Joshua's Going to Have a....

BROTHER!!!!

The arrow is pointing to the proof that this is definitely a boy!

In fact, the day before, Joshua started saying baby. Then he said something that sounded close to "bro-der" and later "bah ba-by." I asked him, "Joshua, are you trying to tell me something or is God?" Sure enough, he was right! When we got to the ultrasound, the technician asked if we wanted to know gender. Well, I could already see it clear as day on the screen. There were two arms and two legs spread wide open...

This is the baby's profile. The bright white on the bottom is the back of our little boy's skull, and you can see the ear on the side and his nose and lips on the top. His head is much bigger than his body, and you can see a food at the very top of the picture.

Dr. Bayliss said the baby wasn't cooperating, so they were having a hard time checking out the heart and lungs in depth. So far, everything looks good and normal. But, it was too hard to tell for sure because the baby was hiding behind my belly button and then would only show his spine or open legs and not the abdomen that they were concerned with. So, we go back on March 20 to confirm that our baby boy is 100% healthy.

This is our baby's face in 3-D. You can see his chin start just above the black circle in the middle, his little mouth is open above that, you can tell the nose and eyes and forehead.

The pictures we got are a little too detailed, if you ask me. The baby's face looks like cottage cheese and Dr. Bayliss said he looks like the Terminator. So, we laughed that we're having T2. I've never seen the movie and didn't know what that looked like, but I looked up a picture on the Internet last night. That is what an ultrasound basically looks like. The picture on the left is looking at the baby's face like you would "normally" see it (i.e. vertical). You can see the outline of the head, the eye holes and the nose and chin bone.

Here's the baby's face again via a "normal" ultrasound image.

While we would have been thrilled to have a girl, too, we're excited to give Joshua a brother to play with and bond with. Everything we have is blue - the nursery is yellow & blue, our stroller is blue, all our clothes and blankets are blue, etc. Not that it makes a big difference, but it will be nice to not have to buy anything new. And, I can picture these two boys being pals and hanging out together playing sports (or whatever they'll do), and I think it will be nice for both of them. Dr. Bayliss warned Joshua that his little brother might be bigger than him at 16 or 17 so he should whoop him good at 12. We laughed. Welcome, little one! We'll have to narrow down your name now!

My Husband is Amazing...and then some

Shawn came home around lunchtime so he could join me and the Bean in heading to Dr. Bayliss' office for our ultrasound. He walked in the door carrying a beautiful bouquet of red roses...what a man! We went to the ultrasound (more on that to come) and then he bought me ice cream to celebrate. When Joshua napped, so did we and then we went out to dinner. Since we had Joshua,, we thought 'Friendly's!' It's not romantic, but it's very kid-friendly and that's as much romance as we can get. Well, everyone else in Lancaster County had the same idea. We were there for two hours, but it was great spending time with my two lovebugs. Joshua wore his "I love (with a heart) mom" shirt all day and an "I love daddy" bib. While we were at dinner, a little girl came running over to our table, dropped off a tiny little Valentine between Joshua & Shawn and literally RAN the other way. We laughed and laughed. Joshua's already getting the girls, and he's not even 17 months old yet!

When we got home, I helped Shawn pack and think of anything he would need last minute and he started downloading a movie from Amazon to watch on our TiVo. While our tradition for the past eight years has been to watch a horror movie on Valentine's Day, we were just too tired. We ended up watching a quick TV program to unwind after Joshua was in bed and then we nodded off ourselves. It was still a wonderful day to be in love... Shawn is an amazing husband and father, and I love him very, very much.

Kitchen Transformation

Thursday our kitchen started being torn out. We have cabinets in our living room, dining room and kitchen, appliances on our sun porch and even a sink in our front yard. Oh, the joys of remodeling! The dust (and other things) that were found under the cabinets were DISGUSTING, and I think I'm literally high from the glue (?) that they're using for the countertop. But, I'm anxious to see the finished product. Hooray!

Cold & Cleaning

This morning I took Joshua's laundry downstairs and started to wash it. Then I decided to finish cleaning out the last of our small things from the kitchen, just in case they start tomorrow, which the contractor said might be a distinct possibility. Joshua & I ate breakfast together afterward, and he wanted to sit at the table with me. He didn't fall off, scoot around to get down, or act wild. He seemed to really enjoy being at the big people table, so I think it's time to hook up our 'to-go' booster seat at our table and leave the high chair for our next little one.


