Snapshot of bedtime

And to think this is only the kitchen prep part!

Repeat twice a day, no matter how late you may be running in the morning ;). 

CJ time

Seven months ago I didn't know when CJ would be able to eat by mouth again. I was so frustrated about the lack of feeding therapy and help. I was worried I wasn't doing enough to help him learn how to eat. 

In typical CJ fashion he is loving getting the chance to eat and of course has an opinion on it :)!

Now my worries have shifted to gross motor but I know in CJ time those worries will be old news too. 

New mom

Dear new moms - 

I may not have much to add to your post-pregnancy body conversations or your discussions on breast feeding, but I wish you would open the stroller line and let me slide in.  I may not have gotten to experience the kicks in my belly but the waiting wasn't any easier. The path I took is not as traveled as yours but it lead to the same place of caring for a little human being. 

-not a tummy mommy but a mommy all the same 

God Moments

On a weekly basis I get the chance to pause and reflect on God moments from the week. This weekend God was on fire through CJ! 

He had surgery Friday morning. Dr. Sewell had planned on a 2.5 hour surgery. Once he had gone back Emily and I had brunch - salad and pizza at 10:45am. We hadn't been back in the waiting area for long and Dr. came walking towards us with a smile on his face. I was confused but didn't think it could be bad based on his facial expression. 

The over two hour surgery only took an hour. The most difficult part was getting the IV in. Possibility of going home sooner than thought too. After the Dr left a nurse came to give us a report that he was out of surgery...um yep the doc already told us. Guess we also missed the nurse originally while we were eating...

He did super in recovery and was ready to go to his room in PICU shortly after. By the time the afternoon was closing out everyone was impressed with how he was doing. 

I played the role of stubborn mom. I was determined that no preventable hiccups were going to delay us going home. 

Doc stopped by before 7:30 am Saturday. My stubbornness eliminated any reasons for not going home THAT MORNING!

God is good!

Gifts

As I was rocking little man, as thing 1 lovingly nicknamed him this weekend, long after he had fallen asleep tonight; my brain began to wonder and reflect.  Reflect on those who are not in my life by choice; either by mutual or one sides choice to walk away. 

Though I miss some of these individuals who crossed my mind tonight; it wasn't for myself that I was sadden by our lost disconnect. It was for them and their lack of opportunity to have someone as awesome as little man in their lives, even if just occasionally.

For them to not truly smile from ear to ear as a small child laughs and giggles. For them to not have the opportunity to share in the celebration of reaching a milestone once seemed to be so far away. You see I no longer find myself counting down days till the next turn of the calendar - except maybe to pay day for the sake of my bank account.

A major life responsibility has brought me peace and a feeling of contentment. Though life is still going by too fast and it seems like just yesterday, I can honestly say I'm doing a decent job of enjoying each day.

So before you push someone aside out of convience for yourself, consider what they can give to you. To receive a priceless gift. 

Happy Thoughts

As I was reading a blog about the power of positive affirmation today, I began to think about CJ's response to me telling his story and how I can portray his adoption story.  Often, when I begin to tell his story, CJ will display body language of being annoyed or upset - yes I know he is a baby...  Whether he is acting on the words, tone or focus of the situation, I can do my best to use the power of positive affirmation in connection to his story, ethnic background and hair.  Though there maybe limited dancing and yippee shouting... 

His Plan

I'm taking part in a 8 week class at church and today we reflected on the idea of God creating the Earth and then He just stepping back to let things run it's course. 

It dawned on me how much proof against that I have. And how much strength I have in response to people questioning my choices based on what a potential future husband might think. 

His plans are so beautiful and well orchestrated when you stop and think about all He has done in your life. I will admit I could have said no thanks but I'm so glad I didn't. His love for me shows in His thoughtful blueprint. 

A beautiful young mom makes the choices she did that leads to making the decision to put her unborn baby first.

For prenatal care to consist of one false negative, the perfect date for an appt. and the need for baby to be born right then and there. 

An email followed by a phone call built on the foundation that you atleast try opening the door. Worst outcome is it's locked. 

Lack of chance to need to make a decision. 

The heart of a young birthday girl to speak through. 

A maid of honor support system without the wedding. Along with the silent love a father has for his daughter. 

And you question what Prince Charming is going to think?  I'm pretty sure He has that covered too!