We're Still Here!

Hello. We are still alive and flourishing over here in the Bradshaw home. We have been quite busy the past few weeks, and when I have time to sit down and blog, I am usually too tired and lacking motivation. (Gasp!) Also, my two children are so majorly destructive to my house that I typically use nap time to clean up and get chores done. Seriously, Liam leaves a wake of chaos everywhere he goes. Not only that, but he's decided he doesn't like taking long naps in the afternoon anymore. Neither does Nora. What is happening to my children? Don't they know that naps are my sanity!

So, anyway, the children. It all boils down to the children.

Instead of recounting the past few weeks day by day, I thought I'd just randomly share some of the things and events that we've been going through. My mind is so scattered, so I probably couldn't recall all that's been happening anyway, so I'll just start somewhere and let my thoughts flow. This could be dangerous.

1. Jonathan has been traveling a lot the past few weeks. I am so thankful that when he does travel, it's only for a few short days and that truthfully, his job doesn't require him to travel very much. Last week, Jonathan and his two bosses flew up to Seneca Falls, NY, to visit a dental lab that does all of their lab work for them. He was wined and dined and fussed over. I was quite jealous. While he was gone, the kids and I packed up our stuff and moved in with the grandparents for a few days. We hadn't really seen them for a while, and I thought it would be a nice way to break up the time that Jonathan was gone. We had some really nice weather, so the kids were able to play outside a bunch, and naturally, Granna and Geegaw were loving having them around. On Friday, I got to get out for a few hours to get my hair cut and colored. On the way home, I called to check in on the kids only to hear that Nora wasn't acting like herself and seemed to be really tired. We had stayed up late the night before, so I assumed she was just running low on energy. She went down for an early nap, but thirty minutes in, she woke up and was burning up. I checked her temperature and it was at 103.7. WHAT!???

****Let's think back to the last time Jonathan was out of town: Nora got sick. I am beginning to think that Nora has an allergic reaction to her Daddy being in another state.

I decided to treat the fever and just monitor Nora overnight to see how she was doing. She had no other symptoms apart from the remnants of a runny nose. My initial thought was that she had another ear infection, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions. Saturday morning, her fever was still high, so I bit the bullet and called the dr. We got a mid-morning appointment, and thankfully I was able to leave Liam with Granna so that I could concentrate on my sick girly.

We arrived at the pediatrician along with every.other.patient.of.Dr.G's. Seriously, I have NEVER seen that many kids in the office at the same time. We had a pretty long wait, which is unusual for our pediatric office. We were finally ushered into a room, which is when the meltdown commenced. You see, Nora likes to pretend that she likes going to the doctor. She'll talk about our doctors when we're not at their office. She'll talk about them and seems to like them at home, in the car, in the waiting room, etc. But, the moment we set foot in the patient rooms, it is over. I think she must have flashbacks that begin reeling through her brain because she instantly becomes terrified. The nurse wanted Nora to be weighed since she hadn't been weighed since she turned two. Meltdown. (She's 27 lbs., by the way). We returned to the room where the nurse asked us all the questions about why we were there. Shortly after this, Dr. P. arrived in our room. (Dr. P is Dr. G's partner).

Nora's ears checked out fine, along with everything else. Since there didn't seem to be a cause for her fever, Dr. P. wanted to check her blood count. Major meltdown. Blood everywhere. On her clothes. Caused ANOTHER meltdown. Finally got her calmed down from that, and Dr. P. came in to say that her red blood count was low which could mean a virus, but could also be indicative of the flu. GREAT! So, we did the flu test. Traumatic. Meltdown. Poor Nora. It was so sad. Every time the door opened she cried. Thankfully, the flu test came back negative, so we just concluded it was a virus. We were told to treat the fever and get lots of rest and plenty of fluids. Thankfully, Nora's fever broke on Sunday evening, and she didn't have any other side effects of the little virus her body was fighting. She's all better, and I was so thankful to be with the grandparents those few days. They were such blessings and the biggest helpers! Praise the Lord for having family nearby.

While all of this illness stuff was going on, Jonathan's flights home from NY were cancelled which left him having to rearrange his entire flight schedule. Instead of arriving home in Knoxville at 4:30 pm on Saturday, he got home a little after 11:00 pm. My poor travel-weary husband. Needless to say, we were so happy to see him!

Did I mention that Jonathan is out of town again!? This week he is in Atlanta. So far, everyone is healthy, but this time we have decided to keep ourselves at home. Hopefully, this will be the last time for a while that he'll have to travel for work!

