Well, it has been quite a while since I last wrote and feel like it's "that time" again. :)
I'm having a little trouble remembering what has happened over the last month or so, so I'm grabbing my calendar for a look. (Walking to pick up the calendar)
I can start with the past couple days:
*Monday and Tuesday I spent the day with the Quibells. As I helped them pack for their move to Portland, I tried not to think about the fact that I do not know when I will see them again. I have high hopes that we can take a trip out to visit...I just don't know when. :( I, also, tried to think about the goodness of the time I was having with them and not what I was ultimately going to have to say "goodbye" to. :( Okay...enough about that; I'm getting teary-eyed.
*Today, Timothy and I have been at home! Yay! We need some down time after being out the last couple days. I did get a chance to make some banana bread for our enjoyment and (hopefully) the enjoyment of our friends who having willingly offered to watch baby Timothy tonight. Eric and I will be heading to one of our favorite bakeries in the area - Cafe Selmarie. http://www.cafeselmarie.com/ (It looks so fancy on their website. We usually just sit by the window, look out at the plaza area, and pleasantly talk about life or reminisce. This is where Eric and I went on our first date and where he proposed.)
So far this month, we have celebrated three birthdays, two weddings, and two graduations. For one of the weddings, Eric's parents came to watch Timothy, and we went out on our first date since he was born. What a wonderful evening! And he was great for his grandparents!
Upcoming: Our trip to TN for Hannah's 12th birthday! I'm super excited about time to spend with family and friends but a little nervous about flying alone with Timothy.
A couple things I just found out if you are flying with an infant:
*They will need some form of identification, either a copy of their birth certificate or shot record.
*They get no extra check-in baggage, but you can check-in their stroller at the gate. (This is only for a "lap child."
*You can call the day of to see if their are extra seats on your flight. If there are, you can bring your infant car seat on the flight with you, and your baby can have a seat.
*If you want to buy a seat for them, southwest (and possibly other airlines) have infant fares. By the time I checked into this, his "infant fare" was more than I paid for my fare. :)
So, I'm sure there will be more to come about our flying experience and our TN trip!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Lights at Night
So...in the evenings, I try to brush my teeth and get into bed before Eric. We go to bed at the same time. But I want to be the first in bed. Why? Cause that means that I don't have to turn off the lights around the house. :) I can just hop into bed knowing that Eric will grab them before he finishes his evening routine.
However, I made a mistake the other night. I told him that I like getting into bed before him and why. As I said this, I slowly walked backward in the direction of the bedroom. All of the sudden we were in a mad dash to see which of us could get in bed first. I WON! Yet, he got under the covers, so he claimed he won. We laughed and whispered as our little boy was sleeping. Then, I sweetly looked over at him and said, "You haven't brushed your teeth yet." (He's adamant about brushing his teeth.)
Hehe...reluctantly he got out of bed. :)
I snuggled under the covers while he turned of the lights at night! :)
However, I made a mistake the other night. I told him that I like getting into bed before him and why. As I said this, I slowly walked backward in the direction of the bedroom. All of the sudden we were in a mad dash to see which of us could get in bed first. I WON! Yet, he got under the covers, so he claimed he won. We laughed and whispered as our little boy was sleeping. Then, I sweetly looked over at him and said, "You haven't brushed your teeth yet." (He's adamant about brushing his teeth.)
Hehe...reluctantly he got out of bed. :)
I snuggled under the covers while he turned of the lights at night! :)
Monday, May 3, 2010
The joy of laughter
Timothy laughed today!
He had just woken up from a nap. I picked him up out of his pack-and-play, and we laid on my bed for a few minutes. After enduring through tummy-time, he sat on my tummy. I lifted him up like an airplane and pretended to laugh. All of the sudden, a little baby laugh came out of him. I was thrilled and laughed for real. This made him laugh more! He would laugh, and I would laugh.
What a joy! I look forward to laughing with my little boy more in the future. :)
Today, I am reminded that children truly are a blessing from the Lord!
He had just woken up from a nap. I picked him up out of his pack-and-play, and we laid on my bed for a few minutes. After enduring through tummy-time, he sat on my tummy. I lifted him up like an airplane and pretended to laugh. All of the sudden, a little baby laugh came out of him. I was thrilled and laughed for real. This made him laugh more! He would laugh, and I would laugh.
What a joy! I look forward to laughing with my little boy more in the future. :)
Today, I am reminded that children truly are a blessing from the Lord!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Hanging
Typically I remain optimistic when blogging. I don't necessarily feel that blogging is where I should pour out my heart.
Yet, today I felt this was the therapeutic medicine for me. And honestly, I know that those who read this are close friends and will not judge me but (maybe) have moments where you say, "Yeah, I've been there, too." or "I'm there with you now."
Where should I begin...
I titled this as "hanging." I don't feel like I'm hanging by a thread, just hanging on. Maybe this analogy will help: Imagine rock climbing. You've been doing well so far. You've found many places to place your feet and grab on with your hands. Your body is not struggling, but you're not flying with ease. Then, you come to a place where you are stuck. You aren't sure how much further you have to go, but you are stuck. There doesn't seem to be a place move to: you're feet are stationary, you're hands immobile. Where are you supposed to go? And how are you going to push forward with seemingly no possible direction? You are just hanging there.
