Long stories with occasional points.

I am sitting at my desk…blogging. Hard at work in my first week back after 10 months of mommying-at-home. First thing on the agenda: Don’t set the bar too high. So, I have not come in before 9am. Second on the agenda: Figure out how to fit a pack-n-play in my cube. I think if i brought my son to work, I could feed him in the break room and nurse him in a handicap stall… and I know he would LOVE to play with the powerstrip and wires under the desk. The big thing is where he would nap. Here are the options:

1) in my lap. i can multitask with one hand.

2) in his car seat under my desk.

3) on a cushion on my desk.

4) in a pack-n-play in the empty cube 3 rows over.

5) in a comfy crib at the house where he is being lovingly cared for.

My husband has been telling me for weeks: “You know you ARE going to see him again, right?” Yeah. I know. But…he would love it in my cube! Right? I never thought I would would be so torn to say farewell to my son. And even though I have only been doing this mom thing for a few months… I am guessing that a lot of the job involves saying farewell. Farewell to the toothless grin, farewell excitement when I walk in the room, farewell unbroken heart.

But I also see that the best part and biggest part of the Mom-gig is all the Hello’s! Hello potty training. Hello conversation. Hello lawn care provider. Hello friend.

With every stage comes a new one. Each one more endearing and challenging than the last. Each one a Hello. So, even though I cannot have him with me every second that I wish… I know I will be there for each and every New, Different, Challenging and Exciting. And sleeping in my cube is none of the above.

Although I am not sure how I can be a good mom, wife, and employee right now… I am encouraged that most of the women who I admire and look up to, are stellar at all three. So here is to the women who attempt to dominate the trinity of responsibility…

Hello!

I love to dance. Love it. Even when I was 7.5 months pregnant I was gettin low at wedding receptions. My husband has often said that “he married Awkward,” and is embarrassed of me in a variety on contexts; wedding receptions being one where he literally will not claim me. I guess because in other venues where I dance, those in attendance may never see us again. But a wedding, not so much. And to be truthful I don’t have moves… I have A move, which I modify depending on the genre of music. But dancing is so much fun! No matter what you look like when you move uninhibitedly, there is shear joy in jammin as best as you can, with as much fun as you can, with no thought of what someone else may think. …Which I think may be something helpful to apply to this journey of parenting that I’m finding myself in.

My son is starting to get the itch for “unorganized choreography” like his momma. He already has favorite songs and songs that displease him for whatever reason. We like Kanye, we don’t like Lady Antebellum. Don’t know why. Anywho… No matter where we are and whatever his mood, when I begin to sing and dance, whatever is ailing takes a backseat. Which, if you have not yet sung Black Eyed Peas, Boom Boom Pow to your 6 month old while rockin it out in a Post Office surrounded my 20 people who do not speak English… you have not yet lived my friends. You have not yet lived.

And last night I was reminded how the essence of dance can help us remember what we sometimes forget when the munchkins are stressful or on those weeks you fear that one day you may belong in the same category as Dina Lohan.

So, last night. Last night I was directing a wedding at the Four Seasons. I don’t mention this to brag, but to take the opportunity to mention that I did see Charles Barkley there. Just kidding. No really, I did see him. The context does inform the story. sorta. Yada, yada… So, the bride, groom, family, and guests were super-sweet, but like me, a little awkward. I even mentioned to the DJ that I didn’t think it would get wild. Not so. As soon as the dance-floor opened everyone started having a fabulous time, including this couple who had to be in their 70’s-early 80’s. They danced all night. For 4 hours. They danced to Top 20, Aretha, MJ, everything. They were in their own world. I literally couldn’t stop watching them. I kept finding myself laughing out loud at their unrestrained, ridiculous celebration. Everyone else could have left, which they did do at some points… and they just kept dancing. Sometimes even aimlessly wandering the dance floor, but always moving. Always finding each other. They were moving as best as they could, with as much fun as you can have at a wedding, with little thought of what someone else may think. They were DANCING!

