Hello dear friends and family of Karen, Tom and their sweet crew~
This is Joy updating for Karen - it's been an eventful morning for the Olsens! This morning Karen suspected she was leaking amniotic fluid. She went to her Dr. to get checked out, and her suspicions were confirmed. Karen was given steroids to help Adalynn's lungs develop more quickly; she was also given medication to keep her from contracting and medication to keep any infection away. They are currently taking Karen by ambulance down to Little Rock, and Tom is following in their car. I do not know any further details of how much longer they suspect to keep Adalynn in her Mommy's belly, but Karen said she will probably come "sooner rather than later."
Please pray for the Olsen crew at this time!!! Health and strength for this precious miracle, sweet Adalynn Mirakel, and a special, God-given peace for Karen, Tom, Crist, Dane, Ty, and the rest of their family. Please also remember to pray for Karen's health during the delivery of Adalynn, whenever that may be! Thank you so much for interceding for this family - I know they covet your prayers during this time. We will continue to post more as things develop. Karen's words to me were "God is always in the '?' "
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Adalynn - the Overachiever!
Adalynn, her daddy and I went to have another Level 2 utrasound this morning... and we found out that she is ahead of schedule! Way to go Adalynn! Way to be the overachiever! The due date has been moved up to July 28th! So I guess I'm 30 weeks now instead of 29! I can't believe how she is growing! What an amazing blessing... again, I just picture God hand-feeding her.
When we began this whole journey, we didn't have any "marker" or an indication of when Adalynn would be due. They usually determine the due date based on the last time there was a menstrual cycle...but since I haven't had one since January 2008, they had no clue! The doctors have just based the due date on all the ultrasounds we've had. So all along we have waited for the wonderful statement, "She's still tracking for that Aug. 5th date!" Well, now we have some new magic words! I'm truly in awe of how well she is doing and how much she is growing...
The doctor said she is approximately 3 lbs. and 4 oz. (this is +/- 6 oz.). Funny story... when Tom called his mom to update her on the appointment, she mentioned that Jim (Bumpa) was out fishing. I overheard Tom say to her that "Bumpa will have catch one mighty big crappie to outweigh Adalynn!" We are just so grateful that all continues to go so well... that she is growing so rapidly... that there are no concerns... that each day our Mirakel "beats all the odds."
We haven't seen our baby girl in awhile, so it was SO fun seeing her wiggle around in there. (Adalynn, we can't wait to see you face-to-face! I bet you will never sleep in your own crib...there are too many people that want to hold and hug you! It's amazing how we've only known about you for a short time, but we already love you with all of our hearts!)
Thank you to all of you for your continued prayers... we know that Adalynn is overachieving because she's in the Lord's care AND because of your intercession. We are EXTREMELY grateful and certainly humbled! (Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.)
Next appt.: tomorrow, May 20th - regular doctor appt.
MRI and Level 2 ultrasound: June 11th (in Little Rock)
Here is a great picture of Adalynn's leg and her foot on the top left... there is a tear in the paper right by her face (I'm sure she was smiling at us!), but you can see how flexible she is! I told Tom that she was working on her toe touches, and he said, "Absolutely not! She's stretching her hamstrings for those 3 pointers she's going to be shooting!" Poor girl... she's already has such high hopes set for her!
When we began this whole journey, we didn't have any "marker" or an indication of when Adalynn would be due. They usually determine the due date based on the last time there was a menstrual cycle...but since I haven't had one since January 2008, they had no clue! The doctors have just based the due date on all the ultrasounds we've had. So all along we have waited for the wonderful statement, "She's still tracking for that Aug. 5th date!" Well, now we have some new magic words! I'm truly in awe of how well she is doing and how much she is growing...
The doctor said she is approximately 3 lbs. and 4 oz. (this is +/- 6 oz.). Funny story... when Tom called his mom to update her on the appointment, she mentioned that Jim (Bumpa) was out fishing. I overheard Tom say to her that "Bumpa will have catch one mighty big crappie to outweigh Adalynn!" We are just so grateful that all continues to go so well... that she is growing so rapidly... that there are no concerns... that each day our Mirakel "beats all the odds."
