Bean at the Beach

On Thursday night, Grandma & Grandpa Ginder came over, and we all took Joshua on a walk in his stroller through our neighborhood and ended the evening by sitting outside in our backyard. Joshua slept pretty well over night, and Friday morning we got up and took my friend Jen to work - she's not allowed to drive due to the seizures she was having (we're believing they are done forever!) - and called me when she was "stuck like Chuck" (an expression that made me giggle). Joshua and I didn't mind helping her out one bit - it was nice to see my forever friend even for a few moments, and she greeted me with beautiful flowers.

Friday night, Shawn & I were in the midst of packing when Grandma & Grandpa Ginder called to invite us to Barnes & Nobles, Shawn's favorite hangout spot. A pretty gal was staring at Shawn & Joshua and proclaimed "He is the cutest baby I've ever seen!" Then she looked at me and said, "Did you make him?" I thought that was an awkwardly weird way to phrase the question - Shawn's mom exclaimed she was the maker of the maker. :) :) :) We saw the biggest dog I've ever seen outside Barnes & Nobles, and once Joshua finally caught on to what we were all looking at, he said "Dog" pretty clearly.

Saturday morning we woke up, packed up and headed for the beach. Mom rented a 5 BR, 2 BA beach cottage at Rehobeth and Jen's family went for the whole week while we just went for the weekend (unfortunately Mom & Jamie couldn't go and neither could Tim & Becky). There was an accident that blocked Route 1 going both directions, so getting there took double the time it should have. Once we were there, it started to rain but we didn't care. No more sitting for us! Shawn, Joshua & I went for a stroll in the rain straight to the boardwalk (only a few blocks down). We decided that once it started pouring, it was time to grab something to eat at Grotto Pizza. After the rain was done, we headed out once more and let Joshua watch all the activities in the Funhouse/Amusement Park. He loved watching the horse races and the game where you try to launch a frog onto the lily pad, and he also enjoyed watching bumper cars and the carousel. The best part for him, though, was anytime he saw a puppy on our walk. He would sit up as far as he could in the stroller and reach out to try and pet it. We took him out to see the water and get our feet wet that night before heading back to the house. Once Jen & Mike and the girls were finished with supper and ready to go, we all went back out to get ice cream. Joshua smiled at all who passed for awhile (while we listened to the live band perform) until he got tired. He had done amazingly well the entire car ride, he had sat nicely at Grotto Pizza and overall he had been good the whole day. We decided to go back and set up the pack 'n play and our room. That night, I read each niece a book of their choice (Grace's was a book about all sorts of fish & the ocean, Faith's was a book about Dolphin's and Emma's was a book about a bear named Max that she had gotten for her birthday). They said goodnight, we put Joshua to bed, watched TV & chatted with Jen & Mike before calling it a night.

Sunday morning, I heard Mike get up at 5 a.m. but I wasn't ready to get out of bed. Joshua had been up off and on throughout the night but we hadn't gotten him up. We finally got up at 7 a.m., ate a quick breakfast, and headed out to the beach. I took Grace & Faith to dip their feet in the icecold water while Jen & Mike set up a little tent for Daniel. Emma was terrified of the water and didn't want to get in, while the older two were anxious to go out further (I let Mike take them out). Emma played with Joshua for a little while until the Bean started eating the sand. We tried to prevent it by keeping him on a sheet, but he wasn't having it. Then he was upset (yuck!) so I took him to get "cleaned off" in the ocean. I sat down on the sand and sat him on me, but he yelped at the cold water. So, we packed up our stuff after a little while and went back to get showers. After we were all showered, cleaned and packed to go home, Jen & Mike & gang came back. We gave kisses and headed for home...the trip back was still a little congested but not as bad as the way down. We were thankful for safe travels and the opportunity to get away for a weekend - thanks, Mom!

Last night, Mom & Aunt Karen came over to watch Joshua and let Shawn & I go on a date. We ate at the Olive Garden and had grown up conversation. Funny thing is, we mostly talked about Joshua. It was wonderful to spend time with the love of my life. Joshua got up at the crack of dawn but took a substantial nap, which is letting me prepare for school. I'm teaching two courses now this semester instead of just one - Personal Selling & Principles of Marketing. With classes starting the end of August, I MUST get cracking!

On a side note, I'm no longer sick - thank you for all who prayed for our health! Joshua's not been doing too well on the Prevacid and is still throwing up consistently - please pray that God would heal him completely!

