Grayson woke up this morning and his rash had spread from the top of his head to the bottom of his toes. It was also itchy. Then we went downstairs to let the boys out and he started sneezing. On top of that, stubborn Andy had chewed up not only his chew toy in the crate, but also his blue harness. Alex's blue harness. I was devastated. So devastated that I cried. It was the only thing we kept of his that I truly cherished. He wore it every day when we had him. And then Grayson started sneezing some more and scratching his poor broken out face on my shoulder. That's when the rose-colored glasses came off.
As much as I love those dogs, I was angry. And I finally put together why Grayson has been sick all week. Viral rashes aren't itchy. What Grayson has obviously is. Grayson also has had allergies off and on his whole life--eczema and a wool allergy from birth.
So, I called Brandon and told him I thought we needed to take the boys back. As sad as I am, our boy comes first. He always will. When I got off the phone, I called Dr. Laughlin and they confirmed what I had thought. Grayson has not had a 103 temp from a virus all week--he's allergic to the dogs. I asked them why he hadn't had a reaction to my in-laws dogs or Carter's dogs and they said that it's probably because he's not around them 24/7 like he is with Andy & Emmett. Or, it could be a breed-specific allergy, like my allergy to Boston Terriers. How ridiculous I have been--I can't believe I didn't think about this before.
To my sweet, little boy, I'm sorry that you've been sick all week and it's my fault. Maybe one day you will outgrow this allergy like you have the others and you will know the joy of pet ownership. But just not now.
To Andy & Emmett, you were good boys... for the most part. I'm sorry we couldn't love you forever, but our boy has to come first. He is my boy.
To Brandon, I'm sorry we spent so much money on pets that we cannot keep. I know you work really hard and really long hours to provide for us and I feel silly that we've wasted so much. I hope you can forgive me.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
so you don't worry
Apparently Grayson contracted a summer enterovirus. Dr. Laughlin said that since Grayson has a rash and his fever is coming down, it's probably dead and on its way out, so hopefully by the weekend he'll be feeling great again. He was already playing with us tonite before bed, so I'm hoping he sleeps better tonite. Thanks for your prayers!
Good night!
Good night!
a bit of joy
Lots of excitement here at the Gupton house! I just wanted to share a bit with you...
Grayson got 2 new brothers this week--it was a little rough at first, as Andy is very stubborn and had 3 accidents in the house. Emmett, bless his sweet soul, has not gone ONCE in the house. They've both made huge strides in the past 5 days and you'd never know they'd never seen the inside of a house before we got them. They are both house-trained, crate-trained, and electronic-fence trained. They have learned that the tv isn't going to get them and that the stairs actually lead to the basement and not some dungeon (believe me, they were terrified of the stairs and even hotdogs would not convince them otherwise!). They are really great boys.
With Grayson teething this week and running a temp, I've been very thankful that we have such good boys. Last week, Grayson had a much better week. He took the Jumparoo for a ride one evening while Brandon and I ate some dinner--it was hilarious! We watched him and laughed for a while, and then I thought of you all and thought you might like to see it too...
Later in the week, Grayson's little buddy Carter came over and they both enjoyed some homemade fingerpaints! More of it definitely ended up on them than the paper, but they had fun! The whole fiasco ended with both boys naked in the backyard getting washed up! What a site for our new neighbors!!!
Hope you guys have a good day! Say a prayer for us--we're heading to see Dr. Laughlin today since Grayson's fever has continued for 4 days now... hopefully it's just his teeth, but we want to make sure it's nothing more serious. Updates to come later!
Grayson got 2 new brothers this week--it was a little rough at first, as Andy is very stubborn and had 3 accidents in the house. Emmett, bless his sweet soul, has not gone ONCE in the house. They've both made huge strides in the past 5 days and you'd never know they'd never seen the inside of a house before we got them. They are both house-trained, crate-trained, and electronic-fence trained. They have learned that the tv isn't going to get them and that the stairs actually lead to the basement and not some dungeon (believe me, they were terrified of the stairs and even hotdogs would not convince them otherwise!). They are really great boys.
