a sampling of questions I've been asked in the last 24 hours

Why does a balloon go up?

Why does an airplane go up?

Why does fire go up?

Why does steam go up?

Where is the sun at night?

How can I get into outer space?

How does a space shuttle go higher than an airplane?

What is lightning?

What is thunder?

Can you teach me to read all by myself?

Can you teach me spelling?

(I taught him C-A-T. Then he said, no mama, all the words! I said we don't have time, I'm making lunch. To which he replied OK, after my nap. And naturally brought it up as soon as he woke up- "it's time for me to learn spelling!!!")

How does a car drive?

How does electricity work?

How do batteries work?

(Then after an extended discussion about motors, electrical and gasoline-powered, he commented "the food processor is like a tiny car with one wheel." I've said it before and I'll say it again, ENGINEER.)

number three

Introducing- baby boy Durrett! Isn't he a cutie.

If you're looking very closely you'll see that the ultrasound picture is labeled "University of Michigan" and you might ask yourself, now weren't the Durretts halfway across the state at Michigan State, not down in Ann Arbor? And you'd be right about that. But, certain events have transpired lately. At my first ultrasound a problem was noted which is an unusual and alarming/serious finding (echogenic bowel). My midwife actually rarely sees it and I didn't get much information from her but I did get a whole lot of scare. Eventually we learned that this issue is associated with a number of severe disorders and we had just a 2 in 3 chance of having a healthy kiddo when the 9 months are up. We were referred for further diagnostics at the University of Michigan and just had a looooong appointment there on Tuesday. Very, very happily they noted some positive findings in terms of how the little guy is doing and our odds are much better (maybe 90-95% chance of a good outcome). We still have some tests out and we ultimately won't know for sure whether he is okay until he is born. It will be a tough wait but given the perspective of where we were last week, we feel hopeful and are surrounded by family and friends who love us and are praying faithfully. As are we.