Favorite Worship Songs

I was looking up "Revelation Song" by Jennie Riddle today because I always feel like I sing it "wrong." I loved it from the moment I heard it, so I grabbed the music and began to play it but I think I taught it to myself a little bit off, simply going from memory. Just like it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, it's hard to re-learn a song after you "know" it one way. I know if I hear a song played or sung off from its melody, it drives me crazy. I wonder if that's how God feels about it. I guess He probably just sees our heart and that we're trying to worship Him. Here are three favorites right now (I have TONS of favorites!) that I'm struggling with playing correctly or singing quite exact (they are links to the same worship leader singing them):

Revelation Song
No Sweeter Name
The More I Seek You

Hopefully the Lord is honored by my worship no matter what.

Updates: the antibiotics made me vomit (literally), so I had to get a new prescription for something else. So far my throat feels like it's been a dart board at a busy bar for the past month but I'm feeling a little more human overall. Joshua has not been running a fever. In other news, Jamie is staying in the hospital a little longer based on the doctor's recommendation of having him get stronger physically, emotionally and mentally before being released. I think that's a good plan.

Clifford the Pup

Yesterday was a rough day at the Good household. When Joshua finally laid down to get his afternoon nap, the phone rang and woke him. I answered as soon as possible, didn't stay on long, and then went in to check on da' Bean. What I saw completely threw me for a loop - he was EATING his crib! He had climbed up on the side and was knawing on our at-one-time-brand-new white crib. He looked up guiltily when I came in and had white paint flakes all over his face and in his mouth. I shouted no, grabbed him and took him to the sink to wash out his mouth. I then called the doctor's office, who told me to call Poison Control. Thankfully, neither one thought that this experience should damage him since the crib was new but said we should watch for discomfort in case he knawed off any wood. BAD Bean! Time to move down the crib...

After my diagnosis of needing antibiotics, I thought it was a safer bet to take Joshua into the pediatrician to make sure he's okay since he can't say things like, "Hey, Mom, my throat hurts!" He did have a fever off and on for a couple days, after all. I scheduled the appointment for after 5 p.m. so Shawn could help me because I was still feeling lightheaded and feverish. When Shawn got here, he told me that I should stay home and take a break and he would just take him. Instead, I went and got the prescription filled and decided that maybe it was time to try eating for the first time that day even though it sounded more painful than anything. Of course, while I was out I saw a popular guy from my high school - go figure since I look like death warmed over. He recognized me right away and began to chat and all I could think was "I don't care." I didn't necessarily care what I looked like or what he was saying - I just wanted to go back home and get into pajamas.

When Shawn got home, he said the doctor kept asking for exact temperatures on Joshua for the last few days. He had no idea, and neither did I. I can tell by feeling his forehead whether or not he has a fever. I didn't realize the degree made such a difference, and Joshua screams bloody murder when we take his temperature (and we take it under his arm). So, now I know. The outcome is that Joshua has the same inflamed throat & tonsils that I do but they didn't give him antibiotics because they want to know what his temperature is running over the next few days to see if he kicks it himself. I'm wondering why my doctor thought, "absolutely antibiotics are needed!" and Joshua's doctor didn't...I sort of wish I had went along. One good thing is that they checked his ears thoroughly and they look fine. I guess he screamed while they were trying to do that, so they gave him a LARGE sticker of "Clifford the Pup" to keep him busy trying to pull it off his shirt. Ummm...isn't Clifford a BIG red dog? I guess he had to start as a pup, too.

Last night I was looking at my throat to see if there were any white spots (isn't that characteristic of strep?) and what I saw made me nauseous. I have a big blister on my right tonsil. YUCK! I was supposed to go to Masterpiece Marketing to help out today since Kelley's on vacation, but I didn't think it was fair to Nonie to give her a sick Bean and I don't want to get the other gals sick. Not to mention that I'm not functioning at 100% right now. So, I'll give the medicine some time to kick in (hopefully soon!) and pray that Joshua gets better, too.

His first day on Prevacid was unimpressive, too. He threw up twice all over me and had 'wet burpies' throughout the day, gurgling and wheezing noises. He also didn't eat that much. Although, I'm wondering if it's fair to evaluate the medicine on a day when he's obviously not feeling good. I'm hoping that he does better with it over the next few days. We shall see!