2. This past Sunday, we had the privilege of visiting with Matt and Paula Mason! Matt is a pastor and worship leader at our church in New Orleans, Lakeview Christian Center. I used to sing with him on the worship team, and he is also pastor over the Pivot ministry which is geared toward 18-30 year olds. We just love them, and when we found out they were coming in town to spend the weekend with a good friend of ours, Amy Stovall, we were pumped. Matt led worship at CCK on Sunday! It was awesome! Also, they came over for dinner on Sunday night so we were able to spend some one-on-one time with them before they headed back to NOLA. It was a great visit and such a treat!!! What a precious couple they are!

3. My training for the 5k starts on Saturday. I am getting nervous. I am beginning to rethink my sanity. I don't like pain, remember?

4. We have started the Adventures in Potty-Training. I've been meaning to post about this, but for so long things weren't progressing very well at all with potty-training Nora. She will easily "peep" in the potty. However, there wasn't much consistency, particularly on my end. With Liam---THE DESTROYER---I have to watch him like a hawk! So, I have had trouble committing myself to being like white on rice with Nora to really get the training down. I know it takes a lot on the part of the mom, but alas, I just hadn't been able to do that. On Sunday, I had a conversation with my sister-in-law where I told her that I had just decided that I was going to wait a few months and then try again. Nora was (and still is) terrified of going #2. She's done it once, but since then she seems freaked out by the whole idea, and I know that is just something you can't rush. It's a sensitive subject; I get that! So, Sunday, I was all about just waiting. It made sense. We are going to be doing a good bit of traveling in May, June & July, and I just didn't want to make the whole potty-training process any more difficult that it has to be.

Monday, however, Nora Kathryn had different plans. Out of the blue, she starts telling me that she has to pee. When she initiates, I am NOT ABOUT to tell her "No," so I quickly whisk her away to the restroom and help her do her thing. Naturally, she gets a reward, then goes about her day. This went on all day. No accidents. (She's wearing a pull-up, forgot to mention that). I put her in a diaper for bedtime, thinking that Monday was a fluke. Tuesday, she does the same thing. Every time, SHE tells ME! I assist her, and it happens all day. This is still how things are going. #2 isn't happening on the potty, but in the pull-up, but I am TOTALLY COOL with that. I know that will come over time.

I think it's really funny and kind of humorous of God to have things happen like this. I am a control freak. I don't like to fail. Part of my difficulty in committing to potty-training is that I think in reality, I am scared of failing at it as a mommy. And just when I God gives me the grace to let go of my fear of man and just wait a few more months, Nora decides she's ready! The Lord is daily showing me that He knows what is best and that I just need to trust Him, enjoy his timing, and go from there. He sets my fear aside. I know this process isn't over, and I know we'll have a whole new Adventure in Potty-Training when I ditch the pull-ups and go for the panties. But, honestly, I don't know what that will look like or when that will be. We're riding this train one day at a time.

5. Liam is the cutest, funniest little thing I've ever met. He is such a mess and such a joy! We all love him and his crazy self SO MUCH! He is just precious, and I wish everyone could just see how funny this little guy is. He is such a flirt. He likes to sing. Yes, he sings. We do ""Warm Ups" together. He loves to be tickled, and I think he might be the athlete of the family. The boy can really throw a ball. I absolutely LOVE having a boy.

6. Jonathan and I leave for NYC in 50 days! WHAT!? I am so excited. We will be celebrating our 6th anniversary this coming May, and since neither of us has been to New York City, we decided that's how we wanted to celebrate this year. We'll be leaving the kids for the duration of our trip, which makes me sad and nervous at the same time, but now that I am starting to accept that fact, I AM SO STINKING EXCITED. Almost a week of alone time with my best friend in one of the most exciting places in the country. Woo HOOOOO!!!!!

Ok, I am out of energy. That's a lot of blogging and I think my fingers are about to fall off. Sorry if you are asleep right now. I promise not to stay away so long next time so that you don't have to handle the long posts.

This Is My Prayer As A Mother...

"The Mother"
-E.V.S.

"Never too tired to hear or heed
The slightest cry of her children's need;
Never impatient in look or word,
By what tender thoughts her heart is stirred.

Through nights of watching and busy days,
Unwearied, she asks no need of praise;
For others spending and being spent,
She finds therein her sweet content.

