Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Simple Pleasures--Hospital Edition

:: Enjoying my own Sit a Spell moments while the baby naps (yes, I'm still plugging along at the knitting, bit by bit).
:: Rainer's simple pleasure: this dinosaur pillowcase (Jacob's old one) that I brought from home last night. He requests that it accompany him, from crib, to chair, to rocking chair, in our room.
:: This little Holztiger owl I gave him. It's charming how much he likes it! I pulled it from a box of Holztiger goodness I bought to have on hand for various holidays and gift giving occasions throughout these next few months. And the book? Owl Babies--pure sweetness. The Green Pumpkin kindly brought that for Rainer on Halloween night.
:: Starting The Sisters Mortland. What fun to start a new book!
:: And reading wordless books to Rainer. Usually he won't let me, but now we're having much fun cuddling under the quilt and looking at the pictures and talking about what we see.
:: These pillowcases I whipped up. I brought my home pillows to sleep with on the nights I stay with Rainer, and it was so sad the way my white plilowcases blended in with the hospital linens. The problem is now solved, using fabrics from my stash.

:: Having worked out a part time work schedule to last until Rainer gets out of the hospital. It's a relief to have a solid plan, and I work for a wonderful school district that is so supportive of my need to care for my son.
:: Rainer's sweet toes and the way he piles the wooden fruits into his trucks . . .
. . . and seeing him line them up and call them a "train." So freaking cute.

:: And his new use of emotional terms. Little guy is surprisingly articulate: when the nurses are fussing with him he'll cry and say "sad." On the other hand, when we're about to watch Spot or read some books, he'll say "cited!" (excited).

:: Watching Obama accept victory tonight! Woo hoo! We don't have TV at home, so this was the first time I've actually seen one of his speeches. I'm so excited to see our country move in a new and more positive direction. Bring on the change!
And finally this card from Angel and her family. Angel is one of my readers and she sweetly sent this along with some cute felt pieces for Rainer to arrange and play with. Thank you, Angel!

I'm feeling very optimistic when I see my sweet boy's positive spirit and lust for life. I just know his body will kick in and do what it needs to do. Thank you so much for all your prayers. We're taking it one day at a time, enjoying our beautiful son, and holding positive thoughts.

29 comments:

Tava said...

Yeah Obama. Change for us all and for sweet Rainer's health. Thinking of your family.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary Beth,
I think about Rainer during the day, every now and then. Sending positive fibes across the Ocean. Realising how we have to take care of each moment we are together with our loved ones and not take it for granted.
Saw the Dutch book on you picture, 'A New Day'. Think that also counts for the USA. Hope arrising.
Love, Ria

Iris said...

Dear Mary Beth! Such an upbeat post! It's good to see you doing so well despite everything and absolutely wonderful to see Rainer sitting up and playing. I also think of you regularly throughout the day at the moment.

I love, love, love your pillowcases! Yet another thing that I've been meaning to do for so long, but never squeeze in. When I see these things in your blog it really inspires me to just do it.

As for Obama - today is a good day! The first words from my radio alarm this morning were literally 'Barack Obama is the new President of the United States'. Doesn't get better than that!

Wishing you all well and hoping you have the energy to continue finding all the positive things about your situation at the moment.

Sarah said...

I hope the incredible swelling of healing that is coming from this country touches Rainer and helps him on the road to recovery.

Meg said...

It's a very exciting and emotional morning! I'm keeping you and Rainer in my prayers, and I love your positive outlook--it's doing you and him a world of good. I also love that you've been able to bring the simple beauty of your home life into the sterile hospital setting. I send you prayers and hope this morning!

Gretchen said...

Thank you for sharing the glimpse of your life right now. Inspiring me to cuddle my sweet boys a little longer, and to take a moment and be mindful of our thanksgivings.Sending well wishes your way.

Gift of Green said...

Back up there for a minute...you don't have a t.v. at home? I never knew that about you!!

I now return to our regularly scheduled well-wishes for Rainer. As always your pictures are filled with light - I am thinking of you and your family.

Karen said...

You don't know me, but I have 2 little boys as well and have been reading your blog for a while. We live in VA. I'd love to send something to entertain Rainer while he is in the Hospital. I understand if you don't want to give out your address. So, let me know your thoughts.

Anonymous said...

i love that you've surrounded yourselves in beauty and love in your away-from-home place right now. still sending healing vibes your way.

Mary Beth said...

Hi Karen. Thank you! E-mail me, and I'll give you my work address. My e-mail is posted on my profile. You are sweet to think of us.

Thanks to everyone for such kind and thoughtful comments. Happy Wednesday morning to you all.

Mary Beth said...

Oh, and Amy (Gift of Green), here's how we do TV at home: We own a TV, but get no actual stations. We watch a DVD once or twice a week with the kids. That's it! I'm grateful we don't have TV because it's so easy to get sucked in!

Di said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Di said...

Sending positive vibes from Scotland for a speedy recovery for Rainer and for the future of the US!

(Sorry I had to delete my last post as my typos outnumbered my correctly spelt words!!)

Kelli said...

this was such a sweet post. I am glad your work is so supportive. Prayers and Hugs.

Celia said...

Everytime I read your blog I get more and more touched with Rainer. You talk so sweet about him and how strong he is that touches me! I'll keep praying he'll be back home soon!

Sheree said...

Happy Belated Birthday cute little guy...I love his little toes and am happy to hear is feeling a bit better.

Sheree

Anonymous said...

thinking of you and your gorgeous little guy

dreamingmama said...

Love how you've made the room comfortable for your family. Rainer is lucky to have such loving, positive parents.
We pray for you everyday and will continue to keep you in our prayers. You are an amazing mom!

Anonymous said...

hi,
this is my first time coming to your blog..u r a strong woman, and me and my family r u wishing u the best for rainer and hope he will be better soon..

Barbara said...

I was imagining to see you all at home again when I visited your blog today. Sorry to read that your sweet boy is still at the hospital. I guess he's in the best place just now though and it seems like you make it just as nice as possible for him. Lovely idea to make special pillow cases - so cozy! Sending special wishes from a very Autumnal Scotland. Bx

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you every day, my friend.

I can't get to your email and have something to send your way. Could you email me when you get a chance.... Absolutely no hurry.

Cleo said...

all my love, If i could conquer cancer, your little prince can do it with style!! Love to you all

Kelli said...

thinking and praying for you guys, hope everything is on the upbeat!

Cleo said...

though of you guys today ... love to you

willywagtail said...

Hi. I have only just found your blog and had a quick look through your front page. I wanted to say that you appear to be doing an amazing job of balancing your children, hubby and the odd craft. My feelings are with you at this time. Cherrie

Susan said...

Just want you to know I'm thinking of you and little Rainer and saying prayers! Hope all is OK.

Kellie said...

I am keeping you guys in our prayers. I enjoy reading your blog. Keep fighting the good fight.

Anonymous said...

I keep checking to see if you have posted any updates. Rainer, you are sill in my thoughts and prayers all day long.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary Beth,
I'm worried. You haven't posted for almost a week now. I fear it isn't going well. Still thinking about you and Rainer a lot.
Love, Ria