I saw my baby die.

I saw my baby die. He had just come out of surgery the day before, and was moved from the NICU down to the surgery floor, which meant he was doing well. After a day of chaos, things felt like they were starting to settle down and maybe I could breathe again.

I had just laid my head down to sleep for the night when alarms started going off. I looked up at the monitor to see my baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels dropping. It didn’t take long before 2 nurses were in my room, and they were able to get his vitals back to normal.

His nurse and the charge nurse were standing guard over his crib debating what might have caused his vitals to drop when it happened again. Suddenly, my room was alive with activity. An emergency team was called to my son’s room to determine the cause for my baby’s feeble hold on life, and a young man was struggling to attach EKG leads onto my baby’s soft skin. After a third crash of his heart rate and oxygen level, the team determined that he was overly sensitive to his morphine. They turned off his pain killers and the NICU reclaimed custody of my baby boy again.

We had not been back to the NICU for 20 minutes when the alarms went off again. Unlike the Surgery floor, where parents have a bed to sleep near their little one, the NICU offers tiny rooms filled with large machines to keep the delicate babies alive. I was quickly pushed outside my son’s room while a team moved into action. His little body turned purple and went stiff as he conceded his grip on life. A respiratory therapist waved an oxygen mask in his face to try to “wake” him, but to my eyes he looked dead already. I had learned a little in the past few hours and could see that my baby’s oxygen level was down to 22%.

Skin to skin with Lil O inside my tank top.

I couldn’t do a damn thing. Except stand outside his doorway sobbing and pleading with God to bring my baby back. A nearby nurse held me and tried to explain what the team was doing to resuscitate him. I heard some of what she said.

Apparently when a little baby is in excruciating pain (because their morphine meds were turned off and they no longer have anything dulling the pain from recent surgery), the baby’s body bears down. His little body tightens up against the pain and forgets to do anything else… like, breathe or pump blood.

My son. My sweet, little baby. He didn’t even have a name yet, but this was that baby boy that I had been praying to God for years to please give me. Less than 48 hours prior, I had held my newborn son and, with a great sense of guilt, questioned whether I could ever love him as much I loved my older son, Jack. Now, my doubt was quickly erased. 

Owen took me on my first ambulance ride.

Life was a whirlwind when we arrived at Seattle Children’s. The doctor on call began explaining Owen’s birth defect to Brian & I while tests were being performed on our tiny baby. Not only did Owen have an “imperforate anus”, but there were several other anomalies related to this birth defect. Soon they were testing Owen’s heart and checking his kidneys. In very short order, Brian & I said goodbye to our little baby as he headed into surgery.

It was 11pm and I was exhausted. Only 36 hours before I had given birth and I’d only had 4 hours of sleep since then. I headed to the parent’s room where I was offered a small cot. I didn’t think I could possibly calm my mind enough to sleep, but exhaustion took over and I slept. Hard.

When the pager went off to alert me that Owen was out of surgery and we could return for an update on his status, I immediately noticed that the 3 hour surgery had taken closer to 5 hours. I was terrified that this meant horrible news for my baby.

It seemed like forever before Dr. Avansino met us to discuss the surgery. Our little baby was fine. The surgery had taken a little longer than expected because his intestines were so dilated, but Dr. Avansino thought everything looked good. I couldn’t wait to see my baby.

Owen stayed in the NICU for a couple days. The comfort of the NICU is that nurses only care for 1 or 2 babies at a time, which allows for intense monitoring of your baby’s vitals. The difficult part is that the delicate, NICU babies need their rest. After waiting 9 months to hold my son, I was being told to limit holding him so he could rest and recuperate. It was miserable so I would hold him for as long as the nurse would let me. Between being at Owen’s side and pumping milk for him every 3 hours, I was only getting about 4 hours of sleep a night… and that not even in one shot.

My mom was worried about me… As mothers are apt to do, and it didn’t help that my post-delivery body wasn’t loving my crazy schedule. My feet and legs were so painfully swollen I couldn’t wear shoes and could barely fit into my sandals.

