HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

HELLO!!!! I'm back...I know I can't believe it either but I am! Rick and I talked about how many things we are not going to be able to remember if we didn't write them down some way...so I got to thinking and thought...IT'S TIME!

We went to Papa and Nana's house for Thanksgiving today and had a great time. Papa, Nana, Rick, myself, Parker, Preston, Griffin, Carson, Claire, Rich, Robin, Mason, Taylor, Jason, Amy, William, Alex, Rachel, Mom, and Keren were all present. Rick had us play a game that was so funny. We had to put a word by our names and then the group had to guess who was who. Well you'll get a kick out of this...the word was STRONGWILLED...the group said Rick and then they said Jennifer. We laughed at that one...it was me :) Rick's word was LOVING...which he definitely is almost all the time. All the kids were so cute! They love getting together and having fun. I'll be sure to post some pictures. You will not believe how they all have grown! We hope all of you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving and we are so glad to be back in touch with all of you!

By the way...Parker was Squancho in a school Thanksgiving play and he said his line to us today. So cute...we couldn't get him to sing the "Turkey Trot" or "Over the Hills" but I'll get him to do that and post it here for you to hear.

Love, Jenn

"GRIFCO" Update

Hi guys! It's been a WILD time but I think we are beginning to see the end of this experience! The doctors think that Griffin can be discharged Friday or Saturday. YEAH!!! He's doing great! He's going to get his TPN IV reduced today. His appetite is still poor but he is beginning to get interested in food again. His lab values are looking good. His kidney function is almost back to normal and his blood counts are improving every day. The doctor said that it will take some time to get his blood levels back. Preston and Claire continue to improve every day. They will return to the doctor tomorrow for another check up. They are giving our mothers a run for their money. They were a little spoiled up here at the hospital so you can only imagine how they are at home. Thank all of you for your prayers and support. We'll keep you posted. Love, Jenn

Prayers are being answered!

Hello! I just wanted to let all of you know that Preston and Claire were discharged today!!!! We are so EXCITED!! The doctor came in this morning and felt like even though the blood levels on the kiddos weren't great the were slowly improving. He felt that maybe their appetite would improve if they were at home. We got them out of the hospital around 5:00pm. Betty (my mother in law) and Rick took them home. Rick said they acted really glad to be home and went right into play mode with their toys. Carson was a little startled to see them and wasn't quite sure about it. Parker was really happy to have them home but still misses Griffin. I stayed at the hospital with Griffin. He's still not feeling well, although he enjoyed today. One of our dear friends, Mark came this morning and stayed until after supper to help out. Griffin loves him...and loves to go on wagon rides with him. They will draw lab on Griffin at 4am and the doctors will go from there. They are considering doing a kidney biopsy to check the damage of the kidney. They want to wait to see what the lab reveals tomorrow. Pray that he will turn the corner. Preston and Claire will follow up with our local doctor on Friday. If there is a problem with any lab they will notify the neurologist. It's nice to be on the road to healing. I'll keep you posted on Griffin's progress. Love Jenn

Update

Just thought I would give you guys a little update. Preston and Claire had a really good day. They act like they should be at home. They are LIVE WIRES!!! Especially Preston. He has been all over this hospital...talking with people, flirting with the nurses, showing off and playing. He wears me and everybody else that tries to keep track of him out. Today he wore a shirt that said "ME for President" All the nurses LOVED it and of course stated that they would vote for him. Total Mess...but I'm so glad he is doing better. His blood levels are better. He is receiving platelets tonight but that's it. Many of you are thinking...that's it? That's a pretty big deal. Well, from where we've been...receiving only platelets in a day is GREAT! Preston still has a poor appetite but I think it is slowly improving. Claire is also doing really well. Her Hgb dropped today, but they decided to wait on the blood and see how she does. She has had two different nose bleeds today because of her low platelet count. I look for her to receive platelets tomorrow. She is still pretty irritable and short fused. Sad to say...the nurses kinda fear her. They always have another nurse go in with them if they are planning on touching her. I heard in nurses report this..."OH and WATCH OUT for HER she is a B I T E R and she'll try to bite you every chance she gets." So EMBARRASSING...but I always knew she was a fighter. Her appetite has greatly improved. She ate really good at lunch but she wasn't able to keep it down. Supper she kept down with only a few gagging experiences. Hopefully, these two will get to go home SOON. Griffin...poor Griff...He's still my little sick one. He's taken this really hard...maybe even worse than Preston did. Griffin's kidney function is still really poor but today they gave him a diuretic to get some of the fluid off. It took him awhile but he finally had a wet diaper. He's dumping a lot of blood in his urine which is normal but it also tells you that he is still in the active phase of HUS. We're just trying to take one day at a time. Thank you for your prayers. We'll let you all know if anything changes.

