bethysmalls

If you know me beyond occasional acquaintance, you know I have a thing for the Duggar family. I’m not what anyone would call religious, I don’t think they have the kind of life or family that I want or  have ever even dreamed about but I really like them. They are honest to goodness nice people. They care about each other despite all the people in that one house which has to get nuts, right? They care about other families and not just the ones who are like them. Michelle Duggar often talks about having a “service heart” which I think is a nice idea and something we could all try a little harder at.

The Duggars are going through a very trying time right now with their newest baby, a micro-premie named Josie Brooklyn, hospital bound in the NICU. People.com published a little story about her progress last week saying that she suffered a setback shortly after birth (which is not at all surprising considering she was born almost 3 months early) and that she is currently doing very well, considering. “Never trust a premie” is what the NICU staff has told Jim-Bob and Michelle. No matter how well she’s doing, you never know what the next second holds.

Under the little blurb on People was a collection of Facebook comments. They said things like, “Even though I don’t agree with having all those kids, I hope that baby girl is okay.” And after checking just now the comments have gotten nastier. Some suggesting that they somehow caused this situation by having so many children or even that they are stupid. It drives me nuts.

I use contraception. I have a good amount of debt. I don’t go to church. I believe in evolution. I dance. I’m a woman who wears pants and the occasional 2 piece bathing suit. These are just some of the ways I’m different from the Duggars. I’m fairly certain that even if they knew all these things about me, they wouldn’t judge me or think I am stupid.

Considering all the people in the world who would or even do judge people like me for not being as righteous as the Duggars, why must people dole out criticism and judgment against them even when trying to give support during such an incredibly difficult time?

Their way of life is unique and certainly not for everyone. But they make it work. They deserve our sympathy and concern just as much as anyone in this situation.

I’m pulling for you, Duggars. I hope you see the other side of this with 19 healthy kids.

And to all my friends with new babies right now and soon, I’m thinking good things for all of you, too.

On Sunday, Hoagey went down into the basement to put in a load of wash and was down for longer than it usually takes for this task. When he came back up, he went straight for the wall between our kitchen and dining room.

“There’s water dripping in the basement.”

“How much?”

“A decent amount, slow it looks like it’s been going for a while.”

I sort of brushed it off. Something like this had happened before. The same wall had a little moisture at the ceiling a year or so ago but it turned out we had just been splashing water out of the tub. Except my dad had resealed the bathtub last year when he came for Bruno’s arrival… But still, maybe it will stop. Let’s not worry until tomorrow.

This morning, the one paint bubble and associated trail of water turned into several bubbles and many trails of water.

Long story short: Plumber called, couldn’t find the leak, suggested we open the wall ourselves.

Here’s what it looked like before the leak:

It's the little off set part by the doorway to the kitchen

Here’s what it looked like after the leak:

Here’s what it looks like now. After I went to town. (This is not my expertise. Ahem)

The horror! My beautiful walls!

I don't even think it will help them find the leak. It HAS helped the water drip off the wall into a bucket instead of straight downstairs. Bright side?

Sigh.

Bruno turned 1 year old! It was this time last year that Hoagey and I were settling in to being parents on our own. Our walls were raw and our baby was tiny and fresh. It is a little hazy now. I remember sweatpants and hoodies, non-stop nursing, bouncy seat, baby swing, lots and lots of napping. I remember I didn’t ever want to put him down. Hoagey and I sat together eating dinner one night with our baby in the swing, quiet, happy. I said to Hoagey and said, “I feel like I’m not doing my job.”

So much has changed in this year. Our house has gotten a face-lift or two. I wear sweatpants, nurse the boy and nap slightly less than I used to. Now when I’m not holding him, Bruno feels like I’m not doing my job. But things are going well. The first 3 months were the easiest, the next 3 months were the hardest and ever since I feel like we’ve gotten the hang of it. Kind of.

Anyway, without further ado Bruno’s 1st birthday.

Good morning! I'm 1!

Presents! I'm so good at this!

Cake! OMG! Cake!

Last perspective frog picture. Don't cry, Mommy. That's silly.

Birthday Bathtime Faux-Hawk!

Scenes from Bruno’s 1st birthday party can be seen in the gallery below:

Thanks everyone for everything this year!