But I couldn’t think about that when my little baby was hooked up to machines. All I wanted was to be at his side, even if I wasn’t allowed to hold him.

Thank you, Aunt Kirby!

I’d been having contractions for a couple weeks, and I’d gone to the hospital twice thinking I was in labor. The day before Owen was born, I was keeping track of my contractions, but they weren’t very consistent. I was getting ready for bed and I went pee, and just as I was about to stand up… I peed a little more. Now. There are tons of weird things that happen to your body when you’re pregnant…. And this felt weird. I don’t remember my water breaking with Jack’s birth, but I was pretty sure that’s what had happened.

When I called the hospital, they told me to come get checked out, and sure enough the test showed that my water broke.

Owen was born on February 12, 2015 weighing 7lbs 3oz. Right before he was born, his heart rate dropped and I heard my midwife calmly but assertively say that it was time to call the doctor to bring in the vacuum. This scared the $h!t out of me (side note: prior to Owen’s birth I had started to worry about this seemingly archaic concept).

When my midwife told me it was time to push again, I used every muscle in my body to get that sweet baby out; but he still didn’t come. When the midwife said I could stop pushing I refused. There was no way I wanted the doctor sucking my delicate baby out of me. Instead, I was going to push and push and push until the little baby was out.

In hindsight, I’m almost certain that calling for the doctor & vacuum is a secret code that labor & delivery teams use to scare moms into working harder. It certainly worked for me! Owen was out before the doctor arrived.

After some rest, I was ready to head home. But we were waiting for our new baby to have his first bowel movement. The doctor was surprised that after 24 hours, he had not yet made his first dirty diaper. However, he told the nurse to let nature take its course.

Kirby came to the hospital to pick me up and hung out while we waited for Owen to poop so we could head home. As the afternoon passed, it seemed like we would be staying another night. After Kirby left, I was changing Owen’s diaper when I remembered something my sister said. Kirby, who was in nursing school at the time, mentioned a case that she recently read. Apparently, a baby had been born without a hole in his bottom.

While changing Owen’s diaper, I decided to… check. I immediately realized that Owen wouldn’t be pooping anytime soon and called for the nurse. She quickly reassured me that babies just have small bodies and it just looked that way, but after looking at Owen… She called for the charge nurse. Then, the NICU nurse came to check out my baby’s booty.

The next thing I knew Owen was having an ultrasound of his torso and we were being prepped for a trip to Seattle Children’s Hospital.

If it hadn’t been for Kirby’s interest in nursing, for her studious nature and remembering one case study… it would have meant several more hours before the doctors discovered that something was wrong. By the time we reached SCH, Owen bowels were extremely dilated and his tummy so distended... I hate to think how much pain he would have been in if it had not been for his Aunt Kirby.

Owen James Furber

Owen James Furber

As Owen’s one year birthday draws near, my heart is very full. Part of me is amazed with what a beautiful, healthy and happy guy he has become. His current, fat little body is so different from the first few weeks of life that he almost seems like a different little person. Could this really be the same boy who had no interest in eating?

The socks to prevent Owen from pulling
out his "pipes" as Jack called them. 

I think Owen is making up for lost time because now if he sees someone eating he thinks it’s time for him to eat, as well. Even if he just ate. I think he’s more than made up for those weeks where he was force fed through a tube down his nose. I can’t believe this is the same baby that we counted every ounce of milk and even added powdered formula to his breast milk to give him additional calories. A mom could not be more proud of fat cheeks. 

A Mom of Boys

Big Helper

Being a mom of boys is a whole different lifestyle than I anticipated. I have always been a bit of a tomboy, and from the beginning I knew I wanted sons. In fact, I was actually relieved to learn that our firstborn was a boy. But, that hasn't eased the learning curve. There are a ton of skills that moms of boys must master.

