Apparently, I'm a hero...

I wish I were writing about how awesome my birthday was last week (not to diminish the wonderfulness of my husband who spoiled me rotten!), but sadly my birthday was overshadowed by another event.

The breaking of my finger.

A week and a day ago I (stupidly I now know) put Jackson to bed without a bottle.  He went down without a hitch but awoke the next morning in a feeding frenzy.  He absolutely did not want Cheerios or  a banana - he wanted a bottle - and PRONTO!  I quickly made one and shoved it in his mouth ASAP.

Now keep in mind this is before 8 am and my brain does not work properly until around 10ish.

As I am walking to the living room, feeding baby in arms, I trip over the alphabet train.  Now, I would've been able to catch myself (at least I like to think that), but said alphabet train has 26 alphabet blocks in its caboose, which went flying right in my stumbling path.  As I was trying to catch my balance I am stepping on the A, M, Q...etc.  I then realize, I'm going down hard...face first.  Oh...and I'm holding my child!

                                                 The Culprit

I quickly launched the bottle across the room (sending Jackson into a blind rage) and threw my hand down - just in time to catch myself and Jackson before he hit the floor - and rolled us both over.  Thankfully, the only damage done to Jackson was his sudden realization of hunger again.  My poor finger was not so lucky.

Bryan was still home and came running in to see me rocking back and forth repeating, "I broke my finger, I broke my finger," and Jackson still screaming on the floor.  After a full belly and full examination, Jackson was fine and I initiated the process of trying to convince myself that my finger was not, in fact, broken, just jammed.

The next morning, it was clear by the sight of my poor finger (resembling a multi-colored sausage) that it was, indeed, broken, and a couple hours later an x-ray confirmed it.

So, now I'm stuck with my right, middle finger (the broken one) and my ring finger taped together and splinted.  And, who knows for how long?  The doctor wouldn't say.

             Bryan says this seriously hinders my communication with him. :)

Did I mention I'm right handed?  Do you know how hard it is to change poopie diapers when half of your hand is rendered useless?

On the bright side, as my cousin pointed out, I saved my son's life.  Apparently, I'm a hero...

I've got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!

Lately, I've been struggling with joy.  Not that I don't have joy but I've felt that somehow, the joy I have is inadequate.  That I don't have enough.  Well this morning, for whatever reason, I woke up with this immense feeling of joy -- joy overflowing!

I am joyful because --

-  Jackson is sleeping through the night again.  And, this morning he slept until 8 am.  I know it still seems early for most, but considering he's been waking up at 7 am or before, it feels like sleeping in!

-  After he had his bottle, Jackson cuddled on the couch with me for over half an hour as we watched "Jack's Big Music Show."  I love my Cuddle Bug time!

-  I made it through the first year of Jackson's life.  I no longer have an infant, I have a toddler.  For some reason, this makes me feel like superwoman.

-  I have a husband that wants to spend time with me before anyone or anything else.  He would rather be at home than the office and, therefore, struggles when he has to stay late to get things done.

-  My husband works so hard to further himself in his career, even if it means late hours, so that in years to come we will have choices for where we want to be.

-  I have reconnected with several members of my Dad's side of the family.  I love being close with my cousins again and having regular phone conversations with them.

-  It's FALL!  The weather is cooling down and I get to decorate with leaves and pumpkins again.

-  I can depend on Rachael Ray for excellent meals.  Last night I made her steak sandwiches with provolone sauce and squished potatoes.  It was so delicious, I am still thinking about it.  Sometimes, I don't know what I'd do without that woman!

-  I have such wonderful friends.  I love that my girlfriends from NC and SC and I still talk often and try to see each other whenever we can.  I am so thankful to the Lord for the friends He's brought me in TN and know they will be lifelong friends.

-  Lastly, I am over-joyed at the blessings my Heavenly Father has given me.  He has blessed me with a wonderful family, extended family, group of friends, home, etc etc etc! He hears even the smallest of my prayers and answers them according to His will.  His grace is sufficient and His love is abundant.  Truth is, my joy comes from HIM!!

I hope this joy sticks around!

Thanks for reading.  XOXO