SICK SICK SICK

Hey everyone. Who would have thought that everybody getting sick would bring me back to the blog. Life at our house is always crazy and there is never enough time keep up with the things you would like to...like the blog. Anyway, now that I have some sick babies and I'm struggling to sleep...I thought it would be a good idea to make a post. Preston, Claire, and Griffin are all currently in Oklahoma Children's Hospital. Preston was admitted on Aug. 21st. He was admitted with a problem called HUS. You'll have to look it up and read about it...to sum it up in a nut shell...it's a problem that occurs when you come in contact with E-coli. We still are not sure where or when that happened and if Preston actually got it and gave it to Claire and Griffin or what. The toxin that E-coli produces attacks your red blood cells causing them to burst. This causes your blood level to go down and it also causes your kidneys to fail. The kidneys can't filter busted up red blood cells very well and therefore the kidneys tend to get plugged. It's a terrible cycle. The kids have received numerous blood transfusions and platelets. Their kidneys are hanging in there. All their kidney levels are elevated but no one is in need of dialysis. It's a long process. It can last for a week or up to two months. I really feel Preston has turned the corner. If we can keep his blood levels up and get him to eating again then he'll be able to go home. Claire is just holding her own right now. She has a way to go but I think she'll be quickly behind Preston. Griffin...is another story. He has really taken this hard. His blood levels are poor and his kidney function is down. He's unable to keep anything down...even water. All of the kiddos get meds for nausea and meds to keep their blood pressure down. They are currently receiving TPN. This is a IV nutrition to help build their strength and to keep them nourished until they start eating again and holding food down. Carson is still at home. He's doing great so far. He has lab drawn every other day to monitor his levels. So far so good. Physically he's great..Emotionally he's a WRECK! He doesn't have any idea where everybody went and he has no clue as to why he's at home alone and wasn't able to go. Parker has been staying with some friends of ours and Friday he came up here to stay the weekend. He's feeling fine too. If you have time...please say a prayer for us. We could really use it. This has been a crazy adventure...one that I never expected and one that I never want to REPEAT! For those of you that are already praying...THANK YOU! Rick and I both want to say "Thanks" for all the prayers, support, hospital visits, food, work at the house, and goodies. The kids love the toys and we love all the snacks. We will keep you posted on our progress. Love, Jenn

The Crazy Picnic

Go ahead...I'm listening...what did you do with your brother Griffin?

Get back here...no...you can not go..."Sit Down"

Yes, I am crazy. We ended up staying after the pool at the park to eat supper. It was a little difficult to feed and keep track of everybody. As you can see...I was spent. When we got home we all took showers and fell into bed. Not a peep from any of us all night! Love, Jenn

THE GREAT SWIM DAY!

Watch how far I can swim! - Parker

I Love diving for these things! - Parker

Mr. Parker showing some of his swim moves!

Preston - "I'm thinking about getting in but I kinda like soaking my feet!"

Who likes the pool? - "ME!" Carson and Griffin

Okay...maybe I'll get in for just a little bit. - Preston

Swim Swim Swim...nope...I'm still swallowing half the pool! - Claire

Yes...I love this - Please let me stay longer. - Carson

On the count of three...everybody dive in! - Carson

Play Time!

