Showers of Blessings

I have to share a "Silly Bean" moment from this week. Last night after class, I was sooo tired. It's been a busy week, and my body is fighting off this cold (although I am feeling somewhat better). So, I decided a nice hot shower was in order to help my muscles relax. As I'm lathering up my hair, I see the curtain at the far end of the shower start to move. My heart jumped, and I quietly said, "Shawn???" He didn't say anything, which is unlike him, so I thought it was in my head and went back to enjoying the water. Then all of the sudden, the curtain flung open. I screamed! Then, I looked down. Looking back up at me was a little smiling face, laughing as he his cheeks were getting just slightly sprinkled with water as he leaned as far as he could into the bathtub. Oh, silly Bean! What is a Momma going to do with you? I hollered for Shawn again, who had already started making his way back upstairs when he heard my first cry. He said, "Bea-an!" and explained that he had went downstairs to grab a drink since Joshua had been nicely playing in the office. Somehow Joshua was just coordinated enough this time to twist the knob and push at the same time to get the door open to the bathroom and came toward the sound of the running water, which he loves. Silly Bean! You scared a momma! So much for a 'relaxing' shower! It did give me a good laugh, though, and I still chuckle when I picture his little laughing wet face. Daddy took our little tooter back out with him and re-closed the door, and I finished up and got into my PJ's to enjoy some time with my two lovebugs before catching some Z's.

Wacky Wednesday Turned into Thursday

I'll play with anything that looks like it could be a toy!

When we got home from breakfast yesterday, we got ready for Joshua's new physical therapist to arrive. She said that he's now due for an evaluation again, so instead of working with him, she asked me questions about his development in the areas of cognitive, speech...and something else. She said she'll score them and let me know where he's at. At his next appointment, which is near the end of February, she'll evaluate his physical development and we'll decide if more therapy is needed or if I'd like him to go on more of a tracking system. All I really wanted was for him to be able to walk and I'm thrilled that he's learned how to do that (praise God!). I also enjoyed hearing good suggestions and pointers from the PT, so I'm fine either way. If they think he's at a level that's good now, I'm definitely fine with just tracking. If they think there's more we could work on, I want the best for him and am willing to do what it takes. So, I'll be anxious to hear the outcome of the evaluation.

Last night I had class, which went okay but was a little disappointing to me. At the end of the class, I designed a game to help students review for the exam next week. They had to answer simple questions, and most of the folks were getting them wrong. Ugh! I say 'ugh' because I've shown videos, discussed case studies, went over the powerpoint presentations, asked questions throughout the nights to help instill the information in their minds, and they should be reading the textbook themselves. So, these questions really should have been a no-brainer. Instead, I saw that my class is heading toward failure. And, not all of the students...I did have some folks that got every question right (or at least 95%) but I also had some that didn't answer a single one correctly. I guess it's up to them to learn, but it drives me CRAZY! especially since I put all this time and effort into making the class informative, interesting and fun. Oh well...

This morning Joshua had a follow-up eye exam. I say follow-up because CHOP checked his eyes last December and called this December saying that he should be seen somewhere for his one-year checkup. So, I called the insurance company to see who takes his insurance and there was an eye doctor about 500 feet from our house. Super! (So I thought.) When I got there, they said that they don't have any pediatric eye specialists (even though I told them how old Joshua is when I made the appointment) but they take patients of all ages. Since we were there, I thought we'd give it a shot. Joshua wanted NOTHING to do with them looking into his eyes. The doctor BARELY spoke English and basically told me that his eyes respond well to light, he follows the pen around, and he couldn't see his retina because Joshua wouldn't let him. Umm...our insurance is paying for THAT? It lasted all of 30 seconds, and he told me to come back when Joshua's in Kindergarten unless we see any problems. I highly doubt we'll go back there, not that it's his fault, but I just think someone who specializes with children would be better at distracting them or at least not scaring them. Ugh!

Pancakes & Prayers

Monday night my Advertising class seemed to go well, and I quickly graded the assignment the students turned in that night, which included advertisements representing each stage in the advertising spiral. I love to see what ads are out there, so it wasn't difficult for me to read their papers and stay interested.


Tuesday, my cold took over. I had such a headache as I got ready for worship practice, but Bill just had surgery on his jaw to remove a cyst (please pray for him, if you think of it) and told me that I'd probably have to help lead. I took in a CD of a song written by Paul Baloche & Lincoln Brewster called "You are the One" (I downloaded it from Christianbook.com) so everyone could listen to it before practicing it. The song really spoke to me about God forming our hearts before we're born, how He ordains our days, and how all His thoughts toward us are holy "full of love and grace..." Bill told me he'd like me to lead half of worship Sunday morning to give him his aching jaw a break (which makes me nervous...I'm better at being one of the team members than actually leading but I will do whatever I'm asked to do) so I need to pick out some songs. May they all be pleasing to the Lord and help usher others into His presence.


