PES-KES News 1995 (December)
It’s already the end of 1995 – hard to believe, isn’t it? We had a very eventful year as most of you know already, but we’ll fill you in on the details . . .
We found out late last year about Michael’s impending arrival, so by early this year, Karen was in the throes of night-and-day-morning-sickness. In the middle of that, we took 5 weeks to visit Australia, which was a strenuous trip, but nonetheless a wonderful one as we enjoyed seeing family and friends. (Thanks for the couches and bathrooms!) For about 2 months following our return, things were reasonably normal around here, then threatened premature labor struck again. This time around, however, we caught it early enough that complete bed rest wasn’t needed – just couldn’t do any bending, lifting, or walking. (Anyone who has had a couple of active toddlers knows this is impossible medical advice to follow!) Karen was on 3-hourly medications plus 3 shots per week, so everything would be OK with baby.
Everything was going wonderfully until Karen realized with horror one day that the baby was simply not moving. Nothing she did could get a response, so we raced to the doctor’s. We had a scan, and the baby was alive, but not kicking, and not doing very well at all. We went straight to the hospital, where more detailed ultrasounds were done, again with very poor responses. By this stage, we were quite upset and worried. We had barely enough time to make a couple of quick phone calls. Within an hour of reaching the hospital, I was being prepped for a Caesarean section. I can’t describe the relief I felt when Michael was born – alive! (7 weeks premature)
Michael had had a heart problem, a placental problem, poor oxygen flow, no movement, no breathing, etc. before he was born, but miraculously everything cleared up within hours of his birth. God truly did a great miracle in preserving his life! (The doctors told us that if I had come in a day later, Michael definitely would not have made it.) We later found out that the friends we’d phoned before the birth had called many others to pray, so we had dozens of people praying during Michael’s birth. He needed oxygen only briefly, but was in hospital 2 weeks to learn how to eat. He was such a tiny little thing at just over 4 pounds when he was born, but looking at him now, you would never know he was early! He is so content and alert and seems to really love life. We all feel really blessed to have him.
Jonathan is fast approaching 2, and is a delight to have around. He is so exuberant and outgoing and is starting to come out with some really cute phrases. He is very affectionate. Jonathan’s one great love is trains. He has the ability to see a train in any picture, and if it’s green, he’s doubly happy. His best friend is Peter, and he adores his “beebee” too. Jonathan loves to be organized. The other day he took 15 minutes to eat 2 Christmas cookies because he had to eat the sprinkles first, one at a time! Both Jonathan and Peter get to go to a mother’s morning out program one morning a week, which they both enjoy immensely.
Peter is 4 now and such a sweet boy. He recently gave away his favorite toy to a boy in Rwanda. We were very humbled. He is a deep thinker, and comes up with lots of tricky questions and interesting insights. He always looks out for Jonathan, and dotes on Michael as often as he sees him. Peter is very much the artist and lyricist (sings original songs all day). He loves building things, especially with wheels. He’s been enjoying taking gymnastics this year – it’s been a real confidence- and coordination-builder. We started preschool at home this year (September) at our very own “Sculley Academy”. He’s enjoyed that very much, being able to do some very special things his little brothers aren’t old enough to do yet.
We celebrated our 10th anniversary on November 30th, and took a night away in the mountains to celebrate. We’re looking forward to many more years of togetherness, God willing. Recently a 10-year-old girls saw our wedding picture and asked if that was our daughter! (I didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry!) We bought a king-sized bedroom suite for our anniversary, and have really enjoyed that, especially when all 3 sons climb into bed with us for a morning snuggle!
Paul has been contracting all year at Georgia Pacific, in downtown Atlanta. It’s been a wonderful contract, with flexible hours, lots of time off when he needs it, and enjoyable work! The only drawback is the location, but the commute isn’t too bad because of the flexible hours. He is likely to be there for much of next year as well. Paul’s been doing tons of painting and furniture finishing this year. He is still teaching Sunday school, most of this year to a very active bunch of three-year-olds.
Karen has been busy taking care of our home, our three boys and Paul. She’s enjoyed decorating our home, especially at Christmas. Karen loves being outdoors and walks around Fulton Circle with a friend several evenings a week. She is continuing to help coordinate the pre-school children’s ministry at our church (the Vineyard).
We enjoy being a part of a thriving home group. It’s a mixed bunch, with singles, couples, and families (usually at least 12 kids), and a pretty broad age range. We enjoyed tent-camping in pouring rain for one night at our October family reunion in the mountains (we were determined to camp at least once this year)! Luckily, our tent is very water-proof!
We are looking forward to spending Christmas and New Year’s with my dad and Ardell at the beach! Next year we are looking forward to many family and friends coming to visit – hope you will come too! God bless you!
Love and prayers,
Paul, Karen, Peter, Jonathan, & Michael
Email address: 75613.2174@compuserve.com
NEW area code for our phone number: (770)…
