tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81155982296968303852024-02-20T23:18:48.516+09:00Where You lead me, I will follow...Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-10448172220318063132020-12-31T14:28:00.004+09:002020-12-31T14:30:15.852+09:00Another year come and gone...<p> <span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Oh man, blogging is not my strength apparently. A whole year without posting! </span></p><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">And quite honestly I don’t have it in me to write a profound post to sum up this crazy year, so a picture is all you get ;) </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">🥳 Happy New Year from the Badens! 🥳<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCIB5KtNdzU_WlWegW4cQ_eDyo2Flck7Fzoretiwpw2enmGC6qfUwrdYnNd3vGr1B3SZmb9moeL69K_YRbvVjp5HRQwm7uch7SaU-3pekCj9ZmmhL-bh92ij6c1fsYR1B6iHF69M_1I8/s2048/5DBD4AD1-0232-4AB0-9793-719843AF028E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCIB5KtNdzU_WlWegW4cQ_eDyo2Flck7Fzoretiwpw2enmGC6qfUwrdYnNd3vGr1B3SZmb9moeL69K_YRbvVjp5HRQwm7uch7SaU-3pekCj9ZmmhL-bh92ij6c1fsYR1B6iHF69M_1I8/s320/5DBD4AD1-0232-4AB0-9793-719843AF028E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-85049783436600213552019-12-31T23:35:00.000+09:002019-12-31T23:35:11.744+09:00 So long, 2019<div>
I stink at blogging consistently. So much for keeping up my blog in 2019!! I think this is my 3rd post this year, on the last day of the year! I had such good intentions of blogging more frequently, but alas I failed! I didn’t even post about the birth of our third son!! (Though I have plenty of records for him in other places so he’s not the stereotypical 3rd born with far less memory recordings than his older siblings!) </div>
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It’s been a pretty good year for us, with much to be thankful for! The highlight was obviously the growth of our family, adding our sweet little Elijah! He is an incredibly easy, content, happy baby and we are so blessed to have him! He brings us so much joy and happiness and helps me keep my head on straight when I’m about to lose it with his brothers! Let me tell you, parenting is not for the faint of heart...but boy it’s amazing! So many highs and lows...an incredibly sanctifying journey!!</div>
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Bobby and I are currently watching the Japanese version of Ninja Warrior and might make it to midnight! Just thought I should close off the year with one last post. Here’s to more blogging in 2020! 😉</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-59572996485553709582018-06-06T20:54:00.003+09:002018-06-06T20:54:48.801+09:00I Can Only Imagine book review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36576047-i-can-only-imagine" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="I Can Only Imagine: A Friendship with Jesus Now and Forever" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1517375906m/36576047.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36576047-i-can-only-imagine">I Can Only Imagine: A Friendship with Jesus Now and Forever</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1028369.Bart_Millard">Bart Millard</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2372578103">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This was a beautiful, fun book to read with my 3 year old! It really opened the door for some great conversations about heaven and it also provided opportunities to expand his imagination! (the day after we read it we laid down outside and looked at the clouds together!)<br /><br />The illustrations are beautiful too...nice and bright and colorful. <br /><br />I highly recommend this book for all ages, but especially for parents and grandparents who want to have more spiritual conversations with the "little people" in their lives.<br /><br />*I received a free digital copy of the book in exchange for a review<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/23591400-hillary-baden">View all my reviews</a>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-37588841548574310042018-06-06T20:31:00.001+09:002018-06-06T20:31:59.815+09:00First Post of 2018...Oh brother...it's almost halfway through 2018 and this is my first blog post! So much for goals! Guess that gives you a good glimpse as to how I feel about setting goals!<br />
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Where to even begin?? That's what happens when you neglect your blog for so long!<br />
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Life is on the crazy busy side these days...Joshua has entered our local preschool and our co-workers are on furlough until October so our plates are certainly full. Not my favorite season to be in, but unfortunately it's just what life looks like for us in the career/life stage that we're in!<br />
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Joshua is handling preschool like a champ! He is picking up Japanese super fast and doesn't appear to be frustrated at all that he can't communicate as well as he can in English. Nearly every day he'll say something in Japanese to us or while he's playing at home and he'll ask "what does that mean?" I am amazed at his resiliency...a definite answer to my anxious prayers! His teachers are so gracious and try so hard to say things in their broken English and I guess it's working for them because there haven't been any real issues so far. I'm so thankful for that. I can't say enough how proud of Joshua I am!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsZY-vPOGIX7wauJag3wHyGUCZK8DTyk24tWHS74Zyjg6a8scfkSOB5KGbr40SZmrSV8GW-QCdhZGbJ9jf9A7TbWxV0JIbYyhpHvLyZwMEuvZNUZBb1f6VYeGn92ne55wrap88PHs_Fw/s1600/20180412_000326963_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsZY-vPOGIX7wauJag3wHyGUCZK8DTyk24tWHS74Zyjg6a8scfkSOB5KGbr40SZmrSV8GW-QCdhZGbJ9jf9A7TbWxV0JIbYyhpHvLyZwMEuvZNUZBb1f6VYeGn92ne55wrap88PHs_Fw/s320/20180412_000326963_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are only 14 kids in his class so that has been really helpful in getting to know the other families. I have found the moms to be very friendly and super helpful...and there really isn't any exclusiveness or cliques like I imagined there would be. (not to my knowledge anyway!) We've had 2 families over for a meal and 4 moms came to a recent card-making outreach where I shared my testimony.<br />
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Noah is growing and maturing so quickly! He is a little parrot and talks ALL THE TIME! (both English and Japanese!) He makes me laugh so much and he is (usually) a real joy to be around. He's recently been struggling with what I assume are typical 2 year old struggles...lacking communication skills when he wants something done in a particular way and getting frustrated when he can't do things himself. He is constantly amazing me with his independence...it feels like every day he's learning how to do something by himself. (like climbing out of his bed, into his high chair, buckling himself in, etc) Just the other day I discovered he can count to 10 all by himself! He has much more of a desire to do things by himself than Joshua did (or does, I should say!) and he loves to copy his big brother, good or bad! He plays by himself so well and it's been really helpful to be able to get lots of things done in the mornings while Joshua is at school.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWeMTUHwrOwCLpo8DH2B5ckpfCxYV9Q7PaBryopgEUV8FC0b7Y960qm10SHUfHZtnJ6gFdr_TcIpByURmNi_SJrBUCkkK9kx7d0V1Eg9nw-AWhiAfCGtZsMVEpJUn06-LvhdCKLpbg0M/s1600/20180605_095245061_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWeMTUHwrOwCLpo8DH2B5ckpfCxYV9Q7PaBryopgEUV8FC0b7Y960qm10SHUfHZtnJ6gFdr_TcIpByURmNi_SJrBUCkkK9kx7d0V1Eg9nw-AWhiAfCGtZsMVEpJUn06-LvhdCKLpbg0M/s320/20180605_095245061_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm enjoying watching both of them grow so much, but boy it's exhausting!! It's only by God's grace that I make it to the end of each day!<br />
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Though I'm sure there's MUCH more that could be said here, I think I'll close for now. I recently joined a book website that offers free digital books in exchange for reviews so I apologize in advance for the abundance of book review blog posts...it's totally worth it in my opinion! Most of the ones I will post at first will be children's books because I haven't had as much time as I'd like to finish any of the "adult books" (no, not that kind of adult books...I mean Christian living/parenting books for grown ups!) but eventually you'll see some of those too! If you love reading and free books, be sure to check out a website called <a href="http://netgalley.com/">netgalley.com</a>!Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-56004251503103571052017-12-31T21:37:00.001+09:002017-12-31T21:40:01.195+09:00Worst Blogger Ever!<br />
Well, my intentions of being a better blogger this year have failed...here it is the last day of 2017 already and I have just one blog with a 2017 stamp on it! (Plus this one)<br />
And now, I’m fighting with technical difficulties and this post won’t be a very exciting one.<br />
I’m hoping 2018 will bring my blog back to life....it is something I really enjoy and want to keep up with, but just never makes it high enough up on the priority list!<br />
Anyway, here’s hoping I’ll be able to make it a habit next year (I have an unofficial goal of at least once a month)<br />
Happy New Year from the Badens! 🎉<img src="webkit-fake-url://b6af8836-7f57-455b-8f06-b4f59e6dab02/imagejpeg" /><br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://35020380-227f-4024-b47c-4cad757849a8/imagejpeg" />Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-55651994821778215672017-05-19T10:14:00.001+09:002017-05-19T10:14:30.325+09:00SponsorshipYesterday we received a voicemail from our sponsorship child organization saying that they had urgent news about our sponsor child. With mixed emotions, I sort of shrugged it off, assuming that she was reaching the age of "graduating" from their sponsorship program and wanted to set us up with another child, as they have done previously.<br />
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Bobby returned the call this morning to find out that our sponsor child had passed away earlier this month, from what they suspect was a heart problem. I am not sure, but I think she would have only been about 16 or 17.<br />
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As I sit here processing and grieving, wondering what I should learn from her loss, I feel so many things and have a need to do what I do best when I need to process...write!<br />
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My first regret is not having made this precious girl more of a part of my life. Sure, I occasionally prayed for her (usually only when I received a letter or an annual update) and very infrequently wrote her letters and sent family pictures, but I was not faithful with those prayers or letters. I could have prayed for her every day. I could have written her so much more often than I did. I worked with a sponsorship program when I lived in Uganda and I've seen firsthand how much it thrills a child to get a letter and/or a picture...and yet I didn't make it more of a priority. I should have taken more time to pay attention to the details of her life via her annual progress reports. I can't even remember when her birthday is...<br />
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My second regret is not having talked more about God's deep love for her with her. The organization I originally chose to begin sponsorship with way back when I was in high school is a well known organization, but not overtly Christian. I am not sure if she was a believer or not. Oh how I wish I was more faithful in my prayers for her salvation. I am thankful that now that I've had this wake up call, I can pray for her family and their salvation.<br />
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I also wasn't as intentional as I could have been about teaching my boys about who she was and how God has allowed us the opportunity to help her and her family because we've been blessed abundantly. I know they are still pretty young, but J is starting to become more aware of things and he is understanding more and more every day so I think with our next sponsorship, I need to start involving them in the process of praying for our special girl and writing letters/drawing pictures for her.<br />
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So, all this to say that I have learned from her loss...among other things, I've learned about the value and gravity of the position I hold as a sponsor, about the importance of prayer for this precious life, and once again, how blessed I really am.<br />
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I hugged my boys extra tight before putting them down for their naps this afternoon because I know there's a family in the Philippines right now who would give anything to get a chance to hug their "baby" girl again. I have two healthy boys and so much more to be thankful for. It's all about perspective...which is especially important for me to remember on days like today where I'm weary of correcting and rebuking and training my almost 3 year old the same things over and over, fighting with his strong little will.<br />
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I'll never understand why God would chose to allow this little girl to leave this world when He did, but I continue to trust in my heart He knows best, His ways are higher than mine, and He loves me...just as He loves my little Jennilyn. I know I can't dwell on my failures because it's not healthy. I can't sit here and feel sorry for myself because I messed up. There's nothing I can do to fix my negligence now, except to repent, learn from it and make some changes for the future, which I can only do with God's help.<br />
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If you have a sponsor child, I hope this reminds you of the value of your position, and prompts you to be a little more faithful in your prayers for your sponsor child, and maybe prompts you to write them a letter!Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-30835985762386321182016-11-08T22:34:00.001+09:002016-11-08T22:34:10.178+09:00Grief<div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">This past month has been an incredibly painful month for us as a family, for Bobby in particular. Bobby's younger brother, Randy, was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2009, right around when we started dating. Ever since, Randy has had numerous struggles with his health, mainly due to his cancer treatments. Mid September, we got the call that we have been dreading...Bobby was asked to make a trip back to America because Randy wasn't expected to live much longer.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">Bobby did make that trip and was able to say his final goodbye, along with his Mom and older brother. Randy held on and fought hard, and he ended up living almost exactly a month after we received that phone call. He passed away on October 14th.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">It's been a whole new journey for me, walking through the grief of losing a loved one. I am blessed to say this is the first loss of an immediate family member. My Great Grandma died when I was about 10 and I was old enough to remember, and then my Great Grandpa died a few years later, but it was different because I was so young...and we lived several provinces away when both of them passed away. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It saddens me that I never really got to know the "healthy Randy", but I so wish I did. </span>To be honest I can't say that I was close with him, mostly because we never got to spend much time together, but because he was Bobby's brother, I'm affected in an unavoidable way. Just as we said in our vows, Bobby's sorrows are my sorrows, and when he hurts, I hurt. Watching him lose his brother and see him hurt in a way he's never hurt before is one of the hardest things I've ever been through. I feel so helpless and just wish I could make his hurt go away. And being so far from his Mom who is so very deeply affected by Randy's death is extra hard as well. I long to be there to comfort her, and I long for Bobby to be able to grieve physically alongside his family.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">All that to say that although Randy was not my brother by blood, I am still hurting and grieving too and this has been a hard month.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">I want to write this blog with the advisory that I am by no means "an expert" in this, and my thoughts and suggestions are probably personal...everyone grieves differently, and I'm only speaking from my experience so far, which is fresh. I've come up with some of the ways that you can help me through this time, and maybe use it to be an encouragement to someone you know that's walking through grief as well.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">I also want to say that I don't write this to make anyone feel guilty about what they have or haven't done for me or us as a family. We have been surrounded by love and support, and these things are just certain things that stand out in particular to me and have spoken to or would speak deeply to my heart. I write so that I remember, and can use my experience to help someone else.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">~~~~~</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-Please remember that although this wasn't my brother, or even my side of the family, I still hurt too. My husband isn't the only one who could use a hug or an encouraging Scripture.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">-When you say you'll pray for me, really pray for me...either right there with me, or type or write it out...it's powerful!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">-Admit you don't know what to say, rather than try to come up with "the right words"--because sometimes sympathy cliches just make me hurt even more...especially since to my knowledge, my loved one wasn't a believer. Things like "his suffering is over" and "he's in a better place" make the pain hurt more.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">-Let me cry without holding back...better yet, cry with me. It acknowledges my pain and shows genuine empathy. Ideally doing this in a setting where there's freedom to cry is best...for example, it's really hard to "flip a switch" and put on a happy face when someone conveys their sympathy right before a church service begins or you're in a public setting and I can't fully let out the tears that are welling up in my eyes.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">-Try to think of practical things you can do to help because it's hard to think clearly about what I/we really need, let alone just ask for help...food is always helpful, but try to keep in mind that we might not feel like eating...a meal that can be frozen or eaten later is extra helpful.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">-Sometimes it might be better not to say anything, rather than try and relate to me by telling me of someone else's loss. Unless you truly have walked the same path, (for example you lost a sibling at a young age too, or lost a dear friend to the same illness rather than talking about your friend's cousin's daughter's uncle who had the same type of cancer) it just doesn't feel as painful as my own pain and loss.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">-Please offer to watch my kids for an hour or two as soon as possible...kids can be a good distraction through grief, but I also need time alone or as a couple to cry and talk things through, not having to put my "brave face" on for the kids.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">-Just be with me. Remind me that you're here for me and you know my family and I are hurting...and don't put a timeline of when I should be "back to normal" because these feelings will always be a part of my life now.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">~~~~~</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">I just finished a really helpful book called "Please be Patient With Me, I'm Grieving". It's a fairly short read but it's really helpful. I think if you're anything like me and you've never really had to deal with loss before, it's really eye opening and practical to the emotions of a grieving heart. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">One of my biggest takeaways from it so far is the reminder that grief never really goes away, and it's a lot like a roller coaster. People describe it as being hit by a bus over and over again. Just when you feel like you're on the road to recovery, something reminds you of the person you lost and you find yourself back on the laying road again, feeling like the bus just drove over you again, re-opening wounds you thought had healed. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">The griever's life will never be the same again. It's important to acknowledge that, and be there for them...all along the way. When everyone else seems to have moved on, the griever likely hasn't and needs your help to try and establish a new normal, without the person they lost. Their grief doesn't go away. Be there with them, and really try to remember dates of significance when they will most definitely be experiencing the pain all over again, such as the loved one's birthday, holidays, or the anniversary of their death. The simple act of remembering and acknowledging will mean so much to them.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">Hopefully this mix of a summary of that book and my personal experience will help someone reading this understand more about grief and loss. If nothing else, as usual, the act of writing this out has helped me with my own feelings and emotions and I'm glad I took the time to write this.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">As I mentioned, this is my first experience with close loss and looking back, I can see how I have said or done something that might be considered insensitive and wish I had of read something like this, and known how important it is to continue conveying sympathy beyond what people usually would.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress; direction: inherit;">I know it's awkward to walk through grief with someone and feel like you don't really know what you're doing because I've been there...but please try. You never know what kind of an impact something that you think is insignificant might mean to someone who is hurting.</div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-82482467582566333172016-08-02T16:43:00.001+09:002016-08-22T20:12:27.358+09:00How fast time flies!!Well, Noah is already 4 1/2 months old...and I haven't blogged about anything beyond his birth! And I never did do a Joshua update like I had hoped! (But that is a goal of this post!)<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9jhpEQ9CmSuWH6MMsEiy7AXMKlOkb-3Y6qyKaSOzgxmECdm1DuK0DfPh3QQWziTVKsAh7AEvcH1PXMmOm2G7buCe53td1WjUUaqPK3qFhvUDEUoKO2HsSZSViaeZtzhTSU55twM6F0g/s640/blogger-image-1843566559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9jhpEQ9CmSuWH6MMsEiy7AXMKlOkb-3Y6qyKaSOzgxmECdm1DuK0DfPh3QQWziTVKsAh7AEvcH1PXMmOm2G7buCe53td1WjUUaqPK3qFhvUDEUoKO2HsSZSViaeZtzhTSU55twM6F0g/s640/blogger-image-1843566559.