Tuesday

Nornor is definitely making an improvement but still not quite back to herself yet. We’re continuing to give her the antibiotic – which she has made it very clear she does not like. The syringe that we administer the antibiotic is larger than the syringes we use for her other medicines. She sees that one coming and she’ll start whipping her head back and forth trying to get away from it. There is a gritty texture to it and she is NOT impressed with it. We’ve found that if we can distract her with rattles, whistling, lights and clapping we can get it in her belly without gagging and pukes. It is QUITE the production!

“It’s NOT medicine time.”

“Does anyone have any special requests?”

Wednesday

We try to get out each and every morning for a run, weather permitting! Sometimes if Nora is lucky she’ll get to do an evening jog with Daddy too.

She gets herself tired!

She took some long “recovery naps” in the afternoon. We started to see glimpses of Happy Baby when she woke up.

After baff time it is cuddle time.
“I love my sister!!!”

At 3:30 we left for Greta’s dress rehearsal. However, when we got there we were politely and sympathetically informed that this was the matinee cast. The evening cast’s rehearsal didn’t start until 6:30. Apparently my brain can only process so much information. That memo was undoubtedly crumpled up on the floor in the corner of my brain somewhere. I was just relieved that it wasn’t on a completely different day. Fortunately my parents live nearby so we went and hung out there for a couple of hours.

A bird serenaded me on the antenna while I caught up on some correspondences on the back patio.

Eventually it was the proper time for the dress rehearsal. Nana accompanied us!

On my way back home I had some quiet time on the ferry. Greta was watching a movie on my phone and it was the perfect opportunity to pray for some of the people and families on my prayer list. As I was praying, I was also questioning God’s will vs. prayer. Do my prayers really matter, I wondered? What could be more powerful than God’s will? Who am I, who are we, to be able to persuade Him to do something that isn’t in His will? Is prayer just a waste of time? I didn’t pose the question with any true sincerity. I have seen firsthand the absolute power of prayer countless times throughout my life. I was in a sense trying to figure out how it all worked together. I quickly recalled a recent conversation I had with a friend of mine. She related it to us as parents. Without being too specific, her daughter was asking to do something she initially did not think was a good idea. She didn’t think it was anything her daughter was ready to do just yet. However, her daughter was heartbroken. She tearfully explained, without throwing a tantrum all the reasons she wanted to have this request honored. This might not have been her mother’s will for her, but after hearing all of her reasons it was reconsidered. This was not something that would emotionally or physically harm her daughter. All of her daughter’s reasons were earnest and legitimate. If anything it might become a hassle and an inconvenience for the daughter down the road, but Mom would let her figure that out on her own. No harm done, request granted. She even took special measures to honor her daughter’s request. Her daughter was over the moon happy. Had she not asked, it never would have happened. That made better sense to me in that context.

Jesus even explained prayer as it relates to being a parent:

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:7-11 NLT)

As I disembarked the ferry and continued on my way home, my contemplations about prayer were interrupted. I suddenly remembered that I needed to stop for cat food. As I was pulling into a parking spot at the grocery store, I noticed a bumper sticker on the car in the next spot: “PRAYER WORKS” it said. ////chills//// Incase I’d had any questions!!

Thursday

We’re getting more glimpses of Happy Baby! Or is this Surly Baby?

“Well, it’s true!!!”

It was a dreary day, so we went over to Flo’ Town to visit Daddy on a job site.

We had to look away while Daddy was welding so as not to ruin our retinas!

Friday

“Hi! It’s me, Norns!”

“I’ve been hearing rumors of some sort of party or something this evening. It’s my Mom’s ’21st’ birthday I think I heard her say. I wonder what I should wear?”

“Party at Nana & Papa’s house!”

“Go, Mommy, it’s yer birthday!”

“Someone get me some milks!!!!”

“I want to hear that Happy Birthday song again. I kinda like that tune!”

“I got to go see some ducks!”

“And then Mommy told me some secrets about how sweet I am!”

