Welch Family

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Introducing Naomi Grace

Naomi Grace Welch

December 23, 2012

4:15 AM - 5 pounds - 17" long

Monday's ultrasound determined Naomi had not grown since our last appointment, the Doctor set an induction date. We were happy the boys were in Utah. We were happy to have a delivery date. We were praying for a healthy little girl. After two days of labor, Naomi was born.

Our prayers had been answered, our precious girl had arrived after months of worrying and waiting. We thank God for our daughter, she is a gift we do not deserve. We are so grateful.

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the hospital. An Army Commander from Fort Sam Houston visited our room Christmas morning with gift basket in hand to wish us a Merry Christmas. Very unexpected and such a thoughtful gesture. The Commander's son looked like my son Cole. My lip quivered when he walked in the room. I would have loved a visit from my boys and our family to celebrate Naomi's arrival.

Christmas Evening we went back to our quiet room at the Fisher House. Due to circumstances we were not equipped to care for Naomi comfortably. We did not have a crib or port-a-crib so Naomi spent her first Christmas night in a drawer made into a bed. A friend brought us our car seat from Del Rio so we could take her out of the hospital. I only had a couple outfits and blankets. Naomi cried a lot her first night out of the hospital, I think she was so cold. Drawer was not cutting it.

Early the next morning we packed up the car and drove the three hours to Del Rio. We arrived safely, I had finally returned home exactly one month later. My dear neighbors had decorated my door with baby girl wrapping paper and left presents on the table and girls clothes on a line across my sliding door. Such a warm welcome home, the house was decorated for Thanksgiving. Just as I had left it. Thanksgiving in my soul, thanksgiving for Naomi, thanksgiving to be home.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Sending the Boys to Utah

Still no baby girl, she was now at 36 weeks. Still at the Fisher House with Christmas around the corner. Trent and I had to make a new plan now that we had reached 36 weeks. We could not ask either Mom to stay through the holidays, and we could not keep the boys without help. So Grandma Jolene took on the big task of flying with the boys to Utah! She is amazing and so good to my boys! They were excited to join her on the flight to Utah where cousins and cool uncle Jake would be.

Our families worked together to care for the boys. A True team effort between the Tueller's and the Welch's. A labor of Love. Each sister took a day (or two) then at night the boys would sleep at Grandma's houses. Santa found the boys in Utah, Cole was relieved about that. I was so happy to know the boys were wrapped up in family activities,fun and their grandparents arms during the holidays. I know everyone back home sacrificed to make Cole and Jake's Christmas a happy one. Thank you family! We Love you!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Unexpected Perspective

I was staying in Fisher House #4, one of two handicap accessible suites built to accommodate the needs of servicemen receiving care at SAMMC & Center for the Intrepid.

I was unaware of these facilities and their function until my stay at the SAMMC & the Fisher House. The opportunity to gain an awareness of the Wounded warrior project, Center for the Intrepid and the Wounded Warrior Family support center was a blessing and gift. My experience walking among the Wounded Warriors and their Families left an impression.

The Soldiers & their families I observed dealt with various conditions - some double, triple amputees, traumatic brain injuries, gun shot wounds and even mild to severe burns. Most Soldiers staying in the House were well into recover. Most were getting prosthetics and therapy down the courtyard at the Center for the Intrepid. Other Soldiers were in the hospital. I heard their stories mostly from their moms. War seemed so distant to me until I saw the effects up close. No one gives more than a solider in War. Warrior is the perfect word to describe him. Intrepid is another.

Center for the Intrepid

Mission

The threefold mission of the CFI is to provide rehabilitation for OIF/OEF casualties who have sustained amputation, burns, or functional limb loss, to provide education to DoD and Department of Veteran's Affairs professionals on cutting edge rehabilitation modalities, and to promote research in the fields of Orthopaedics, prosthetics and physical/occupational rehabilitation. The staff and equipment for the building was selected to provide the full spectrum of amputee rehabilitation as well as the advanced outpatient rehabilitation for burn victims and limb salvage patients with residual functional loss.

