Thursday, August 6, 2009

stepladder babies

This is no ordinary hanging flower.

It is a hanging flower dying for water. (But that is not why I'm posting it... I kill flowers. If it weren't for Matt's mom, my mom, and Shaina, ALL of my flowers and ferns would have died by now. It's kind of my thing... killing plants.)

Do you see what's special about my thirsty flower?


Let me give you a closer look.


Aren't they cute... you know, in an ugly sort of way?

A Mommy Robin came and laid her eggs in our hanging basket maybe about a month ago. (I don't really recall when those pretty blue eggs appeared, and I wish I had gotten a picture of them.) There were originally three baby birds, but one didn't make it, and I guess the mom removed it from the nest, because one day it was there and the next it wasn't. It made me sad for her as a mom. Maybe that's silly to feel sad for a bird, but I did. I wonder if she felt the loss.
Anyway, I thought it was so neat that we had baby birds right on our back deck for Jonah's very first spring/summer. We kind of have this morning tradition where he gets up, I change his diaper, and put him in his vibratey chair while I eat breakfast, do dishes etc. During this time I open the screen door to our back deck (while it's still semi-cool), so that we can hear the chimes and pretend we are outside. Anyway, when the babies were out there, we'd always know when Mommy Robin was bringing worms because they would just go crazy chirping, and I would always tell Jonah that she was out there feeding her babies.
I just think it's really cool that we had them with us for a few weeks. And I like to think that God and Gabe had a little bit to do with it, because of how much joy it brought me, having to stay inside all the time (which is not my favorite thing).
But what makes it even cooler is that just a few days before the nest appeared, I read Jonah this book:

This was my all-time favorite book as a kid. I LOVED it. And my mom must have read it to me a million times (which I appreciate so much more now, because sheesh, that book is long and has LOTS of words... it took me two days to make it through it with Jonah... and it had just as much to do with my laziness as his short attention span.)

And the really neat thing is that this book was given to an old neighbor of mine by his aunt and uncle in 1949 (not sure of the copyright date on the book itself), and then was passed on to our family.

I love so many things about the book. It has so much character and beautiful illustrations. And only some of them are in color, which makes those just pop even more. I love old books. They just don't make them like they used to.

And in the style of "See Dick run," the main characters are Billy and Ann. So simple. So perfect.
Here they are in their little polo-shirted, jumper-dressed glory, with their faithful dog (Fido?)
of course. "They were careful not to make a sound as they hurried along on tiptoe." (My, my, how times have changed.) I think for most of us this would read, "And completely ignoring "mother's" request, the kids came careening down the stairs, sliding down the railing, kicked the dog out of the way, slammed all the doors as they ran through the house, and then said to "mother," "What do you want, Mom? We're missing SpongeBob."
The book is about a robin who comes and lays her eggs on Billy and Ann's stepladder out back. I had JUST read it to Jonah when God blessed us with our own little hanging plant babies.
Funny ending though, I took the pictures of the babies one day and wasn't so happy with them, so the next day I stood on the chair by the hanging plant to try again, and one of the two took off. I about had a heart attack. He flew about half way across the yard and landed in the grass. And then I looked up and Mommy Robin was standing on the fence staring me down with a worm in her mouth. And I got really sad wondering if I had scared him out too early (and a little freaked out that I was about to get attacked by a psycho-mommy bird), but I looked about five minutes later, and he was gone. And by the next day, Baby Number Two had joined the "I'm too stinkin' old for this nest" club and was gone too. And just like that, no more birds.

Anyway, you guys told me to post about nothing, so there's some nothing for you.
And just so you don't have withdrawal, here are a couple cute photos Shaina took of Jonah yesterday. She's been a big help the last couple days with dressing change, and I still attest that she's the coolest, most mature, most selfless 14-year-old I've ever met. But that's a whole other post.

And from me to you, your Jonah fix. (We got him down at 10:00 tonight... a new record. And here I am still working on this post at midnight. Good grief.)


58 comments:

Melissa said...

What an adorable, chubby baby Jonah is! I loved your baby robin story. New life is so precious. Heck, so is old life. Just because it's God's creation.

Laura A said...

Look at his sweet face - it really looks great! (Not that it didn't already, but you know what I mean...)

Great birdie pics! We have some mockingbirds that have nested in our front bushes, but that momma wouldn't let me anywhere close enough to take a picture! She sits either on the roof or sometimes over our FRONT DOOR and stalks anything/one who comes near! YIKES!!!

Anyway, thanks for sharing!

Love from TX (guess what our state bird is?)
Laura

PS - I bet Jonah would like Make Way for Ducklings, too - another oldie but goodie! :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and life through your blog. I truly enjoy reading it and must say that Jonah is such a handsome little guy:) I am truly blessed to have found your blog:)

Robyn said...