With Grayson teething this week and running a temp, I've been very thankful that we have such good boys. Last week, Grayson had a much better week. He took the Jumparoo for a ride one evening while Brandon and I ate some dinner--it was hilarious! We watched him and laughed for a while, and then I thought of you all and thought you might like to see it too...
Later in the week, Grayson's little buddy Carter came over and they both enjoyed some homemade fingerpaints! More of it definitely ended up on them than the paper, but they had fun! The whole fiasco ended with both boys naked in the backyard getting washed up! What a site for our new neighbors!!!
Hope you guys have a good day! Say a prayer for us--we're heading to see Dr. Laughlin today since Grayson's fever has continued for 4 days now... hopefully it's just his teeth, but we want to make sure it's nothing more serious. Updates to come later!
big hearts.
We are all up early here at the Gupton house! Grayson woke up at 5:45 and hasn't been back to sleep since, so we all were up and out of bed by 6 a.m. It's going to be a long day! Thankfully, Grayson went back down for a nap by 8:30, so I have time to shower, eat and blog (just the necessities folks! haha). I've been told by several people that they really enjoy reading our blog, so I'll try to appease the masses! It's still a bit mind-boggling to me that people are really that interested in reading about our little lives--what big hearts you have!
In the past month, we've become aware of several families that are having really rough times right now. All for various reasons, but each one no less significant than the others. When I hear their stories, it just breaks my heart. I've cried with their losses, rejoiced with their improvements, and sat with great anticipation just to know what God is doing in their lives. It's so easy to lose sight of God in tough times like this. I was just reading the Sexton's blog last night (http://lukesexton.blogspot.com/--they are the family that recently lost their sweet baby, Luke) and my heart absolutely breaks for them... especially Kristin. As a mother, I cannot fathom how she drags herself out of bed every morning. To look down and see your empty belly--to not have a baby to hold in its place... I beg of you to pray for her... for them. I know that they are broken and lost without their baby boy. Still, in the midst of their earthly pain, they know their Heavenly Father is silently leading them through the darkest time of their lives.
Many families are treading through murky waters right now--sick children, marriages faltering, lost jobs, and even just the everyday happenings that get us down. Satan is alive and well and doing anything he can to seek and destroy. We cannot let him win!!! I have been and will be praying for you all, my friends. Luke 1:37 says NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!!! and I believe it.
In the past month, we've become aware of several families that are having really rough times right now. All for various reasons, but each one no less significant than the others. When I hear their stories, it just breaks my heart. I've cried with their losses, rejoiced with their improvements, and sat with great anticipation just to know what God is doing in their lives. It's so easy to lose sight of God in tough times like this. I was just reading the Sexton's blog last night (http://lukesexton.blogspot.com/--they are the family that recently lost their sweet baby, Luke) and my heart absolutely breaks for them... especially Kristin. As a mother, I cannot fathom how she drags herself out of bed every morning. To look down and see your empty belly--to not have a baby to hold in its place... I beg of you to pray for her... for them. I know that they are broken and lost without their baby boy. Still, in the midst of their earthly pain, they know their Heavenly Father is silently leading them through the darkest time of their lives.
Many families are treading through murky waters right now--sick children, marriages faltering, lost jobs, and even just the everyday happenings that get us down. Satan is alive and well and doing anything he can to seek and destroy. We cannot let him win!!! I have been and will be praying for you all, my friends. Luke 1:37 says NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!!! and I believe it.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
whew.
