A New View

We're still here! Apparently, life with two children is quite busy and blogging time (or time for showering for that matter!) is few and far between. It's okay, I think these cuties are worth it and more! :)

The Boys (I love saying that, by the way!) are doing wonderful. I ventured out alone, with both boys for the first time yesterday for their well check up appointments.

Mr. Owen's stats are quite different now that we have a working kidney! Before transplant Owen was "off the charts" for his weight (as in c-h-u-b-b-y!) and barely on the chart for his height (clearly his Mom and Dad aren't giants to begin with!) Well, my now oh-so-healthy two year old is weighing in at 29lbs (51%tile) and 34in (31%). Holy cow! What a difference! So, he's still on the short side, but hey- he's growing like crazy! And slimming down, too....unfortunately I've had to say goodbye to the rolls that made him the cutest "Michelin Man" baby around. :) Owen is doing so many new things lately, I've *almost* had a few breakdowns when coming to the realization that this big brother....really is getting big. He has overcome some huge fears, sensory wise and met some big milestones, all in the few weeks that Abel has been here.


Our first big accomplishment was crawling in the grass. Owen has never, ever, ever been okay with grass touching him. He didn't mind to pick it up with his hands, but was not one to sit, stand or crawl in it. Well, the times of sitting on the patio, knowing Owen will stay right beside us are long gone. He's off and ready to find some dirt and rocks to play with!

Bath time at the Daugherty House has been nothing short of agonizing for at least 6 months. Owen seemed to not only be terrified of the tub, but the bathroom in general. We aren't really sure why, as he was a fish in the water at the pool all summer! But recently, with lots of help from Daddy sitting in the tub with him, Owen has decided that baths just aren't so bad after all! :) (The faucet makes a great thirst quencher, as well!)

And, of course Owen is movin' and groovin' like crazy! I'm not sure how far he is from walking alone, as his upper body strength is still quite weak and he likes a little something to hold on to...but, MAN! For a boy who literally couldn't move in April....he is developing like crazy! He is climbing, pulling up, cruising and taking steps with assistance. It is amazing what God is doing in this little boy's body! We continue to pray for muscle strength and development, as his little body just can't keep up with all the exploring calling his name! :)

Little Brother Abel is growing like wildfire as well!At his 1 month appointment he has jumped up to 11lbs (70%tile) and 22.5in (70%tile). Maybe he's going to fill my need for lovin on those baby rolls! :) Abel is the most easy going, relaxed boy, just like big brother was. I've been given the "okay" to nurse only on demand now, rather than wake him through the night. Most nights, he goes 3-4 hour stretches, eating at 11pm, 2am and 6am. Did I mention he's a great baby?! He' still working on charming big brother to really like him, but I'm sure once Owen realizes we aren't sending him back, he'll come around! :)

So, to tie in the purpose for titling this blog "A New View" (I'm sure you were wondering where I was going with that by now...) I'd like to share a little of what God has been revealing to me during my quiet time with Him. (I had to start with pictures of the boys....I know why you really read!) :)

One of my most favorite verses when waiting for Owen to arrive was 1 Samuel 1:27 "For this child I have prayed, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him." I had always longed to be a mother and had prayed for a fruitful womb long before even being married. However, had I read on, and really studied the whole verse, I would have found much more meaning and wisdom for my parenting than I had realized.

If I had read on, I could have learned about the story of Hannah. She prayed for a son. And when the Lord granted her the desires of her heart, she prayed the above verse, in thankfulness to the Lord. However, she didn't stop there. "Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord." (v.28)

I'm still learning how to "lend" my sons to the Lord. As often as I call these sweet boys "mine" they are not. They are His. His precious children, whom He loves immeasurably more than I am capable of doing. They are blessings given to me, to raise in the name of Jesus, worshipping and honoring Him through my parenting. The hands that carefully knit these babies together in my womb are still working in their lives, still growing them, and always, always protecting them.