We haven't seen our baby girl in awhile, so it was SO fun seeing her wiggle around in there. (Adalynn, we can't wait to see you face-to-face! I bet you will never sleep in your own crib...there are too many people that want to hold and hug you! It's amazing how we've only known about you for a short time, but we already love you with all of our hearts!)
Thank you to all of you for your continued prayers... we know that Adalynn is overachieving because she's in the Lord's care AND because of your intercession. We are EXTREMELY grateful and certainly humbled! (Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.)
Next appt.: tomorrow, May 20th - regular doctor appt.
MRI and Level 2 ultrasound: June 11th (in Little Rock)
Here is a great picture of Adalynn's leg and her foot on the top left... there is a tear in the paper right by her face (I'm sure she was smiling at us!), but you can see how flexible she is! I told Tom that she was working on her toe touches, and he said, "Absolutely not! She's stretching her hamstrings for those 3 pointers she's going to be shooting!" Poor girl... she's already has such high hopes set for her!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Your Prince Has Already Come...
This is another post for Adalynn...introducing her to her daddy!
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This past weekend, we had a wonderful "shower" given to us (actually to your daddy) by Dane's Redhawk baseball team. We had such a great time of fellowship and wonderful food! The Redhawks have been together four years now, and this is the first time that we have gathered like this--just the adults! It was really neat to share in our special time of anticipation of our first baby girl with this great group of people--that we consider family!
Your dad got to open up all the presents (and he was a very good sport)... And he got lots of goodies for you--too many to name--but they were all "daddy oriented." One of the gifts we got was a pink wooden frame with the words, "My prince did come...his name is Daddy." I don't think you could describe your dad any better... he is a true noble and valiant Prince, ready for your arrival!
Your dad grew up in Wisconsin on a dairy farm that was his grandfather's and then his father's (your Bumpa). Daddy will tell you LOTS of tales of his farming days and having to milk twice a day which was especially hard during the long winters! But he has wonderful memories of his family and all their adventures... I don't know if I know of a more close-knit family than your dad's. I truly believe there is something about working side-by-side enduring all the ups and downs of farm-life. There is a certain closeness that is just admirable.
Your dad, your grandma and bumpa moved to Arkansas in 1982 (your dad was 12 years old) because your grandmother was suffering (and still does) from rheumatoid arthritis. The only way for her to get physically better was to move to a drier climate! It is amazing to hear the stories of how she suffered in the cold, damp weather and to see her now! This move was the perfect remedy for this physical illness, but you can imagine how emotional it was moving from all of their family (which a lot are still in Wisconsin and Michigan today!).
I will say that I'm thrilled that they moved south... because I came to Arkansas just three years later and met your dad in high school at the age of 15! I truly believe that God was leading us to Arkansas because he wanted us to live happily-ever-after! (He is most definitely a Prince, but I'll share him with you :))
To describe your daddy... he is godly, loyal, strong (in more ways than one), faithful, patient, hard-working, extremely humble, a servant-leader, has a very dry sense of humor, loves loves loves his boys and now loves loves loves YOU! In fact, I think your daddy has an overwhelming love for kids in general--I think that is a genetic trait! Your dad coaches boys basketball and is passionate about the game and those players. He truly feels that this is what God called him to do. I have a feeling that you will be a gym rat and will follow him around everywhere--which I can guarantee he will LOVE!
Your daddy keeps calling you "his little girl" (we kinda fight over that one!) and loves to rub my belly to check on you and prays for your development every day. He really is excited about our Mirakel (miracle) coming into our lives...
...and I can't think of a more perfect Prince for you.
The picture above is from one of our yearly trips to the Packer game in Green Bay. We have such a good time there with family...I think this year we'll take you with us!
This is a picture of your daddy and brothers feeding the fish at Roaring River State Park. I bet it won't be long and you'll be fishing right alongside all of them! I think there are even pink fishing poles!
This is a very special picture to me... this is when your daddy baptized Ty in Beaver Lake. It was such a wonderful celebration with our Community Group there and family. I was SO proud of both of them!