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We're all doing pretty good these days...finally in a pretty good groove, but as I say that, there are still days like the other day where I swear the boys conspire together to take turns being clingy and extra needy and take terrible naps! That morning Noah was in rough shape, not eating well, not sleeping well, and just generally not happy with the world, but we made it to my glorious joint nap time (where both boys are sleeping at the same time!). Then Joshua woke up crying about an hour earlier than he usually wakes up (normally happily!) and was just out of sorts and nothing would make him happy...he couldn't communicate what he wanted and I think he really didn't know what he wanted so he was really frustrated! Anyway, I ended up having to stop feeding Noah and have Joshua sit in my lap, read a few books, then cooked dinner with him in the carrier on my back! It was really weird because he never wants to be in the carrier and he usually never wants to snuggle more than 30 seconds but for some reason, he was extra clingy! But, thanks to Bobby's extra help, we made it through till bed time!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqBvpF6aFO7daS2o5c46yQc7mOXo8PtxOPlZqS7H6STn42QQHOESkaiLw5HjClUc4zA8qFo20REc1LYJwj8Uiu7jqke-i6U6hElK-KRnNDfTu5EgBFs3eV08frim0qiBld1dv-fGEWis/s640/blogger-image-1117744813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqBvpF6aFO7daS2o5c46yQc7mOXo8PtxOPlZqS7H6STn42QQHOESkaiLw5HjClUc4zA8qFo20REc1LYJwj8Uiu7jqke-i6U6hElK-KRnNDfTu5EgBFs3eV08frim0qiBld1dv-fGEWis/s640/blogger-image-1117744813.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Days like that make me really thankful for the "normal" days! And it could have been worse...I could have been alone with TWO clingy boys! Recently God has been doing a lot of work in my heart, helping me to genuinely enjoy being a mom, and truly serve my family. There's still a LOT of work to be done, but I really feel a difference in my heart and I've been a lot more thankful and grateful. I don't really know why, but I just feel extra blessed...extra aware of how "good" I have it, with two "normal", healthy boys, who are great sleepers. There's so many moms out there with children who have special needs, have no help, and have terrible sleepers...and keeping that in mind has really helped me be more grateful.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi0FZ0zfemtHnodhGCfEuDQOJeYYJOD1xoI5179YscADnhsoUAx0ONMcqzfMecb-P9vlkEvfvPeyubp9EDw4a9OQ2aPXHP_gF2kJCSn4wpEybsZZBuOM4ZI3yt-_AXjO1dfAxWL0EoNA/s640/blogger-image-1153676768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi0FZ0zfemtHnodhGCfEuDQOJeYYJOD1xoI5179YscADnhsoUAx0ONMcqzfMecb-P9vlkEvfvPeyubp9EDw4a9OQ2aPXHP_gF2kJCSn4wpEybsZZBuOM4ZI3yt-_AXjO1dfAxWL0EoNA/s640/blogger-image-1153676768.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, on to the updating...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc5dNIjDrgKVwodXmslD0xEpgDRFzpoM_M1a3GVR23TRi1d4xdd7TCFDm1j32a61n_PAUudnMXX1VrR4NTPzjX917SSLro9uMunyZKtrOVL9cl7w_LoSg3u0MfonHKOh0BxzJSpcujPk/s640/blogger-image--1268462816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc5dNIjDrgKVwodXmslD0xEpgDRFzpoM_M1a3GVR23TRi1d4xdd7TCFDm1j32a61n_PAUudnMXX1VrR4NTPzjX917SSLro9uMunyZKtrOVL9cl7w_LoSg3u0MfonHKOh0BxzJSpcujPk/s640/blogger-image--1268462816.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Noah is sleeping through the night and has been for about a month now (though last week we had a bit of a regression for an unknown reason!)...it's amazing what a difference that makes! He eats pretty well (pretty easily distracted though and hates nursing with a cover!) about every 3-3 1/2 hours. I think he's average weight. I don't have his stats at the moment, but I think he's pretty close to the same as Joshua was as far as weight and height which would put him in the average category I believe. I always wanted chunky babies, but I guess that's not in the cards for me! ;) He does have some pretty good arm rolls though. :) He naps 3 times a day for about 1 1/2-2 hours (sometimes more, sometimes less) with the occasional cat nap between dinner and bedtime. He rarely manages to stay awake longer than 2 hours max!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2aegFtPKbXI6VpylklXz_JicNtTeQEoq-ZuEfufn-S3MYEvA2EsJ_WCuTWKSCVk2qDgbzalAOMYAGc7_TLFaPYWbS-gMGoqb63GtjgWgSp6reIrgkDA877PVkKB8KRY59h1QGOulBTs/s640/blogger-image-200891617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2aegFtPKbXI6VpylklXz_JicNtTeQEoq-ZuEfufn-S3MYEvA2EsJ_WCuTWKSCVk2qDgbzalAOMYAGc7_TLFaPYWbS-gMGoqb63GtjgWgSp6reIrgkDA877PVkKB8KRY59h1QGOulBTs/s640/blogger-image-200891617.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>He's what I would consider an easy-going baby, and deals well with the chaos of life with a two year old big brother pretty well! When he's upset, it's almost always because his diaper is dirty or he's tired...and he doesn't hold back letting you know he's upset! He loves watching Joshua and Daddy play and I think he's looking forward to being able to get in on the action! The last week or so, if he can stay awake long enough, he's been joining in on Joshua's pre-bedtime snuggles with Daddy and Joshua sits there and holds his hand...it's the cutest thing ever and makes my heart just melt! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslGwOH39D5KHz6WmKRJKk-q_VJa_MSkkK6PEJXgPs37X63LOfaOBLva7pRX9Cnj_xbdiL7G_CC3h3mf324AfwKK1JSzsDKgczTv90w48h7iHkaZpvBLdy55soNoruHrHK0W6c82I3Poo/s640/blogger-image--334143626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslGwOH39D5KHz6WmKRJKk-q_VJa_MSkkK6PEJXgPs37X63LOfaOBLva7pRX9Cnj_xbdiL7G_CC3h3mf324AfwKK1JSzsDKgczTv90w48h7iHkaZpvBLdy55soNoruHrHK0W6c82I3Poo/s640/blogger-image--334143626.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>He loves putting anything and everything he can get his hands on into his mouth and actually gets frustrated when he can't get something in his mouth...like his O-ball! I thought he might be teething, but still no evidence yet. He seems to be our little extrovert...he absolutely loves when you get close to his face and just talk to him...he talks right back to you and gives you the biggest smiles! Super interactive!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLHfVuHGRnXjLek98XwNGa6XLtkjSuj5EHd5W3Bb5D7Di_vHwk5-t8Het9vUL3fSqgOv1rQoVln1TIQaDjIiuuMtopl4fJqVIV2YKBz5yJiHxULrqha_usWVwYyD1qkReVTAhK7ekqjU/s640/blogger-image--354552194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLHfVuHGRnXjLek98XwNGa6XLtkjSuj5EHd5W3Bb5D7Di_vHwk5-t8Het9vUL3fSqgOv1rQoVln1TIQaDjIiuuMtopl4fJqVIV2YKBz5yJiHxULrqha_usWVwYyD1qkReVTAhK7ekqjU/s640/blogger-image--354552194.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have suspicions that he is going to crawl a lot earlier than Joshua did...he is constantly moving and never in the same place we leave him in when we put him on the floor or in his bed! He's already poised to start scooting soon as he looooves tummy time and sleeps on his tummy too. I think I'm going to have my hands full soon! (J didn't 'officially crawl' until he was almost a year old, though he had his ways of getting around! He hated being on his belly, but he did sleep on his tummy too)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW9VURgRuJXANE3NGZ-Y0bhQWNF2sFZHRq7-2mPgpz3bnLOOGNshIWYDetkjgd4SAr_TRIbGJIJGHVvGW5SrGcCse8g0S_mP3694HyZLA9-KiUDMoGBNe_3Q-rOFv6ix8fBpL0VEwL6M/s640/blogger-image-1631263877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqW9VURgRuJXANE3NGZ-Y0bhQWNF2sFZHRq7-2mPgpz3bnLOOGNshIWYDetkjgd4SAr_TRIbGJIJGHVvGW5SrGcCse8g0S_mP3694HyZLA9-KiUDMoGBNe_3Q-rOFv6ix8fBpL0VEwL6M/s640/blogger-image-1631263877.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Joshua is in love with the movie Cars these days, and he rarely goes a day without watching either the first Cars or the second one. (These days he likes the second one better than the first) We've gotten him several different matchbox cars of the characters and he adores them! They have changed my world too in that he actually plays by himself now! He will often play with them in the kitchen while I'm doing the dishes or cooking and almost always has a least one in his hand throughout the day. I love seeing how excited he gets anytime he sees something with Lightening McQueen on it! He has the eyes of a hawk when it comes to spying McQueen! They have Cars things here, but I suspect not as much as North America so I can only imagine how fun taking him shopping with us will be when we're there! ;) and as every parent knows, it sure will be hard to resist giving in to him and buying him all the Cars memorabilia because it is so fun making him so happy! ;) Yesterday when I got him up he remembered that I told him he could wear his McQueen shirt the night before and the first words out of his mouth were "QUEEN DAY!!!" (Translated to "I get to wear my McQueen shirt today!") He calls McQueen "Queema" or "queen" and Francesco is "Sir CoCo"!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS4ORPxtf597kKdsUOmjR99g83o5TyfoIeVYMHrkOVUPsobqDSO8CinLz0gNF1fw16LnhNVpykPBL7KkeTc4vndirDXaZniHHqkUhVRbEKa5GCZeC4yJaMGdB-nsifTE8BTczNX6rgL0/s640/blogger-image-1673355014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS4ORPxtf597kKdsUOmjR99g83o5TyfoIeVYMHrkOVUPsobqDSO8CinLz0gNF1fw16LnhNVpykPBL7KkeTc4vndirDXaZniHHqkUhVRbEKa5GCZeC4yJaMGdB-nsifTE8BTczNX6rgL0/s640/blogger-image-1673355014.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>He is a pretty...well, how shall we put it...selective? eater. He loves Macaroni and cheese and french fries. And breakfast every morning is Peanut Butter toast! Anything else is a pretty big struggle...but sometimes he can be convinced to eat something if he gets to eat it with crackers ;) it's been hard for me, but I'm realizing more and more how normal this is...and just keep doing my best to offer him a variety.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Q4esYbMk7IFCCRccPVvqNg7CevEN1-rLwv8EFwo-TVZ4dMSBefwZoCljxvqE2EMJ1sp7AzTeKATTeasWEJoB49Fd_u3dM6MV0w72N3CvhyDPIf500YIopydO0c0nOCDAd_w2p-XrxtQ/s640/blogger-image--499223153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Q4esYbMk7IFCCRccPVvqNg7CevEN1-rLwv8EFwo-TVZ4dMSBefwZoCljxvqE2EMJ1sp7AzTeKATTeasWEJoB49Fd_u3dM6MV0w72N3CvhyDPIf500YIopydO0c0nOCDAd_w2p-XrxtQ/s640/blogger-image--499223153.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>He's starting to talk more (aka repeat EVERYTHING!) which has been fun. It is so amazing to watch him learn and understand more and more things...kids are fascinating! One of my favorite things he says is "I love you" which comes out more like "I youuu"! :) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0syf4h8Q_XC8yZgD1-lkFyPRIbDtsJ84lrQj9OQm4bAkEklAGQZgv_0rzCHrn9fkzBJuOwuaFtP3HRhl43sXHsyO9irhL4qcji4MsiOh1TomAXUKwVjeIwJYONYAqkfCIm0dxrZjOEGM/s640/blogger-image-516737411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0syf4h8Q_XC8yZgD1-lkFyPRIbDtsJ84lrQj9OQm4bAkEklAGQZgv_0rzCHrn9fkzBJuOwuaFtP3HRhl43sXHsyO9irhL4qcji4MsiOh1TomAXUKwVjeIwJYONYAqkfCIm0dxrZjOEGM/s640/blogger-image-516737411.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>We've had a pretty quiet summer so far...hotter than usual and super thankful for air conditioning in this lovely humidity! (And in spite of running the a/c without holding back, our electric bill was shockingly low, encouraging us to throw away any guilt for running them so much because it's just not worth it to "suffer" in the heat. I don't know about you, but I am absolutely useless when I'm hot...tired, grumpy and miserable to name a few attributes that come to mind!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZme782wTqCq1xt8Fb_3toBsx3rX2aWvdFUR4_tzcaZZ6vAD1cMCTLVPZMzCbW_eZUCsmljOkTloMXldvsYhNO-7R0_1yReAp3JHku85dv6cwFzy-mvq7FAYlOr-3RuZU1UJ-ydXTYPBg/s640/blogger-image-380196900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZme782wTqCq1xt8Fb_3toBsx3rX2aWvdFUR4_tzcaZZ6vAD1cMCTLVPZMzCbW_eZUCsmljOkTloMXldvsYhNO-7R0_1yReAp3JHku85dv6cwFzy-mvq7FAYlOr-3RuZU1UJ-ydXTYPBg/s640/blogger-image-380196900.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I've dipped my toes back into language study...pray for me!! I still have some requirements (mostly related to religious language) to complete in order to move out of my "full time language student" status, and our goal is to come as close to finishing as possible before we go on furlough in November, so I've got my work cut out for me. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNG38RQsG-SsJgq4ywYEQ_6fz_BkdCbmUX0AONjkP7QZEEHpuPGGoQiZWNUZChBp8WyX6tXu7jYEqz1L5UlPiz19ZohqIc1eu85J0PVeNcNgbnd9A2GHln4ydP49OqegnoRg4Hk_X3IQ/s640/blogger-image-1368832890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNG38RQsG-SsJgq4ywYEQ_6fz_BkdCbmUX0AONjkP7QZEEHpuPGGoQiZWNUZChBp8WyX6tXu7jYEqz1L5UlPiz19ZohqIc1eu85J0PVeNcNgbnd9A2GHln4ydP49OqegnoRg4Hk_X3IQ/s640/blogger-image-1368832890.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrwBWc1-aeDqNfF1GFR5sAmNQogo-NJIHd-G6PF3PTSOEZsg-sb33t3hoKR-tJ3dAe8OiBV0PNHaZSITczcZe62GEgtD7dgR7dUoAsKnxrnWnDk4RtnS8dEy5qB6qnTjahbOm9M0jepA/s640/blogger-image-977844224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrwBWc1-aeDqNfF1GFR5sAmNQogo-NJIHd-G6PF3PTSOEZsg-sb33t3hoKR-tJ3dAe8OiBV0PNHaZSITczcZe62GEgtD7dgR7dUoAsKnxrnWnDk4RtnS8dEy5qB6qnTjahbOm9M0jepA/s640/blogger-image-977844224.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>I think that's all I can think of as for updates. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but since I've been writing this blog post for about 2 weeks now, I think it's better to just publish it now!</div><div><br></div><div>For fun, here are Noah's monthly pictures...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP567cV_YrCGyORu0BCLm7NbiJZRuuUuwYWx3oJUDnnI3KqiGKt5UDlWFmusbkaYz5zviUywTnTeYxIOdEPNbTjIMgTh9QMh7C_5iuIKKrddO4oldTmwnAoXw6t31bUl26L0HNs_7kI6k/s640/blogger-image-242858351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP567cV_YrCGyORu0BCLm7NbiJZRuuUuwYWx3oJUDnnI3KqiGKt5UDlWFmusbkaYz5zviUywTnTeYxIOdEPNbTjIMgTh9QMh7C_5iuIKKrddO4oldTmwnAoXw6t31bUl26L0HNs_7kI6k/s640/blogger-image-242858351.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfVTs0yeC9q1PqsKPDRsxvn6wbYyj7GuCXJknZ7cAyafnL9ucs4SLyrTt6BQTNIykNouy9E54YW0FDGtqQS5S0EWC6l-LP_92efxk_fvlzftmhpaBC-gXFMVgUt6MSa3nJImkCkSgBmE/s640/blogger-image--2122972387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfVTs0yeC9q1PqsKPDRsxvn6wbYyj7GuCXJknZ7cAyafnL9ucs4SLyrTt6BQTNIykNouy9E54YW0FDGtqQS5S0EWC6l-LP_92efxk_fvlzftmhpaBC-gXFMVgUt6MSa3nJImkCkSgBmE/s640/blogger-image--2122972387.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jb2VQiwUTrsZsvb28cENWM-PZggDWkAgVjOcXBrroT7bA0T1DmqfLGunkU8AowUWcXwRpNOWy2dGo9MDqfJaaUislvJPjzwVNHV_zVSX8yeDa6EyzI9h37ZEOoXPyL3Wm4x_Ey6k_7A/s640/blogger-image--1472797800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jb2VQiwUTrsZsvb28cENWM-PZggDWkAgVjOcXBrroT7bA0T1DmqfLGunkU8AowUWcXwRpNOWy2dGo9MDqfJaaUislvJPjzwVNHV_zVSX8yeDa6EyzI9h37ZEOoXPyL3Wm4x_Ey6k_7A/s640/blogger-image--1472797800.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaxGHEobcf9OXlWQUAgDu1iHFjqcZauHWMBZWKnqKYRAbWtnVXiFXUHsOC0EnJZ3VIxEqHD-awZbYYrrPGRxClxFmMVB7rLTsrw2_T21n7KgpGDR3DaW2E-NzcJOWBsKUy4oZET8Z9yg/s640/blogger-image--144989554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaxGHEobcf9OXlWQUAgDu1iHFjqcZauHWMBZWKnqKYRAbWtnVXiFXUHsOC0EnJZ3VIxEqHD-awZbYYrrPGRxClxFmMVB7rLTsrw2_T21n7KgpGDR3DaW2E-NzcJOWBsKUy4oZET8Z9yg/s640/blogger-image--144989554.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And for even more fun, here's a comparison picture of J and N at 4 months :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99HGfXv67itVMWiVyON_ex4YVJN6QgCsDlNqbKhsH9H1oaOsG1s0rSnIspjV6vVMLkfSYnhYhLmZB_DxMI8qkjzgchrdY1YBS4hkA3vCHyVXMgOvAbPura8uWpSHWXIQvzrSJB8DP6LY/s640/blogger-image--1788554802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99HGfXv67itVMWiVyON_ex4YVJN6QgCsDlNqbKhsH9H1oaOsG1s0rSnIspjV6vVMLkfSYnhYhLmZB_DxMI8qkjzgchrdY1YBS4hkA3vCHyVXMgOvAbPura8uWpSHWXIQvzrSJB8DP6LY/s640/blogger-image--1788554802.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-18601325927845984332016-05-25T09:31:00.000+09:002016-05-25T09:31:17.552+09:00A more uplifting post...<div>
I have good news.... I'm feeling a little better these days! Yes, I still have the occasional overwhelmed meltdown here and there, but God has really been teaching me and pressing on my heart to keep looking to Him for help and strength and to enjoy these two precious gifts He's given me even in the hard times. Over and over in the last few days in multiple places (books, blogs, veteran parent friends, etc), I'm being reminded that these days with my babies aren't going to last forever and I need to soak them up. Yes, these days are hard, but in the blink of an eye, my boys are going to be all grown up and these newborn/two year old days are going to be just memories.</div>
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I have to share this video about soaking up your little ones while they're still little... I know it's everywhere and you've probably already seen it, but I have to share it anyway just in case you haven't seen it. Warning...if you're a mom, it will probably make you cry, no matter how old your kids are!</div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/clcNB_EUao8">http://youtu.be/clcNB_EUao8</a><br />
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I also recently came across a blog about the first 3 months of motherhood that I thought was super well written. She really expressed a lot of what I've been feeling and I think it should get passed around. It was really validating for me and my crazy post partum emotions and it came to me at such perfect timing. I can no longer say that no one ever talks about these things! </div>
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You can find it <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/catherine-alford/what-nobody-tells-you-about-the-first-3-months-of-motherhood_b_5519562.html" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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Thanks for the encouraging words that some of you took the time to write...it meant a lot. I know it was a 'in the heat of the moment' post, but I am glad I wrote it and I am thankful to have this 'outlet', knowing that it helps me reach out to my virtual support network! ;)</div>
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Now, off to enjoy my boys!</div>
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Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-36320297079499240642016-05-10T22:34:00.001+09:002016-05-11T12:07:14.480+09:00Raw, honest moment...<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Can I be a real for a minute? Can I make a confession? I don't love the newborn days.</span><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Sure, I love the squishy snuggles and the sweet smiles and little chuckles as they dream, but there's a whole lot that goes on behind the scenes of newborn days that I feel like no one ever really talks about...but I'm going to. Because I need to get it off my chest tonight as I'm fighting back tears while my gracious husband tries to calm our 'screaming-his-head-off' little bundle of joy.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I know this is my second time around, but I'm just as overwhelmed <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">as I was the first time around </span>by the number of judgement calls and decisions you have to make regarding when to feed and even how to feed, how to calm, when, where and how to put to sleep, how to establish a routine, how to teach good sleeping patterns and teach the difference between night and day...what to do when your baby is inconsolable and you've tried everything you can possible think of to try to get your baby to stop crying. Newborns seriously cause me to doubt my abilities of being a mom, especially when I can't tell the difference between their cries like all the books tell me I will be able to, or when the sound of my own babies' cry causes me to want to flee the scene for as long as possible...</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I've never quite felt as helpless as I do in these moments and I hate it! He's crying out in pain from tummy issues and I've tried every trick in the book to help him out, but nothing's working. I don't like having to wonder if I'm the cause of his tummy issues, because of something I ate. He isn't like this all the time, but this is the second night in a row like this. I wish some days we could fast forward a few months to the smiley, interactive baby stage.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I feel like a bad mom for all those confessions. Am I the only one who feels this way?! (Don't get me wrong though...I love my babies with a fierce love words can't even describe!)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Can I also say that being a parent is hard. There's no denying that! I feel like reading all the parenting books and blogs out there and all the babysitting/auntie experience you can get just doesn't prepare you for having your own kids. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Today was another 'one of those days' in our house. Plenty of ups and downs...more than I care for. Started off with a baby that woke up at 5am and would not go back to sleep. Not fun. Played a repetitive little hide and seek game with a Lightening McQueen magnet book with my sweet almost 2 year old little buddy and loved hearing his priceless giggles and his "again?!" every time we went through our little routine. (Meanwhile little guy is sleeping soundly in his swing next to us) Super sweet. Got some major over-due organizing and put things away while a thoughtful co-worker came over and played with J while little guy continued to sleep. Yes!! Watched Cars with my little buddy while I fed little guy and stored away his sweet little expressive face in my never-want-to-forget-this memory box. Happy heart. Little guys' schedule is kinda off so my vision of sneaking in a nap for myself fades...and after two days in a row of having both boys sleeping in their own beds at the same time for 2+ hours, my streak is over. J literally screamed his way through nap time and refused to sleep today...and little guy also took longer to go to sleep than usual and required being held most of the afternoon. Nap battle followed up with dinner battle.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I should clarify that dinner in itself was on of those up and downs...made some real progress with getting J to feed himself...at last!! Then he decided to start flinging his spoon around and gets dinner all over the floor. And required a bargain with number of bites to get his yoghurt and cookie 'reward'. Grrrrr. And all this occurring while little guy decides he doesn't want to be put down so that we can eat...</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Sigh...thank heavens it's not bath night!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Ah, bed time at last...not so bad with J. Merely escaped a meltdown and managed to turn out the light with no tears. Yes! Time for little guy to eat...again. Successful feeding, sleepy baby returned to bed for the evening and we finally get to crawl into bed. Or so I thought. While I went downstairs to console myself with a little chocolate and decaf iced coffee, little guy decides to wake himself up and spit up in his bed and decide he's not going back to sleep...and that's where we are now, almost 2 hours later. I was starting to lose it so Bobby took over and I am still hearing the occasional scream downstairs...