Jonah looks awesome! Hope he sleeps well!

Anonymous said...

Patrice- I've never commented before but i just felt the need to stop and say thank you. Thank you for being funny just when I need it, thank you for opening up your family, thank you for sharing pictures of your adorable little boy, thank you for having the exact kind of humor that makes me giggle as I read your words :) I feel like I know you, when really I'm just a lurker on your blog! You are a fantastic mother, incredibly strong and selfless and I admire you so much. You go girl!!
-Melissa in CA
www.thestairsfamily.blogspot.com

Becca B. said...

He sure is a beautiful boy! I love that you read to him already, so many parents don't realize how much infants get out of being read to! Keep it up, and I love reading your posts, no matter what they are about.
Lovin' and Prayin' for Jonah from Arkansas.

jenlar3 said...

Thanks for the story about the baby birds! Jonah is looking especially cute!

Penny said...

Patrice,
He's so beautiful. I LOVE the profile shot!
I also love old books and have some from 1904 I found at a used book store for $3. My family Bible is copyrighted in 1895 and my grandfather's birth is recorded in it. It was passed down to me after 4 generations (my dad didn't want it).
We had a bird build a mud nest on the edge of our carport. Poop everywhere, but it was still AWESOME to actually watch a momma (or daddy?) bird teach the two babies to fly. =)

Vicki said...

I don't comment often but read every time you post. After reading your post tonight, I just had to share my "bird flying out of the birdhouse" story with you.

http://theshoesinmycloset.blogspot.com/2009/06/one-pair-of-cowboy-boots-in-my-closet.html

Debby@Just Breathe said...

The book looks really cute. Thank you for the pictures of Johan, he is so precious.

Kelsey said...

It's so funny how you love having the birds right outside of your door because we feel the opposite way...the birds poop all over our patio and patio set, it's disgusting! Anyways, thanks for the "nothing" post and I loved the pics of Jonah, he is so dang cute! I look forward to your posts everyday...not that I want to put pressure on you to post everyday because I know you are busy! My cousin is going to attend UNC Chapel Hill in the fall from WA state to get her doctorate and I told her that she is so lucky to live so close to Jonah. Then I realized that was weird because she had no idea who I was talking about and I don't personally know you, I just assume that everyone knows your story. Anyways, I hope you have a restful night!

Sabrina Doan said...

Patrice,
I enjoyed spending the day with you, Jonah, and Shaina today! Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives.

Love you!
Sabrina

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to see that Jonah's face is clearing up...hopefully with a bit of prayer it will continue to clear up and stay that way....Way to go Jonah.

Shari said...

Adorable! So cute! And, I have that book and have read it to my kids so many times! Thank you for sharing this! :-)

Anonymous said...

He is looking good! His face looks great...medically speaking! His face always looks great to me! I really loved this post! So sweet....thank you for your wonderful stories and for sharing your life.

Jennifer said...

I love your humor, Patrice :) "we're missing Spongebob." you crack me up all the time!

We had some baby birds in a tree, I'm not sure what type they were, though. But they were TINY little things!

Jonah's face is healing up nicely (knock on wood)!! I am so happy to see that!

Jackie said...

He has the most adorable chubby cheeks I have ever seen! I am so glad God sent you those baby birds!

Wanda Wilkinson said...

What a sweet post..thanks for sharing that wonderful story. I felt the same way about the baby bird dying, I think all moms have feelings. What great pictures of Jonah, I love his facial expressions.

The face is healing wonderfully...results of many many prayers for him.

Thanks again for sharing your precious family with all the world. all of you are love & prayed for.

Love, Wanda

Lucy and Ethel said...

The picture of the book took me back in a flash to elementary school (a LONG time ago). I loved the library, and we had a bookmobile, too, which I LOVED. Just loved to read.

Jonah is getting cuter every time you post a picture!

Lucy

Unknown said...

Wow...his face is looking better this week!! With EB..does it get better with age? Just wondering...will he be able to play outside when he gets bigger? Just curious..don't know much about EB except what you have shared...Love his chubby cheeks..I could kiss them all day! Cool birdie pictures...Isn't nature the neatest!?!
much love, prayers, and blessings~erin

ashpuck said...

Sweet little baby cheeks! So sweet. My boys found a mama bird and some little blue eggs in one of my bird houses a couple of weeks ago. I'm getting worried about them now because I haven't seen the mama in a while. I need to do some research on birds. Maybe she's been on a lot of runs to Target!

Melissa said...

YOu can find more good books like that if you look at "Before Five In A Row" and look at the booklist, great old books.

brightleigh said...