That night when I got home, I had a message from my friend Jen (Waldron) Showalter (pictured left with her husband Ryan). Would I like to go to breakfast with her on Wednesday? Absolutely! Joshua somehow caught a second wind, so he and Daddy stayed up late while I shivered under the blankets (rare for me) and prayed that my severe headache would go away. The next morning, though, I felt good and Joshua slept right up until it was time for me to wake him to get ready to go. I picked Jen up and she treated me to a delicious breakfast at Denny's (thanks so much!). Joshua & I shared my eggs & pancakes (yum!) while Jen & I caught up over hot chocolate. She has an appointment with a surgeon in Jefferson Hospital within the next few weeks to schedule a time for brain surgery, which should take care of the seizures she's been having. I'm sure the thought of brain surgery is scary and overwhelming, but she is handling everything with true grace. Please pray for her, when you think of it. I've seen Joshua come through surgeries just fine, so I know my dear friend will be held with the same loving hands of God.

God's Little Boy Is...Friendly

God's little boy makes friends with others;

Those friends include his sisters and brothers.

True friends are always a gift from above;

Make it your goal to give brotherly love.

A friend loves you all the time.

A brother is always there to help you.

Proverbs 17:17

Dear God, we pray today that Joshua would be known as a friendly person. Give him a kind heart with a gentle spirit, a person that loves people and shares. I worry as I see him not sharing his toys with other little ones, and I pray that you would command his spirit to be more like you, where he would want to help others and make them feel good. Lord, only through your grace and mercy are we friendly toward one another no matter what the circumstance. Please help Joshua always be friendly and show your love and light to this world. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN!

A Week(end) of Worship

This past week was a busy week. Last Wednesday night while I was at class, Shawn took Joshua to church since the worship conference started with the youth edition and he was needed to supervise the A/V equipment. Thursday night, Derek took a turn upstairs, so I went to the conference by myself. However, I left after worship to go home and get some rest...then Friday I woke up feeling sick. I had terrible stomach cramps and feared what was going on, but that night I started feeling better so I went with Shawn to the conference again while Grandma watched Joshua (thanks, Mom!) along with Emma & Daniel at Jen's house since they had plans. Shawn was in charge of doing the A/V, so I helped him determine what song the worship leader was doing. At one point Stephen Jenks from Eagles Wings was finishing up a song, and I said to Shawn that I thought he'd do Revelation Song next. Shawn got it ready, but they were still in the wrong key and at a different tempo. But, soon he started slowing down as a gal read a scripture verse and I heard him change the key. I said, "I'm almost sure" so Shawn put it on the screen! I said "Wait!!!!" but just at that moment, Stephen started singing it with "Worth is the lamb who was slain, holy holy is He..." Shawn laughed and told me I could name that tune in less than one note. I told him we make a good team. :) :) :) We left early that night to make sure we were back to rescue Grandma at the same time Jen & Mike were to be home, but we were thankful that Joshua could play and have fun with his cousins.


Saturday morning we got a familiar call about doing breakfast with Grandma & Grandpa Ginder and Aunt Erica...only this time Shawn said no since he wasn't ready and they were almost there. So, we had supper with them instead. Afterward we hung out in their hotel room at Country Inn & Suites, and Joshua enjoyed sitting on the little stool in their room. Thankfully, another A/V member volunteered to take over that night for Shawn, so later we went out for "ice cream" with Aunt Missy & Uncle Kevin. Uncle Kevin used straws as drum sticks, and Joshua thought it was hysterical. He laughed and laughed every time Kevin would drum. Sooo cute!


Sunday morning, Shawn was upstairs again for A/V team responsibilities, but this time I sat on the main level with the Bean. He played with Austin (or rather took his toys) and shared his snacks (or Joshua ate all his Cheerios...but Austin didn't seem to mind, he just ate Joshua's) and then went down to the nursery for the service. He actually made it the entire way through! And, the sermon was really good on "Find Your Boat and Get Out of It." During the service, Pastor Mark prayed for everyone's tummies and said there's a stomach virus going around that has drastically affected Water Street Rescue Mission, etc. Afterward, I felt a lot better. The achiness that I had felt off and on since it made me double over on Friday went away.


