8 Things I Am Looking Forward To
1. Going back to church: I sure do miss rockin’ out for Jesus at Pinedale and the awesome fellowship (IN PERSON) of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Can’t wait ‘til Jonah is well enough and on some semblance of a schedule, so we can head back.
2. Jonah sleeping through the night: Although he would maybe do this on his own, I’m WAY too paranoid about him needing to eat more and his high caloric needs to LET him sleep through the night… so maybe this one should read 2. Not being so neurotic.
3. The basement being finished: So excited about doing Jonah’s dressing changes somewhere other than the dining room table… partly for back pain reasons, partly because I’d like to PRETEND we actually eat at our dining room table and need it for other reasons. In reality, we eat on the couch in front of the TV, but don’t tell anybody.
4. The end of this survey: When you’re all of a sudden a stay-at-home mom whose life seems to be taking care of an eating, sleeping, pooping machine who can’t go out much, it’s hard to make any out-of-the-house sort of plans to look forward to. :) I’m boring.
5. Kim, Andrew, and the kids coming: They arrive next Thursday (the 30th) and will be here all weekend. I can’t wait!
6. Taking Jonah to Target: he’s going to love him some Target… or else.
7. Watching a movie: Really, any movie will do. Really. I just want to watch a movie. We’ve had a Netflix movie since before Jonah was born. Oh, the times they are a changin’.
8. Jonah’s first (second, third, fourth, fortieth) birthday, Jonah starting kindergarten, getting baptized, playing sports, going to prom, graduating college, getting married, having kids – pretty much every beautiful milestone we’ll get to witness in his miraculous life.
8 Things I Did Yesterday (Monday)
1. Prayed for poop.
2. Got lots and lots of poop. Seriously, can you guys stop praying for poop now?
3. Contemplated taking a picture of aforementioned poop for my blog. Reconsidered.
4. Sat on my back deck in the beautiful sunshine with my brother and my baby and talked on the phone with my sister-in-law who I hadn’t talked to in a week. Inexcusable.
5. Ordered a small changing table for my bedroom from target.com. (Target.com - the next best thing to the real, live Target)
6. Took this funny picture of my dog.
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(This is after Jonah finally asleep for the night. Deac LOVES it when Jonah is asleep. If he’s crying too loud, Deac goes to the backdoor and growls until we let him out. He’s pretty pooped by the time the day’s over. Look at him - Poor dog. It’s as if he’s on Morphine and Ativan too.)7. Watched HGTV – saw lots of cool designs in lots of cool houses that I’ll either a) never be able to afford b) never be creative enough to pull off or c) never have enough energy to plan and carry out. HGTV is the devil.
8. Prayed for Jonah. (This was on Katherine’s, but you can never have too much praying for Jonah. – I mean, in my humble opinion, that is).
8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Renovate my bathroom: Knock out the back wall of my house, expand it out onto part of my deck, build a big ol’ honkin’ closet, and make the current closet part of our bathroom. I want a big tub with jets and bubbles. But I want it to be a tub that never gets scummy or requires cleaning. A girl can dream, right? HGTV is the devil.
2. Get more sleep: This one I left from Katherine’s. But I second that emotion.
3. Become a runner: That’s not really true. I just want to say I’m a runner so people would be all impressed with me like I am with people who say they are runners. Really, I just want a runner’s body without all the work and sweating.
4. Go to all of the Spanish speaking countries: I’ve been to Mexico, Argentina, and Nicaragua. Only 18 more to go.
5. Go on another (many more) mission trips: I did a VBS for a week in Nicaragua in the summer of 2000, and I haven’t been able to go on any more. Someday.
6. Play the guitar: That’s it, really. I just wanna play the guitar.
7. Speak Italian and French: Learning languages is addictive. They say once you’ve learned one, it’s easy to learn others. I don’t really know who they are, but they say it, so it must be true.
8. Find a cure for EB: or find someone who could find someone who could find a cure for EB. Still praying for that miracle.
8 Shows I (used to) Watch
Grey’s Anatomy
Private Practice
American Idol
Lost
The Office
Chuck
The Today Show
Sportscenter (but against my will and better judgment)
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Ah ha ... you are human. It is hard to believe with all of the amazing things you do each and every day. :o)
As a Mommy to 3 little girls, I have to tell you that you sound so normal. I remember after each of our daughters was born I felt like all I did was nurse our baby, do laundry, nurse our baby, nap, nurse,and hope for a shower, nurse....shopping was a tough one to squeeze in and movies were never watched all the way through!
You both sound like you are doing so great and with God's help, you will look back on this time when Jonah is older and healed and remember how quickly it all flew by! Hang in there!!
You do not have to blog every day....although we love checking in your boy. Rest and relax when you can....blog once a week if that's all you feel like doing. We can handle it...I think
Thanks for posting these :) I look forward to reading your blog entries every day.
