here we go again

As you can tell from scrolling through the archives, this blog has very intermittent activity. But, for the next few weeks, it should be back in action and here is why...
I found myself having a bit of dejavu Thursday as I quickly drove to Methodist Germantown and told Isaac to meet me there. I was admitted for bleeding and other pregnancy complications. It was all too familiar, almost exactly 5 years ago I was admitted for different complications during my pregnancy with James (see the last post). This time at only 26 weeks we had the same scary conversations with doctors about extreme preemies, NICU, and feared another very early delivery. After 3+ days of steroid shots, magnesium, countless needle sticks, and sleepless days and nights- things have slow down and stabilized. I was told that due to my placenta previa and its risks, I should settle in for the long haul...until delivery. So yesterday, Isaac stocked my mini-fridge, we began sorting out childcare, and I began to realize what this means for me and my family. So, I'm trying to find ways to occupy my time, my brian and my emotions. I'm letting go of what I thought I had control over (my kids, my schedule, my family's life) and I will learn to wait and to trust in new ways, to lean heavily on the community around us and to rest in my Father's love for me, this baby and my family. So here is where I will sit and wait...come visit me any time...I'll be here.

I'm back...

The blog has been in hibernation as I contemplated whether it was a healthy habit for me or not. The blogging world seems to depict lives and families that are perfect. So, if you want a neat family that is in a smocked outfit and doing fabulous crafts while their mother makes homemade all natural snacks, you should stop reading now. We are more of a Granimals wearing, dirt covered, junk food eating kind of family. Just so the expectations are clear to all!

But another reason the blog is resurfacing is that today I am 29 weeks pregnant and so far not in the hospital. At this point with my pregnancy with James, I had been in the hospital a week, had been on and off a magnesium drip, pumped full of all kinds of meds, and finally moved off of the labor and delivery floor to the antepartum floor. I think I was just coming to grips with the fact that I would not be going home for a long time. This may have been when Isaac decided to move our big flat screen tv into the room!

So, tomorrow I go for a check-up. My contractions are a little more regular these days, and honestly, I'm a bit anxious. But, I am reminded that we are in a better place than we were last time with James, and we have much to be thankful for. "Thus far the Lord has helped us." And He promises to help us in the future- regardless of whether I am able to continue moving about, am put on bed rest or am sent "to the big house" (as my doctors have come to refer to the hospital).

 So as an "Ebenezer" I am reminded of God's provision at 29 weeks in 2010. And see where it got us...

 Thankful that God loves my children far more than I do and cares for them with a greater passion than I ever can.

Halloween

Halloween was so fun. We dressed James up as "Super Grizz" or just a Memphis Grizzlies bball player. He had a blast, and quickly figured out how to get the most candy in one grab. 

 SLA was a trooper and hung out with us for the night. James quickly asked for her "hand" and pulled her along.

Happy Halloween! Go Grizz!

airplanes, fun and family

James and I had quite an adventure this weekend. We survived flying, a lay-over, no nap, and the Atlanta airport. It was not easy feat...headaches, sweating, some screaming, and a lot of "taking deep breaths" (that was me, not James). But- it was so worth it. We had a fabulous weekend in Greensboro with the Whites. James and Swinton had a blast. They played hard and negotiated the world of sharing. Greensboro is full of great kid-friendly activities. Here is a quick overview...

 Fun with flashlights (the favorite toy of the weekend, thankfully Jen had 2!)

 The fountain at the Science Center

 Brushing a goat at the science center

We also went to the park, children's museum, Chick-fil-a (where "moo" gave "fives"), City Church, fed the ducks at the Bog Garden. And, yes, we did it all in 2 and 1/2 days.

This was James on Monday when we arrived home. Thanks, Jen and Jim for letting us crash for a couple of days. I know we wore you out and your house may never be the same. It was a blast!

update on the napping situation

Well, he took a nap! He was rewarded with a call to Daddy at work, a call to Nana, and a pack of cookies.
Today I promised him a cupcake if he napped at PDO. When I picked him up this afternoon, the first thing he said was "cupcake." Apparently bribery works.

I can't make this turn around, but it says "He must have really wanted that cupcake!"

I guess promises for sugar make an impact on this almost 2 year old. I just hope I haven't started something that I can't stop!

just when you think you have it figured out...

it all changes. I must admit, life for the Byrds had gotten a little too good. James was enjoying a long night's sleep, napping for 2 hours after lunch. Then, wham, he decides to play in his bed for hours...literally 2 or more hours of playing, talking, jumping and NO sleeping. Then whammo, he decided to take his clothes off during nap time (including the very essential diaper). Then,  oh yes, there is more, he decided to stop napping at school and to make lots of noise and wiggle during nap time. What have I tried? Well so far, napping early, napping late, napping with books/toys/etc., napping with nothing but his "gusty" (short for disgusting) bunny, spanking (yep), ignoring, letting my mother put him down for a nap. I mean what is left, right?? Well, tomorrow I am trying my last idea- sleeping in the pack and play (less room to play) and sleeping in a sleep sack (thanks to a loaner from a friend)- oh yes they make them in XL. (If you don't know what that is, check this out.)

 http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=halo+xl+sleep+sack&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=8648218764&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17677884731376222209&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_8opxd2yh96_b

Can you imagine James is that thing? He will hate it. I'll let you know how project "keep you clothes on and take a nap" goes tomorrow. For now, James is falling asleep as he eats his dinner (it's only 5:30).

Moral of the story...you NEVER have it figured out!

i love the camera

fake smiling with his "pumpkin patch" (as he calls it)...