For example, I can remove all sorts of stains. I've learned that the Oxiclean spray is the best for removing bodily fluids, and I’m not too concerned to find grass stains on Jack’s pants... Although, I’m all ears if someone has tips for getting lanolin cream out of the couch.
Speaking of stains, I don’t worry about my kid getting dirty when he plays. Because he will. It doesn't bother me when he comes in soaking wet either. Like, the time he fell into the creek while with Aunt Kirby. My poor sister (she has a girl) was soooo worried, and I just figured that comes with the testosterone territory.

Snuggle Bug

I know that the brachiosaurus’ front legs are longer to help him reach the tops of trees (mostly because there's a song that can easily get stuck in your head). I know about cherry pickers, forklifts and excavators. I’m even learning to distinguish different types of Hot Wheels’ cars so I can point them out as we drive around town.

I don’t get too excited when my oldest son falls unless there are tears. And blood. I've discovered creative ways to coerce Jack into washing his hands or picking up his toys. I've learned that wrestling is the young male’s version of snuggling.

T-ball Strategy

The most important thing I've learned is that I like who I am a lot more these days. I've more wisdom than when I was a student. More fun than when I worked in youth ministry. More loving than when I first became a wife. And, I’m learning patience. Slowly.

I still find myself grumbling when Jack wants me to read the same book for the 478th time. This week. I cringe when I hear the frustrated tone after repeating, “Jack, you need to listen!” And, I still have to remind myself to put down my phone and focus on the snugly baby bundle in my arms. I feel like I should smack myself upside the head when I realize I’m focused on Facebook instead of treasuring time with my boys. I know that I’m far from perfect, but at least I’m headed in the right direction.

Worst Mom of the Year Award

Worst Mom of the Year Award in.... 3.... 2.... 1

This morning Jack was resting on the couch in the living room when I heard him yell, "Mom, get me a tissue!"

Now, this statement alone should have been my first clue, but I'm not much of a morning person. Instead, I reminded Jack that he needs to ask nicely for things, which was less than effective.

"Mom, get me a baby wipe! They're in my room!" He yelled again.

I calmly replied, "Jack, you need to talk nicely."

"Mom, you get baby wipe for me?" Jack said in a sweet voice.

"Ok," as I slipped into his room and grabbed a wipe. When I came into the living room, I found Jack sitting motionless with puke all over himself and the couch. No wonder my little guy was being so demanding!

Needless to say, he didn't go to school. Instead, we had a bath, did laundry and are enjoying a lazy day watching puppy videos on YouTube.

"Aw, how cute, Mama! The puppies are so cute!"

Orris King 1925-2013

Orris Trela King
Loving Mother
1925 - 2013

When my Grandma's last days where upon us, I wrote the following words to share with her...

Lindsay & Gma
circa 1987

My Dear Grandma,

You have always been one of my favorite people in this world. Growing up you were bigger than life, and not just because you were tall in stature or so physically strong. I think it was your strength of heart. It takes a pretty amazing woman to single-handedly parent that rowdy passel of children like you did. And, to choose to continue living when your eldest son passed away. Now that I'm a parent, too, I more fully understand the strength it required to continue.

One of my favorite, childhood activities was listening to mom tell stories about growing up in a home with six children. I remember one story where you tried to take a nap only to have some stranger knock on the door to tell you that your children were ice skating on the pond. The temperature wasn't low enough to freeze the pond entirely so they had waded out to the ice. It's no surprise that you have always been one of the strongest women in my life. You have to be, to put up with your wild bunch.

Grandma with Zeke & Carbin

You are sweethearted & loyal in your caring for others. Whether it be your son, Steve, or one of the people you encountered as a social worker. Even while in the hospital this week, you would ask your caretakers how they were doing and reach up to stroke their face.

 Stubborn as a mule. I remember you visiting our home in Seattle. We had this 8-foot-tall, blueberry bush with the most delicious fruit. You were harvesting like crazy despite the large beehive tucked in the branches. After being stung several times, mom implored you to leave the bush & bees alone, but you didn't think the bees should get all the berries. Mom was falling apart in laughter at your stubborn streak while she continuously put a baking soda and water mixture on your stings.