Afterward, I decided to continue on my roll and started cleaning. I did all our laundry, cleaned all three bathrooms including wiping down the walls in the master bathroom shower and scrubbing the family bathtub, wiping the walls in the bathrooms and the sinks and mirrors, sweeping the floors in the bathrooms and the kitchen and dining room and living room, dusting the family room and living room and our bedroom, picking up toys in the playroom and familiy room, etc. I'm exhausted now and still feel like I should vaccuum, but I think I'll take a break. Shawn told me to "knock it off" since he's worried that I'll do too much with the baby. I told him that I just felt like it today...I can't bake right now which is my normal 'nesting' activity when it's yucky outside, so cleaning was a second best.


Joshua helped with the laundry (he LOVES peaking in the dryer and throwing socks onto the laundry room floor), stomped through my dirt pile in the kitchen, and helped me throw toys in his bin (sometimes taking them out rather than putting them in). The scrubbing waited until he was napping. As tired as I feel now, I'm so glad that classes at Millersville were cancelled for this evening. Hooray!!! It's still raining out and I'm sure they're concerned about the roads freezing later tonight. Hopefully I'll get a second wind later and can pack our stuff for this weekend. If not, there's always tomorrow.

Stinkin' Dark

Yesterday it began to flurry...then it began to snow...then it began to rain...then it began to freeze with ice everywhere. It was beautiful, and it's quite wonderful that I no longer have to travel out in it. Joshua and I watched with interest from inside as the ice pelted down. Then last night just before his bedtime (thank God Shawn had already changed him into his PJ's when he needed a fresh diaper), our electricity went out. It was STINKIN' DARK (as Grandma Ginder would say). Joshua cried out because even though he was less than two feet from us, he couldn't see us. Shawn picked him up while I helped dig out our flashlight, candles and lighter. We looked outside and the entire neighborhood was dark. So, we lit a million candles, and I grabbed the cell phone to call mom and make sure she had power and was okay. She was, so we decided to put Joshua to bed, who in the meantime had grabbed the flashlight and was waving it around and laughing about it. That is, until he'd accidentally shine it right into his own eyes, which royally aggravated him. Silly Bean! We took the light and put him in his crib and then chatted in our room with the candlelight until the lights came back on an hour later. Joshua was already asleep, so we set our alarm clocks, set the cell phone alarm clock "in case" and kept it by the bed, blew out all the candles and decided to call it a night.

Baby Good at Week 19

Fetal Development:
Along with the lanugo, vernix caseosa forms on your baby's skin. Vernix is a white cheesy substance that protects your baby's skin from its aquatic environment ~ imagine how your skin would look if you sat in water for nine months! The placenta continues to grow and nourish the baby. (Vernix is what really made me gag thinking of this stuff on the baby's skin, that eventually the baby ends up eating...YUCK!!!)

Maternal Changes:
You may be noticing several skin changes. These are hormone-related and will disappear after delivery. You may have the "mask of pregnancy" - blotchy patches on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Itchy skin is also very common. Your skin may be dry and flaky in certain areas and many pregnant women develop rashes, particularly on the stretched skin. You can't prevent stretch marks but lotions or oil can ease the dryness and itching. Drinking lots of water and eating a healthy diet will go a long way in reducing dryness.

Tomorrow's the Day!
Pretty in pink, beautiful in blue
We'll find out tomorrow, that much is true!

God's Little Boy is...Obedient

God teaches children that they should obey

The rules set by others and do what they say.

And God's little boy makes no exceptions -

He always minds and follows directions.

The son who obeys what he has been taught shows he is smart.

Proverbs 28:7

Dear God, please teach Joshua obedience. I think it is a lesson we all are continuously learning, but I pray that you would give us grace when we fall short and help us to be quick to follow your directions and obey your commands. Thank you for teaching us the way to walk and behave through your Word. I pray that Joshua would show that he is smart by being an obedient child and adult. We thank you for him and for teaching him and guiding us as parents. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN!

