Day by Day, Hour by Hour, Child by Child
January 23, 2012 | Category: four
It was last year around this time, that I was sitting in a writing session at the Blissdom Conference in Nashville, and I learned about a book called Bird by Bird
This past week, I started reading it again. I don’t know what prompted me to pick it up, but I’ve been reading a chapter or two every night as I take a bath (while I soak in a postpartum herb concoction my friend Sarah whipped up for me). And yes, I take the book into the tub with me. It’s a paperback, and I love to live on the edge like that.
The title of the book comes from when the authors brother (as a young 10 year old child), had waited until the very last minute to complete a huge book report on birds for his school homework. The authors dad, (obviously a very wise man), tells his son not to look at the big picture, but to take it just bird by bird.
Just one piece of the puzzle at a time, as to not get overwhelmed.
I’m currently tackling my days, and even nights living “bird by bird”. Working on getting through the moment in front of me, and that’s all that is required of me.
Nurse Paul. Read a story to Nola. Sit down and eat dinner with my family.
Reminding myself that I have a 10 day old son, and newborn days are days I can never get back.
Just one thing at a time, living and getting through that moment.
Now that I’m home with four kids under roof, the hugeness of managing everyone’s different needs can be completely overwhelming, if I let them be.
How on earth will there be enough of me to go around?
All I can do is take it day by day, hour by hour, child by child.
*image by casey.
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- How to Potty Train Your Second Child
- To my Birdie on her Birthday
Comments
34 Responses to “Day by Day, Hour by Hour, Child by Child”
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Hi, I’m Emily.
January 23rd, 2012 @ 12:06 pm
This is beautiful and utterly calming. “Bird by bird” sounds like a great way to live… and I’m so impressed that you can see it with a 10-day-old in your midst!
bessie.viola recently posted..of jammies and jeans
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 12:09 pm
Very wise words to remember.
And Paul is simply beautiful.
punkinmama recently posted..Merry Christmas 2011
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Emily Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Paul told me today he really wants to meet you. He also wants you to know, he’s not getting any younger, so don’t wait!
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 12:32 pm
Sigh. YES. Bird by bird. I LOVE Anne Lamott. I haven’t finished that book yet but the words that I have read so far have been so powerful. In the midst of being overwhelmed, remembering to celebrate my small victories does wonders for my overall mental state. Thanks for the reminder, Emily. And, omg, your sweet wee Paul is adorable. xoxo
Robin Plemmons recently posted..I want to know what love is and i want Lenny Kravitz to show me
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Emily Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:28 pm
small victories is all I have.
and you really need to finish that book.
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 1:12 pm
ZOMG…that squishy little face!
I love Bird by Bird. I used to say it changed the way I write, but it didn’t really. It helped me define what I write as mine. And for that I am ever grateful.
And some days there’s just not enough of you to go around…but there are other days that are. There are days that one needs you more than the other and there are days when you need one more than the other. But, as my mama says, it all comes out in the wash. Take one step at a time. Do what is most important to you (and your kids) and ignore the rest. My littlest little turns one on Friday (how in world did that happen?) and in the past few months, I finally figured out how to live what I just wrote. And it.is.glorious. Enjoy it, friend. Newborn snuggles are the best.
Bridget recently posted..Babies don’t keep.
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Emily Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Bridget – we are a lot alike, and I really look up to you. Just want you to know that…
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 1:26 pm
Oh…he looks so new and perfect and perfectly melded against you! LOVE IT! Moment by moment…good advice for any mama!
Thanks for the post! 
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Emily Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:26 pm
thanks girl! I’m trying to savor each and every day, even if it’s in the midst of a chaotic circus.
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 1:38 pm
Those squishy baby legs *almost* make me reconsider our family size (six kids already). Seriously, such a perfect newborn photo.
You have hit the nail on the head. Moment by moment, need by need, is really the only way any of us can get through life. So glad you are embracing that in this new stage.
And congratulations on the new addition!
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nicole Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 1:38 pm
@nicole, Doh, I mean baby lips, not legs.