I watched Jen's kiddos on Monday morning. Faith told me that she wants me to have a girl baby this time. I told her she better talk to God about it. :) We watched a Veggie Tales video in the background as we played, "Joshua & the Great Wall." The lesson was on obedience and doing things God's way, even when His way doesn't make sense to us. Junior Asparagus said that it wouldn't have made sense to cross the Red Sea, but then God parted the water; it wouldn't make sense for the Israelites to live in the dessert where there was no food, but then God provided manna from heaven; and it definitely wouldn't make sense to circle a wall seven days in a row and blow trumpets, but God delivered Jericho into their hands. So, if He tells us to do something, we should be obedient because He will take care of the rest. I felt like I learned something that morning...it's so neat how God speaks through even the little things in our lives. Then that evening Joshua & I came down with a cold...Jen & Mom both have it, too. Yuck! Pray that we feel better before Joshua's surgery on Tuesday!

Baby Good at Week 17

Fetal Development:
This is a period of rapid growth as the fat begins to form underneath the baby's skin. Baby and placenta are about equal in size now. The tiny heart is pumping as much as 25 quarts of blood a day! The reflexes are probably in place now as the baby sucks, swallows and blinks.

Maternal Changes:
Your uterus is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches below your belly button. The baby is going through a growth spurt and chances are, you may be gaining too! Average weight gain is between five and ten pounds at this point.

Have you felt any fluttering in your uterus? You may be feeling your baby move any time now if you haven't already!

God's Little Boy Is...WISE

Do you want to group up to be a wise man?

Do you want to be smart? God says you can!

Just seek out God's truth throughout your days,

And you'll be wise as you follow His ways.

The mind of a smart person is ready to get knowledge.

The wise person listens to learn more.

Proverbs 18:15

Dear God, we thank you for your wisdom from on high. We thank you that you have given us ears to hear and a heart to understand. We pray now that Joshua would read your word, eager to learn, and listen to instruction. We pray that he would be intelligent, make good choices and be known as a wise person. We love him, and we know that you do, too. Thank you for making him wise. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

God's Little Boy Is...GIVING

Giving to others is always a joy,

Even when giving a favorite toy

Some folks have plenty but end up poor,

While others give much and end up with more!

A person who gives to others will get richer.

Whoever helps others will himself be helped.

Proverbs 11:25

Dear God, please help Joshua be a giving little boy. Help him consider people above 'stuff' and money. Give him joy in being generous. And, please keep him from debt so he can feel free to give of his resources, time and talents. Please instill in him your wisdom and grace. Allow us to be good role models in this area as well, giving not to get but just to give. Thank you for caring for our entire family. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN!

Character Building Fun from Proverbs

A woman from my church who faithfully prayed for Joshua while he was in the womb gave me a book as one of my shower gifts called "God's Wisdom for Little Boys" by Jim & Elizabeth George. I've read it to Joshua often in his short life and gave a copy to one of my friends to share with her son because we liked it so much. As I've been asking God to show me how to develop character in Joshua, I've come to the realization that Joshua is doing well health-wise because people have prayed for him, he's learned how to walk because we prayed for his physical abilities and growth, he's got a charming personality and beautiful features because we've prayed for them, and if we want him to grow up to be like Jesus, we're going to need to continue to pray for him and his soul and motivations. Will you please join me in praying for him and his character? Since we've finished with the Fruit of the Spirit, I thought I'd start posting little passages from this book and pray for those each day. Thank you, God, for answering our prayers and caring about Joshua's nature as much or more than we do!

God's Little Boy is...HELPFUL

Being helpful is so rare these days!

But God's little boy helps in various ways

His wonderful service is known near and far,

Like the help he gives in washing the car.

Whenever you are able,

do good to people who need help.

Proverbs 3:27

Dear God, please develop a spirit of helpfulness in Joshua's heart. May he put the needs of others before his own and love his 'neighbor' as himself. Please instill in him the desire to "do good to people who need help, whenever he is able." Thank you, Jesus, for demonstrating helpfulness to us in the Bible. Help Shawn & me to also demonstrate this character trait so he has good role models. We are thankful for you working in Joshua's life to make him a man after your own heart. We love you and praise you. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN!

Down Three?

Yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment. It was originally scheduled for last week, but my OBGYN was sick and rescheduled it. Their scale showed I was down three pounds. Now, as you know from my previous post, that isn't even possible! All we did this weekend was eat! But, I guess we all fluctuate some. Dr. Conslato was asking me if I've been really sick & vomiting. Nope! Praise God! She told me to "keep up the good work." Haaaa!