I am learning to daily lays my boys at the feet of Jesus. To give Him complete control over their lives. My interceding only limits the great things God has planned for them. I cannot parent them alone, without God. This becomes easier when I read this promise: "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12

I can admit, I'm a control freak. Especially with all that we have gone through with sweet Owen, I like knowing what's coming, knowing what to expect, and being in control. But I'm not. I don't have control over their lives. The big dreams and desires I have for their lives, must match with the ones created for them by their Creator. This sinful world scares me beyond words. I hate to think of the things children are exposed to at such early ages, losing their innocence so young. I can do what I can in my own house, but leasing them out into the world is a whole different story. It's then when my faith will yet be tested again, in chossing to believe the promises the Lord has said, that He loves His children and will keep them from harm. Wow, this parenting thing isn't easy!

No matter how much of a "helicopter mom" I am, this "mama bear" can't always protect my babies from the wickedness of this world. But, knowing that they are always safe in the arms of Jesus brings a peace in knowing that He's got their backs. I just have to let go a little, and let The One who loves beyond what I can do what He has predestined long before I even prayed for them.

"Hide (them) under the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who oppress (them), from (their) deadly enemies who surround them." Psalm 17:8-9

Kid(s)...plural!

The Lord has an inconceivably glorious purpose for each of His children.

He's here! He's here!

Our newest bundle of joy arrived on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. Abel James Daugherty weighed in at 8.04 lbs and 21 inches long. (At his one week check up he falls into the 30% for weight and 71% for height....the exact opposite of his big brother!)

Abel's birth was an experience that words could never describe. Being a mother has always been my heart's desire, and bringing a sweet child into the world is a blessing only the Lord could create to be so sweet and fulfilling. It was my heart's desire to deliver Abel naturally, rather than having a repeat c-section. I use the term "naturally" loosely...as in yes, I had a lovely epidural. :)

My actual hope was to deliver without an epidural. As it would happen, my plans went out the window and I had not one...but two epidurals! I'll spare all the details, but basically my spine area is very vascular. My epidural with Owen did not go smoothly and was pulled immediately after his birth. Well, during my labor with Abel I began dilating very quickly and my body was not responding well. It was decided that I needed to get an epidural to help relieve some of the stress my body was experiencing. My blood pressure had soared to 184/100 and I was also developing a fever due to my body's response to pain. So, the first one was placed and when I was still feeling heavy contractions every minute to 2 minutes it was decided to pull that one and start over. Frustrating? You better believe it! Once we finally got a working epidural my doctor was able to check me only for the second time during labor, and you guessed it- I was already a 10 and it was time to go! I later found out that my doctor preferred me to have an epidural due to the fact I was a previous c-section. Had something gone wrong during labor and I needed an emergency c-section, having the epidural in place is a necessity. If I had known that, they could have met me at the door with the epidural! :) I guess it will be wisdom for next time. :)

So, after about an hour and a half of pushing (thank you, large head!) I was blessed by hearing that beautiful cry all mothers long to hear! Our wait was over, and our little man had entered the world at 1:13pm! :)

I was blessed to be a part of a Kangaroo Kare study in which immediately after birth the baby is placed skin to skin on the mother's chest for at least 1 hour. Baby's vitals are taken every 15 minutes or so, but the baby is not moved. I am very familiar with Kangaroo Kare, as skin to skin time was strongly encouraged in the NICU when Owen was born. It is such a sweet, sweet bonding time. It's amazing how quickly Abel was calmed and simply snuggled into my chest, listening to my voice. It's also an opportune time to introduce nursing, establishing that trust and bond with baby as well.

We have been so incredibly blessed with help from family and friends. Thank you for you praying for a safe and swift delivery...it was definitely both! :) Our family has been so wonderful in helping us with Owen, cooking and cleaning and letting us get some extra rest when possible.