Monday

Last night into this morning, I've had an awful headache. I think it's sinus pressure or something - ugh! It's starting to feel a little better as the day wears on. This morning I looked into Joshua's mouth and saw SEVERAL new teeth appearing. He has a new one that's poked through on the bottom and right next to it his gums are so swollen but I can see the tiniest tip of yet another tooth. On the other side, I see the white of the teeth but it doesn't look like they're quite through yet. That top tooth is really coming down, and I see the white of the other teeth around it. It seems weird to me that he's getting the new ones all at once when the other teeth he got was more of a process. So, I think he'll be grumpy for a little bit (all those teeth at once has to hurt) but then we should be good for awhile! Hooray for the Bean!When we were playing this morning, I asked him where his ears were. He grabbed my ears instead, but at least he grabbed ears! He also knows where his nose is, but doesn't point to his eyes yet. One day at a time, right? Joshua also likes "big people" toys. I think we could take away most of his toys and he would be content to play with ours. From lids to pots & pans to remote controls and cameras...anything of ours he can grab (a broom and a plunger included!), he seems to enjoy. He's been carrying around tax and antivirus software cases for the past several days, and this morning he picked up my checkbook and pen of the desk and was happy as a clam. Oh, Bean!Now I should finish blogging because I really must prepare for class tonight. Have a super day!

Sunday

Sunday morning, Daddy left early since he was on the A/V team. Joshua & I got ready and met him there. The Bean kept crawling onto the bench seat to smile at the pretty gal who was sitting behind us. I think he's intrigued by curly hair, and he kept waving & grinning at her and she was kind enough to smile back. We took him down to the nursery after worship, and he did well again the entire time! Hooray! Shawn & I listened to the sermon together, and I kept waiting for our number to show up, but it never did. The sermon was good on God not being an event-oriented God but more one concerned with the process...so we're not to give up. That was the second sermon I had heard that day. As we were getting ready in the morning and driving to church, I heard the LCBC sermon broadcasted over WJTL about Christianity being simple...it's all about Jesus. We make it about so many other things, but in the end, it's not who we are or what we did, it's about what Jesus did for us. A simple message of truth that never gets old. I highly enjoyed it.

After we got home, Grandma & Grandpa Ginder and Aunt Erica came over for lunch. They brought with them fresh fruit from Florida and I was in heaven! The strawberries, canteloupe and oranges simply melted in your mouth...soooo good and refreshing. We've been steadily devouring them. They also came bearing gifts for Joshua from Disney (thanks so much!). Then they played with Joshua's new soft blocks before heading back to Morris one last time. It's weird to think we won't see them again until we have another child in our arms (well...Shawn will see them at their house this weekend, but Joshua & I won't...).

It was soooo windy and so cold yesterday - a definite change from the weather earlier this week. It sounds like the Ginder fam had quite the car ride home, too, with ice and snow and slow traffic. Ugh! I'm sure they won't miss this in Florida!

Saturday

Saturday morning, we met Nonie at the Turkey Hill in Ephrata and handed her the Bean, who spent the day in Reading with her, Poppy & Jordon. Meanwhile, Shawn & I worked strenuously at emptying all our kitchen cabinets and drawers. Some of the boxes went into the garage while others went into the cupboards in our laundry room. We left very few things out for this week (but we made sure we could have easy access to our supplies if we really needed anything) in preparation for our new kitchen. The contractors are supposed to start gutting our old cabinets on Presidents' Day, so this was our last weekend to work since Shawn's helping Grandma & Grandpa Ginder move to Florida this weekend. All I can say is that I had no idea we had this much stuff!!! I'm not even a gourmet chef, and I have more gadets & utensils, pots & pans, and dishes than most restaurants need! :) :) :) We got it all done, though, and I'm anxious for our new kitchen to arrive.

After we were finished, we talked about starting to put the closet organizer in what will be Joshua's new room, but we were both beat. So instead we headed to Barnes & Nobles, a place we used to love visiting and don't get to go to anymore since we feel it's too quiet of an atmosphere for Joshua. We sat down with our drinks and five baby name books each, looking up middle names for girls and boys names. We now have a short list that we agreed on for each, and we're anxious to find out what we'll have - on Valentine's Day we'll know!

