We've been in chest armor about a month and a half now and my son doesn't smell like a foot, so I'd say that is an accomplishment. We have had a few accidents recently. While I know you are sitting on the edge of your seat, I will spare you the gorey details. I will tell you, however, that I felt a little like MacGyver a few mornings last week as I sat with a blow dryer, a plastic baseball bat, dryer sheets and a bottle of Febreze. I got hit in the head with the bat of few times, but it kept little man distracted while I made sure his turtle shell was clean and as good as new.
The countdown to cast # 2 has officially begun. Hunter is scheduled to be recast on Good Friday, April 18th. We are crossing our fingers and saying our prayers that we are able to make that date. According to our nurse at Scottish Rite, you have to be in good health for one month prior to casting. Hunter has never really been sick prior to this week, but unfortunately, he and I have been captured by the cold monster. No, the hairy monster from the cold commercials hasn't really chased us down, but we have certainly felt better than what we have this week. Poor baby has an ear infection, cough, and congestion. He seems to be on the mend and his lungs have been clear the entire time, so hopefully they will allow us to cast on the 18th.
It's hard being a good momma when you don't feel great. The house is a wreck, we have eaten out way too much this week, and even though James is doing the best he can to help, babies want their mommas when they don't feel well. Daddy is the fun guy and Momma is the one who brings comfort. Even though I haven't felt very well the last few days, I wouldn't have it any other way.
I can tell that Hunter is starting to feel better, since he is getting back to his normal self and his mischievous daily shenanigans have reconvened. After breakfast yesterday morning, I went to look for the iPad. When I walked into the living room I found the floor covered in Starburst jelly beans and the dogs and Hunter getting a sugar high, at 9:00 a.m. mind you. I guess I can't really be too upset, since I am pretty sure that some of my cousins, my sister, and myself have been known to have had "breakfast dessert or dessert for breakfast" a time or two. I guess he comes by that sweet tooth honestly. ;)
Not too long after the jelly bean caper, I was holding Hunter in my lap and felt something balled up and kind of squishy in his left pant leg. I reached just above his left shoe to find that his diaper had shimmied down his pant leg. All I could do was laugh out loud, which was followed by a uncontrollable, raspy smoker's-like cough, since I am a few days behind Hunter on getting well. I have heard of people pulling their bras out of their shirt sleeve, but a toddler pulling his diaper out of his pant leg is a new one. This boy is something else!
Recently, James and I were talking about the last 6+ months and how they have transpired. Prior to Hunter being diagnosed with PIS, James decided to make a career change. He, along with a few other individuals, decided to pursue a new business venture. Through this process, James has been able to research and plan, while working from home. He has also been doing some consulting here and there to occupy his time. Everything happens for a reason. While it may not have been the most timely change in some respects, it has been a blessing and we are so thankful that he has been able to be home with us through the majority of Hunter's journey, thus far. I asked James if he would go back and change his decision and he said that no amount of money or opportunity could replace the time that he has been able to spend with Hunter and I in these last few months. My love languages are Gifts of Service and Quality Time, so my sweetheart hit it on the head. I don't have all of the answers and certainly don't profess to be able to solve all the world's problems. However, if you have been searching for the "right" time or "enough" money, you won't find satisfaction. Spending quality time with family and friends, while allowing God to orchestrate his plan is the only answer.
As I close out our conversation for this week, I have a challenge for you, folks.
A few weeks ago, I went to a mom's night out event with my bible study group. The theme of the night was "Love Does". The night's events were based on the book Love Does by Bob Goff and coupled with a KSBJ challenge. In his book, Bob Goff demonstrates a life of full engagement and whimsy. He shares that God chooses ordinary people to do the "do" part of faith by selflessly doing for others and loving on people in thoughtful ways.
We were given a set of post-it notes and a small amount of money. The goal was to write messages and stick them where people could read the kind words. We were also asked to do something nice for someone else with the money. The group that I was with decided to head to Walmart to place notes on the products. Some notes were cheesy like, "Have faith, God can help you out of a pickle", placed on a jar of pickles. Some notes were more purposeful like, "You are beautiful in God's sight", placed on the mirrors in the store. Regardless of what was written, we wanted people to know that God loves them. While we were roaming the aisles, we saw a woman who looked as though she could deliver her baby any day. She was pushing a cart full of baby products and toddler pull-ups. We stopped her and told her what we were doing and shared that we could see that she had a new addition on the way and we wanted to offer her the money to add to something that she needed or to do something for herself prior to her little one's arrival, because she is loved. She responded with tear filled eyes that she had needed to hear that that day. She had been in the hospital the whole day, because her blood pressure had been too high and had just been released in hopes that her little one would stay comfy for at least one more week. The amount of money given wasn't much, but the act went a long way. It made her feel loved and touched our hearts in the process. If you haven't read Love Does, please give it a whirl and if you feel compelled take time to do for others in extraordinary ways. You will brighten someone's day and likely feed your soul along the way.
Hopefully you've laughed voraciously and have been compelled to love more adamantly during this conversation.
Please continue to keep little man in your prayers and share his story as you see fit.
Cheers to you all and blessings to you and yours!
Praying for yall daily!! Love to all three of you. Keep us posted on cast day. BTW...avery has the family sweet tooth as well!! Powered sugar donuts from the freezer do count as a nutritional breakfast.
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