Some days as a young parent, it seems like ‘my best’ is simply to keep my child alive. I have all these aspirations of doing everything possible for his spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual development… And then there is today. It’s Palm Sunday and we didn’t even make it to church. And other than the given diaper changes and feedings, I read a 3 page book to him and sat him in a cardboard box with an “educational toy” while I made dinner. Look out world, we’ve got a winner. …But even if I had done his baby yoga, gone over his phonics sounds, practiced our sign language, etc… it would have all been a little empty with out the fun and frolic we had dancing to Barenaked Ladies and talking about how God made the world and thinks my son is pretty swell.

So,  I am barely a parent and don’t actually know what I am talking about and my child went to bed with out a bath… but here is what I think. Parents: I think you should give yourself a break. Stop worrying and running and putting so much pressure on yourselves. Trust your kids to God. Move as best you can. Boogie down with the one move you’ve got. Have some fun! Side Note: No one likes to be anywhere that isn’t fun. You want your kids to like being home? F-U-N! Celebrate National Crayon Day! Have a dance party! Have an ice cream fight. Go through the carwash… without your car. 

Not that I’m saying parenting your children and raising them right is all fun and frolic… It does mean being intentional. Modeling. Teaching. Beginning now to give them the virtues and tools they will need to launch and live their own lives…

But boy, if they can dance… If they can find delight in the many notes and songs that life will bring… If they can find a partner that makes all that ails take a backseat… If they can jump and laugh in the Post Office… If they modeled your confidence and joy… If they find their own beat and rock it… If they found fun in the every-day… I think you would impulsively hug Charles Barkley too.

Each night when I lay my son down in his crib… I pray 3 things. That I will always hold him with open hands. That he will grow to seek The Way. And that he will dance. His own, crazy, wonderful dance… the one he was made for.

So don’t let your stress be contagious. Let it be your delight that they catch on to. And if you can, turn up the beat every-once-in-a-while. It doesn’t matter if you even like the song or if you have to mumble part of the words. It doesn’t matter where you are or if your kids want to disown you… just dance. Take those little blessings by the hand and help them find their move. Moves, if they are lucky.

So, it is apparent that now, as a parent, I am no longer on time. I mean, I can’t even meet my own deadline to waste time blogging. Sheesh.  I used to never understand why my friends who had kids ran late to everything. I now realize that when they showed up, to anything, it was an unrivaled feat. So, be in awe next time you see me in public. Especially before noon. My teeth may not be brushed, but it is still the highlight of my week.

 So, as I tend to be sarcastic toward my new role, my husband, and my dear child at times… as a disclaimer before the following series of posts…

I love my boys. My husband is amazing and my son is the light of my life. I might hold a secret celebration when college football season is over and I might wonder sometimes if medically, they can put my baby back in my womb… but they really are my life. 

Sometimes I can’t even believe this life is mine. I never thought I would be married, and really never thought of myself as a mother. I love kids. I have made a living teaching them, relating to them, entertaining them, and even writing for them… but a baby of my own? I never really thought of it. So it’s weird how Marriage and now Motherhood too, has grounded and helped me find myself. It’s ironic for me that these two things I would have thought to drag me down and force me to loose my individuality, have not taken away, but have added and now mean so much to my life… a life that sought for freedom.  

My husband, my son, this forging of the family…these commitments that I always imagined would be a weight upon my life, have now combined, not to be an unwanted burden, but an anchor. While I used to imagine I would feel most alive traveling, taking risks, going on spontaneous adventures, or doing whatever I pleased. I now find I am most at rest, most alive even, when I look at their faces… staring at sports center. Wondering why dinner isn’t ready or why their personal dairy farm isn’t available. When I am with them, I am somehow, in the craziness, sleeplessness, challenges, and fun, most secure and most “me.”

Maybe every parent and spouse experiences this… maybe it is just what happens whenever you experience both sides of true love. Maybe the idea of family is where God shows us in some mystical way, reflecting how he is endeared to us… CS Lewis refers to being ‘Surprised by Joy.’ I would say I have been surprised by what has brought me joy and this new kind of freedom and self… the ole ball and chain.  

