Fun w/ Friends & Family

Yesterday, I put sunscreen & a swimsuit on Joshua, and we headed over to mom's where I met Julie & 16-month-old Jude. Julie was cracking me up with her stories - it's always fun to see them! Joshua splashed for a little bit, and then decided it was time for his nap. In the meantime, Mom & Jamie came home from radiation and brought Grace back with them to spend the night. She came barreling down the deck stairs while Mom helped Jamie out of the car and inside to rest. Grace got buck naked to change into her suit that was hanging outside to dry before I could say a word. Jude stood right in front of her with a look of awe on his face. It was a comical scene. Isn't it funny how kids love each other? While Joshua napped on a bed of towels in the shade, we continued to swim. It was a fun afternoon, even though my shoulders are a little burnt!
A funny story from a few days ago that I forgot to post: I was teaching Joshua the song "On top of spaghetti, all covered in cheese, I lost my poor meatball, when somebody..." at that exact moment, Joshua sneezed. I cracked up! He didn't do it on purpose, but it couldn't have come at a more opportune time! He also enjoys playing patty cake. We're starting to teach him how to wave, too. I rarely think about it, but Grandma Ginder was showing him while Grandpa Ginder was teaching him the two-finger "Harley" wave. When Mom came home and stood on the deck and waved at Joshua, she said he waved right back. Hooray!

Here are some pictures of Joshua 'reading' and playing with his dinosaur toy we bought him. He likes watching us play with it, but he has yet to reach out and put the balls in the holes by himself.

The video I put below is a song by Geoff Moore that mom heard on the radio the other day that sent her to tears. I watched the video, and I cried, too. What hope we have for eternal life in Christ! I pray that all my friends & family are saved so that they, too, have this hope!

When I Get Where I'm Going

When I Get Where I'm Going by Geoff Moore
When I get where I’m going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I’m gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly
I’m gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it’s like
To ride a drop of rain

Chorus:
Yeah, when I get where I’m going
There’ll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I’ll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah, when I get where I’m going
Don’t cry for me down here

I’m gonna walk with my granddaddy
And he’ll match me step for step
And I’ll tell him how I’ve missed him
Every minute since he left
(chorus)

So much pain and so much darkness
This world we stumble through
All these questions I can’t answer
So much work to do
But when I get where I’m going
And I see my maker’s face
I’ll stand forever in the light
Of His amazing grace
(chorus)

Reflection 48: One Reason God Gave You Two Arms is So You Can Comfort Your Wife

Your Tenderness Helps Me Find New Strength.
I appreciate the fact that you use your eyes to see when something's bothering me, and you use your ears to listen to my troubles. What I like best about you is when you use your strong arms to comfort me. I need that comfort when I'm discouraged or disheartened, when I'm hurt and need to be reminded that someone cares and that it will be all right. Life can throw some unexpected punches. Sometimes it can deliver a real emotional knockout. But knowing you're here with me and there for me, that you care about me, helps heal the hurts. Your arms around me remind me that God put us together, not only to share good times, but also to comfort each other in hard times.

'In misery it is a comfort to have a companion.' ~John Lyly

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have troubles we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Joshua Plays Before Bed

New Blog Format

Thanks for visiting the our blog today! I thought it was time for a change, so I "freshened up" the site a little bit. Missing the pictures of our little family? I put them at the bottom of this site for your enjoyment. Happy reading!

Reflection 47: Always Remember that God is With You No Matter What.

God Will Be With You in Any Adventure to Which He Calls You.
Life is a series of adventures, isn't it? And sometimes a new adventure can look scary, even to a man as brave as you are. Illness, loss, risk - who knows what lies further down the road for us? Who knows what difficult decisions you will be called to make? One thing you can know: God will be with you every step of the way. That's why He wants you to keep your hero's attitude, to be ready to follow Him wherever He leads you. He wants you to be like the ancient hero Joshua, who refused to let giants scare him away from the Promised Land. I know God has your own Promised Land waiting for you. He'll make sure you get there.

'All the resources of the Godhead are at our disposal!' ~Jonathan Goforth

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Check-up

Last night, we went to the pediatrician for Joshua's 9 month well-baby check-up. We told Dr. Tifft the findings from CHOP, and he seemed confident that Joshua will outgrow his reflux issues. I was surprised by his confidence, but that's what I'm believing for, too. NO MORE SURGERIES! Joshua weighed 21.6 lbs - the 70th percentile for weight - and is 28 inches long - the 40th percentile for height. He is advanced even for a 9 month old in talking, but is still behind in mobility as most kids this age are crawling. Dr. Tifft noted that you want to see advanced cognitive skills, and we still have to adjust for his age when considering his mobility. He listened to him and checked his ears, too, which is good because of me worrying about this cold he has, which should be done within 7-10 days. The doctor also noted how strong Joshua is - he did not want to let him check his ears! All the comments were very positive. Joshua can also eat what he wants to (within reason), and not eat what he doesn't. So, table foods are okay, and we don't have to worry if he doesn't drink the full bottle, so long as he gets 20 oz. or more each day. Hooray! I've always been so worried about his eating since he was born, and now this is a big relief.