If you're looking for some blog post ideas, maybe you could write one about you and/or your husband? I'm sure I speak for many people who don't actually know you beyond this blog and would be interested in learning more about you!
P.S. I, too, have an undying love for Target. I took my daughter there for her first trip outside of the house. She has been there many, many more times.
don't feel bad ~ we eat on the couch in front of the tv too! :o) i think my honey is afraid that something truly horrible will happen to him if we actually sit down and have a meal at the table like "normal" people. men!
so glad you were able to do this fun little quiz ~ i really enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about you!
Must say, I feel like a semi-celebrity (by default) as I read your post! I tagged Katherine and she tagged YOU and NOW....
I feel blessed to know "8 things" about you!
Praying for you (and Jonah) always!
First of all, Megan, you were supposed to be going to bed a long time ago.
Second of all, I'm so glad you took the time to do the list, Patrice! That was fun. It was fun for me to see you write something that was about you, one step removed from the rigors of your everyday existence of the moment. I've been praying extra hard for you today, hoping that the prayers will shore you up for tomorrow (well, I guess it's already Gabe's birthday in your time zone) and what is sure to be an emotional day.
We love you more than words can express. I'm so proud of what you are accomplishing day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. I'm so proud that you and Matt keep putting one foot in front of the other, that you're keeping Jonah in the hearts, minds and prayers of so many people, that you are PERSEVERING in the most difficult of circumstances.
Today we celebrate you and Matt as Gabe's parents, as Jonah's parents, and as the INDIVIDUALS that you still are -- as proven in the witty, thoughtful answers you typed out in this post. I am privileged to know and love you guys!
Ignore the above post about only blogging once a week...You just can't do that to me, lol! If all you post is a prayer request & a new pic...can you sense the desperation from one boring stay at home mom to another?? I found you through Kelly's Korner & spent several hours catching up on your story...now I'm addicted (admitting it is the first step, right?) Anyways, you are SO funny & quirky. I pray for your family every day. Jonah is such an angel! Thanks for sharing him :0)
Tomorrow has been on my mind all day...so while I'm here, Happy Birthday Gabe!!!
Much love from Alabama!
I love Target too!!!! :)
How much is he weighing now? I'm glad he is doing well.
WELCOME TO HOLLAND
byEmily Perl Kingsley.
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things .. about Holland.
Well, this looks like it was a fun exercise for you! You are a great writer and have a good sense of humor—essential especially in the trials you've experienced.
I also wanted to say your tribute to Gabe is breathtaking and beautiful. I am thinking of you as you celebrate him and miss him today (and every day). Happy birthday, sweet baby boy!
--Kelley in GA (queenkelley.com)
Thats a hoot about your dog. My dog would always, always get up and go with me to my daughter's room if she cried...However in the last 2-3 months she seems to have a limited of only going in the first 10 times!
I was telling my husband yesterday that in reading your blog, I feel like I know you. It would be so awkward to run into you because you share so much about your life, the good, the bad, and the ugly. You know nothing about me. I will tell you I'm addicted to reading your blog. I found out about you and your family through facebook. We lift Jonah, you, and your husband up daily in prayer. I'll be praying for you even more today, Gabe's birthday.
To the poster of the Holland article--That was great!
Patrice-
I can feel your pain on the daily posting. I told myself I was going to do that, but it's more like once a week. If I were you...I would've posted one section of 8 for the next four days. That would've helped. ROFL. Praying for you--Have a great day!
love the quiz--i've been purposefully avoiding target lately because i know i just end up spending so much while i'm there. and i can't wait to see jonah do all of those amazing things--he has such a bright future ahead of him.
and patrice--gabe's letter. wow. just wow. i wish i could give you a hug right now, but just know that i'm thinking of you, matt and jonah today and praying for the peace that comes with the activities you have planned today.
You just let me know when you are ready for number 6... I still have that guitar on standby for you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this post about YOU!!!
God has blessed you not only with 2 beautiful sons but also with a gift for expressing your thoughts honestly with a touch of humor!
And- I have to go to Target when my 8 year old is at Ballet because that way I HAVE to leave in 30 minutes in order to pick her up on time!!! My budget is VERY happy for Ballet class!
Love from Lubbock, Tx - Elaine
You are such a wonderful writer and person. I know you didn't want comments on your "letter" to Gabe, but I have to tell you that was one of the most beautiful heartfelt things I have ever read. I set hear and balled. I had to go reapply the makeup, I have to take my 19 month old for a recheck of his arm, he broke it. Oh the these boys-so adventurous. I just wanted to say Gabe and Jonah are two lucky little boys to have such a wonderful, God loving mommy. Please take care and thank you for sharing your story. I truly believe it has made me a better person!! In Christ love,
Michelle in Va
You are hilarious! That was so fun to read. I wish you were my neighbor, but not just for selfish reasons like cracking up during our conversations, but practical reasons like helping out with ANYTHING you needed.
