My Son Clark

The picture above illustrates what I thought the first time I saw David Cook of American Idol on my TV screen. As soon as I saw this guy's hair, I thought, "what a mess", then I thought, "hey, he looks like Clark!" What do you think? This was the best messed up hair picture of Clark we had, but I am telling you, they bear a strange resemblance when Clark first wakes up in the morning. Time for a haircut Clark!

Clark made an especially miraculous entry into our world almost 16 months ago. I can vividly remember watching for him to be delivered. Henry and Brooks had already been born, and Clark was right on his heals. Since Brooks and Clark shared an amniotic and chorionic sack, they were almost born together. We were worried about Brooks and Clark the entire pregnancy due to the fact that they were a rare form of identical twins known medically as monoamniotic twins. (Click here for a detailed explaination of monoamniotic twins)

Due to this complication, I was very anxious to see just how tangled Brooks' and Clark's cords would be. Miraculously, after 8 months of development without anything separating them from becoming entangled, Brooks and Clark were delivered with their cords only slightly twisted around one another. God was so gracious to us and them!

Unfortunately, we were not out of the woods yet. Clark would almost immediately be placed on a ventilator due to immature lungs where he would struggle for days. Clark's blood gas levels became dangerously saturated with CO2. It made no sense to me, but his lungs were doing fine with oxygenating his blood, but were failing to remove the CO2 properly, creating a potentially deadly situation. The doctors and nurses at St. Vincent were doing all they could to get our little boy to breath properly, and get him out of danger. They were forced to switch him to a jet ventilator, but were still unable to stabilize his blood gas levels.

Since Jen was still hospitalized with high fever and blood loss after delivery, we were getting updates around the clock from the NICU. Jen was not able to go visit the boys yet because of her fever, but all of that changed around 12am that night. Our NP came in and informed us that she had cleared it with the NICU doctors to have Jen come up and see the boys. We didn't realize it at the moment, but they wanted to make sure that Clark's mommy got to see him alive, as they were beginning to wonder if he would make it through the night.

When we returned to Jens room that night we sent out an urgent prayer request to our church, and to our blog readers. We then went to prayer on his behalf. Our gracious God once again answered our prayers, sparing Clark's life. Within an hour of Jen visiting the NICU, Clark's CO2 levels finally began to drop. The moment our NP burst through the door with the news and a smile on her face still brings tears to my eyes when I think of it. My little Clark was going to be OK.

Clark had a few other scary bumps in the road before exiting the NICU 5 weeks later, but is now a very happy, healthy little boy. You never want to see your children suffer, but suffering brings an appreciation for how much you love them. I will always treasure Clark's life because of those early trials.

Today, Clark's personality is a wonderful daily reminder of God's goodness. He and Henry seem to spar over who is going to command the most attention. I never thought I would use this word to describe my son, as I want them to be masculine men, but since the day he was born, Clark has always been a beautiful little boy. His smile always makes me laugh, and he loves to sit on his daddy's lap, which makes me swell with pride.

Once again, I wish I could describe to all of you what Clark's precious life means to me, it cannot be put to words. But, I love his crooked little smile, I love his deep brown eyes, I love the way he curls up in bed with Brooks each night, I love how he giggles out of control when I rub my nose in his neck, I love to watch him jump in his crib, I love his aggressive personality, I love his expression when I blow air in his face, I love to watch him play, and I love the fact that God let me keep my precious little boy, that I get to watch him grow instead of visiting his grave, and that I get to teach him to fish instead of dreaming about what it would be like to raise all four of my boys, and mostly, I love that I get to give glory to God for saving my little boy when doctors and nurses had tried everything to save him.

I love you Clark, and I am so thankful that I get to be your daddy.

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: Memorable Moments in Music City

If you're new to these episodes you gotta start....

Here...

Then Here...

Then Here...

And Finally Here.

In an effort to start wrapping up this great Ad-"Venture" here are some of my favorite pics from the 4 day event, and then a video montage to follow (since I had to keep with the "video" theme). In case you are wondering, many of these were taken at the Gaylord Opryland Resort which is a MUST see when in Music City.

Just The 17 of Us

Yet Another Failed Attempt to Get a "Perfect" Family Photo

Taking a Dip in the Fountain

Gotta Love the Shots from Behind

Make sure to listen to the lyrics of "Broken" by Jack Johnson....(Ironically, this CD was playing in the van during our break down.)

Stay Tuned for the Grand Finale and the Revealing of our NEW VAN to be delivered to the Murray Casa Tomorrow!!!!

My Son Isaac

What you see above is one of my favorite things about Isaac, his sweet, uplifting smile. He treats us with this smile every single day, almost all day. God has given him such a content little spirit. Isaac can lay in one place and play with one toy for 30 minutes at a time. He was the last one of the boys to learn to crawl, and I am convinced that it had very little to do with ability. He just had no reason to move, he was content right where he was. He still loves to lay on his back and play with a toy, or even just his fingers and toes for long periods of time. Isaac is the only child I have ever seen whom you can actually hear smiling. He makes a funny little noise as he breaths when he is smiling, and that noise is one of my favorite things to hear in the world.

