Continued Blessings

Since our last entry was in April, we decided to recap the entire year with an online Christmas Letter. It seems each year is full of challenges, excitement, joy, blessings, trials and pain. 2010 was no different.

The year was kicked off with a last minute trip to Mississippi in early January. We were able to meet and get acquainted with our new son. Due to weather, we ended up being there over 2 weeks. This gave us a time to bond with Isaiah, but was hard to leave Abby home that long. She was quite anxious to meet her little brother and is still quite fond of him. When he's having a tough time, she's good at getting him to laugh and smile.

Soon after in February we celebrated Abigail's 3rd birthday. Dora exploded in our house and we were able to give her some much deserved attention. Abby is quite the busy body and is always keeping us on our toes. She likes to help out when possible and loves time with anybody as she is quite social. Everyone age 2-6 is her "friend" in addition to the imaginary kind.



As in our last post, Isaiah kicked his O2 tank for good in April and hasn't looked back. Other than a few runny nose colds he has been quite healthy. We are quite thankful for wood floors as he has a very touchy gag reflex. He is over 21 lbs and on track with his adjusted age. He has mastered the army crawl and is beginning to climb where possible. Our main concern at this point is getting him through the winter without a chest cold, especially RSV. It's easy to forget he was ever that tiny!

Beginning April 23rd we have a string of tough dates though Aug 28th. It's a season of pain that we are glad to get through. It's mainly the week leading up to the big dates that are the hardest. We will always miss our boys Tony and James and they will never be replaced. Although having a healthy son does bring us healing and great joy. Occasionally we are brought back to bitter sweet memories that will always be with us. As a dear friend advised "It won't get better, but it will get easier". Profound words that we continue to understand.

Most days however are normal and spent enjoying life with our family. In June we were able to have a memorable trip to Island Lake near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. This lake is full of great memories from Stuart's family and added a big one when he proposed there in July '04. This was our first trip back and it was great to be able to start the tradition with a new generation. We didn't bring a boat but there was much fishing, a bit of swimming, a lot of food and a great time with family and friends. It should be a highlight for years to come.

The fall turned a bit busier with a few different commitments. The church Awana program started again with the school year and Tashia is helping again this year. It's also Abby's first year and she has a blast with her "Cubbie" friends and leaders. It gives Dad and Son a night of male bonding.

In January Stuart accepted a Deacon position at church and in September this involved getting more involved with the worship and music on Sundays. He has kept busy leading worship on Sundays, organizing practices among other items. Also in September he began coordinating and facilitating another year of Financial Peace University classes. He enjoys being involved in both, but is glad that FPU only lasts 13 weeks. It gives us both a chance to share our experiences and how getting a handle on our debt and managing our finances has helped us through our trials and strengthened our marriage.

Late September we went with Stuart's parents down to Lincoln to the SDSU-Nebraska game and also took in the zoo there. Abby still talks about going to the "birdy-zoo" to help them fly. There was a kids exhibit and they had a few small animals and items. There was a dove there and her imagination seems to have expanded that experience.




Isaiah turned one on Oct. 2nd and we were able to celebrate a big milestone for us. Soon after on the 12th we celebrated "Abby Uken" day, which was the day that she officially became a Uken. She hadn't grasped the concept of time yet and thinks quite often that her birthday was yesterday or was tomorrow. We were able to give her another special day to celebrate for the 1st time.

Also in October we made the annual return to Brookings for Hobo Day. It's been a fun family weekend with the parade, football game and pool at the hotels. After missing last year, Stuart ran the 5k again with his brother Mike. Not sure he can keep up the making faster times, but has found getting back into shape is getting harder every year. The plan is to stay in shape... He also ran one in Ida Grove and ran as Uncle Sam with two high school friends in the July 4th race in Springfield.

Soon after Hobo Days, Stuart got to try being Mr. Mom for 2 weeks. Tashia had an emergency appendectomy (are they ever planned?). She was in pain and recovery was slow, but she is back on pace and her husband is a bit more humble, appreciative and understanding because of it.

Finally on November 5th, Isaiah's adoption was finalized. It was basically a formality, but we finally were able to celebrate his forever family day. We are continually amazed on how well our adopted children fit our family. Many times Mom is concerned that they take on too many of Dad's attributes. Abby spontaneously breaks out in silly songs like dad and Isaiah is already dancing to music and banging his hands to the beat.

This Sunday night Tashia helped with the Christmas Program at church and Abby participated for the 1st time. Dad brought the video camera and Abby didn't disappoint. We had a nose pick in the first minute and a few waves and yells at Dad and Isaiah throughout.

Early in the year Tashia was able to spend time at a much deserved scrap booking retreat. This year has been a challenge for her adjusting to raising two little ones full time and keeping this house running smooth. Of course Dad cheated again and used his parents to get through the weekend.