Unfortunately, Nornor fell asleep and missed out on her favorite song being sung. Which was just as well as I didn’t need to be sung to more than once! It’s a big birthday and I tried to slide under the radar undetected with this one, hid my birthday on FB and everything. But I guess the proverbial cat was let out of the bag!

Saturday

It’s hard to look forward to the weekends anymore because usually there is nothing relaxing about them. I am finally sitting down after a frenzied morning of laundering baseball uniforms for the team pictures and leotards for dance recitals, while trying to soothe, feed, medicate and bathe a very fussy baby – and myself (minus the medicate part).

OF COURSE as I am literally about to walk out the door to bring Greta to her dance recital, we figure out that the very unhappy Nora has another fever of 101.4°F. I had given her ibuprofen earlier in the day because she just seemed uncomfortable. Obviously it was not helping. I even packed the girls up and made a mad dash to the grocery store to get some teething gel incase it’s her teeth that might be bothering her. For some reason this grocery store did not have any and Nora was on her way to freaking out. Thank you, Tiffany for saving the day and running to another store for me. I wish I could say the teething gel was the golden ticket, but it’s not. I have no idea what the problem is now. Is the antibiotic not working again? Is it something else altogether?

I absolutely hated leaving Nora, but I knew she was in very, very good hands. I talked to her pediatrician just before the recital started and we just need to continue treating her with Advil and Tylenol. We went over several different theories and plans of action, which I won’t elaborate on right now. Hopefully what ever this is will GO AWAY!!!!

Here are pictures from this evening.

We “snuck” over to Nana & Papa’s while they weren’t home to get a Lego kitty cat that Greta had left behind last night. We borrowed their backyard for a pretty picture (and put it back exactly how we found it). We did unleash some cleaning fairies in the basement to tend to the mess the kids had left behind!

We were happy to get back home to see Norns. She seemed a little happier, but still a little fussy. Please pray her through whatever this is! PRAYER WORKS!

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. (Romans 12:12 NLT)

Now that the big kids are out of school I’ve discovered my allotment of time and energy is MUCH to be desired. I know you understand, but I apologize anyway for the infrequency of my posts! Here’s the past three days ~

Saturday

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Emily & James Mummert. The pleasure was tinged with sorrow as they had then very recently lost their son Harrison to trisomy 18 on May 29th of that year.

Just over a year later they put together an amazing event in memory of Harrison in the form of a 5 and 10 K race. Over 500 people (!!!!!!!) showed up to celebrate the short yet mighty life of Harrison James Mummert. Because this little boy simply existed there are people that otherwise would not know each other who can now call each other friends. Because of Harrison $8000 (!!!!!!!) from this awesome event will benefit the NICU at Dayton Children’s Hospital to assist other families who are faced with weighty hospital bills on top of the already stressful experience of having a medically fragile infant.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NIV)

Pictures from the race:

Emily (and Baby Marshall due in a couple of weeks 😊), me, and James

It was absolutely awesome to meet Harrison’s Nini & Poppi, his Nana & Papa, as well as some of his aunts, uncles and cousins. I even got to meet some of you awesome prayer warriors who also came! You’re all awesome!

Awhile back James wrote a poem about their loss and asked a good friend to set it to music. These friends performed the song live and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the parking lot. Kate R., who came along with me, pointed out the three birds that flew over the tent during the song. Of course!

And they’re off!

Duck-faced self portrait, while running, seconds before I SUPPOSEDLY tried to “off” Kate into a ditch!

Many Multiple Marathon-Runner Kate probably could have run circles around me (which is why I tried to get rid of her around the first bend – she makin’ me look bad!!), but she kindly opted to stay at my “arduous” pace. I was amused that she was able to converse with me as if we were simply sauntering down a grocery store aisle. I would respond in sentences with 30 seconds between each word, meanwhile trying to coordinate my pissed off heart and lungs! “WHAT…. are…. you…..doing…. to…… us???!!!???!!!!???!!!” they demanded.

