More Micah Pictures

It's been a whirlwind few days, and God's been teaching us a lot. Micah's doing great and really is just in the NICU to receive antibiotics to treat pneumonia. It's a 7-day treatment that has to administered via IV. I'm able to stay in the room with him and nurse him, which has been a big blessing. Jonathan's staying at home with Josiah and doing a great job. I'm able to come home for dinner and sometimes meet them for lunch. It's not been easy, but there have been lots of blessings along the way.

In the RNI (Regional Neonatal Intensive) unit

He's got some really, really long fingernails, thus the scratches on his face.

And yes, he looks a LOT like Josiah when he was born. I guess the second child always gets compared, but he really is quite similar so far.

Micah and Daddy bonding.

Mimi and Granddaddy got to visit Micah briefly in the RNI unit. I know they're looking forward to holding him again soon!

It's hard to say how Josiah's adjusted to being a big brother. He seems excited about seeing Micah, but the circumstances around him have not been easy for Josiah. It was really hard for him seeing his Mama at the hospital, visiting the hospital and then having his Mama gone a lot. Things have gotten better with Daddy home and with me getting to come home for dinner.

How 2-year-olds occupy themselves in hospitals.

Nana and Pa came to take care of him, and he had a great time with his grands. We're so thankful for you guys.

Happy Nana

Here he's saying, "He's gots a new hat."


The first time Jonathan took Josiah to see Micah, Josiah said, "He's dead!" Maybe it was having tubes on him in a hospital. Who knows?

I might have a paci-baby this time. We'll see..

Micah Daniel

We're so blessed!

Micah Daniel arrived today, June 14, 2010, at 4:26 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs., 11 oz and was 20.5 inches.

We're so grateful he's healthy and wonderful, but unfortunately he followed his big brother's footsteps with TTN and is in the NICU for observation. Please pray his breathing would slow quickly, and we can hold him more soon.

Top Ten Things I'll Miss About Birmingham

In a few short weeks, we'll be packing up and moving to our new home in North Carolina. God's been gracious to teach and provide for us in each phase of our lives, and we're confident He'll continue to do so. I thought I'd post a little ode to the little and big things we've enjoyed about our time here in Birmingham. I don't think these are in true ranked order.

1. The Church at Brook Hills.
   We were blessed to listen to some truly life-changing teaching by David Platt. God's grown and taught us through different ministries and churches, but I think some of the key areas we've grown in here are radical giving, missions, compassion for the poor and the necessity of small group community, just to name a few.
   
   
2. Our small groups.
   The small group through our church was instrumental in implementing many of the above lessons. Though we morphed and changed over three years, this group was so important for us in our spiritual growth here. I was also part of a wonderful medical wives Bible study that spurred me on in being a godly wife and mother.
   
   
   
3. Mondays at the Park
   A couple in our small group started bringing pizza to a group of homeless people on Monday nights. Gradually our small group began to join in this ministry. I've contemplated how to explain on the blog how this ministry has changed our lives and perspective. I think the main lesson we'll walk away with is, "Know the poor." As a family, we want to keep this part of our lives as we move forward, though I'm sure it will look different. I also loved that Josiah was able to be part of the ministry; it's difficult to find ways to serve as a whole family, so this was really precious.
   
   
   
   
4. Friends
   Not to name any specifically, but God's given all of us some life-long friends here.
   
   
5. Family
   That Josiah got to live so close to his great-grandparents. It's really rare that a child gets to see and know five great-grandparents, nevertheless live within two hours' drive of four of them, plus two sets of aunts and uncles and cousins.
   
   
6. Our house and our neighbors.
   It's been a great house. I love that it has older charm with modern conveniences. I love the location, close to the hospital. Wonderful memories. We've had kind neighbors and friends living within walking distance. Plus, we live close to railroad tracks and beneath a flight pattern, so Josiah has gotten to see lots of trains and airplanes.
   
   
7. The public libraries.
   It sounds silly, but Jefferson County has an extraordinary public library system. Josiah has loved it; I love it. Having a fresh set of books has undoubtedly contributed to Josiah's love of reading. Plus they have wonderful puzzles and toys that make it a great place for us to go hang out. There are three outstanding children's sections within a 15-minute drive. I mean, my child took his first steps at a LIBRARY.
   
   
8. The LJCC
   Yes, the Levite Jewish Community Center. My parents gave me a membership for Christmas, and I loved that the fitness program there. They supplied vital childcare, the cardio machines had personal TVs and the fitness classes were awesome. Plus we got to enjoy the pool in summer time. And lots of friends were members, so it was a fun social time too.
   
   
9. Publix
   Again, it sounds silly, but I absolutely love our Publix. Josiah gets a cookie and drives a race car to shop. All the employees are nice and friendly and helpful. They have a great coupon policy. It's super close to our house.
   
   
10. Central Time Zone
    I couldn't think of #10 and asked Jonathan what he thought. This was his immediate answer, and I completely agree. My sleep habits are greatly improved by being in this time zone.
    

Gardendale Splash Pad

We decided to squeeze in one last trip to the splash pad before our craziness begins. Josiah had an awesome time again. It was a perfect day for it.

Parker and Rachel's Visit

Uncle Parker and Aunt Rachel came for a visit on Sunday and part of Monday. They were in Atlanta for a wedding and came over with Nana and Pop for a quick, but sweet, visit. We're pretty thrilled that they're going to be moving within driving distance soon.

Racing with Uncle Parker

Visiting with one of our neighborhood dogs, Yaz.

Giving Aunt Rachel a check-up with his doctor kit

What an wonderful visit! Can't wait to see you guys again soon!

Birthday Party Fun

We've had the pleasure of getting to go to several very fun birthday parties recently. I've done a poor job of taking pictures, but took a few at Bailey's last weekend at Pump It Up.

My timid little man went for the air hockey table first.

Since 9-month-pregnant mama was not taking Josiah up the slide this time and he refused to go up by himself and Daddy was working, several sweet friends took him up the slide a few times.

Mr. Blake took him up once, and so did Mrs. Leah (who he asked for several times during the rest of the party - "Where is Bailey's mama?")

Mrs. Erin took him on the slide and on the obstacle course - what a friend!

By the end, he was going into the bounce houses by himself, which was a pretty big deal for him.

Josiah loves all the junk food he gets to eat at the parties, especially "spicy chips."

Yes green icing does clean off a white shirt, in case you were wondering.

The birthdays have been fun, but they've made me a little sad that Josiah probably won't have many friends in Hickory to invite to a party this year.