At first she couldn't find the baby's heartbeat, but this time it didn't make me panic (unlike the time that Dr. Jimenez couldn't find Joshua's heartbeat and we went for STAT ultrasound only to see him moving all around). Dr. Conslato explained that there's still enough room for the baby to run from the monitor so she was basically playing a game of chase until she could get it. And, once she did, it sounded super! Hooray! My blood pressure & everything else looked good, too. Hooray!

She said at the end that I should really start narrowing down how I want to have the baby. All the sudden I started to panic inside. How am I ever going to leave Joshua??? I've been away from him one night since he came home from the hospital, and I cried the entire time. Even while he was at CHOP, we slept upstairs and I could sneak down if I was worried about him. I either have to leave him with a dependable family member (which they're all great, so I don't know why I worry...I guess I just miss him) or be without Shawn while we ushering the next one into this world. Oh, Lord, please give me strength and peace and help Joshua when I can't be with him.

Speaking of the Bean, I think Joshua does know some body parts, like his hands and feet, etc. We were also working on animal sounds and I asked him which one said "MOOOOO!!!" He climbed on top of the book (since he couldn't reach the cow from where he was sitting) and pointed right to the cow. Without waiting for me, he clapped for himself. What a ham! He's too cute! I asked him again later, and this time he pointed to the lion. But, this time he looked up at me waiting for the "ROARRR!" so part of me thinks he just wasn't into the game I was playing. He talks all the time, and this morning it sounded like "don't want to" when I said, "let's go put on your jacket." Now he's much too young to put together something like that, but sometimes his sounds really sound like something real. He also repeats certain words we say pretty clearly.

His favorite 'new' toy is the 'hooked on phonics' alphabet leapfrog radio that Jordon lent us. He doesn't know his letters, of course, but he LOVES the music and the lights. This thing has been singing non-stop in our house, and he carries it with him wherever he goes. Last night he was so tired that he fell asleep on Daddy's lap. But, he woke up again at 3 am. This time I was so exhausted that I just let him wail. This has to end! I felt so bad, but I can't keep getting up at night, especially when I have to teach tonight and truly need the rest. He didn't hold it against me, though. When I went in to get him this morning, he smiled and showed me his nightlight and overhead light and stuffed animals on top of his chifferobe as usual. :) I love him so much and feel so blessed to have such a wonderful son and husband. I must start taking more pictures...as soon as Shawn (hmm-hmmm) shows me how to use the camera. :) :) :) (LOVE YOU!)

Baby Good Week 16

Fetal Development:
If you haven't already, you may begin to feel movement as the baby's bones harden. The legs are now longer than the arms, and s/he is moving those arms and legs frequently, especially since there's still lots of room to move within the uterus. (I feel the baby moving every once in awhile, which reminds me I'm pregnant!)

Fingernails and toenails are growing too. In fact, some babies need their nails clipped right after birth!

Maternal Changes:
Do you have a stuffy nose or nosebleeds? As mentioned before, your blood volume increases 40% - 50%. This affects your estrogen levels which in turn swells your nasal membranes. This increased blood volume also causes your heart to work harder to support your pregnancy. This isn't a problem for a healthy heart.

Your ligaments continue to stretch, and you may be feeling achiness and pain in your abdomen. Your waistline is definitely a thing of the past, and your feet may be swelling by the end of the day.

Ideas for Dad:
Dad, do you both have a life insurance policy and a will? It may sound morbid to think about now but this is a perfect time to get them. If something should happen to either of your baby's parents, the other shouldn't have to worry about mortgage payments, college tuition, etc.

Family, Friends, and Did I mention FOOD?

Saturday morning we got a call from Grandma Ginder's cell phone - would we like to join them for breakfast? Is the Pope Catholic? Of course! So, we all got dressed and headed out to Eat 'n Park. Afterward, Grandma & Grandpa Ginder left and Aunt Erica came home with us. I left to pick up Mom to go to Badorf Shoe where we got some 'blue, blue, blue suede shoes, uh-huh-huh' for the Bean using the gift card from Brian & Gayle (thanks!). We then dropped Joshua off at the house to play with Daddy & Aunt Erica, and we left for a disappointing trip to the Motherhood Maternity Outlet. The one shirt I loved only came in a size that was 3 sizes too big and looked like a large tent on me, and while the jeans fit they all sat weird with the pockets seeming much too low to look 'normal.' So, we left without buying anything even though my clothes are starting to become somewhat snug as my body shifts as the baby grows.