I'm just hanging there. I prayed and asked friends to pray last week that I would give myself a break. I expect to be able to do everything and do it well. I expect that I can care for Timothy, clean the house, make meals, invest into friendships, maintain my walk with the Lord...and yet, I feel like I'm falling to pieces.
I spoke with my husband on the phone; I shared my heart with him, and then, I did the worst thing...I cried on the phone. Sounds innocent, right? No...it's not bad to cry, but I know that he feel absolutely helpless. He has to work, and he does a wonderful job giving us a great life. But he can't reach through the phone and hug me. He can just sit there with open ears and tell me I'm going to be okay.
And yet, I tell him, "I'm not okay. I can't do everything but feel like I must."
He insisted that I take time for myself - "Rest," he says. "Don't worry about everything else; it doesn't matter. Promise me you will rest."
"I can't. Timothy is crying, and he needs me. I can't just stop being his mom."
"Get him. Comfort him. And then, get some rest. Promise?"
"Yes." (Yet, in my heart I think, I can't do this.)
We hang up. I pick up my crying Timothy from his bed, and I cry with him. I tell him, and more so myself, "It's going to be okay. We're going to be okay." He quickly fell asleep in my arms as I continue to cry. I gently laid him down in his crib and think...what can I do to keep my promise to rest?
I grab my sweater, put on some socks, and open the back door in our kitchen. While it's too cold to sit outside, at least I can see the sun pouring in. The sun pours in to heal my spirit. (And I think now, 'God, thanks for making it sunny today. I know that it's not for me, but you are healing my spirit through the beauty of your creation.') I make a latte and sit at the table with my computer, blogging.
Here you find me. Oh yes, I also made a little chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting to go with my latte. It's all simple. The sun, a beverage and snack, my computer, silence (except for the boy who is waking now :))...
And I take a deep breath and think, 'I will be okay, but if I'm not at this very moment, that IS okay."
Yet, today I felt this was the therapeutic medicine for me. And honestly, I know that those who read this are close friends and will not judge me but (maybe) have moments where you say, "Yeah, I've been there, too." or "I'm there with you now."
Where should I begin...
I titled this as "hanging." I don't feel like I'm hanging by a thread, just hanging on. Maybe this analogy will help: Imagine rock climbing. You've been doing well so far. You've found many places to place your feet and grab on with your hands. Your body is not struggling, but you're not flying with ease. Then, you come to a place where you are stuck. You aren't sure how much further you have to go, but you are stuck. There doesn't seem to be a place move to: you're feet are stationary, you're hands immobile. Where are you supposed to go? And how are you going to push forward with seemingly no possible direction? You are just hanging there.
I'm just hanging there. I prayed and asked friends to pray last week that I would give myself a break. I expect to be able to do everything and do it well. I expect that I can care for Timothy, clean the house, make meals, invest into friendships, maintain my walk with the Lord...and yet, I feel like I'm falling to pieces.
I spoke with my husband on the phone; I shared my heart with him, and then, I did the worst thing...I cried on the phone. Sounds innocent, right? No...it's not bad to cry, but I know that he feel absolutely helpless. He has to work, and he does a wonderful job giving us a great life. But he can't reach through the phone and hug me. He can just sit there with open ears and tell me I'm going to be okay.
And yet, I tell him, "I'm not okay. I can't do everything but feel like I must."
He insisted that I take time for myself - "Rest," he says. "Don't worry about everything else; it doesn't matter. Promise me you will rest."
"I can't. Timothy is crying, and he needs me. I can't just stop being his mom."
"Get him. Comfort him. And then, get some rest. Promise?"
"Yes." (Yet, in my heart I think, I can't do this.)
We hang up. I pick up my crying Timothy from his bed, and I cry with him. I tell him, and more so myself, "It's going to be okay. We're going to be okay." He quickly fell asleep in my arms as I continue to cry. I gently laid him down in his crib and think...what can I do to keep my promise to rest?
I grab my sweater, put on some socks, and open the back door in our kitchen. While it's too cold to sit outside, at least I can see the sun pouring in. The sun pours in to heal my spirit. (And I think now, 'God, thanks for making it sunny today. I know that it's not for me, but you are healing my spirit through the beauty of your creation.') I make a latte and sit at the table with my computer, blogging.
Here you find me. Oh yes, I also made a little chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting to go with my latte. It's all simple. The sun, a beverage and snack, my computer, silence (except for the boy who is waking now :))...
And I take a deep breath and think, 'I will be okay, but if I'm not at this very moment, that IS okay."
Friday, April 16, 2010
Timbo's Cuteness
This morning I struggled to get out of bed this morning. Ironically, when I was up at 4a. feeding Timothy, I felt wide awake. :)
I am loving all the little things that Timothy does and thought I would share. I guess that's the beauty of blogging. :)
*His stretches when he wakes
*His discovery of his hands (which he can't seem to get to his mouth yet)
*His big smiles!!
