Noelle Update 166/365

I have run into so many people the last few days who have asked about Noelle, so here is an update.....She seems to be doing better.  She has been going to VBS this week, and she is keeping up for the most part.  She is still weak, and is napping a lot.  Today she slept about seven of our waking hours, and she is back down tonight.  She is eating, but still not a lot.  I am hoping that her energy level will start to improve as her appetite does.  She is still on an antibiotic, and her rash is gone.  She really is acting like she has mono.  I am actually surprised that those tests were all negative.  We really do appreciate all the prayers on her behalf.  It's nice to see the sunshine flowing through her little body again.

Bow Head 165/365

My neighbor gave us a box of bows, you know the old bows from the early 90's.  The ones that were as big as our bangs.  The girls looked in and couldn't believe that we used to wear such monstrosities in our hair.  There were lots of giggles.  The other day it got quiet, then this is what appeared at the end of my bed.

 This is the front.....

.....and this is the back.  I think they must have added 10 pounds to her head.  I asked her if she thought she looked good like this and she said, "Oh yeah, I'm going to a Disco Party!"  It was very animated of course in typical LeeLee style.  Do you think she could start a new fashion trend if she wore this out?

And the Magic Continues 164/365

While at Disney, Noelle got into pin trading.  She loved it.  She started one collection that she loved the most.  It was little animals wearing Mickey ears.  There were five animals in the set and they were given to cast members for their lanyards.  Noelle found all of them, but the elusive pig.  We found out that the pig was the most difficult one as there were not as many of those issued.  She searched, high and low, and on the last day she met a wonderful man who works on Main Street.  His name was Danny.  Danny even took the time to go to the pin room and go through thousands of pins trying to find that one special pin that Noelle wanted.  He came up empty handed.  He got her name and address though, and vowed to continue looking.  So, out of the blue.....this package arrived.

Noelle was actually waiting for something else, so when she opened it and saw these words, her face started glowing with excitement.

Her collection is now complete.  The magic of Disney lives on......and we are grateful to Danny that he wanted to go the extra mile to make this little girl smile!!  I have to say again, I LOVE DISNEY!

Sweet Corn 163/365

This is one of the reasons I love summer.....we love sweet corn.  The kids could eat it daily and be totally happy.  When we put corn on the table, all four kids look like little chipmunks, but nobody can skin a cob like LeeLee.  Thank you Lord for good ole southern sweet corn and silver queen!  Also thank you for great friends who are always willing to share their abundance.

Look Who Is Up 162/365

Noelle has actually kept her eyes open today!  She is beginning to eat, not much, but she is eating.  Yesterday a small shower wiped her out for the rest of the day.  So, I am thrilled that she is up and moving today.  She actually wanted to help me shave Annie today.  So here is Annie and Noelle before.....

and here they are after.  Noelle had to change to get the mountain of dog hair off her pajamas.  I think this is probably the first time Annie has ever seen a razor.  She was a little jumpy, but I think she will be happy with the cut in the long run.  She still has her adorable fuzzy face!

Naps Aren't Such a Good Idea 161/365

So, maybe if you are a boy, you shouldn't fall asleep in the house while there are a bunch of little girls running around.....The best was when his friend called to see if he had already left to meet him at the golf course and he responded, "No, I'm walking around looking for finger nail polish remover because my nails are bright pink."  Paul is such a good sport!

A Mystery 160/365

You may remember that I mentioned at the beach that Noelle was sick.  Then she missed out on my great aunt's party because she was sick.  We took her to the urgent care on Sunday, and we were shocked when she tested positive for strep.  In a way it was a blessing because she would be able to get in three doses of antibiotics before she left for camp.  That is the beauty of strep, after 24 hours you are ready to hit the world again.  So we sent her on to camp.  It was only a half week so she would be home on Wednesday. (She had a great time by the way.)  After I picked her up, we headed to the doctor with Hunter who was sick but didn't look like he had strep,  he also tested positive.  So our favorite doctor decided to test the little girls too, wouldn't you know it, they were both positive.  Thursday, Noelle couldn't stay awake.  She could barely get out of bed, and by 6 p.m. she had a rash completely covering her arms and legs. Paul came and picked her up and rushed her to meet our doctor.  He was baffled, but decided that maybe it was mono.  Mono can give a false positive to strep, and the rash did look similar.  However, we got the test results back, and she does not have mono.  We have switched strep antibiotics, because we are trying to make sure that is isn't developing an allergic reaction to penicillin like her dad.

This is the rash that has covered her arms and legs.  It does not itch.  It is not like a sunburn, it is blotchy, and her skin is very hot to the touch.  She literally can not stay awake.  Yesterday she was awake for about two hours, today for about six.  I don't worry easily, but I am worried.  I am waking up every thirty minutes just to check her.  Right now, we are praying for answers.  She has been sick for a week and a half now.  If you have a clue as to what it could be, feel free to speak up.  In the meantime, we would love and appreciate your prayers.