The 7-Toothed Wonder of the World

When I went to get Joshua from his nap yesterday, he was sitting up in his crib. Hooray! One of the things we've been working on with his physical therapy is sitting up from laying down, and it looks like he learned how to do it by himself now. He did the same thing this morning, only this time I saw him in action because he was in bed with me. (He woke up at 3:30 this morning, and Daddy grabbed him and threw him in bed with me and then slept in the spare bedroom.) Why doesn't Joshua sleep at night? I think I'd get better sooner if I could get a single good night's rest. I tried limiting his naps, not limiting his naps, wearing him out by playing a lot, getting him sunshine, and the list goes on. He seems to dance to the beat of his own drum. Soon, Momma might consider him the drum...just kidding (sort of). Joshua seems to sit up on his own after sleeping but when we're playing together, he refuses or forgets how or doesn't associate the two motions together. We still have some work to do...

Another new thing he's been doing is push-ups, getting onto his tippy toes and thrusting his butt in the air. I think he wants to stand but he's not quite sure where to go from there. Mom said he was trying to pull up on one of Jen's toys at Emma's birthday party but it was too wobbly. I was looking around the playroom and assessed that our toys are the same - nothing sturdy enough to pull up on. In fact, even our chairs swivel, so I may have to rethink that a little to give him ample opportunity to exercise his curiosity with standing.

He's also been crawling backwards. I was talking to Dad last night on the phone in the office while Shawn was playing with da' Bean in our bedroom. Shawn left to get him his final bedtime bottle and came back to see just Joshua's little face ducking out of our dust ruffle beneath the bed. Silly Bean! I see him going backwards pretty often.

One other thing we've been working on is getting to his knees. One exercise was encouraging him to pull up on his open "toy bin" which allows him to see toys and hopefully motivate him to reach further, stay up longer, etc. Yesterday we were working on that, and he was doing much of the work by himself. Yeah! All the sudden I saw the "lights come on" and he sat back down, pulled the toy bin somewhat sideways, and reached in with easy access. Then, one by one, he took out each toy, examined it, and put it on the floor. Then he repeated this process, looking at me with utter glee since he no longer had to work for what he wanted.

I've been trying to teach him how to clap and give someone five without much luck. He now opens his hands up completely when I clap his hands for him, but when I ask him to do it himself, he just looks at me like, "Hey, why did you stop?" Same thing when I say "give me five!" Someday he'll get it! He does respond to some things we say like when I say "come" he reaches toward me, or when I ask him to "open" he opens his mouth for me to brush his teeth or give him medicine or feed him, and when I saw "all done" he seems to understand that the food is gone or I'm done washing his face so he can stop whining or we're finished changing his diaper, etc.

Today I woke up and my throat felt like it had been set on fire and put out with a rake. I decided it was time to see the doctor, who took a strep test and said it was "borderline." But, he thought based on the fever and how red & swollen my throat & tonsils looked, antibiotics were appropriate for sure, along with tylenol every four hours. Now I need to get the prescription filled. Today I was supposed to meet my friends Julie & Kristen and their boys for lunch & swimming, but I didn't want to risk getting their families sick. Bummer! I was so looking forward to it! Rain check!

Mom said that Jamie's coming back home Thursday. That's all he's been asking to do since he went to the hospital. I'm not sure it's the wisest move, but she said I would do the same thing for Shawn. I worry about her and wonder what's best for both of them, truly.

Doctor Update

Today we met Dr. Devenyi in his new office location in Brownstown, right across the street from our family doctor. Joshua gabbed (loudly!) the entire time we were there, making the pretty receptionist really have to work to hear on the phone. Sorry! At least he was happy, unlike another child we heard on our way in. Shawn took his lunch during that time to be with us, and the appointment was fairly uneventful. Dr. Devenyi recommended taking Joshua off Zantac and putting him on Prevacid. He told us that sometimes reflux is actually the result of food allergies that we're unaware of, but the Bean doesn't show any other symptoms of that. Since Joshua's been eating okay and continuing to grow - our boy is now 29" long and weighs 21.4 pounds - he thinks we should try this medicine first and watch for its side effects. If Joshua does well with it, we'll go back September 24 to re-evaluate the plan. If he doesn't do well, we should call within 2-4 weeks or sooner if the Bean gets sick from the medicine. The next step in the plan if the prevacid doesn't do the trick is to sedate him in order to see his esophagus through a tiny microscope. From there, we can make further decisions. Our hope and prayer is that the prevacid does the trick. My friend Kristen's son Elliott was on prevacid and outgrew his reflux issues, so hearing that from her gives me hope for our Bean!