Look what poor Grandma had to deal with!
Rosemary, Rita, Grandma, Brenda.

You are fiesty, as Clarke can attest.

A brilliant and quick-witted mind who enjoyed books, crosswords and word puzzles up to the end.

I imagine your resourcefulness partially grew out of necessity, but I'll never forget my amusement when I saw how you packed lunch for me one time. In your frugal way, you used an empty coffee tin for my chips rather than wasting a plastic bag. Some may have been embarrassed, but I was proud of my Grandma who had strived despite hard times.

Great Gma OK & Jack

Resilient. Before divorces were acceptable, you had one and you continued to hold your head high. Before women were common in the workforce, you proved to be a force of your own.

Homemaker. Even though I only visited once a year or so, your house always felt like home. I always enjoyed your cooking. I remember your amusement when I was so excited after you made creamed peas. I remember when you introduced me to peaches with cream and a dash of sugar. Mmm! I'll always remember that you were able to make a good meal out of nothing.

April 2013

Mostly, I will remember that I was your favorite. Or, at least, that's what I always told you, but the truth is
that you were my favorite, Grandma. I love you, and I'm going to miss you.

Kid Tested, Mother Approved

Jack goes to "school" two mornings a week. Both Mom and Jack agree that school is just about the best thing. Ever. Jack often runs through his school door without so much as a "see ya" to his Mom-mom, which is actually a very comforting feeling. 

I love everything about the setup. Jack is familiar with the preschool teachers because he's with the same teachers and in the same room as Sunday School. Mom knows that all the teachers are background checked and receive continued education. Every week a parent will help out and so I've seen, firsthand, the wonderful care the kids receive. I know that all the toys are cleaned each day, which is seems like overkill but is completely necessary with the infinite drooling & colds that occur among toddlers.

Hmmm, which toy is next?

The 2 and 3yo's have free time after which they help clean up. (Yea for learning to clean up!) They get to play in the "Muscle Room" with the big toys where they run their little hearts out. Sometimes they even get to play with bubbles, which Jack will remind the teachers to bring if they forget. Then, Jack & his friends eat healthy snacks, they learn cute prayers and the importance of washing their hands. All the kids help put away their chairs before story time and singing songs. Then more playing.

Jack can be a lil mischievous.

The best part is that school totally helps get Jack's wiggles out. A couple weeks ago was Spring Break so Jack didn't have school... Those are the weeks that Jack spends his energy terrorizing the house, pulling poor Charlie's tail and breaking the kid latch on the knife drawer.

This pic is Mom-mom's favorite.

Okay, the actual best part is how excited Jack is when Mom-mom comes to pick him up. She is guaranteed a big hug from her happy guy.

Photo Credit: Rachel Drecshel.

The Three Little Pigs

Some of the best parenting advice that Brian & I received in our early years came from my Uncle Tim & Aunt Janet. They pointed out the threadbare remains of my youngest cousin, Levi's, "Silky Dog," and suggested we buy duplicates of Jack's favorite, soothing item whether it be a teddy bear, blanket, etc. 

Jack, much to his Great Grandmother King's revulsion (perhaps, living on an actual farm has effected her affection for pigs), fell in love with pigs. His favorite movie is "Charlotte's Web". His favorite TV show is "Wibbly Pig". Many of his favorite books include pigs. He loves "This little piggy went to the market..." And, if I have to sing about Old McDonald's farm one more time!

Jack quickly discovered the extra
"Closet Pig" and will often be seen
toting two pigs about the house.

After recognizing Jack's infinite love of everything pig, his parents dutifully bought a couple more. Now, three little pigs may seem like overkill to the average parent, but today we used all three.


I awoke at 3:30AM to hearing my son intermittently, crying and puking. Poor Daddy who had to leave for work in less than 2 hours jumped out of bed (Literally. I don't think he was even awake) to help console our confused, little boy while Mom-mom cleaned up the mess. This happened 2 more times before 5:30am so needless to say Mom-mom has been doing her share of laundry today.  

