Wednesday, July 8, 2009

We have but such a little time here.

I'm sorry I haven't been the best blogger lately. I've managed to read a few posts over the past few weeks, but have had a chance to post one.
On Friday, it will be 3 weeks that my sister-in-law, Heidi, who lives in Florida had her 3rd baby. The baby was having some problems initially, so my brother went to "transition" with him, just to make sure things were alright. When he came back, all of the doctors were in a panic, and there was blood everywhere. Heidi was loosing so much blood, that they determined an emergency hysterectomy had to be done. Her blood pressure was so low, that they were not able to give her any anesthetic. While in surgery, her blood tests came back positive for a condition called DIC. This is a very serious medical condition in which the blood coagulates in the veins, instead of at the sight where it should. You essentially end up bleeding to death, because there is no way to stop the bleeding. DIC has a horrible nickname called Death-is-coming, in reference to those who contracted bubonic plague. They would go into DIC before dying, which would turn their skin "black" from the blood collecting under the skin. It was also referred to "the black death."
It was determined that she lost 79% of her blood, and had to be given over 20 units of blood. A normal person has about 5 units in them. Over 20 doctors worked on saving her, and she was then transported to a trauma hospital so she could be watched 24/7. There is a real risk for stokes, as the body has so many blood clots in it.
It was quite an ordeal! I am happy to say that we witnessed many miracles over the course of the next few days. Lots of prayers, fasting and blessing were given, in which Heavenly Father answered in our favor.
I was able to fly out and help her and my brother with the baby. We had a similar near death experience with my daughter when she was 4 years old. She had a seizure that lasted over 3 hours. She was life flighted to a childrens hospital and stayed in intensive care for 5 days. I somewhat know of the loneliness and pain that it is to wonder what will happen. I wanted more than anything to be able for him to have someone to talk to, and to help with the baby.
Heidi has made an incredible recovery. The baby, whom they named Jacob, is doing well, and is the most adorable baby in the world! Such an angel too. He couldn't have been easier to take care of.My sweet little nephew "Jacob". An angel on earth.

I'm sorry to bore you with this story, but it has had such a huge impact in my life. I hope it will help you all to cherish those you love.Before I left, Melanie had to throw together a baby gift. I made the blanket, and my Sister-in-Law, Melanie made the diaper bag. If anyone is interested in the directions for the blanket, let me know, and I will post them. I just kind of made this up using my scraps.
I was able to get some stitching on done on block 5, mostly on the airplane there and back. I was suppose to have this done by the end of June, but my priorities have taken a major shift!Before I left, I managed to start this great quilt by blackbird designs. This is from the book "Women of Grace and Charm". I cut this out almost 2 years ago. I've run into a snag on block one. It seems that there is another set of borders that aren't the right dimensions in the book. If anyone had done this quilt I would love to know if you had the same problem!I've also started getting the appliques done for this cute quilt by Quilt Soup. I'm still working on the flowers. I like to do the "spray starch" method on my appliques. I will stitch them on by machine. My daughter loves to "paint" the spray starch on the edges. She saves me a lot of time!I know the 4th of July is over, but I just barely got my decorations out yesterday! I figure we can look at them for the rest of the month! I love this twisted threads design. I finished it last year.
We have several stitchers interested in stitching Shepherd's Bush "Sail Away". We will be starting on Aug. 5th. If you are interested please leave a post. So far we have the following members:
1. Terri
2. Me
3. Kristin (no blog)
4. Teresa (no blog)
5. Kelly (no blog)
6. Cindy (no blog)
7. Mel
8. Lenna
9. Glenna
10. Katrina
11. Cari
12. Lizzy

We have 3 maybes! Come on and join us. We won't make it hard, promise.

1. Melissa
2. Margaret
3. Annie

If I've left you out, please let me know. I think this is a great number. If you've already stitched this, then you could stitch along with another Shepherd's Bush design. That would be fun.
If all that are confirmed want to send me their addresses. I have a little surprise coming for you! You can e-mail me at Hiddenheart@kellerits.com.

Have a wonderful week! I hope you are all having a wonderful July!

22 comments:

Heather said...

My stomach turned in knots when I read about your sister in law, that is terrifying! I am so glad that she is making a good recovery. The baby is adorable, and so sweet, congratulations to your family!

Look at you making all of these fun things. I have yet to try appliqué (chicken). That pattern is really pretty. I like your shores! That block did take awhile to put in all of the bricks, I was a bit disappointed in the bricks because the colors are so close to being the same you can’t tell them apart much. I like the mottled look better. Oh well!

The quilt you made for Jacob is so sweet, and plus it’s made from scraps, which is great. Americana décor is the best, your house looks good :)

Deb said...

I have to tell you that my heart hit the floor when I first started reading this message. You can only imagine my relief when you finally said that Heidi was making a remarkable recovery. I can only imagine all the gamet of emotions that you and the whole family went through while this was going on. I'm so happy that everything appears to be fine and pray for Heidi's continued recovery!

And what a precious boy Jacob is! So sweet! A true blessing. And that quilt you made him is just the most perfect thing. The colors are so perfect for a boy and such a nice color combination! A true heirloom.

I also cannot believe that you've gotten stitching, etc., done during this time. Your block looks great. It looks like you and I will probably be finishing this one about the same time - albeit late for both of us, but it will be finished soon.

I have never seen that BBD pattern before that I can remember. Wish I could help on that. But I love your other quilt - I love the design because it's different from most quilt patterns and those colors - it makes me happy to look at them. I can't wait to see your progress on this one.

My continued prayers to Heidi and her family and to you too - that was such an ordeal to go through, but the Lord made everything fine in the end.

Oh, BTW, I've stitched Sail Away, but I may join you in stitching - either my Queen Bee or another one. Probably QB. I don't plan on being able to get much stitching done until about the 5th anyway (sister in town for two weeks), so I'll be ready.