</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">And, as I was typing, over the monitor, I heard whimpers from J so I went into his room and asked him what was wrong...but got no response and found out that he was sound asleep and must have been dreaming! Glad to have dodged that bullet, but seriously, when it rains it pours right?! And, just for humor's sake...there's a mosquito in our room that has bit me 3 times now...but I just got rid of him!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Anyway, whether that seems like a rough day to you or not, my point is, parenting is hard...and exhausting. And I'm tired! I know everyone says the days are long but the years are short and all the 'time flies' proverbs from veteran moms are true...but can I just say today was hard. And I can't wait for it to be over...but it won't really be anytime soon because I've got a newborn to feed every 3-4 hours tonight that may or may not go back to sleep in between feedings. And tonight I'm 'flying solo' because Bobby has a 7am prayer meeting tomorrow and needs to sleep...and speaking of that, I need to go relive him so he can go to bed.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I know some day before I know it I'll be looking back at these days and just smiling at the exhausted desperation seeping from this post, and I'll be an empty nester wondering where the years went, but it sure is hard to be thankful for days like today. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">But I think deep inside I am. I know I prayed for these two precious gifts for a long time and wanted nothing more than to have the experience of being a mother...and God gave me the desire of my heart and blessed me with two fantastic little boys. I can't wait to see how He will use them for His glory in this world. I know He's already using them to refine me and conform me into His image...through days like today! I'm thankful He is with me every step of the way, and I know He hears my desperate cries tonight. I have much to be grateful for.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Not sure what my purpose in writing this post really was (hopefully I don't regret it!)...maybe it'll be encouraging for someone else to hear that I don't love the newborn days like everyone else seems to, or maybe it will end up discouraging someone from having kids!!?? (I hope not!) But, it feels good to get that all out, and process the day I had today. Reminding me to cherish the good days, even the normal everyday days...if those ever happen again! ;) </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Thanks for sticking with me.</div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-75054344866088132432016-05-04T11:19:00.001+09:002016-05-07T13:28:16.952+09:00Noah's arrival<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Noah Benjamin Baden came into the world on April 5th, weighing in at 7lbs 4oz. 😊 Although I've had most of this all written out since just a few days after he was born, for some reason it's taken me a month to get his birth story posted! (And, I never did get that Joshua update written!)</span><div><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFEU6gLue8IEGsZNgf6s4hkZ7FTLuoGVDOycB-Oa9a-992U7SgZFU2_OJbDeGbAwgIzzi69-ChRvl_lhT83mcgwdDdoaJUqioa3d9L_6rhHT8tLDSwd7WZxZJ1fhbZDaJoT4Ls6ml-Ak/s640/blogger-image--990408972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFEU6gLue8IEGsZNgf6s4hkZ7FTLuoGVDOycB-Oa9a-992U7SgZFU2_OJbDeGbAwgIzzi69-ChRvl_lhT83mcgwdDdoaJUqioa3d9L_6rhHT8tLDSwd7WZxZJ1fhbZDaJoT4Ls6ml-Ak/s640/blogger-image--990408972.jpg"></a></div></span></font><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">We got all checked in on Monday he 4th, and had a pretty quiet day...Had a non stress test to make sure everything was looking ok and had surgery prep. We had a talk with the anesthesiologist, going over how things would happen the next day and we got a little surprise...at my last checkup, we had confirmed that I would be getting an epidural and would be awake for the surgery, just like when Joshua was born. But, when the anesthesiologist came in, he started talking about giving me a general anesthesia...meaning I'd be asleep during the surgery. Obviously we were a little surprised by this, because I really had my heart set in being awake to be able to see Noah right after he was born, knowing that I wouldn't be able to for the next 24 hours. The anesthesiologist was the same man who put me asleep when I had my gallbladder taken out so his reasoning was that a general anesthesia was safer than an epidural because among other reasons, he knew that I didn't have any reactions or anything last time.</span></div><div><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></font></div><div><font color="#454545" face="UICTFontTextStyleBody"><span style="text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">But, that news was really hard for me to hear and in spite of my best efforts to hide my feelings from him, halfway through our conversation, he told me that because he could see it was really important for me to meet my baby, he agreed to try an epidural first (3 attempts) and if that didn't work, he'd do a general anesthesia instead. I was thrilled to hear that and really appreciated his accommodation!<br></span></font><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Tuesday morning was quiet...got an IV and then we just waited for 1:00 to roll around!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Tuesday pm- wheeled into OR at exactly 1:00. The anesthesiologist attempted an epidural for about 40 minutes but had no success. The nurses were very helpful and sympathetic, but everyone kept saying I would be able to see the baby tomorrow which made it harder not to cry. I was awake until right before surgery started as they didn't want to make the baby sleepy, but I started to wonder if I was going to be awake when surgery started...I was relieved when anesthesia kicked in so fast ;)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I felt real peace while I was in the OR and wasn't really nervous...I was praying it would work to get the epidural, but at the same time I felt kind of like maybe God was using this as an opportunity for me to grow...and let go of my desires and give this over to Him and allow it to be a testimony for Him. I really didn't want to make the anesthesiologist feel bad because I know he was doing his best and was looking out for me, but I am not sure I communicated that very well with the tears that came after he told me it wouldn't work. I wish I could have told him I was really ok, and to please ignore my tears! He was so kind and gentle and spoke enough English to help me feel at peace and again I really appreciated his efforts to accommodate my wishes.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The anesthesiologist is actually an acquaintance of ours (his wife is an English student) and he felt so awful for not being able to do an epidural, but we were able to talk with him afterwards and let him know that we were completely fine about how things turned out and did not want him to feel bad because we know he tried so hard.</span></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I remember waking up, but not being able to talk or even really open my eyes...everyone said surgery was finished and everything was fine. The tube in my mouth was really bothering me and I think I woke up before they really noticed and took the tube out. They asked plenty of questions that I could barely respond to which was frustrating...I felt like I was pretty aware of what was going on around me, but didn't have to ability to communicate because I was so groggy! Thankfully I was at least able to nod and shake my head. I remember getting wheeled out and knowing Bobby was with me, but not being able to let him know I knew he was there. (When I had my gallstone surgery, I was so out of it I don't remember waking up at all...I woke up back in my room long after everything was all done, but nothing in between!)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"> The Doctor and nurses knew how badly I wanted to see my baby and really went out of their way to wheel me into the nurses station and past the nursery so I could see him, but I couldn't open my eyes wide enough to get a good look because he was far away...they recognized that and got me closer (apparently moved some desks around just for me!) and I was able to look at him! And right when I got wheeled up beside the window he turned his head with his eyes wide open and looked right at me, as if to let me know everything was ok. It was one of the most precious moments of my while life and it was the moment I needed to get me through the next 24 hours of not being able to see him. It was definitely a gift from God that I will never forget! I will always be so grateful for how the staff went out of their way to accommodate the one wish that I had not wanted to compromise on.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKnW_Rp7ecKrr-BeqCL5OLkU6MjNCTnWUCDY0B012DP_MsfUQlruZy1Ex2o6CfTfvWKbRo84A8iY0iTB1R0-G8zGU68lTUTog5FRT3DhmEa-ciX-o1wG3SVoWjTfd8Eezh-wZ9a91aSs/s640/blogger-image-1943372214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKnW_Rp7ecKrr-BeqCL5OLkU6MjNCTnWUCDY0B012DP_MsfUQlruZy1Ex2o6CfTfvWKbRo84A8iY0iTB1R0-G8zGU68lTUTog5FRT3DhmEa-ciX-o1wG3SVoWjTfd8Eezh-wZ9a91aSs/s640/blogger-image-1943372214.jpg"></a></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The rest of the day was pretty much a blur...I tried to sleep as much as I could and wasn't in too much pain. This time felt so different because all the nurses and the doctor kept telling me to let them know whenever I was in pain because there was medicine! I think when I had Joshua, I was basically in constant pain, and didn't really have much sympathy (which is actually kind of a long story behind that one, but I won't go into it) </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">One funny thing I almost forgot was that they were playing 'music box' music in the OR and right before they put the mask on me to go to sleep, I heard Brahm's Lullaby (I think that's the name) where it says 'lullaby, and good night...' I just thought that was so funny and don't want to forget that!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">We are pretty much in shock of how different this recovery experience has been from Joshua's birth. There's multiple different factors, but one of the biggest I think was knowing what to expect this time (somewhat anyway!) I knew that if I could just make it through that first 24 hours, I'd get to see my baby and everything would be ok! My sister who works on a mother/baby ward told me there's a night and day difference between moms who have scheduled c-sections and moms who have emergency c-sections...and I can totally see why, having been on both sides now! My recovery has been a lot faster and easier this time even though I was expecting it to be a lot worse. I am kind of in shock at how little pain I've been in...mostly just discomforts. I was able to walk around on the second day and after just two or three days, I wasn't on any pain meds! (Not to say I was pain free, but it was very tolerable, low pain, lessening every day)</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO3LWIbYk9kJaQwcY5BhF3520Sofy3Flvf1kAs40I-iSqiHvXoCYS0ByINMtzRX7vFP5MLUGJELlQXfX3r7aBECTdORXaAOYskUi1yWyVnwXmnvxRzpHGpn_0liKz_wRDACslZ-coe8g/s640/blogger-image-1266568981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO3LWIbYk9kJaQwcY5BhF3520Sofy3Flvf1kAs40I-iSqiHvXoCYS0ByINMtzRX7vFP5MLUGJELlQXfX3r7aBECTdORXaAOYskUi1yWyVnwXmnvxRzpHGpn_0liKz_wRDACslZ-coe8g/s640/blogger-image-1266568981.jpg"></a></div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Nursing is going ok...it's hard to remember this is a whole new thing for Noah and I need to be more patient. In a lot of ways I feel like a first time mom again, having forgotten how to do a lot of things and lacking confidence in my abilities to provide good care for my baby. His biggest issue has been waking up to eat...he is a sleepy baby!! I never thought I would mind that, but boy it makes feeding him complicated. He doesn't eat enough from me because he almost instantly falls asleep, so he got supplementary formula while he was in the hospital, but now he's exclusively nursing. Still not 100% perfect (I say that because it still hurts when I know it's not supposed to), but it works.</div></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">My parents left yesterday after having had them here for 3 weeks :( Just our first day by ourselves and I'm already wondering how we're going to ever be able to make it through a day without a meltdown (mostly mine!) J did great with our co-workers who looked after him for us while I was in the hospital and with my parents over the last few weeks, but today I can tell he's feeling the same gap we do! He's been pretty whiny and really working hard to get our attention which is hard when both of us have things we need to get done and when there's a screaming baby to deal with as well. I know God will help us through this 'season' but I sure do wonder how we're going to make it! Functioning in very little and very broken sleep is not my forte and I hate how it affects my attitude and my patience.</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Anyway, enough worrying and complaining...this is hard, and I'm allowed to feel that way, but I know I'm not the first person to have 2 kids!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Life is busy and exhausting, but we are blessed and I will just have to keep reminding myself this won't last forever and I only need to take things one day at a time!</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwQMSAxd29_FXWtnMaoe92qNZr8O3y-0pgpJdtAGFiJfS7ELvP1rs6yR9RuJboiAhaM45MRg7maEV3AEFYr5oVGl284CyrYKaTszh2Jn1fBjWtvWZHMWbr2Z1c4x7LUAYhh_ORq6loEk/s640/blogger-image--15288916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwQMSAxd29_FXWtnMaoe92qNZr8O3y-0pgpJdtAGFiJfS7ELvP1rs6yR9RuJboiAhaM45MRg7maEV3AEFYr5oVGl284CyrYKaTszh2Jn1fBjWtvWZHMWbr2Z1c4x7LUAYhh_ORq6loEk/s640/blogger-image--15288916.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-5028705007603229702016-03-27T21:38:00.001+09:002016-03-27T21:43:53.703+09:00Baby "Zip!" Update...Well, I have officially managed to go without writing a single blog update through this pregnancy!! (Poor second baby!) ;) Thankfully I have written a few notes in his medical book and been pretty good about taking bump pictures (more than I will post) so all is not lost! (And yes, this baby is a boy!)<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsND-Ud8fTeBWhTYChmkRy3jGmxhjgyXqQouE6cUTbEPFxbUZDV2q-Ez0_iSWPkrtmyYqPKR8es0bUfHSAWeOsW_PAgMuryEYoSVpy1DYWSoDVapoETNeBE4YII7gvnyNyPtoFKKdHefY/s640/blogger-image-1565786576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsND-Ud8fTeBWhTYChmkRy3jGmxhjgyXqQouE6cUTbEPFxbUZDV2q-Ez0_iSWPkrtmyYqPKR8es0bUfHSAWeOsW_PAgMuryEYoSVpy1DYWSoDVapoETNeBE4YII7gvnyNyPtoFKKdHefY/s640/blogger-image-1565786576.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Shortly after we found out about this baby, we were asking Joshua what we should name his brother and he signed 'banana'! So since then, this baby's been called baby Banana! And, due to recent frequent inquiries about the name we've officially chosen but are keeping a secret, we've taught Joshua to say 'zip!' and move his finger across his lips whenever anyone asks him what the baby's name is! I have to humbly say, it's pretty adorable!</div><div><br></div><div>Everything's gone very smoothly (and quickly!) with this pregnancy and it feels like a breeze compared to the various bumps along the way we had with Joshua. I've been blessed with pretty easy pregnancies both times and I'm so very thankful! I have only had minor discomforts/complaints. My limited mobility and difficulty rolling over in bed and limited lung capacity and a few rib kicks he and there is really the worst of it these days...and general third trimester exhaustion. Everything's been as it should be at my checkups...baby's head down (not that it matters time time around as it will be a c-section anyway) and apparently measuring big. (Joshua did too, but he was less than 7 pounds)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES0YKvICd0_dPR9yqEnq3-kTGUhvi7Z71I_RTUfg9PiJQB2KazvAm8yDoZlmcizZFIiLDLzTVv1sQcwOQig6Q-4xvWrGhhQz78-C1fTklPW-6zMA8dysLZnGbH4UKnArkOz37A5Smszk/s640/blogger-image--1201561648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES0YKvICd0_dPR9yqEnq3-kTGUhvi7Z71I_RTUfg9PiJQB2KazvAm8yDoZlmcizZFIiLDLzTVv1sQcwOQig6Q-4xvWrGhhQz78-C1fTklPW-6zMA8dysLZnGbH4UKnArkOz37A5Smszk/s640/blogger-image--1201561648.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I'm a little hesitant to open this can of worms, but I will anyway...Here is Japan, it's standard that once you have a c-section you will always have c-sections afterwards. I have mixed feelings about that, but knowing that I don't really have any other options, I've accepted it. In some ways I think it's harder this time now that I've already had a c-section, and have a pretty good idea what to expect as opposed to last time where I went into it knowing nothing.</div><div><br></div><div>Two of the hardest parts for me (besides the physical recovery) is the fact that Bobby is not allowed in the operating room, and after a quick introduction after the baby is delivered, I probably will not see the baby again until the next day. We haven't had the full run-down on this hospital's procedures (it's a different hospital from where I had Joshua) so I don't know all the details yet but we did read that when I want to see the baby the nurses will help me (I guess maybe move my bed to the nursery or something?) but I'm still struggling to accept the way things are done here in those areas. Joshua did fine with going back and forth between bottle and nursing, so we are praying this baby will be the same.</div><div><br></div><div>Again, I hesitate to write about these things because I feel like people are going to suggest 'standing up for my rights' or however you want to say it, but we don't really feel that's appropriate in our situation. We have made the choice to have this baby in Japan and even though things are done differently than we might be used to, we want to be a good testimony and it's really not culturally appropriate to demand things be done our way...and besides, babies are delivered and cared for this way every day and have been for years...and turn out fine! It's really an area for me to turn over to the Lord and practice submitting my desires and my will to Him.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmy1Yxvg0qvUDVxS6IexfOXN4fh0tw_OyRqHx21hD3nYdt9FginU_dp3lLcFuuC7sJiYBzogshG-24K-2LIxorUrcXHihYsrLWkW2ZCn8Q-4XaU3f66kkz6bzhP-cnlrUe1EgF2UDZOo/s640/blogger-image--514758291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmy1Yxvg0qvUDVxS6IexfOXN4fh0tw_OyRqHx21hD3nYdt9FginU_dp3lLcFuuC7sJiYBzogshG-24K-2LIxorUrcXHihYsrLWkW2ZCn8Q-4XaU3f66kkz6bzhP-cnlrUe1EgF2UDZOo/s640/blogger-image--514758291.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Oh, I guess one other 'complaint' I have with this pregnancy is how hormonal I've been feeling!! I don't remember it being like this with Joshua, but the last couple of days in particular, I have had ridiculous mood swings and lots of lows and crying over silly things (although some maybe not so silly...like processing the fact that things are not going to go as I desire them to go while I'm in the hospital, as well as fears about Joshua's adjustment to this new baby). Poor Bobby and Joshua have had to deal with a crazy pregnant woman! I suspect Joshua's been picking up on my feelings and he's been a little 'off' the last week or so.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, I think that's about it for a pregnancy update. I think I need to do a separate Joshua update another time because I sure do have lots to say about him and tons of pictures! So, stay tuned for that! (Maybe now that I've written that, it will happen this week!)</div><div><br></div><div>Oh! Guess I should mention that this baby's birthday is April 5th (at 38 weeks and 3 days)! I get admitted to the hospital on the 4th and will have surgery the next day in the afternoon! (Another example of how things are done differently here!) </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fd8T8QtqA5fEVkMvwP0RB5t9uZz3ksObrPFy_Q6nqfREH4Nr389fMcwqonjozqrBgi8mUpEv7clC-I6Lb6k6gQTl-Utj6DBvFpi_P3bNHQGqK78bD8dZ6HPRedCohgNGkRKCYMSbhog/s640/blogger-image-1362860638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fd8T8QtqA5fEVkMvwP0RB5t9uZz3ksObrPFy_Q6nqfREH4Nr389fMcwqonjozqrBgi8mUpEv7clC-I6Lb6k6gQTl-Utj6DBvFpi_P3bNHQGqK78bD8dZ6HPRedCohgNGkRKCYMSbhog/s640/blogger-image-1362860638.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Thanks for sticking with me! :)</div><div><br></div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-91003794099516383072016-03-23T15:02:00.001+09:002016-03-23T15:15:38.890+09:00Book ReviewLong time no post...I know!<br />
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My silence is being broken thanks to a wonderful book I had the privilege of reviewing before it was released (in exchange for my honest opinion). I started following a blog (<a href="http://onethingalone.com/">http://onethingalone.com</a>) a few months ago and have really appreciated the author's insights and wisdom, particularly related to being a Christian wife and mother. So when the opportunity presented itself to review her upcoming devotional book (that I would get a PDF copy of for free!), I jumped all over it!</div>
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I really liked how it was laid out...designed to be a 4 week (5 days a week) study with very short readings. It was the perfect length for me (short, but still containing substance) in this season of raising a toddler (and growing a baby) and I also really appreciated the response section at the end of each reading that contained further Scriptures and practical applications.</div>
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Since I had to read it through rather quickly, I am definitely looking forward to reading through it again, at a slower pace and really interacting with the response part in particular. I know it will be a really encouraging refresher to my quiet times, especially in the busy season I are coming up (more on that hopefully soon!)</div>
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Be sure to check out Asheritah's blog and this new devotional ASAP! You can find the paperback or kindle version on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-Enjoying-Overwhelmed-Overcomer-ebook/dp/B01C0REI3U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458268186&sr=1-1&keywords=walking+with+god+asheritah&linkCode=sl1&tag=onethingalone-20&linkId=353ff76882eafbc5a543d866d1be3081" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-4059501696920139642015-11-21T12:17:00.001+09:002015-11-21T12:57:11.052+09:00The Badens are growing...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S6ep58sPkoyJsVGQWDnXJZRwfNwKZ5nseHPTyhIdEiabgZ3hUXXVwlQM6QS3YFbnjtmYImSa3RGEeUCMFy-OK3omU6t6sZDL-d8gEwN40bg_jf5U1iH3C0SzflOLCwg9jENM4rZylo4/s640/blogger-image-2034230114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S6ep58sPkoyJsVGQWDnXJZRwfNwKZ5nseHPTyhIdEiabgZ3hUXXVwlQM6QS3YFbnjtmYImSa3RGEeUCMFy-OK3omU6t6sZDL-d8gEwN40bg_jf5U1iH3C0SzflOLCwg9jENM4rZylo4/s640/blogger-image-2034230114.jpg" /></a></div>
Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-749802182289224102015-08-12T14:59:00.001+09:002015-08-12T15:42:59.088+09:00Holding on to MemoriesWell the other day I sat down to write a little post all about Joshua and what he's been up to, but just a few minutes before I was about to finish, I ended up losing everything I wrote...and I was too tired and frustrated to write it all over again that day so now I'm going to attempt to recall everything I wanted to write!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM74x9QA6MeLYTas6nFv7WwQdO3BP-IPivMFqHHz-aNqBPMS1utKwZPijfzECk81aY1B804ucBZOmECp8GmKTTwe4AHzSi4M4zsDUYczYrg4CLif2YJjDAP1wVRh7cH1g1sng5nc3SiqU/s640/blogger-image--1513538057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM74x9QA6MeLYTas6nFv7WwQdO3BP-IPivMFqHHz-aNqBPMS1utKwZPijfzECk81aY1B804ucBZOmECp8GmKTTwe4AHzSi4M4zsDUYczYrg4CLif2YJjDAP1wVRh7cH1g1sng5nc3SiqU/s640/blogger-image--1513538057.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>I've been so terrible about keeping a record of things Joshua's been doing and milestones he's reached. I think we've got all the 'major' ones, but there's a lot of little details that I've unfortunately already forgotten!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvvFb9bOsBtr9ONL5wC_M_3dCnvBYMjLsHlyJmj8hdosYvMA1osawxKVjhRdchYtGax48AdYpSmgkRQ8ZUq1DBj-ncSWVGSo31rcnRttKG6oJPhqllowEhNFvfbLvzzkgYqoImOB4jqY/s640/blogger-image--262320499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvvFb9bOsBtr9ONL5wC_M_3dCnvBYMjLsHlyJmj8hdosYvMA1osawxKVjhRdchYtGax48AdYpSmgkRQ8ZUq1DBj-ncSWVGSo31rcnRttKG6oJPhqllowEhNFvfbLvzzkgYqoImOB4jqY/s640/blogger-image--262320499.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>But, with Joshua's 15 month birthday approaching, I want to sit down and get some things recorded for memorie's sake!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QrVjMDFg9cNU5NVTpwBmtK4Ey7cLRVYIC0kNOM2O_GFuwwoXxCOJUL9cjeZqTPb_hlzkn9c8Fnh2hMhOUJ9XMlqnjgcJzf25oD6AV_WJKysFthPstGNAak_5XAp_jb2LlPqNKDX-FZ8/s640/blogger-image-1560135768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QrVjMDFg9cNU5NVTpwBmtK4Ey7cLRVYIC0kNOM2O_GFuwwoXxCOJUL9cjeZqTPb_hlzkn9c8Fnh2hMhOUJ9XMlqnjgcJzf25oD6AV_WJKysFthPstGNAak_5XAp_jb2LlPqNKDX-FZ8/s640/blogger-image-1560135768.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(One of his favorite places to hang out!)</div></div><div><br></div><div>Joshua is like a little sponge these days, learning so much so quickly and he understands SO much of what's going on around him! I absolutely love watching him grow and learn...it's fascinating! I've been trying to teach him some sign language and it's really fun! He catches on very quickly and it's given us a glimpse of just how much he understands in spite of being in able to communicate! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAgtqayVixXh8-eKvzD2CUUQlHg-B7hfl_nFJfKrB1Zyfsph66jzuDU5SBx_csI3HOYsPDOzNxOavvR6l5HC6SOoJOc26bkJRGYH4RbuX3fxmR8UWWHM1xsMGsLseJger17TMyGY2U9A/s640/blogger-image-242848779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAgtqayVixXh8-eKvzD2CUUQlHg-B7hfl_nFJfKrB1Zyfsph66jzuDU5SBx_csI3HOYsPDOzNxOavvR6l5HC6SOoJOc26bkJRGYH4RbuX3fxmR8UWWHM1xsMGsLseJger17TMyGY2U9A/s640/blogger-image-242848779.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The other day when I was feeding him, it was quiet but the birds were chirping. While he was eating he looked at me and signed bird, all on his own without me prompting! It was the first time he had signed it by himself after I had been teaching him for a few weeks. It blew my mind and really opened my eyes to how much he understands!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8C49u3nOMt0EYdevRq4Ji2xUzCfk-o3NrF1EYk-hEaBL-wMvOel2x_YFpedQ8jIY9-OY9pJ8uuEB85US4qKF4mN6OkrhAmYqe3hiaBUHxh9CgqZ1o2tJIizGHZKehVxYeWZhfiUzkgQ/s640/blogger-image-274078537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8C49u3nOMt0EYdevRq4Ji2xUzCfk-o3NrF1EYk-hEaBL-wMvOel2x_YFpedQ8jIY9-OY9pJ8uuEB85US4qKF4mN6OkrhAmYqe3hiaBUHxh9CgqZ1o2tJIizGHZKehVxYeWZhfiUzkgQ/s640/blogger-image-274078537.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>When I worked at day care, I knew I wanted to try using sign language with my kids because it was so cool! And now it's really fun to watch him learn and communicate! I bought a Baby Einstein DVD way back then and Joshua is currently enjoying it now :) <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We haven't done a lot yet, as I still have some more learning to do (YouTube is so great!) but some of the ones he knows are:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">More</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ball</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Dog</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bird</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Daddy (he's holding out on Mommy both in sign language and words!)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bath</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Milk (that was his first one...I'd been doing it for weeks every time he nursed and finally one morning when we got him up, he furiously signed milk with both hands...and has ever since! Guess he was hungry!)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sleep (his version cracks me up...I should take a video!)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And he has his own sign for his Papa D that he does every time we say his name or talk on FaceTime!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We're working on:</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Baby</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please (he does it, but doesn't quite understand when to use it yet...'more' takes precedence!)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Drink ( I don't think he understands thirst yet so he hasn't really been doing that one yet)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eat (he says "Mum! Mum! Mum! every time we sign/say eat or when he gets his eyes on a snack but doesn't sign it)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mommy</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank You (he usually nods his head Japanese style and blows out his nose as he nods when we ask him to say thank you in both English and Japanese) </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">All Done (he takes his bib off instead of signing all done!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8Ur6j9tlt3kYGCJOhFZyE3W7N0Tz-ORlw0JtjXYSzDhqPP51PxSqiHhPb6Z1dMNP3sAn8IAVfQHovPj-qU2fLMsdzZaHXcDQuvPsDAvIic5YQoZ2g154CzpAFzf0f0Fs_HFnbaUmHh0/s640/blogger-image-514822864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8Ur6j9tlt3kYGCJOhFZyE3W7N0Tz-ORlw0JtjXYSzDhqPP51PxSqiHhPb6Z1dMNP3sAn8IAVfQHovPj-qU2fLMsdzZaHXcDQuvPsDAvIic5YQoZ2g154CzpAFzf0f0Fs_HFnbaUmHh0/s640/blogger-image-514822864.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(I love seeing him 'get into' his books these days, flipping pages and chattering away)</div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We often listen to a Christian kid's praise music station and the 'Zacheus' song is a favorite of mine because I do a few actions with J. A couple months ago that song came on and before the words even started, he looked at me and started 'wagging' his finger like I do for the part that says 'Zacheus, you come down from there!' Once again, my mind was blown!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo9ZZ_oFHLO91jx9R-gDrIWQwYWA2HrUPfO4Zf8oOZqxJU-Xko-Cs_K_Z021eFXYLWqo_JPcPPLk33zXZ8Iqf3DxexWhZ-cNgZ2V-xTrkt2FnA1_2PjR9XfkAD-a0EyyL8IcQTQbD5BE/s640/blogger-image--1735685930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo9ZZ_oFHLO91jx9R-gDrIWQwYWA2HrUPfO4Zf8oOZqxJU-Xko-Cs_K_Z021eFXYLWqo_JPcPPLk33zXZ8Iqf3DxexWhZ-cNgZ2V-xTrkt2FnA1_2PjR9XfkAD-a0EyyL8IcQTQbD5BE/s640/blogger-image--1735685930.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He's also recently started clapping when he hears the word clap in songs without prompting!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He has a favorite Japanese TV show called "Inai, Inai, Baa!" (Peek-a-boo). He loves one song in particular and knows some of the actions to that one too and will do them right before the characters do!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vtiwKnvkI2Q_D5V4PIcj0rJ59BxJNnlCs5Md7NXWWPQ8I-5hnFQqOvj0dc40jjOKZ8P45MApdXvTSet46ArH7wmJLbRmFHweVxFlcNeD6BumEa-Nkj9kzkhfyZPVRZpsYad9jt-Xl84/s640/blogger-image-638657987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vtiwKnvkI2Q_D5V4PIcj0rJ59BxJNnlCs5Md7NXWWPQ8I-5hnFQqOvj0dc40jjOKZ8P45MApdXvTSet46ArH7wmJLbRmFHweVxFlcNeD6BumEa-Nkj9kzkhfyZPVRZpsYad9jt-Xl84/s640/blogger-image-638657987.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The channel that this show is on is unfortunately kind of unreliable and will often cut out. The other day it cut out in the middle of his show and he picked up the DVD remote that he plays with and very intentionally started pressing buttons and looking up at the screen, trying to fix it! I guess he was imitating me and how I always try to change the channel and try to get it back on when it cuts off!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATEvK9hzQ4bKKVQicnzp8TS3iIqWNr52ifU2ph0a0up3tYSuBcn5tN625YujRDQYIb8E4MlBpvYlujLSx6d9bdXmF-mUuC2NGl6OxMcF8Clh4I8gpy7o7wVkm4159U-K19KKrFiPtNTc/s640/blogger-image--49737170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATEvK9hzQ4bKKVQicnzp8TS3iIqWNr52ifU2ph0a0up3tYSuBcn5tN625YujRDQYIb8E4MlBpvYlujLSx6d9bdXmF-mUuC2NGl6OxMcF8Clh4I8gpy7o7wVkm4159U-K19KKrFiPtNTc/s640/blogger-image--49737170.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He's recently started playing peek-a-boo by himself and says a hearty 'baaa!' when he "appears". He usually knows where his eyes, ears, nose, mouth and toes are when we ask him. He holds up one finger when we ask him in Japanese how old he is, and he raises his hand when we "take roll", calling his name. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXR3Cocwr2CxliYAH_Uf7NLm_VxvhihDE3gZ_YkKErU5id7RU3iWfGRR6V5c_S-xFENQnFwmDCPOvsTYV1y874fpdYDENDoaEYoMWYASV1V7ie9S3XkeXEYJcwEbmy9IlX5y8ChWzzvE/s640/blogger-image-1276623276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXR3Cocwr2CxliYAH_Uf7NLm_VxvhihDE3gZ_YkKErU5id7RU3iWfGRR6V5c_S-xFENQnFwmDCPOvsTYV1y874fpdYDENDoaEYoMWYASV1V7ie9S3XkeXEYJcwEbmy9IlX5y8ChWzzvE/s640/blogger-image-1276623276.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He also loves to play in the water and loves bath time and pool time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">He has really turned a corner in his eating these last couple of days. I still have to mix everything with yoghurt for his main meal, but he's recently been more open to trying almost everything we eat. Even if he spits something out the first try, he will often take a second bite and decide it's not so bad. Our most recent victory has been bananas! For the longest time, he would dramatically gag anytime we offered him banana or put banana in anything, but now he actually likes it! We're thankful because bananas are cheap here, unlike all other fruits! I'm so thankful for this answer to prayers and have officially stopped crying and worrying about his eating habits! ;)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNbJQlul-cRA7Trp9NGL7NN0QTS5Tl_VfU5QJa57BAWX94zkaONvhyc1H3aA_703v4DzJtgCfEB3Sy8Ro5ADwXqh7EHikRg-Yl10X_2ZhTTzh6Du0lN_-HWQIGW8ZZHGSrOTowvEdb5s/s640/blogger-image--1393000158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNbJQlul-cRA7Trp9NGL7NN0QTS5Tl_VfU5QJa57BAWX94zkaONvhyc1H3aA_703v4DzJtgCfEB3Sy8Ro5ADwXqh7EHikRg-Yl10X_2ZhTTzh6Du0lN_-HWQIGW8ZZHGSrOTowvEdb5s/s640/blogger-image--1393000158.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He's gotten past the inability to stay awake for more than 2 hours at a time (finally!!) and has been on a really good schedule the last couple weeks getting in some good, long naps! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He is just so much fun these days and he brings us so much joy!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BWP10Z9TnQBZQ1l6sOvg7H4zTqU-MynlCrlBMJLeomyHkqscHUojxYeQ5DksdePYVXoRbxO_sWggijUtlBUpFHPBof6PuaxcB01uvEBf6KYj-rTGlC6IL21Ty23yyREEJvdSgVT5EPI/s640/blogger-image--1765239544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BWP10Z9TnQBZQ1l6sOvg7H4zTqU-MynlCrlBMJLeomyHkqscHUojxYeQ5DksdePYVXoRbxO_sWggijUtlBUpFHPBof6PuaxcB01uvEBf6KYj-rTGlC6IL21Ty23yyREEJvdSgVT5EPI/s640/blogger-image--1765239544.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(First trip to the hot springs with Dad!) funny story about that...Bobby was super nervous that J would decide to pee or poo in the water, but thankfully as far as he could tell, he didn't! But, that night when he came home and we gave J a bath, he pooped in the tub for the first time!! B said if that had of happened before his trip to the hot springs, he probably never would have taken him! ;)</div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But, we do have our moments of frustration when he can't communicate what he wants...or doesn't get what he wants. I feel like no one ever really talks about how much frustration thee is in this stage of development...both for parents and the child. I'm thankful that signing is helping with that, but it only goes so far! Discipline feels like a hairy subject because I know he understands a lot, but I can't seem to figure out just how much he understands in the area of discipline so I fear being too hard on him, beyond what he can grasp...so, I'm praying for wisdom in that area!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuoWunWJvJnBpOY-S9YJwN2o4keVKqGVqtmXVV3s5u5lGsDlSzQ3LWArAKHiG9upXkBsfeiCESh4xb24z_dAvojnZZ1iNJPWeje2NpkdeIkFJdKTwyuEsLrf2idmDFY3XwQcuzL3OlOk/s640/blogger-image-489959037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuoWunWJvJnBpOY-S9YJwN2o4keVKqGVqtmXVV3s5u5lGsDlSzQ3LWArAKHiG9upXkBsfeiCESh4xb24z_dAvojnZZ1iNJPWeje2NpkdeIkFJdKTwyuEsLrf2idmDFY3XwQcuzL3OlOk/s640/blogger-image-489959037.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(All dressed up for the Hirao festival!)</div></span></div><div><br></div><div>He's still not walking yet...but loves to cruise on the furniture or with the help of someone's fingers. He's only stood by himself once for about 10 seconds a few weeks back, but hasn't tried since! He's getting braver with only holding on by one hand and sometimes uses his belly for support against the furniture instead of his hands so I have a feeling one of these days he's just going to take off and hit the ground running...and my life will never be the same! ;)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuD9mMwcBfod1wowWqiXHBv02QEs0QW8Ilj19Q__50hIYbEnpqjTbdikAHO5W5_9WahyphenhyphenooyqfXlbPRFCERHr22R8wu8kthpiafHVSPIji8hwilQmWaJUSFVYV0tdh_osiMes6wZYXRB8/s640/blogger-image-1415961487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuD9mMwcBfod1wowWqiXHBv02QEs0QW8Ilj19Q__50hIYbEnpqjTbdikAHO5W5_9WahyphenhyphenooyqfXlbPRFCERHr22R8wu8kthpiafHVSPIji8hwilQmWaJUSFVYV0tdh_osiMes6wZYXRB8/s640/blogger-image-1415961487.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>His "lovey" is his sleep sack! I tried giving him a lighter blanket for the sake of it being easier to transport and wash, etc, but for whatever reason, he holds on to his sleep sack every time he gets sleepy! He also has a stuffed monkey named "Squishy" from his cousins and aunt and uncle in Canada that he sleeps with and plays with in his crib. When we ask him where Squishy is, he always looks around and finds him!</div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He recently started giving us hugs when we ask for them...we say "hugs!" In a big exadurated voice and stretch out our arms and he'll stretch out his arms and lean forward. I love that and can't wait for him to start being more affectionate! He has for a while now been giving us 'smoochies' when we ask for them...aka big wide open mouth slobbery kisses!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEVe2OtuEFd2F3Wi88-AE3h5TA8GlNsDEAI8fcnxOaeA8ww35yH5RC1PtzQDmOXc67AbRR58z1jXNPzT2Qr4_oBYxS_Q4NyaZMFMSiAX80oNl6LqLDZyU0A1MAE0ZTBXf_QkCzE3kkgE/s640/blogger-image-510675315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEVe2OtuEFd2F3Wi88-AE3h5TA8GlNsDEAI8fcnxOaeA8ww35yH5RC1PtzQDmOXc67AbRR58z1jXNPzT2Qr4_oBYxS_Q4NyaZMFMSiAX80oNl6LqLDZyU0A1MAE0ZTBXf_QkCzE3kkgE/s640/blogger-image-510675315.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He's currently cutting one, maybe two molars, but seems to be handling it pretty good...better than I would anyway! He's had 4 on top and 4 on the bottom for quite a while now.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He loves pinwheels! (The rainbow things on a stick that twirl in the wind) Our neighbor had some in his garden for a long time but put them away when a typhoon was coming but never put them back out for some reason. Every time we went outside, J would point and twirl his finger to get us to take him to see the pinwheels! Finally the other day Bobby broke down and bought one for him and it was worth every yen for the smiles he gives us while he plays with it! He bought a cheap one for him to play with and a "nicer one" for our garden for him to look at.</span></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUC0VQDVhrwRV_x2Lljf_TzjNe6fjUZTYIOm3wj4faitlycRGVcCrVNOHje0BlRxB96jUIiyWiVsinkftIWcANFiAlgN35uw8UjBeNWMjdx5_sUblihK9bvpHj0t5KWZEJoekXhqMcWI/s640/blogger-image-1652548184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUC0VQDVhrwRV_x2Lljf_TzjNe6fjUZTYIOm3wj4faitlycRGVcCrVNOHje0BlRxB96jUIiyWiVsinkftIWcANFiAlgN35uw8UjBeNWMjdx5_sUblihK9bvpHj0t5KWZEJoekXhqMcWI/s640/blogger-image-1652548184.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He knows our routine pretty well...after eating dinner he signs 'bath' and when we sit down to eat he puts his hands together to pray (but only for a second!). At bedtime after Bobby reads the Bible story, J will usually put his hands together to pray then too. And after that he points to our "goodnight board" where we have pictures of our families and say goodnight to everyone. </span></div></div><div><br></div><div>I think that's all for now. I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, but oh well! Hope you enjoyed the update and pictures...sorry once again for being such a terrible blogger! I still intend to write a post on his first birthday...that was 3 months ago!!</div><div><br></div><div>(Oh, and as a random side note, I just discovered that the draft of my last blog got saved after all...after I finished typing this one out!! Oh well...it was good to see what I forgot and add that in!)</div><div><br></div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-69976692218067215292015-07-24T10:42:00.001+09:002015-07-24T11:38:34.881+09:00Thailand February 2015Well, it's about time, but here comes the long awaited Thailand trip post!!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY1lcBLSd8hNTbkZIqF96lz5bbfsC2bzHW9yDEHUBo-6yMkQkIgh5DOnqftfXc74t27WPJ3yOyWmEMOuj5eXrVvs_Sz5ccN2_a2IPAi5wCho754GlHR8_65fyLnbQqHq3NasFRYbhO8c/s640/blogger-image-392345673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicY1lcBLSd8hNTbkZIqF96lz5bbfsC2bzHW9yDEHUBo-6yMkQkIgh5DOnqftfXc74t27WPJ3yOyWmEMOuj5eXrVvs_Sz5ccN2_a2IPAi5wCho754GlHR8_65fyLnbQqHq3NasFRYbhO8c/s640/blogger-image-392345673.jpg"></a></div><br><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This February, we were required to attend a training for Christar in Thailand. In spite of Christar often having conferences and meetings in Thailand, and Bobby having been with Christar for about 9 years (I think), we had never been to Thailand! We'd heard plenty a story from our co-workers about their adventures in Thailand, so to be honest, we went into this with much reservation! Every person we talked to that had been to Thailand ended up getting sick while they were there, so having to deal with that while taking care of a 9 month old was not too exciting! (Plus having to try to make sure he didn't get sick either!) Neither of us really enjoys travel, and even though you'd probably never guess it from the career we've chosen, we are not very adventurous!! </span></div><div><br></div><div>We survived the trip ok...let's just say I hope I don't ever have to fly with a 9 month old ever again!! It was very different from his 5 month trip where he slept so much and was a lot les mobile! He did ok, but it was a long trip for both of us. We chose to do an overnight flight that was about 5 hours I think (plus two one hour flights on each end) hoping that with it being night time, Joshua would sleep better. We didn't get a whole lot of sleep, but like I said, we survived! (But arrived pretty exhausted!) J really enjoyed interacting with people in the airports, and as usual, he attracted a lot of attention! </div><div><br></div><div>On the way home, in front of us there was a little 2 or 3 year old boy traveling with his mom and he got sick at least 3 times (including a few times all over his poor mom!) and in spite of his screaming each time he got sick, J slept right through it. I felt SO bad for that poor Mom and was praying for her the whole time!! It was a good reminder to me that things could always be worse!!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1bJP96TWhOFu9k3hONNUuQfTAHjZvmJVlglvqs98pM3zsjuy0CKcvRu1nfyQOa-2DeLoSSSC9yeCY0D6NVdFE9fj4kuL-BNWYFOjWftaSLtq38UZaQLJOmtO75mMsljSvyOisO0nJaA/s640/blogger-image-889518846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1bJP96TWhOFu9k3hONNUuQfTAHjZvmJVlglvqs98pM3zsjuy0CKcvRu1nfyQOa-2DeLoSSSC9yeCY0D6NVdFE9fj4kuL-BNWYFOjWftaSLtq38UZaQLJOmtO75mMsljSvyOisO0nJaA/s640/blogger-image-889518846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We arrived two days before the training started so it was nice to have that adjustment time. At first we were a bit surprised by the place we were staying (it was less luxurious than we had pictured...or what the website pictured I should say!) I feel guilty saying that though because it really was a beautiful place to stay. By the end of our stay it had really grown on us.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway, in the first two days, we managed to get in on a chance to ride an elephant!! We had a good time, and it's now something I can cross off my bucket list, but we probably won't ever do it again. I won't go into details as to why though. Joshua seemed to really enjoy the rough rocking motion and slept in the carrier most of the ride!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePllXo_cE1Wo2eGWvaD-OZrNwnnPyotSK1fycnFUUQxhIsdpAlr4QeWdJXjRXlqVAfl_S1zzBoOemHBJ6y2TZJ2WOWphfNV93BMT8Jq5fKq7t5NPu__4a5Xzef2Pk_FEX3q5FQn_xVtM/s640/blogger-image-1629962784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePllXo_cE1Wo2eGWvaD-OZrNwnnPyotSK1fycnFUUQxhIsdpAlr4QeWdJXjRXlqVAfl_S1zzBoOemHBJ6y2TZJ2WOWphfNV93BMT8Jq5fKq7t5NPu__4a5Xzef2Pk_FEX3q5FQn_xVtM/s640/blogger-image-1629962784.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a really great time getting to interact with so many other families in the same stage of life as us and share our struggles and joys together! We got to reconnect with some of the people we did our (my) initial training with back in the States before and after I joined Christar so it was especially fun catching up with them. The training itself was pretty good...it was refreshing to hear English teaching from the Word and worship in English (although I missed out on a lot of that because of J's schedule). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was childcare provided and there was a great couple looking after the little ones! That was a real blessing to me and J seemed to really enjoy it at first. Toward the end of the week though, he was pretty ready to spend more time with Mommy and Daddy! (And I'm pretty sure the couple looking after the babies were more than ready for their break too!!) There was a boy about 6 weeks older than J, a girl about a month younger than J and a 1 year old boy so J got plenty of playtime! He was the only one who couldn't crawl though so sometimes he got a little overwhelmed when they all decided to come over and play where he was playing (and climb on top of him!) it was really fun for me to see him play with other babies his age because we don't get a lot of opportunities to do that here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh1aYPa7yoBuG5r0fCtAWZAbk2fOB7R0nNX29q2AsmhPcKpqo5LKHST2V-xZhNsQzTrs56waSuRybaEWuIC_u3tv-hDvQmAO6GDLi1ztwkHkBEux0KNtWpo4G4GBp2gTcAZgiUVnxBkA/s640/blogger-image-108706416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMh1aYPa7yoBuG5r0fCtAWZAbk2fOB7R0nNX29q2AsmhPcKpqo5LKHST2V-xZhNsQzTrs56waSuRybaEWuIC_u3tv-hDvQmAO6GDLi1ztwkHkBEux0KNtWpo4G4GBp2gTcAZgiUVnxBkA/s640/blogger-image-108706416.jpg"></a></div><br></div>J had his first swim in a pool and LOVED it!! Even though the water was pretty cold, he didn't seem to mind at all! As a side note, I have to say that experiencing a baby's "firsts" is one of my favorite parts of being a parent! Watching a baby discover new things and explore the world around them is really fun and it really stirs up a lot of thankfulness in my heart!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL-YbnL1JvuDke7hHJmYNo_9KatBhuVijR0e-H02BF1Gd5W2CVPGU3CGCkOFTKZkRUJN8wE5M9kU3zdQ15ac5t_mavO-w7rZoB8SMjd15-DInCDVLrWcYjMSpJlAuQ95kKXmp0XCiyhU/s640/blogger-image--1974934607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeL-YbnL1JvuDke7hHJmYNo_9KatBhuVijR0e-H02BF1Gd5W2CVPGU3CGCkOFTKZkRUJN8wE5M9kU3zdQ15ac5t_mavO-w7rZoB8SMjd15-DInCDVLrWcYjMSpJlAuQ95kKXmp0XCiyhU/s640/blogger-image--1974934607.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After the training, we had a week of family vacation, staying at the same place we were at for the training. (again, neither of us wanted to venture out to a new place, especially since J had adjusted so well to where we were!) it was really refreshing to have that down time and process things we had taken in the previous week, and just enjoy hanging out together! We didn't really venture far from the resort and didn't do much sightseeing but we did spend a day at the zoo/aquarium because it was SO amazing! We had gone with everyone as an "outing" in the middle of the week to break up the training, but it was so big that we just had to go back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvcqfOpxEP1RUZT8fin-s17OyblP8kRqpUY45JWSeDvuz_mQnsS8HoQwg-3KTJ4s2NwMWA5PzsJ6nhgz-_a-_JriaDN1gAGvChSxfH8sRVlAVMoiQJeFTJrDp9YWh9g92qiqgdIoLjls/s640/blogger-image-1304304370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvcqfOpxEP1RUZT8fin-s17OyblP8kRqpUY45JWSeDvuz_mQnsS8HoQwg-3KTJ4s2NwMWA5PzsJ6nhgz-_a-_JriaDN1gAGvChSxfH8sRVlAVMoiQJeFTJrDp9YWh9g92qiqgdIoLjls/s640/blogger-image-1304304370.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mnqyRKnau_ZBg0CjoOx4xKtkaocbAr1DthZtUoVoTq4pvRegkUFBwc4o8or64ui1WPvl0L_qSg20xiMyLN8mXD13_-wKWAC3GftRbxG3RI1TLMX8vzx18gjrQP-OeGz3NgLbbtPFqBg/s640/blogger-image-1239961522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mnqyRKnau_ZBg0CjoOx4xKtkaocbAr1DthZtUoVoTq4pvRegkUFBwc4o8or64ui1WPvl0L_qSg20xiMyLN8mXD13_-wKWAC3GftRbxG3RI1TLMX8vzx18gjrQP-OeGz3NgLbbtPFqBg/s640/blogger-image-1239961522.jpg"></a></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSnhwYwdsAv6QTwFpAud0gLTpZ2Yo17XhPLDMuD_r2BUaZQ-sUsOnFZGCt3Q3-Xt1Ilbxxs1WAOtgQ3OgWu7wpA0i1ne6DladS3KDvnZdmNDExXjo5ZkWOqnXzuD9KHj3ipQgI1Q68DY/s640/blogger-image--47360939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSnhwYwdsAv6QTwFpAud0gLTpZ2Yo17XhPLDMuD_r2BUaZQ-sUsOnFZGCt3Q3-Xt1Ilbxxs1WAOtgQ3OgWu7wpA0i1ne6DladS3KDvnZdmNDExXjo5ZkWOqnXzuD9KHj3ipQgI1Q68DY/s640/blogger-image--47360939.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some would probably call us crazy for the lack of exploring we did, but for both of us, our idea of vacation is staying put, with no agenda! I'm so thankful we are the same that way because we were both able to get the refreshment we needed and we were both happy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n2eWJ8H1lIQVQ1nlqPy5ayLM6ScVS-q4psCenoEL24Q4WHTRHoimjWqE1ABQfAf01h1ELBGJy_RYErbu4Al6eVyF6tE8Z5QGBJqE-qcqyvV5qlwZNdXrIZ6uitinJgHMltldraNdgpI/s640/blogger-image-2118052892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n2eWJ8H1lIQVQ1nlqPy5ayLM6ScVS-q4psCenoEL24Q4WHTRHoimjWqE1ABQfAf01h1ELBGJy_RYErbu4Al6eVyF6tE8Z5QGBJqE-qcqyvV5qlwZNdXrIZ6uitinJgHMltldraNdgpI/s640/blogger-image-2118052892.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I think that's pretty much it, so now I'll just let pictures do the talking...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwSZ9t5wow-lN-xoeK_WphhHR1yd8Pv1UumVZp0Y5bOT0Hm_-PNXDteL_Ndx6WpKAfQ9a6gFoGBUYqYhvBs9zUG3SCBGKmn4vgFCF6vfFgKPuFuiS4sXycokVqlJhSXcMpAvUUXHgfuw/s640/blogger-image-1901129089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwSZ9t5wow-lN-xoeK_WphhHR1yd8Pv1UumVZp0Y5bOT0Hm_-PNXDteL_Ndx6WpKAfQ9a6gFoGBUYqYhvBs9zUG3SCBGKmn4vgFCF6vfFgKPuFuiS4sXycokVqlJhSXcMpAvUUXHgfuw/s640/blogger-image-1901129089.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">W</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">here we stayed</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgactX031V6JQ46nzXhkuDqwe_3hhiGa7uPmyi9I_uOjKwuYcFS-ClXkiu-VvwllIXiZON8XB4V4gxZmQB2MERfyjtrsNgeN2BUl7z2OJQGo4HFHX6LpICPGHRscg1c4pXS44ISFzCnsD0/s640/blogger-image-1856178712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgactX031V6JQ46nzXhkuDqwe_3hhiGa7uPmyi9I_uOjKwuYcFS-ClXkiu-VvwllIXiZON8XB4V4gxZmQB2MERfyjtrsNgeN2BUl7z2OJQGo4HFHX6LpICPGHRscg1c4pXS44ISFzCnsD0/s640/blogger-image-1856178712.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were so thankful J slept so well while we were there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRE5vL-MLFflEzkAj14u8heKY9IdOhldO400IbWej_mKOsGMiUR0_zZgKoQKCbWndxnVXEvP42LIgIPXc78byZCi9BIt4V1wvTsLaiB-ymHK0CQbZV5pU_uAl5HYjRW9DzaBOTndXxjg/s640/blogger-image--291758041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRE5vL-MLFflEzkAj14u8heKY9IdOhldO400IbWej_mKOsGMiUR0_zZgKoQKCbWndxnVXEvP42LIgIPXc78byZCi9BIt4V1wvTsLaiB-ymHK0CQbZV5pU_uAl5HYjRW9DzaBOTndXxjg/s640/blogger-image--291758041.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uZpZc3wf9eEzhwLWsak7I5G1A7AwQXR-JDm12IdqhxZTWkNqkupyXSc55mbBEOLO8rciqR0hRL-AU8lLRYWT0WtLQjuIkfhyZ7dwnwQcuMQM_4k_yxxNglOV6HwPhsWxDOUb9dc-uw4/s640/blogger-image-543257784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uZpZc3wf9eEzhwLWsak7I5G1A7AwQXR-JDm12IdqhxZTWkNqkupyXSc55mbBEOLO8rciqR0hRL-AU8lLRYWT0WtLQjuIkfhyZ7dwnwQcuMQM_4k_yxxNglOV6HwPhsWxDOUb9dc-uw4/s640/blogger-image-543257784.jpg"></a></div>J's second elephant ride! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pT3aq6h2N3GnQuvPm2SbPnqsyYn2QLvPyPc_ugo42-pvMfAsV3VgdMvVcpXb2x0kcR3jbox30g4L0kPBxIMBaRKQPtsZPKjVLcLaKj7qODhShcTDVgYPbMreUYD3JvERcMEWj6H5RA8/s640/blogger-image--1623276437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pT3aq6h2N3GnQuvPm2SbPnqsyYn2QLvPyPc_ugo42-pvMfAsV3VgdMvVcpXb2x0kcR3jbox30g4L0kPBxIMBaRKQPtsZPKjVLcLaKj7qODhShcTDVgYPbMreUYD3JvERcMEWj6H5RA8/s640/blogger-image--1623276437.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Petting a giraffe was also crossed off my bucket list!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mBaKJbm4v5wruH2OwQMpGOzd8Ozt_8JHJPXDyI-6_owU0fDS18PecVyT2Q9S0LrQFnQzFuJD6T9GpEnwo4Ydbz-VQLK04GNvRya7ghe1oFMgL6swBt4KtvsLi-HsA6hWkExFWDR6DFk/s640/blogger-image-281559213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mBaKJbm4v5wruH2OwQMpGOzd8Ozt_8JHJPXDyI-6_owU0fDS18PecVyT2Q9S0LrQFnQzFuJD6T9GpEnwo4Ydbz-VQLK04GNvRya7ghe1oFMgL6swBt4KtvsLi-HsA6hWkExFWDR6DFk/s640/blogger-image-281559213.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Daddy even got to go to Pizza Hut!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gC9341HLK_R_K8HwcCCKh_-_s122Xb88QeaN_8x1cD8ygvZM2Aphg1JPwYATknIHUxh8KNBLF7FHM61eKiI3cDAjD_17QnbP74AS0mU9qFxY9TnJvn5a1SXgabPfutB2HFFFDgoi1bg/s640/blogger-image--1731805059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gC9341HLK_R_K8HwcCCKh_-_s122Xb88QeaN_8x1cD8ygvZM2Aphg1JPwYATknIHUxh8KNBLF7FHM61eKiI3cDAjD_17QnbP74AS0mU9qFxY9TnJvn5a1SXgabPfutB2HFFFDgoi1bg/s640/blogger-image--1731805059.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bobby doing some serious negotiating with the taxi driver on the way home from the zoo ;) This guy gave us the option to pay him extra and sit in the air conditioned cab with him instead of the open back seat!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_IoS_y6kaM1uSIxsM3d1thtQNpKwdO21_yFryOl1b6EKo_3MLc9pzi-006CFoXCRKrQc40wI_Y35cGlcsvKxvzuDZHdk0QvizNpm1xEx3-k13Bs-EP_6xR-Cdd3EeDdD67y1WpYJcNY/s640/blogger-image--287547725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_IoS_y6kaM1uSIxsM3d1thtQNpKwdO21_yFryOl1b6EKo_3MLc9pzi-006CFoXCRKrQc40wI_Y35cGlcsvKxvzuDZHdk0QvizNpm1xEx3-k13Bs-EP_6xR-Cdd3EeDdD67y1WpYJcNY/s640/blogger-image--287547725.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">J LOVED the staff at the hotel restaurant...and they loved him! On one of our first nights there, the waiter held J and walked around the pool/ restaurant with him so we could have a quiet dinner together!! That meant so much to me and I was so thankful! We got spoiled with quite a bit of babysitting time while we were there and even got to go "out" on a date one night while our supervisor sat in the room with J while he slept! We just went to the restaurant at the hotel and had milkshakes, but we also played a fun conversation game that got both of us talking a lot (not usual for us!) and it was really fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUKKIu8mt1u8zWWtGA2o7c5mqO3Azi6dMy1lPs-ek5duooln5Bl0PWGrl8WpVJBuvD25MskymJAJBIx1hHIbAoZi9EFgfp_fbo_CH-dILbUWKnQZwc5oDE7lClfdDmstnwvrz6ZLyhnk/s640/blogger-image-1102295188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUKKIu8mt1u8zWWtGA2o7c5mqO3Azi6dMy1lPs-ek5duooln5Bl0PWGrl8WpVJBuvD25MskymJAJBIx1hHIbAoZi9EFgfp_fbo_CH-dILbUWKnQZwc5oDE7lClfdDmstnwvrz6ZLyhnk/s640/blogger-image-1102295188.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKpnaU48zaSzxkupfkofZBOSe1qkCmeOdX3OIaZjuYD8IlEao25Z8Ybr6FGROhhjbtPZ8RyBctz0hoSB_V_e-B7ZYMzNKpT3OIy1G7Dk_TJYmTNnqD47Xku_1BIsBeEUd8xKdaBgjRjs/s640/blogger-image-2119158135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKpnaU48zaSzxkupfkofZBOSe1qkCmeOdX3OIaZjuYD8IlEao25Z8Ybr6FGROhhjbtPZ8RyBctz0hoSB_V_e-B7ZYMzNKpT3OIy1G7Dk_TJYmTNnqD47Xku_1BIsBeEUd8xKdaBgjRjs/s640/blogger-image-2119158135.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMW6HYgTvQQtfTsLJ8lkS_TlKjCsht66QGV6S2p5Jt4vrninoPtC-Q58vor-5zdkrCkaSQPXQQSNBxTa11Yuf35DiJh-o7wRu4deNfoVm4Vzo35P49MPykHNrtJUbLhUuHz90Nq7xKR8/s640/blogger-image--1996527480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMW6HYgTvQQtfTsLJ8lkS_TlKjCsht66QGV6S2p5Jt4vrninoPtC-Q58vor-5zdkrCkaSQPXQQSNBxTa11Yuf35DiJh-o7wRu4deNfoVm4Vzo35P49MPykHNrtJUbLhUuHz90Nq7xKR8/s640/blogger-image--1996527480.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So this laying by the pool dream I had before we got there was just a little different than I pictured...somehow I forgot to factor in that we'd have a 9 month old baby to entertain while we were there! ;) but, it was still a relaxing treat for just a few minutes here and there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And to close, here's some glimpses to the beauty we were surrounded by...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkBEqLUZmv6gesDEubSPrbM75DxOy7axECLxure3NyqbEYlhqAmZeCc6gUvkoaj6yFtsRMTSxYDbI0aVXpG9_5vV8LZ3c0x-9Of_SgWq2JZMrgzxQ_CioV2YsmfKAYcDL-cCNRyr7FF8/s640/blogger-image-1376552717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkBEqLUZmv6gesDEubSPrbM75DxOy7axECLxure3NyqbEYlhqAmZeCc6gUvkoaj6yFtsRMTSxYDbI0aVXpG9_5vV8LZ3c0x-9Of_SgWq2JZMrgzxQ_CioV2YsmfKAYcDL-cCNRyr7FF8/s640/blogger-image-1376552717.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCHeKatZPaVr_yACAGLjDu7aaalnOYyRDCoGewuZAWmQoYLo1815xbYJS6cuTxdxX-URNLhtMZO1wNA5-mWHVl_fzlgSOqKHXESF4u5mvx2yjmREX5pwtnj4MBTlvpILJV8B_XXp-yDk/s640/blogger-image--16083842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCHeKatZPaVr_yACAGLjDu7aaalnOYyRDCoGewuZAWmQoYLo1815xbYJS6cuTxdxX-URNLhtMZO1wNA5-mWHVl_fzlgSOqKHXESF4u5mvx2yjmREX5pwtnj4MBTlvpILJV8B_XXp-yDk/s640/blogger-image--16083842.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwRQdC794a_yXrR5bBP3q1NMtUBq7wI2kfngdEeuuKbP9_iZ21nAJvV3L8KM0quPK-s7yYBvaaFFjTvOi86gN6h47uLKlcQJu1yPPrzIVTFqXo4r_skWiMFF1GD0z9iJ5ohnBim_5vUE/s640/blogger-image-521629893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwRQdC794a_yXrR5bBP3q1NMtUBq7wI2kfngdEeuuKbP9_iZ21nAJvV3L8KM0quPK-s7yYBvaaFFjTvOi86gN6h47uLKlcQJu1yPPrzIVTFqXo4r_skWiMFF1GD0z9iJ5ohnBim_5vUE/s640/blogger-image-521629893.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76Iu2QFK6asvRgtgkUBXQWufTzAHiCNFqkoRf2kcF9iUfwH5ljTmj1FgKcj5jPlPLUPPxF8TDVHk4hpxN_UFBmjomCDE-kmMUZGPTJG2SrdNONElzSOQDBn09yZOXxmBa6nIGnXCycyw/s640/blogger-image-1011985171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76Iu2QFK6asvRgtgkUBXQWufTzAHiCNFqkoRf2kcF9iUfwH5ljTmj1FgKcj5jPlPLUPPxF8TDVHk4hpxN_UFBmjomCDE-kmMUZGPTJG2SrdNONElzSOQDBn09yZOXxmBa6nIGnXCycyw/s640/blogger-image-1011985171.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div></div></div></span></div></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">We won't be rushing back to Thailand anytime soon, but in spite of our fears going into this trip, we ended up having a really good time and none of the three of us got sick!! I'm really thankful we were able to do this. It was a much needed rest for our family and we made a lot of special memories!</span></font></div></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-73613315082833755272015-06-09T20:50:00.001+09:002015-06-09T20:54:59.038+09:00Why is keeping a blog updated so hard for me?!Sigh, alas, another ridiculous amount of time has passed since my last post! What is wrong with me?! I used to love blogging, and I really love having a record of what we've been up to, but for some reason, it's just not high on the priority list these days! Sorry far away family and friends!<div><br></div><div>We're all doing pretty well these days...Bobby's a little extra busy this month because our co-workers are in the States for a month. That means he is preaching, leading the prayer meeting every other week as well as his regular Bible time teaching for the English classes our short termers are teaching. </div><div><br></div><div>Joshua and I are in a pretty good groove these days...he's still sleeping through the night like a champ and naps at least an hour once in the morning and once in the afternoon, sometimes twice, depending on how the other two naps go. For the most part, I am enjoying being at home with him. He brings us a lot of joy and it's a true delight watching him learn and grow. We have our days...where we seem to get "tired of each other" but thankfully, those days only come now and then...but boy am I ready for bed time on those days!! I am continually reminded of how blessed I am to be able to be a stay at home mom...even though some days I'm ready to throw in the towel, I can't imagine having to go back to work and miss out on so much fun and making special memories with Joshua. We are truly blessed!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8tlmbQfN9jmNnjVOFMTlIhJXA5ilJDCPe6EAIZNqOagDCYDe5bFMjo-h3jOqxut8Y9lwNrrf-uw-KSUS6q1zj7y7PSRdLToI47JmM5fOUcc24VhPhnKq9alNgNjR3i3ePhzG63sWPjs/s640/blogger-image--473066919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8tlmbQfN9jmNnjVOFMTlIhJXA5ilJDCPe6EAIZNqOagDCYDe5bFMjo-h3jOqxut8Y9lwNrrf-uw-KSUS6q1zj7y7PSRdLToI47JmM5fOUcc24VhPhnKq9alNgNjR3i3ePhzG63sWPjs/s640/blogger-image--473066919.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>He loves being outside, so if things get rough, I stick him in the stroller and go for a looooong walk and we're both feeling better before we know it ;) The other day rainy season started here so unfortunately we aren't able to get out as much these days. He got a pool from our co workers for his birthday and he's been enjoying that :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0t3vEvnAva0VDcAYDTcgLu-VrdeuTRO6ifgunTlbYE5rVfBuXfw3WWlbd1aljAWJYwdtH94lO9ivOFVtrrTP40kqT8x0ucb5kZMBQk7Qd6SdeggKT1DxJdiQZbOBecxICE1cM3WOFEY/s640/blogger-image-259630185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0t3vEvnAva0VDcAYDTcgLu-VrdeuTRO6ifgunTlbYE5rVfBuXfw3WWlbd1aljAWJYwdtH94lO9ivOFVtrrTP40kqT8x0ucb5kZMBQk7Qd6SdeggKT1DxJdiQZbOBecxICE1cM3WOFEY/s640/blogger-image-259630185.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I would say he's growing like a weed, but that might be an exaduration...when we had him weighed and measured at his 1 year shots appointment, he hadn't gained any weight or height since his 6 month check up!! It's kind of funny because he feels like he's growing, but apparently he's not! I'm trying not to be concerned...I think a lot has to do with the way he's not really eating solids. That's been a reeeeeeal struggle for me.</div><div><br></div><div>He has been eating basically nothing but baby yoghurt for the last several months (up until a couple weeks ago) and he has a real problem with textures! I've been trying more things recently with a few successes here and there, but it's still really testing my patience! I wasn't really too adventurous in what I was offering him because I think I was overly paranoid about what's ok and what's not ok for babies under a year, but now that he's a year, there's not too much I'm not open to offering him because I'm so desperate to find things he will eat!! He's slowly improving on chewing and swallowing, but for the most part, a lot of things get spit out. He likes to bite things, but then he doesn't know how to chew and swallow.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pBcoQM1AdJ43UGfkMq-IbFomXzbLQPBb91Wrwz9SqBlvdlYapXysuRCz2MNS-N46ixK2wXeSS3IZcz0uzqn3TNQm32avmH0J6cF3YQZmTagP-NYY3K29dDhpdk5_3Z8Z5GexHrKwLQ8/s640/blogger-image-530087606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pBcoQM1AdJ43UGfkMq-IbFomXzbLQPBb91Wrwz9SqBlvdlYapXysuRCz2MNS-N46ixK2wXeSS3IZcz0uzqn3TNQm32avmH0J6cF3YQZmTagP-NYY3K29dDhpdk5_3Z8Z5GexHrKwLQ8/s640/blogger-image-530087606.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The other day he suddenly mastered drinking from a straw which had me so thrilled there was tears in my eyes! He never took a bottle and after unsuccessfully trying a wide variety of sippy cups, I was pretty sure he would never get it...but then one day he just did! Last night I offered him my water bottle which has a super long straw in it, thinking he would never be able to get anything out of it, and he shocked us both by taking a huge slurp of water on his first try!</div><div><br></div><div>He's gotten a lot more mobile since I last wrote...he finally started actually crawling on my birthday! He had been getting around where he wanted to get but it wasn't by crawling...but he's finally got it now. He doesn't move around super fast yet, unless he's going toward something he's not supposed to get! ;) That's been another patience tester for me! Right now his favorite spot is under the table where I keep my spices...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-x606kEUaTDRi0pVSSXxcL_a3LdPGHTD0s6WD15s-4JwBFfaxmRUjBxu8VDgJSMZVaVfNtsbNa3RUpazyLUkhzSGO6iQ_3mZxwtRgulppaS3joqcFtIe2J0eBYZVSylD8d0hRKCGJcw/s640/blogger-image-951262033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-x606kEUaTDRi0pVSSXxcL_a3LdPGHTD0s6WD15s-4JwBFfaxmRUjBxu8VDgJSMZVaVfNtsbNa3RUpazyLUkhzSGO6iQ_3mZxwtRgulppaS3joqcFtIe2J0eBYZVSylD8d0hRKCGJcw/s640/blogger-image-951262033.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway, even though that was just the basics, I think that's all I've got in me for now! (that boy wears me out!!) Will write more about our big move and his first birthday sometime soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We love him so much and are so thankful for our little gift from God!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MS9C77T-7sztlta4Zjxa1z7GlnvAGj4IDQ4NuBAh3MACBmOjCbuN_kPle_R_ncxONjEzEFlgoPgtcnvk2Ns-EMnJaMAR4kSi8Iz3x6hPeHJLQE6dPcWFJm89I4kyAt3qEzlFXEVJhdI/s640/blogger-image-636704349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MS9C77T-7sztlta4Zjxa1z7GlnvAGj4IDQ4NuBAh3MACBmOjCbuN_kPle_R_ncxONjEzEFlgoPgtcnvk2Ns-EMnJaMAR4kSi8Iz3x6hPeHJLQE6dPcWFJm89I4kyAt3qEzlFXEVJhdI/s640/blogger-image-636704349.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><br></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-11112378813724826572015-04-07T21:25:00.001+09:002015-04-09T16:17:23.631+09:00At last...Today was a pretty special day for me as a language learner/missionary...I was able to share the Gospel in Japanese by myself for the very first time!!<br />
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I'm so humbled that God allowed me to do this, and it's incredibly encouraging to realize that I can indeed do it!! </div>
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Let me do a little backtracking...</div>
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Over the last few weeks, in order to help me fulfill some of the requirements for me to move on to the next level of Christar language learning requirements, my teacher has been getting me to practice "mini speeches", practicing talking on a given subject for a couple of minutes. She knows me well enough that I tend to "panic" (aka go blank!) when I have to talk on the spot so she gives me a heads up at the end of class what next week's "topic" will be. She always tells me not to worry, not to over-prepare or worry about it being exactly two minutes, (assuming she hopes for me to get more natural with this, not needing a heads up) but, in general I do try to prepare in my mind somewhat what I'll say.</div>
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Well last week she told me my topic would be "Easter". The more I thought about it, I realized that this was going to be a perfect opportunity to just share the Gospel with her! I was excited about this open door, but also slightly nervous as I've never done that before in Japanese...and religious language is quite difficult compared to the everyday Japanese I'm used to using. So, I prepared a little 'speech' and went over it with Bobby to make sure it was ok. I tried really hard to memorize it so I wouldn't forget any of the important parts, but also had to try and sound casual at the same time.</div>
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And today in class, I did it! I managed to remember almost everything I wanted to say (enough that it made sense thankfully!) and even though she knew I had really prepared, she said it was really easy to understand (one of the advantages of limited language I suppose!). She half jokingly said "oh wow! Now you can preach...or maybe teach at a kid's party at your church!" And although that's far from reality, I took it as a compliment and it's really encouraged me to know that I CAN share the Gospel in Japanese!</div>
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It's hard to convey the joy I feel without sounding proud...I know that it's not by my own efforts that I'm able to do this now and all the glory belongs to God! I am NOT a gifted language learner and I don't really enjoy studying Japanese at all. Communication is not easy for me and it's frustrating to generally understand things without being able to reply. I still feel like I struggle with the basics of stringing two sentences together! Any ability I have to speak Japanese is a gift from God because I am so weak and undisciplined. Japanese is a life-long learning language and there's never an end point where you can say you're totally fluent even after years and years of study so it's a long and discouraging road I'm on. </div>