Here are some pictures of Joshua enjoying time with Grandma & Grandpa Ginder. I forgot to get a picture when mom was here today - a friend of Jamie's stopped in and told her she could get out for a little bit. I said "Great! We can shop!" however, just after she left, Joshua threw up everywhere. He had gagged and thrown up on his tray at dinner, so I had taken it to wash it, only to have him spew more all over himself, the highchair, the floor, etc. Thank God Shawn walked in the door at that moment. As the two of us gagged together, we pulled the Bean out of the highchair and put him in the bathtub clothes and all, and Shawn cleaned up the high chair while I bathed Joshua. Poor little guy! Poor us! Mom came just as he was in the bath tub, so instead of going shopping we just hung out here for a little while. Hopefully next time we can do something fun instead, but she didn't want to be gone too long, which I completely understand. She also said Jamie wasn't feeling well today and didn't eat anything.

This morning we had a meeting with the Lancaster Housing Redevelopment Authority about updating our house. We'll see if everything goes through - we're close to the cap on everything (how much Shawn makes, how much our house is worth, etc.) and the process takes awhile. I applied back in December, and we still may not hear anything for another three months. While we were there, Joshua stayed with Grandma & Grandpa Jamie. After we came back, I walked across the street with them where their neighbor was having a women's Bible study. The worship was amazing, but when Joshua started getting tired, we snuck out to go home so he could rest. Afterward, they prayed for mom & Jamie, who both truly need it right now. Jamie couldn't walk yesterday or today, and they're both feeling pretty down. They see the neurologist on Friday, so hopefully he can help them.

Last night I went to worship practice, and afterward there is always a time of "Harp & Bowl" worship with people praying & interceding. It was an interesting night with more people there than normal, and Bill & I took turn leading the songs for this portion...I love how they are allowing me to grow in this ministry, and I truly love playing the piano, singing & serving the church this way. We are moving into a new type of worship where we play a melody & allow the Holy Spirit to speak through God's Word and sing prophetic songs. It is stretching, but fulfilling in declaring God's word through music. Bill & Kim (two of the worship leaders at church) were both very sweet when hearing about what's going on with Joshua, and Bill declared healing over his life while Kim took a stand of protection against all the children of our church - a couple our age just had a baby who died at six months gestation, and it seems like there is a lot that the enemy is trying to do with kids. We say, "No way!" Thankfully, we have Jesus on our side.

Reflection 46: Forgiveness is the Quickest Way to Propel Yourself Forward in Life

Don't Waste Your Time Stewing Over Things in the Past that You Can't Change. Instead, Move Forward and Focus on the Future.
Unforgiveness always holds you back. It's hard to reach out to new people when you're clinging to a grudge. It's hard to focus your energy on new ideas when you're staring at old hurts. And it's really hard to get a clear vision of the future if you're looking back at the past. The only way to move forward effectively is to leave grudges, hurts and the past behind. Letting go of old grievances makes you lighter, making it easier to run farther faster. When you forgive the people who hurt you, you drop that anger-drag and find yourself with something much more useful: a clean emotional engine, fueled with enthusiasm to move on with your life. When you let go of bitterness you can really go places.

'When you forgive, you in no way change the past - but you sure do change the future.' ~Bernard Meltzer

Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

What a Moose!

