart.  But it could be a toxicity from the chemo.  We will explore that more later.

And my kids.  Oh how they crack me up!

They really have been great.  But not being able to go outside as much has been making them and me bonkers!  With all the contractions, chasing kids up and down the street is pretty uncomfortable.  Plus all the rain!  Seriously!  So, we have been doing as many things as we can inside.  Although picking things up has gotten pretty difficult.  So, if you come over, don't judge!

Here are a few pictures I have taken!  I am so sorry!  I need to remember my camera more!  We have done so much that I am going to call the last month a wash, and move on.

 The kids went to a party for the Children's Leukemia foundation.  And if you can't tell, my kids love Santa!

Being silly!

 

We got all dressed up for the party!  My Mom took Laney out shopping for a new Christmas dress.  I don't think she has taken it off!

 

This is the only picture of us decorating our tree.  Little kids and ornaments is always disastrous.  This limited my picture taking, as I was trying to salvage some of my favorite ornaments!

And that is my update!  We all LOVE Christmas and have been enjoying every second of Christmas music and Christmas activities!  And soon, the birth of Jordyn!  Lots to look forward to!

Until next time....Whenever that will be!  :)

-Linda