We saw the neurologist today. It was just a routine check-up, but the doc wanted to increase his anti-seizure meds. Why? Because his dosage is low for his weight. But mama came through for her little boy. If he hasn’t had a seizure since we started the meds, why should we mess with the dosage (and thereby, mess with the side effects)? The doc agreed to keep it where it is, and only increase if he has another seizure. Now, here’s hoping that there are no more seizures.

Otherwise, everything looked good. Reflexes, muscle use, development, eyes, head size… It’s all good. And that makes mama happy.  As for the frequent night waking (and screaming) that started after we started his meds, the doc wasn’t willing to call them seizures, though they could be. They could be triggered by seizure activity in the brain, but they could just as well be a zillion other things - nightmares, light sleeping, regular sleep disturbances. So, just another thing to add to the ‘wait and see’ list. As for how long he’ll be on the meds, at least 2 years. Then we can do EEGs and try to wean him off. I’m looking forward to that day!

All in all, a good visit. Liam came home happy, and I’m quite pleased that we don’t have to mess with his meds for now. Just hoping and praying that there will be no more seizures. Want another bonus? The whole family has been healthy for 3 weeks now! I almost don’t know what to do with myself. It’s winterish, and we’re all healthy… All. healthy. How can that be? Thankful for it though.

… since the arrival of my in-laws from Moldova.

1. Cold drinks will make someone sick.
2. Playing on a tile floor will make someone sick.
3. Not being covered at night (with a thick, thick blanket) will make someone sick.
4. Bumps and bruises truly do mean the end of the world is imminent.
5. Children who are able to do things on their own should not be permitted to, under any circumstance.
6. Washing hands in cold water will make someone sick.
7. Changing a child’s diaper less frequently than once an hour will make the child sick.
8. Wearing socks in the house without slippers will make someone sick.
9. A person should never - under any circumstance - sit on the floor/ground.
10. Flowers given upon arrival to welcome a guest should always be given in an odd number (11 or 13, not twelve).
11. Children who suck on their fingers will be harmed for life.
12. Children who suck on a pacifier will also be harmed for life, only not as drastically.
13. Finding the balance in that whole ‘leaving mother and father and cleaving to wife’ thing takes practice.
14. Grandparents waking up with the kids at night gives pregnant mommy a good night’s rest.
15. A good night’s rest makes a pregnant mommy feel ten times better.
16. Homeopathic bee pollen (courtesy of homeopathic doc-grandfather) is in fact a superfood for kids and adults alike.
17. Going to see the pediatric neurologist isn’t nearly as intimidating when homeopathic doc/neurologist grandfather tags along.
18. When grandparents play with the kids I get a lot more done.
19. Having grandparents who love to garden means I don’t have to pull weeds.
20. Chicken Turkey noodle soup at the end of a long day makes it all better.
21. Chocolate works better.
22. Chocolate doesn’t work quite as well as a margarita (or cosmopolitan or mojito) would (but alas, I’m pregnant).
23. 4-6 adults (depending on guests) and 2 children make for a very, very full house.
24. I need a vacation.

I try to remind myself - daily - that even though their ideas seem odd to me, they aren’t much different than my own. Just like I kiss my fingers and touch them to the top of the car when I drive through a yellow light. Just like I believe that sitting too close to the TV will ruin my eyes. Just like I believe that drinking ice water out of a glass instead of a clear plastic cup ruins the flavor of the water. We all have little eccentricities. I’m just surrounded by a whole bunch that I’m not used to. And that are being imposed on my kids. But we’ll adjust. The kids will too, probably faster than me.

(Conversation today with 3-year old Bean)

“Mama, where’s God?”

“He’s in heaven, but the great thing is, He’s with us at the same time. You can talk to Him any time you want.”

“Okay. I want to talk to Him. Will you pray with me?”

“Nah, why do something silly like that?” (Just kidding! You know I said yes!)  And her prayer went like this:

Dear God, Please bring the snow. Then Santa will come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I don’t know if she was praying in Jesus’ name or if Santa’s going to come in Jesus’s name. Let’s hope the former.

I entered a new decade today. On Thanksgiving. I’ve actually been looking forward to this one. Kind of like having kids inaugurates a new stage in life, 30 does the same. Somehow it’s like I’ve ‘graduated.’

The funny thing is that I had a distant aunt send me ‘condolences’ wishing me a day full of loving, gracious friends and family to lift me up on this hard day in my life. Apparently she mourned leaving her 20’s behind to the extent of days upon days of bitter tears. I can see why some people would take it hard - it’s an age and a country where we value youth and try desperately to hang on to it as long as we can. For some reason though, that’s not me. I’m quite happy to be 30. (Of course, that may be because I’m the very last of my friends to enter this decade… It’s like I’m joining them.)

