Little Parasite

'Tis the season to be thankful for all the little things... There are many obvious things: cute little girls who insist on doing things themselves, who delight in seeing Christmas lights, get shy around Santa, and relish in hot chocolate and ice cream. However, I must admit that I'm feeling a bit annoyed with a little parasite which has been silently leaching off my body, sucking all my energy as well as any appetite or satisfaction from food. And, with the holiday season, what a time to be turned off by food!

And, poor Paul! Since I'm not turned on by food, I'm certainly not excited about shopping for or preparing it for him. He usually gets the short-end of that stick. I am thankful he's understanding and not pouty about that. And, the poor girls! They want to play and jump on my tummy and be launched into the air on Mommy's feet like an airplane. Sorry - not in the mood. I'm grouchy that I have to tell them "no" and "that gives Mommy an owie."

Since we are to practice being thankful, I only have to do two things to set myself straight again: look at the refrigerator where a picture of the grape-sized parasite resides, proving it's little heartbeat, fingers and toes exist and, remember back 3-years ago when I was so sick, I spent nearly all day for 13-weeks in bed. So, it has been worse. It's just different now that more little beings, no longer legitimate parasites, but dependants none-the-less, vie for my energy and attention.

That's right - my parasite isn't something I picked up during some exotic travels, but is something Paul and I hoped to create. We're having Baby #3!!! Are we excited? Absolutely!! And I will be a lot more thankful in a couple more weeks once I'm able to regain my stomach and energy level.

Watching Ainsley and Patrick these last couple of days with their new baby is inspiring -- sort of a look at what's to come. And, spending the holidays with the girls, who "get" Christmas and all the magic that it encompasses for them, #3, who should arrive late-June, will be another treat and a true blessing! We are thankful - even for a parasite!

Baby Braxton is Here!

Braxton Raymond was born at 7:12 pm today, Wednesday Nov. 21st. He is 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 inches (if memory serves) and has a loud set of lungs!! Ainsley is doing great and did it all al natural!!

Patrick describes little Braxton as having "10 fingers, 10 toes, no tail and looks like a chicken with no hair."

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

This Is How It Should Be

They decided not to force her to take the medication once they figured out that she didn't want to take it anymore. Phone calls went out: "Grandma's coming home. Come when you can - she's not expected to make it past the weekend."

So, family began to gather, filling up her and my Aunt's bedrooms as well as the neigboring hotel. Food was brought over from members of the church congregation. We took turns holding her hand, reading to her from the Bible, checking her meds and comfort level. Three or four of us would help turn her every couple of hours to help her skin stay intact. We learned how to bath her, style her hair, and move her, strategically propping her pillows to avoid pressure points. We journaled anything pertainant so we could all participate in her care. Grandma was surrounded by familiar things, smells and noises. Calming recordings of her church choir ran softly from a CD player in her room as well as the filtered noise of the televised football games the guys were watching. Things are relaxed and "normal." The visiting nurse came to check on her. After watching us, she looked approvingly at us and said, "This is how it should be." Everyone participating, loving and protecting Grandma's dignity. Her comment made me cry as I realize just how beautiful this all is.
Saturday afternoon, there was a marked progression, so we gathered in the family room where she was placed and sung hymns for nearly 2-hours. We whispered in her ear and allowed others to say last words via a cell phone to her ear. She'd acknowledge with a slight lift of the hand or facial twitch. Her breathing was much labored now.

We were assisted in the evening by Anita, a nursing assistant I liken to a doula for death. Extremely compassionate and educational, she'd prepare us for and teach us to recognize the next stage. When Grandma's last moments came, she awakened those not already with her. It wasn't 15 minutes after she woke me up that Grandma passed. Surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and filled with the hope and promise of joining God and her high school sweetheart and husband of over 63 years, she made a peaceful and graceful transition into the Kingdom of Heaven. Grandma passed this morning at 4:55am. That nurse was right: This is how it should be. If only everyone had the same blessed opportunity.

Ainsley's Shower

Ainsley and Patrick had a flurry of baby-readiness activities this week. Two showers (pictures can be seen here) and a giant baby furniture warehouse sale. They should have everything they need, for Baby Braxton. It's just the waiting game now.

Halloween - a Bit Remiss

The Halloween pictures, the Halloween pictures... I'm finally getting around to posting the Halloween pictures.


A few days before Halloween, we tried to spread cheer through the neighborhood as we meet with a couple other kids from church to do a costume parade at a retirement house. The girls were shy at first, but then quickly visited people around the circle handing out little gifts of oranges and flowers. In hindsight, apples may be a better choice to give as most of the residents did not have the dexterity to peel the oranges. But after some help, they enjoyed them with us.


Our Ladybug and Butterfly enjoyed a nice time trick-or-treating. Here with Grandma, we hit up the retail shopping center during their hosted event. We later dined with friends casually then headed down the hill at nightfall for some trick-or-treating candy. The girls loved process, although they have yet to remember to say "trick or treat" for their treats.

Ava was scared of one costume: Jack the Pumpkin, who she called The Baseball Monster since the stitches on his head reminded her of a baseball. She's still talks about the Baseball Monster with fear and even started screaming one time as I was listening to the radio. I realized it was the "sports minute" and they were talking about Barry Bonds, the baseball player. She doesn't even like to hear about baseball in general; it's all too closely related to Jack the Pumpkin.

Jack the Pumpkin didn't bother Bettina at all. As Ava screamed and refused to approach the door where the "monster" was receiving his candy, Bettina passed us all and boldly asked for two candies! There's Bettina. We should have dressed her as a bull rather than a dainty butterfly!

Momma says, "Pimp My Ride!"

What's it like to be me? Watch this little movie, and you'll have some insight...

And Paul asks me why it's necessary to take my car to the car wash once every 6-weeks....