Also your post to Gabe has rivers streaming down my face. Our sons bday is the 29th, 3 yrs w/o him now. It was like you said everything my heart feels for our son as well. Very emotional, very healing at the same time. It does 'help' somehow to have other parents share in the knowledge of your sorrow. Even though it's something I'd not wish on my worst enemy. God bless you all sooo much.
You so needed this--a nice break from all the other blogging you have been doing. You seemed like a different person--like a mommy that has finally gotten a little (little) rest. Good for you! Everytime I read your blog, I stop to say "thank you Lord for my healthy kiddies" They may drive me nuts, but they are healthy. You are an amazing, strong woman. Kudos to you.
gabe's letter-
I don't think I have ever cried SO much reading someone's blog- your are a truly amazing mother.
Psalm 119:28
"My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."
Happy Birthday Gabe
Thank you Patrice for such a beautiful,lovely letter.
Praying for you & Matt for strenth, understanding, & guidance & comfort.
Hugs & Kisses to Jonah..you wonderful miracle.
Your words to Gabe were so sweet. [I really should not have been reading it at work, though. No kleenex handy!] Your love for your sons is so evident in your writing. Jonah has just got to love Target!
with tears streaming down my smiling face... that's how I'm reading your blog today. I've followed and prayed for you since Jonah's birth & am so NOT a blogger, but God lays you on my heart continually. No lie- continually... even when I want you to not be on my heart because I just want to sleep! :) Anyway, please, please, PLEASE know that I can not formulate words for your loss, nor ever understand your life. All I know is that you & I serve the same miracle working God. Even if the miracle is just that He died for us, thus saving us from certain death.
Thankfully we know He does much bigger miracles all the time!
I am not even sure what I'm saying, except I wanted you to know that I am, once again, praying for you & your wonderful family!
I do hope that I can meet you when we are all in heaven, and I truly think we'd be friends :) Sorry if that is one of those odd creepy blogger comments that makes you want to stop blogging. I promise to never be creepy- I just pray for you all daily!
With blessings and prayers,
Amy in WA
The devil indeed! I watch it and then try to go to sleep and all I can think about is how I could do something to this or that to make it look like...it's never gonna happen, but a girl can dream, can't she? Glad Jonah is doing so well and Happy Birthday to Gabe! Both boys have some great parents.
You are way more entertaining than you think. You write well and are very witty. I love reading your blog for more than just my daily Jonah fix.
There is something special on my blog for Sweet Mr. Gabe...I thought you would like to see it :0)
http://wellensfamily.blogspot.com/
Alyson
Hey! We (used to) watch a lot of the same shows. You have great taste (lol)! It was fun getting to know a little more about you as Patrice and not just Jonah's mom (not that being Jonah's mom isn't enough, but you know what I mean!)
Anyway, am praying for you today. Saw your post about Gabe and I am grieving with you. Am also praising God with you for sweet Jonah!
Love,
Laura in TX
I'm saying Amen to the first #8 (Jonah's milestones) ... Amen, Amen, & Amen!
oh, that's just great! Thanks for the giggles :)
Patrice, I absolutely loved reading your survey. You really have a gift for creative writing. Thank you for making me laugh...
Christina:)
Funny post!
I found this on CNN, and wasn't sure if it would help or not...maybe you can contact the family?
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/health/19260811/detail.html
Hope you can get a little something from it. And your Jonah is quite possibly the cutest ever!
Patrice, you are so funny! You have brought a smile to my face today, and you don't even know me! I've followed Jonah's journey online and pray for him daily. Anyway, your comments about eating in front of the tv (our dining room table is strictly for show, too) and loving Target sound like me, LOL. And your "HGTV is the devil"....hahahahaha; that made me laugh out loud (because it's true...I lose so much time watching that channel, and planning all the home improvement projects I'll NEVER do!)
I had a triumph today to share. My oldest son, 5th grade, has autism. He is high functioning, and although he is very smart he struggles with behavior, completing assignments, etc. He is in a regular education classroom, and has been since 1st grade. Well, he brought home his report card today...HONOR ROLL!!!!! I cried. I wanted to share that with you because our almighty God has allowed my Connor to triumph over his difficulties, and I have all faith that God will allow Jonah to defeat his difficulties as well! Look what Jonah has accomplished so far, thanks be to God, and thanks be to parents who love him so much. I know, from my situation, the stress of fighting for your child when the "experts" tell you things that you don't agree with, but in the end I can see that doing what I thought was right for my son paid off, and I know it will for Jonah too.
Anyway, you don't know me at all, but I wanted you to know how your blog brightened my day today! You are a blessing!
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