Considering this is the first time I have ever continuously run such a CRAZY distance (3.1 miles!) I’d say I made pretty good time! I was rather pleased with myself and now I know I can actually DO that! Now if I can only convince the rest of my body!

Kate’s fancy runner’s watch:

Checking in on Norns from my parking space.

We had planned on bringing her with us, got her acclimated to the jogging stroller for this and everything. She still wasn’t feeling her best and stayed home with her Dada.

Meanwhile back in Kentucky – a boy and his Papa. Papa was able to take Gavin to his baseball game. This picture made me smile. I love their sweet relationship!!!

Once I got back home Nora and her Daddy did their run for Harrison. Look who got Bib #1!!! What an honor!!!

“I’m number ONE!!!”

They did a 4K 😉…. Well… William did.

It started drizzling and I got a phone call to come to the rescue. I got Norns in the car, but there was no room for the jogging stroller, so William just ran home with it in what had become a bit of a downpour! Incase you were one of the witnesses who were befuddled and confused first at the sight of “some idiot running with a baby in the pouring down rain… No wait… There’s not even a baby in the stroller!? It’s empty!” as you passed by in the comfort of your dry car, my hubzbind is not crazy. He wanted you to know.

“Whuuuu!! That deserved a baff!!!!”

Sunday

Nornor still isn’t quite back to par yet. After brainstorming with Kate on the way up to the race Saturday, gleaning advice from the trisomy 18 online community, and speaking again with Nora’s pediatrician Saturday evening this is all looking more and more like an ear infection that we’re dealing with. The last Dr. B was able to peek into her mouth her throat looked a little red. She has mucus that she’s coughing and gagging up that must be coming from somewhere (ear drainage?). That’s triggering her gag reflex which is causing the vomiting. It’s seems likely that she had the ear infection with her previous illness which involved lots of upper respiratory junk. She’s on her back a lot, which of course would increase the likelihood of it migrating to her ears. We put her on the Augmentin which eliminated some, but not all of the bacteria. After 4 days of being on the Augmentin she started feeling better and we had Happy Baby back for a few days.

The remaining bacteria had a few days to regroup, start up some club music, disco ball, dry ice, and began breeding again. Then we got Sad Baby right back. I wish we could see into her ears, but as we’re not able, this seems to be the likeliest of scenarios. She is on another different antibiotic called clarithromycin which will hopefully do its job!

In the mean time we are keeping her comfortable with ibuprofen, Tylenol and extra special loves.

“I love my Brudder n Sister!!”

“And baffs too!”

Monday

Nornor definitely seems to be making some progress. She still had some fevers going on in the morning, but perked up after some Advil.

After her nurse arrived I took the big kids to the library and watched them play chess.

After the game abruptly ended over a conflict about the rules I told them to pick out some books. I had to explain to Gavin that a DVD and Sports Illustrated didn’t count as books and ended up picking something for him as he was busy pouting.

Back home Greta invited a friend over while Gavin went up the street to play. The girls and I went creeking!


“Who? Me?”

“Yeah. I’m cute.”

“And kinda sleepy!”

Nora. A dear, a female dear.
Ray. A golden drop of sun.

G. A name, he calls himself.

Lah. A long long baff to take…

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
(Isaiah 58:11 NLT)

Another day of fevers. 😔 The Tylenol / Advil have offered Nora some relief, but she’s just not herself. She’s slept lots today, which hopefully is her sweet little body’s way of getting rid of whatever it is she has.

Here is a sweet little video clip from earlier.

Um… Yes, please?

Amidst the concern over Nornor not feeling well, “life as usual” beckoned–dance recital rehearsals, baseball games, and trips to the grocery. We are so fortunate and blessed to have loving, trustworthy and knowledgeable nurses and sitters to help us out when we need them!

I got Greta to her dance studio shortly after 4:30, then buzzed back home to get Gavin to his 5:30 game in the opposite direction. William was able to join me in watching the game before I had to leave at 6:45 to get Greta. While I was still there Gavin hit the ball and made a really great play.