After I dropped mom off and came home, Aunt Erica put together Joshua's new toy box (which he LOVES playing on and stores a lot of toys!) and his new activity table. Grandma & Grandpa Ginder came back over to pick her up and we visited with them for a little while. Then we took the Bean over to my Mom's since Shawn's friend Cory and his fiancee were coming over to our house so we could go out to dinner with them. We went to my favorite restaurant, Fiorentino's. YUMMMM!!! So bad for you, but so delicious. We picked up Joshua, and I gave him a bath as Shawn picked up drinks from Barnes & Nobles for us. I no more than read him his 'Kiss Good Night' book and started prayers until he was fast asleep. I continued holding him and rocking him until Daddy got home, and Shawn & I snuggled up together on the couch, much too full to even move.

Then Shawn woke up around 4 am sick. Joshua heard the master bathroom flush and decided he wanted to be up, too. I let him cry for almost an hour before picking him up. He seemed to have some gas, but fell right back to sleep as I sang to him....only to wake up as I put him back in the crib. He cried for another hour straight until I went back in, mostly because Shawn was sick and didn't want to have to listen to him cry. Again he went back to sleep but woke up in the transition. This time, I closed both doors and let him cry for the next couple hours until he passed out. So, we didn't make it to church Sunday in our tired stupor. But, when we got another call saying 'breakfast anyone?' I hopped in the shower and we got ready to go to see the Ginder fam before they left to go home. I ate sooooo much at breakfast, I felt like those maternity jeans wouldn't have even done the trick....ugh! We got home, put Joshua down for his nap, and mom picked me up to try our luck at the mall. I didn't find anything that looked right or was reasonably priced (other than a t-shirt that says 'oh baby!'), so we called it a day. Last night Shawn still wasn't feeling well, so we ended up having a low-key day where we read the newspaper (thanks, Mom!), played with Joshua and watched the all-important football games. I also read another chapter of advertising, which was much-needed.

This morning I went with Joshua, Jen & her kids, and mom (we had off today for Martin Luther King day) to JCPenny's to get pictures of Mom with all her grandkids. Then we had pizza for lunch and I'm back here blogging and putting together the powerpoints for my advertising class.

Happy 16-month Birthday, Joshua!

Today was Joshua's 16-month birthday. He finally slept through the night last night and was well-rested for his day today. I got him dressed this morning and he said "sock" and "shoe." We then went downstairs to eat breakfast, including cheerios & bananas.

Afterward, I finished up some things I needed to get done around the house and then we got ready and headed to Julie & Jude's house for a play date. It's always fun to see them, and with both of us expecting, it's interesting to watch how the boys interact with one another. They are both learning how to share their toys. The boys feasted on animal crackers, pizza and nutragrain bars, and Julie & I ordered in Chinese. I enjoyed catching up with her, and I think the boys had fun playing together.

Since he's still transitioning to one nap, there were a few moments of weakness there, but I think Joshua did okay for the most part. In one of his lay-down-I'm-exhausted-and-can't-be-good-much-longer moments, Jude was sweet and handed Joshua his prized "Blue Dog." Unfortunately, I didn't snap more pictures. Oh well. We left after lunch (Joshua now repeats the word 'coat' as I put it on him), and I hadn't even turned my car around until Joshua was asleep in the car seat. He woke up when I brought him in just long enough for me to take off his coat and then was out again for his big boy nap. In the meantime, I wrote a copy project and did some organizing for school. I had lots more to do, but he woke up and we played until Daddy got home. Happy 16-month birthday, buddy!

Happy Belated Birthday, Uncle Kevin!

I just ordered a new 2008 calendar since I was still looking at December 2007. When I was putting in my dates, I realized we missed Uncle Kevin's birthday just a couple days ago. Hope it was special!

No Wonder

We figured out last night why Joshua didn't like being in the snow. The snow suit was cutting up his chin. When we undressed him, I noticed his chin was bleeding and clawed at, but his nails are short right now. I felt so bad. Poor Bean! Isn't it amazing how sweet, loving and forgiving children are? He didn't hold it against us at all.

'Snow' Thankful

This morning Joshua went to the doctor's for his 15-month well-baby check-up even though he'll be 16 months tomorrow. It's hard to get in to see my two favorite doctor's and each time we wait a week, it pushes us back a week that has now turned into a month.

Joshua now weighs 22 lbs 10 oz (the 20th percentile) and is 31.75" tall (the 30th percentile). Dr. Tifft said he's 'all brains' with a head circumference of 18.75" (the 70th percentile). Joshua did NOT like his temperature being taken in his ear today, and it showed as 94.8 degrees. While the nurse thought it was probably the thermometer, she didn't take it again. Dr. Tifft seemed to think Joshua was doing well and gave me some things to work on with him. Then the poor Bean got three shots in his two arms. OUCH! He was so exhausted when we got home (he didn't sleep through the night again last night) but the electrician was here working so Joshua simply fell asleep in my arms only to be woken up by the noise. Finally after lunch he zonked out for a big boy nap and was much happier when he got up again.