Bringing Abel home been a very smooth transition, as the Lord blessed us with two very easy going, mild natured boys! Abel has a precious, gentle nature and I often have to wake him during the night to nurse. He is so content and reminds me of Owen's peaceful nature. :)

Our miracle boy is quickly entering toddler hood and developing some strong opinions...but I love it! Owen's motor skills are developing like crazy, I know walking is in our very near future! He can pull up on anything, climb onto his Lego Table and his newest trick....cruising around the coffee table! My sweet boy had a big birthday this week as we celebrated his second year of life! I am daily blessed by Owen's life and the miracle that he is. The Lord is continuing to do great things through his story and we are so richly blessed to be a part of his testimony. Not a day goes by that I am just in awe that the Lord chose us to parent Owen. He is truly a perfect gift and my life is so blessed by everything he does...even emptying out the bottom shelf of the fridge! :)

I don't think I have completely wrapped my mind around the fact that we know have kid(s)...plural form! :) It is an honor and a blessing to be entrusted with God's children and it is our prayer He will infuse us with knowledge and wisdom is growing these boys in the name of Jesus. We pray that our lives will be a glorious act of worship as we raise our children to know, love and fear the Lord.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord; children are a blessing from Him.

Psalm 127:3

Time's Up!

Time's up...for our family of 3, that is! In just two days (one and a half actually) we will open our arms to our newest addition, Baby Abel!

Apparently Abel is enjoying his space in my womb, as I have only been 1.5cm dilated for about 3 weeks now. I will head in to the doctor one last time tomorrow in preparation for his delivery on Wednesday. My doctor will do a series of checks and measurements and use a special formula scale to decide whether or not I would be favorable for natural labor on Wednesday. Should she find me favorable, I will go in Wednesday morning and she will break my water and we will see how things go! Because I am a previous (complicated) c-section the only intervention allowed is breaking my water, so my body must labor on its own, no pitocin allowed! If she should decide that a c-section is the safest route, then we are already scheduled for 1:30 Wednesday afternoon. :)

Mommy and Abel at (almost) 39 weeks.

 My doctor is guessing Abel will be around 8.5 lbs. I'm hoping for a big boy...I'd like a nice excuse for my belly that literally feels like it's growing by the minute! Who knows, Owen's last ultrasound measured him at 4lbs 4oz and a week later he was born at 6lbs! We are just so excited to hold this sweet boy in our arms, and are in awe that the Lord would choose us to raise another one of His precious children here on earth.

I have fully cleaned, sanitized and re-organized our entire house. To say that I'm nesting is putting it lightly. Michael probably thinks I'm going insane, and "nesting" is just my normal state of OCD cleanliness. :) Dogs are bathed and shaved (though not pretty...I'm still working on my doggie beautician skills!), dog bedding is washed and cleaned, bathrooms are cleaned (including hand scrubbed trashcans!), floors have been cleaned multiple times because I felt like I could see streaks, all closets are re-organized with hangers and shirts all facing the same direction, cars are washed, cleaned and vacuumed, very detailed notes and instructions are written for our wonderful family and friends coming to help with Owen....and I had my "I'm Having a Baby" pedicure! :)


Owen made a special trip to the Disney Store last week to get his "I'm Going to be a Big Brother" present. :)

For those that aren't huge Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fans, Owen is holding Pete. Not the nicest character, quite "gruff and tough" but he is Owen's absolute favorite! When he saw Pete in the box, his whole face just lit up!

Owen has been re-name "Hurricane Owen" by his Daddy. In the last few weeks he has become quite destructive, and (didn't think it was possible...) even busier! Naps have been "touch and go" for us since transplant. However, the majority of the time I could get Owen to nap on a daily basis. Keep in mind, before transplant I could set a watch to the time when Owen would want his nap and boy, were they good naps! Well, out of the past two weeks I believe Owen has napped twice. We still have a daily quiet time in which he stays in his crib for an hour or so. He actually does really well with this. I love listening to him talk and sing while he's in his bed. :) However, this Mama is feeling very pregnant and most definitely would have enjoyed a few more naps here and there. It's okay, I suppose I should be grateful for how well he is feeling and how quickly he is growing and developing!

Owen practicing holding "baby" and being a good big brother!