Jack is seen here with "Car Pig"

Jack is currently napping with one of the pigs while mom continues to fight the laundry mountain.

So, today I find myself especially grateful for wonderful pediatricians, Jack's Daddy and the ability to use the internet to purchase matching pigs. Because what would we do in a world without pigs?

Jack with "Crib Pig"

Jackisms

Cousin Bathtime

Jack's personality is quickly developing and I'm not sure where he is picking up some of his phrases, but it sure makes his Mama laugh. Case in point? The other morning Brian heard Jack in his bed saying, "Oh, dear, mommy." Come to find out, he had pulled "himself" out of his diaper and peed everywhere. "Oh, dear, mommy" indeed.

Last night I heard him spout, "Ew, gross!" while eating dinner. I might should have been offended, but in his defense, Jack found his crescent roll sitting in a puddle of melted popsicle. Touche, Little Man.

One of my favorites is when Jack announces, "Ta Da!" Just in case you weren't sure of his awesomeness. He'll also clap his hands and say, "Yea, Jack!"

Knock, Knock! It's cold out here, Mama!

During Christmas, we spent many a night driving through the city looking for lights. When Jack spied some that he liked, he would announce, "Wow! Amazing lights!"

He also tells me when he thinks things are cute. Like, "cute truck" when referring to one of his little trucks. "Cute truck" seems like an oxymoron to me, but it is pretty cute because it sounds like "toot truck."

Most recently Jack heard Grandma Brenda say, "Uhoh spaghettio!" and he has said it several times since. This kid keeps it lively, folks.

What Is Mine, Is Yours.

About a month ago, I was asked to share a story during our church service about how I've experienced loving mercy. It was fun to be up front again and it was an honor to share using the following verse as my guide.

Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Loving Mercy

For those of you who aren’t familiar with my story, my name is Lindsay Furber and I became a member of this church six years ago when I was hired to run the middle school youth program.  However, the joke around our house is that I worked at the church for four years, but most people still just know me as “Jack’s mom.” I suppose that’s the problem with having one of the most adorable two-year-olds in the PNW… Not that I’m biased.

I want to share one of my favorite volunteer opportunities. Community Christmas is just around the corner and it is a wonderful way to experience God’s loving mercy. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this event, our church teams up with the Families Unlimited Network to find families who could use a little help during the holidays. Then, they provide a Christmas gift for each child and a holiday meal for the whole family. 

I love everything about this event. I love that the parents get to look around the room & “shop” for their child’s gift. I love that, meanwhile, the children are scurried off to go enjoy holiday games & festive treats. I love that so many people in our church come together to walk with those in our community.

For the past few years, I have suffered for Jesus by being one of the holiday shoppers for Community Christmas... It’s a hard job, but somebody has to do it! So, a couple days before the big event, I go shopping for any presents that are still needed using donations from members in our church. My friend was recently teasing me how this is the perfect job for me because I love finding good deals. And essentially, I get handed money to go shopping for a couple hours. It’s every woman’s dream!

But even more fun than that, is walking alongside each family and experiencing the humility and joy. I remember one father had his oldest daughter come with him for the “shopping” because he needed help picking out the gifts for each child. This meant that the 17-year-old ended up helping choose her own gift. The image of this young woman’s indescribable joy as she clutched a new, baby blue bathrobe is forever burned into my brain. How many of us would be satisfied with a single gift of a bathrobe this Christmas?

Now, let me remind you that I have a toddler at home and we have been working on removing the word, “mine” from his vocabulary. In a toddler’s mind, what’s mine is mine. What’s yours in mine. What belongs to the dog is mine... And, this is often followed with a tyrannical fit…

Community Christmas is an incredible opportunity to experience Christ’s love and mercy by 

being the hands & feet of Christ. It reminds me of Harlan’s message last week. What’s mine, is yours. The true essence of understanding God’s loving mercy is knowing that what is mine, is yours.