.jpg)
This past weekend, we had a wonderful "shower" given to us (actually to your daddy) by Dane's Redhawk baseball team. We had such a great time of fellowship and wonderful food! The Redhawks have been together four years now, and this is the first time that we have gathered like this--just the adults! It was really neat to share in our special time of anticipation of our first baby girl with this great group of people--that we consider family!
Your dad got to open up all the presents (and he was a very good sport)... And he got lots of goodies for you--too many to name--but they were all "daddy oriented." One of the gifts we got was a pink wooden frame with the words, "My prince did come...his name is Daddy." I don't think you could describe your dad any better... he is a true noble and valiant Prince, ready for your arrival!
Your dad grew up in Wisconsin on a dairy farm that was his grandfather's and then his father's (your Bumpa). Daddy will tell you LOTS of tales of his farming days and having to milk twice a day which was especially hard during the long winters! But he has wonderful memories of his family and all their adventures... I don't know if I know of a more close-knit family than your dad's. I truly believe there is something about working side-by-side enduring all the ups and downs of farm-life. There is a certain closeness that is just admirable.
Your dad, your grandma and bumpa moved to Arkansas in 1982 (your dad was 12 years old) because your grandmother was suffering (and still does) from rheumatoid arthritis. The only way for her to get physically better was to move to a drier climate! It is amazing to hear the stories of how she suffered in the cold, damp weather and to see her now! This move was the perfect remedy for this physical illness, but you can imagine how emotional it was moving from all of their family (which a lot are still in Wisconsin and Michigan today!).
I will say that I'm thrilled that they moved south... because I came to Arkansas just three years later and met your dad in high school at the age of 15! I truly believe that God was leading us to Arkansas because he wanted us to live happily-ever-after! (He is most definitely a Prince, but I'll share him with you :))
To describe your daddy... he is godly, loyal, strong (in more ways than one), faithful, patient, hard-working, extremely humble, a servant-leader, has a very dry sense of humor, loves loves loves his boys and now loves loves loves YOU! In fact, I think your daddy has an overwhelming love for kids in general--I think that is a genetic trait! Your dad coaches boys basketball and is passionate about the game and those players. He truly feels that this is what God called him to do. I have a feeling that you will be a gym rat and will follow him around everywhere--which I can guarantee he will LOVE!
Your daddy keeps calling you "his little girl" (we kinda fight over that one!) and loves to rub my belly to check on you and prays for your development every day. He really is excited about our Mirakel (miracle) coming into our lives...
...and I can't think of a more perfect Prince for you.
The picture above is from one of our yearly trips to the Packer game in Green Bay. We have such a good time there with family...I think this year we'll take you with us!
This is a picture of your daddy and brothers feeding the fish at Roaring River State Park. I bet it won't be long and you'll be fishing right alongside all of them! I think there are even pink fishing poles!
This is a very special picture to me... this is when your daddy baptized Ty in Beaver Lake. It was such a wonderful celebration with our Community Group there and family. I was SO proud of both of them!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Another Great Check-up!
Adalynn and I had another doctor's appointment this morning... and she is continuing to grow and grow... as well as baffle the doctors!
Her heartbeat was 160 and she is "still tracking for that August 5th due date" (those awesome words we like to hear!). My glucose test came back fine and there are no other extra protein complications (which would indicate the beginning of preeclampsia), etc... truly great news all the way around! Thank you, Lord, for Adalynn--truly a Noble Miracle!
We have another ultrasound planned in two weeks. This is the Level 2 ultrasound in which the Little Rock office will "tune in" during the process. They should be able to monitor the placenta / uterus pretty well at that time... again, they are tracking to see how much the placenta will grow into the uterine wall. If (and I say that with confidence! It used to be "when") that happens, then most likely Adalynn will stop getting nourishment through the placenta. That is when they would determine to take her early. But everything looks so good...so NORMAL! This is truly a miracle pregnancy and baby... what a blessing to be a part of this whole journey!
