Pretty Medical

More than a year and a half ago, Lydia's allergist strongly suggested a medical bracelet for Lydia to wear for her food allergies. I resisted the idea for awhile because I didn't want our daughter "labeled" for even strangers, and I felt that since we were with her all of the time, it wasn't necessary. Then, following her asthma diagnosis (again, medic alert jewelry strongly suggested) and finally her epilepsy diagnosis six months ago- I had to admit that yes, medical jewelry was a definite must. I looked online for days, and could never find anything pretty or cute enough in Lydia's size. I did decide during my research that I wanted to subscribe to the company Medic Alert, because Lydia would be given her own personal ID number. That way, any medical personnel could access her full health information during an emergency. It's information that I provide myself and keep updated online. The problem was that the jewelry they offered in her size wasn't Lydia's style. Well, ok, not my style. It just wasn't cute enough to me, so I came up with an idea that combined the best of both worlds. My idea would let me change the look and style of her bracelet every day, while still using Medical Alert's ID number. Making the jewelry chain myself seemed simple enough. Hahaha!!! Fifty dollars in materials later, I realized that making jewelry isn't that easy. I whined on Facebook about my failure, and a very gracious friend helped me out. She makes jewelry as a hobby, so I told her my idea. I asked her to make beaded chains with lobster claws on each side, that could be easily interchanged with the medical plate from Medic Alert. It worked perfectly! My friend made me two chains- one white pearl and one black pearl. They were just as pretty as I imagined. My mom wanted to have some made for her too, so we went to a bead store downtown, where we had a few more options made.

Here's one of the chains.

The lobster claws attach to each end of the medical plate. All of her medical conditions and allergies are engraved on the back, as well as the 1-800 number for Medic Alert, and Lydia's personal ID number.

I bought a jewelry holder, because the box on her dresser was too much of a temptation for her to play with in the middle of the night.

I recently purchased her a necklace as well. I replaced the too long/not very cute chain with this one I bought at Piercing Pagoda.

My little cutie! 

Brooke's Baptism

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

3 John 1:4 I have no greater JOY than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Joy!!!

In the Palm of His Hand

So, yesterday was interesting, to say the least. Our church had a pool party in town to celebrate a great week of Vacation Bible School. I was in the baby pool with Lydia and Isaac when I noticed several raised bumps on Lydia's torso. She wasn't crying, and at first I thought maybe a mosquito bit her several times. Then I noticed an obvious sting mark on her wrist, and knew she was reacting to either a bee or wasp. I gave her Benadryl, but it didn't seem to make a difference.Within minutes the hives became bigger on her chest and side, and her lips started to swell. That's when I completely broke down and lost it. I couldn't hold the tears in as the fear overtook me, and I began sobbing. God is so gracious in His care, and I don't think it was an accident that I was surrounded by loving friends who took over for me. One called 911, while others took care of my other three children. Paramedics were there almost immediately, and my heart soon calmed down. Lydia was visibly shaken and scared, and her usually mild tremors were obviously worse. I tried my best to put on a happy face for her, and stopped my own tears. While in the ambulance, peace came over me. I felt the prayers of friends, and I was able to smile and talk to Lydia while helping her stay calm.

To make a long story short, it took two (maybe three, I can't remember clearly) doses of epinephrine, two to three doses of Benadryl, and steroids to bring her back to normal. At no time was her breathing ever compromised. HUGE praise. We went home that night.


I've struggled today to remind myself who's in control. I wish I could keep her indoors 24/7 where I can keep her safe. That's not faith though. That's just wild and uncontrolled fear. I am learning to let go and leave it in His hands. Again.  


Part of me is sad. Lots of tears. Another part is angry at one more way our daughter could possibly die.
As if food, air, and brain function weren't enough methods.


In the weeks leading up to Lydia's recent food allergy testing, I prayed so hard for all of her allergies to be taken away. Part of my prayer was that if it wasn't in His plan to completely heal her, that He would at least remove the shellfish allergy. Random, but that was my prayer. Guess what allergy she no longer has? Her dairy and peanut allergies were even worse, and she has a new allergy to melons, but tears welled up in my eyes when I heard about the shellfish, because I knew He had heard me. It was as if I literally felt Him hold me in that moment, and remind me of His care for both me and Lydia. 


We'll get through this. In the palm of His hand.