Recent sickness :(

Brielle has been battling bronchitis the past several days. Breathing treatments every 2-4 hours. This morning she woke up with a high fever and labored breathing (retracting ribs, flaring nostrils, very wheezy breathing). After an hour wait to be admitted for a 2 minute chest X-ray...we were able to see Brielle's doctor. 

Dr Henness said the X-ray looked better than her last one. No pneumonia! She has a nasty virus causing a lot of bronchial gunk and inflammation. She'll be on a steroid and another nebulizer med. She said we should see improvement within 24 hours. Thankful for our awesome doctor, no pneumonia, and a happy Brielle!

Just chillin at the doctor's office.

This picture is from a few days ago. Even though Brielle's been coughing up a storm, she's been as happy as can be. She's super excited about her new boots that daddy picked out for her!

(side note: Brielle has a front tooth that is bruised/gray. It happened during her last episode a couple weeks ago. Even with a yucky tooth, she still has one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen! )

In honor of Brielle's 4th birthday

I wrote this Saturday evening...the night before Brielle's 4th birthday. 

This extraordinary little human turns 4 years old tomorrow.

 I wish this was an up-to-date picture of her, smiling from ear to ear, 

but it's from about 3 weeks ago. 

As of this evening, she still is not well. 

I could go on and on about her sufferings, and how unfair it is...

but instead, I'm going to talk about the positives...

This little girl is full of an exceptional amount of joy. 
There's something special about her that just beams from her soul. 
She loves intensely. 

She is truly a blessing to all she encounters.

She loves to sing and dance. 
She is fascinated with trains and obsessed with dresses. 
She still wants to be held at night while getting ready for bed. 
She will randomly walk up to you, kiss you and say she loves you 
while squeezing her tiny arms around your neck.

She fights harder than anyone should have to on a regular basis. 
She doesn't give up. 
She is stubborn. 
Even though it's difficult for us sometimes, I'm so thankful she has that trait.

For as skinny as she is and for as often as she gets sick, 
she has an abnormal amount of strength, physically and mentally. 
One day, when she's older, we will share with her how fitting her name is. 
Brielle means God is my strength. 

(May you always believe that and live that truth, little girl.)

I cannot fully explain how much love I have in my heart for this child,
 it feels like it overflows into my soul. 
It still blows my mind that God took a little bit of me, and an little bit of Cody, 
and created this masterpiece named Brielle. 
So thankful He did. 

Visit to Illinois (part 2)

This is how you learn how to balance...way high!

Little brother scores on big brother...

"fishy, are you ok?"

Girls gotta stick together!

Downtime with grandpa

Dad and I preparing some corn for freezing.

 WAY HIGH! 

 

Visit to Illinois!

Brielle had 2 appointments in STL on Wednesday and then travelled to Ipava to spend the rest our time with my family. 

While in STL we saw Brielle's pulmonologist and also had an unplanned video EEG. On our way to STL Brielle began showing signs that she was getting one of her episodes. After a few phone calls to all her doctors we all decided it would be best to stick with the original plan which was to see he pulmonologist for a check up and a skin allergy test. After that we did another video EEG. Her doctor only wanted to record her for about an hour. Because of the timing of the 2nd appointment we were unable to keep her planned appointment with her surgeon. Thankfully we were able to reschedule for next Wednesday...the day we were planning on heading back home to Missouri. 

The results of the allergy test showed that Brielle does not have any allergies. We are still waiting to hear about the EEG. Also, Brielle only showed signs of her episode for about 30 mins that day. She seems completely fine now. 

It's been so nice spending time wih family. We've been able to have a lot of fun with Papa, Aunt Amy, Uncle Nick, and Grandma. Yesterday we went to my Aunt Martha and Uncle Lee's and went swimming and fishing. Their property is BEAUTIFUL! They've put a lot of time and care into making it a very fun and peaceful place to be. This was Brielle's 1st time fishing And she had so much fun! She and daddy caught several fish. She was so curious about each one of them. She wanted to touch them and kiss them and stick her finger in their mouths. 

Waiting to see Brielle's doctor.

Daddy, Brielle, and Uncle Nick having fun in the pool. 

People always ask who Brielle looks most like....

Ready, set, JUMP!

So beautiful. 

Memory verses...

The past 2+ weeks, I've been working with Brielle to memorize Bible verses. I figured...this little girl can memorize an entire movie (FROZEN) surely she can start memorizing scripture! And she is!

Love God with all of your HEART!

When I am afraid I will trust YOU! (Psalm 56:3)

Another Stinnett Gazette?

Welcome to the Stinnett Gazette 2.0.
Why am I starting another blog? 
Reason #1 because I can never remember the password for stinnettgazette.blogspot.com
Reason #2 because I'm taking a break from Facebook. 
Reason #3 because it will be better than our old blog...NOT REALLY! :) nothing   different...just easier for me. 

I hope to write more often...about life...my thoughts...my blessing...my struggles...my family...and who knows what else. Also, I plan to add pics and videos of Brielle to keep all our family and friends up to date. 

So here it goes.
:)