Yes, "What a Moose!" is the first thing Dr. Adzick said when he entered the exam room this afternoon at CHOP. We had gotten up before the crack of dawn to get ready, drive there, wait forever to get a barium swallow test, feed Joshua & ourselves, wait again to get into see this specialized surgeon after seeing a Nurse Practitioner, and this is what he said (all in good fun). Unfortunately, the appointment was NOT fun, not one part of it....well, other than being able to spend the day with Shawn when normally he'd be at work. We got there early enough and signed in, where there was a room PACKED with people & kids, overflowing into the hallways. CHOP is getting a new computer system and there was a major back-up of getting kids registered. He was actually seen on time, though, but he was TERRIFIED at the machines and being held down! And, add to that fact that the appointment was scheduled for his naptime and that he couldn't eat four hours beforehand, and we had a screaming, crying, cranky and frightened baby. Even though he was hungry, he did NOT want the bottle with the barium in it, but they still got enough to tell us the results. "Everything is there and in the right place with his stomach & intestines, but there is major reflux" is what the radiologist said. Dr. Adzick said that Joshua still has a hiatal hernia. He explained that they are very hard to get to from the chest, and he was only able to put one stitch in it. Normally, these are done through the stomach. Thus, when Joshua eats, his stomach or its lining sometimes goes into his esophagus, causing major reflux, vomiting, etc. Poor Bean! I was so disappointed to hear that. He's such a happy little guy for obviously enduring such major pain (heartburn is TERRIBLE, let alone if it's actually making him vomit all the time!). His esophagus looks okay right now (no scarring at this point from all this acid) and he's gaining weight nicely - he's at 21 lbs and 28 inches! [Insert funny moment note: the nurse asked us to completely undress Joshua, even his diaper, for a weight check. I no more than take it off, and Mt. Saint Joshua erupts - he peed EVERYWHERE!!! I was embarrassed and cleaned everything, but it was a little comical, too.] Anyway, they referred us to a specialist in the Exton/King of Prussia area that deals specifically with reflux. They also gave us a prescription for infant zantac. He doesn't think that Joshua will need to have surgery to cure it, or he'd keep on seeing him. But, if these other specialists feel differently, they will let him know. He wants him to be carefully monitored, though, since this can cause major problems. I feel so bad that Joshua's been feeling bad. I was so glad I asked about his spitting up, too. We want to make sure Joshua is 100% healthy! Poor little guy! No wonder he doesn't like eating his bottle. I bawled on the way home. [Meanwhile, Shawn was driving with his four ways on and wondering why everyone was honking at us. Ha!] At least we don't think Joshua will need surgery. I'm praying that he grows out of it - please join me in praying for him and his health. He's been through enough! The devil has no place here!!!

The beginning two pictures of this post are of Joshua playing with Big Bird. For some reason, he likes to bite Big Bird's beak, which Shawn thinks is absolutely hysterical. Joshua has been biting everything and everyone! I'm not sure what age you can start teaching little guys and it sticks. We try to tell him, but I think he's too young for major discipline. But, still...OUCH, buddy! Good thing Big Bird doesn't mind, but mommy, daddy, grandma, and everyone else does!

Bean's still a little schnarky from his cold, but feeling better each day. Tonight he 'accidentally' caught/hit my hand with his happy-flapping arms when I was feeding him, and his hair caught the food that was on the spoon. (He was loving the sweet potatoes with chicken - the first success we've had with meat of any kind!) Thus, to the bathtub we went after dinner. This is the first "big boy" bath he's ever gotten. Janis gave us a very sweet gift, with which we purchased the mat for the bottom of our tub so the Bean doesn't slip & slide on the bottom. The "bath-ket-ball" toys were a gift from Nonie & Poppy, which he loved. I could barely get him to sit still long enough to wash his hair. Splish splash! He was taken a bath!

Reflection 45: The Secret of Success Lies in Realizing that Lost Opportunities & Shut Doors Represent God's Guidance

Accept the things that don't go right in your life as signposts to turn a new & better direction.
A lost opportunity, a thwarted plan, a shut door - at first glance they all look like failure. But look more closely, and you'll see something else. Lost opportunities are simply opportunities with someone else's name on them. Thwarted plans are plans that weren't right for you. And a shut door? Look carefully, and you'll probably see a sign on it that reads, "Not your address. Try another door." Don't get discouraged when things don't go according to plan, when you get to what seemed to be an open door only to find it closed on you. This is simply God's way of steering you to the right path for you. Change your plan. Look for a new door. I have confidence that you'll always find your way.

'I am satisfied that when the Almighty wants me to do or not do any particular thing he finds a way of letting me know.' ~Abraham Lincoln