Stuart continues to enjoy working at Midwest Industries. This year he has transitioned more to the manufacturing side of engineering and less on the design side. It's an opportunity that he was interested in when we chose to move to Ida Grove and finds it both challenging and rewarding. He has been involved in a few major projects involving new machinery and process as well as the day to day interaction with fellow employees on the plant floor and support staff. As with most manufacturing 2009 was a tough year for the company, but 2010 was a decent year all things considered and 2011 looks to improve on that.

Looking back this year has been full of memories, hard work and great times with friends and family. We are continually amazed at how God pours his blessings on this family and we are always reminded of His love. Especially from all of your prayers and numerous ways you have all helped us along the way.

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing and hearing from you next year.

Love,

Stuart, Tashia, Abby and Isaiah

Christmas Letter

Coming Very Soon!!

Isaiah Unplugged!

4 weeks ago this Sunday we went to Omaha for a sleep study to find out how much oxygen Isaiah needed. Well turns out he needs none! Much to our delight he has had no oxygen since that appointment and has been doing well. We still have a few tanks just in case, but it's made our life a bit easier.

He still gets a bit of medicine and nebulizer treatments twice a day. His feeding continues to do well and may have a touch of reflux. Isaiah had his first spoon of cereal soup tonight to train him on thicker food. Also, he had a bit of apple juice today as what goes in is not coming out very fast.

At his corrected age of 9 1/2 weeks, 12lbs 12oz and 24" puts him over the 50%. He is on track to break into the chart for his true age soon and there are really no worries at this point. His eye development has progressed to normal development and we have one more double check appt. for that tomorrow.


Miss Abby continues to keep us on our toes or is it back on our heels? The nice weather helps to get her out to burn off some energy. She takes all the attention she can get. We have kids her age on both sides of us and she can't wait to play with her friends every night.

Well that's it for tonight. We wanted to get a much overdue update on our family. As always, no news is good news.


Very thankful this Easter,

Stu, Tashia, Abby and Isaiah

Big Party - Big Boy

No news is good news right? It's been a bit busy, with a few expected trips, doctor visits and Abby's birthday, but everything else is par for the course with a newborn. We are hoping that this week is where we can get our routine started.

Isaiah has been doing very well. He has been gaining a lot of weight and is much bigger already than any baby we have had at 10lbs. All of his checkups and specialist appointments have went well and he is progressing nicely. We will continue to have more checkups that are routine for micro preemies but there are really no concerns other than him getting a cold at this point.

Our little man is going through the same phases as a 3-4 week old baby right now. This is fun to be a part of and it is still hard to believe that we get to experience this process. Having a baby boy seems to be bringing a new level of healing that only he could give us. Seeing other baby boys shouldn't cause us to feel the longing or loss we used to. We are so thankful for God's blessings!

The first few weeks were a bit rough for Abby and us to all adjust. We have all done a better job lately and seem to be acting like a family of four now. Sleep is still the biggest challenge right now. It takes Isaiah awhile to calm down at bedtime, but does a decent job sleeping. He eats around 10pm, 2am and 6am right now. Mom takes the first two feedings and Dad takes the last one before heading to work. The last stretch of a brutal winter doesn't help either.

Our Miss Abby is now 3 years old. We tried to really talk and play up her Party a few weekends ago. She really seems to like attending parties and really wanted to give her some attention with the new baby. Dora and her gang exploded in our house and she seemed to have had a good time with family including a few cousins.

She really likes to hold Isaiah and show him attention, but she isn't exactly the gentle sister. In so many ways she is like her dad. Since Dad spends plenty of time outside with all the snow moving, she likes to tag along and get out of the house. It will be nice after the weather improves and everything thaws and dries out. 3-year olds aren't meant to be cooped up inside!

This is a photo from the first weekend we were back home. We went to the local Family Dollar, to get a reward for Abby and we picked out this doll. While we were gone she named him Isaiah.

We can't say enough how much we appreciate all your prayers and support we have received over the past few years. Our family and friends are our biggest blessings!

Enjoying God's grace,

Stu, Tashia, Abby the Explorer and our 10lb Proud Angler

The Little Big Helper

Abby loves to help around the house and when she makes pizza with mom, she gets her own little batch. She had extra fun this time.


It's been hard to be away from Abby, but we had decided earlier that this was the best way. Now given the circumstances it affirms it was a good decision, but also harder than we thought. In November we were away from her for 7 days so we will be close to doubling. It's affecting mom the most as she spends the most time with her and most of her daily routine revolves around her.

She seems to be having a great time with those watching her as she hardly gives us a sentence on the phone:( But it may just be her way of dealing with it. We can't say enough about how much we appreciate those taking care of her while we are gone!!


This is Reina pulling Abby this weekend. Reina moved in with Grandpa and Grandma Uken last year to help with Stuarts allergies. Abby doesn't seem to miss her at home, but loves to play with her when they get reunited.

We are exited to see how Abby reacts when we get home. We are sure she will be trying to help take care of baby Isaiah from the get go. She already named one of her dolls after him and thinks he will be in her room right away. When asked if she wanted a baby brother or sister, she always said both! We will see if she's paitent on the sister part...