So, it has been a longtime since i have blogged. not that i have time for blogging. and not that you noticed or missed my posts. not digging here—just observing that no one has approached me about my lack of long stories with occasional points… however, since September 30, 2010 when our son was born, I have been thinking and experiencing many things that have been enlightening, intense, ridiculous… which i am sure, is similar to what all mothers experience.

so, I will begin a series of posts on parenthood and motherhood. not because i am an expert. my child is 2 months old. but because i think motherhood may be a bit like how “everybody loves raymond” wasn’t funny until i got married. i think my experience may be a lot like yours… and i am guessing most parents and mothers will find a commonality in the content. and if not, you will probably be disgusted and report me.

the main reason that i feel so inclined to waste my time by putting these experiences into writing, is because maybe, just maybe i can bring a little bit of humor to those of you who now, mark the most exciting part of your day by the dryer buzzer… because it means you get to fold something different. or perhaps to help those of you feel a little isolated in your role as a parent… im guessing we have all been there and that i am not the only one who gets excited when i begin to run out of nursing pads, because i will get to go OUT in public to purchase more. heck, you may even buy the pack of 36 instead of 60 so you can get out of the house a little sooner. and for those of you who pray your child is behaved in front of “perfect mothers” to whom you are completely inferior… i hope you will be able to be encouraged, that you are not the only one who has dropped their infant. i mean…

but i better jet… seeing as my child has been hollering for 5 min and i cant turn the monitor down any farther or it gets “staticy.” which means i need to go charge it.

sleep well. yeah, i know… dream on.

Yesterday was a big day in the Jui/Corbett House.

We had a fun live-web interview last night with the KidStuf Team from all 3 campuses of our church. They did an amazing job! There were tons of people watching from all over… 10 different countries were even tuned in!  It was a good time and we hope just a little bit of our story can encourage those going through difficult times to trust God, even when the odds are stacked against them. No matter what you are going through, when you are trusting God… that he loves you, knows everything about your situation, and will make it all beautiful somehow…. Your heart and mind, against all those odds, is at peace and can have joy. It doesn’t make sense… but it is very real and I highly recommend it! :) If you missed the interview they will be posting the recording at www.kidstuf.com on Wednesday, April 21st.

Also in yesterdays news, Richards appointment with the orthopedic surgeons at the hospital went very well. They poked, pricked, shook, and moved his legs, left arm, and back… Then wrote him a prescription for “full weight-bearing” on his legs! He rolled out of Grady sporting Ed Hardy chucks as opposed to “the boots with the fur.” Richard called his contact at the Day Program at Shepherds Center as soon as we got home, and he is cleared to start rehab tomorrow!!!! It really is such an answer to prayer! They will begin working with him to see what the plan will be long term… but we are of course hoping for a “walking plan.” SO exciting!

Another HUGE highlight yesterday was when we came home after our long day and I heard hollering from Richards room. I ran in and saw this…

Shaking, Hanging on… Standing.

Tomorrow is a big day! Just wanted to let you all know! 

1… We go tomorrow to see the surgeons who did Richards leg surgery, for xrays, etc… to see if he can begin to bear weight on his legs. Everything was healing well when we went last month, so we are hoping for a great report tomorrow! If he can begin to bear weight, he will most likely start rehab at Shepherds Center on Wednesday! Really exciting! 

And, 2… Tomorrow night at 6:30pm EST, there is going to be a live-streaming-telacast where George, Richard, and I will be interviewed. We’re telling the story of our last 3 months (in a nutshell). The website you wanna go to is www.kidstuf.com Once you are on the site, just click on the green, yellow, or blue button… doesnt matter which… and you’re there. :) We hope that you will tune-in, tomorrow at 6:30pm, EST. word.

We have lots of thanks for give out as well… First, to Alex and Hilary who organized the benefit concert to raise money for Richard. It was a really fun night and was super-special to us. Thanks to those who came out and showed support! Second, to those who continue to bring us meals and helping us in so many practical ways… we could never dream of doing life without you! Thanks for serving and for your kindness’s’s :) And third… many of you have continued to help us out with Richards care financially, and although i am VERY behind on thank-you notes… you cannot even know how much this has meant to us. You assistance has definitely kept us “a float” and has meant the world to us. Thank you for your generosity and love for Richard and us.