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Emily Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:25 pm
you have six kids? Girl, you are such an inspiration. I’ll be watching you (and how you manage).
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 1:59 pm
Beautiful.
I’ve also found that I can only take things day by day, moment by moment. The newborn days are flying by (almost 5 months already) and it makes me so sad to know that this may be the last of them for me.
Holly {Artist Mother Teacher} recently posted..Happy Birthday To You!
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Emily Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:24 pm
I get great anxiety thinking about how I know this is my last newborn. I know the feeling so much…
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 6:26 pm
i have probably read bird by bird a zillion times. I have quotes from that book stuck all over the crevices and crannies of my life to remind me to breathe.
I love that you are reading it right now. perhaps that will be a good one for me to reread when charlie shows up too.
and i just died from the love of that squishy faced newborn.
Katie recently posted..a golden state
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Emily Reply:
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
you totally have to put it on your 2012 list. I suggest it be your first postpartum read.
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 8:51 pm
You? Inspiring. I know it doesn’t feel that way, but you are. I look at you and your words and I think ‘wow, so smart and honest and good’ Bird by bird. Yes. I think it’s time I pull that book out again, too.
pgoodness recently posted..photos from a walk
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 9:00 pm
… lovely thoughts from a lovely book. Quite a fan of her writings! Congrats on the added dose of cuteness around your nest… your birth story is a portion of peace for me as I face this upcoming birth of our guy here… eeeep!
Blessings to you and your crew!
Mel ;o)
needle and nest design
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 10:13 pm
Thank you for this wonderful, wonderful reminder. Yes, you made me cry…
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 10:23 pm
1. Lovely post.
2. I MUST go get that book.
3. OMG that baby is gorgeous.
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January 23rd, 2012 @ 11:35 pm
I’m totally having another one, I’ll share.
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January 24th, 2012 @ 10:12 am
I LOVE this post. I just found out that I’m pregnant with my third child (unexpectedly)and wondering how we will figure it all out, especially with both my husband and I working full-time. Oh, and did I mention that my other two will be 3 1/2 and 15 months when the baby arrives? Bird by bird. That’s how we will figure it out.
That is one handsome little man you have there.
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January 24th, 2012 @ 12:33 pm
Love this! I’m adding the book to my must read list ASAP.
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January 24th, 2012 @ 12:36 pm
I am due in 3 wks w/ #3…..I am riddled w/ anxiety over how I will do it all (kids are 5 1/2 and almost 4). You give me hope and inspiration! Hope that I will survive…:) and Inspiration to keep on truckin!
Thank you!
Paul is sooo handsome!!!!
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January 24th, 2012 @ 1:05 pm
bird by bird. I like it. I think that’s a perfect way to approach life right now for you. And you’re doing great.
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January 24th, 2012 @ 3:28 pm
I still need to get that book. I may go to Amazon right now and order…
And oh my, that sweet face.
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January 26th, 2012 @ 1:19 am
I am so going to need this shortly… heck, who am I kidding, I need it now!
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January 26th, 2012 @ 10:42 am
He’s gorgeous. Hope you are enjoying the moment. Love, Krista
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January 27th, 2012 @ 1:47 pm
I haven’t picked up bird by bird since college. I think I need to revisit again. In the meantime, keep on living hour by hour–and enjoy them.
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January 27th, 2012 @ 1:48 pm
I haven’t read that book since college, but I think I need to revisit it again. He is beautiful. Keep on living hour by hour, and enjoy the moments that you find between.
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January 27th, 2012 @ 1:49 pm
Sorry about the double comments. I got an error message after I submitted the first, but I guess it went through after all. Now you have three comments from me. Yay! I’m a spaz!
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January 27th, 2012 @ 10:50 pm
I adore that book and am trying to take its message to heart as well. What a gorgeous baby. Congrats, Momma!
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January 30th, 2012 @ 9:32 am
It’s a very nice post. I like the last line the most…all i can do is take it day by day, hour by hour, child by child. Very inspiring!
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January 30th, 2012 @ 11:16 am
He is beautiful little boy! I wish you the best and miss you and your little ones! Sending lots of love from Tennessee!
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