The kiddos with my good bud Crystal and her daughter Kodee

I'm good right here on Crystal's lap! - Preston

So...you really like it that much? - Carson and Preston

How cold is it? - Claire

That's pretty funny...Claire

Watch me go under momma! - Parker

Girlfriends just hanging out! - Kambri and Claire

I'm surfing! - Carson

I'm only getting in with goggles! - Preston

Pool...look out here I come! - Preston

Ha Ha!! I LOVE this! - Griffin

What...no I'm not ready...I've got a lot of playing left to do! - Griffin

OFF WE GO!!! - Parker jumping off the diving board!

Preparing for another dive! - Parker

Last Wednesday, after the kids got up from their nap I decided to take them swimming. Well, actually my bud Crystal talked me into it. After all...it was the quads 18 month birthday. After I found swim trunks and a swimsuit for everyone we loaded up. We really had a good time! The babies loved it. Crystal, Kodee, Kambri, Nick, & Parker all helped me watch the little guys. WOW...can they move. Parker got to show me all his swim moves that he's been learning at swim lessons the past few months. That's the most amazing thing...he used to be TERRIFIED of the water. I was exhausted by the time we left but it was well worth it. I learned a few things...Next time...I'm bringing more toys, a few snacks, drinks, and floaties for everybody. Oh and... a water-proof bag for Crystal's cell phone. (Love you Crystal!) Shhhh....she dropped her cell phone in the POOL when she was trying to catch one of the quads from going under. CRAZINESS! Like they all say...it takes a village to raise kids and I'm taking advantage of this village! Love, Jenn

Happy 18 month Birthday!!

Parker - My "Right Hand Man" Parker is such a great big brother. He loves his babies and he'll help you in any way. (Well...the bad diapers still bother him a little). Parker is good about playing with them, teaching them about everything...good and bad, and disciplining them. He knows and tells the babies often...NO NO...Now go to the CORNER. We really couldn't have asked for things to work out any better with Parker and the babies. Parker's favorite food is spaghetti and frozen popsicles. He loves his farm toys and scooter. His favorite past time is working with his dad. His favorite word??? I don't know...he talks all the time! If you want to know, learn, or need help working out a problem...Parker will tell you about it. I told him the other day, "Okay, Parker you're going to have to be quiet for a little bit...he said, "Okay, but you're going to miss me talking to you". I had to laugh and say...yep you're right! Thank you Parker for being such a GREAT BOY and BIG BROTHER! YOUR Daddy, Momma, & babies LOVE you!

Happy 18 months!

Preston - Baby A - He still lives up to his name and his position. Preston is in charge. If Preston isn't happy...nobody is happy. He has the ability to point and grunt at things and you'll find yourself getting it for him. (Or usually you're sorry you didn't) :) Preston has a great smile and is full of laughs and we love it when he decides to share those with us. He Loves affection...but only on his terms and time. He's independent to a point but would rather not have momma out of site. He likes to stretch you any time he has a chance to. He is the one that will test his limits and boundries. He requires little sleep and can't stand it when his brothers and sis don't wake up when he wants them to. His bed is now on a wall by itself, due to the fact that he can't leave anybody or anything alone. He's frequently on a mission and has lots to show and give you. He's a good meat, bread and fruit eater and tends to slide his peas and other vegs. to the left or right. His favorite word is NA-NA! His best time of the day is 10 am and his favorite toy is Parker's toy gun and a plastic bottle.