Celebrating on Thanksgiving made it all the better. Good food, family. Sure, a day in the kitchen where I single-handedly made a seven course meal for 9 people, complete with a 17-pound turkey, and entirely exhausted myself. But the satisfaction and fulfillment of the meal itself, surrounded by this particular set of people made it entirely worth-while.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Yesterday my in-laws arrived. Not for a visit, or for the holidays. But to move in. They arrived around 9:30 last night after 17 hours of flying and 4 hours in customs. It was a long day.

And it was wonderful to see them. The kids cuddled with them this morning - even though it was the first time they’d met. My in-laws said this is like heaven for them. Not having to work - for the first time in their lives (as in, they’ve never, ever taken a vacation), spending time with their grandkids, and having everything they need (shelter, food, heating, etc.) provided for them. They think our home is heavenly.

They think I’m the most gifted interior decorator this side of the Atlantic. And the best cook in the history of the planet. (I’m not deceiving myself - they only think that because they hadn’t eaten in 2 days.) They’re wonderful. They love spending time loving on my kids.

I love lying down for a rest in the middle of the morning. So apparently, this is working out just fine. Pictures will come soon. Probably after I’ve had time to lie down and recoup from the tizzy of cleaning-madness I’ve just put myself through.

Bean made her first ever joke this week. She saw the Zaxby’s chicken from the Zax Club and said,

Look, mama! It’s a picture of you!

I was so proud. Maybe it has to do with the hair…

Funny girl!

In 6 days my in-laws will be moving in for us. After working like a mad woman for a couple weeks, my house is mostly ready. Thankfully.

But I realized today that I’ve focused all my energy on preparing my home, and I completely forgot that this is going to be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually demanding.  I haven’t seen my in-laws in 4 years, and they’ve never met my kids. I am so looking forward to the blessings of having them here - extra hands, gleaning from their wisdom, a whole new generation and culture living in our home, my kids’ knowing their heritage and becoming more fluent in Romanian… But I know that in the short-term there are going to be some difficult adjustments, and I haven’t mentally prepared myself for those.

I confidently went through the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ (Gal. 5:22) this morning, mentally putting a check mark on the qualities I’m good on. Then - you know - that whole Holy Spirit thing got in the way. And I realized. I need all of them. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I’ve got nothin’.

So I have 6 days to acquire the fruit of the Spirit. In the meantime, I’m pretty confident that if I ask for it, God will increase it in me. And though I won’t ‘arrive’ I’m also confident that He’ll fill those around me with grace and a quickness to forgive. I have to believe that - otherwise I’d be a basket-case right now. But do me a favor. Stop for a moment and mention that one to God for me. Thanks.

Is it me? Or are little girls’ shirts (toddler-sizes) shorter in the midriff than they should be? Maybe Bean just has a long torso (which I find hard to believe seeing as how all the women on both sides of the family are stricken with being ‘vertically-challenged’).   I bought her a slew of long-sleeved shirts at consignment. Of them, she’s able to wear only 3 without looking like she’s trying to imitate Brittney Spears. She’s 3 years old, people! Is it really necessary for children’s clothing manufacturers to be turning preschoolers into little Bratz dolls? (And when did being a brat become cool?) A quarter of the shirts I brought home from an upscale consignment store are appropriate. That means 75% of them show a bare midriff. Did I mention that she’s 3? Come on! She can’t even wield a crayon correctly! But boy, with all that skin to show off, maybe we should adorn it with something cute, like a belly ring. Or maybe a little butterfly tattoo.

Or, better yet, maybe children’s clothing companies could make something that would cover up my 3-year old daughter’s bare tummy - in winter, no less!

Apparently, hubbs and I could be driving a Rolls Royce. If only we’d gone the way of pastoring a prosperity gospel church instead of some quaint, conservative church plant in who-knows-where. Darn. Guess we missed the boat on that one.

Referring to his over $3 mill. salary, luxury cars, and extravagant lifestyle, Rev. Dollar (yes, that’s really his name!) says “Just because it’s excessive doesn’t mean it’s wrong.” Anyone? Thoughts?

There’s been an ongoing debate through Christian history on this very issue (of course, Rolls Royces would be a recent addition to the debate). There are battling sides - one that says God rewards the faithful with material pleasures. The other tends to be more monastic, giving up worldly goods to free themselves to fully serve Him. I don’t expect the debate to come to an abrupt end, but which one is it? Is Rev. Dollar’s Rolls a reward from God for his faithful ministry? Or should we be seeking out treasures in heaven rather than on earth?

Bean: “Mommy, I have a baby in my leg.”

Me:  “Huh?!?”

Bean: “I have a baby in my leg. It’s right here.” (points to thigh)

Me: “Why is there a baby in your leg?”

Bean: “Well, you have one in your tummy, right? Mine’s in my leg.”