A Reminder of God's Promise

I can't help but post a picture of the boys. This is a few weeks ago. Both boys were in jammies, ready for bed, and Judah wanted to cuddle with Brody on the rocking chair.

What a couple of cuties!!!

I just wanted to share a verse that God has really put on my heart lately. I know it is a blessing to others to read it too.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

What an encouraging piece of God's word! We need not worry about our future, because God knows the plans HE has for us. We just need to SEEK HIM with all our hearts! What a blessing!!!

May you fully seek God this week with all your heart!

Full-Blast Winter

Winter has arrived without question. The news a couple of weeks ago said that this past December 2009, Northeast Kansas got more snow than ever recorded. It's no wonder people are getting tired of the snow.

Still, even though people are tired of the snow, I wish they would relax a little and try to see the beauty in God's creation -- even in the winter. The snow falling from the sky in its soft, delicate, quiet way is beautiful. And, just as we stop to admire a rainbow or beautiful sunset, the snow in all its beauty deserves to be admired as well.

Someone told me that it is beautiful, but they had more of a right to be upset by it because I didn't have to get up in the wee hours and drive anywhere. While she was correct, I do have to get out in the weather (with 2 kiddos in tow!) for different reasons. Also, along with all of my other mommy-friends, I have to keep my kids INSIDE, entertained, and happy. That isn't always easy to do all winter long. There are days that I long to go for a walk in the sunshine, but that will have to wait until spring.

For now, I'm off to read a pile of books to the boys. Maybe later we'll do some more fingerpainting and watch Curious George.

May you find yourself in awe of God's beauty in the winter and snow this week.

New Update; It's been awhile

Brody is here at last, arriving over 2 months ago now. He was born on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 2:02pm.

Sunday afternoon we went swimming, and I was just so tired of being pregnant and feeling awful. I asked Jake to run and get me some castor oil, because I figured it couldn't hurt! So, he ran to the store to get it. While he was gone a storm started to roll in, and with it came contractions about 7 minutes apart. When Jake got back, we thought we should probably get stuff ready in case we needed to go to the hospital.

Jake was eating dinner, and the contractions just got closer together. We then started our drive into the hospital at about 7pm. At that point, the contractions were about 2 minutes apart. Jake was pretty shocked, as was I. But not as shocked as when we got to the hospital and they said I was still just dilated to 1cm and about 50% effaced. I thought there would have been more progress from my doctor's appointment the week before. So, Jake and I started walking the hospital. It was very late that Sunday night, and the hospital was dark and quiet. We walked for hours . . . and my legs were so sore. I did get to soak in the tub a couple of times, and that was really nice! Those moments in the hospital with Jake were precious and fun. Jake had me laughing so hard that I had to stop walking many times and catch my breath. (Oh, I am so lucky to have such a great husband!)

Sometime in the early morning hours, the nurses and my midwife decided to start me on pitocin in order to regulate the contractions. They were there, but they just weren't doing enough.

By lunchtime, I was dilated to 5cm and my water broke . . . but I was not dilating any more. It was like things had stalled. With the epidural in and working (very, very) well, I couldn't go walking anymore.

My nurse Shannon finally had a great idea by 1:40pm. She said she could feel the baby's head, and he felt like he was face-up, which could have been holding things up. She said that I needed to get on my hands and knees and rock back-and-forth. Shannon said that she didn't know why, but it worked to help turn the baby and get things moving. So, with Shannon's and Jake's help, I got on my hands and knees (I couldn't really feel my legs too much ... the epidural was really working well.) and rocked for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, I laid back down and instantly told Shannon that I felt I needed to push. She checked me again, and I was dilated to a 10!!! They called Kim, my midwife, who was luckily at the hospital next door. At one point, with my eyes closed, I said, "I really feel like I need to push!" Jake said, "I'm not qualified to deal with that!" I opened my eyes and noticed that he and I were the only ones in the room, as my nurse was calling my midwife to get there right away.

Kim got there just in time. A contraction came, and they told me to push. So, I pushed three times through ONE contraction, and Brody was here. It was amazing that he came so fast!!

In the moment that they set him on my lap, I said, "He looks like a Brody. He is so beautiful."

So, on August 10, 2009, Brody arrived weighing 7lbs 11oz and was 20.5 inches long. At 1 month old, he weighed in at 10lbs and 11oz (75%) and 22.5 inches long (85%). Now, at 2 months old, he weighs 14lbs and 7.5oz (97%) and is 24.5 inches long (95%). He is growing beautifully. He is smiling freely and even laughing a little!

Summer Fun

It really was a day like any other, so I'm not really sure what made it such a great day for me. I should have been dead-tired, being up with Judah (and due to pregnancy) half the night. For some reason, I wasn't tired at all. I truly believe God gave me the energy I needed to have a really great day with my son.