Just when we think our life can't get any crazier, it does! We had a rough weekend, but we survived! We picked up our new boys on Friday and they're doing well. Andy is the leader of the two--he's the stubborn, too-smart-for-his-own-good dog. Emmett is the more laid-back, scaredy-cat, and "blissfully dumb" one! haha For never seeing the inside of a house before, they're pretty great dogs. Both are afraid of the stairs... so when we want/need to take them downstairs, we have to take them outside! We've got to work on that before winter! And speaking of outside--now that they've both gotten used to the air conditioning and wonder of inside, they don't like spending too much time outdoors where it's hot. They do their business and bolt for the door. Andy has had 3 'accidents' in the house--I'm pretty sure he's just stubborn and hanging onto the last bit of his will. He was punished for those 3, and has since gone outside every time. Hopefully that trend will continue. Quiet, clueless Emmett hasn't had ONE accident--he is pure sweetness! He does have trouble getting into his crate though. Both boys have slept through the nights in their crates downstairs since we got them. That's been wonderful. Both are catching onto the Innotek Pet Fence that my wonderful husband installed last weekend. Both boys have been zapped a couple of times, but they're learning fast. Poor Emmett got confused earlier yesterday and got on the outside of the boundary accidentally and got zapped a little. He retreated to the front porch and had to be coaxed off of it for the rest of the day. This morning they were both running and playing happily within their boundaries. It's a big yard with lots of space to cover.
We seem to have a little ant problem outside and had a company come and spray this morning. The boys are good watchdogs--they barked even before he rang the doorbell! I definitely feel safer with them here. With everyone in the neighborhood gone to work during the day, it's nice to have a little extra security!
So, another thing to sigh about... Grayson is 11 months today. My, how he's grown. It makes me a little sad to think about! He's uber-fussy lately because he's getting some more teeth. He's been running a 103 temp since yesterday, so we've been chugging Tylenol and teething tablets. The 'nice' thing (can you really say anything is nice about teething?!)... anyway, the nice thing is that he just wants to be held and cuddle all day. Normally, he wants to stand and bounce and do anything but cuddle with me, so I'm enjoying that at least! If he feels better this afternoon, we might head over to Mark and Marilyn's to swim for a bit.
Well, that about does it. I want to eat something while Grayson's napping, so I better get on it! Have a great day everyone!
We seem to have a little ant problem outside and had a company come and spray this morning. The boys are good watchdogs--they barked even before he rang the doorbell! I definitely feel safer with them here. With everyone in the neighborhood gone to work during the day, it's nice to have a little extra security!
So, another thing to sigh about... Grayson is 11 months today. My, how he's grown. It makes me a little sad to think about! He's uber-fussy lately because he's getting some more teeth. He's been running a 103 temp since yesterday, so we've been chugging Tylenol and teething tablets. The 'nice' thing (can you really say anything is nice about teething?!)... anyway, the nice thing is that he just wants to be held and cuddle all day. Normally, he wants to stand and bounce and do anything but cuddle with me, so I'm enjoying that at least! If he feels better this afternoon, we might head over to Mark and Marilyn's to swim for a bit.
Well, that about does it. I want to eat something while Grayson's napping, so I better get on it! Have a great day everyone!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hungry for love
I know you all have been waiting patiently for us to post, so I figured I'd reward you today! It's been a busy time here at the Gupton household, but we're slowly getting things unpacked and arranged. It's amazing how much stuff a family can accumulate.
I recently heard a song on the radio that I've become quite fond of over the past few weeks and it's called "Lead me" by Sanctus Real. It talks about leading your family to know and trust God, and to love God and people and not things. I look around and see all of this stuff in our house, and that's just what it is--stuff. I've realized as I've been sifting through all of it that not one thing in this house brings me as much joy as even changing Grayson's poopy diapers! As stinky as he is sometimes, I love him with all that I am and would do anything for him. The same goes for Brandon. Without him, our family would not be whole. I praise God for his willingness to love, lead and provide for our family--what a responsibility! We will give it our all to raise Grayson in a loving, Godly family--to not leave him 'hungry for love'. This house and everything there is in it is nice, but we make it a home... God makes it a home. And we must never forget.
I recently heard a song on the radio that I've become quite fond of over the past few weeks and it's called "Lead me" by Sanctus Real. It talks about leading your family to know and trust God, and to love God and people and not things. I look around and see all of this stuff in our house, and that's just what it is--stuff. I've realized as I've been sifting through all of it that not one thing in this house brings me as much joy as even changing Grayson's poopy diapers! As stinky as he is sometimes, I love him with all that I am and would do anything for him. The same goes for Brandon. Without him, our family would not be whole. I praise God for his willingness to love, lead and provide for our family--what a responsibility! We will give it our all to raise Grayson in a loving, Godly family--to not leave him 'hungry for love'. This house and everything there is in it is nice, but we make it a home... God makes it a home. And we must never forget.
