Our Busy "Big" Boy

I thought I should add a few pictures of our growing little boy! Isaac's growth and development continues to astound me. We find ourselves asking: "Where did he learn that?" or "I thought this outfit would fit him till spring! Is there anything else I need to get out and wear on him before he out grows it?!?" or "Who taught him that word?"

Isaac enjoys showcasing his new "tricks." For a long time it was saying "balloon," then is was clicking his tongue. Right now he likes to show and tell us "teeth" and other parts of his face. He is a delight and joy to parent. . . even when he shows us his "new trick" of screeching to make his point known after he has been told "NO, Isaac." Parenting is another great adventure that we now find ourselves experiencing - and loving!

It took a while, but Isaac got the hang of ripping wrapping paper off of gifts!


Inspecting his new bath toy from his Aunt Aileen and Uncle Stephen.


This is Eric's Christmas gift to me! Extra counter space and cupboards. I already don't know how I made do without it! Isaac loves to play in my cupboards.


Isaac and Mommy!


My little "problem solver" couldn't get his sippy cup out of the diaper bag, so he just leaned down to the sippy cup to get a drink when he needed it! It made his parents laugh and laugh (and grab the camera).

CHOP News!

I know most are getting our amazing news through word of mouth or other forms of prayer up-dates, but I thought I'd make an "official" post of our trip to Philly.

Eric and I left at 4:45 A.M. in the hopes of avoiding the Schuylkill Expressway, famous for back-ups. Our plan failed as it still took us an hour to travel 13 miles! And we were 15 minutes late for our appointment. Thankfully the staff at the hospital were gracious and took us anyway.

Turned out to be a "GREAT" choice for them, because not only did we take half the allotted time, they were able to give out some "GREAT" news!! Which is something I don't believe the doctors at CHOP get to do very often. The equipment at CHOP was amazing - I was able to see Baby's heart valves click open and shut with such perfect detail! The ultrasound tech would zoom in on a few things and I would explain to Eric - having already been through 2-3 echo cardiograms of the heart - what she was looking at and what Dr. Hole had originally been perplexed by. The technician would just say, "I don't see that anymore." or "I don't think that is a problem." or something to that extent. I would ask about several items I knew were concerns, and each thing she would check off of the list with an unofficial "ok" or state "Yeah, I read that in the report, but I'm not seeing it here."

It didn't take long before she stated, "I think you have a little miracle here!" I was speechless and brought to tears. She didn't believe our consult with the team of doctors would be more than 5-10 minutes. What!! Really?? After she left to speak with the doctors, who were in a separate room evaluating the technicians pictures of the heart, Eric said, "That's what I was expecting!" Some faith I had! I was still bracing myself for news of a very sick baby and a long journey to recovery; full of wires, monitors and surgeries.

The CHOP doctors met us in a room with tissues on the table - provided for the usual news they must give to families. The three ladies were all smiles as they entered. We were informed that our miracle baby did not need further specialized evaluation. They found nothing that was of concern to them. Our baby was, in all reality, healthy and normal!

So we have been released from CHOP with a clean bill of health. We have yet to hear from the MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) doctors in Gettysburg/York. Maybe they will just want to have a look for themselves! However, they will (or have been) sent a full report with pictures for proof. Doctors first diagnosed our baby as having chromosomal and genetic defects, which are beyond the doctor's reach for correction. Then they said it was hydrops fetalis. Now they say it must have been a virus. Maybe it was all three! I'm just fine with not knowing the answers to the many questions of "why?" or "how?"

I'd love to have a "photo" copy of this baby's miraculous comeback. Eric and I have been able to view it first hand through ultrasound technology. Wish I could have a picture of God's actual hand doing the work! But I don't have to have that photo to believe it and know it is true.

Miracles and Wonders of 2010

"The Lehman List of Miracles" can make my head spin and my heart skip a beat. We continue to cling tightly to the Saviors hand, as He leads us into a new year. I don't even want to begin to guess or imagine what He has around the corner for 2011. I guess it may take away from the wonder and gratitude for all He will to do. I also may need Him to carry me through various stages and so it is best that my "need to know" not be satisfied just yet.

1. Definitely the top of the list is our "miracle baby #2" as we like to refer to Baby. Going from Hydropic Fetalis, which is fatal, to a viable and growing baby still has our wonderful doctor scratching his head. We know it is the prayers of God's "saints" and prayer warriors. You know who you are! We are continuing this journey with Baby, who has heart abnormalities, to the Children's Hospital of Philly (CHOP). We journey on with a spring in our step and hope in our hearts. God is doing a new thing!

2. Our precious Isaac Tamerat is our miracle baby #1. He gives us cause to laugh, be amazed and short tempered all in a days work! We love his little personality which is emerging - full of spunk and careful observation. He has also overcome great odds, and it is no wonder! He is a fighter in his own right.

3. Eric has his sights set on the END of his bachelor's degree! Just 6 classes to go. I'm very proud of him: for seeing this overwhelming task to completion, despite full time work and family obligations. He has been VERY flexible, and though a college education doesn't teach you all that you wish it did (for what you end up paying!). There are many valuable life lessons learned through the "university" process.

4. We celebrated our 5th year of marriage in June! Hard to believe.

Well, I think I'll stop here and post a few pictures from our Christmas and New Year's celebrations. May God be our provider and sustain-er into 2011.

Daddy and Isaac opening presents.

Mommy and Isaac reading a new book together.

Daddy thought this was the perfect shot of Isaac in his Nationals cap. . . until he saw the drool. He has started to request that we put his "hat" on his "head"!

Boy! Christmas sure is tiring!!