Neighborhood Cookout

I'm feeling a little better today. I woke up with a sore throat, and I called the doctor to ask if I should come in to see if it's strep (I HATE going to the doctor). The nurse said it would be fine to give it a day or two. If it's strep, it won't go away without antibiotics but if it's a virus, I should start feeling better. I took a shower and ate some breakfast with my mom, who was sweet enough to bring over some throat lozenges and spray, but now I feel weak and feverish again. Too much to do to be sick! Joshua laid down for a nap, so Mom left to be with Jamie. This afternoon we take da' Bean to see about his reflux.

On Saturday before we all came down with whatever it is we have, we went to our neighborhood cookout. It was fun! We finally got to meet more of our neighbors and hang out. I baked two pans of brownies in throw-away containers, and they were one of the first things gone. I overheard a kid tell his friend that the brownies were really good, which made me feel good. One of our neighbors Cathy, who we met for the first time, organized the event and rented a dunk tank and snow cone machine, which all the kids LOVED. (Shawn ended up getting plastic spoons from our house to donate to the snow-cone eaters.) I knew there were kids in our neighborhood, but I didn't realize just how many! We met Dorothy (79) & Bill (82), who are the oldest residents of the neighborhood still living here. They looked great! She said she raised five boys in her house, and they've lived here since the early 70s. She loves to cook, sew and garden and said she loved being a stay at home mom. Now her hips are starting to bother her, so she's starting to research retirement communities. She told us to come visit her sometime, and I told her to stop in anytime. I also met a gal named Shannon (I can't remember her husband's name - possibly Greg?) who lives diagonal-ish from us and has three kids: a little blond-haired blue eyed girl named Avery (2ish), a blond-haired blue-eyed little boy (older & playing so I didn't catch his name), and a 6-month old boy named Peyton who weighs the same as da' Bean. So, he and Joshua will go to school together!

We talked more with our next door neighbors Karen & Paul Walsh (now we know their last name) and heard more from him on the living arrangements with his mother-in-law. They are redoing their basement right now and have two sweet kids - Ian (14) and Elizabeth (my guess is 11ish). We also talked to our neighbors across the street, Michelle & Brian Dombach, who had brought us a meal after Joshua came home. They seem like the neatest family. They used to help out with their youth group, too, and have four of the cutest kids we've ever seen (Sicily, Grant, Clayton and Josie). They are also really down to earth. He owns his own business coaching small businesses and asked if I would be interested in more marketing work - absolutely! It would be great if something came of that, and if not, it's still nice to know nice neighbors. We also met Betsy and Joe (I think Betsy & Joe are married, but I could be mistaken since everyone was mingling). Joe came out of his house dressed in long undewear, a flag swimsuit, a towel "cape," goggles, and some sort of cap and called himself "Super Dunk." Up until that point the kids had been taking turns throwing the balls toward the dunk tank and then sitting on the ledge to get dunked. However, everyone went wild over Super Dunk, who eventually talked enough smack to get the adults throwing the ball to dunk him. After the dunk tank thrill had died down, they had the kids play some relay races and did a water balloon toss and some other games while most of the parents sat around, ate and talked. Around 8-8:30ish, Joshua had had enough and we called it a night. I know they were going to play some adult trivia games, create a fire to roast marshmallows and set off fireworks yet, but maybe when da' Bean is older we can stay out later. This was good enough, and I'm glad we live in a nice neighborhood. Our house isn't brand new and obviously needs some work, but we love the location and think it's the perfect place to raise a family.

Momma is SICK!

Please pray for Mommy & Daddy. Last night Mommy couldn't get warm even with 5 thick blankets, and Daddy said she was burning up. Grandma brought over some medicine to try to help her severe migraine, upset belly, feverish skin and aching all over. Daddy isn't feeling too well either. Grandma took me to Emma's birthday party so they could nap. Please pray that they both feel better tonight!