*When he notices me from across the room
*His noises
*That little pouty (is that right?) lip
*His love for the three black picture frames on the wall and our fans
*The way he kicks his legs
I am loving all the little things that Timothy does and thought I would share. I guess that's the beauty of blogging. :)
*His stretches when he wakes
*His discovery of his hands (which he can't seem to get to his mouth yet)
*His big smiles!!
*When he notices me from across the room
*His noises
*That little pouty (is that right?) lip
*His love for the three black picture frames on the wall and our fans
*The way he kicks his legs
Friday, April 9, 2010
April
Confession: Eric and I officially have too many shows we enjoy watching. :)
Presently, we are only "committed" to two: 24 and Lost (which someone recently pointed out were two intense shows).
One we watch occasionally - Parenthood (quite hysterical and true to real life)
And starting soon...Glee and Lie to Me
(This doesn't include House which we have dropped.)
Conclusion: We cannot do it all. (And thank goodness we don't have cable.)
*Thankfully, we desire to spend quality time together, and that overrules TV. If we can't watch even our two "committed" shows, we don't despair. I appreciate how we don't sacrifice our family or friend relationships for a show. And this gives us something to watch when they're showing re-runs over the summer. :)
:)
On a more serious note, I have started a devotional which focuses on living a life of simplicity. I have been challenged to repent over the desire for "stuff" or desire for what other have (coveting) and to ask the Lord for help to remember the abundant blessings and provisions that he has made for us. As I look even just around our home, I think, "How can I not see the Lord's hand over our family?" Each day is a reminder of the Lord's goodness to us.
And at Small Group, I'm reminded of the hope we have through Christ's resurrection. Wow, do I have so much to be thankful for!
-Salvation
-Loving Family
-Warm Home
-Sweet Baby
-Genuine Friends
My prayer: "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Pro 30:8-9
*Check on facebook for recent pictures (it's easier to upload there). :)
Presently, we are only "committed" to two: 24 and Lost (which someone recently pointed out were two intense shows).
One we watch occasionally - Parenthood (quite hysterical and true to real life)
And starting soon...Glee and Lie to Me
(This doesn't include House which we have dropped.)
Conclusion: We cannot do it all. (And thank goodness we don't have cable.)
*Thankfully, we desire to spend quality time together, and that overrules TV. If we can't watch even our two "committed" shows, we don't despair. I appreciate how we don't sacrifice our family or friend relationships for a show. And this gives us something to watch when they're showing re-runs over the summer. :)
:)
On a more serious note, I have started a devotional which focuses on living a life of simplicity. I have been challenged to repent over the desire for "stuff" or desire for what other have (coveting) and to ask the Lord for help to remember the abundant blessings and provisions that he has made for us. As I look even just around our home, I think, "How can I not see the Lord's hand over our family?" Each day is a reminder of the Lord's goodness to us.
And at Small Group, I'm reminded of the hope we have through Christ's resurrection. Wow, do I have so much to be thankful for!
-Salvation
-Loving Family
-Warm Home
-Sweet Baby
-Genuine Friends
My prayer: "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Pro 30:8-9
*Check on facebook for recent pictures (it's easier to upload there). :)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
March
Timothy and I have been soaking up the Spring like weather in Chicago this week! We've taken many walks, and yesterday was our first trek to the library. He is super chill as we walk and many times falls asleep.
Highlights:
*Peekaboo - Just today I played peekaboo with Timothy. He just kept staring at me. :) Maybe in the future he'll give me smile or coo in response. For now, I love that he interacts with me through his beautiful eyes.
*Laughing - Yesterday I overheard Timothy give what sounded like a laugh while he was sleeping. I wonder what he was thinking about. :) (Maybe it was just passing gas, but I like to think otherwise.)
*Squeak Sound - As Eric and I drove home from Costco (we're kinda obsessed with that place), Timothy let out a squeak sound. Imagine a squeaky toy being squeezed and that's what we heard. We couldn't help but laugh. Eric asked me to check and make sure he was breathing. :) He was. :)
*Tummy Time - While he dislikes it a majority of the time, today he laid on my chest and did such a great job lifting up his head. He's a strong boy!
*Weight - Get ready for this! At his four week appt, he weighed...10lbs. 14oz! That's more than 3 pounds from his birth weight! Our little big boy! :)
As for me, I mentioned before that I hoped for a happy ending to "Shanghai Girls." Well...the main character (Pearl) continued to experience heartbreak. And there wasn't a "happy ending" rather an opening for a sequel to the book. As I wait for the second book to come out, I picked up another Lisa See book, "Peony in Love." Hopefully, this one won't be as tragic. :)
Eric is busy with Share on Moody Radio Chicago today. He's had the opportunity to engineer and produce - a nice change to the day-to-day events.
We're looking forward to our Easter trip down to Tennessee. And we'll see how we do on our first road trip with our little one. :) My guess is that we'll having the car packed to the max!
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