I asked Dr. Tifft about Joshua's lack of sleeping...it's killing us both! (Last night Shawn was sweet enough to 'take one for the team' and rocked Joshua for a few hours so I could finally sleep since I had class the night before and was soooo beat from the many nights that Joshua's woken up screaming. I know people say not to go get him, but I waited almost an hour last night and finally couldn't take it. I tried giving him a little water, giving him the 'sniff' test to make sure it wasn't a dirty diaper, he didn't feel too cool...I just can't figure out why he won't sleep. It's not like he's sleeping a lot during the day or anything. I'm sure this will pass, too, which is basically what Dr. Tifft said.

After we got home from the pediatrician the snow started coming down. I don't think they were calling for anything but rain this morning, but these 'flurries' turned into a couple inches. When Daddy got home, I suggested we take Joshua out together to experience the glorious white stuff. Joshua cried as we bundled him up in the cute snowsuit lent to us by Cousin Grant. So, he was still not thrilled when we first got outside. After awhile, he enjoyed knocking the snow off our mini-trees, but not that much. He didn't want to walk around in his boots or do anything but be held, so we decided to come back in. Next time we'll have to rig up a sled of some sort to pull him around. I think he was too overwhelmed tonight. It was a busy day afterall!

Joshua has learned how to make his donkey sing and flap his ears and loves it. Cousin Jordon & Aunt Alicia lent us some new toys that Nonie brought over and Joshua is loving (thanks!). I'll end this post with a cute moment: today since Joshua was so cuddly after his shots, I asked him if he wanted a kiss from Momma. While he's been saying 'no, no, no' or 'sure' today he went 'eh, eh, eh' like I do when I'm trying to say "don't touch!" I cracked up! Silly Bean!

Baby Good 15 Weeks Gestation

Fetal Development:
If you have an ultrasound now, you may notice your baby sucking his/her thumb. The bones are getting harder each day. The baby's skin is very thin and transparent; you can see blood vessels through the skin. Lanugo, a very fine hair, covers the body and will continue growing on the baby until around the 26th gestational week of pregnancy. (Side note: when I worked at MM and Kristen told me about lanugo and how a baby gets rid of it in the womb...well, let's just say I'd get violently sick every time I thought about it. Then Joshua was born with his lanugo still in tact!)

Maternal Changes:
Your uterus will begin rising past your hipbones any time now. You can feel it about three to four inches below your navel. During your appointments, your care provider will be measuring "fundal height" to make sure your baby is growing consistently and adequately. Fundal height is the distance from the top of the uterus (fundus) to the pubic bone.

Boy or Girl? Should We Find Out?
If you have an ultrasound in the next few weeks, the technician may be able to make an "educated guess" at the gender of your baby.

Ideas for Dad:
Make sure you hug mom often. Research tells us that the more hugs mom gets, the more she'll hug the baby (and you too)!

Inspirational Thoughts:
A baby is someone just the size of a hug. ~Anonymous

Reflux Revisited

Yesterday, Joshua weighed in at 22.4 lbs, up an entire pound from last time he was there. Hooray! He also was very good for Dr. Devenyi, giving him a high five and smiling even when Dr. D was listening to him.

Dr. Devenyi said that since Joshua is doing well on the Prevacid, it's time to do another surgery. What??? Actually, we kind of knew this was coming. If Joshua's taking his reflux medicine and doing well, then this surgery should show no signs of inflammation in his esophagus if he was accurately diagnosed. However, since Joshua's eosinophil count was 17 last time (and 15-20 is considered the 'gray' area of "is it reflux or is it allergies?"), he wants to confirm that his esophagus looks good. If it doesn't or there are still eosinophils, then the problem is not reflux, the medicine is not the way to go, and we would have to go through extensive allergy testing to see what's going on.

The surgery is scheduled for February 5, Grandma Ginder's birthday. Our follow-up appointment to find the results is February 13. Please pray for the Bean that this surgery goes as well or better than last time!

Why Must Weekends End?

We had a great weekend. I got a lot done Thursday when Nonie watched Joshua (thanks so much!) and we ate a nice dinner with them that night and visited. Friday was 1/11, and I watched Jen's kiddos so she could do some birthday shopping for Faith and then she watched Joshua so I could take mom out to lunch. Please continue to pray for her.