Did I mention the kid is busy?! One of his new favorite activities is opening the refrigerator door and "rearranging" everything in there. :)

Please keep our family in your prayers Wednesday, and be in prayer for wisdom for my doctor in deciding the best way to proceed with bringing Abel into this world. Thank you again, for your prayers for Owen. We are continually blessed by the outpouring of love and prayers we receive for our sweet boy. It is only by the grace of God that he is doing so well and is continuing to stay healthy and growing! We are grateful for each and every one of you, and pray that Owen's story will continue to touch the lives of those who hear it.

The Titus Woman

Titus 2:3-5

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

I have been blessed by what I refer to as a "Titus Woman". The Lord has provided me with many godly family members, all of whom have impacted my walk with Christ. There is, however one Titus Woman who has left her mark not only on my heart, but anyone who has come to know and love, my dear, Great Aunt Katie.

Aunt Katie is my grandfather's older sister, who will likely be leaving this earth soon. It's okay though. She's ready. I've never understood how someone can be ready to die. Ready to leave this earth, full of those we know and love, a place of comfort, being among the living. But Aunt Katie doesn't see it like that. In her 87 years of life she's come to understand the Lord's calling for her life and the sin that so encapsulates those that love this world. She's ready to meet her maker.

Aunt Katie is one of the godliest people I know I will ever have the pleasure of knowingon this side of Heave. There is not one conversation I have ever had with her that is not surrounded around her prasing the Lord and speaking of His goodness. To this day, she has praised Him daily, even as her health quickly deterioates and she is daily suffering from evil sickness. Yet, her words constantly praise His Holy name. Infection has caused her to lose sight of one eye. Yet, not a day goes by that she is not solely devoted to reading and studying the word of God. Cancer has overcome her mouth, making it nearly impossible to speak. However, one thing is clear in everything she says. Her hands raised, she praises His name.

I spoke with Aunt Katie 2-3 times a week during my pregnancy with Owen. To say she was a prayer warrior for me is putting it lightly. She was a constant source of strength on some of my weariest days. I will never forget one of her phone calls, in which she was so excited to share the verses from her devotional that were chosen for Owen's due date:

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

I was blessed beyond measure this past weekend when my family made a trip to visit Aunt Katie. Unfortunately it had been years since I had visited with her in person, and although I would prefer to remember the image of a spunky, sweet lady, bopping around her kitchen, I was greeted with a very frail, very sick and dying woman. This was likely my family's final "goodbye to Aunt Katie, but it was laced with a very special "hello" as well. It was in this visit that Aunt Katie would finally meet Owen, and see the goodness of the Lord through the healing she and many others have been praying for my sweet boy.

It would be impossible for me to describe the emotions filling the moment she first saw Owen."Praise God, Praise God!" It was a moment in which the goodness of the Lord was clearly revealed and a moment that Aunt Katie has so been longing for.

It's hard for me to understand how Aunt Katie continues to live each day, in the Spirit of the Lord, with never, ever a word of complaint, only praises to her King. When asked how she is doing it's always the same response: "I'm doin good...I'm just blessed."
Somehow she is blessed as she suffers day in and out and as her body slowly prepares to leave this world. She has fuflilied a life full of grace and has left her mark on this world. I am blessed in knowing this amazing woman, a true Titus Woman. She has passed down her knowledge and love for the Lord and in her elderly years, and has helped to grow and nourish the youger women of our family, just as we are called to do.

He giveth more grace when the burden grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase: to added affliction He addeth HIs mercies, to multiplied trials HIs multiplied peace, when we have exhauseted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed ere the day is half done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources. Our Father's full giving is only begun. His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus. He giveth, and giveth and giveth.

One Short Month!

For all of our diehard Knowin Owen fans, you'll have to wait until the end of this post for that sweet face....Little Brother Abel demands his own update! :)

The tides are a changin' here in the Daugherty house....in less than one month we will be a family of four! That's right, Baby Abel's scheduled delivery day is August 1st! (That's just 6 days apart from Big Brother!) I have been so blessed to be taken back in to the high risk practice that delivered Owen. I am comfortable with each doctor and trust their skilled, researched knowledge for each decision they make.