Though decked in no robes of silken sheen,
In her small domain she walks a queen;
Outshining far the costliest gem.
A spirit meek is her diadem.

Though fortune frown, she is brave of heart,
No selfish thought in her life has part;
Patient and trustful though storms may lower;
A faithful friend in life's darkest hour."

This Is What We Do At Night....

The First Taste of Spring

I'm still holding my breath, but every day it seems that Spring is closer and closer. This past weekend was the first series of warm and sunny days that we've had in months, and let me just say that we enjoyed every single second of it.

On Saturday, my in-laws came over just after nap time to watch the kids enjoy the outside. They kept the kids for us on Saturday night so that we could go out with two of our closest friend couples for our Second Annual Melting Pot Birthday Bash! (I just came up with that name). Anyway, when Granna and Geegaw arrived at our house on Saturday afternoon, they had in hand a brand new bubble machine!

The kids had a blast playing in the bubbles and enjoying the warm air. Precious memories!

Our Little Old Geezer

The things we do to our kids.

The things our kids do to us.

The things we are willing to share with the public.



I will continue to try to capture this monstrosity on camera. It's absolutely hilarious and this video doesn't do it justice. Sorry, also, for the Blair Witch Project feel.

Trying To Get To The Bottom of This...

Liam Piper: 10 Months Old

This is officially the fastest year of my life. I cannot believe that yet another month has gone by in our lives. We are almost to Spring. Summer is just around the corner. Nora is now 2.5 years old! Wow! Life is TRULY a vapor.

Today Liam turns 10 months old! He is such a joy and such a precious baby boy. He is so easy-going, so sweet and loving, and such a snuggle bug! We are so blessed to have him as our own, and I can't believe he will be a year old in just a matter of weeks!

There haven't been a ton of changes in his world this past month. He still eats about the same as he did at 9 months. His sleep schedule and size hasn't changed really. His mobility has kicked up a few notches which makes life very interesting and very busy!

Liam's personality is coming out more and more. We have learned two things about him: He is very stubborn. He is very LOUD.

Liam Piper is a very determined young man. If he sets his mind toward something---the fireplace, let's say---he will do anything and everything in his power to get to the fireplace. No amount of toys, distractions, food, pops on the hand seem to sway this boy. Hard in the head. My days are going to be very busy with this little guy!

Liam knows how to use his vocal cords. He also knows that Momma and Daddy don't like him to use his vocal cords when out in public. However, he seems to use this to his advantage and likes to shriek very loudly, shrill screams, piercing to the ear.

Two days ago, Liam woke up from his afternoon nap and decided that he wanted to crawl on his hands and knees. It was that sudden. Before his nap, he was an army crawler. After his nap, he was apparently too cool for that! It's really funny because he doesn't quite have it down yet, but he shakes his little booty and makes his way everywhere he wants to go. If he is really in a hurry then he'll flatten out and revert to the army crawl, but for the most part, he's a full-fledge, normal crawler. (By the way, my Momma thinks it's hysterical that neither of my children crawled normally. Remember, Nora was a scooter, and my Momma had never heard of army crawling until she saw Liam, so she thinks my kids are weird. They might be. The jury is still out).

Liam loves his Momma. He thankfully hasn't really struggled with separation anxiety, but in the past month he has definitely shown a favoritism toward me and prefers to be held by me over others. If he's having a particularly rough day, Momma's arms will make things better. We also have what I call "love fests" which is where he will just hug me for several seconds and go "ooohhhhhhhh." I can't get enough of those! He's such a sweet man!

Liam's language skills seems to be improving. He can say "Duck" (at least I am convinced that he can say it). He doesn't say "Nora" but I think that he might be trying to say her name. He has a distinct sound that he'll repeat when I say her name over and over, trying to get him to imitate. I've been working on signs for "all done" and "more" but the light bulb hasn't quite gone off with him on those things yet. We'll keep trying, though!

All in all, to sum up life with Liam right now, I'll just say we are BUSY. He is everywhere and into everything. Safety is my major concern because he has no fear, is stubborn, and loves to explore! I love having a little boy and can't wait to see what the coming months bring!

.love.

Getting in Shape

I am so proud of my hubby! For the past several months, he has been training for his first half marathon! He has loved running for as long as I have known him, but between years of intense school and a busy work schedule, his love for running and his dream for completing a half and full marathon have had to go to the wayside! However, he has finally found the time to train for this huge and long race. This past Sunday, he ran 10 miles! Isn't that awesome. The big race is only about three weeks away, so I'll keep you posted on how the big day goes.