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23

Sniffling, Sneezing, Coughing & Wheezing

Poor Joshua! Poor Daddy! Shawn picked up a cold at work, and now the Bean caught it, too. Shawn was sick all week with a sore throat, fever, congestion, etc. and now Joshua's nose is crusty, he's wheezing, he can't breathe well enough to want to eat his bottle, and he snorts & snores. Last night Joshua didn't sleep well, so I picked him up and snuggled with him in our bed. Pretty soon he fell asleep, and both of my boys were snoring away with their sad little congested heads. (Normally, neither one of them snores - just me!) Anytime I put Joshua down, his little cry is pitiful. We've been keeping an eye on his temperature, which is just low grade. I called the doctor Thursday night to ask some questions, and I'll take him in if things get worse. We're supposed to go to CHOP Monday, but I have to call them first thing to make sure it's okay to bring him in this state for the test. Please pray that he feels better! And that Shawn feels better, too! And, thank God that I haven't picked it up and pray that I don't! I feel so bad for my lovebugs! Tonight I ran the shower without the ventilation fan to get some steam in the room, and I gave Joshua a shower with the Johnson & Johnson vaporizing soap (thanks, Aunt Erica, for the gift - it came in handy tonight!). I'm hoping that will help him eat so he can sleep better tonight. Since it's sad to see a little snotty-nose Bean, I didn't take any pictures of him for this post, but here are some with him & Emma from the other day when she was here again. Joshua is just learning how to get into everything, and he dumped the "makeshift-toy bin" over to get everything out to play. (I have no idea where Shawn picked this up, but I can assure you he had it LONG before we were dating.) Emma & Joshua were so cute together! She loves books and to be held all the time - she is definitely more girly-like than Joshua, or she misses her mommy's attention now that she has a new baby to take care of. Daniel is doing better, too, praise God! In the picture below, Emma is pointing to the screen saver of Joshua's pictures and saying "baby" when he's really tiny and "Joshua" when the pictures start looking more like him now.Working for two days went well, and I am much more appreciative of Shawn for everything he does for our family. I praise Jesus that I can stay home with Joshua right now and am so thankful for a husband who's willing to work and still be involved in our lives when he comes home. I am truly blessed.

Reflection 44: With God Watching Over You, You Never Have to Be Afraid to Face Danger

When You Choose Courage Over Safety, You Will Reap Your Own Unique Reward.
Sometimes there's nothing wrong with playing it safe, considering your options, not rushing to follow the herd. Sometimes playing it safe can save you from financial ruin or physical harm. But the times you don't want to seek safety are the times when God is calling you to something good and noble, and that something requires the proverbial leap of faith. If you hold back instead of leaping, you'll miss a great adventure. God doesn't want you to play it safe in the area of moral issues. He expects all His men to take a stand for what is right, to speak out whenever and wherever they see wrong being done. Stay courageous, my husband, and God will reward you appropriately, both in this life and the next.

'God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right, even though I think it is hopeless.' ~Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Swimming for the first time...

Yesterday, Emma came over in the morning so that Jen could take Daniel to the doctor's since they wanted to check his weight since he hasn't been eating well. Jen & I prayed for the little guy the night before, so we're believing that he'll want to eat now - by God's grace. Emma did great again, only Joshua wasn't feeling too great. At the end of their time together, I put on the animal video, and he fell right to sleep. He woke up in time for his therapy, but he was still a bit cranky...I think he had a belly ache, which was resolved on the way to Grandma's house. Once inside her home, we changed his diaper, put on his swimsuit, hat & sunscreen and headed out to the pool! It was soooo hot out that the pool water felt amazing! Joshua LOVED it! He would splash and giggle, and he even "swam" on his belly a little bit by kicking his legs and arms while we held him. I'll have to blow up their baby swimmy, but he did great just being held yesterday. He kept wanting to suck the water out of his hat strings (see above) so I finally put them behind his back. Such a handsome little guy!

My cousin Janis (who has a daughter almost my age) is up from Alabama visiting my mom, and since Jamie had physical therapy and all sorts of doctors appointments today, she came to spend the day here. Jen needed to do two more tests today for Daniel, so the three girls came over and we all went to the playground at the school out back. Afterward, I gave them each a snack of water, mango & veggie chips, and we played a little bit of hide 'n seek while Joshua napped. After Jen picked them up, we played more with the Bean, fed him lunch and then I made grilled cheese & soup for Janis and me before mom came back to pick her up. It was a nice day! I'm going to miss being home with the Bean tomorrow and Friday. I'm working both days for Masterpiece Marketing since the rest of the gals have off and Beth asked me to. Mom's watching Joshua tomorrow morning and Nonie's watching Joshua on Friday. I hope he's good - I'll miss him!

Joshua Swims!

9 Months Old Already!

It's my 9-month birthday, and mommy brought out the camera again. I can't seem to get away from it no matter how hard I try. At least Aunt Missy bought me this puppy to keep me company. I'm maxin' & relaxin' in a t-shirt bought for me by Grandma and the chair bought for me by Grandma & Grandpa Ginder. Maybe today we'll get to go outside!Why am I wearing a hat on such a hot day, I wonder?My puppy & I will solve the mystery together. I think it's because I'm going to be a Redskins fan just like Daddy & Grandma Ginder.Everywhere I go with mommy & daddy, people comment on my bright blue eyes. Mommy loves the above picture of me, which reallly shows how adorable they are. Meanwhile I'm trying to play with the diaper stacker hanging from my crib. Yesterday I knocked over the trash can in the playroom to see what was in it - yuck! Mommy scolded herself for allowing it being within my reach now since I'm so curious.Hey, what are you doing today? I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment to say hello!