Friday, July 9, 2010
a treat for everyone!
Yesterday I had a photo shoot here, so I took the opportunity to shoot some more pics of our little man since the stuff was already set up... hope you enjoy! Candid ones are first and then the ones we'll be framing are last. (you can also click on them to make them larger!)
~sweetness~
wanna come on a picnic?!
WHY must you take so many pictures, Mama?!
~ready for fireworks~
~pretty blues~
~stars and stripes~
~curiosity~
~bathtime~
Hope you all have a great weekend! We're off to Kentucky to meet some babies!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
our summer so far...
Tonite is going to be a short one folks! Just wanted to share some video taken from our summer so far:
This one was taken in MO in my Sister's back yard--
This one is from our new back yard--
Grayson's new favorite movie (we didn't let him watch much because it was bedtime though)--
Grayson playing with Grandpa when they were here last weekend in one of his July 4th outfits--
Grayson doing what he does best!
Hope you enjoyed them! Good night everyone!
This one was taken in MO in my Sister's back yard--
This one is from our new back yard--
Grayson's new favorite movie (we didn't let him watch much because it was bedtime though)--
Grayson playing with Grandpa when they were here last weekend in one of his July 4th outfits--
Grayson doing what he does best!
Hope you enjoyed them! Good night everyone!
Emergency Post for Prayer!
John 16:24 Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy!
Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer!
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things!
1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us!
Matthew 18:19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven!
God tells us over and over in the Scriptures that He WILL answer our prayers! Believe it! Luke needs us to believe! That tiny baby needs God's hands of protection over his little crib. Pray for the doctors and nurses that are caring for him right now for them to have great insight and judgment. Pray specifically that the blood thinners that Luke is on now will help his poor, bruised body.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
thankful
Yesterday a friend of mine asked me to pray for one of her friends who just delivered their first baby boy in Louisville. Unfortunately, their little guy was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and has already been through one open-heart surgery in his short week of life. He's due for at least 2 more in the future, but there's no real treatment/cure for it other than a transplant, which carries its own list of ramifications. I am gladly joining in prayer for this little man and his brave, God-loving parents. Honestly, I was in tears reading about what they are going through and they are our age. I can't even imagine...
God has blessed Brandon and I beyond imagination. Sometimes I wonder why some people seem to have it so much easier than others. Just when you think you've had a terrible day (just like when I fell down the stairs with Grayson), there's always someone out there getting the crap beat out of them--like the news that your baby son might not ever see his first birthday. Reading stories like the Sextons and their son Luke and seeing that they are completely putting their faith in Christ to do a miracle and save their son makes my faith seem puny in comparison. But the amazing thing is that Jesus doesn't care! He is the same as He was when He walked on this earth--powerful and mighty are those hands!! I rejoice in His strength and know that He can heal baby Luke. I will pray that His will be done and I hope you will too.
I know many of you have been following this journal of our crazy life. Most of the time it is merely a calendar of events and lacks depth. But not today, my friends! Isn't it amazing how a tiny little baby that we don't even know makes us re-evaluate how we think? God works in mysterious ways. I'd give anything for the Sextons to not have to go through this trial, but I know (and they know) that God has a plan and nothing is impossible with God. NOTHING. As I held Grayson today, I praised God over and over for letting me take care of him for a little while. I know that Grayson is God's and he is merely on loan, but what a blessing he is in our life! It amazes me as I watch him learn new things and makes me wonder even more about God--we are made in His likeness!! What a miraculous being Grayson is--all of little toes and those sparkling, mischievous blue eyes. How blessed we are that he was born healthy! How easily it could have been us in that ultrasound room, receiving news that took our breath away...