The best statement that the doctor made today was when she was talking about the upcoming MRI scheduled for June 11th. She said, "You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't find anything wrong [meaning placenta grown into the uterus wall] during that MRI... the way that these checkups and ultrasounds are going, you are having a completely normal pregnancy!" An MRI is the best way to check this... ultrasounds can give indications, but MRIs are the only way to truly see the whole uterine wall vs. the placenta completely. You know how I feel about this because of the verse that spoke to me about this miracle (Mirakel)... "For nothing is impossible with God!" (Luke 1:37)
I was THRILLED to hear that news/prediction! The prayers are working! God has "hemmed Adalynn in" and has been hand feeding her as well. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all the prayer support. We are incredibly grateful! Again, we know Who gets the glory in this!
May 19th - Level 2 ultrasound
May 20th - Regular doctor's appt. (she still wants to see us every 2 weeks)
June 11th - MRI
Her heartbeat was 160 and she is "still tracking for that August 5th due date" (those awesome words we like to hear!). My glucose test came back fine and there are no other extra protein complications (which would indicate the beginning of preeclampsia), etc... truly great news all the way around! Thank you, Lord, for Adalynn--truly a Noble Miracle!
We have another ultrasound planned in two weeks. This is the Level 2 ultrasound in which the Little Rock office will "tune in" during the process. They should be able to monitor the placenta / uterus pretty well at that time... again, they are tracking to see how much the placenta will grow into the uterine wall. If (and I say that with confidence! It used to be "when") that happens, then most likely Adalynn will stop getting nourishment through the placenta. That is when they would determine to take her early. But everything looks so good...so NORMAL! This is truly a miracle pregnancy and baby... what a blessing to be a part of this whole journey!
The best statement that the doctor made today was when she was talking about the upcoming MRI scheduled for June 11th. She said, "You know, I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't find anything wrong [meaning placenta grown into the uterus wall] during that MRI... the way that these checkups and ultrasounds are going, you are having a completely normal pregnancy!" An MRI is the best way to check this... ultrasounds can give indications, but MRIs are the only way to truly see the whole uterine wall vs. the placenta completely. You know how I feel about this because of the verse that spoke to me about this miracle (Mirakel)... "For nothing is impossible with God!" (Luke 1:37)
I was THRILLED to hear that news/prediction! The prayers are working! God has "hemmed Adalynn in" and has been hand feeding her as well. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for all the prayer support. We are incredibly grateful! Again, we know Who gets the glory in this!
May 19th - Level 2 ultrasound
May 20th - Regular doctor's appt. (she still wants to see us every 2 weeks)
June 11th - MRI
Monday, May 4, 2009
Our Ty Man
This is the last blog post introducing Adalynn to her big brothers...
Ty is the youngest big brother to introduce you to... And boy, is he a hard one to explain! :) Let's see... he is a perfect mix of Hammy from Over the Hedge, Happy from Snow White and the the Seven Dwarfs, and Dash from The Incredibles. He has endless energy (DON'T give him caffeine), he happily sings all the time and when he runs, you can't see his legs! We've decided that you and Ty are going to be big buds based on when you like to flop around in my belly--which is when Ty runs circles around all of us--nighttime! Both of you are certainly night owls!
Ty Franklin got his middle name from your grandfather and my dad, Lynn Franklin. As for the name "Ty"...we just liked it! No story behind that name. And now, I can't imagine a better name for him--it just fits! He does have a lot of nicknames Ty Man, Pookie Bear (that came when he was very young) or Pooks, BabyCakes, and most recently, Trash Truck (came from a baseball game in which he was getting a little "trash talk" from the catcher and a friend of ours told him to tell him that the "Trash Truck was about to deliver!").
Ty has the best freckles ever--or as I call them, angel kisses. I would love to see those on you too! He has one of those personalities that is somewhat magnetic. In fact, your daddy says, "How can you not have fun with Ty?" He loves life, has a super-quick wit, lots of wisdom in his young years and steadily stumps mom and dad with tough questions (especially biblical questions!). Ty likes to give you (in my belly) hugs each morning and night and constantly tries to feel you move. He is going to be a very special big brother and good friend to you!
