Christmas Cards with Shutterfly

With Thanksgiving behind us, the Christmas decorations come out, and holiday traditions begin. One of the things we look forward to is updating friends and family with pictures of the family as well as family happenings from the past year and of those to come. And lets be honest, we all love the feeling of getting a card in the mailbox that isn't a bill or credit card offer.

This year I started looking at Shutterfly.com because I love all of the layout options. We have used Shutterfly for a couple of different projects and are so happy with their quality of prints. No matter what your style is, they have a card to fit. I encourage you to look into their site!

Here is their link for the holiday cards:
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

and
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards


I also have ordered calendars through Shutterfly again was so impressed by all of the options. I have given the grandma's this special gift and if you order through today you get BOGO %50 off. Amazing deals. Here is a link if you are interested in the calendars. You can even order them to come with 18 months instead of 12. Highly recommend!!!
http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars

They have great sales right now!

JOY!

It took us a while to decide on what name we were going to give Adalynn. One Sunday while sitting in a church service I really felt like she was going to be filled with God's joy. So as we were picking out a middle name, "JOY" seemed to be a perfect fit. Now, eight and a half months later, her name couldn't be more fitting. Adalynn's smiles are contageous!

The other day as she was sitting in the Living Room playing with her toys I heard little noises of joy, and of course took out the camera. Here are a couple of pictures captured. These simple moments of my day can be the best light, and breath of fresh air. It seems that they happen during the busy moments. I am so glad that I stopped my agenda to capture Adalynn during this play time. I hope that the joy that comes out of her when she smiles, will cause you to smile as well.

Daddy's Little Ladies

More Pictures to come!

AFRICA...

Africa. I find that as I write that word, I am amazed that the we are here and in the midst of seperation. Jason is currently in Kenya, and the girls and myself are in Ashland, OR. Jason was approached with the possibility of Africa, a day after Adalynn was born. Seven months ago we made the decision that it would be an incredible time for Jason, and both felt the leading of the Lord to persue this. Although there is distance, we are able to text, talk, and skype...technology is amazing!!

We spent the days leading up to Jason's trip packing, cleaning, and celebrating Kyla's birthday (I will post some pictures soon). Trying to pack for a month, and keeping your luggage under 50lbs is quite a challenge. Who knew that a pair of jeans can weigh up to 5lbs.

We are learning how tired we are! This is our first break from medicine, other than a week here and there, in the last two and a half years. We have been on the medicine track now six and a half. Sometimes, I don't think we know how tired we are until we are able to stop and rest. Ashland has definately been that time for me. To rest emotionally and physically.

The girls are healthy!!! We have had so much fun, and I cannot tell you the weight that is off my shoulders. First time in six months! Thank you Lord for rest and health!! Kyla has had her time of adjustment, but everyday she gets more content with the transition.

Jason is doing well in Africa, missing his family, but seeing medicine through different eyes. Please pray for him, as he can feel isolated as a Christian and daddy.

Sorry no pictures...I don't have my own camera or computer here in Ashland.

Update...well a little

Wow! It has been almost two months since we have last updated. I have hesitated to update because I wanted to wait until my family is healthy and I have more time on my hands. Unfortunately the Van Winkle family still is batteling health issues. It has almost become the norm around here. I have to say that through this I have grown in strength and thankfulness. Yes, I have had my discouraging times, but those times are few and far between now. Rather than being disapointed for days on a time, it is now an hour here and there (usually when both girls are crying, dishes are over flowing on our counter, and everyone is hungry).

Although our summer has been stretched with sickness, we have had some great memories. So, my goal is to post some cute pictures of Kyla's trip to the ER while she had summer flu, and then the next posts will be pictures of our great memories this summer.

Kyla got the summer flu about a month ago. We started our morning with a trip to the doctor's but at this time we didn't know what she had. She was complaining of stomach pain one minute and the next minute she was running around and normal. It was the weirdest thing. Her fever would come and go, and so did her emotions. The day we went to the doctor, Kyla was totally out of it and because of her stomach cramping, we did a blood test to determine if she had a viral infection. Instead the blood test came back showing that she some sort of bacterial infection (which brought about concern for GI and apendix stuff). Kyla was very lethargic so we had to take her to a Children's ER where they did a stomach X-ray and Urine test.

About 45 minutes into our time at the ER, Kyla started perking up and couldn't wait to get her hands on a popsicle...which she had turned down earlier. We like to say that it was the tylenol that made the difference, but deep down inside we know that the Lord truly touched her body right there.

Being a prepared Mom, truth is I thought we were going to have to stay the night, I packed the DVD player and camera. Here are some picture I couldn't resist sharing! (Yes, she wanted her flip flops on the whole time)

Adventure to Sauvie Island Farms

Make your own free picture slideshow

Letter from Mama!

Dear sweet Family,

It is hard to believe that we begun the battle of health three months ago. Many times we thought we were done but some new bug decided to visit. Adalynn, sweet little girl, you have had the worst of it, but have been a trooper, I am so sorry to say that you are still sick. I wanted to say thanks to each of you for the little gifts you have given to me as a wife and mom during this time.

