Saturday

If Nora was awake, she was crying or groaning. The fear and anxiety was boiling up inside me, pressurizing my tempestuous thoughts into the future where they didn’t belong. What was likely teething pains or the usual gas pains began corroding into thoughts of hospital stays, surgeries, etc. It’s so easy to be thankful and joyous when everything is going well, but shouldn’t I have the same level of trust and faith when they’re not? If only it were that easy! Who am I to second guess GOD — the Creator of the Universe? But there I am AGAIN wallowing in a stagnant pit of self-pity, aching for some sort of “normal”, deceived into thinking I know a better way.

A friend of mine that seems to be very receptive to Holy Spirit nudges reminded me in a text, “Nora DID just have 3 consecutive days of shots!! Of course she’s crabby! Give her a couple days and she’ll be back to herself!” I was calmed and reassured by her sound voice of reason, but my anxiety returned with each moan and groan. If only Nora could talk!

Despite the melancholy cloud that hung over the living room, we had already made plans to attend my niece’s birthday party. Nora obviously would not have weathered the 45 minute journey or enjoyed the new scenery with the way she was feeling. As much as I hated to leave her, I had to take a break. We arranged for a nurse to stay with her while we were away.

Wandering thoughts, tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat, I went through the motions of driving there. There is no better medicine for me than being close with my family. Nature comes in at a close second. To have the two together is heavenly.

I hadn’t been there long before I ventured off on a walk out onto my sister and her husband’s beautiful property. I had intended to go out alone, but my sweet Greta spotted me and wanted to walk with me. I was happy to have her company, but she broke away to run off with the herd of little girl cousins that came running across the field moments later.


In my bit of time alone I was reminded of God’s infinite glory. I watched in wonder at the variety of dragonflies skimming across the ponds. An orange one, perched on top of a cattail looked like a beautiful flower.

I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. (Psalm 50:11 NIV)

As I encountered these wild flowers tucked away in secret at the edge of the yard, a hummingbird and I met face to face.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
(Matthew 6:26 NIV)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:5 NIV)

I was invited out on a second walk by my Buddy Boy. He had some exploring to do and I was so touched that he wanted to have his Muthr along. He can be really “tough and cool” at times, but at the end of the day, he still loves his mom.

And speaking of Buddy Boys… This young baby man sure is a sweet addition to the family.

Papa and his Buddies ~

The Baby Buddy with his Nana ~

Sleepy Baby Buddy with his Grandma ~

I received periodic texts from the nurse while we were away that Nora was doing good – no reason to worry. That enabled me to enjoy the rest of the beautiful day.

Sunday

William graciously allowed me to sleep in and went down first to dismiss the night nurse. He texted me that Nora had a GREAT night. I climbed right out of bed, got down on my knees and THANKED God!!! What an answer to prayer! I felt like I was taking a breath of fresh air after having been underwater for too long.

True to text I was greeted with happy noises and smiles when I went down to see her.

We’ve sometimes wondered what the little pockets are actually for in baby clothing. Norns uses her pockets for lip gloss and teething gel.

Just hanging out in Greta’s room with Aunt Jill, Uncle Chris and Lindsey!

Nornor had a nice relaxing baff…

… then spent the rest of the day with her Kelly while the rest of us ventured off to go swimming. Again, I hated to leave Nora, but this time it was because she was being so happy and sweet!!

Meanwhile back at home, Nornor and Kelly were playing dress up! Look how PRETTTTYY!!

Monday

Another really good night and another fabulous day. Lots of happy squeals and smiles!

She was actually cooperative and happy for a physical therapy session for once — until she stunk up her diaper. Happy Baby returned once that was all over though!

If they start a band, this could be their album cover ~

It is easy to love Him when the blue is in the sky,
When the summer winds are blowing, and we smell
the roses nigh;
There is little effort needed to obey His precious will
When it leads through flower-decked valley, or over
sun-kissed hill.

And our blessed Lord will give it; what we lack He will supply;
Let us ask in faith believing—on His promises rely;
He will ever be our Leader, whether smooth or rough the way,
And will prove Himself sufficient for the needs of every day.

(from Streams in the Desert)