We headed up to Berks County and ate a delicious dinner with Nonie & Poppy, including a pork roast, potato & cheese soufflé, green beans, soft bread, pear salad and brownies for dessert. We hung out with them and chatted while the boys continued to play until about 8:30 when we decided to call it a night. Thanks for watching Joshua & inviting us over for dinner! We had a great time!

Friday

I got a call from Mom Friday morning asking if I'd like to do lunch with her. Hmmm...when have I ever turned down good food and great company? So, I said ABSOLUTELY! My sister Jen was kind enough to let Joshua eat and play with her over lunchtime so I didn't have to worry about him in the busy restaurant. I enjoyed seeing Mom for lunch and then played with Jen's kiddos some before we left (they wore me out!). Friday night, Shawn called on his way home from work and told me to be ready with Joshua. You got it! We went for quick shopping trip, ate dinner at a a new pizza shop over on Lititz Pike, and then headed to Brian & Gayle's house to meet Jenavieve. We had a nice visit and stayed a little over an hour. She has the tiniest little body and head but long fingers and toes...so cute! Joshua was VERY interested in seeing his new cousin, and he stood right next to whoever was holding her. He didn't ever try to touch her, but he was intrigued by her sounds and this small bundle that was being passed around. It was precious. Joshua also loved seeing Grant and giggled with him. I completely forgot to take my camera - DOH!

We've got ourselves a singer...

I was singing to Joshua this afternoon as we rocked before his nap. I sang "Put your head on my shoulder...put your cheek to mine, ba-by...do, do, do, do" and Joshua quietly sang "do, do, do, do"...IN KEY!!! I thought I couldn't have heard him right, so I continued to sing and each time we got to that part, he would sing it again. Tonight I tried to snuggle him a little after dinner (he was NOT tired then) but he did sing it once for Daddy. Soooo cute!

Sometimes a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...

A New Random Tooth?

Joshua's gums have looked a little swollen to me lately like he's getting new teeth...I can even see a little white around his other eight teeth, but I still haven't seen or felt his molars come in. Yesterday we were playing, and I decided that maybe I wouldn't get bit if I tried to see if they were back there. While I didn't feel them, I can feel and see that he has a new tooth on his top right side about half way back that's through. All his other teeth started with the bottom, but there's a tooth out now for sure in that random spot. Poor Bean getting teeth on top of his sickness! But, it's also exciting...soon he'll be able to chew!

Baby Good at 18 Weeks

Fetal Development:
Our little one is nearly half a pound now and very human looking. Pads are forming on the fingertips and toes, and the eyes are looking forward rather than out the sides of the head. Meconium, the baby's first bowel movement, is accumulating within the bowel. If your baby is a boy, his prostate gland is beginning to develop.
If you notice your belly making jerky movements in sync, don't panic; your baby may have the hiccups!

Maternal Changes:
Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint are normal during pregnancy. These symptoms aren't harmful unless they occur frequently or severely. "Postural hypotension" is low blood pressure due to a change in position and happens frequently in pregnancy because your cardiovascular system doesn't react as fast.

Your uterus is just below your belly button now.

If you're having an ultrasound to verify fetal age or for other reasons, your careprovider will probably schedule it between now and 20 weeks. It's often possible to determine your baby's sex at this stage, and you'll be able to tell arms from legs and all sorts of delightful details!

Ideas for Dad:
Are you a "Mr. Fix-It" kind of guy? It's common for dads to feel very protective of moms. Often, Mom will need a big shoulder to cry on and get out all of those crazy pregnancy emotions. Dad can feel rather helpless listening to Mom carry on, and in his frustration, try to do what he can to "fix" whatever she's grumbling about. Dad, relax. Nine times out of ten, Mom just needs to vent and really doesn't expect you to act upon her complaints. As hard as it may be for you, just LISTEN! Give her your undivided attention. This is the best gift you can give to Mom.

Inspirational Thoughts:
"If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much." ~Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

God's Little Boy is...Hard Working

A fool sits around and dreams of plenty,

Failing to rise and work intently.

But a wise little boy works hard and long,

Doing his chores while he hums a song.

The person who works his land will have plenty of food.

But the one who chases useless dreams isn't wise.