The day started like any other, being busy around the house and getting stuff done. Then, I decided to take Judah outside to play in the kiddie pool in the backyard. We hadn't done that in a long time, so he was thrilled with it. We dragged the small slide over to the pool so he could slide into the water. I sat poolside with my feet in the water and enjoyed the beautiful morning sunshine.




(This is Judah trying on his friend Sophia's sunglasses. It was cute.)


After Judah was done with the pool, we both remained barefoot and played in the yard. I can't remember the last time I played in the grass like that. Judah wanted to swing, so I pushed him on the swings for a long time. Then, Judah wanted to play with the ball, so we kicked the ball back and forth for the longest time! It was really fun!

Naptime, for a change, was easy. After lunch, I put Judah in bed and he was out pretty quickly and slept really well. I was able to get a few things done and lay down myself for a short time.





(This is a picture of Judah's bruise on his head. He fell into a doorjamb in the hallway running from one room to the other.)

After naps and a quick afternoon snack, Judah and I played ball in the house. We kicked the ball in the living room (he can kick really really hard, too!). Then, we played catch. Judah is getting really really good at catching a ball! I'm impressed! After playing catch, it was time for baseball. Judah likes to pitch, so I batted first. Then we switched it around and he batted for awhile. Not too far into our baseball game, Jake got home. (When Jake gets home, Mama isn't so "cool" anymore...so Judah was off to play ball with Dad for awhile, which is fine.)

The whole day was just full of play. It was more than what I've mentioned here. We didn't just play ball, although looking back we did that a LOT. But, Judah and I took time to play with blocks and cars and the dogs outside. We took time to read a book and toss his Froggie around a little bit. We even found some energy (only from God) to rough-house a little bit. I was able to flip him around just a little, until my belly said, "No more!"

The day ended gracefully, as only a great day like that could. Judah stayed in a wonderful mood and went down for bed quite easily. As I write all of this, the day seems simple enough, but it's a day that I will remember -- for me and Judah. It meant a lot to me to have a full day of playing with Judah and really having FUN together. It's like it was a day by which summer is defined. Look up "summer" in a dictionary and that day will be recorded there. All that was missing was a glass of lemonade and some slices of watermelon at the end of the day. But, we'll save that for another day.

(These are pictures of Judah with a box turtle that we found. He thought it was pretty cool. It was a very active turtle, too. Usually they just stay in their shells, but this one stuck it's neck out and walked around a lot. He enjoyed the turtle a lot. We set it free.)

Life Lessons

Lessons learned by Judah and his Mama: (Please feel free to learn from my mistakes!)

1. When you act like a monkey and jump on the bed, you will fall and bonk your head (or nose!).

2. If you are not paying attention when trying to open a can of beans after using an old-fashioned can-opener, you will most likely slice open your thumb or finger.

3. Investing in a SpotBot carpet cleaner is a really good thing when you have a toddler who likes to walk around with his chocolate milk in his leak-proof cup.

4. Not all "spill-proof" toddler cups are really spill-proof or leak-proof.

5. The number one rated baby gate can be figured out by a smart toddler.

6. Rocks sink when thrown into a swimming pool.

7. Little boys sink in a swimming pool; paying attention at all times is extremely important.

8. Vacuum cleaners are scary and do smoke a lot when the belt needs changed.

9. Sometimes life just isn't fair.

10. Cereal is fun to pour out onto the table and floor.

11. Cereal doesn't vacuum up with the vacuum I own.

12. Lemonade is so good in the summertime!

13. Sometimes you just need a good hug or cuddle-time, even in the middle of the night.

14. Fourth of July lesson: Smoke Bombs are a good "firework" to spend money on. They are fun to light and watch the smoke, and afterwards they are cool little "balls" to throw in the driveway.

15. It really is okay if the housework doesn't get done. Playing with my boy is just too fun and too fleeting.

16. It is okay to not be perfect. Making a mess, not getting things right the first time, and outright failing sometimes: these are ways that we learn.

17. "Jesus Loves Me" is a great song.

18. Dancing is a lot of fun.

19. Jumping off furniture is exhilarating.

20. Laughter is the best music in a home.

Pictures of Judah

I don't have much to say, but I figured everyone would want to see what Judah has been up to. I have a few pictures of him at the lake and several in our backyard.
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Judah is now swinging in the big swings! No more baby swings for him!! He loves it!

A hot day not long ago, he spent time just dumping water in and out of different containers. As you can see, he takes it seriously!!
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... Jake cannot mow the lawn without Judah!


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We don't tire of Judah dancing

This is a really funny video. I cry laughing every time I watch it! He makes us laugh so much!


So, Judah is a HUGE fan of the opening credits to the show Chuck. I am not kidding when I tell you that we had to watch the same 30 seconds of a song about 25-30 times (at LEAST!). H did not want to stop! But, Jake and I were laughing so hard that we didn't care. You can't hear Jake laughing much on the video, but every time I looked at him, he was hysterically laughing (quietly). It was a fun time.

