Pneumonia

Pneumonia 

Marshall hasn't seemed like himself in weeks. He's been fussier then normal and not sleeping well. Right around his first birthday he and Brayden came down with croup. The doctor prescribed Brayden with a steroid the night before Marshall also came down with it- so we started treating both boys. It worked- the croupyness disappeared but the constant nasal drip crankiness continued. 

Monday Marshall started a fever. I thought he was probably fighting off another virus going around and just started treating him with Motrin. The next day the fever continued. I knew he was hot- but was busy- so I just kept up with the medicine and tried to let him rest. Rest he would not! By the afternoon- I was feeding him some milk and grabbed the thermometer 104! Ouch! Time to call the doctor.

I called explaining that his fever was 104 with Motrin and it was probably high for the last 24 hours. I also stated he had croup a few weeks back and had had a runny nose for a month. They immediately wanted to see us- so I packed the kids in the car and shipped them to Chick-fil-a with Jon while I took Marshall in.

Within minutes of my arrival the doctor wanted us to head to the ER. She first gave him tylenol to try and lower his fever- but it went up instead. She didn't give us a lot of info- just that she was concerned and wanted him to be tested and treated- and also get some hydration. 

The ER (of course) was busy but they moved us along pretty quickly. Marshall had an IV in place and a little cast over his arm to prevent him from pulling it out. He was so tired (he didn't sleep all day) and he did not want to be messed with. Every time a nurse or doctor would walk in he start crying and cling to me saying "all done momma" "all done!" 

It broke my heart but I was thankful he was being treated and taken care of. He had a chest xray and a series of blood work taken.

Early into Wednesday morning, with Marshall's fever down, they sent us home. By the next morning- he was a different boy! Doctors called me first thing to ask me to come in. There, the doctor stated she was pretty certain he got an infection on top of his croup and his lungs were also cloudy and he had pneumonia. Nothing a few doses of antibiotics won't take care of! 

He is doing so much better. Praise God!

Here are some sad little pics of my sweet boy:

Easter 2014

Easter 2014

When Jon and I met- I remember stating that Christmas was my favorite holiday and when we spent our first Easter together- he told me how Easter was his favorite. I've always known why Easter is so special but this year- Ruthie took part in sharing the meaning of Easter- but just her raw testimony of how Jesus died for her and she would someday live with him in heaven is just beautiful. 

O.N.E. - Marshall James

O.N.E.

Marshall James

This year went by so quickly. I can't believe my sweet little boy is one. Every body always said, "time flies by" but I didn't really get it- until my third child is no longer a baby, but a one year old little man. What a journey- he's by far, my favorite (Just kidding!!! Ruthie and Brayden!) but seriously, he's been the easiest transition. He sleeps well, he's always happy, and he keeps up with his big brother and sister. I thought for sure, he'd be walking by his first birthday, but just like Ru and Bray- he loves to prove me wrong... so for now, I watch as he crawls around the room, or uses his walker and just enjoy... time, like I said, is going quickly.

Some Stats:

30 inches long (60%)

20 lbs 9.7 oz (43%%)

We moved Marshall from formula to cows milk slowly around his first birthday. He quickly adjusted to milk but prefers to drink it warmed up. The doctor said he should shoot to drink 20-24 oz a day... my growing boy- drinks a minimum of 32 oz!! Our doctor was wondering if he was saying any words or just babble... quickly Marshall perks up and says "momma, all done" and then started squawking about Dada and down and -- doctor Jarvie responded- never-mind, I see you have another genius on your hands :). Thank you for affirming what his mommy and daddy already know! :) 

His First Birthday Party

I was determined to keep Marshall's party simple and fun. I tend to want to overdue things and it just makes for a very stressful time for me and my family. I think I did well. :) I had a wonderful time.

I got one of the biggest surprises... Evan, Natalie and Eleanor walked into the backyard! A huge SURPRISE! We had no idea they were coming and wow- did it ever bless me! It was so great to see them, watch Marshall and Ella interact. I can't really put into words how amazing it was to see them. 

It was a beautiful weekend, gorgeous in the 70's and most of our family and friends were with us. I know Marshall won't remember this day- but by far, it will be one that I never forget. Here are a couple of pictures. Enjoy!