You've got a treasure in a book there! They just don't make them like that anymore. I know you will hold onto it so that you can pass it on to Jonah to read to his children. :-) Jonah is looking wonderful...so happy....I have folks ask me how you guys are doing all the time and I tell them that you are doing fine! This was a great (and I must say--ironic) post. Love you much!

Toni :O) said...

What a great book and another great post...I can totally relate as we had a nest of four, yes, FOUR baby robins in a nest in our Maple tree this year. It warmed my heart to see the kids so excited about our baby birdies. I too was thrilled to check each day to see how they were growing, to hear them go crazy when Mommy was near with a worm. It amazed us how they all fit in such a small nest! We then saw them leave the nest and fly around our yard for a few days...we're still sad that they are gone, gave us something to look forward to each day. I'm sure my children would have really enjoyed that book given our baby robins this year. Jonah looks so wonderful as always...thanks for the fix, his blue eyes just melt my heart. Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your sweet little man!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful little boy! Thanks for the post, it is always so wonderful to hear from you, such an honest, down-to-earth person!

Unknown said...

Loved the story. You can always post about your family. For those of us who just read about you, we don't always know who you are talking about.

Tricia said...

In addition to all the nice things about her, Shania is a good little photographer! Those pictures are great! There's a lot more to that "nothing" post than you realize. Isn't God amazing? Have a good day!

Anonymous said...

Patrice,

That was a cute post about the birds. I really don't comment that much but I read your blog everyday. I just wanted u to know that I think you are a grat mother and have a way with words. I am sorry about all the bad comments you have been getting. I am happy to see that Jonah's face is healing up. Must be all the prayers. Keep the posts and a pictures coming. Thank you for sharing your family with us. Hope that you all have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post! What wonderful gifts God gives us in all His creation. I have bluebirds who nest in a box in my yard, and I always delight in watching them. On several ocassions I have been able to see the babies when they fledge from the box, and it's quite a sight. Mom and Dad sit on a branch close to the box, encouaging the little ones to spread their wings and take that first flight. The fun continues the days following the babies' departure because they then line up on the fence as Mom and Dad come and feed them their worms. The love of parents with their children exists through all of nature. May God continue to bless you, Matt, and your own little blue bird...he looks so adorable in his blue shirt!

Janet said...

Love your Jonah pictures! He's just as adorable as ever! Hopefully, he slept all night for you so that you and Matt were able to get a good night's sleep.

Sabrina said...

Thanks, I needed that! :) He is so, so cute!

Rachel @ Moments With My Miracles said...

That book is so adorable!!!! Thanks for sharing about the sweet little birds. OH, and the pics of Jonah are great too!

Jenny said...

I loved your modern-day version of the book! It made me laugh out loud. You def need to write your own book! :)

Melissa said...

I love your post about nothing! You should do it more often.

APA and NBK's Mom said...

Thank you for sharing. The birds are precious so glad they were brought to you by God and your sweet baby Gabe ... he was in on the surprise for sure.

Jonah is getting so big, it is amazing how fast the time goes. He sure looks like he is loving having his hands out to feel and grab the world. Praise God for the miracle he is working in Jonah!

Michelle said...

Patrice I just wanted to tell you what a great job you are doing!! As far as the negative comments go if there is no name attacted just don't read them. That's what Bill McKenzie would say. If they don't have the nerve to say who they are then their posts are worth reading!!

Michelle Found said...

In my opinion, that was not a post about "nothing". I very much enjoyed reading about your little family in the flower basket!

I, too, get sad when Momma Bird loses a baby, so you're not alone in your feelings.

And, yes, sometimes the bird poop is a real pain, but hey, we're moms.... we're dealing with poop all the time anyways..... what's a little more, eh?

Jonah is ADORABLE. You're doin' a great job!

Michelle
Picton, Ontario, Canada
www.fiddlersfound.blogspot.com

Kayte said...

Thank you so much for sharing....

Lovin' on you Jonah and Matt from Florida-
Kate

Unknown said...

What a terribly sweet post! Thank you...and those beautiful blue eyes - oh my goodness! :)

Shaina N said...

He is soooo cute! As usual!

I love old books as well, they are my favorite.

On the big controversial post, I tried to comment about Gimp instead of bumpers, and couldn't cuz you'd turned off comments (which I totally understand). Anyway.

As a previous commenter said, yes, the downloading process is difficult and odd... but, once you download it... it's worth it! You can do practically everything you can do on photoshop. You can google "Gimp help" or something like that... and there are step-by-step tutorials as well as hundreds of youtube videos that show you how to do stuff.

Just fyi!

Heather said...