Ty showing his personality at a young age. Funny story about the above picture... Ty told me that he thought that photo was "kinda embarrassing." He said, "I mean...I really don't like soccer anymore!" (...nothing about the look-at-me-the-bug-catcher moment)
The picture below is during a recent baseball tournament. See how he runs everywhere?!
Ty is the youngest big brother to introduce you to... And boy, is he a hard one to explain! :) Let's see... he is a perfect mix of Hammy from Over the Hedge, Happy from Snow White and the the Seven Dwarfs, and Dash from The Incredibles. He has endless energy (DON'T give him caffeine), he happily sings all the time and when he runs, you can't see his legs! We've decided that you and Ty are going to be big buds based on when you like to flop around in my belly--which is when Ty runs circles around all of us--nighttime! Both of you are certainly night owls!
Ty Franklin got his middle name from your grandfather and my dad, Lynn Franklin. As for the name "Ty"...we just liked it! No story behind that name. And now, I can't imagine a better name for him--it just fits! He does have a lot of nicknames Ty Man, Pookie Bear (that came when he was very young) or Pooks, BabyCakes, and most recently, Trash Truck (came from a baseball game in which he was getting a little "trash talk" from the catcher and a friend of ours told him to tell him that the "Trash Truck was about to deliver!").
Ty has the best freckles ever--or as I call them, angel kisses. I would love to see those on you too! He has one of those personalities that is somewhat magnetic. In fact, your daddy says, "How can you not have fun with Ty?" He loves life, has a super-quick wit, lots of wisdom in his young years and steadily stumps mom and dad with tough questions (especially biblical questions!). Ty likes to give you (in my belly) hugs each morning and night and constantly tries to feel you move. He is going to be a very special big brother and good friend to you!
Ty showing his personality at a young age. Funny story about the above picture... Ty told me that he thought that photo was "kinda embarrassing." He said, "I mean...I really don't like soccer anymore!" (...nothing about the look-at-me-the-bug-catcher moment)
The picture below is during a recent baseball tournament. See how he runs everywhere?!
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Big D
Another post introducing Adalynn to her older brothers...
Let me tell you about Dane, your second oldest brother... Dane got his name because of the heritage of the Olsen family... Your daddy grew up in Denmark, Wisconsin and his great, great grandfather (I believe) migrated to the US from Denmark the country. Denmark--Danish...so "Dane" it was! Perfect! And his middle name is Russell, named after your daddy's maternal grandfather. As you can see, your dad has great pride in his family and heritage!
Dane, Big D, DaneO, Great Dane is one special kiddo, if I do say so myself! He has a passion from within about so many things in life--it's hard to explain. There is something about his demeanor and eyes that just light up in the "heat of the battle." He is QUITE the competitor at all he does. His passion right now is for sports--ALL sports. He absolutely loves what ever is in season, and kinda gets stressed out when you ask him what sport is his favorite! He is also an extremely hard worker at school and other activities... now, if we could get him to work that hard at home!
I hope, Adalynn, that you have dimples like Dane... your daddy and I just LOVE trying to make Dane smile and laugh (since he was a baby!) just so we can see those dimples! Oh, and his belly laughter and giggles/chuckles are AWESOME! You can't help but laugh with Dane when he gets going... And under his big frame and tough exterior, he has a super tender heart. He, too, can't wait to see you and he prays for you every night before he goes to bed. See how much we all love you already!
I wonder what nicknames you'll have... Ada Baby, Ada Girl, Addy?... hmmmm
Here are some baseball pictures of Dane...you can see the love for sports started quite young! I have a feeling that you will be a sports nut too--unless you can overcome your genetics!
Let me tell you about Dane, your second oldest brother... Dane got his name because of the heritage of the Olsen family... Your daddy grew up in Denmark, Wisconsin and his great, great grandfather (I believe) migrated to the US from Denmark the country. Denmark--Danish...so "Dane" it was! Perfect! And his middle name is Russell, named after your daddy's maternal grandfather. As you can see, your dad has great pride in his family and heritage!