I'll leave you with a smile to brighten your day! The picture below is also a link to a video. Thanks for stopping by the site on my 9 month birthday!

Reflection 43: Adversity is the Weight Training God Uses to Strengthen You

Never Fear Adversity, Because God Will Bring You Through It a Stronger and Better Man.
Muscle, the only way you can make it bigger is to first tear it down. You get mental and emotional strength the same way, don't you? Funny, isn't it? A man doesn't really grow unless he has to push against difficult circumstances. Mental toughness is hard to develop with no challenges to sharpen your brain. Endurance isn't endurance until it's tested. And determination is only big talk without a problem to prove it. God knows your strengths. He knows your capabilities. He knows how much you can endure and how strong you can become. He will never take you past your limits, but He'll certainly take you to them. And if you can continue to trust Him through the process, you'll come out even stronger than you are now.

'We are always in the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.' ~H. W. Beecher

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort, or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. James 1:2-3 AMP

Best Dad, Hands Down!

Yesterday, Shawn helped me & Joshua make this shirt. It required him helping so that Joshua didn't have an opportunity to stick his blue hands on his own clothing or worse, right into his mouth. Shawn proudly wore the shirt to church today, where we heard of several other dads who got similar shirts (just different hand prints, of course!). We also saw Eliza & her new baby, Kordell, since her husband Michael was preaching at church. Joshua had been up last night at 1 a.m. and finally went back to sleep at 2:30, only to wake up for good at 6 a.m. with no naps today. I gave him a bath early, early, early this morning for church, fed him and had him dressed in his shirt and shorts to match Daddy's outfit. The shirt, since it's hard to see in the picture, says "Daddy's team." Joshua also gave Shawn a picture frame that says "Daddy" with a picture of the two of them in it, an adorable card, a CD, and a book on God's promises for Fathers. This afternoon, our little family of three went to tour some of the houses on the "Parade of Homes." We started in Leola near my mom's house, and then went on to see a few in Manheim Township. Our tour ended with two in Bent Creek that were upwards of a million dollars (or more - when they stop listing the prices, you know that means "ungodly expensive") and gorgeous. Joshua smiled at all those who passed us along the way, and one of the gals working offered to take him home with her, I found out later (I think sometimes I'm half deaf!). We toured the first home with mom & Aunt Karen and then four others with my sister Becky & brother-in-law Tim. It was fun!

Thanks for being such an involved, thoughtful, and loving father, Shawn. Joshua treasures his time with you, and I'm so blessed to have you for a husband and father of our son. You are the Best Dad, Hands Down. We also want to say Happy Fathers Day to our Dads! Without you, we wouldn't be the people we are today! We love you!

Reflection 42: You Are the Hero of Your Own Unique Life Story

Whether They're Big or Small, You Rise to Every Challenge, and That Makes You a Hero.
As a little boy you probably pictured yourself as the hero of many an imaginary adventure. You commanded countless battalions of soldiers, carried beautiful women from burning buildings, and saved earth from invading space aliens. You're still a hero, you know. No space aliens to deal with, of course, but now you're fighting real things, like the security and happiness of your loved ones. When you're not working to provide for us, you're doing battle with leaking pipes, outdoor Christmas lights, and dead car batteries. Neighbors and friends turn to you when they need help. Your every dream, your every talent, the people you impact on a daily basis - they're all part of the unique story of you. You're still a hero.

'Faith is the great motive power, and no man realizes his full possibilities unless he has the deep conviction that life is eternally important, and that his work, well done, is part of an unending plan.' ~Calvin Coolidge

"For you know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future." Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Fathers Day, Shawn!

DADDY, I LOVE YOU

Walk a little slower, Daddy,

Said a little child so small.

I'm following in your footsteps

And I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,

Sometimes they are hard to see;

So, walk a little slower, Daddy,

For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,

You're what I want to be;

Then I will have a little child

Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you.

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who

wants to catch you before you fall

but instead picks you up,

brushes you off,

and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who

wants to keep you from making mistakes

but instead lets you find your own way,

even though his heart breaks in silence

when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who

holds you when you cry,

scolds you when you break the rules,

shines with pride when you succeed,

and has faith in you even when you fail...

Dad, you're everything a dad should be and some.

F.A.T.H.E.R.S.

"F" aithful.

"A" lways there.

"T" rustworthy.

"H" onoring.

"E" ver-loving.

"R" ighteous.

"S" upportive.

What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it ... Dad

Fathers are Wonderful People

Fathers are wonderful people

Too little understood,

And we do not sing their praises

As often as we should...