Good News & Bad News

I always start with the bad news so I can end on a positive note. I received a call back from someone at the Lancaster CAO - not from the supervisor but someone beneath her - who told me that the Medical Review Board DID have all of Joshua's Early Intervention paperwork when they made their decision to deny him benefits. I asked if children on Early Intervention automatically qualify for benefits, and he said that that was all he could tell me (he wasn't extraordinarily helpful). So, I appealed the decision as was suggested to me, and we'll see how it goes. Thankfully, until they make a "permanent" decision, we continue to have the insurance. I'm hoping that we continue to qualify for it while Joshua's on Early Intervention, which only evaluates children once a year. But, we'll see. It's all in God's hands now.Now onto the good news! Today we had the Housing Project Coordinator examine our house to see what we would like to have done. If we qualify for this program (which he assured me that we qualified or he wouldn't be here; however, they have not appraised our house yet which is the only missing piece to the puzzle), we also would qualify for a $1,500 grant to make our house more energy efficient, including replacing windows and doors and adding insulation. We gave him the long laundry list, and he walked through every nook and cranny and around the outside with us. I really liked the guy who came who also made wonderful suggestions and seemed to think that we could do some of the things that I thought would be considered more "cosmetic" rather than "safety-related" or "bringing our house up to code" like repaving our driveway and refinishing our hardwood floors. BUT, it will depend on how the numbers work out and what his boss approves. This guy also said he was looking for a new church, and I invited him to ours. He already knew the location and building, which is rare. So, who knows what good could come from this? I'm hoping that we can get our house remodeling projects finished up! We won't hear anything for a few weeks at least, so we'll pray that this goes through as well as Joshua's medical benefits.

More good news...Jamie is being transported this evening to Lancaster Regional to stay in its in-patient physical therapy unit (he had to move so insurance would cover it - Mom chose there over Ephrata because Jamie's mom lives about a block away and she likes to come see him). While he would rather go home, this is much better alternative for now for both him and my mom. They will work with him three hours or more a day on occupational, physical and speech therapy. When I was in there yesterday, the nurse in the hospital asked him if he knew where he was and he replied, "Mars" so I think he's doing a little better. Mom went to her doctor for them to check her arm, too, which I think is good since she said it really hurts and she can't lift anything.

Last night we had mom over for a 'birthday cheesecake.' I offered to make her dinner, but she didn't leave the hospital until after 7 p.m. so we had a birthday snack, and I made her a soothing cup of hot tea. Joshua was still a little cranky - I'm not sure he's feeling 100% himself yet. Although, tonight Shawn said DUCK and pointed to a duck and Joshua repeated saying "Duh." He is so adorable! And smart! Yesterday he was playing with my water bottle and sometimes when he chews on the cap part, it hurts his teeth. So, everytime he went to bite the cap, I took it from him and placed it out where he couldn't reach it easily (working on his physical therapy) and he would get into the crawling position and reach for it. I explained that I didn't want him chewing on the white cap and pointed to it. We did this several times, giving him a good work out, until he went to bite on the cap and turned the bottle upside down instead to chew on the bottom. He didn't try biting the cap again. I was amazed. I haven't tried it again today to see if he would remember, though. I was reading in the baby book for 10-month-olds and in some things I think he's advanced, but in others he's still behind even cognitively (he's not clapping his hands, etc.) That just means we have more work to accomplish together!

Happy Birthday, Grandma and Emma!

Today, Mom turns 54 and Emma turns a whopping 2 years old! To celebrate, Joshua & I got up at 6:30 this morning and took Mom out to breakfast at the restaurant of her choice, Perkins. It was nice to see her, and I even took my camera along - only in all the glory of their pancakes I completely forgot to snap a few pictures. Mom took Joshua to the window next to our table and showed him all the cars (he already LOVES watching cars) and she'd say, "Vroom vroom and zoom zoom" and he laughed away. After we got back and both took a substantial nap, I called Jen's house and sang Happy Birthday to Emma, who seemed to enjoy it since she wanted to take the phone from my sister - I could distinctly hear her say hi and bye, the rest was a little muffled on the phone. She & Joshua are certainly buddies now! She talked to him immediately when we arrived there last night and handed him a toy. Last night Jen thought she had grabbed the sprinkles for Emma's icecream and instead had the bottle of hot peppers that Mike had used in his spaghetti. She began to cover the chocolate mound, when I said, "uh, Jen, whatcha doin'?" We all giggled. WHOOPS! New ice cream, please, Grandpa Georgia!

Dad & Annette left this morning before the sun came up - they must have been quiet because I didn't hear them. Joshua enjoyed seeing them for sure - he and Dad would gab at each other, mostly with Dad asking questions and Joshua saying "YEAH!" (his favorite word). Last night, though, he also said "ok" once. We were surprised. This morning, I said something about him being a little tooter and it sounded like he tried to repeat the word tooter. He doesn't talk all the time, but he's starting to more and more. For example, just now I asked him if I should turn on the light in the room we're in as he plays and I type (it's a little overcast today) and he replied YEAH! He hadn't been saying that word recently, so I don't know if he understood me or just chose that time to say it. I think more and more he understands what we're saying to him - not completely, of course, but I think he picks up more than we think.