Saturday was Faith's "Princess Party" for turning 4-years-old (I'll have to download my pictures later). After we came home as Joshua napped, Shawn & I worked on cleaning our house. The dust left from renovations is never-ending. I dusted and wiped down our furniture, cleaned the bathrooms and did laundry while Shawn took out trash, swept the floors and vacuumed. We also started putting things back in order like re-hanging our curtains and putting back our plants in our new bay window. It's nice to have things a little more 'normal' now. The insulation guys called and said they may swing over today to start prepping for the job that they're scheduled to do tomorrow. The electrician comes back Thursday to finish up his odds & ends, and then we just wait for our cabinets to come in to get our new kitchen. Hooray!

Grandma & Grandpa Ginder and Aunt Erica stopped in Saturday night and we went to Panera for supper. Then Sunday, Shawn was on 'duty' for the A/V team. I was debating on whether or not to go to church by myself with the Bean (Shawn has to be there a few hours early on days that he's working). I prayed about it and decided to go, asking God to give Joshua patience and gentleness and me strength and wisdom. We got ready and headed to town. I prayed for a parking spot where I could pull in. I saw one immediately! Thank you, God! As I was carrying the diaper bag and Joshua two blocks over to the church, I prayed for angels to help me carry everything up the stairs. A gal from youth group came up and asked to hold Joshua and offered to carry him upstairs for me. Thank you, God! Shawn was up another flight of stairs, which wind around and always seem somewhat slippery to me. I prayed for another angel to tell him I was there with Joshua, just so he would know. Another youth sat right in front of me, and I asked if he would mind going upstairs to tell Shawn that we were there. He normally bounces from floor to floor and said "Sure! I don't mind at all!" Thank you, God! Then, Joshua was amazing the entire service. He danced to the music and didn't rootch to get down out of my arms and played nicely when we sat down and even did well when I took him down to the nursery. Thank you, God! Shawn came down when he was finished and stayed with Joshua so I could hear the last part of the sermon (there was only one nursery worker when we had first arrived and several children and I didn't feel right leaving him alone).

After church, we met Dan & Julie and their son Jude for lunch. Julie & I worked together at Masterpiece Marketing until she gave birth to Jude and is now expecting her second baby as well - she's due to have a little girl the end of February. I actually found out I was expecting Joshua just five days before she had Jude, and when we went to see her in the hospital I hadn't eaten and it seemed like it was 5,000 degrees and my friend Kristen who was also pregnant was asking all about her C-section. Well, I just about passed out right then and there, and Julie immediately guessed I was expecting. While we hadn't planned on telling anyone yet, I couldn't lie and there was no getting around it. :) I promised her that this time I wouldn't faint again visiting her in the hospital, even though I'm pregnant again. :) Her & Dan are a super fun couple (I stole this picture off her website), and we just loved Jude's "shark tales" hat that came had a fin on it and all. For not having napped all day, Joshua did really well in the restaurant, too. Thank you, God!

I was so full and so sleepy after a delicious lunch at Ruby Tuesday's that I went home and ended up taking a four-hour nap while Joshua napped & played with Daddy and Shawn watched football. Then we all spent time together last night before heading to bed. Thank you, God!

I feel great today, even though I'm anxious about school starting. Today is my first day back for the semester and my first time teaching advertising. I'm also nervous because one of my classes is in an entirely different building that I have to find, along with the room. And, I have to make sure my keys work, etc. Oh well - I know God will take care of that stuff, too. This afternoon Joshua has a follow-up appointment with Dr. Devenyi (the reflux doc) and then Nonie's coming to stay with the Bean so I can get to Millersville early.

2008: The Year of New Beginnings

Last Sunday, Pastor Mark & Abby preached on 2008 being the "Year of New Beginnings." Last year was the "year of completion" so new beginnings is appropriate. They read this scripture passage from the New King James version:

Matthew 13: The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares

24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

The Parable of the Tares Explained

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” 37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Pastor Mark said that we would see miraculous healings this year...immediate deliverance. He gave his testimony of falling at his daughter's house over their Christmas vacation and really hurting his shoulder. The day before he was going to go to the doctor's office, God healed him in his sleep. I thought about the dermoid cysts I was diagnosed with and the next ultrasound showing NOTHING!

In his sermon, he talked about how we had to wait for deliverance until we had matured...if you tried to pluck the tares too quickly, wheat would be gathered as well. He said that this is a year of maturity where God will move swiftly and quickly to gather the THINGS out of the kingdom that offend and cast them into the fiery furance. So, we should look for healing and deliverance, as well as some pain as God works in our lives to make us more holy. This year has already started off wonderfully with Joshua walking and good news regarding his insurance and other things we've seen that we just say "That's God." The sermon was very, very good and I'm looking forward to this year as God continues to make us more like Him.