And lastly, if any of you would like to give to Richard’s Medical and Care Foundation simply go to the Helping Hands Ministry website at: https://www.hhmin.org/make_donation_projects.php Under “Project Category” select Medical Projects, from the drop-down. And under “Project” select Corbett, Richard. The rest is simply your information. All gifts are considered a Charitable Donation and are tax deductible. Helping Hands will send you the documentation following the gift.

Love and more Love!

It has been a while, so a brief update is in order:

- Richard is home! All is well so far.

- We are learning how to execute our training in our house, which is challenging at times, but we are getting the hang of it.

- Richards blood clot remains in his leg, which is of course a good thing. His blood test yesterday revealed that his blood is good. No hep. Just kidding.

- Traveling is a little bit  of a challenge but we are conquering it with ease. Richard has been to Best Buy (Thanks to buddies Josh and Travis) and to ChickFilA with George and I… And of course, the best trip was to the hospital for a check-up… and the discovery upon arrival that I had forgotten the wheelchair seat. Fortunately, the lobby throw-pillows were the perfect size. :)

- Upon Richards return home, we are realizing with even greater certainly, that we not only need more items to make him comfortable and independent, we are also beginning to see the need to have something set up to help cover his expenses for the long-term. Thanks so some friends at Buckhead Church, we were recommended to look into setting up a foundation for Richard with an organization called Helping Hands. After meeting with the director and looking into their practices, we decided to move forward. Many of you have offered to help financially and we have “held you off.” Not because we didn’t need it, but because we wanted to accept it in the proper way. SO… now is the time.

If you would like to give to Richard’s Medical and Care Foundation simply go to: https://www.hhmin.org/make_donation_projects.php

Under “Project Category” select Medical Projects, from the drop-down. And under “Project” select Corbett, Richard. The rest is simply your information. All gifts are considered a Charitable Donation and are tax deductible. Helping Hands will send you the documentation following the gift.

Also, many of you have talked to us of your interest in doing a benefit or fundraiser for Richard. We are super-excited about the ideas you all have. Just let George or I know (erinleigh.kinyanjui@gmail.com) if you are planning to do so, and we can help you figure out the best way to get the funds to this foundation. (We will also help you advertise through our contacts, twitter, etc.)

Thank you all so very much for your prayers and generosity! …And now I shall nap. :)

At the “one month mark” of Richards accident, we are grateful for so many things.

Thankful for Richards life. His attitude. His heart.

Thankful for supportive friends, family, workplaces, and church family (Buckhead Church)

Thankful for committed individuals who went to 1000’s of hours of class and school to learn how to be the kind of medical professionals that can skillfully stabilize a spine, creativity teach independence with 1 arm, humbly clean up “accidents,” and patiently create contraptions and drugs that help heal and make life a little easier.

Thankful for all of the wonderful meals that have been brought to us!

Thankful for health and a semi-sound mind.

Thankful for the generosity that has been shown to George and I as we care for and prepare for Richards Homecoming.

Thankful for how long chili can keep in the fridge.

Thankful for your prayers. I’m pretty sure that’s how we ‘charge through’ some days.

Very thankful for God’s provision, peace, wisdom, and joy. Without these life-essentials, this last month would have probably been a “downer.” His “guns” and grace have be been our strength and smile.

And pretty darn thankful for my bed.

A short story…Richard was talking to two of the Recreational Therapists at Shepherds Center the other day. After telling how he fell and about all his injuries, one of the guys asked him what he liked doing before the injury. Richard rattled off many activities that he had enjoyed and the therapist told him about many of the options available now for him to still enjoy those activities… like jet skiing. Richard was excited by this and proceeded to tell the guys about the last time he went jet skiing… which entailed getting thrown off the jet ski, running head-on into a large, dead, carp while swimming back to the jet ski, and actually getting a ticket from the “jet-skiing-lake-cop” upon returning to the jet ski for being to close to a boat. The day also included sun-burned feet, etc., etc. While describing this “bad day at the lake,” Richard referred to it as “the worst day of his life.” One of the guys stopped him and said: “Now, are sure that was the worst day of your life?” to which Richard gestured to his legs and replied, “Oh yeah man, this is just a speed-bump.” …and that about sums-up it up.

So, thanks again to those of you helping Richard (and us) get over this speed-bump. We hope we never have to pay you back. :)