The latest new thing that Joshua is doing is clucking his tongue. He proudly "click-clacked" for the physical therapist and thinks it's amusing (I agree, of course). I also can now feel the 7th tooth - the beginnings of which are poking through his top gums. Today the Bean has a fever, which I'm thinking is probably due to that tooth, but since my nieces were sick, I'm keeping a close eye on him. I just gave him a cool bath to comfort him, too, and decided a little tylenol wouldn't hurt with how hot he feels. I dressed him in just a onesie and turned our air conditioner to a cooler temperature, too. I called the pediatrician to schedule his one-year well-baby visit, and heard on the "on-hold message" that fevers are normal and do no harm by themselves other than causing discomfort to the child so trying to keep him cool is good, the correct dose of tylenol can help, and a fever of more than three days is worthy of a visit to the doctor (or if the parents are concerned, they can always schedule a time to have their baby seen). So, that made me feel a little better. I'm glad I was put on hold!

Mom found out yesterday that Jamie's diagnosis in general is weeks to months. I told her that when I was looking for her gift, I found a picture that said "Strength and Endurance: Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I bought it (along with other gifts) because I felt like it was what God was saying for Mom at that time. She said that was good because she was feeling "weary." She sounded weary. I can't imagine being in her shoes, or Jamie's for that matter.

Here are pictures from the past few days, including one with Dad and his two grandsons. Drive safely home, Grandpa Georiga! It was nice to see you!

Joshua's 10 Months Old!

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Grandpa Georgia

Joshua's physical therapy went well yesterday. I didn't think we were seeing much improvement in his movement, but PT Laura assured me she saw big differences. He moves in and out of the crawling position with ease, he sits up a little better on his own if you remind him how to get to the beginning stance, and he can stand a lot longer on his feet. I know that's all true from two weeks ago when she was here last, but I didn't know those things were "big" improvements." Then I told myself "baby steps" - how appropriate!We got a notice that Joshua's insurance was being cancelled because we make too much money (I'd hate to see poor people then - good grief!) and the medical review board doesn't see him qualifying for a disability. I called my representative at Early Intervention, and she assured me that this must be a glitch. If he qualifies for their services, he qualifies for medical assistance. So, I filled out the paperwork to have a hearing, and my contact is sending me the info I'll need to pass along to them. She also gave me the name of a supervisor in charge that she knows, who I left a message for. Hopefully this all gets worked out since he has some upcoming appointments for his hiatal hernia. Please pray!

Last night, we went out to dinner with both my sisters and their families and Dad & Annette. Unfortunately, Joshua threw up everywhere. Poor Bean! Poor Shawn, who was sitting next to him and took him to get cleaned up while I helped clean up his tray, etc. I think our little guy is exhausted from all the activity between camping and Grandpa Georgia being in town. He's loving all the attention and getting to play with all the new toys, but his schedule has been thrown for a loop. We'll get back on track soon enough. For now we'll enjoy time with Grandpa & Miss B-nette! Today after breakfast we went to Aunt Becky's house so the kiddos could play around at the playground in her development. It's a hot one today! VERY humid. Dad's picking up the ingredients for spaghetti now for supper tonight and Joshua is taking a much-needed nap. A nap doesn't actually sound too bad...

Six Teeth & Counting

This morning we went out to breakfast with Dad, and I noticed a new tooth on the bottom of Joshua's mouth. It's on his left side (or my right when I'm looking at him). I've been anxiously awaiting the top tooth on that side that I can see the ridges of but it hasn't poked through yet, and here the bottom one has already sprung up! Hooray for for da' Bean!