(If you zoom in very closely, to the right of the little white sign on the fence there is a duck in the outfield!)

As Gavin was standing on third base he looked over at us to see if we were watching. He smiled so big, so proud of himself, and instantly welled my eyes up with tears. He’s such a sweet buddy.

I got back to my pretty ballerina just in the nick of time. On our way home we saw a rainbow spot in the clouds.

We both agreed that the setting sun looked like an eye!

William and Gavin arrived home a few minutes after Greta and I. Norns was sleeping peacefully. William sent the kids upstairs to get showers and debated whether or not he should go get Penn Station or go on a run and eat something healthy when he came back. I laughed at him and encouraged him to go out on a run!!

Before long I heard the front door open and close, tired footsteps, and a mysterious peeping sound. As I turned around my eyes were immediately drawn to a gaping tiny yellow beak on a fuzzy little head peeking out of William’s cupped hand.

William found him on the curb of our street. There were no trees and no buildings anywhere close enough that this teeny tiny little bird could have fallen from. Mystery aside, we promptly prepared a makeshift nest in a container, loaded soggy cat food into a little medicine syringe and named him Albert Einstein Yusko. He snuggled up contentedly after I filled his little crop.

Ordinarily birds don’t need to be fed throughout the night, but it was anybody’s guess how long Albert had been hanging out on the curb waiting to be rescued. I responded to his feeble little peeps around 2 am with another helping of soggy cat food and then closed him in the kids’ bathroom safe from the cat. A baby bird stuffed with cat food. You do the math on that one!!! 😬

If I weren’t already so busy with the care of another certain 17 lb. “baby bird”, I would have gladly taken on the responsibility of caring for Albert just as I did my sweet little Ava. I did find someone to take care of him, and hopefully he will grow up to soar the great blue skies.

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
(Job 12:10 NIV)

Some of the lab results were back last night with very normal results. Her white blood cell count is right where it’s supposed to be. We have to wait a few days for the IgG results, which hopefully, maybe, might shed some light on things! Another trisomy Mom strongly suggested getting Nora’s IgG levels tested. If the levels are low, they can be treated. It’s made a drastic difference in her daughter’s life by cutting down the frequency and severity of colds and illnesses. If Nora’s IgG levels are low that will at least explain something!! Right now our best guess is that she picked up something viral – a stomach bug… (however she ONLY pukes with feeds, no diarrhea, and no one else in the family or people she’s been around have been sick). We don’t really go out much with her even still, but that doesn’t seem to be making much difference. You’d think we were over here licking the soles of our shoes at Chuck E. Cheese and Waffle House!!!

Closest to a smile I could get from her yesterday

It’s beyond frustrating to have her so sick again so soon after her last illness. A WEEK would have been surprisingly soon – but 3 days??!! Really??!!

As aggravating as this is, at least she’s not in the hospital. At least she’s still eating and gaining weight. Things could always be so much worse.

She was in very decent spirits this morning. I even got some kissy-smiles from her before our morning run/walk.

The big kids came with us on their scooters. I didn’t get pictures for some reason!?

The second the pain reliever starts wearing off Nora is miserable. She’s puked up most of her bottles today and isn’t a very happy baby. Kinda at my wits end.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
(Psalm 27:14 NIV)

Thank you so very, very much for all of your kind words in your comments, messages, emails and texts!!! We are beyond blessed by all of you, even you silent ones! I feel your prayers and hopefully Norns will soon.

Monday

It was a beautiful Memorial Day ~ perfect weather, happy baby. I don’t ask for much else!

Sweet morning sleepiness

The big kids were still in Cleveland (or on their way home), and Nora was with her nurse. This afforded me a treasured afternoon with my husband. We ate lunch in Eden Park and watched birds frantically bathing on the rocks between two lakes. The still shots don’t accurately portray the frenzied activity that was taking place, but still cute.