Griffin! - Griffin has turned out to be a very Happy Boy! He loves adventure and you will usually find him climbing or crawling on or through something. He is the reason Parker's playset no longer has a ladder and the slide is blocked. He loves climbing up on the playset and going through the tunnel and looking out. It's about 12 feet off the ground and I'm just not ready for that heart attack. Griffin loves to dig and play with trucks. He walks around the house making that "Brmmmm Brmmm" sound. He still has a dimple on each cheek and lights up the room when he smiles. He wears his feelings on his sleeve and is crushed when you get on to him. He loves to nap and his favorite time of the day is right after his nap - around 4:00pm. Griffin plays well with his brothers and sister, but still has his moments when he feels the need to breakdown because he's been "Wronged" He loves water but would prefer not to be next to Claire in the bath. He loves to eat. His favorite foods are grilled cheese and peas. His favorite toys - a tractor and a push popcorn popper...and...anything of Parker's. Griffin favorite word is MOMMA.

Carson - This is a very passionate boy. Carson is black an d white. Hot or Cold. On or Off. Extreme. He loves to look at books but it's a little too much for him to let you read them to him. He likes to jabber and listen to himself squeal. He loves to tickle his brothers and sister. He has a sweet giggle and plays peek a boo and hide and seek all the time. He can't stand for someone to take a toy away from him or have something he doesn't. He is a good "fit thrower" and "fighter" when it comes down to it. He is a paticular eater. He usually is the one that stays clean at all meals. He loves bread and fruit. His favorite toy...hands down...a toy flip phone. Touch it and get ready for a fight. His favorite word is Da Da. He's also very good at directing everybody to "Sit Down". His best time of the day is 6:00 pm and he loves chatting with his brothers and sister in bed. His favorite past time. Shaking his crib! WOW...can he shake that thing! Carson loves to be held and snuggled with.

Claire - What can I say? She's really ending up being a LOT of Fun. Claire is pretty independent and likes to play by herself quite a bit. She struggles with her brothers at times but is very capable of holding her own. Claire still tends to pinch, pull hair and bite if needed. She's spend at least a few minutes of every day in the corner for biting one of the boys. She's even been known to bite Parker because he wanted to pick her up and she said "NO" She has a very high pitch scream and you have the chance to hear it if things don't go right. She loves her "Ride On" toys and loves when her brothers push her around on them. Claire's favorite time of the day is in the morning. She loves her snacks and is crazy about Cheetos. She'll skip all meals for green beans and fruit. Her favorite word is "Boo" or "Mum". She is easily excited and expressive when playing. She is a very cautious person...I think that comes from being around her brothers. She can walk and will do so, but only if her brothers are not around and she can take the time to make sure she's safe. This cracks me up...because she is also the one her flips herself over the back of the chair to get in the toy box when the boys are in the way. Are crazy life would not be complete without little sister.

Well, that's far from being it, but I wanted you guys to know a little bit about each of these guys. Several people tend to wonder if my kids are similar. My answer is no. Parker, Preston, Griffin, Carson, and Claire are so different that you will never have a dull moment! Happy 18 month birthday! WOW!! I can't believe it's been that long...I also can't believe we've made it! (Ha Ha!!) Believe it or not...I STILL wouldn't trade ANY ONE of them off or change the experience for anything. We are the luckiest and most blessed people I know! Love, Jenn.

My "FOUR" Cool Boys!

Preston

Griffin

Carson

Parker

The boys found the sunglasses and had a blast playing "Joe Cool" with them. Thought I would pass them along! Love, Jenn.

Who came up with SHARING?!?

I'm a happy person...normally. - Carson

All Smiles! - Griffin

Give me that...it's mine!

NO IT ISN'T...IT'S MINE!

I got it!...OH NO...NO BITING! OUCH!!!!!!! MOMMA!!

The boys are perfect by themselves. They love to play and show you all kinds of things. HOWEVER, you put them together and WOW they can't stand to share anything. All four of the kids fight over toys...well actually five because I've even heard Parker say, NO THAT's MINE! I try not to intervene. I kinda think if I do that, at this age I'll be doing that for the rest of my life. So, if there's no BLOOD...I just try to hold tight until the smoke clears. Thought you might enjoy the pictures. Just for the record...no I was not sitting around trying to take pictures of them fighting...I was trying to capture a few sweet smiles and it went down hill. Love, Jenn