Jenny
Jenny is a West Texas girl who married her best friend and Baylor sweetheart, Chris, in 2005. She spent her 20s running marathons and traveling as a writer and photographer for a global ministry, Buckner International. In 2012, she and Chris became parents to son Miller and in 2015 to daughter Emmeline, who was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – type 1. Now Jenny lives in Burleson, Chris’ hometown, and focuses her time on caring for her daughter and helping other families of medically-fragile children. Jenny loves Jesus, family, good coffee and wine, meaningful conversations, musical theater, shopping, and porch sitting. And an occasional run, or walk. Whatever. (Photo courtesy of: Uneartherd Photography).
The Tribe I Never Wanted (But Can’t Live Without)
Everyone says it takes a village to raise a child. My village is filled with people I never asked for. Doctors. Therapists. Nurses. Durable Medical Equipment reps. Nursing supervisors. Schedulers. Pharmacists. Dieticians. Respiratory therapists. Orthotists. Surgeons. Mobility equipment reps. Insurance case managers.
The #1 Genetic Killer of Babies (You Probably Know Nothing About)
Looking back, I could kick myself for not noticing her decline sooner. It happened rapidly (within 3-4 weeks) and right before our eyes. I was quick to rationalize my concerns about her lack of movement. She was constantly swaddled and snuggly sweet. Surely she was just a lazy baby? She smiled and cooed and won our hearts. But still, something seemed . . . off.
Finding Financial Peace with Your Spouse
I’ve found the key to saving your sanity and your marriage during this process is to talk about it regularly at a previously agreed upon time. Yes, I’m talking about a meeting. I know it sounds painful, but I promise it's not that bad. If you do the budgeting process as a team, you will be committed to the outcome. And you’ll grow closer together, too.
To the Special Needs Mom Who May Never Sleep Again
I may never sleep again. As moms, we’ve all had this thought run through our head at one point or another. Maybe your baby is less than six months old. Sick or teething. Maybe you recently potty trained them or they’re going through a sleep regression. No matter the cause, it’s exhausting and mood-altering. Lack of sleep clinically shuts down our brains.
Five Reasons Why I Love My Daughter’s Feeding Tube
It’s been two years now since my daughter’s diagnosis and surgery, and I can honestly say that SMA has changed our lives for the better. It’s hard and isolating at times, but it’s also led us to seek joy and contentment in the places that really count. In comparison to her life, the g-tube is so minor. It’s just one of the things that I have learned to accept and love. Here are just a few reasons why.
Saying Goodbye to the Ol’ Baby Registry
First-time baby registries are typically filled with the essentials: bottles, breast pumps, baby monitors. All the things the attendant at Buy Buy Baby tells the expecting mom she MUST have. But, now that I’ve been around the baby registry block a few times, I’ve decided I’m tired of playing it safe. Diaper genies and boppy pillows? No thanks. From now on, I’m going rogue!
Hippity Hoppity, Time to Read {FWMB’s Favorite Easter Books}
With Easter around the corner, you may be on the hunt for some new books to add to your child's collection. I love giving my children two new books each Easter -- one ahead of time to prepare for the season, and one to put in their basket on Easter Sunday. I'm always surprised at which books become their favorites! Some are silly, some are serious. Some have great illustrations, and others are terrible. Really, terrible. So I’m here to save you time and money, and offer up some of my family’s very favorite, mom and kid-approved Easter books.