Proverbs 12:11

Dear Lord, we ask that you would give Joshua your spirit of being hardworking. We pray that he would not be lazy, but you would give him a fervor for doing good, being available and willing to work, and we ask that you would give him favor in whatever he sets out to do. May he be the type of person that you can count on to 'get the job done,' be there on time, work efficiently, not call off without a good reason and be respected in his career choices and whatever work he needs to do for his family someday. Help us, also, Lord to work hard and be joyful in the process. We love you and praise you. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

I've Survived!

I've made it several hours without throwing up, so I'd say I'm on the mend. Daddy came home half a day to take over for me, allowing me some much-needed rest. We also deposited the check from selling our first ever rental property, and since we were up that way we decided to stop at the JCPenny's Outlet. I had HUGE success in finding maternity clothes and at great prices. Jeans were only $10, so I bought two pairs. And, I found some t-shirts and other things that will get me through until the baby's born (hopefully), all for under $10. I had also won an eBay auction, where I bought several sweaters and dressier shirts and a pair of khakis. So, without spending a lot of money, I think my wardrobe is pretty well stocked for the next few months. Praise God! It definitely lifted my spirits from feeling so blah. We were in and out in 20 minutes, which was about how long I felt like I could stand up and not pass out. All the women in the store oohed and aahed at how adorable Joshua is, and he was hamming it up (I think he now understands the attention a little more.) Please pray that everything is okay with the baby and that we all feel better soon...

A funny moment from today (everyday has to have at least one thing that cracks you up, right?). Shawn & I were on the road and he pulled into Starbucks to get me my favorite Chai (which was a little spicy, so it's now in the fridge). After hearing, "Can I help you?" he started ordering his Java Chip Lite Frap and a voice came back saying, "Shawn, can you please come here and make me a drink?" We both stopped, stunned. The voice came back saying, "Is that everything?" and he ordered the Chai. When we got up to the window, the gal apologized and said her co-worker forgot to turn off her headset. We were cracking up, and he explained his name was Shawn, so it was that much more funny.

Happy Birthday, Grandma Ginder!

Happy Birthday, Grandma! We hope you have a super-duper great day, and we have a special gift waiting for you when you're up from Florida!

Welcome to the Family, Jenavieve!

Brian called last night to tell us that Gayle just gave birth to a little baby girl, Jenavieve Ann. We would love to go meet her and see the family, but I don't want to risk getting anyone sick. Our thoughts & prayers are with ya'll! Can't wait to meet the newest addition! Here's a picture of Aunt Missy holding her newest niece, "borrowed" from the Ginder website. :)

Diagnosis Bean

Last night Shawn took Joshua to the doctor's because I was too weak to go. Joshua was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection and viral infection. He also lost over a pound since he was in two weeks ago, and they want us to make sure he stays hydrated. The doctor showed Shawn where Joshua's glands are super swollen and sticking out of his neck. Poor Bean! The doctor did say that he should be back to himself within a week since he's already been sick for one week. Please pray that he's completely healed up ASAP! I hate to see a sick little buddy!

Too Sick for Superbowl, Too Sick for School, Too Sick for Surgery

Unfortunately, Joshua started throwing up yesterday morning. I believe our "cold" might actually be the flu, which I've gotten emails from MU that they've seen over 100 cases of within the past week or two. So, I stayed home and cuddled a schnarky, sick Bean while Daddy went with friends to see the Superbowl. Since we were warned that Joshua can't be sick at all (no chest cold, no vomitting, no diarrhea) for his surgery, we decided that it was better to postpone it rather than take the chance of going in tomorrow morning just to be sent home. The nurse I spoke with this morning agreed. His new surgery date is Tuesday, February 19.

This morning I woke up and began vomitting. Ugh!!!! I haven't been able to keep a thing down, and I feel so woosy and awful. I hate calling in sick to work, but there's no way I could drive to MU tonight let alone teach for three hours straight. The department chair is also out sick - it really is going around.

Please pray for us - Joshua has a doctor's appointment tonight to check him out and make sure he's okay and I figured I'd give it a day or two before calling a doctor for me. I just need to find a way to stay hydrated since everything I've drank has come back up... well, I must go lay down now that Daddy is finally home to take care of our little one...

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.