Seize the Day

Scary Moments
Last night over night, Jamie had three seizures. The only reason the nurse knew was because he had the call bell in his hand and when the seizure started, he gripped the button tightly to call her. So, they did a CATScan, which didn't show anything abnormal - thus, they continued to run more tests. To do the tests, they gave him medicine to make him stay still and also increased his seizure medication. He was completely incoherent. Mom called us first thing this morning (we were eating breakfast at Shady Maple with Dad) to ask for company. Becky went after breakfast, and I went just before dinner time. He looks completely different than the last time I saw him (we weren't able to go in since he had his surgery since children aren't allowed in the neurotrauma unit) - he had a little cap over his incision in his skull, but what was more sad was that he couldn't talk (they think this is a result of the seizure and should come back), and he fell in and out of sleep while trying to pull out his oxygen tube and pull off his gown & covers, etc. How scary cancer is! This picture is from my college graduation in 2001 - it's unbelievable how different he looks now.Amazing Moments
Today when Dad & Annette were here, I said "Yeah, Dad" and Joshua repeated "Yeah, Dad" immediately. All three of us looked at each other in amazement. There was no mistaking his talking. Joshua also tried cheese curls tonight (Shawn gave them to him) and he loved them. He's laughing away at Grandpa Georgia and loves the new toys he brought up.

Funny Moments
Becky called while we were still at my house unloading toys, and she said she was on her way over. After she said goodbye and hung up, I needed the broom so I handed the phone to Dad to hold for a minute. He took it and "answered" saying, "Hello?" because he missed me saying goodbye to Becky. I laughed so hard I almost cried. Was anyone there, Dad? Ha ha ha ha! (Guess you had to be there...)

More laughter! During dinner, Jen's dog Sage followed Faith outside when we were having our cookout, and "did his business" in the grass. Emma was heading off to play after dinner and found this pile, stopped right in front of it and gasped, clapping her hand over her wide open mouth. We all howled!

Sad Moments
Emma & Faith are both VERY sick with fevers, blisters in their mouths, and a virus they picked up from my sister's friend's kiddos. Faith's eyes were glassy at dinner, she was very pale and was sitting quietly not eating. I asked, "How you doing, buddy?" to which she looked behind her at Daniel (I guess girls aren't called 'buddy') so I responded, "No, sweetie, I'm asking how you're doing, Faith." She answered, "I have a boo-boo in my head. BUT, it's not like the boo-boo that Jamie has in his head." Soooo sweet! She has a headache but wanted to make sure I understood it wasn't THAT serious. I guess the girls keep asking when Jamie will get better so he can play again. Sad...

Cute Moments
One of the toys Grandpa Georgia brought for Jen's kids is this furry-looking spider-esque thing on a leash/string that makes noise as you walk it. I asked the girls what they had named their new little friend, and Gracie proclaimed JOSHUA! So cute! That's also what she wanted to name Daniel. She sure does love her little cousin, and he loves her, too.

Nice Moments
It's been nice to see Dad & Miss B-nette (what Grace has started calling Annette for some reason), my sisters, my nieces & nephew, and I also got to see Mom & Jamie today, not to mention having the pleasure of spending the day with Joshua, which I treasure. I also love seeing Shawn, too! Dad went with me to get my oil changed, pump gas, and deposit checks in the ATM. I also wrote two small copy jobs today. It's been a busy day! I think we're all exhausted, so I'll wait to post more until tomorrow.

The Kennel Family Reunion

We survived tenting with the Bean! This was the 39th Kennel Family Reunion (Shawn's mom's side of the family) at Dutchmaster's, the cabin near Wolfe's Store in Slate Run. Over 72 relatives camped there for the weekend - thankfully there are now three bathrooms. Shawn's entire family was there this year, which was nice.
This Year's Highlights

• Church Sunday morning where the family worships & prays together
• Watching fireworks over Pine Creek with Shawn (Grandpa Ginder had Joshua for this tradition to explain what the noise was all about)
• Joshua sharing his toys with other kiddos on the tarp in front of our camp site - new little friends! (The video above is so cute!)
• Building TWO campfires this year within the same circle
• Our tent & air mattress being set up already when we got there (Thanks Uncle Kevin, Aunt Missy, Aunt Erica and Grandma & Grandpa Ginder!) The pack 'n play was also inside the tent, but I didn't snap a picture until we were pulling things out to tear down.
• Not having to cook the whole weekend - hurray! And the camp food was delicious! Here's where we ate!
• No one got hurt (other than a few scrapes & bruises, especially on Aunt Missy & Grandma Ginder - I've never seen such a shade of purple!)
• Walking to Wolfe's for Moosetracks icecream - yum!
• The beautiful weather that was just the right temperature for hot outdoor fun and cooler sleeping; here's a picture of people playing volleyball
• The new toy that Grandma & Grandpa Ginder bought for Joshua's enjoyment and all the love and affection he received while we were there; here's a picture of Joshua trying canteloupe for the first time in his new toy
• Time to catch up with cousins, aunts & uncles, etc. Here's a picture of some of the various cars that were there.