Dane, Big D, DaneO, Great Dane is one special kiddo, if I do say so myself! He has a passion from within about so many things in life--it's hard to explain. There is something about his demeanor and eyes that just light up in the "heat of the battle." He is QUITE the competitor at all he does. His passion right now is for sports--ALL sports. He absolutely loves what ever is in season, and kinda gets stressed out when you ask him what sport is his favorite! He is also an extremely hard worker at school and other activities... now, if we could get him to work that hard at home!
I hope, Adalynn, that you have dimples like Dane... your daddy and I just LOVE trying to make Dane smile and laugh (since he was a baby!) just so we can see those dimples! Oh, and his belly laughter and giggles/chuckles are AWESOME! You can't help but laugh with Dane when he gets going... And under his big frame and tough exterior, he has a super tender heart. He, too, can't wait to see you and he prays for you every night before he goes to bed. See how much we all love you already!
I wonder what nicknames you'll have... Ada Baby, Ada Girl, Addy?... hmmmm
Here are some baseball pictures of Dane...you can see the love for sports started quite young! I have a feeling that you will be a sports nut too--unless you can overcome your genetics!
CristO
These next couple of posts are introducing Adalynn to her big brothers... She is so fortunate, I feel, to have this great entourage anxiously awaiting her arrival!
Precious Adalynn, I can't wait for you to meet your oldest brother, Crist. We named him after your daddy's late brother, Chris. The name "Christ" has been around the Olsen family for a long time... lots of family called your Uncle Chris, "Christ," because there were older relatives with that same name. Your daddy was very much led to call him Crist in honor of his family heritage as well as his brother, whom he looked up to and loved very much. We did take the "h" out because of the reason that people might pronounce it like Jesus Christ. Crist's middle name is Thomas, just like Daddy.
Crist is one great kid... he has a big heart for his entire family, loves life in general, has a very glass-half-full type of personality and is a magnet for young children. He absolutely LOVES being around younger kids and has unbelievable patience for them! In fact, when I'm at the ball fields or gyms, I constantly have young children come up to me and ask, "Where's Crist? I want to play with him!" He also has a love for basketball, just like his namesakes. "CristO" is a godly young man who loves the Lord too... I know he will be a great mentor and example for you!
Crist cannot wait to meet you... in fact, he was the first one to feel you kick while you were in my belly! His smile just lit up the room. He thinks that you might have blond curly hair...we'll see! I have a feeling that you will be a big cheerleader for your brother, and I can guarantee that Crist will be a HUGE fan of you...he already is! He prays for you every day... We are all anxiously awaiting your arrival, sweet Adalynn!
These pictures are from when Crist went to Washington DC and Maryland with Memaw and Grandpa. He had such a great time... and he got to meet his favorite historical figure in person (Abe Lincoln)!
Precious Adalynn, I can't wait for you to meet your oldest brother, Crist. We named him after your daddy's late brother, Chris. The name "Christ" has been around the Olsen family for a long time... lots of family called your Uncle Chris, "Christ," because there were older relatives with that same name. Your daddy was very much led to call him Crist in honor of his family heritage as well as his brother, whom he looked up to and loved very much. We did take the "h" out because of the reason that people might pronounce it like Jesus Christ. Crist's middle name is Thomas, just like Daddy.
Crist is one great kid... he has a big heart for his entire family, loves life in general, has a very glass-half-full type of personality and is a magnet for young children. He absolutely LOVES being around younger kids and has unbelievable patience for them! In fact, when I'm at the ball fields or gyms, I constantly have young children come up to me and ask, "Where's Crist? I want to play with him!" He also has a love for basketball, just like his namesakes. "CristO" is a godly young man who loves the Lord too... I know he will be a great mentor and example for you!
Crist cannot wait to meet you... in fact, he was the first one to feel you kick while you were in my belly! His smile just lit up the room. He thinks that you might have blond curly hair...we'll see! I have a feeling that you will be a big cheerleader for your brother, and I can guarantee that Crist will be a HUGE fan of you...he already is! He prays for you every day... We are all anxiously awaiting your arrival, sweet Adalynn!
These pictures are from when Crist went to Washington DC and Maryland with Memaw and Grandpa. He had such a great time... and he got to meet his favorite historical figure in person (Abe Lincoln)!
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