For, somehow, Father seems to be

The man who pays the bills,

While Mother binds up little hurts

And nurses all our ills...

And Father struggles daily

To live up to "HIS IMAGE"

As protector and provider

And "hero or the scrimmage"...

And perhaps that is the reason

We sometimes get the notion,

That Fathers are not subject

To the thing we call emotion,

But if you look inside Dad's heart,

Where no one else can see

You'll find he's sentimental

And as "soft" as he can be...

But he's so busy every day

In the grueling race of life,

He leaves the sentimental stuff

To his partner and his wife...

But Fathers are just WONDERFUL

In a million different ways,

And they merit loving compliments

And an accolade of praise,

For the only reason Dad aspires

To fortune and success

Is to make the family proud of him

And to bring them happiness...

And like OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,

He's a guardian and a guide,

Someone that we can count on

To be ALWAYS ON OUR SIDE.

Happy Fathers Day, Daddy! I LOVE YOU! Your son & biggest admirer, Joshua XOXOXO

The Toofy Smile that Brightens My Day

On Thursday afternoon, Nonie came over to see Joshua, so I took the opportunity to head to the gym. When I came back, she said how good he was and cuddly and how he kept giving her his kisses, which I love. He can't pucker his lips yet, but there's no mistaking the kiss he's trying to give. That night, Shawn was playing with him so I could finish up a copy project, and Joshua rolled several times to get over to be right next to him. He also scootches on his butt, and gets into the crawling position and rocks. So, he's not yet fully crawling, but he's definitely mobile and curious. Last night we were working on his physical therapy playing, and he's doing a great job with trunk rotation and getting into the crawling position with no problems.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to the hairdresser and mom watched Joshua. She said he kept moving off the blanket she had laid down for him to pull up the grass while she would keep moving him back onto it. Silly Bean! After I was finished, I took her to get Jamie's car from the Subaru dealership since it was just inspected. She told me that he had a seizure Friday morning that scared them both pretty bad. She was bawling and hates to see him suffering, and I feel terrible because I truly don't know how to help them other than pray. Please pray for both of them, that the Lord would show them mercy and kindness until He takes Jamie home to be with Him.

Our appointment for Joshua to go back to CHOP is scheduled for Monday, June 25. Please pray that they find out whatever they need to so he doesn't throw up anymore. Poor little guy! He's such a smiley, happy baby, though. I love his toothy grin. It brightens my day and mood.

Reflection 40: Your Good Character Inspires Both My Admiration and My Trust

Remain an Honorable Man, and You'll Retain My Admiration.
It's not always easy to be a man of good character. It can cost you business. People may take advantage of you. You may find yourself having to take stands that make you unpopular. It could cost you to be the man you are, but I can assure you of one thing it won't cost you: my respect. I respect you because you have principles you won't sell for money and values you won't trade for friendship, acceptance or a moment's pleasure. Because of that, I can trust you with my heart. I can trust you to make wise decisions and act in a way that won't hurt us. You have many qualities I appreciate, but the one I admire most is your good character.

'A man's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are roused gives the measure of that man's character.' ~David McKay

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Welcome to the Family, Daniel!

Yesterday I got a call from Jen mid-morning saying that Mike had went home to do some errands and she "wouldn't mind" company. So, I packed up some toys, food, etc. for the Bean, and we headed into Women's & Babies' Hospital. When Jen got a call from her sister-in-law, I took Joshua down to the NICU to say hi to the nurses that had helped care for him during his first month of life. Unfortunately, none of my favorites were there at that moment - two were on vacation, one was on maternity leave, one was out to lunch, and another didn't work until the night shift. Such is life. He still smiled for all who were there, and they oohed and aahed at how cute and how big he is. We headed back to Jen's room, where I got to hold my newest nephew. He's so tiny and so big all at the same time! Mom & Jamie stopped in while we were there, and we all ate lunch together before Jamie had radiation and I took Joshua home to nap. Just as I was about to leave, my three nieces came bustling in to see their new brother. So cute! I left to give them some family time, and they finally picked a name - Daniel William McGown. Jen told me that Daniel and Joshua should be in the same class at school. Since Joshua was born just after the cutoff for starting kindergarten and Daniel was born just before the cutoff, plus we live so close to each other, they should start school together at Nitrauer Elementary, Manheim Township. Neat-o!