We came back to steal some kisses and loves while we waited for the big kids to get back with Nana & Papa.

Then is was time for creeking! We were hunting for bird shaped rocks!

Sweet sleeping beauty

Unfortunately this came out blurry – but what a cute moment, Nora being carried up to the baff by her big sister!

“I like da baffs!!!!”

Tuesday

Just when we thought we were on a roll with Happy Baby, Crabby Gas Baby returned for much of the day.

An early morning walk at least put her back to sleep, but when she was awake she was unhappy. It may have been triggered by a bottle of prune juice that had accidentally exceeded its freshness. I only took the “Use By” date into consideration without noticing (until now) the tiny microprint which stated, “Discard 7-10 after opening.” Oops. Of course expired prune juice would be the likely culprit here, but my fears and worries start getting into a tangled knot in the back closets of my mind. I hate when she’s upset and hurting!!!

A late morning bath was soothing?

Trying to stay grounded, focused and optimistic, I glanced out the window. Of course. Of course. Of course.

Later in the afternoon I got some comic relief with my buddy boy at his orthodontist appointment. He doesn’t need to be seen until next summer! Phwew!

As the rest of the day unfolded Nora started feeling better. William and Gavin made it out to a Reds game with Nana & Papa!

Meanwhile back at home, Nora and I went on a run and met up with Greta who was playing then spending the night at her friend’s house. Nora was so excited to see her big sister!

Tired baby girl after a long, long day!

Wednesday

Today isn’t starting out so great. The moment Nora woke up she was unhappy. After our morning run (that appeased her for a little bit) I noticed she felt a little warm. I took her temperature and lo and behold she has a temperature of 101. She was obviously uncomfortable so I gave her some Tylenol. At that point I may as well have spun her around the living room by her feet and covered every square inch with puke. I had to remove couch cushions during that clean up process.

I am incredibly frustrated. As if her trisomy 18 diagnosis isn’t enough in and of itself we are constantly being bombarded with one setback after another. It’s hard to sit here and “play hopscotch in the driveway” when there’s a big funnel cloud about to come tearing through. I’m so filled with anger and self-pity today. I just want things to be KIND OF “normal” with a happy, healthy baby. It’s so stupid for me to sit here and ask, “Why why why.” I KNOW why, and the reason is astonishingly beautiful. This is just REALLY hard on days like this.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
(Psalm 46:1-11 NIV)

Saturday

Big morning stretches!

“Oh! Looks like it’s time to wake up!”

“Spinnin’ for the Showcase Showdown! Come on $1.00!!!”

“If I look really closely, it seems to me like it’s running time!”

“Ahh yyyeeeah! This is what I like! I’m all geared up for Harrison’s Heroes next weekend! Could you go just a LITTLE BIT faster, Mommy??”

“I love my Daddy.”

Saturday morning the Big Kids left for Cleveland with Nana and Papa to visit Aunt Em and Uncle Josh. They were very excited!

I was bemused to think about how far and how different technology has grown in just the span of my adulthood (which I guess isn’t as short of a span as I would like to imagine… ). But, even just 12 years ago we were dropping off rolls of film at the Photo Hut booth and having to wait a WHOLE HOUR to get our matte or glossy photo prints back! These moments are now shared with a couple of taps and swipes in almost real time. Pretty amazing to really think about that amidst totally taking it for granted!

Shared moments from Cleveland:

Sunday

Happy Baby still reigns! Prayers have been answered and THEN SOME.

And the bird drama continues! As I was driving home from church Sunday afternoon, my eyes were immediately drawn to a bird who’s flight path intersected with a 50 mph car that was heading in my opposite direction. I watched as the bird bounced up into the air and then plummeted down to the side of the road. It was moving, desperately trying to regain stability. My car already pulled over, I ran back to the injured bird. The juvenile starling was absolutely stunned, falling onto it’s beak with each attempt to stand. I slowed my pace as I got nearer so as not to frighten the poor creature into the path of another car. With swift assurance I enclosed the bird in a firm, but gentle grip then wrapped him up in the bottom of my shirt before heading back to the car.