In the meantime, please pray for his safety as he trains. I had no idea how hard running can be on the human body. Injuries are super common. Knee injuries, fractures, feet issues, etc., are all things that he can encounter that will prevent him from running and that could even become permanent problems. Just last night we were talking with our next door neighbor Anne, who is also a runner and in training for the half marathon. She has pulled a muscle in her thigh and has a rotator cuff problem that are both results of running. She is undergoing physical therapy for the next few days that will determine whether or not she can resume training for the race in just a few weeks. Talking to her made me realize that Jonathan could very easily hurt himself, so I am praying that he won't and that he will be able to continue training without much pain. He loves to run, so I pray he is able to listen to his body!

In other news, I am trying to be inspired by all of this exercising that is taking place around me. A few months ago, I promised Jonathan that when the weather warmed up that I would start training for a 5k. That's 3.1 miles! I am NOT a runner. I repeat, I AM NOT A RUNNER! I don't like pain. I don't like the burning sensation that you get in your lungs and in your legs and in your side. I don't like to sweat, really. So, for many years running and I have not been friends. However, since running is something my husband loves, I figured I would at least give it a try so that maybe I will start to like running as well and it can turn into something we do together.

OH, that reminds me. Our first year of marriage, Jonathan and I ran a 5k together (this was right after our wedding for which I was in good shape and used to work out at the healthplex at our college, so I COULD run 3.1 miles. Now, almost 6 years and two babies later, I ain't no runner!). The school I was teaching at at the time hosted a race every year, so we ran that one. I finished the race and even won a TROPHY! I got second place in my age range. Isn't that impressive? (I think there were only like 7 people in my age range that participated). Jonathan also got a trophy that day!

Okay, enough reminiscing. Back to my training and the 5k. I have decided to follow a program called Couch to 5k. It's supposed to be fairly simple and a real relaxed training program. I'm not necessarily a couch potato, but I promise you that I am NOT in shape at all. There are three training days a week for nine weeks. Yesterday I chose the 5k that I am going to run, and it will be on Saturday, May 29th. If I take 9 weeks to train, then that means I have to start training no later than March 27th.

I hope the weather has warmed up by then!

By the way, the race I am going to do is The Tennessee Sports Medicine 5K.

Quite the Imagination

I absolutely LOVE Nora's imagination these days. It seems that every day she is growing more and more creative and clever, coming up with all sorts of new ideas. Her ability to imagine and pretend are improving, even though she is quite a literal little girl. She is enjoying playing pretend with her dolls and stuffed animals, especially her Baby Alive doll, Molly, that she got for Christmas.

One of the funniest aspects of her imagination has to do with what we assume are her imaginary friends!? Dare I say that!? Nora often talks about two "characters" named Sissy and Coco. She came up with these two "people" sometime after Thanksgiving while we were in New Orleans visiting my family. She talked about them pretty consistently for a while, but just when we think she's forgotten completely about Sissy and Coco, she brings them up again. Absolutely unsolicited.

Whenever the topic of Sissy and Coco come up, we try to ask lots of questions so we can figure out who they are:

Where are Sissy and Coco?
At their house.

Is Sissy a girl or a boy?
A girl.

Is Coco a girl or a boy?
A boy.

In an attempt to see if the answers change, we ask again:
Where are Sissy and Coco?
At work.

Where do they work?
At Knoxville.

What do they do at their work?
They watch people. At the hospital.
They work at the airport.

What do they do at the airport?
They fly.

In the past several weeks, things have definitely evolved. I started this post in the beginning of February but didn't get around to publishing it and actually forgot about it. Life with Coco and Sissy are much busier! They come around more often, and whereas before Jonathan and I weren't convinced that these two were actual imaginary friends, now we are pretty certain that they are. In fact, I overheard Nora talking to Sissy the other day and looked over just in time to see Nora giving Coco a "hug."

Ms. Joyce (Granna) told me last week that one day while she was keeping the kids for me, Nora played for about 15 minutes with her "friends" just as happy as can be. I've not seen her do that, but she does continue to bring them up and has gotten better about answering our questions about the whereabouts and happenings of these two people.

We really can't think of where she may have gotten the idea of Sissy and Coco. Nothing seems to have been a trigger, but I will say that she comes by it honest. Jonathan had three imaginary friends when he was a little boy. I think it is adorable and shows how creative she really is! I'll keep you posted on how things change and adapt with Nora and her gang!