Isaiah has been eating and sleeping well and for the most part has his awake time during the day. He is a fairly calm baby and his rare crying is quite soft. We aren't complaining!

We got to watch Isaiah's Saints win on Sunday (we are only 1hr from NO). Daddy reminds him that Saints finish strong when he eats!

The storm surge from Katrina came just blocks from his hospital and it was a major emergency center after the storm. Everything seems to be cleaned up from the 2005 storm, but almost every residential beach front lost is still vacant and for sale.

We will be exited to introduce Isaiah to everyone when we return home. Just keep in mind that when we do venture out or if you visit that you may not be able to hold him due to the risk of catching a cold. Hopefully he gets strong this winter and it won't be as big of a conern in the future.

No word at this point of where the papers are at. We should know more tomorrow. After his appt. we will stop at a new hotel within an hour or two of the border. Needless to say we will be ready everyday to take off in a minutes notice.

Trying to patiently wait,

Stu, Tashia, Who Dat? Isaiah, and from far away Abby

He can send you anywhere from here

The truth found in James 4:13-15 is reality to us right now as it has been before. Anthony took us on a 2 week stint to Houston, TX. Now our latest son Isaiah sends us on the road to Mississippi with less than 24hrs notice. We knew it could happen fast and that we may be going to a state out of the region. Still, we were a bit unprepared, at least mentally for this.



About 3 weeks ago we opted to send our book to California for a baby due in February. We hadn't heard back on if we were picked and another baby in Louisiana was already born and leaving the hospital in a week. We again chose to send our book. 8 days ago Sunday at 5pm we got the call we were picked for the boy. He was ready to leave the hospital and he was actually in Mississippi on the coast. So we packed last minute for a 19 hour drive and up to a 10 day stay. It was a whirlwind to say the least.

We left Monday at noon and stopped at 9pm just south of St. Louis as neither of us are good night drivers. Tuesday at 4pm we arrived at the hospital and got to meet Isaiah for the first time. We agreed for one last night of good rest and began our "room in" with Isaiah the next day. After two days we brought him out to our temporary abode at the Hampton Inn just after lunch on Friday. We had originally hoped that the interstate paperwork would clear early and be able to leave Monday or Tuesday.

Well, God not only controls the where, but also the when. We learned that week long cold snap was too much for the deep south. The government building in Jackson that processes the papers was closed all week due to extensive water main breakages due to freezing. Also, Monday (today) is a holiday. So we reserved through Wednesday and will have an appointment 2 hrs north, then continue to the border for hopefully just a night or two. Then when we get word that the papers have cleard both states we will journey home.

Isaiah was actually born Oct 2nd of last year at 24-26 weeks and weighed 1lb 12oz. He has had a very difficult road to this point to say the least, but now is doing very well. He is now over 8lbs and his due date was originally this Wednesday. His journy may have more bumps in the road but we are hopeful that they won't be major. We had decided against a special needs child, but as we mentioned earlier, God had different plans.

Special needs is a broad term and Isaiah is probably on the light end of it at least at this point. He is currently on the lowest setting of oxygen and will probably be off that in the next few months. His biggest concerns are his eyes and his lungs. We have an appointment down here on Wednesday and hopefully it will show that his eyes are continuing to improve and will not need surgery. Due to his early arival plus his frequent and lengthy intubations he has chronic lung disease, which he should grow out of eventully. Catching a cold (RSV)or other virus is a major concern. He does have a few medications and treatments.

Compared to our first two boys, he demands much less time and precaution. However, due to his lungs we won't be venturing out much this winter. The cord from the oxygen tank isn't bad in the hotel room, but at home may be a bigger challenge. While he does have some minimal structural abnormalities (stridor) that give just a bit harder time breathing and sometimes a whistle you can hear. It was much worse a few weeks ago and hopefully will continue to improve as he grows.

With Tony and James, every little cough was a concern knowing that choking could follow and damage was taking place. We are getting used to not over reacting to that with Isaiah. It's also different holding a boy that has skin that doesn't blister from even a gentle touch. When Isaiah cries, which isn't very often, it's a comfort to know it's only from normal pain or need that any baby experiences. We didn't have Abby during most of her "baby" months, so we didn't have a chance to get over having a so called normal child.

We won't know for certain why we are here for an extended stay, but I'm sure dealing with these issues and our past is a benifit of this time. We are also making the most of this time by bonding with him, which is really important in the adoption process. Since not even grandparents can hold him the first week, it's actually easier for them!!





Well, we have much more to say about Isaiah and Abby, but will end this post for the day with plans to add more tomorrow in case we don't have internet at the next stop. We will have more pictures coming so be sure to check back.

While, we didn't sign up for a child like Isaiah, we know without a doubt that He was chosen for us. He is already a huge blessing in our lives and we look forward to bringing him home to meet everybody. You just won't be all able to hold him
right away.

Please pray for patience, for Abby and those caring for her, for us missing Abby and for Isaiah's continued progress in his health.

Trying to patiently wait,

Stu and Tashia and Little Man