Not even a mile down the road at a red light I peeked in at the bird who bravely saw this as an opportunity for escape. Suddenly I had a starling flying all over my car and perhaps a couple of raised eyebrows in the car behind me, “Is that a… bird???” In a matter of 30 frantic seconds, the bird was securely wrapped up in my shirt again and I was heading back in the direction I came from. I pulled over again in roughly the same spot I had been moments before. I walked over to the edge of a field and opened my hands setting the bird free. I watched as it flew completely out of sight. I would have loved another excuse to visit my rehabber friend, but I was delighted that the bird wasn’t critically injured.

As I drove back down the road, headed for home, I sympathetically identified with the young starling and the mourning dove too. We all must have had those moments when we were just flying along, minding our own business when out of seemingly no where a pane of glass or a speeding chunk of metal obstructed our flight. I knew what that was like to be figuratively lying on the side of the road, dazed and broken, trying to regain my balance, no idea what just happened or how I got there, “THIS isn’t what I planned or expected!!!” I also knew what it was like to be rescued, to relinquish the control over my life that I was so used to striving for. When I finally relax and trust — those big powerful hands wrapped around me are no longer so scary or restricting. They are compassionate and protecting. In them I can find rest.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

We have been rejoicing in the wondrous return of Happy Baby!!!

“Oh, hi! I’m back! This dress is a little tight though, Mommy…. Maybe when I was 16 lbs. but I’m 17 lbs. now.”

Her happiness and contentment now even supersede her good days before she got sick!! She has the intermittent gas pains from time to time, but they are very shortly lived and forgotten about moments later. The squeals and the happy little noises are so so treasured!!!

Yesterday was The Last Day of School for a couple of Big Kids that live here.

And just like that – this was their last time running up to the bus stop as 4th and 2nd graders. I am left behind at the front door wondering how in the world an entire school year just came to pass.

“Bye, Brudder n Sister! I’ll see you when you get home!”

“Here’s me on my morning jog! I really, really like running! Mommy is getting a little better at it. I like to go fast!”

“Mmm. I’m delicious IN the tub…”

“… And I’m delicious OUT of the tub!”

“Mommy thinks I’m delicious too. She could kiss and sniff and nibble on me all day long!”

“I’ll tell ya what else is delicious is SQUASH!

“I got to try a new food today and I really liked it!”

“I had enough of the prunes!! Blechhhh!!!!”

“I’m so happy to be feeling better!!!!”

===========

On Mother’s Day just as we were getting ready to walk out the door to go to my brother’s house I heard the tell-tale THUD of a bird hitting a window. I immediately rushed outside as I always do when that happens and saw an injured mourning dove lying in the grass. As I approached her I saw that she was alive… and conscious. Hopefully she was just stunned, I thought. I went back inside, but was dismayed to see that she was still in the same spot several minutes later. I went back outside again and this time noticed a little bit of blood in the corner of her beak. She reluctantly let me pick her up, and was obviously too injured to fly. We rounded up a box, placed a towel in it and put her in the dark laundry room for the time being.

The next morning we brought the box outside to release her, but she wasn’t able to fly at all. I recaptured her and put her back in the box. After the kids were off to school, Nora and I took a trip with the bird to visit our favorite, amazing bird rehabber friend, Ginger. Ginger is one of the neatest people I know and I think she just might love birds as much as I do! 😉 She was able to tell right away that neither of the bird’s wings were broken. That was a bit of a relief, but only time would tell if there was a brain injury. We just had to wait and see.

I was ecstatic to learn that 10 days later, the mourning dove had made a full recovery after spending some time in the flight cage. Ginger said the dove was ready to be released and we could come pick her up any time.

We opted for Friday–the last day of school. I picked Greta up from school and we headed out to go get the bird.