Our Vision

Through the collaboration of a multi-disciplinary team, we will provide state-of-the-art amputee care, assisting our patients as they return to the highest levels of physical, psychological and emotional function.

http://www.bamc.amedd.army.mil/departments/orthopaedic/cfi/

Wounded Warrior Family Support Center

Purpose: The Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC) provides coordinated services to patients, next-of-kin and extended Family Members with a primary focus on Wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors. It provides a friendly, comfortable environment in which to take a break, watch a movie on big-screen TVs, play video games, check email or use the Internet, select a book or magazine to read, make a phone call, or just grab a cup of coffee. Wounded Warriors and their Family Members visit the WFSC to maintain contact with other military members or extended Family Members, to receive emotional support, answers to their questions, and to extend their rehabilitation away from the hospital. The rehabilitation involves learning to cope with war related disabilities as individuals, as couples, and as families.

http://www.bamc.amedd.army.mil/military/wfsc/

Wounded Warrior Project

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Our Home for the Holidays

The Fisher House foundation provides a "home away from home" for military families during hospitalization for an illness, disease, or injury. Trent and I had already spent over $500 on hotels in the 5 days in town. We did not know where to stay and how we were going to pay for long term lodging. A social worker suggested we call the Fisher House located adjacent to the hospital to check availability. We called... answer to prayer they had an opening!

Trent and Cole would need to return to Del Rio for school and work. My dear neighbor & church friends would drive Cole to school, pick him up from bus stop and watch him until Trent returned home from work. Weekends would be our time together.

My mom, Jake and I would settle in at the Fisher House and wait. It was up to the baby to make the next move. The Goal was to get baby to 36 weeks, I was currently 32. The official term: "stork nesting"

I was in the hospital when Mom Tueller arrived in town. She spent a night with Jake then I was released and joined my two "roomies" in our new home for the holidays. I was immediately impressed with the San Antonio Fisher House. So big, yet warm. Decorated beautifully for the Holidays,every inch & detail cared for. I was humbled and grateful for such a comforting place during an uncomfortable time. What a Miracle, What a Gift of pure generosity and love to military families. What an answer to prayer.

Weekly testing was going well. Baby was doing fine and holding steady. Jake and I were enjoying our time together with both "grandmas" . I felt fortunate to have one-on-one time with my Mom's. I appreciated both Mom's for putting busy holiday duties aside and choosing to spend time with me and the boys. We needed their help. We would not have been able to survive with out them. They provided physical and emotional support and kept our time fun, happy and festive.

We spent our time at the Fisher House playing at the playground, watching Jake scooter around the courtyard, putting together puzzles, shooting hoops, watch movies, and chewing lots of ice chips. Every Saturday morning a local church group would provide the Fisher House tenants a warm delicious breakfast, always with a Texas breakfast must - Biscuits and Gravy. The generosity and service of many corporations, volunteers, & church groups was astounding! Holiday gifts, treats, meals & music were given freely to my family during our stay. I was humbled and impressed.

SAMMC Medical Center held a Holiday carnival the boys really enjoyed. San Antonio offered great shopping at the outlets, the most delicious pancake breakfast ever at the Magnolia Pancake Haus. (the owner resembled Ryan Gosling...yes ladies I know, put it on your list) Too much Chick-fil-a And last but not least Holiday Lights & Mariachi on the River Walk!!

The days of December were passing by. This holiday season would be our sweetest & most memorable yet.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Thanksgiving

We had big plans for Thanksgiving holiday. Originally we planned to spend the holiday in Dallas with friends. Plans did not pan out so we booked a military rate weekend at the JW Marriott Resort in the beautiful hill country of San Antonio. Before checking into the hotel I had my routine 32 week check up appointment at SAMMC (San Antonio Military Medical Center) along with a Fetal Ultrasound. During that visit I learned little baby girl needed some extra love. I spent Wednesday night in the hotel, then Thursday and Friday at the hospital. The boys enjoyed the pool, arcade and light show at the JW Thursday. The boys enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner in the Hospital Cafeteria. Cole commented on how yummy his meal. Trent was elated a Thanksgiving feast for the family only cost him $8.00. I ate my thanksgiving dinner from a bed tray thanking my Heavenly Father for all my blessings and praying for the chance to meet my little girl. I was released from the hospital Friday night. My sister booked us a room downtown. I was told to stay within a 20 minute radius of the Hospital. Life in Del Rio would be postponed, arrangements needed to be made.