Some highlights

Our contractor & his crew have been here all week finishing up our house. The electrician should finish the final odds & ends tomorrow, and other than the kitchen we should be completely finished. We also have the insulation crew (separate from the contractor) coming Tuesday & Wednesday of next week. I'll be glad when everything is done so we can get our house back to a sense of "normal."

On Tuesday, we were without electric for the whole day as they switched out our panel. So, Aunt Erica & Grandma Ginder offered to let us 'crash their party' at Lois' house. Grandpa Ginder dropped them off here before heading to a meeting and the four of us drove to Paradise in my ride. Missy met us for lunch at Country Garden, and I thought Joshua was pretty well behaved for not sleeping the night before. He enjoyed all the attention and the food and the company!

Joshua & I have also been enjoying this Spring-like weather. It was in the mid-to-upper 60s this week, so we took a walk outside around the neighborhood (Joshua slept in the stroller) and have lavished the fresh air.

On Monday, Faith & Emma & Daniel came over to play while Jen went to Grace's school in the morning. All four of them were dancing in my family room when Faith hit the music button on one of Joshua's toys. It was so cute! Joshua definitely needs time around other kiddos so he learns how to share, etc. He's so cute, yet so spoiled. :)

Baby Good at 14 Weeks Gestation

Our baby is a whopping 3 1/2 inches long and is 1 to 2 ounces. S/he begins to practice inhaling and exhaling movements. The eyes and ears continue to move and develop, the neck is still getting longer, and the baby's chin no longer rests on his/her chest. The hands are becoming functional, and the baby is beginning to learn to move/use them (probably more reflex than anything). At this point, our little one is receiving all of his/her nourishment from the placenta.

Bean in a Bucket

Our little climber climbs into everything, including his toy bin. The only problem is that once he's in, he can't figure how to get out without toppling it over. While we try to help him out, if he's not done being in there, he just hops back in. Oh, silly boy!

This is Joshua playing in the bucket Grandma Good got him for Christmas. He's in his PJ's because it was almost bedtime when the picture was taken. Speaking of bed, Joshua has decided against sleeping again for some reason. He still hasn't gotten his one-year molars, so I don't know if it's teeth or if he's not feeling well or if he just thinks he doesn't need to sleep. The other night he SCREAMED the entire night long, even when I was holding him which is very out of character. I'm feeling like I'm walking in semi-zombie mode now. Three days of not sleeping through the night is taking its toll on me. Please, Joshua, sleep for eight hours straight! I was very sad when I thought of going through the sleepless nights with the new baby. I know they're worth it in the end, but that makes you feel so bizarre when you don't rest. I asked Joshua if he was ready for some breakfast this morning, and he said "sure!" Sometimes he doesn't respond and other times he does. It's so cute. He wasn't too 'sure' about the peaches I gave him with his cheerios and milk this morning. I thought they were delicious! Oh well.Today Joshua is spending the day with Nonie. I had a dentist cleaning/checkup this morning (which everything looks good -hooray!) and then my plan is to try to catch up on Millersville work since classes start Monday. But, I had a couple writing jobs come in and now I'm taking a quick break to blog. My eyes are also getting very heavy, so I may try to take a power nap. Or exercise. Probably the nap...anyone shocked?

Good Job, Contractors!

On Friday the contractors were here again working. Joshua LOVES to watch the guys work, and they all are super friendly to him. The one guy is a newly wed who told me that when his wife starts talking kids, he buys her a cat. :) Joshua was watching him putting up trim and then started wildly clapping. I said, "is Jason doing a good job?" and Joshua shouted at him "Go-gah!" sounded very close to "good job!" Jason laughed and said, "Thanks, buddy!" Joshua kept clapping for him every time he put a new piece of trim up. It was soooo cute!

Every time one of the guys went to leave the house, Joshua said "BYE!" and waved. Mostly it was Ken who kept coming in and out as he was working on the trim for our new bay window. Ken has a 3-year-old son and 1-and-a-half-year-old niece who lives with him, so he seems to understand kids. He'd say "bye" back and smile and wave each time. He also said "hi!" to Joshua, but Josh was only interested in him leaving. I think Joshua will be sad when they're done and all their equipment is gone, but I'll be glad to not have to worry about making sure he's not getting into things. And, I'll be super glad to have our house fixed up! :)