This Year's "Low"lights

• The pickles at Wolfe's were spicy...bummer!
• The large nameless bug/moth/bird/scary creatures with fangs & wings - there were at least a half a dozen of these things near us. Here's a picture of one on the bathroom window, which doesn't even do it justice for how gigantic these things are.
• The pouring rain on Saturday night when I had to walk to the bathroom or not sleep (I chose the not sleep route)
• Pine Creek being too low to go tubing
• The baby pool water not being warm enough for the Bean to swim in
• Joshua not liking the car trip...two hours is his limit before the heartwrenching, earpiercing get-me-out-of-here SCREAM!
• The pesky mosquitos that I'm still itching from
• Missing worship Saturday night around the campfire because we went to bed just a bit too soon

Here's a picture of Daddy deflating the air mattress before we headed home. Click on it to see a slideshow of pictures from the weekend, mostly featuring Joshua. :)

Friday, the 13th

Deep Thoughts
I remember my friend Julie's husband Dan emailing me the Deep Thought of the Day (DTOTD) from time to time when I worked at MM. I was writing an email blast looking for quotes and stumbled across some good ones that were cracking me up! Here's a few deep thoughts for your enjoyment (more can be found at http://farstrider.net/DeepThoughts/Handey.htm):

• Love can sweep you off your feet and carry you along in a way you've never known before. But the ride always ends, and you end up feeling lonely and bitter. Wait. It's not love I'm describing. I'm thinking of a monorail.
• Once while walking through the mall a guy came up to me and said "Hey, hows it going?". So I grabbed his arm and twisted it up behind his head and said "Now whose asking the questions?"
• Sometimes life seems like a dream, especially when I look down and see that I forgot to put on my pants.
• I think my new thing will be to try to be a real happy guy. I'll just walk around being real happy until some jerk says something stupid to me.
• Instead of mousetraps, what about baby traps? Not to harm the babies, but just to hold them down until they can be removed?
• If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava, forget em', cause, man, they're gone.
• Probably the saddest thing you'll ever see is a mosquito sucking on a mummy. Forget it, little friend.
• To me, it's a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, "Hey, can you give me a hand?" you can say, "Sorry, got these sacks."
• Laurie got offended that I used the word "puke." But to me, that's what her dinner tasted like.

Interesting Bible Passages

Every morning, after Joshua eats his bottle, I try to read a passage from the Bible to him. Taking time to read then helps me reflect on God's word, and I'm also hoping that Joshua will know scripture, too, as he continues to grow. Depending on his mood, I can read a lot or a little. Sometimes, I only read so much because I want to reflect on those specific words God is speaking to us through the Bible at that moment. I thought I would share a few passages that I've been thinking about...

John 20:22-23
Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. "Receive the Holy Spirit," he said. "If you forgive someone's sins, they're gone for good. If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?"

Matthew 10
1-3 The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives.
5-8Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: "Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
9-10"Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
20And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.

Forget About Yourself
29-31"What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
32-33"Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you?
34-37"Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don't deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don't deserve me.
38-39"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.
40-42"We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God's messenger. Accepting someone's help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing."

Mark 9
There Are No Ifs
14-16When they came back down the mountain to the other disciples, they saw a huge crowd around them, and the religion scholars cross-examining them. As soon as the people in the crowd saw Jesus, admiring excitement stirred them. They ran and greeted him. He asked, "What's going on? What's all the commotion?"
17-18A man out of the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn't."
19-20Jesus said, "What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here." They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth.
21-22He asked the boy's father, "How long has this been going on?"
"Ever since he was a little boy. Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!"
23Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen."
24No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!"
25-27Seeing that the crowd was forming fast, Jesus gave the vile spirit its marching orders: "Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you—Out of him, and stay out!" Screaming, and with much thrashing about, it left. The boy was pale as a corpse, so people started saying, "He's dead." But Jesus, taking his hand, raised him. The boy stood up.
28After arriving back home, his disciples cornered Jesus and asked, "Why couldn't we throw the demon out?"
29He answered, "There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except by prayer."

I love how even with reading the Bible for as long as I can remember, God's word is still fresh and alive each day! This morning, I was also going through some old files looking for a CD and stumbled across the CD with our wedding powerpoint on it and some old photos of Shawn & me. Good times!