Back in Business

Things have been moving along quite slowly, but moving along nonetheless. That's what really matters! The little guy has gained almost a pound since his birthday three weeks ago. He got advanced today to try eating from a bottle for every feeding... and I'm hoping he does well with that. He struggled when I was in the NICU today, but that always happens when I'm there, right?? It's like how it rains every time you get your car washed. I'm cursed. Oh well! Hope that doesn't ring true when he is finally home.

Good news: the doc estimated (which NEVER happens) that Mason will be home by the end of this weekend. Woot! Wouldn't that be great? I don't want him coming home if he's not 100%, but if he gets the hang of life this week, I would be nothing short of ecstatic. Finally a family of four!

I'm so incredibly grateful for all the nice comments and words of encouragement we've received. Every comment I read, message I receive, phone call I get, and smile I see help me see the big picture and realize just how blessed we are to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Today in testimony meeting at church, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for the service and love of others. It's been slightly insane seeing how much good is in the world. Hearing stories of others' similar situations, receiving countless acts of service, and just having people know and ask about how things are going is truly amazing. I can't believe so many people know, so many people care, and so many people genuinely want to love and serve. Amazing people, I tell you.

This experience has really opened my eyes to the power of love and service. Service isn't hard. It is easy, rewarding, and it can change lives. I know that I have been changed by all the service I've received. Before I was put on bed rest, I (like many) had a hard time accepting help. I wanted to be able to do everything for myself, and, oddly, I felt uncomfortable receiving service. After being discharged from the hospital in January, I no longer had a choice: I needed help, I needed to accept the help, and I needed to be grateful for it. I admit it was difficult at first. I ached to just jump out of bed and get myself a stupid drink of water, for heaven's sakes! After a while my perspective changed; it seemed that there was a revolving door of people constantly coming to my bedside, ready to love and serve me. I couldn't believe it.

I hope to be able to take what I've learned from this experience and apply it in my life. I need to be better and I need to be more aware of the needs of those around me. A little can go a long way, and I plan to start doing more of those little things. Farewell and Happy Super Tuesday!

Oh, and P.S. Most of this post was written a few days ago, and since then, Mason's feeding tube has been removed! Woot. His nurse today thinks it was a little too soon, but what's done is done, and we are moving on up in the NICU world! It's looking like just a few more days :)