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"