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But for that very reason, it's the little moments like the one I had today that need to be celebrated! </div>
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My language teacher has heard the Gospel several times before over the years, but still hasn't believed. I'm truly humbled that God has allowed me to be a part of the seeds planted in her heart. I pray that some day they'll be watered and she truly will realize the depth of the love God has for her.</div>
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<i>Thank you Lord for this newfound ability! Help me to use it as often as possible, for Your glory, that more Japanese might come to know of Your desire to be in intimate relationship with them!!</i></div>
Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-34827721229696084982015-02-07T22:00:00.000+09:002015-02-12T09:52:19.539+09:00Ideas for building a baby registry... Joshua's (and Mama's) favorites<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When we first went to "build our registry", I couldn't have been more excited! But, as soon as we had the "gun" in our hands and were left to wander the store and scan away, I felt like I was in a little over my head! There were just SO many options, and SO many gadgets and toys and products that I had no idea if we needed or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The odds were also stacked against us in that we didn't know the gender of our baby, and we also didn't even know what country he or she would be born in </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(We at least had it narrowed down to the US or Japan though!) </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">and had to think about how we would get things back to Japan after we bought/received them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I also found it hard to not only think about immediate things we'd use for baby, but also items for when the baby was a little older too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But, we did our best for the sake of the wonderful women of our home church who were throwing us a shower and scanned away! (Making several additions and taking things off via the website throughout the pregnancy!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I thought it'd be a fun idea for me to make a list of all the things I actually found really useful, and based on what Joshua's liked, also include some ideas for toys for as baby grows too! I'm sure I'll forget things, but this idea has been swirling around in my mind for a while now! Of course this is not an exclusive, all-inclusive list, but I was thinking this would be a helpful guide for expecting moms who are building a registry, and also helpful for those wanting to buy baby gifts for friends of family!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">First of all, I think pretty much since the day we brought Joshua home up to this day, we have been using a <b>white noise machine</b>. Our favorite is the ocean waves sound and Joshua falls asleep to that all the time. We've taken it with us anytime we're away from home overnight and it really makes a difference in how he sleeps. We were actually given this as a gift, and hadn't put one on our registry, but boy am I ever thankful for the sweet woman who bought us the one we have! It also includes a wall/ceiling projection option with a few sets of different slides (under the sea, animals, planets, etc) which is a neat feature, but we've rarely used it. (Unfortunately I don't know the name or brand of the one we got, and Joshua's currently sleeping so I'm not going to go look...there's oodles of them on the market though, so finding one shouldn't be a problem.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I knew from before Joshua was born that I wanted to "be a swaddler" and my sister introduced me to these wonderful <b><a href="http://www.summerinfant.com/swaddleme3packmuslinblanket" target="_blank">swaddling blankets made of Muslin</a></b>. It's a soft, light and airy fabric...very breathable, and great for non-winter babies as you get the comfort of a blanket minus the heat! We used them for swaddling some (before Joshua showed us his Houdini escape artist skills) and also used them for the car seat and I always had one in the diaper bag outings too. One of Joshua's favorite games over the last few months has been peek-a-boo with these blankets and we have gotten some of our best laughs from him by draping them over his head waiting for him to pull them off! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.summerinfant.com/swaddleme3packmuslinblanket" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnIhFxUzm1EaXmfjW5Q10G0cTilRnCxEb4aaTTcHdSPTdpBUM1pBgCCupdsVWipEt2_eESqUhPneES_HZzEfVE_yh2RGCozmD3pwnCuWKRDAHr0XgD87nZhf7TjLp5cTnxJiNqD8q0rY/s1600/71300_IMG_N-SPBLANKET_F_SILO_466X302.jpg" height="207" width="320"></a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bobby's mom also gave us these <b><a href="http://www.summerinfant.com/swaddleme2pkcottonsmallmedium?SKUID=1056" target="_blank">"ready to go" velcro swaddlers</a> </b>and I highly recommend them too! They have a really strong velcro and are a lot simpler than swaddling with a blanket. Joshua stayed swaddled in these ones a lot better than ones we wrapped ourselves. We called them his "pocket" and it makes me smile remembering Bobby making a silly song up about "pocket time" being sleepy time for Joshua :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.summerinfant.com/swaddleme2pkcottonsmallmedium?SKUID=1056" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_wb4IHdZU0d1Za_AWRHvIvn0uVfFbrW2CKx7astOB2MzgCd49wHxBjDOEksqvtFx5JysVJB3lRSY3_ZXoMDLyNye3vbLvZyyZc6KtvAK4Q-bxYv32r0vMGerwROajdgJAvH-9GN-6DY/s1600/74300_sum_mi_swaddleme_2pk_monkey_fun_product.jpg" height="207" width="320"></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's fairly common knowledge these days that babies aren't supposed to sleep with blankets so I was grateful for yet another introduction from my sister to <b><a href="http://www.halosleep.com/sleepsack/" target="_blank">Sleep Sacks</a></b>. These are great for adding extra warmth for baby without using a blanket (or dressing baby in lots of layers). The zipper is upside down to prevent "escapes". We use a fleece one for Joshua now in the winter, but I also see now they make Muslin ones which would be great for spring and fall!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.halosleep.com/sleepsack/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFS1rotMVpAqpQs1jMKJF9Rww9-g-kYkob3Z04sOBKuA_Q1WcZqNwKf4OFbSpEJWzdmkjgZ4DTASE6xNcMuYOi5wc9WICusbcvKtsvynyCM_spClJMJEUWJkV0Ylo0GGJHTOWWOXkbqU/s1600/3140_3141_3142_3143_1__64068.1407150781.560.560.jpg" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
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And speaking of sleep...we found these amazing <b><a href="http://www.scripture-lullabies.com/shop/homepage.php" target="_blank">Scripture Lullaby albums</a></b> on <a href="https://itun.es/us/SZYRB" target="_blank">iTunes</a> and we ourselves have been falling asleep to them every night since just a few months into my pregnancy. Joshua doesn't go to sleep to them all the time, but occasionally if he's having trouble going down for a nap if we play this music for him he almost always immediately calms down and goes to sleep. I love that they are taken from Scripture and God has used them to encourage and touch my heart through them countless times over the last year. In searching for the link to the album, I just discovered there's now a volume 3!!<br>
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One of the things I really wanted to have was a <b>glider</b>. They are super hard to find here in Japan, (you can get them, but they are ridiculously over-priced) and I really didn't think I was going to get one, but God cares so much about the little desires of our hearts and He provided one for us for a very reasonable price via a connection to the military base nearby us. I strongly recommend getting one of these (or some kind of very comfortable chair for your nursery) because you will spend countless hours in it with your little bundle of joy!!<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(this is the glider we bought, but this is a pic of it in the original owner's nursery)</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since space is limited for us, we really didn't want to get a high chair. My sister and several other friends recommended this type of<a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_us/brands/babygear/products/Rainforest-Healthy-Care-Booster-Seat" target="_blank"> <b>booster seat that sits on a regular dining chair</b></a>. They have the feature of being easy to carry with you and they also adjust according to age (starting with infants, and can be used as a booster seat for toddlers too!). We were able to find this one on sale here in Japan! It even came with a toy attachment on top of the tray which we've found really helpful...Joshua was able to join us at the table before he started eating, and stayed busy while we ate! I really like the one we have, but again, there's oodles of them on the market and I'm sure all of them are just as great.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We were also given one of these <b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B0%E3%83%AA%E3%83%83%E3%82%B7%E3%83%BC%E3%83%8A-Inglesina-%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%B9%E3%83%88-%E3%83%86%E3%83%BC%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%82%A2-%E3%83%99%E3%83%93%E3%83%BC%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%82%A2/dp/B00N1OF7JQ/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1422964989&sr=8-10&keywords=%E3%83%86%E3%83%BC%E3%83%96%E3%83%AB%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%82%A2" target="_blank">"clip on baby chairs"</a></b> that we keep in the trunk to use while we're eating out or when we have a meal at church. Most restaurants here don't really have baby friendly seats so this has come in handy a few times. Joshua loves being part of the group and feeling like a "big boy" sitting at the table with everyone. It comes with a tray that we sometimes use if he's eating and sometimes just to help keep his toys from falling in the floor (although they still do!) ;) Truthfully I probably wouldn't have gotten one of these as I prefer the booster seat type, but it was given to us as a gift and it really is convenient!</span></div>
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I knew long before I got pregnant that I wanted to be a "baby-wearer" so I knew I needed to invest in <b>a good carrier</b>. I found a company called <b><a href="http://www.boba.com/" target="_blank">Boba </a></b>that I've heard nothing but good things about and I'm really glad I went with them. I have used my baby carrier so much! I often use it to get Joshua to fall asleep during church (although recently he hasn't been doing that!) and it's been great for shopping! I sometimes wish that it could be used forward facing, but I have read a lot about forward facing carriers being not so good for babies so overall I'm satisfied with my choice to go with Boba. After Joshua was born, we were with some friends who have a baby that's a little older than Joshua and the mom was putting the baby in her carrier and I couldn't help but note that she needed help to get her in. I felt proud that with my Boba, I could get Joshua in and out without help! Not that I'm bashing other brands, because I think they all have their own merits, but I was just really thankful that I could get him in and out on my own because I knew Bobby wasn't always going to be with me when I used it.<br>
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Yes, it's expensive, but yes, it's totally worth it!! Boba has great customer service and I highly recommend them! :) actually as I was working on this post, the blogger that I first heard about Boba from wrote a great post about what to know about selecting a baby carrier...you can find it <a href="http://dreawood.com/2015/02/baby-carrier/" target="_blank">here</a><br>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Next is a <b><a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/babytoys/products/Discover-n-Grow-Kick-and-Play-Piano-Gym" target="_blank">play mat</a></b>! I wanted one of these pretty bad, because I knew how useful they are for having a place to put baby down, and keep them entertained and stimulated before they can sit up. Unfortunately they're not the easiest thing to fit in a suitcase (although I'm sure we could have found one that would have if we tried hard enough) and they're just plain expensive here in Japan! However, we ended up getting a Toys R Us gift card from a friend and were delighted to find out play mats were "on sale" the day we went shopping! I also wanted to find one that could be used for as long as possible (had a sitting up option) and I think we found the perfect one! This is the one we chose and I highly recommend it!! He's almost 9 months old now and he still regularly plays with it, both on his back and sitting up (he never really cared for the "tummy time" setting because he hates playing on his belly).</span></div>
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Now for the toys...I have to confess it's a little embarrassing to write this part as it makes me realize how many toys Joshua has! A lot of them were gifts though, and the ones I'm including in this list, he plays with all the time and loves them so I thought it'd be helpful for those looking for a good gift! </div>
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As a side note, I caution anyone who's buying a gift for a baby to stick to what's on a registry, or even ask the parents if it'd be ok to get the baby a toy. Some parents really don't like clutter and it might be better to stay away from toys! I highly recommend books as a gift idea...I feel like you can never have too many kids books, but that's just my opinion! Maybe next I'll make a list of our favorite kids books :)</div>
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While shopping for Christmas gifts this year, I came across these <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anpanman-cup-stacking-japan-import/dp/B00CY1GFAC" target="_blank">stacking cups</a></b> and even though they are marked as geared for age 1 and up, Joshua's playing with them now and absolutely loves them! He of course can't really do much with them by himself yet, but he claps them together and also holds them in his hands and sometimes "drinks" from them like bowls! He loves crashing our towers too! I love how many different ways they can be played with...they can teach colors and counting, and you can also play "hide and seek" games with the Anpan man toy that comes with it. Again, there's probably a lot of variety in stacking cups out there, but these are the ones we found here in Japan.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anpanman-cup-stacking-japan-import/dp/B00CY1GFAC" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOgBIIWUgD7W4MkJ6N2U6V2KjFRGSVLwMqcIY5N9x1yZtxvyUP_onzLCNK-TG5H0humbGZIuWtpdfpXOHdNP75LHASv4fJZBRESCf918Unyy2wENAAPkxIkbtoyoZZHCsktSiB0w8OBk/s1600/61LY8mbVZCL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="90"></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anpanman-cup-stacking-japan-import/dp/B00CY1GFAC" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROuatEg9Lh_HXNkqAG09SiKLYf2uZjS_fiwKdb9hTEoZU-SQtlEz70qKVDK7PVGiq8OoWjdwxthoqBUozA2uAg5lDDI9LOS0YB7i4__sGZwse5_wjIhzuo1Hz5wh6L4FR6k_CltsQLCA/s1600/81T+XuW76uL._SL1500_.jpg" height="246" width="320"></a></div>
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Along the same note, we were given a few hand me down toys from some missionaries we know in Hiroshima and these amazing balls were in the pile! I think I actually enjoy these more than Joshua!! I think the design of them is genius! They are <b><a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_us/brands/babytoys/products/Brilliant-BasicsStack-and-Roll-Cups" target="_blank">nesting balls</a>,</b> and they can be put together in more than one way (not sure how to explain that). Bobby also recently discovered that the halves can be stacked too to make a tower! (Funny thing is when I googled them, the first image that comes up on their Fisher Price website is them stacked up like that but we have had them for a few months now and only just the other day discovered this feature!) We are missing the smiley face ball and the number 8 half, but we still get plenty of play time out of these!</div>
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Joshua absolutely loves balls, of any kind, so with some Christmas money from Uncle Randy, we got him one of these <b>"<a href="http://www.kidsii.com/oball/products/oball-classic" target="_blank">O-balls</a>"</b>. They are on the expensive side, so we probably wouldn't have gotten one if it wasn't a gift. He loves being able to hold on to it and <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">chew it and it's just a fun ball!</span></div>
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And speaking of chewing...this list wouldn't be complete if <b><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/buy/rattles-teethers/vulli-sophie-the-giraffe-teether-616324-4233184" target="_blank">Sophie</a></b> wasn't on it!! I'll start off with the disclaimer that I think this toy is ridiculously over priced and just like the O-ball, if we hadn't of been given it as a gift, we probably wouldn't have one! (So I say Mama, go ahead and put that Sophie on your registry...people love to spoil pregnant women and when buying for someone else, it seems like people don't mind spending a ridiculous amount of money on something for a new baby!) And for even more honesty, I had my doubts that Sophie was all she was cracked up to be! Little did I know, she'd prove herself worth every penny in our home! Joshua adores his Sophie! When I first introduced her to him I think around 2 or 3 months, he didn't really take to her, but when I re-introduced her when he was a little older (4 months??) he couldn't get enough of her!! He would chew on her and be chattering away as happy as a lark! It was really fun to see him interact so well with a toy!</div>
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When we went home in the fall to introduce Joshua to our families Bobby's amazing sister in law threw a party/shower for Joshua and someone gave him a <b><a href="http://www.kidsii.com/taggies/kids-ii-inc-tag-n-play-pals" target="_blank">Taggies</a></b> stuffed puppy. I had never heard of them before, but basically it's a line of toys with extra tags on the, because babies love tags for some reason! (My Mom caught onto this before though and made Joshua a square of soft fabric with ribbon tags on it...but maybe the person who taught her how to make them had seen these before??) It's such a neat idea and Joshua seems to adore "Spot" and all his tags! ;) </div>
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These links were a "filler" addition to our registry...I saw them and thought, "oh! Every baby has <b><a href="http://www.kidsii.com/brightstarts/bright-starts-lots-of-links" target="_blank">links</a></b> right?! These ones look good!" and zapped them with the zapper! So someone purchased them for us and I seriously couldn't be happier! We've had them hanging from his car seat since he was about a month old. I was pretty amazed at how well he could "play" with them so early on. This particular brand has such fun colors and great textures and I like them more than any other kind of links I've seen. Joshua still plays with them now at almost 9 months! We can get them here in Japan and they are a "go-to" part of baby gifts we give now!</div>
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Speaking of "go-to" baby gifts, a couple that we know who just had their third baby shared this gem with us, explaining it's part of their go-to baby gifts now! It's a <b><a href="http://www.kidsii.com/babyeinstein/take-along-tunes" target="_blank">Baby Einstein radio</a></b> that plays a few classical songs and has a few lights on it. It has seriously been a life saver in the car (and airplane!) countless times! Joshua would be freaking out for whatever reason and as soon as we'd push the button, he'd stop! With the excessive amount of time we spend in the car, it's a precious gift that we treasure!! In fact, last week when I was in the hospital, it also worked wonders for Bobby trying to keep Joshua content! :)</div>
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Another side note... as much as Joshua loves these toys, I have to point out that he has several simple "toys" (aka things around the house like a silicone funnel from the dollar store) that he loves just as much as these wonderful products. I am by no means saying these toys are essential for a baby's happiness, just wanting to highlight a few great products out there!<br>
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That's about all I can think of at the moment.. I'm sure after I post this I'll think of more, but for now this is it! Hope it's helpful :)</div>
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Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-21190501078679507182015-02-06T14:32:00.000+09:002015-02-06T14:32:01.517+09:00Blog? What's that?!Oh my...I can't believe it's been almost 5 months since I last wrote! So much for preserving memories and keeping people up to date!! I have a feeling I will really regret not having kept better record of these last few months with Joshua! Thankfully, we have been pretty diligent about taking pictures, so we at least have those!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xsayUEMWjmTlewZGzxzALHDvXg3VahJY32DXalKUB25BU-mQ6VEdvIXLCT2V0QqQ4SvJGbib4QibTuVILCdugQpZsw9nhDfEIphMKjA_PAahXhWzflAxgDMWW7yqNVozNgaUz75n0sc/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xsayUEMWjmTlewZGzxzALHDvXg3VahJY32DXalKUB25BU-mQ6VEdvIXLCT2V0QqQ4SvJGbib4QibTuVILCdugQpZsw9nhDfEIphMKjA_PAahXhWzflAxgDMWW7yqNVozNgaUz75n0sc/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our little dual-citizen :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family day trip this summer :)</td></tr>
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So, what's been going on over the last 5 months?? Well, aside from Joshua growing like a weed, I've gotten back to language study (with a goal of 10 hours per week), we flew back to America and Canada for 3 weeks to introduce Joshua to our families, Joshua started solids, he got three teeth, we had a wonderful Christmas, Bobby's been busy getting ready for the two short term missionaries we're hosting for a year starting in March, I had gallbladder surgery, and we're getting ready to head to Thailand in two weeks!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">playing with our neighbor friend :)</td></tr>
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Wow, so life's been a little more eventful than I realized when I sat down to start this blog!! Now I'm not sure where to begin! I have a feeling I'm just going to end up posting pictures and let them do the talking! ;)<br />
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We had a great time with both our families in Canada and the States! Three weeks was too short, but time with family is never long enough! Joshua did super good on all our flights...just required a few walks up and down the aisle! (Ok, more than a few!) we ended up not getting a bassinet for either of our long flights...but I'm not even going to go there because it's apparently still a sensitive issue for me! Let's just say there was a lot of drama, a lot of seat switching and ok, a few tears!</div>