God’s perspective is so far from that of my two-year-old. What’s mine is yours. My Son is yours. Praise God in heaven that we can learn what it looks like to love mercy from a Loving Father. I would encourage you to extend the hand of loving mercy by sharing the blessings our Heavenly Father has showered upon us this holiday season.

A Little Help?

About a month ago, I lost my Sony Bloggie (the one I bought to replace my Flip after "someone" cracked the lens). After looking high & low... I've found raisins, toy food and books in my bed. I found a turkey baster in one of my bathroom drawers. I found several kitchen utensils in the recycle and a perfectly good washcloth in the trash. Jack David! However, I've not found my video camera.

I'm now looking to spend a little Christmas cash on a new one, but am a bit hesitant to spend much when another one may likely disappear. Any tech experts willing to offer some advice on a good buy? Is refurbished worth it? I used several refurbished Mac computers at my last job and seemed to have endless problems.

I'd love your input!

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 18, 19

Nov 18th
I'm thankful for a few moments alone. One of the things I miss from my single days is the opportunity to be alone. I like my space.


Nov 19th
I'm thankful for my home. It feels good to be in my home. I like the way it's decorated, even if I always have ideas for projects (much to Brian's dismay). And, we have quite a bit of space, which is especially good during the holidays. Most holiday dinners happen at our house and I like that. I like being the hub, especially since my family is so great about helping clean up. Today, I'm very thankful for my home.

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 16, 17

Nov 16th 
I'm thankful for my home.

Nov 17th 
I'm not a baker. However, I've discovered many ways to help me cheat the system. The box of cookies where you just add eggs? My family loves 'em. The following is my latest Baking For Dummies recipe that I scored from my super cool sister-in-law (she's a lot like me so we really get along). I'm thankful for easy baking.

Lemonade Party Cake
1 box Betty Crocker Lemon Cake (plus eggs, water & veg. oil that mix calls for)
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 can lemon frosting

• 1Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Make cake as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan. Cool 15 minutes.
• 2Mix lemonade concentrate and powdered sugar. Pierce top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking. Drizzle lemonade mixture evenly over top of cake. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.
• 3Spread frosting over top of cake. Sprinkle with colored sugar. Store covered in refrigerator.

I'm So Thankful - Pt 13, 14, 15

Nov 13th
I'm thankful for my car. I like a good roadtrip now and then. I like the freedom of going wherever I want, when I want. In fact, I kinda want to go on another mini roadtrip all of the sudden.

Happy Jack getting ready to eat some grub!

Nov 14th 
I am so thankful for good health insurance and quality health care. Jack had tubes put in his ears and it was a rough day for the two of us, but it's over now and Jack should be healthier & happier camper. My favorite moment of the day was watching my little, two-year-old boy in just a toddler hospital gown & diaper as he carried his pig through the hospital halls.

Nov 15th 
Today I was able to visit with my Grandma King. I haven't seen her in over a year, but this week she moved in with mom. I feel pretty blessed to have her living close. Today, I'm thankful for my grandmas.

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 9-12

November 9th
I love getting lost in a good book. Over the past year I've enjoyed the following: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, the Stephanie Plum series, Elizabeth George's Edge of Nowhere, Jack Reacher series, and Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series.

November 10th
I'm thankful for fellowship over football games & the chance to just chill (Go K-State!)

November 11th
I'm thankful that today Brian gets the recognition he deserves (and for his free pancakes, too).

The underside of a starfish

November 12th

I'm thankful to live in the PNW. Even though it poured rain yesterday, it's crisp & clear today. As I sit in my friend's home, I look our one set of windows and see the Puget Sound. Then, I look out the other window and see the Olympic Mountains. I even love the pungent smell of seaweed.

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 5, 6, 7

Nov 5^th

Sometimes it’s the little things in life so today I’m thankful for bubbles.

Nov 6^th

As so many think about the future of our country, I find myself thinking of those who have gone before me. I’m thankful for the following women and their impact on my life.

