Longing for Sunshine

We need some sunshine around here.

We are all aching to be outside. It's been a long day on little sleep. I'm happy to say everyone's health is improving since yesterday. Billy went back to work and to the doctor today who gave him some helpful medication. Carter was treated to a house call by Dr. Tom. I was so thankful to not have to take everyone out to the doctor's office. He does have an infection in one of his ears. Fortunately tube patients keep antibiotic drops on hand all the time. We're just happy to know the tube is still working properly. Carter was tickled to be checked in his own living room. It was even cooler because Dr. Tom forgot his stethoscope and had to borrow Carter's! Even a $7.95 Jr. stethoscope can do the trick in a pinch :)

Julia slept in this morning and is doing well. She's moving more slowly and obviously having more discomfort in her abdomen. She was eating well today and was elated when her friend Claire came to play. They painted and giggled like little girls should. It was music to my ears and just what the doctor ordered for all of us. They had a great time playing dollhouse, taking their babies for pretend walks, and calling their grandpas on their pretend phones. Tonight while we laid on the couch playing 'HiHoCherry-O', she said, 'Mommy, are my people coming over tomorrow?' I asked, 'Who are your people?' 'You know, Lily, Claire, and Annmarie.' Got it JuJu, I'll have my people call your people.
Carter has been so sweet with Julia. He is obviously concerned about her. He keeps asking to check her incision- she's not a fan of this at all. He comes in the room when I put her to bed to turn on the light, set up her bed, open her Bible, and sing Jesus Loves Me to her. It melts my heart every time.

A huge thanks to Bethany for dropping off all the sanitizing products. It definitely eased some of my neuroses today trying to keep the sick half of the family from contaminating the well half. Thank you Jeni for the sweet care package. Everything was just right for each of us and has brought many hours of amusement today. We miss you , too. Annmarie, thanks for the extra hands and reminding me to shower. I truly had forgotten. Thank you Carol for the delicious dinner- the kids ate, too :) and your heartfelt gifts, you are wonderful to us. Jenna, thank you for the beautiful pictures you guys made. They are hanging in our kitchen where I read them often. And to all of you who call and email- Thank you. I read every word and it brightens my days to hear from all of you.

I am learning to juggle things now. I want to keep our days as normal as possible, but I also have to help Julia recover. At this point I wish I could clone myself to give them both the attention and affection they need. it has been a hard day for Julia not having me at her disposal, but Carter has missed me and doesn't feel well, too. We spent a lot of time with the three of us in the same 2x2 area. Hopefully this works for awhile.
We've been able to find fun things to do around the house and fortunately the kids love to play games and other quiet activities, but we all long to go outside. It has been hard not going anywhere each day, not even the backyard, especially on the kids. They just don't get tired- despite their medications. They are laying awake longer and longer in their beds because they haven't done anything all day. I'm eagerly looking forward to the forecast sun, so we can hopefully play outside and go for walks (and finally play soccer games again!). I think it will help all of us tremendously. I am thankful for all the new life brought out by the rain. Julia and I have been captivated by the blooming trees, colorful tulips, and bright green grass. Spring brings new hope.
Julia's new Curious George has become her 'voice' who she talks to us through.
We are still letting all the news settle in our hearts and minds. It is going to seep into everything we do, think, and feel for the next six months. We are just realizing all the implications in the little things that hit you throughout the day. I don't want to treat her differently, but I do. I don't want to treat her like nothing has changed, but sometimes I do. I'm still trying to learn to 'just be' in this new place- to abide and take it moment by moment.