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We ran into problems when bedtime hit the night we arrived in Canada though...jet lag hit Joshua hard!! He was sleeping through the night no problem, but after the flights, he was super mixed up. He cried ALL NIGHT LONG. He was a wreck! My mom graciously stayed up with him until we finally gave up on trying to get some sleep ourselves and we took over around 4am. We were not ready for that surprise! It got better every night though and I think he ended up sleeping through the night about 3 or 4 nights. And then he got messed up again when we flew to Maryland! I think out of the two weeks we were there, he only slept through the night once maybe twice! It made us realize how blessed we are that he's been such a good sleeper!! I do not miss those night wakings!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one happy Canadian girl.. reunited with Tim's!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got family pictures done by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Still-Life-Photography/148232151873615" target="_blank">a friend of my sister</a> and loved them all! check her out if you're in the Regina area!</td></tr>
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Actually this past week, he's gotten into a new habit of sleeping 12 hours! Either he would wake himself or we would wake him to eat around 10pm before, but the other day he flipped onto his belly when we were putting him to bed and it helped him stay asleep past the normal feeding time and he didn't wake up until 7:30 the next morning! Needless to say, I decided that we were going to try and make that a habit and so far the last four nights if we flip him onto his belly when we put him to bed, he has slept till morning! I feel sort of bad about putting him to sleep on his tummy because they say back is best now...but he knows how to roll over if he needs to, and he sleeps a lot more soundly on his belly.....</div>
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Anyway, we got to celebrate Canadian a Thanksgiving with my family which was super special! It was fun actually getting turkey for Thanksgiving this year! (We can't readily get turkey here and since I'm the only Canadian here, turkey dinner doesn't happen in October. (But we do get one courtesy of our teammates in November for American Thanksgiving!) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWClA-Z-edb6pk3AlslyrprxZPgPAQCnun0A1ioyoZ_cE8bwz1KKTm8eucdArseJ69PEWOOyu5spgzJ2vrcccucmbFeWFqCXWggniQj-CD9jSaZGxtPXsqPBm5Nfg4tNpoPRsBssAFrHk/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWClA-Z-edb6pk3AlslyrprxZPgPAQCnun0A1ioyoZ_cE8bwz1KKTm8eucdArseJ69PEWOOyu5spgzJ2vrcccucmbFeWFqCXWggniQj-CD9jSaZGxtPXsqPBm5Nfg4tNpoPRsBssAFrHk/s1600/IMG_1409.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American turkey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEo4iwuYxZ9_W27vvvaqLgUhWSl8INmZyUNFckGZl9EiJqG1B-TKPXI4gRvrcuQJlkw0AKHkqYLF3Wezt__wJLp7NMtyJIqpL1DQt_dg35XU7JzK9e8aCMe90JABiwRVXTQtxrcd5pno/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqEo4iwuYxZ9_W27vvvaqLgUhWSl8INmZyUNFckGZl9EiJqG1B-TKPXI4gRvrcuQJlkw0AKHkqYLF3Wezt__wJLp7NMtyJIqpL1DQt_dg35XU7JzK9e8aCMe90JABiwRVXTQtxrcd5pno/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian turkey</td></tr>
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Bobby also enjoyed introducing Joshua to "milk and cookies" on his parent's front steps like his Dad did when he was little! It was also great to be there in time for some beautiful fall colors!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua had a lot of "sink baths" over the course of our travels!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nay Nay loved taking naps with her baby!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trip to the Baden farm wouldn't be complete without a tractor ride with G-Daddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua even got to meet his great Grammie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyVIbEGe3oYwgsFx6XNqvSlNw-OUJtsSrVuc9KA_cltxKNeO1iQoyY9SAFVVy6fOvfMHP-6U-_XC8QTirtjXTu_epjSIA5iCFBAAI6YIhU7KH8Rj6V9Psc8GYcv-341ok7nZVa6ZRMWQ/s1600/IMG_2193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyVIbEGe3oYwgsFx6XNqvSlNw-OUJtsSrVuc9KA_cltxKNeO1iQoyY9SAFVVy6fOvfMHP-6U-_XC8QTirtjXTu_epjSIA5iCFBAAI6YIhU7KH8Rj6V9Psc8GYcv-341ok7nZVa6ZRMWQ/s1600/IMG_2193.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa and I with our "babies"</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">His cousins on both sides absolutely adore him. B kept saying "hug! hug! hug!" anytime she was near Joshua! And little D kept saying "He's so cute! I just love baby Joshua!"</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05KkfwspVzvLsq1SHBwdfKJZFDIh4UQIa2YoYvLI4dxFSPC1oB4Q9UNSB9J-u8F2B7MAN-CqFklLkEF2O-jCjGIZG3UUQL7qvBvXhbKTYt2xZd52dL2jSOzMjaRJ-eedgYuQmkH6jY_c/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05KkfwspVzvLsq1SHBwdfKJZFDIh4UQIa2YoYvLI4dxFSPC1oB4Q9UNSB9J-u8F2B7MAN-CqFklLkEF2O-jCjGIZG3UUQL7qvBvXhbKTYt2xZd52dL2jSOzMjaRJ-eedgYuQmkH6jY_c/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(this is what her hugs looked like!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMPGXanaknFlns3jAwUDtTCycAG37G3BVv5IzwoUajawcPOVEM_v0_69zPMfw0sPvTmhvjM0Csnsb5sBG_lKN6RC50w6fzUBuuTCoBft4MbRVMaUooRiixcEHq8rtUilrbIWyiHESqg4/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMPGXanaknFlns3jAwUDtTCycAG37G3BVv5IzwoUajawcPOVEM_v0_69zPMfw0sPvTmhvjM0Csnsb5sBG_lKN6RC50w6fzUBuuTCoBft4MbRVMaUooRiixcEHq8rtUilrbIWyiHESqg4/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this one's also taken by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Still-Life-Photography/148232151873615" target="_blank">Rachel</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did an English dedication service at our home church in Maryland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQPGGRAfcbK4drNeui2fLxYOVYjTeOADqmU9CxG5PT2JtgvNiFvse7bYCUV8GcHFxEtXEI2Yk-_8w4pip6mTYT5IX7EDrXX-zdmQbkGAzW0hZsagrWelZeiGeaPrtgfD2FJOMzXAil5g/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQPGGRAfcbK4drNeui2fLxYOVYjTeOADqmU9CxG5PT2JtgvNiFvse7bYCUV8GcHFxEtXEI2Yk-_8w4pip6mTYT5IX7EDrXX-zdmQbkGAzW0hZsagrWelZeiGeaPrtgfD2FJOMzXAil5g/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying his cousin's toy!</td></tr>
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When we got back we started Joshua on solids! We started with okayu which is basically watered down smooshed up rice. He did not like it and wasn't "getting" it at all! I was pretty discouraged! After several weeks of trying, we gave up and finally tried some sweet potatoes and apples, and both of them were a hit! He finally caught on to swallowing and he started to like eating! But, he seems to be pretty particular because after trying out bananas and carrots and another type of sweet potato, he doesn't like them!! I haven't been too ambitious in making new food for him yet, so we have yet to try things like green peas, beans and avocado. Hopefully he'll expand his pallet beyond apples and sweet potatoes soon! Our neighbor who is just two days younger than Joshua is eating pretty much anything and everything now and it's hard not to be jealous! </div>
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She's also a whole lot more mobile than Joshua...He's not really showing signs of crawling yet...even though he loves to sleep on his tummy, he hates to play on his tummy! A few times he's leaned forward too far while sitting up and ends up on his tummy and I've tried leaving him that way to let him explore his options, but he just gets mad and cries until I sit him up again! He enjoys standing up, but he can't pull himself up on things yet. I really am grateful for this extended time of "immobility" though...I know my life will get a lot busier when he's on the move!! We sometimes wonder if he'll just end up skipping crawling and just go straight to walking :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">play date a few months ago :)</td></tr>
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We had a great Christmas... enjoyed a quiet day at home, Skyping with family...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_w2biCYwJt36aDR-l2X4ug7NNzUVvBiHva9MDswkwhkSe1gnUS6j44wocFIIY8ZIAZGdSSx1Qiymwx7mpjg3cI9OoN-FiUvTxgkpQnGNrIxkPi0RTcCmK5OCfxzEJjNO4ga3_evxTm8/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_w2biCYwJt36aDR-l2X4ug7NNzUVvBiHva9MDswkwhkSe1gnUS6j44wocFIIY8ZIAZGdSSx1Qiymwx7mpjg3cI9OoN-FiUvTxgkpQnGNrIxkPi0RTcCmK5OCfxzEJjNO4ga3_evxTm8/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVBS1fVnJkG8R35x8X6vOfZcnAVeyvYIluC1NUFtWbwpK8_ECjrhKJdN5KIh561AVan4pcSChBQfddWtZDaGiaejCJHXmVmCmhIqK7Mpov5-2vGjoI2vWxbJd27SBJWJSbVTzwo_2aFU/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVBS1fVnJkG8R35x8X6vOfZcnAVeyvYIluC1NUFtWbwpK8_ECjrhKJdN5KIh561AVan4pcSChBQfddWtZDaGiaejCJHXmVmCmhIqK7Mpov5-2vGjoI2vWxbJd27SBJWJSbVTzwo_2aFU/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Joshua truly is a delight! He makes us laugh all the time and his smile can brighten my darkest day! We are so blessed! Every time we're out people are always commenting on how cute he is...how he looks like a doll! I'm sure he will get tired of hearing that when he's old enough to understand. He is a great conversation starter though and we love it! :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSEksWr4IeuafAHUMWlCKG_y9-jkn7jMuPdCSQ9uOPE5ym5ZYhvr4LkvprRybR6cIJfAzkfyg7w3POLeBIZVt7T3s7awDGpLTVHc3rEmG5m1IqBG9eu7QdgjU0ZomBOTei7hDuNRiJ4o/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSEksWr4IeuafAHUMWlCKG_y9-jkn7jMuPdCSQ9uOPE5ym5ZYhvr4LkvprRybR6cIJfAzkfyg7w3POLeBIZVt7T3s7awDGpLTVHc3rEmG5m1IqBG9eu7QdgjU0ZomBOTei7hDuNRiJ4o/s1600/IMG_3104.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana made me lots of fun hats!</td></tr>
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Around November, I started having gallbladder attacks again (they mysteriously went away when I was about 6 or 7 months pregnant) and when life got a little slower in January, we went to the hospital to get things checked out. They weren't as severe as they were when I was pregnant, but still painful, and caused me to lose a lot of sleep as they were happening at least twice a week in the middle of the night! It was such a blessing to already know what the pain was, and be able to get help so quickly.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this smile is the best medicine!</td></tr>
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We ended up getting a great doctor who spoke a fair amount of English which was really nice. We got referred to a surgeon after confirming by ultrasound that there were indeed several stones present (when I had an ultrasound in the States, the technician said it was just several small stones or even just a "sludge" but this time, there were several large stones that could be seen). It was a incredible to be seen mid-January and find out I could have surgery later that month!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7H7Oq_iui-isILW0SwC6x8Wqp0Kb9MsZEXKOmUbn9GFnX-rF7-zsDogkjIfRr2FEi56Z2zOgDpCkBiH7dIy2BRwyqqxzHzrXUA9iEYEMVU-y31quIPrdthpahawJ704FwYd-aCvOGaQ/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7H7Oq_iui-isILW0SwC6x8Wqp0Kb9MsZEXKOmUbn9GFnX-rF7-zsDogkjIfRr2FEi56Z2zOgDpCkBiH7dIy2BRwyqqxzHzrXUA9iEYEMVU-y31quIPrdthpahawJ704FwYd-aCvOGaQ/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshua waiting with Daddy while I had my MRI done</td></tr>
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I had laparoscopic surgery on the 27th and all went well. Everything was normal, and now, 10 days after surgery, I'm feeling almost good as new. One of the incisions was in my belly button so that's still a bit sensitive. Overall, I'm doing really well though, and SO happy to have this behind us! I wouldn't wish a gallbladder attack on my worst enemy! We have such good medical care here in Japan and we're so thankful. We also have incredible insurance, and we actually make money for every night we stay in the hospital! We are blessed!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pre-surgery cuddles (cuddles are a rare treat from him!)</td></tr>
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Next up, we're off to Thailand on Feb 19th! (Joshua will have been in four countries before he's even a year old!) We have training for Christar for a week, and then we'll stay at the same place and take a week off. I'm looking forward to it, but travelling to a foreign country with a 9 month old is not exactly exciting. Especially when you have to worry about not drinking the water, and food making you sick!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbdJZxxe8eZWPgpZ1FDZHXN8OL0nXGmQBLIxk5Iocz0e1a9U-RtX1mJD73Y1GzgarqZQR5fN4MxQh_a2UVm75bV2ED4SsvBCTMIXVLnQlv8-x3SnqBpUDzhOOKJvlYKU6-JBC7OujLIA/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbdJZxxe8eZWPgpZ1FDZHXN8OL0nXGmQBLIxk5Iocz0e1a9U-RtX1mJD73Y1GzgarqZQR5fN4MxQh_a2UVm75bV2ED4SsvBCTMIXVLnQlv8-x3SnqBpUDzhOOKJvlYKU6-JBC7OujLIA/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Boy, I need to get better at writing more often...this turned out to be quite a novel! Kudos to you if you actually read all of that!! (So much for letting the pictures do the talking!) :)<br />
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Well, I think I'll finish off with posting all his "monthly" photos to show how much he's growing! Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmAgwokseLXLqzcqcOlbffTHrK8wLuTjuTdT7npJf4e0_mxppLDmn4WIF9OkfPV4sLV4jGfWivtlabahzA1Jd4RbRvn-QMTg1IBl-GoDSfv5oWXKLN03TDd_HmdvHojlCLLkog28MIYg/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmAgwokseLXLqzcqcOlbffTHrK8wLuTjuTdT7npJf4e0_mxppLDmn4WIF9OkfPV4sLV4jGfWivtlabahzA1Jd4RbRvn-QMTg1IBl-GoDSfv5oWXKLN03TDd_HmdvHojlCLLkog28MIYg/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These stickers are not getting used for the next baby! (he ate this one and ripped it in half!)</td></tr>
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Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-38556636986483614632014-08-29T10:35:00.001+09:002014-08-29T17:07:55.705+09:00Long overdue...as usual!<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well, in spite of having this new app that allows me to post pictures and write posts from the iPad, I haven't been too good at keeping this blog up to date! Let's be honest...I stink at blogging these days! I can happily say, though, that I'm enjoying my life as a mom...blogging just doesn't seem to be one of my favorite ways of spending free time like it used to be.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Where do I begin?! Well, let's just start by saying that we have ourselves one amazing baby!! He has been so good at sleeping and eating, and we are so, so blessed! We've had a few ups and downs along the way, but overall he's been a very "easy" baby. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTkTXifjowy-BylFLm5wo6bXdLBVSmbD_GOnuJll-ZiHABPWm0AJtfn1DNHXkyGBQhYVjmx_aXCLW6G-zc6yklIj0z3U_pqUxcxCpoJlvx36WVatqY5cWIojt6VD60GMUAqnZqlck7KQ/s640/blogger-image-1680507610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTkTXifjowy-BylFLm5wo6bXdLBVSmbD_GOnuJll-ZiHABPWm0AJtfn1DNHXkyGBQhYVjmx_aXCLW6G-zc6yklIj0z3U_pqUxcxCpoJlvx36WVatqY5cWIojt6VD60GMUAqnZqlck7KQ/s640/blogger-image-1680507610.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(Less than a week old!)</div></div><div><br></div><div>We are following the BabyWise method of sleeping and eating...in short it's an eat, stay awake, then sleep routine as opposed to an eat, sleep, wake routine. It is supposed to help set baby's metabolism and help with digestion, resulting in better sleep at night and although I can't really explain it well, I'm all for it because Joshua's been sleeping through the night since about 8 weeks or so. It started off with 5 hour stretches, then 6, and now we put him to sleep between 7 and 8, I feed him around 10:30 and he then sleeps until 7am (and sometimes we end up waking him then!)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FCc6BFJi0eL-Z2_NfvCyTjz4N9yetVapGMyMvneYGe1jrXv2XFHpRTJCCK9ppvzKQuJ6pfa8BlXet_ROewK7-R9NYOICkMxmVLrr-mfZMDu3vY5keywGejYg5Jg1Ys_r7yLCFcCjHU8/s640/blogger-image--1030032454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FCc6BFJi0eL-Z2_NfvCyTjz4N9yetVapGMyMvneYGe1jrXv2XFHpRTJCCK9ppvzKQuJ6pfa8BlXet_ROewK7-R9NYOICkMxmVLrr-mfZMDu3vY5keywGejYg5Jg1Ys_r7yLCFcCjHU8/s640/blogger-image--1030032454.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(First family photo)</div></div><div><br></div><div>I must confess I feel nervous posting our routines and methods because they're a little different from the norm, but I don't think I should feel that way...every baby is different, every parent is different, and whatever works for you is best for you...and we've found a routine that works for us and we're sticking to it!!</div><div><br></div><div>He's on about a 3 hour schedule from one feeding to the next, but I'm in the midst of transitioning to a 3 1/2 hour schedule as he seems to be less hungry at feeding times and doesn't seem to mind when we do stretch it out to 3 1/2 hours.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiyR1-uAazOVDEoQXLKXa8AutNKGENsUy6VqsaFBdUJdlbVEB0k7NqFTImpPMwkneiPgKN57P8UmvB8Fbx6g3-LYJLyGncC0JiRIAeHAunekOAErJx5LSXd4q3iqNHU5_dU319bkJ95U/s640/blogger-image-753952023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiyR1-uAazOVDEoQXLKXa8AutNKGENsUy6VqsaFBdUJdlbVEB0k7NqFTImpPMwkneiPgKN57P8UmvB8Fbx6g3-LYJLyGncC0JiRIAeHAunekOAErJx5LSXd4q3iqNHU5_dU319bkJ95U/s640/blogger-image-753952023.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The BabyWise method of sleeping is basically that you watch for sleep cues and put your baby in their crib awake, but sleepy, and allow them to settle themselves to sleep. We've kind of been doing that, but mostly just recently. I had been usually rocking him to sleep and then putting him down, but he has in the last couple days been doing really well putting himself to sleep so unless he's really struggling, he's been going to sleep on his own! What a blessing!! Like I said, he's a really "easy" baby!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0dGRLrKCe3SOKLSr9i7V9d5-PFOjn5FpDqqtyr7pRbuXA78VnmSmvKZA5NGdMyIMtsoeJts_qhrLQntUXn1RhUWUTeLTvLldRI2mCqrraF5hKZ0scU0sZwFOhiddkzPLlAxtkpdoC3w/s640/blogger-image-170060346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0dGRLrKCe3SOKLSr9i7V9d5-PFOjn5FpDqqtyr7pRbuXA78VnmSmvKZA5NGdMyIMtsoeJts_qhrLQntUXn1RhUWUTeLTvLldRI2mCqrraF5hKZ0scU0sZwFOhiddkzPLlAxtkpdoC3w/s640/blogger-image-170060346.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>(Warning...skip this part of you're not interested in breastfeeding!) </div><div><br></div><div>Just as an update from the last post...we finally have nursing down!! I'm sooo thankful God helped us through our struggles and he is now exclusively breastfeeding! It sort of just "clicked" one day... We had prayer day in a city about 2 hours from home and I brought the pump with me in case my plan to try nursing all day went "bad", but it actually went really well! I don't have any pain anymore! I don't know if he "grew into" nursing, or if my nipples just got tougher, or if he changed the way he was drinking or something, but it basically just happened in one day! I was still doing bottles for the 10:30 feeding and first thing in the morning (have I mentioned how amazing my husband is, letting me sleep or get stuff done, by taking on the first morning shift?!) but eventually decided that since I was having to get up when Joshua was getting up anyway because I needed to pump due to getting so full overnight, that I would just nurse him and then 'hand him over' to Bobby for the next while. Then about 2 weeks ago I decided to try nursing him for the 10:30 feeding. I hadn't been because I figured he'd be too sleepy to actually eat, but he has actually been doing really well, eating while sleeping! ;) (BabyWise calls it a dream feed) So, he transitioned to exclusive nursing!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq142On64vKxKgHUQyUv-RBVYPlJWZ37HWlKHmGk1VPNuZY9qs8LboroPdzaB47Gs8cCCmbPqjztch6CGl504TORgqKts8NC-LhAoQWp_nR57tCJ3qmX0bmTPzl7_CZCvQEoOut3qLKY/s640/blogger-image-557667708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq142On64vKxKgHUQyUv-RBVYPlJWZ37HWlKHmGk1VPNuZY9qs8LboroPdzaB47Gs8cCCmbPqjztch6CGl504TORgqKts8NC-LhAoQWp_nR57tCJ3qmX0bmTPzl7_CZCvQEoOut3qLKY/s640/blogger-image-557667708.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now our new "struggle" is that he won't take a bottle! We've tried several times and methods, but he just won't do it! Of course it's not a terrible problem to have, but just limits the amount of time I can be gone from him now :( i know people say if he's hungry enough he'll take it, but yesterday when we tried that, I just couldn't stand him crying because he was hungry! It's one thing for me to let him cry it out when he's tired, but my heart couldn't take it, knowing he was crying because he was hungry so I 'gave in' and nursed him because he would not take the bottle! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Oh well, it really is not the end of the world, and he is not the first baby who required full time nursing! ;) I'll get over it! </span></div><div><br></div><div>Every day I'm growing in my motherly confidence...it's still a work in progress, and I often struggle with doubts about whether I'm going to "mess up" my baby. One thing I'm finding through various blogs and forums is that I'm certainly not alone and my worries are normal and shared by many! First time moms have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and it's overwhelming! There's so much to learn, plus there's crazy hormones to deal with, and it all happens so suddenly! Thankful I have a wonderful support team through my husband, family, teammates and a few wonderful, great listener friends...I am blessed! Every day The Lord reminds me I can't do this on my own and I need His help. (Sometimes more than once a day!)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuttWctbT9IWgbvHBRU_g67_aUm8cus7DUKzKA0hMvLhlXvfXFBFKkQgiYZcaK8rHSDSkLWwJ01V8s5ghBCW0Jbf_FwHEbhj7ACotxK9pySbG3mKGAJpqO3mkyh6WHpwVYlrykmcRfLo/s640/blogger-image--589536844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuttWctbT9IWgbvHBRU_g67_aUm8cus7DUKzKA0hMvLhlXvfXFBFKkQgiYZcaK8rHSDSkLWwJ01V8s5ghBCW0Jbf_FwHEbhj7ACotxK9pySbG3mKGAJpqO3mkyh6WHpwVYlrykmcRfLo/s640/blogger-image--589536844.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Parenting is an incredible journey. I'm already seeing how God uses this journey to shape and grow His own children and I'm experiencing a greater understanding of the depth of His love for me through my relationship with Joshua. Just as marriage has refined (and continues to refine!) me, parenting is doing the same. Who knew how much a 3 month old baby could teach me?! I have a hard time not looking ahead and worrying about the parenting challenges to come such as discipline, but God continues to remind me to live this life one day at a time, cherishing the here and now. He brings me so much joy and I feel blessed I get spend every day with such a sweet, happy baby! (Don't get me wrong, like I said before, we have our moments, and I've had a few meltdowns!)