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you give us each and every day. Thank you for loving us even when we are not thankful. Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to be parents of such an amazing little boy. Your boy. I am amazed at how much you must love us in order to entrust him to us. How much you must love us in order to let your Son die just to be with us. I could not do it. Tonite, I pray Your healing hands on little Luke. I pray that you heal his broken heart and bring peace to his Mommy and Daddy. Be with the nurses and doctors and specialists and help them make good decisions and do Your work on Luke's fragile body. Love them and protect them and bring them joy and rest. Amen.
If you are interested in following the Sexton's journey, you can find their blog here: http://lukesexton.blogspot.com/ I'm sure they'd appreciate any prayers!
Good night--
God has blessed Brandon and I beyond imagination. Sometimes I wonder why some people seem to have it so much easier than others. Just when you think you've had a terrible day (just like when I fell down the stairs with Grayson), there's always someone out there getting the crap beat out of them--like the news that your baby son might not ever see his first birthday. Reading stories like the Sextons and their son Luke and seeing that they are completely putting their faith in Christ to do a miracle and save their son makes my faith seem puny in comparison. But the amazing thing is that Jesus doesn't care! He is the same as He was when He walked on this earth--powerful and mighty are those hands!! I rejoice in His strength and know that He can heal baby Luke. I will pray that His will be done and I hope you will too.
I know many of you have been following this journal of our crazy life. Most of the time it is merely a calendar of events and lacks depth. But not today, my friends! Isn't it amazing how a tiny little baby that we don't even know makes us re-evaluate how we think? God works in mysterious ways. I'd give anything for the Sextons to not have to go through this trial, but I know (and they know) that God has a plan and nothing is impossible with God. NOTHING. As I held Grayson today, I praised God over and over for letting me take care of him for a little while. I know that Grayson is God's and he is merely on loan, but what a blessing he is in our life! It amazes me as I watch him learn new things and makes me wonder even more about God--we are made in His likeness!! What a miraculous being Grayson is--all of little toes and those sparkling, mischievous blue eyes. How blessed we are that he was born healthy! How easily it could have been us in that ultrasound room, receiving news that took our breath away...
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you give us each and every day. Thank you for loving us even when we are not thankful. Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to be parents of such an amazing little boy. Your boy. I am amazed at how much you must love us in order to entrust him to us. How much you must love us in order to let your Son die just to be with us. I could not do it. Tonite, I pray Your healing hands on little Luke. I pray that you heal his broken heart and bring peace to his Mommy and Daddy. Be with the nurses and doctors and specialists and help them make good decisions and do Your work on Luke's fragile body. Love them and protect them and bring them joy and rest. Amen.
If you are interested in following the Sexton's journey, you can find their blog here: http://lukesexton.blogspot.com/ I'm sure they'd appreciate any prayers!
Good night--
Friday, July 2, 2010
a whole new world!
Wow. So I'm so far behind I don't even know where to start. We haven't had the internet or tv for a week now, so I feel completely disconnected from everything!
We are in our new house now! The most wonderful thing happened yesterday--3 deer visited our back yard while I was feeding Grayson his breakfast!!! It is SOOO nice to wake up to birds chirping and crickets than to loud, obnoxious college students and cars on the highway.
We got our painting done (master BR, Grayson's room and the office). We got our washer/dryer from hhGregg (it's a long story, but we'll NEVER be shopping in Best Buy again--what a HORRIBLE sales staff!!). Grayson is working on his FOURTH tooth now! He has 2 on bottom and the right one on top and the left one is almost through as well.
Uhm... that's all my poor little brain can come up with right now. It is just too tired. Night, night everyone!
We are in our new house now! The most wonderful thing happened yesterday--3 deer visited our back yard while I was feeding Grayson his breakfast!!! It is SOOO nice to wake up to birds chirping and crickets than to loud, obnoxious college students and cars on the highway.
We got our painting done (master BR, Grayson's room and the office). We got our washer/dryer from hhGregg (it's a long story, but we'll NEVER be shopping in Best Buy again--what a HORRIBLE sales staff!!). Grayson is working on his FOURTH tooth now! He has 2 on bottom and the right one on top and the left one is almost through as well.
Uhm... that's all my poor little brain can come up with right now. It is just too tired. Night, night everyone!
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