Isaac was first to come home from the hospital, along with Brooks. My first really amazing experience with Isaac came on his third day of life. When I arrived in the NICU that day, Isaac’s nurse told me that they had just removed him from the ventilator. They were pretty sure that he was ready, but the next few hours would tell for sure. The only problem was, Isaac was very upset and she said he really needed to settle down soon, or he would wear himself out. If he used up all of his energy on crying, he would not have the strength to continue to breath on his own.

Our nurse suggested that I put my hand under his head and slightly rock his little head back and forth in an attempt to comfort him. She had already tried, but she thought I might have more success since I was his dad. I reached into his isolette and gently lifted his head, placing it in the palm of my hand. I was amazed, his head was slightly larger than a tennis ball! As I began to rock his head, he immediately settled down. It really melted my heart when our nurse told me that she was not able to settle him down, and that he must know that I am his daddy. I have replayed that experience in my head hundreds of times since that day, and it never gets old.

I love this little boy in ways that I cannot describe, but I will do my best. I love the little dimple on one cheek when he smiles, I love the way he opens his mouth wide open when he smiles and squeals, I use to love his 3 chins (I miss those chins!), I love his still chunky thighs, I love his beautiful blue eyes, I love his wispy brown hair, I love that his favorite word is da-da, I love that he rocks himself to sleep each night in his crib on his hands and knees, I love our nightly routine that involves bouncing him on his crib mattress until he squeals, I love that he squeals even before I start in anticipation each night, I love the fact that he cries when I leave him, and smiles when I come home, I love that he gets excited when I hand him his blue ball, even though it is the 200th time, and most of all, I love the fact that God has given me this little boy who has captured my heart the past 15 months and made me love him in ways I didn’t even know was possible.

My son Isaac is amazing. Many times, God uses Isaac to get Jen and I through the most difficult circumstances. No matter how upset Brooks, Clark, and Henry might be, you can almost always count on a smile from Isaac. When we are at our wits end and don’t know how much more we can take, we hear that familiar sound and look up, and there is Isaac, smiling ear to ear.

I am so proud of you Isaac, and it is such a privilege to call you my son, I love you buddy,

Dad

Related Post: My Son Henry

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: "Reserved Room for the Griswolds, Please"

Start Here...
Prequel

Sequel I

Sequel II

After our "Griswold Moment" we hit the road for another 3 hour tour. We were more than relieved to pull up to The Residence Inn in Brentwood, TN (just south of Nashville). Regardless of being 4 hours late, we still beat my parents and sister + her family down, and were able to pull off the surprise.

Here's a peak at our BIG surprise. They were so shocked that the door slams on them! Hilarious! I think the boys were just as surprised with all the commotion.

I think they're shaking to another 50 Years!

Next Episode: "Memorable Moments in Music City"

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: Cheese Nips, Downpours, and Maurice

If You Haven't Already, Read The Prequel and the First Sequel Before Reading Further....

Let me set the scene for this next episode of Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation. Things were going quite smoothly on the first leg of the trip. The boys even took a 45 minute nap and the peaceful view looked like this:

HOWEVER, as we neared Lebanon Junction, KY (about 3 hours from home)the van went from an accelerating 70mph to 0 in a matter of seconds. God truly protected us as Brad was able to coast directly onto an exit ramp and into a gas station parking lot with absolutely no power. What does Jen do to keep from going into a panicked cardiac arrest? Turn on the video camera, of course!

7 Blessings and Provisions from this "Venture":

1. God's protection in an engine failing situation.

2. We were able to get the one mini-van rental left in the 50 mile radius, due to the Kentucky Derby. The first rental company we called had only a Ford Focus left on their lot (uh, definitely not "Quadmobile" material), the next was completely out, and the last had just gotten a cancellation for a Toyota Sienna. Coincidence? Nope, I don't believe in them!

3. My brother and his family were less than 10 minutes from the exit where we broke down when we called them to find out if they had even left Indiana yet. He was able to help us unload, reattach the overhead luggage carrier, reload, and hold babies while we transferred the car seats. It was an ENORMOUS blessing to have his help and to see a familiar face during an uncertain situation. (I should have videoed this part, but I must have been too caught up in the major shiftaroo!)

4. The semi-truck service station graciously took a look at our van, correctly pronounced the van "dead upon arrival", and allowed us to unload our Venture and reload our rental van under their garage during the downpour.

5. The Hertz Rental Company in Elizabethtown treated us with true southern hospitality. Due to our extreme circumstances, they made an exception and picked us up from our stranded location. Maurice, our driver, was able to refer us to a trusted place to have our van towed and provided enjoyable conversation along the transport.