This morning, I took some toys out of the playroom and into the nursery so Joshua could sit beside me while I brought out the bins of his outgrown clothing to go through for Daniel. While everything was already organized by size, I went through it all again and labeled everything, organized it by sleeper/outfit/warm/hot, and had 0-3 month and 3-6 month clothing ready for my brother-in-law to pick up on their way home from the hospital. Going through it all made me a little nostalgic. I can't believe Joshua was so little that even the premie clothing was too big for him at first! Now the 12 month clothing fits him perfectly, and he sat up next to me like a big boy playing with anything he could get his hands on, including trying to grab the marker out of my hand, patting me on the arm to pay attention to him, stealing a 3-6 month sleeper I had just folded and promptly throwing up on it, picking up the edges of the lids to the clothing bins, knawing on the the bins themselves, and of course playing with the toys I had laid in front of him. He loves to touch, feel, examine and taste everything! Boys will be boys! While I don't let him have anything that will hurt him, I try to be more-calm-than-typical to let him be himself and explore the world.

Reflection 39: Our Marriage Benefits as Much From What You Don't Buy as From What You Do Buy

By Resisting Purchases We Can't Afford, We'll Do Good Things for Both Our Budget and Our Relationship.
Important purchases make our life together secure and comfortable - housing, transportation, investments. Funny though, isn't it, how much we can also benefit by things we don't buy. Many men yearn for expensive toys that can drain a bank account faster than you can say "Maybe we shouldn't..." I appreciate you understanding that money spent impulsively on things that depreciate quickly is irrecoverable. Once it's gone and the garage is full of stuff, there's no replacing it. And there's no avoiding the tagalongs that come with recreational spending: worry, overwork, resentment, quarrels. What a good thing it is for your wife's peace of mind when we steer clear of purchases that will cost us a large amount of misery in exchange for a small amount of pleasure!

'Stay out of debt.' ~Larry Burkett

Let love be your only debt! If you love others, you have done all that the Law demands. Romans 13:8

Reflection 38: The Most Important Goal You Can Have is to Achieve God's Goals for You

When You Make Pleasing God Your Number One Priority in Life, You're Bound to Have the Best Possible Life.
Because you love God, I know you'll take the important habit of goal-setting one step farther than the average guy and make it your chief aim to achieve God's goals for your life. Any man can set a goal to be a high achiever with an impressive list of accomplishments. But how much better to achieve the great things God has planned for you? Any man can determine to be rich. But how much more excellent to set goals for using those resources wisely! Talents, time, money - when God is at the center of all that goal-setting, you'll really go places. To follow His plan for your life is the best life strategy, and to do what He directs will be your ultimate achievement.

'Never undertake anything for which you would not have the courage to ask the blessing of heaven.' ~George Christoph Lichtenberg

In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. ~Proverbs 3:6

It's a BOY!!!

Yesterday was fun. Joshua LOVED playing with Emma, and she is so easy going. She says "Jo - shua" and "Baby" when she looks at him, and she would give him another toy if he was trying to steal hers. Mostly, though, he wanted to play with her, touching her arm to make sure she wanted to play with him, too. They were so cute together! I think her favorite toys that we had were the Barnyard Friends given to Joshua by his Grandma & Grandpa Ginder. She loved the piggy that oinked and the rooster, especially. She held them close to her like they were her babies, and then she put them in the basketball net, but never left them far from her side the entire time she was here.

She took a nap around 1:30, when she normally does when she's home. Joshua took one at the same time, even though that's not his normal schedule. He didn't take a morning nap, so he was ready to go to bed then, too. She got her "Na-na" (AKA blanket that Grandma made her that she doesn't part with) and fell asleep immediately. Right then, the phone rang. I saw on the Caller ID that it was my sister Becky, and I figured she probably needed help with the other two, so I answered "Yo! Whatcha need?" and I heard the sweetest little voice on the other end of the line, "Hi, Aunt Val. This is Grace. How are you?" Her intense enunciation on the phone made me giggle. "I'm great! How are you? What are you doing?" She said she was playing with dolls, even though I had to guess at the word dolls until I finally heard my sister in the background helping her try to say it more clearly. She then said, "How's Emma doing?" Unfortunately, Emma was napping or I would have put her on the phone. Faith, too, was napping, I was told. She then said "Bye, here's Aunt Becky." Beck said that Grace told her she missed Emma, so Becky thought they would give us a call. How dear! She's such a great big sister.

Not long thereafter, Dr. Tifft called me back. I explained the background on the visit with CHOP, and he said, "If it were my son, I'd take him back there," which was really all I needed to hear. He explained that they did have a pediatric radiologist in Lancaster who just left and another one coming back in November. Radiologists that specialize in adults can still do this test on children (which is what they would do for other children that came to their practice if they suspected an issue), but he said that CHOP has the best of the best doctors, surgeons, radiologists, etc. and if Dr. Adzick recommended coming back and seeing him, it's worthwhile to get their advanced opinion. He noted that many kids are just "spitters" so Joshua may be just fine. But, they want to make sure that's the case with his other surgeries, and to have the surgeon who worked on him examining the test results was the best case scenario. So, back to CHOP we go!