Cari said...

Oh my gosh Loraine...what an ordeal. I'm so glad you could travel to Florida to help your brother and his sweet family. I hope and pray all continues to go well. Your nephew Jacob is a darling!! Hugs

woolwoman said...

Oh Loraine- I was so afraid reading your post that it was going in an awful direction - thank god in heaven your ending was a happy one and you have a precious little one and mommy doing so well.

Yes I am excited about getting to Sail Away - I have loved this SB design from the minute I saw it - I bought it last summer on vacation in the smokie mountains and only took a few stitches and put it away - excited to be getting it out again.

Your Shores is looking great - Mel

tara said...

I had a friend go through a very similar thing and it is a true miracle that she is alive. They had to start her heart several times. The impact broke all her ribs and then lacerated her liver. A miracle recovery.
I am so happy that your sil and family are doing great. I am glad you could be there.

Ranae said...

Ahhh! My prayers are with your family. That is such a horrible experience. My DD was in the same situation after Brianna was born. She had to have a blood transfusion too. They strapped her down and turned off all the lights, if she did have a seizure she could hurt herself and bleed to death. Brianna was born 2.9 lbs and she was doing better then mom. Both are healthy as can be today.
Pretty quilt and love the dispays.
I love that SB design, but don't have it (yet)
Take care!!

Maggie said...

Loraine, i was almost afraid to carry on reading your post, i am so glad your sister-in-law is on the mend, what an awful thing to have happened you must have all been terrified.
Thinking of you.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Dear Loraine, what an unbelievable ordeal. I, like everyone else, was sort of preparing myself for a different ending. I am so thankful that things are getting better. Heidi is very lucky to have had so many praying for her and supporting your brother during this horrible time. My prayers are going up for them. Jacob IS a doll - what a cutie!

the quilt you made him is wonderful! You are one talented woman! I don't quilt but I certainly appreciate the work that goes into it. Your Shores is looking great - you'll be done in no time.

What a dork I am - I just posted on my blog and forgot to mention the SAL. I'll go back and update it. This is going to be fun!

Katrina said...

Oh my gosh your poor SIL! In the midst of the joy over a new baby to have something so scary and horrible happen, I can't imagine. Thank goodness she is doing better and you were able to go help. I am sure you were a huge blessing for them. Your new nephew is adorable.

Love all the patriotic decorations and I am looking forward to the stitchalong!

Elizabeth MacGregor-Kirkcaldy said...

Thank God for blessings, miracles and Angels! I'm so happy to read your dear sister-in-law, Heidi is going to be okay! And what a precious wee Angel, Jacob is! I will keep you all in my prayers, Loraine!

And what lovely quilt projects! Just beautiful as is your progress on SoHRH! I dearly love this one and it's kitted up and ready to start... I just need to get out of Tortoise stitching mode!

Blessings in stitches always...
Lizzy

Glenna said...

Such a wonderful story--NOT boring, but most inspiring. Thank goodness Heidi and Jacob are doing well!

You do such beautiful work--not only needlework, but all those quilts. I love BBD's quilt patterns and would love to learn to quilt decently, but that's probably going to have to wait until retirement!

Can't wait for "Sail Away!" My email address is ggregory [AT] kslaw [DOT] com.

Elizabeth MacGregor-Kirkcaldy said...

Hi Loraine, I sent you an email, but it was returned... not enough room in your mailbox! I'll try again later or email me at stitchingfaery@windstream.net

tootles for now... :)

Blessings in stitches...
Lizzy

Elizabeth MacGregor-Kirkcaldy said...

I'm sorry hun, I still can't get a single email to go through... same return message... maybe you'll have to delete some more.

Blessings in stitches...
Lizzy

Jan said...

Oh my dear Loraine!! How near a tragedy this must have seemed. Thank the Lord for His care, blessings and miracles!! The baby is so cute, know how much your family will cherish him!!

Also love your pics, everything is lovely!!

Rachel said...

Loraine, I'm so gald that your SIL and the baby are doing well now! He's adorible! And I love the set you and Melanie made for him!!

Dot said...

The Sail Away stitching is so cute. I think I would like to do it. Mom

Siobhán said...

Loraine, I am SO relieved that your SIL is recovering and that sweet Jacob is here & healthy. God is good! We have friends that lost their wife/mother in childbirth--same thing happened as what happened with your SIL, but with a different ending. The quilt that you made for Jacob is wonderful! I am sure he & his family will treasure it.

Great progress on Shores! It looks great. I love your seasonal displays, too. I want to do more patriotic things & buy more patriotic things so I can do something similar in years to come.

I hope your SIL continues to improve!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Lorraine, You have been on my mind - I hope everything is continuing to progress well with your SIL and Jacob. Please email me at rotematy@comcast.net - I want to give you my phone number so we can chat about our SAL. Email and notes are just too hard! Looking forward to getting started!

Tammy said...

All your projects look FABU of course! I was about in tears reading about your SIL. I hope she recovers well enough soon to get back to living her life without worry of anything but that precious baby!

Margaret said...

Don't know why it took me so long to find your blog! Thank god your sil and the baby are ok -- it sounds so scary! The baby is adorable! I love seeing your stitching and your beautiful quilts. That blanket you made for Jacob is gorgeous! As for Sail Away, gosh, I really want to stitch it! I just need to say yes, don't I? lol! I'm still thinking -- the deadline is coming up!!

Margaret said...

PS Can I have your mini? :D :D

Anonymous said...

Just came across your blog and I love your projects! They are all wonderful and inspiring. And I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who "collects" fabric :)
I do hope everything is well with your sister-in-law and that mother and baby are ok. My thoughts and prayers to the family...
Theresa