Oh my goodness!!! That shade of blue really makes his eyes pop! How cute!
That is so cool about the birds : ) Keep working on it...you'll get him to bed at a decent time. There will be a day when all three of you sleep all night and wake up feeling refreshed!

Anonymous said...

he looks so cute!

have a great day!

love you all
Erica

Rebecca said...

What a great story of the birds - something you will remember and tell Jonah so often growing up he will think he remembers too!

Thanks for sharing!

As always, Jonah is just so cute!

Mama10EE said...

What a great post! I am sure it is nice for you to post about childhood memories. And Jonah's face looks so good!!! He has the most kissable face (well I imagine...it's not like I kiss my computer monitor or anything).

Amanda said...

Oh my goodness, Patrice! He's such a -cutie-!

(And good choice with the post about "nothing". See? You're a natural blogger. ;))

Brandie said...

Awesome story! And i'll have to try finding that book too.
Your sister prob is the most mature 14 yr old...i found her blog once and felt the same way! How great to have her :)

Lorraine said...

What a beautifully sweet gift from God to you!

I love those old children's books, too. I loved "The Velveteen Rabbit" as a child. I was sitting on my porch swing the other night and thinking about that book, when two little bunnies came hopping across my yard!

I believe those are love notes from God to us!

Thanks for more photos of your delicious little Jonut :D

AL VIENTO said...

Llevo varios meses siguiendo tu blog...rezo mucho por Jonah, y me impresiona tu fe en Dios, me has fortificado en mi fe. Gracias por compartir a tu bebe con nosotros, y por compartir tu fe.

Astrid desede Guatemala

two red heads and two brunettes said...

I heart your baby!

Momma@Live. Laugh. Pull your hair out said...

We had a nest in our planter too.....I posted pics on my blog!

Anonymous said...

I have thought the same thing about those momma birds, when they lose one of their babies. I believe that those birds were a gift from God and Gabe....Too many "coincidences" not to be! I love it when God "winks" at us, to remind us how close he is to us, all the time.
Looking for winks,
Laura

Anonymous said...

When I was going through a very difficult period in my early mothering years God used a mother (and father) bird and a baby bird to teach me a valuable lesson. So glad He chose to do the same with you, Patrice! Being open to God is what it is about (and I needed the reminder, thanks!). Glad you posted about "nothing" because it was really "something" (God does that!). Jonah is such a love! Jennifer in Southeast, NC

Julie said...

I heart your baby, too! His blue eyes are unbelievable! I stumbled across your blog about a month ago and have been reading it since then. My husband and I were at Frontier Ranch when the camp director's husband passed away suddenly. I googled his name and up popped your blog with a link to his memorial service. I didn't know this Young Life couple (except for camp) but I watched the service and prayed for the family as they said a temporary good-bye to their beloved husband, dad, brother, etc. It sounds like he was an amazing man. Thanks for posting that link, otherwise I would have never found it.
Blessings on you--you have a most precious baby boy. I come here and read all about Jonah and Gabe and always end up saying a prayer for you--Julie T

jandkland said...

One of my great delights in spring is checking our bushes for nesting birds. I have so fallen for birds that I spent ridiculous amounts of money on "no-mess" birdseed for three squirrel-proof feeders in our backyard. They are truly delightful!

I think the gift you received is beautiful. What a precious thing that God used that book and those birds to touch your heart.

LOVE the Jonah pictures!

--Kelley in GA (queenkelley.com)

Unknown said...

What a neat book. As a teacher, before a stay at home mom, I was always looking for new books. You can never have too many! Jonah is so lucky to have you! What an awesome mom!

Judy said...

I remember having that book!!! Thanks for posting about it and baby Jonah looks really well.

Its So Very Cheri said...

Patrice:

I have a blog and just did a give-a-way and when I read this post I wanted to send you one of my hand made Mother Robin's nest. It won't allow me to post the picture but you are more than welcome to check out my blog and see that I am not a crazy blogger lady out there. My blog is Its So Very Cheri and I have posted about the give-a-way winner, with a picture Bird nest picture I check up on Jonah all the time and pray for that sweet bundle of joy.

I want you to know that we lost 2 babies. I did not carry full term and I always said I can not imagine holing your child and loving them and then loosing them-the heartache would be over whelming. I totally understand when you say you just can't relax and you try and want to enjoy every moment but you look at each moment like WHAT IF.

I didn't know if the P.O. Box was just for letters or if you can receive packages as well. If you could let me know if you want this sent to the P.O. or you home address I would appreciate it and I will get one out to you.

Cheri
Its So Very Cheri

Grape News said...

I love the smell of old books! An old, hole-in-the-corner bookstore--YUM! I smell old books and my family thinks I'm crazy! I LOVE TO READ!