A dose of reality and a thankful mommy

So we had a little stop by the urgent care room with Owen over the weekend. And when I say "little stop", I really mean a five hour late night family ER adventure. Two days in a row of a high fever and no other symptoms were enough for the on call nurse to recommend we take him in...

I thought things were bad when Owen threw up red Tylenol while hysterically crying all over me, himself, the hospital bed and the floor. And it was confirmed that we had had a rough night when sitting in Walgreens waiting for Owen's prescription at midnight, a half a box of Wheat Thins deep into watching a large old man in a Hawaiian shirt test out the shake weight in the aisle next to me. Low. Point.

But yes, that was real. And yes, this week has been hard. But through the real, hard moments, I have seen that the Lord once again has sustained us, answered prayers about Owen's health, and reminded me of my great need for him and for the sweet people he has placed in my life. We are still waiting on some test results, but it is suspected that Owen had a urinary tract infection. We also had a scare yesterday but it turns out the antibiotic can do some funky things to your system and he checked out just fine at the doctor.

Needless to say, I have had a small dose of reality right alongside each of Owen's doses of medicine this week. I have come to realize that Satan attempts to make being a stay-at-home mommy the most isolating experience it can be. Of course he wants me to have to miss church and Bible Study and cancel lunches and dinners with friends. He also wants me to feel like I am the only one who is going through something or that nobody else understands. Such lies! Even this morning I was e-mailing with a friend about our ER visit only to find out that she, too had been to the ER just today with her baby. So I am fully aware that I need to fight against the lies and the lonely feelings as much as possible. One way that I think I am called to fight against this is to remember each day what I am thankful for. The blessings ALWAYS outweigh the tough stuff. Today...

I am thankful for my mother-in-law's sweet way with Owen during her visit this week.

I am thankful for the thunder I hear outside and the prospect of rain.

I am thankful that every prayer we have ever prayed about Owen's health has been answered beautifully by our faithful Lord.

I am thankful for Bible Study and Community Group and for their encouragement and prayers even when I have to miss out.

I am thankful for Fuzzy's Spinach/Artichoke/Chicken/Mushroom Pizza (Also known as the Barbara Bush) and for the break John made me take from cooking this week.

I am thankful for getting to do Pilates TWICE this week. Huge treat for me.

I am thankful for the opportunity we get to make a quick trip to Austin this weekend-see you soon Grammy & Grampy!

I am thankful for my incredible husband who stayed up until one in the morning last night talking to me and singing with me (and Howie and Carolina) every childhood TV show theme song and commercial jingle we could think of...everything from this to this to this. (At one point we decided we should get a puppy surprise puppy to help us settle our differing opinions on how many children we should have. That is when I realized it was way past our bedtime.)

Oh, did I mention how I am thankful for my brave baby boy who will be 10 months old tomorrow?!?!
Owen, I am so proud of you for enduring the meds, blood draws, catheters and appointments. God has given you so much joy and courage. (and a mommy who learns how to have joy and courage by watching her sweet boys--- God's grace in my life!)