Jason, you have lent your strength, support, comfort and shoulder to cry on many times. You have been the emotional rock of our family and to this I am truly grateful. For the many days when you come home to a messy house, emotional mom, and fussy daughters, your attitude was to embrace it and lend a hand. Your relationship with Kyla has grown through this and it is truly a joy to watch you play and laugh together. Above all, thanks for your unending prayer support. For knowing that the Lord will meet the needs of our family and acting in faith when I felt I had none. For being an extension of God's peace and comfort. I can truly say we have grown closer during this difficulty. Thank you for loving unconditionally, I love you!

Kyla, our little ball of energy and breath of fresh air. There is never a dull moment for you. Thank you for the many little play moments we have had in the back yard, and for the special moments of cuddeling with me on the couch. Thank you for making mommy laugh when the days seemed so tough. You have been a big help and have been so good at all the doctors visits. You have been to over ten now, and practically could check us in and lead us to our room. Kyla, as much energy as you have, you have a tender side to you that has been a beautiful picture of God's grace and love to me. Kyla Grace, your name is truly coming alive. Your favorite sentence to say to me is "no worries mommy". Every time I hear it I know that you are speaking truth into the moment. Thank you for bringing me countless tissues and endless hugs and kisses! Mommy loves you and is so proud of you!

Adalynn, sweet little baby, I am so sorry you have had to spend the first 3/4 of your life sick. You have endured a lot of doctor appointments, surgery, and procedures, but the joy that wells up inside of you has always been present. You have taught mommy how to keep smiling through your sickness. I love the way you greet people with smiles and how you follow your sister around the room with your eyes. Adalynn, you have an ability to go with the flow and remain so calm in the midst of this storm. I wish that I could take it from you, but I know that over time, you will be healthy again! Thank you for your smiles and giggles that are so contagious. Mommy loves you and is so proud of you!

Bath Time

Just a few updated pictures of our little Adalynn during her bath tonight. The second picture is an attempt to show you her curly hair. Many more of the last month to come, but the computer is being quite slow.

When it Rains it Pours

Our poor blog. Last picture I posted was of Adalynn almost seven weeks ago. I cannot help but grieve the time that has gone by. It has been one of the most challenging periods of parenting so far, and yet the feelings of pride and accomplishment are now starting to make their way into our home as we feel like we have conquered the challenge that was set before us.

Our journey started on Easter, with Kyla waking up with Croup. As we posted earlier, a week later Adalynn came down with RSV and an ear infection. I was at five weeks postpartum and I felt a little of the baby blues set in, feeling a little overwhelmed with a really sick newborn, a bored 2 1/2 yr old, and an extremely messy and unorganized house. Thankfully my mom was able to come up and help out. What an amazing help she was and an incredible listener to all of my emotions. Mom you are truly amazing!

With Adalynn's ear infection, it required us to have the Dr. recheck her ear to make sure it was starting to drain and that the bacterial infection was starting to heal. Unfortunately we had her ear checked twice, two bouts of antibiotics later we were referred to a pediatrician ENT where we would assess the best way to have her ear drained.

Meanwhile Kyla got sick with cold #2 and was coughing and stuffy again. We are still unsure if Adalynn picked up this second cold and thus made it hard for her ear to drain.

Upon her visit to the ENT we were informed that we needed to have surgery to place tubes in her ears. Her ear canals are so tiny, and unfortunately ear problems runs in the family (sorry Adalynn). Because of this, the dr. was not able to drain them in the office. When the ENT started talking about anesthesia I felt a lump in my throat. Looking down at my little girl, it was all that I could do to hold back tears. I let them out later in the car, feeling scared and unsure of what the day of surgery was going to be like.

The next week I tried to keep my mind off of surgery day. Kyla got sick for the third time with a stomach bug. It was a few nights of cleaning up messes and holding a feverish/lethargic girl. I couldn't believe it...sick again...REALLY! Poor Kyla couldn't help it, but at this point I was just trying to stay afloat. We were praying that the stomach bug wouldn't spread to Adalynn or anyone else. Praise the Lord, by the day of surgery Kyla was better and no one else got it!!

The day of surgery started early, and looking back on it, went fast. We had to check in at 6:00 am. Since her surgery was at 7:30 I wasn't able to nurse her after 3:30 in the morning. I was so worried that I would have a screaming daughter as we were waiting. However we were recommended to try sugar water and it worked like magic!! We dipped her pacifier in it, and it calmed her right down.

As we walked into her surgery prep room, we were given little patient gown to put on and a little teddy bear for each child was put on their bed with their name on it and how old they were. Ours read "Adalynn, 65 days". My heart sank when I saw this. My little girl was really going in for surgery. Adalynn loved to look at the bear and I was blessed by the hospital's consideration to all the emotions of both children and their parents.

7:30 a.m. came and the toughest part had arrived. I handed Adalynn over the the nurse with tears in my eyes. She cuddled Adalynn up with warm blankets and carried her off to the operating room. It felt as if the wind was knocked out of me. The next 30 minutes went by fast and I was able to be there and help wake her up after surgery. What a joy it was to pick her little body up, cuddle her and calm her by nursing. She started eating right away, and kept eating and eating and eating.