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Susan B. Anthony & other women suffragates

Madame Marie Curie

Rosa Parks

Billie Jean King

Mother Teresa

Auntie loves you, Lu!

Nov 7th

It's Lucy's 1st birthday today and I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am for that baby girl. I was on the phone with Kirby the moment she figured out she was pregnant, and I can tell you there was some cussing tears hesitancy towards the notion of becoming a parent. 

Yet, my sister has become an amazing mother. She conscientious, self-less, patient. In turn, Lucy is becoming a pretty fun little girl. And, she is all girl - complete with shrill, happy squeals.

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 4

Nov 4th

I'm thankful for my church.

Yesterday I participated in UPPC’s Community Serve Day. Most of the options to serve were out in the community. However, I was on a bit of a time crunch and decided to volunteer for work around the church facilities. I was reminded of how good it feels to serve (plus, it was fun to demolish some old shelving), and what great people I’ve met through my church.

Also, our church has an excellent nursery. Jack runs in on Sunday morning excited to play with his friends. He also gets to go play two mornings a week, and it’s such a relief to know he is in capable hands. And, I appreciate a couple hours to myself. 

I'm So Thankful - Pt. 1, 2 & 3

Several friends of mine are creating a List of Thanksgiving. It's just one item a day from Nov 1st to Nov 22nd (Thanksgiving Day) to help give a little perspective as we move into the holy-day season. It sounded like a good idea so I'm jumping on the bandwagon. Here's mine, thus far:

Jack & Grandma Brenda

Nov 1st

I'm grateful for a small moment this evening. While running through Target, Jack was caught off kilter and almost ran into another couple. Without any parental instigation (because I've actually never told him to say this), Jack said, "'scuze me!" 

I'm thankful for two reasons. First, it was another example of how freakin' adorable my kid is. I know I'm slightly biased but pretty sure he is the best little man ever. Also, it made me feel like I'm doing alright with the whole parent-thing when my smart little guy sees & mimics polite behavior.

Nov 2nd

I'm thankful that my son gets excited to eat homemade applesauce. I'm thankful because it's a fairly healthy treat, especially compared to the garbage we were doling out two days ago.

Also, I've never been much of a homemaker, but since Jack I've found myself doing more homemaker-like projects. Gardening. Baking bread. Making dried fruit from apples & pears that I picked. I'm even planning a birthday party with some homemade decor (coming soon to a blog near you!). All that to say, I'm thankful for the ways I've grown being a mom.

I promise not all of these are going to be about Jack.

The Seahawks' Russel Wilson & Brian
Brian looks po'd about the last loss.

Nov 3rd

I'm thankful for my husband's job. For those of you who don't know me well, I'm not an army lover (unless it's the end of the month, as Brian likes to say). Brian works ridiculously long hours. He leaves home long before any sane person would be rousting (5:30AM), and he's lucky to be home by 6:30PM. As a commander, Brian must respond to calls and texts at all hours of the day & night. Sometimes this means late-night, last-minute treks to the base (usually because idiot soldier was arrested).

But I need to remind myself to be thankful. Brian is supposed to be deploying with his brigade this month. But last minute, the colonel asked Brian to be the rear commander, which means he is in charge of the soldiers who are unable to deploy. And like in the Bible, the ones left behind tend to be the screw ups. (Okay, so that's not how Jesus would have put it. Nor are all the soldiers trouble, but give a girl some creative license).

Anyway... back to being thankful for Brian's well-paying, pain-in-the-neck job. He may have to work a bit over the holidays, but at least he's not in a foreign country with kevlar strapped to his body. Brian will have quite a few late nights over the next month, but at least he'll be around for Jack's birthday.

Trick or Treat

At two-years-old, Jack doesn't understand Halloween. He's not allowed candy, but he did like his striped pajamas tights. I couldn't convince him to say "trick-or-treat" or "Happy Halloween," but he did say, "thank you." So, I think we did pretty well for our first year.

Coloring at the church's HarvestFest

Jack O'lantern

Add caption

Hurry up, Mama!