In Charlotte

 It has been a really great trip to Charlotte, North Carolina to see the new baby Wyatt, son of Briona and Andrew Adams. 

Jeffrey gave me a blessing before I left as I was concerned that I wouldn’t have the capacity or strength to take care of him through the night. That had been my whole reason for going and I wanted to do a good job. All the blessings he gave me were fulfilled. I was able to fully function and take care of Wyatt during the nights and still do things with Amber and the rest of the family during the days. We went to parks, bank, and errands, and general walking around the neighborhood. Briona and Andrew even got a date in while Rachel and I watched the two. Even his promise that the flight would be smooth was answered. 

My prayer was answered that I would be of value if I came. Andrew said those exact words, “Thanks mom, you were of great value. I am feeling rested as I haven’t been for months.” Music to my ears. Briona said it was great that I came too and appreciated my efforts. So, I feel this trip has been a success. 

I have noticed as I get older that I don’t need as much sleep at night and can use little naps occasionally, to catch up. Yes, I get my hours of sleep in, but they are not altogether. And that is just fine. Having leg or toe cramps at night that need to be walked off, or jumping up to go to the bathroom, etc. means I never sleep straight through the night anyway. 

It was a joy to watch Briona and Andrew in action with their parenting and choices to stay together and committed to each other and God. Amber had a spill at the park falling over her doll stroller that suddenly collapsed. Briona picked her up and said, "that was startling. I don’t think you are hurt so much as surprised." It was amazing how Briona’s practical and low-key approach kept Amber from escalating emotionally. Nice job.

It was also very wonderful to see Rachel actually happy! Her internship has been a great blessing. I doubt that Rachel can see the sacrifices that Briona and Andrew have made for her. The fact that she has her own room in a small townhouse and is using their older car and sharing food is probably not recognized as the huge gift that it is. Someday when she has her own house and shares with another will she fully understand.

Wyatt has the normal colic that little babies generally have, but other than that is cute, adorable, and fun. I took a page from my African friends that “sleep train” their infants by strapping them on their back and walking around. I have watched Erica in my home, take her fussy baby who is tired and then walk or sway if she is talking, while her daughter nods off to sleep. I don’t have the confidence to use a cloth and tuck it under, so I used a front pack with straps. It worked! Whenever he had had enough and was getting too irritable, I would put him in the front pack and walk him to sleep.

Wyatt Jeffrey Adams is a tiny blessing and wonder. Andrew’s baby blessing was awesome in the promises he gave. The promises in Wyatt’s blessing for his future means that he will grow up strong, healthy, and able to be of service to his world. What a joy it is to be his grandmother! Nate flew in from California and Tracie drove up from Atlanta. It was nice to see Andrew and Briona with family at this awesome time in their lives.

March 9, 2025 Blessing for Wyatt Jeffrey Adams
Tracie in front, Briona, I, Andrew and Wyatt, Rachel, with Nate in the back.