6. Brad and I had an amazing measure of calmness that HAD to be from the Lord.

7. The boys were absolutely AMAZING! No major meltdowns, fits, tantrums, etc. Considering everything they endured we had no complaints from our little troopers.

Plus...it ended up being great blogging material!

Love, Mama

Clark and Mama

Isaac and Mama

Brooks and Mama

Henry and Mama

To My Mother's Day Gifts: Clark, Isaac, Brooks, and Henry,
It is a true privilege to be called your "mama". It's a title I longed for, dreamed of, prayed for, but I didn't know if you would ever exist. I'm so glad you're safe and that God has placed you in my arms. I love each of you in an unexplainable, unmistakable, overwhelming way. I'm grateful for your miracle lives and the contagious joy that you abundantly spread. I'm praying for you to grow to love our Savior and that you would honor Him with the lives He has given you.
Love You From Head to Toe,
Mama

For the Record....

I do not make a practice of addressing anonymous parenting advice, but due to some conflicting information, I felt compelled to set the record straight. Here is a great resource from CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) concerning this issue:

"The harnesses in forward-facing seats have several harness slot positions. These slot choices allow you to move the straps as your child grows. When your child is in the forward- facing position, the harness straps should be threaded through slots at or above your child's shoulders. If the top slots are below your toddler's shoulders, the seat is too small. She may need a different seat or may be ready for a belt-positioning booster. Be sure to read your car seat manual to learn how to correctly use the harnesses."

Brad and I willingly accept advice and constructive criticism from close friends, family, and our medical team and have made some adjustments accordingly. In the future, please allow them this privilege of offering assistance. We understand that many of you have wonderful intentions and we appreciate your concern for our boys' well being. However, the intent of our blog is to share our story of what God has done and continues to do in our lives, rather than be a forum for debate or parenting suggestions.

Please note that any comment referring to car seat straps, car seat position, car seat brands, or car seat rotten cheerios =) will be deleted from here "forward". If we have offended any of you, please know that is not our intention. The vast majority of the time your comments and emails are a great source of encouragement that we anticipate daily.

~Brad -N- Jen

Videos of "Venturous" Vacation: "The Calm Before The Trying to Stay Calm"

Read the Prequel to This Sequel First

Okay, so here it goes..... All of you who were unaware that Brad and I are elite members of the "Ultimate Dork Club". It's over - we've been uncovered. The Proof is in the Pudding Video.

Here's where our "Venture" begins. Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride. (Oh, and let me know if you're getting a laugh out of our pure dorkidity.)

Stay Tuned for the Next Episode: "Cheese Nips, Downpours, and Maurice"

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: A Prequel to Many Sequels

Before I start on some great reality footage of our "Ventures" to Nashville, I'd like to begin with some behind the scenes details of our trip. Around Christmas time, my siblings and I started planning a surprise 50th anniversary celebration for my parents. Their actual anniversary was February 21,2007, so we were only a mere year and 2+months late! The boys were born less than 3 weeks before their incredible milestone, and on their actual anniversary Clark became very ill with his digestive issues, so needless to say, their big day became a bit overshadowed.

Clark receiving fluids via a pic line due to premature digestive system 02-23-07

However, we wanted to honor this accomplishment of marriage and celebrate with them, regardless of the timing, so we began planning a trip for 17 to Nashville, TN.

My parents holding Clark and Brooks - Mother's Day 2007

We weren't sure how we would fit 4 pack-n-plays + four boys + their enormous amount of stuff in our Chevy Venture, but then a triplet buddy, Linda, gave me this great product recommendation: Kidco Pea Pods!

If you look closely at this picture you'll see four little boys asleep inside their little tents complete with their camo sleep sacks. We are in love with this product, because it can go anywhere, takes up minimal space, and folds up to the size of a flattened basketball. I'm serious! (And no, they are not paying me to endorse their product!) It's one of our favorite products thus far. And grandparents are pumped that they'll be able to stay overnight now! We had them "practice" in the playroom for one week to adjust to the new surroundings before trying it out for the first time in a populated hotel!

So that's some background prior to our official road trip "Venture". To give you fair warning, this post will be part of a mini-series of posts, complete with bloopers and more details than you probably wish to digest. It is sure to become a moment in history for our family, so I'm using the blog as a way to document the memories, which is one of the main purposes of this blog. Read at your own risk.

Next Up...

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: The Calm Before the Trying to Stay Calm

You'll Look Sweet Upon a Seat, Of a Bicycle Built for 6?

Van? Who needs a van if you could ride in style with a sweet contraption like this! Six seater bicycle listed on ebay and locally on craiglist for $3500. Sure it has keyless entry, fuel efficiency, leather, and custom design, but I'm not sure about it's crash test ratings. (Thanks to Ben for passing this along for a great chuckle!)