As of right now, the plan is (haha, laugh it up, I know my plans never work out!) that I will go to the hospital on August 1. At that time, if I am "favorable" for laboring then my doctor will break my water and see how things go. I would love, love, love to deliver Abel as natural as possible. This was my plan with Owen, but of course because of many complications I needed a c-section. If I am not favorable, or the doctor is uncomfortable with me laboring, then we will proceed with a c-section. Allowing me to labor and deliver naturally comes with a few complications, due to the surgeries I had on my uterus with Owen and being a previous c-section. Please pray for wisdom for our doctor in making these decisions. We just can't wait to hold our sweet man!

As of right now, Baby Abel is measuring just perfectly. :) I, however measure two weeks ahead. Yes, you read that right...at my 34 week appointment my belly measured 36 weeks! I almost fell off the table! I suppose if I paid more attention when looking in the mirror I wouldn't have been so surprised. :) Abel measures a bit above average, but they don't seem to be too concerned. I have to say, I wouldn't mind having a nice, chunky boy...it would be a good excuse for this extra large belly I'm carrying around! No matter how big or small, we are just so blessed to be welcoming another sweet boy to our family. :)

My sweet Mom came up for an extended visit last week while my brother was at basketball camp. It was so wonderful and relaxing to have her here...for longer than one night! Owen loved all the extra attention, too. :) My mom was gracious enough to attempt another babysitting session even though our last one didn't fare out so well. (Faithful followers will remember Owen's little stunt with pulling out his g-tube last time!) Marlee and Owen played while Mommy and Daddy set out for a nice dinner to celebrate our 4 year anniversary.

Daddy is knee deep into his residency at Jewish Hospital. His first day he left our house round 5:30am and didn't make it home until after 10pm. This doctor stuff is no joke! :) We are so, so proud of how hard Michael has worked to achieve his goals, all while leading and loving our little family. :)

Mr. Owen is just moving and grooving like crazy! He has completely mastered the speed crawl. And will crawl anywhere....except grass! He is pulling up to his knees and is finally strong enough to stand with support! We are working with our new PT and learning to use his new "walker" to help build muscle strength. I know things are going to get crazy once this boy can walk (hey, they are already are now with crawling!), but I am just so excited to see him grow and develop each day! :) We've been working hard learning our shapes and he can work a 5 piece shape puzzle without assistance. (You know I have to brag on my little smartie pants!) His absolute favorite thing right now is singing Old MacDonald....he falls asleep singing E-I-E-OOO and wakes up finishing! I am just loving this age and so enjoy my time at home with him. I don't want to miss a moment. :)

 We spend most of our days outside...yes this large pregnant woman is feeling every single degree of this heat wave! Owen would play outside all day. In or out of the pool...he loves the outdoors! In fact, he just loves to play. :) I love watching him "read" his books and sing his songs while he's playing. Such a sweet innocence, I just wish I could bottle him up and keep him like this forever!

My little patriotic swimmer :)

Owen's doctor appointments have been going very well. We've been moved to clinic appointments every two weeks! While we love our doctors, it's nice to not be stuck in the hospital all morning every Friday! :)Thank you, thank you for your constant prayers for Owen. Especially for his bladder. We are continuing to pray that the Lord would strengthen and stretch his bladder so that it can accommodate his new, healthy kidney. (And we've seen lots of improvement since transplant in his bladder, as well as the left native kidney and ureter!) Of course, we ask that you pray his body continues to accept his kidney and that it will continue to work it's wonders in his little body!


I've been reading The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian (I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the one for wives as well.) and while I've been so blessed by the scripture saturated book, I've also been challenged and convicted during my prayer time for my children. My main focus for Owen since before he was born has been his health. It consumes most of my thoughts, and of course my prayers for him. But I need to be praying for so much more for my baby. I need to cover every aspect of his life in prayer.

"Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children." Lamentations 2:19

It is my prayer that my boys will grow to be strong, obedient men of God. I need to focus my prayer time to cover them with the word of God, knowing that He will equip Michael and I with wisdom in our parenting skills and choices.

Thanks for checking in on our soon-to-be-growing little family!



So I know I talk about Owen's hair all the time....but seriously?! Could these curls be any sweeter?!



"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Celebrate!

Just because we like to do things "big",we thought we would combine Father's Day, Michael's Birthday and Owen's (very early) Birthday all into one fun-filled weekend!

We had been planning on having Owen's party back home at the end of June (yes, still early!) because we thought that would be Michael's last free weekend before starting residency. Then, Daddy got his schedule, and it wasn't pretty. So we made a few last minute decisions and pulled off a fun party with lots of friends, family and fun! Unfortunately Mommy didn't get to plan out all the extravagant details that went in the first party. (That would be baking over 4 dozen cupcakes and making a ridiculous amount of cake pops!) BUT, I think Owen still had fun. Just don't tell him his cake was from Wal Mart! :) (Although it was quite delicious!)

We were getting a little hot here...time to swim!

Marlee and Pops were gracious enough to let us "borrow" their backyard and pool for the party. Of course, my Dad, the cleaner had everything in tip-top shape, along with a freshly mowed yard, compliments of Uncle Will. :)

We had lots of family and friends come to wish our sweet miracle boy a happy day! Thank you to those who were able to make it...Owen is still enjoying checking out his new gifts!

We were able to visit with most of our family, as we won't be able to return home for a while. Apparently being a doctor comes with a demanding schedule! Not to mention we will be adding another member to our family as soon at 6 weeks! (Delivery is yet to be determined, but could possibly go at 39 weeks!)

We celebrated the wonderful men in our lives on Father's Day. Pops, being the "chef" he is whipped up a yummy dinner and we had a nice relaxing night by the pool. Since Dr. Daddy is so great, he got a double dose....Father's Day and his 27th Birthday on the same day!

Before our trip home, we did a little exploring in our new area and made a trip to the Butterfly Garden at Eden Park in Cincinnati. The park itself is gorgeous, overlooking the river and the conservatory where the butterflies are held was just breathtaking! It was a bit hot inside, so Owen didn't have quite as much fun as we had hoped, but being surround by thousands of butterflies was just too fun to pass up!

Owen had some very important testing done today, to check up on that crazy bladder of his. :) All reports are good! We are going to stick with our current schedule of cathing every 4 hours, and using a Foley catheter for 8 hours overnight. The testing showed improvement in his native left kidney! He previously had the highest level of reflux from his bladder back to his kidney on this side. The reflux has now slowed down, is only intermittent and when his bladder is overfilled. The new kidney only received a small amount of reflux when the bladder was too full. This was important to know so we could see if our current cathing regimen was emptying his bladder before it gets too full.

Owen's bladder refluxed when filled with 175mL of fluid. Our doctor told us that a "normal" 30lb kid would only hold around 100mL of fluid. We chart all of our caths and weigh each wet diaper. We are cathing before he reaches 175mL and he is also wetting diapers in between. All that to say....he's doing great! As long as we don't let his bladder overfill (which it's not) then we don't have to worry about reflux! Yay! Thank you, thank you for your prayers for Owen. Please continue to pray that the Lord will strengthen and stretch Owen's bladder.

Aunt Carrie's kidney continues to be happy and working amazingly well in it's new home. Our nephrologist even commented at our last visit just how stable Owen's labs have been. We go each Friday for labs and nephrology clinic. Out of the past 6 visits, for 5 of them Owen's creatnine has been .29 (4 of them right in a row!). This is the level our doctors monitor to watch for rejection. We were told it's very rare to be so consistent, but then again when your a miracle like Owen, we are always expecting God to reveal Himself in mighty ways!

Thanks again for checking on our little mischievous man. He's become quite the speed crawler, and is pulling up and literally getting into anything and everything! He is enjoying life and it is such a joy to watch him thrive and grow!