Adalynn's ears have now drained and she is doing amazing. I have two healthy girls now. Total we have been to eight dr. appointments, one x-ray, three doses of antibiotics, chiropractic treatment, and one surgery in the last five weeks. I am so glad to say that the storm of sickness is over, and we are now starting to dry off.

Here are some pictures of Adalynn and her bear.

SMILE!!!

Adalynn's first interactive smile. 1 day shy of 1 month.

Easter

Easter was spent in two parts. Uncle J and Auntie B came up to have dinner and die Easter eggs, then join us for church Sunday morning. Kyla loved dying eggs as we got the special tie-die edition. SO much fun! Unfortunately Kyla woke up with croup on Saturday night, so the girls and Rachel spent Easter Sunday at home. We enjoyed the "Easter basket" and hunt during the day. Nothing stopped Kyla's excitement.

Kyla's Wheelbarrow Easter Basket

The second half of the day was spent with Jason's family coming into town. This was extra special as Uncle Josh was with them. Josh teaches English in Korea and has not been here to visit since Christmas of 2008. It was great to see you Josh!

Unlike Kyla, Adalynn takes a pacifier which has saved me a couple times since having two!

Bangs

Now that there are two little girls, I have found that in order to get out of the door and make it on time to events and things has been a little more challenging than before. Part of my routine in the morning is Kyla's hair. It is very thick, has a few layers, and a mind of its own. If nothing is done as far as style, her hair has a mind of its own and goes crazy, thus in all honesty I feel a little embarrassed with the neglected look. I fought long and hard with her hair clips, however they wouldn't stay in because of her hair's thickness and Kyla's love to pull them out. :) This was hard for me as a mom because I wanted to grow her bangs out. I never wanted her to have bangs, but realized that at this stage, maybe they would help give a "style" to her hair. Ultimately giving me the ability to run out the door in the morning without having to spend 5-10 minutes in the morning at the last minute to get her hair pulled together. That amount of time seems doable, until you add in the time to get Kyla sitting down. Besides, when you are running late, even 30 seconds feels like eternity. Kyla's hair is soft and thick, I am sure that someday down the way we can grow her bangs out. :)

I was able to dry her hair while she got to watch Peter Pan.

Kyla's attempt at smiling towards the camera.

RSV + Ear Infection = NO TIME

Well, for all of those who keep checking to see updates and new pictures, you are going to have to wait a little longer. We have been sick with what started out as Croup and a cold with Kyla and then traveled to RSV and an Ear infection with Adalynn. Kyla recovered pretty quickly, but Adalynn has taken a little longer. We are now starting week two and are hoping we are on the mend. We have seen the dr. three times now and have had one x-ray of the chest done. So far we are thankful we have remained out of the hospital. After talking with the pediatrician, we have learned that RSV is pretty wide spread this year and it seems to be lasting longer than in other years. Here is to hoping that we have a healthy family be next weekend!!

Date With Daddy

Jason and Kyla had their first date day. Filled with Kyla's three favorite things: planes, trains, and pools. Their morning started out riding the train, "choo choo" (also known to Portlanders as the MAX), to the Portland airport. Kyla watches the planes take off and land from our window, but to see them close up was her favorite. Jason found a spot to watch them, and still a week later Kyla talks about the train going fast and the planes going up and down. They then finished their date at the pool. As many remember from earlier posts, Kyla LOVES our pool and it is also a discussion topic at least once a day.

Foursome

3 Weeks

Ashland

Ashland was a huge blessing for our family. The ratio was two adults to one kid, which made a perfect transition period for our family. Adalynn was still adjusting to nursing, Kyla was adjusting to having a sister and less mommy time, Rachel was recovering from the delivery as well as mastitis, and Jason was enjoying the extra help with the new level of care his family required. Three woman can get quite emotional. :) Sorry Jason, there are more of these moments to come.

Here are some pictures that highlighted the trip. I could dedicate a whole post to some of these pictures, but it would take me another whole week to catch up on the blog.

Bath Time

Kyla loved taking a bath in Emmy's jetted tub. The bubbles multiplied and Kyla dressed herself in them.

Our trip to Costco...the sunglasses didn't come off our whole time in the store.

Nana Great is in a bowling league. Kyla got her first shot at bowling and loved it. Bumpers were used and occasionally a ramp that she got to roll the ball down.

Mom Time! Much needed as the hormones and emotions of becoming a family of four began.

Helping Papi out on the tractor. It has taken Kyla two years to warm up to this tractor, and she took a ride with Papi for the first time. She LOVES it now!

The photo op didn't last too long as Kyla was Adalynn was hungry. Once again, Kyla loves her sunglasses. Thus, we have multiple pairs.

Feeding the fish, or as Kyla calls them "firsh". Kyla would get so excited to feed the fish. My dad caught the moment on camera and it reminds me of when I was Kyla's age sitting with my great grandmother Rachel. She was an amazing, hard working woman, reminding me of my Nana.