After all of these dancing videos, you are probably going to think that we never put Judah in pants. I assure you that we do. After getting his diaper changed (especially in the evening before bed), he jumps up before I get pants on him. This is when he wants to dance and run around.

Have a great week!

A really fun time

Judah and I had a LOT of fun this afternoon, baking cookies of all things to do to have a fun time!

I'd heard of a trick to keep little ones happy and entertained -- put soapy water in the sink and let them play! I was skeptical, but I figured I'd give it a try! So, I put some water in the sink with soap and a plastic cup. Slowly, I added measuring cups and spoons as I made up the cookie dough. I stripped Judah down to his diaper, set him on the counter with his feet in the water, and let him at it. At first, Judah was also skeptical, especially of the bubbles (he doesn't really know what to think of them yet). But, he slowly warmed up to the idea of putting water in the cup and pouring it out! Wow! What fun!

Eventually, Judah started not only pouring out the water from the cup, but shaking it violently as well. I figured that him throwing water into the other sink was no big deal. After a little while, he began pouring just a little water out onto the floor. I could not help but laugh, so it continued. My floor was a little sticky right there anyway, so I just figured he was helping me get the floor cleaned! It was too funny to watch.

Judah kept reaching into the sink to grab things and inspect them. Then, he grabbed the drain, and of course, there went all the water! I figured he would be done. He continued looking around, trying to figure things out. He put the drain back, plugging the water and remaining bubbles. Then, he figured out how to turn on the water. (Yes, I made sure he didn't turn it on hot!)

I was just hoping that he would NOT figure out how the sprayer worked!! Well, my hopes were dashed when he unexpectedly sprayed himself in the chest! He was NOT happy about it, so he put the sprayer back. I fully expected to be sprayed any minute, but I wasn't!!

There was a little bit of a Hershey's candy bar sitting on the window sill (I'd forgotten that it was there!), and I looked up at one point and Judah had it all in his hand, happily eating it.
I knew I could make a choice to be upset and take it away or just let it go and laugh.

I laughed!!! It felt so good to just let go and laugh about it. It was REALLY funny!!
Yes, in the pictures he is holding a handful of chocolate AND a toothbrush!!!

It has been a long time since I've laughed as hard as I did today. I almost wet my pants a few times, because I was laughing so hard! (It has something to do with being pregnant, I'm sure!!!) I feel like God taught me a lesson today, that I can make a choice about things and let things go and not be angry about little things! Yep, I had to get on my hands and knees and clean the floor with rags. Yep, I had to do the same with my counters, Yep, I had to clean chocolate off Judah and wipe him down. Yep, it took me a little longer to mix up the cookies. OH WELL! I know that both Judah and I had a great time laughing and enjoying the moment. I pray today that I will open my eyes in the future to more moments like this and take the time to laugh more.

Have you laughed today? Have you really laughed today?

Baby Update & Judah Dancing - again

It seems like dancing in a diaper is Judah's new before-bed routine! He just loves to dance without his clothes on! Haha! He is quite the entertainer!

Yesterday, we had our mid-pregnancy ultrasound to make sure the baby is growing correctly and developing normally. God is so faithful, and we got a great report! It was just so awesome to be able to see the developing baby and how different it was compared to the 12-week sonogram!
The first picture is the feet. They said the feet look big!

We found out that the baby is measuring big. My original due date was August 22. After another ultrasound, it was changed to August 17. Yesterday, they said that the estimated due date based on the baby's size is August 12. That's 10 days difference from the original due date! The next picture is the baby's belly and arms. With the baby measuring BIG, I would like to go earlier!!! Haha! Please be praying for God's timing in this area!

It was also comforting to find out that I haven't been feeling every little movement because the placenta is on my belly, so it is keeping me from being able to feel every-little-thing. I feel a lot in my sides, which I was just thinking was regular pregnancy pain from my belly stretching. But, now I know that I am being kicked! :)

The next picture is the spine. The tech doing the ultra sound had the device on my belly, just getting it turned on, and Jake said, "It's a boy!" I laughed and said, "Whatever. You don't know that." He swears he saw it. But then one of the first shots we saw was the bottom and legs. The tech started talking about the bladder (which we could see clearly), and I pointed at the screen and said, "Is that a boy???" She stopped and said, "Yes, it certainly is."
The remainder of the time I was in awe of God's creation and the toughness of the little boy growing inside of me.
With the hemorrhage far behind, I look forward to the remaining months of pregnancy and God's precious gift in this baby boy. He will be a great addition to our family. With each pregnancy (and some minor challenges they have given me), I grow closer to God and my faith grows. The next picture is the baby's leg - from the hip down to the foot.

I still don't know how anyone can be pregnant without a continued faith in God, the creator of life.

Move It, Move It - Judah-style

Judah loves the movie Madagascar. The song (a favorite of Chris's, too) "Move it, Move it" always makes him start dancing. I hope you enjoy the video!