When the kids woke up from their naps (and check out Emma's hair in the picture below), we all played more until Shawn got home from work. I had offered to get Emma a snack since Jen said she typically has one in the afternoon, but she said clear as day "PLAY!" and headed for the office/playroom. I asked her if mommy was having a boy baby or a girl baby, a brother or a sister. She said "brother." I had gotten burger out of the freezer to make spaghetti since I know Emma likes that and was planning on making it once Shawn arrived; however, he took over in the kitchen while I got them ready in their high chair & booster seat to eat and set the table, etc. Dinner was almost ready when we got the call..."Emma's a smart little girl. It's a boy!" After we finished eating, I took Emma into the hospital to see her mommy, daddy and new brother; however, Mr. 9 lb 12 oz. yet-to-be-named McGowan was in the nursery where visitors aren't allowed. So, we saw Jen & Mike for a little bit and left since Mom & Jamie and Jen's in-laws also were there. I might try to take Joshua in today to meet his cousin if all goes well.

CHOP News

Yesterday we were up by 5 a.m. to start our journey to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for our "final" follow-up visit from Joshua's surgery. It took us three hours to get there with traffic, but we still were on time to get his chest x-ray and see Dr. Adzick, Joshua's surgeon. Joshua screamed when we held his arms & legs down for the x-ray, but calmed down immediately when I picked him back up. Then we headed upstairs for the consultation with the doctor. He weighed in at 20.6 lbs and is now 28 inches long! He's a whopper! They then put us in a room where he delightedly played with the paper that covers the exam tables. He LOVED it! A beautiful blonde nurse practitioner examined him first and asked us questions, and he smiled at her with his cute little four teeth. However, when Dr. Adzick walked in the room, his smile quickly turned to terrified tears. What is it about men that scares him? I don't know.

His chest x-ray looks good and shows positive lung growth. So, that was great news and exactly what we expected to hear. However, we also heard things we didn't want to, too. I asked questions about Joshua's vomiting and asked if that was normal since we were told that when he really breathes heavy that he would pump air into his little belly. We thought maybe it came back out, along with any food in its way, through spitting up. However, we were told that was NOT normal. He should be able to breathe "normally" now with no restrictions physically. They said, though, that the hiatal hernia surgery was a "two-for-one" special, and some kids go to the hospital just for that - it's also considered major surgery (just not as major as lung surgery). They said that possibly he's having some digestive/stomach issues and they want him to come back for a test where he will swallow barium and they will follow it to get a "base line." If that comes back abnormal, they would consider opening him up again for additional surgery. That sounded like the worst case scenario, but Dr. Adzick does want to see him again. One good thing, though, is that he's still gaining weight and whatever this is does not appear to be affecting his growth.

I was so disappointed! One, I feel so bad that we've thought this vomitting was "normal" and poor Joshua's been suffering (even though he's never fussy with it and not running a fever or showing any other signs of being sick or in pain). Two, I told Shawn that I can't bear the thought of another surgery. I'll do whatever's in Josh's best interest, though. I called Roseville Pediatrics to see if we could move up his 9 month well-baby check-up with Dr. Tifft (scheduled for June 26) so I can ask if they do this barium test in Lancaster; however, they said he's booked until September. But, they offered to have him call me and chat about the CHOP visit. I'm still waiting to hear back from him. My sister said she's had friends whose kids started vomiting when they started solid foods, so I'm trying not to panic. I'm believing Joshua is COMPLETELY healed with no further surgeries necessary EVER!

The song I'm listening to right now is by Jeremy Riddle (Shawn's new favorite worship artist)called "God Moves in Mysterious Ways" and says at the end that "God is His own interpreter and He will make it plain...in His own time...in His own way." I don't always understand why God allows things to happen or moves in the way He does, but He always has our best interest at heart. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." When Shawn & I were heading home from Mike & Bonnie's on Saturday, there was an accident on 222 and we had to take 272 home. We passed a house we had put an offer in on that had fell through, and I remember being so discouraged when it happened but we talked about how glad we are now that we didn't buy it since we don't work up that way anymore and wouldn't want to live that far north. God knew we didn't need that particular house even if we didn't. God is always in control, and His ways are higher than ours. I will continue to praise Him and trust that He has worked ALL of Joshua's healing out for His glory and honor. The song that came on next on our playlist is "Stand in Awe" by Jeremy Riddle and it says "We stand in awe in worship, we raise our voice in worship...come adore...the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Behold the Lamb in Heaven, He was dead but God raised him...from the grave, for His arm is MIGHTY TO SAVE."