For Josiah

For Josiah

His fingers ar so tiny, so marvelously perfect.
Soon they will reach out to touch
the smiling faces of everyone around him...

These little hands will explore, discover,
and bring the world to him for his inspection and delight.

With these hands he will throw balls,
capture bugs, and build castles in the sand.

He will use them to open books
and unlock the doors to knowledge.

These are the hands that may someday sculpt, make music,
or cuddle children of his own.

His hands are so tiny now,
and yet within them lie the future and the fulfillment
of all his precious dreams.

So hold him gently and watch with pride
as he reaches out in love and joy to all of life.

(Tonight is Josiah's baby shower and I found this verse on a card.
Photo of Josiah by Aunt Monica! not Melissa as previously posted)

Wonderful quote!

"When we come to the edge of all the light we have
And we must take a step into the darkness of the unkown,
We must believe one of two things:
Either we will find something firm to stand on
Or we will be taught to fly."

(Author unknown but from a wonderful little book called "Spirit of Gentleness")

Amen!! I believe this to be true. Notice in either case GOD HAS YOU COVERED!
Have a great day. Maxine :-)

...and all is well

It's one of those moments you just want to sit quiet and observe! The 18th marked 6 months since Stan had his surgery. His healing, although not swift, has been at a steady pace and I think ahead of what we may have even expected. There is still a daily bandage change that takes minutes instead of an hour (like in the days of homecare and vaccu bandage)Stan has been diligent at his physio and has regained so much! It will take time to build up the stamina and his work days may not be quite as long and vigorous as preparing for last Spring. We thank God for his goodness in restoring him.

We were to Regina to visit Elford Bell yesterday and he also is made of good stuff! He is recovering well from his knee replacement and is getting around with a walker already. Hopefully he will be in his home in Gravelbourg on Monday. He is in good spirits.

The newest members of the family are both doing well. Josiah has been busy meeting his "village" of people since he got home from hospital. Linaya looks like she'll be getting around pretty soon! Take care!!

Home to Josiah's house!

Yes, Josiah finally got to move into his house!! Mom will be the one running the oxygen for as long as it takes, but I know they will do fine. Stay tuned to their blog for updates. I had to post this picture of little Josiah. When he is awake, he is very awake and has a look of surprise. "I'm going where???"

His greatgrandpa Elford Bell had a knee replacement at the Pasqua Hospital, Regina this morning. We talked to Ruby a short while ago and she reports the surgery went well. They are, however, having a difficult time controlling the pain as the Morphine dropped his blood pressure. Everything stablized when they took him back off the morphine and they are trying other means of pain control. Please pray for Dad and his recovery.

Soon, Very soon!

I haven't accomplished very much today as I have been waiting for the phone to ring regarding Josiah. Melissa finally called with the news we were hoping for. They are headed home very soon. She is able to look after his oxygen at home so the doctors have agreed that he might as well be cozy there waiting for these little lungs to clear. Hurray!!! They will all be happier there. Check out roborr.com if you haven't found them already. :-)

Safe at home

Hi there! We're back at home after a lovely visit in Saskatoon with the kids and grandkids. "Our" little Josiah is STILL in hospital as there is still inflamation in his lungs that needs to clear on it's own so his oxygen improves. Keep our little guy in your prayers to recover quickly and for his Mom and Dad to keep on keepin' on and to hang in there a few more days... He is looking good and gaining weight so we know he's coming along. We hear some of the same lines as when Stan was in ICU "It takes as long as it takes".

I loved having a couple of mornings with Linaya while her Mom was at work. I think half time is great for Monica as she's really not gone out of Linaya's life very long at a time. By the time Linaya has a couple of naps in the am and one bottle feed it is time for Mom to come in the door.

Stan's report from the Renal Unit was good. They are very pleased with his strength and progress and those kidneys have improved to working at 60%.
By the way, they had the worst blizzard since 1950 something but I wasn't that worried about staying one more day! :-)

"On the road again..."

Tomorrow is our day to head "north" which really is "central" by the map of Sask. I look forward to seeing our babies and to a good report for Stan from the Renal Unit. I get to do a little babysitting for Linaya for a couple of mornings which will be very enjoyable! I am hoping Josiah moves into his house while we are there. I just look forward to seeing him with Mom and Dad in his own less clinical environment.

This is the time of year we usually go to Saskatoon where Stan attends a "crop production" show which is geared to growing pulse crops in Saskatchewan. He will meet up with a friend and fellow farmer to look around and that always makes a pleasant experience. He will pace himself a little slower this year and spend a couple of days looking and listening to the speakers.

*Update on Aunt Vi Bell of Weyburn. She still is very weak and not herself. Please keep Bill and Vi in your prayers as they find her progress painfully slow. She is at home.
Until next time... :-)

Melissa and Josiah

 
Josiah is still at the hospital but almost finished his 7 days of anitbiotics. He is eating well and making good progress. Melissa and Robert are hopeful that by the weekend or early next week they will all be living at their house! Melissa is recovering as well as she can being on the go all the time and I look forward to her being able to rest in one spot too. Please continue to keep their family in your prayers as they recover. 

Pictures with Uncle Stephen

 
 
  

Visits with Uncle Stephen

The kids may not remember this year's visits from their Uncle Stephen, but we have the pictures to show them they had a great time! Stephen got lots of smiles from Linaya. Melissa got her wish and Josiah was born before Stephen left. Stephen had the opportunity to go see him twice. Here is a picture of Josiah's room after Stephen painted the mural for him. Cute. Hope he likes bugs!!
Stan and I came home again today for the remainder of the week. We will be back to the Saskatoon next week for the Crop Production show. We keep that highway heated up with our travels. We came home on boxing day and Melissa called us back on the 28th. It worked! We left the city and she went into labour!! What an exciting time for our family. We are sorry the plan didn't go a little smoother for Josiah's delivery and homecoming, but things are going well for him now. He should be home in the next day or two.