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Gq2YgOMdCc3y9HzwoQ9rRklMe8j3TaIKhql78v7am0aCQtdLZWo3Kou-DWp9vZ6KSn7x3baVQpggvwGQkAmaIrCKVcesmGBQPwWW04q80Uad434fZopUTbcwomlAFmjNuOaOibxHU4/s640/blogger-image-1011028504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96Gq2YgOMdCc3y9HzwoQ9rRklMe8j3TaIKhql78v7am0aCQtdLZWo3Kou-DWp9vZ6KSn7x3baVQpggvwGQkAmaIrCKVcesmGBQPwWW04q80Uad434fZopUTbcwomlAFmjNuOaOibxHU4/s640/blogger-image-1011028504.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The other day as I sat rocking Joshua to sleep I was suddenly filled with awe and wonder that I was living out my dream of being a mom. There is nothing like rocking a baby to sleep, and I was overwhelmed by the fact that God has chosen me along with Bobby to raise this precious little boy. My heart was so full that there in my arms I held this physical answer to prayer....for so long I longed to hold my own baby, I longed to know what it was like to feel the depth of a mother's love, I longed to experience the feeling of being "needed" by a little one...and now, here I am, a mother. At the same time, my heart continues to ache for those who are still experiencing those longings...praying for them earnestly, reminding myself that God's ways are higher than my ways and His ways are beyond my understanding. It feels bittersweet to enjoy this blessing that God has placed in my arms, and once again, I'm left wondering what to say... I don't have all the answers and I still don't understand why God has chosen me to be a mom while others continue to wait.......</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLnkl-wurMZFYZoEHLysXoxi37_3PKvHo4SHLe7MQMJQdcgw4eZMGmgtADPOkWSW5NQUIpyo2rD5T8zxgkERTUZANFQ_Ueb7bm0Es7uj_4XR5WyEolcgKhZVNTcHVK5eon0v4JFUISGk/s640/blogger-image-357755017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLnkl-wurMZFYZoEHLysXoxi37_3PKvHo4SHLe7MQMJQdcgw4eZMGmgtADPOkWSW5NQUIpyo2rD5T8zxgkERTUZANFQ_Ueb7bm0Es7uj_4XR5WyEolcgKhZVNTcHVK5eon0v4JFUISGk/s640/blogger-image-357755017.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>On that note, I'm not quite sure how to close! I feel torn in wanting to share all the sweet pictures we have...I know many people find great joy in seeing them, but I also don't want to be "rubbing it in". I guess I will just post a couple of my favorites as I know there's many people on the other side of the globe that can't get enough of him! Enjoy! :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiernGJ8SsRB8Gj4gTyYC2KCzeh079qR0xDItFjOOXoYQlTPl-ndeE3LpLrRD5t8vLhFkGxmoQ7u7sEOf8vJIoRobXwofwLc70YS0NZNQY6EBRa3JLXpF959ZgjBcbPjRvFG3vBbR7hbEY/s640/blogger-image--5254811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiernGJ8SsRB8Gj4gTyYC2KCzeh079qR0xDItFjOOXoYQlTPl-ndeE3LpLrRD5t8vLhFkGxmoQ7u7sEOf8vJIoRobXwofwLc70YS0NZNQY6EBRa3JLXpF959ZgjBcbPjRvFG3vBbR7hbEY/s640/blogger-image--5254811.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMMd6MUV7PvQKqFNvQF3fPe4zIt44aOs9A8y-mL857xYoW0Xoj6fQj6c4YDOFx8cItQYKXzT1Ihl-venBHp2OKDanbMk6UE8LxKdI3LutZB0r46kFvfB4uuHgsNXpnyxaWarQoZk2AdQ/s640/blogger-image--154824586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMMd6MUV7PvQKqFNvQF3fPe4zIt44aOs9A8y-mL857xYoW0Xoj6fQj6c4YDOFx8cItQYKXzT1Ihl-venBHp2OKDanbMk6UE8LxKdI3LutZB0r46kFvfB4uuHgsNXpnyxaWarQoZk2AdQ/s640/blogger-image--154824586.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xJO4FCMZAjsrIw5ol0iA6zcStWuVRBOEUsg2lGXsB8eMG93K38qbNrGt9XgPdLJah4nkw_RszdSrdkOIFYXc7PtdpmnB_V0sp8mD_lg8iXQ31lhT5jgXAifDhtWzV7a5y5m7905KFUE/s640/blogger-image-665037279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xJO4FCMZAjsrIw5ol0iA6zcStWuVRBOEUsg2lGXsB8eMG93K38qbNrGt9XgPdLJah4nkw_RszdSrdkOIFYXc7PtdpmnB_V0sp8mD_lg8iXQ31lhT5jgXAifDhtWzV7a5y5m7905KFUE/s640/blogger-image-665037279.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOtzWd963T9W4j8Q6pJnG1C2rWN4eF_ttqwA1LcHaaS6MS5ZfJ0wfgfHqBHFM4XH_cdMazOzdM1VbTxwPNJGP4EKJOBO5MSyCfLR3y2252KOJL8xrXyBxK1VQYsu3i3zeotinKtcsUOs/s640/blogger-image--531868232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOtzWd963T9W4j8Q6pJnG1C2rWN4eF_ttqwA1LcHaaS6MS5ZfJ0wfgfHqBHFM4XH_cdMazOzdM1VbTxwPNJGP4EKJOBO5MSyCfLR3y2252KOJL8xrXyBxK1VQYsu3i3zeotinKtcsUOs/s640/blogger-image--531868232.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPF581r8IymB9t43ZWH8I8Oi8odAFG4hMWgT0MccSAFuWb8vCEW5FSk3HJc9g-lp4eW4MXzHdYmski7oI2_PS8dk5CkP4duSCk2fbfGm-MTulbYOG5eWMbbbJfPaWvStixMwj_EAUQO0/s640/blogger-image--480502979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPF581r8IymB9t43ZWH8I8Oi8odAFG4hMWgT0MccSAFuWb8vCEW5FSk3HJc9g-lp4eW4MXzHdYmski7oI2_PS8dk5CkP4duSCk2fbfGm-MTulbYOG5eWMbbbJfPaWvStixMwj_EAUQO0/s640/blogger-image--480502979.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We are blessed!!</div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-59976435905321930912014-07-02T20:42:00.002+09:002014-07-02T20:42:58.581+09:00Don't Worry, He's Here! :)Well, hopefully those of you who follow my blog also follow me on Facebook or Instagram and I haven't kept you waiting for news! ;)<br />
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Joshua Michael Baden was born (via emergency C-section) on May 19, 2014, weighing 6 pounds and 11 ounces! He's now 6 weeks old and growing like a weed :) We took him to his "one month" check-up yesterday and found out he's over 10 pounds now!<br />
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Now that it's been 6 weeks, hopefully I can remember his "birth story". I've been meaning to sit down and do this for a long time now, but I'm still at the point where all I feel like doing when Joshua's asleep is sleep myself! Bobby wrote his account a few weeks ago so I might have to use his to help me remember the details and add them as a PS after I've read his again.<br />
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May 10th (Joshua's due date) came and went and I had no signs of labor... at all! Every doctor visit we heard "the baby's still up high...not yet!" But, something we were also hearing every doctor visit was that my blood pressure was high and there was protein in my urine. Both of these are signs of pre-eclampsia which is very serious so they kept a close eye on me. My doctor decided that if by Friday, the 16th, there were no changes in my blood pressure and protein numbers, they would admit me and monitor my diet and try to get me more relaxed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM0AjLWIG5mQe37Sw29SJGIUPAi5WkYeZYKKN4IPgulmWWOK3JGgD2ydAT3rVUIDgq6GwWW0QKZPBze1smMOeJZc_epa49o5tix3Uu4yojX4Ro1WkwPOViFN0YMjhb-R5owfjp1eEe7o/s1600/41+weeks+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM0AjLWIG5mQe37Sw29SJGIUPAi5WkYeZYKKN4IPgulmWWOK3JGgD2ydAT3rVUIDgq6GwWW0QKZPBze1smMOeJZc_epa49o5tix3Uu4yojX4Ro1WkwPOViFN0YMjhb-R5owfjp1eEe7o/s1600/41+weeks+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">41 Weeks, hanging out at the hospital</td></tr>
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Sure enough, we went in for my appointment that Friday and my numbers were still high so I got admitted. I have to say, I had it pretty good! The hospital we were at was so wonderful! The room we were in was a private room and more like a hotel room. I didn't feel like I was in a hospital at all! Bobby was even able to stay with me, and this was going to be the room we'd stay in until going home with our baby. Friday night we just relaxed, watched a movie on TV and were both able to sleep quite well. It felt like we were on vacation!! There was talk of being induced soon, and the doctors were going to meet on Saturday morning to decide what would be best for the baby and I.<br />
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Saturday morning we found out that the doctors decided they'd wait until Monday to induce so from there it was just a waiting game. In the mean time, my blood pressure was being monitored and they kept a close eye on the baby too, using the fetal monitor belt (or whatever that's called). Saturday night's sleep was a little less restful than the previous night as my blood pressure was checked several times, as well as fetal monitoring. (when you have the belt on you can't really move so I was "stuck" on my back and I wasn't really able to sleep) The last monitoring on Friday night caused the nurse a little bit of worry as after an hour she couldn't get the baby to really wake up and active for a clear reading. She told us she'd be back around 2 to come and check again so of course we didn't sleep well, first knowing she was coming back in just a few hours and second thinking about something being wrong with the baby.<br />
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She came back in at 2 on the dot and strapped the monitor on again. She came back after about an hour and told us that they wanted us to go down to the delivery room (instead of them having to keep coming up to our room to check) so they could keep a closer eye on the baby because they still couldn't get a very good reading. So, with our bleary eyes and foggy brains, we headed downstairs right then.<br />
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The next few hours are kind of a blur for me as it was very stressful and scary. My blood pressure kept rising (even though from the start even before I was admitted, I never felt any different than usual, and felt relaxed) and they were beginning to say the baby was showing signs of distress. At one point Bobby said my top number was over 200! (normal is usually 120-130 or so) The head doctor who we think was on call came in to look at me and said they'd keep a close eye on us and decide what to do in the morning when the other doctor came in. There was still no clear decision as to whether things were headed in the direction of induction or C-section which added to the stress. I really didn't like either choice, but I knew the doctors knew what they were doing and trusted their decision.<br />
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When the doctor came in Sunday morning he almost immediately decided that things were starting to look dangerous and that I needed to be transferred via ambulance to a nearby bigger hospital where they would be more equipped to handle an emergency C-section. And before we knew it, we heard a siren outside, the paramedics came in and were putting me on a stretcher and I was being loaded into an ambulance. Thankfully, Bobby was able to stay with me and ride along, but unfortunately he didn't really get a chance to pack our things and only had a minute to grab the essentials. (he got to go back later and packed us up and brought our stuff to our new hospital).<br />
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Just before I was transferred, they gave me some medication to lower my blood pressure and in the ambulance it really dropped (almost too much!) and by the time we arrived at the other hospital things had really settled down and after being assessed, it was decided that they would hold off on doing a C-section until Monday when there's more staff around. We had another relatively quiet afternoon/evening, but throughout the night I was again monitored and also had an IV in so I didn't get much sleep. In the wee hours of the morning I started getting sick (I think due to a medication they had given me to clear out my system before the surgery) and by 6am it was decided that they'd do a C-section right away instead of waiting until later that afternoon because it seemed that the baby was in distress.<br />
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Before we knew it, I was being prepped for surgery, and was getting an epidural. Unfortunately Bobby wasn't able to be in the room with me (not sure if that's because it was an emergency C-section or if that's how they do things in Japan) which was a big disappointment for both of us. I was pretty scared because I had no idea what to expect and it was happening so fast, but the whole time I felt God's presence and was at peace. I don't remember much of the details now, but I remember I was really surprised at how rough the Dr. was. Although I was numb and couldn't feel any pain, I felt pressure and pulling.<br />
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Again, before I knew it, I heard that sound that every expecting parent longs to hear... a healthy cry! I don't remember if they told me before or after I heard him cry, but one of the doctors told me it was a boy and several people in the operating room congratulated me. After a bit, they brought him by my head and I got to meet him and they let me touch him. They took two pictures which are now precious possessions! I don't have it scanned yet so I can't post it, but maybe someday I will. After that, they finished off the surgery and eventually I was taken back into my room to recover. The part of the surgery after he was born was really rough and felt like it was taking forever. I can't really explain how it felt, but I remember wishing it would just be over!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETjD2ZwkaByAtJj-zNntyFN2rJi7ZqwsGlldI1NFhVZ8xoRcNhNCXWAswFrZlB2sU8YEKJ2liB5-F5GSrxiR9BPAb-zNb-VnW_N9PcvxCzMHR3i8F2OS4_Cv4FeygPvagUay5FMtehr4/s1600/IMG_6085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETjD2ZwkaByAtJj-zNntyFN2rJi7ZqwsGlldI1NFhVZ8xoRcNhNCXWAswFrZlB2sU8YEKJ2liB5-F5GSrxiR9BPAb-zNb-VnW_N9PcvxCzMHR3i8F2OS4_Cv4FeygPvagUay5FMtehr4/s1600/IMG_6085.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately Joshua had some breathing trouble (I think maybe fluid in his lungs or something) so he was put in the NICU for a while. Bobby was able to meet him shortly after he was born and was on the way to the NICU. The next few hours were really tough. I was in quite a bit of pain, and the after contractions (where the uterus starts to shrink) were the most painful thing I've ever experienced! I thought that I hadn't had any Braxton Hicks, but now I think I did have some, without realizing they were contractions! There were a few times when I was pregnant that I felt pains, but they were different from what everyone describes them as so I didn't think they were. Anyway, that day I slept most of the day, and poor Bobby went back and forth between my room and the NICU (which unfortunately had limited visiting hours, even for parents). He was able to hold Joshua and give him a bottle which thrilled both of us. I was really sad that I didn't get to see any of that. It was SO hard to be away from him, having no idea what was going on. I didn't get to see him again until later the next day when they brought him in my room to see me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyybJzp9BOmXtO0vopPyoAF9nKpixXTg3NIgVRumxZuUB00M3760MMZMM0cXR9F8OEq3WK8bVgklE4vemizGt0tj49YVGTHZ66zYRE88cm3fqyWdr-Ss7ZoZHmBit8txZDd3J2aEJktc/s1600/IMG_6089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyybJzp9BOmXtO0vopPyoAF9nKpixXTg3NIgVRumxZuUB00M3760MMZMM0cXR9F8OEq3WK8bVgklE4vemizGt0tj49YVGTHZ66zYRE88cm3fqyWdr-Ss7ZoZHmBit8txZDd3J2aEJktc/s1600/IMG_6089.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding Joshua for the first time... my smile says it all!</td></tr>
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I don't remember very clearly if it was on the second or third day after he was born, but I was able to try nursing which I was really thankful for. I didn't have a birth plan or anything like that, but one of my strongest desires was to be able to try nursing as soon as possible. It was pretty disappointing that didn't happen, but having him receive formula in the nursery was not the end of the world. Thankfully, he did (and still does) really well taking both a bottle and nursing.<br />
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By about the fourth day of our hospital stay, he was staying in the room with us all day and night which was so great. I was able to bring him to the nursery whenever I needed to rest. I didn't start walking until day 3 (I think) and was still in quite a bit of pain, but Bobby said he noticed a considerable difference in me after Joshua was brought to our room. Recovery was pretty tough and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy!! I have to say, even at this point, it feels like Joshua will be an only child! ;) (half kidding, half serious... not wanting to think about going through all of that again and also having to worry about Joshua's care during that time)<br />
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I don't feel disappointed or "ripped off" that I ended up with a C-section like a lot of women talk about. I think it's because I didn't have a birth plan, and I'm thankful for that. The only things I was disappointed about was not being able to give birth at the hospital I originally planned on (we had gotten used to the nurses and loved my doctor, and we really liked how they did things like being pro-nursing, and rooming in), Bobby not being able to be in the operating room with me, and not being able to see Joshua for the first 24 hours. Overall, I was well taken care of, and was so thankful for all the nurses and doctors who helped us through our first week as a family. God was (and still is!) so good to us and although it was one of the most stressful and scary times in our lives, we are thankful to have this story to tell Joshua (and others) of God's hand of protection over us.<br />
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I was in the hospital for a week which some people might think is crazy, but I was really thankful for that time and glad that I was able to rest when I needed to, and recover from my surgery. There were plenty of ups and downs, but we survived! God is good!!<br />
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These days we're kind of in a routine... Joshua's on about a 3 hour schedule. The first month was quite good, and Joshua was a very easy baby. These days though, he's been a lot more fussy and we're having more "off days" and plenty of times where we just don't know what to do to make him stop crying...but we're doing ok. We're both pretty exhausted, but making it. I'm SO blessed to have Bobby in my life. He's been so helpful and he's an incredible dad. I appreciate how hands on he is and know that I have it really good!<br />
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Nursing has been a bit of an issue for Joshua and I. I've had some extreme pain that we can't seem to get to the root of. Any time a nurse watches him feed they say he has a really good latch, but I'm in pain the whole time he's feeding which I know is not normal. Something's wrong, I don't know what. We've heard lots of people mention tongue tie as a possible cause of pain, but it's not obvious and we don't really know how to explain it to the doctor. We will be seeing an English speaking pediatrician for his first immunizations from then on so maybe he'll be able to help us. These days I'm pumping and feeding him breastmilk exclusively which I'm very thankful I'm able to do, but really wishing we could just get this nursing thing down! Last week I was nursing once a day... some days were better than others and I think I'm tolerating the pain a little better, and today was the first day of trying twice a day.<br />
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I hate knowing that something is wrong and not being able to fix it. I've done a ton of reading, seen several different nurses/midwives here and watched plenty of YouTube videos, but nothing seems to help. I'm praying through it, and trusting God will help us. It's definitely been a trial that I wish would just go away! Anyway, perhaps I'll write more about it another day, but that's all I'll say for now.<br />
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We're in love with our little boy and feel so blessed to be parents! We're on a journey that requires constant dependence on the Lord, but so thankful He's entrusted this precious gift to us!<br />
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My battery is running out so I guess I'll do a picture post another day! Thanks for sticking with me!!Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-20512918757897524842014-05-15T21:35:00.000+09:002014-05-15T21:35:23.728+09:00No Baby Yet...Finishing up day 5 of being overdue...<br />
It's not so bad because I've been feeling so good, but people keep asking "any baby news yet?" Which makes us all the more anxious!<br />
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I guess this us only fair since I was 16 days late (my Mom is probably loving this...except tomorrow is her guess for the big birthday so she's hoping for some action soon!) Apparently full moons increase the number of labors and tonight happens to be one so I'm sure it'll be another "sleep-like-a-kid-on-Christmas-Eve" night! ;)<br />
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We have our regular appointment tomorrow...looking forward to seeing if there's any progress. As of Tuesday's visit, baby was still up high.<br />
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There's a chance I might get admitted tomorrow...I've been showing some signs of preeclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in my urine) and the Doctor said if my protein levels are higher tomorrow, they're going to admit me to monitor my diet and help me relax...and go from there, re-assessing (need for induction) early next week. Little do they know how relaxed I am at home and how little salt I eat! (And being in the hospital with no baby will probably make me restless) oh well...just more time to enjoy pre-baby stress free (aka sleep as much as I want) time, I suppose.<br />
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Anyway, that's all for now...will try to update if I don't get admitted! (There's no internet at the hospital so if you don't hear anything, I'm likely chilling at the hospital!)Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-18314586447726152472014-05-10T09:21:00.000+09:002014-05-10T09:25:38.141+09:0039 weeks picture<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEPT8fsEtRqZfJ59qTX9PWQmxto9FFDUF6bujNIAE9jafTY7ksn3cyolKlFfQVhle-at2LqF9hIzmSliOk0VOZR884Ro8ddGO9gbXOlHlKZtlfoqk4th4wL5gGr0KivbllQjTdBwpz5I/s1600/image-731877.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEPT8fsEtRqZfJ59qTX9PWQmxto9FFDUF6bujNIAE9jafTY7ksn3cyolKlFfQVhle-at2LqF9hIzmSliOk0VOZR884Ro8ddGO9gbXOlHlKZtlfoqk4th4wL5gGr0KivbllQjTdBwpz5I/s320/image-731877.jpeg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6011585551716530402" /></a></div>
Just testing... I think I figured out how to post pics from the iPad...
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This picture was last Sunday before church :) haven't taken my 40 week pic yet because I'm still in my pj's ;)Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8115598229696830385.post-63114583816329671732014-05-10T09:16:00.000+09:002014-05-10T09:16:06.219+09:00Due Date...Today's the day... It's May 10, baby's estimated date of arrival. If only baby knew that! Due dates are torture, in my opinion! You can count down all you want, but more than likely, will not have a baby in your arms at the end of the day! ;)<br />
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Yesterday's doctor's appointment went well. Dr says baby is very "genki" (healthy/active) but the monitors show no contractions, and apparently baby is still sitting up high (so much for my back pain theory!) She said I'm maybe about 1cm dilated... so, we continue to wait!<br />
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Anyway, that's all the news for now... Meanwhile, we continue to wait, and I'll keep working on that to-do list! (It's nice to have the time to do things on a to-do list, but I'm just lacking energy/motivation to get those things done!) Any distraction ideas for this coming week are welcome! ;)Hillaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12222222939887963342noreply@blogger.com0