Greta very carefully held the carrier in her lap and kept a loving eye on the dove as we made our way back home.

Just before release:








She flew off to a nearby tree and sat there for awhile collecting her wits, probably wondering what in the world just happened!! We watched her for as long as possible through the binoculars before it was time to head off to Gavin’s baseball game.

Go, Wolves!!!

That was our eventful Friday. Despite being action-packed, crazy-busy, everything fell neatly into place without so much as a glitch. I love it when that happens!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28 NIV)

It is with great honor and pleasure that we announce the resurfacing of HAPPY BABY!!!

“It’s HAPPY time!!!”

Wednesday morning was a little difficult. But after our morning jog and a couple of naps and some milks things started finally looking up!


Nora took some good naps with her sitter nearby and I was able to do some painting!

A few weeks ago Greta and I collected some bird- and heart-shaped rocks from down at the creek. We set up a spot for painting in the basement on an extra wide window sill – great lighting and great view! This is something fun and relaxing we’ve been able to do together while listening to music (or Gavin practice the drums).

I sat here today for a couple of hours painting birds on rocks and watching the ones outside who graciously and unknowingly acted as subject models.

I spied a downy woodpecker nest in the hole of a dead tree. With the binoculars I can hear and see noisy little baby bird heads peeking out!

I’m so thankful and appreciative of these moments. I feel like I can really enjoy them when my little Miss is happy and healthy!

As we were going through the mail that evening we encountered a bit of a dilemma.


“Ayyy! Would somebody get me a letter opener already???”

Even the setting sun celebrated the return of Happy Baby!

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
(Psalm 113:3 NIV)

Monday was another rough day of increased heart rates and gas pains. This was a continuation of a completely sleepless Sunday night. Those are the nights that I am incredibly thankful for the night nursing!! Amy came back again the next night – so at least Nora didn’t run her off!

Nornor did have her moments of contentment and did take a few decent naps throughout the day.

After her morning bath we got dressed up really, really pretty!

And then we got dressed up really pretty again!

Nornor did great through the night and by Tuesday morning she was looking and acting much better. We felt very comfortable canceling her morning appointment with the pediatrician and rescheduling later in the afternoon if need be. So thankful that need never came to be. She only improved!

She didn’t appreciate being left in the living room while everyone was in the kitchen!!

“Dat’s better!!!!”

“I’m a big kid now too!”

“It’s exhausting being a big kid!! I guess I’ll just sleep in the kitchen here!”

I was invited to a breakfast up at the kids’ school that I was thrilled to be able to go to. Nana (my Mom) came to stay with Norns while I was away.

I got back just in time for a session with Nora’s nutritionist and speech therapist. Prunes were the Special of the Day! Nora showed off for them again.

“Oh deez are delishisss!! Look at me! I’m a professional prune eater!”

“Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom…

“All that prune eating got me tuckered out! My Mom’s got me.”

“It felt so good to get a baff after my nap!”

“Eenen’ Mommy took me on a jog to the mailbox and back. Dat was fun! I came back and decided to be good and cute for the rest of the evening!”

I’m so relieved and thankful that Nora is recovering from her sickies. We’ve been getting intermittent smiles and squeals — Happy Baby is making a comeback!

My heart is broken for the victims of the Oklahoma tornado. Yet ANOTHER reminder how life can become so different in just the blink of an eye. Don’t take one minute for granted!

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
(John 11:25-26 NIV)

Yes.

Neat pictures of the kids waiting for the ferry with Nana & Papa this afternoon after brunch:

William and I stayed home with Nornor who is still feverish and uncomfortable. Her heart rate has been averaging around 160s – 170s when she’s resting. Tylenol seems to be keeping her fever down.

“I just needed a good nap on my Mom!”

“Eeenen’ I felt a little bit better when I woked up.”

“It’s looking like it’s time fer me to get better!!

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
(Psalm 28:6, 7 NIV)

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Sorry. For the accidental premature posting last night. If you receive updates through your email you probably didn’t get the full thing!