Showing posts with label Raising Joshua. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raising Joshua. Show all posts
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Meeting Joshua: Part 4
The Junior High students seemed more energetic than usual. And loud.
Contraction.
We were in the middle of the game for the evening. I glanced at my phone's clock: 7:35PM. The next one came at 7:45PM. The music for youth group was just starting and I sat down to time it. The contraction lasted about a minute and was, what I considered, about average in strength. The next contraction came. 7:55PM. Three contractions at 10 minutes apart. I told Joel I had a couple contractions just so he knew, but that I would be fine through his lesson.
8:10. 8:17. 8:30.
Ok, they are getting some rhythm to them and are strong contractions, but nothing to write home about just yet.
We finished youth group, I got Jeremiah from the nursery and we chatted with our youth leaders a bit. The contractions were still coming at a steady and rhythmic pace and I started getting a bit anxious.
It's snowing outside, I thought, and it's supposed to snow a lot all through the night. We need to get home.
I barely remember the conversation we had with our friend and I knew it was something serious, but I also knew I needed to get home. We needed to call Joel's sister, my mom and get our bags packed. I started telling Joel we needed to get going. Another contraction. No, seriously, we need to go. I gave him a pleading look and he knew right away what I meant by it.
We were out of the church a little after 9:00 and the roads were already a slippery snow ridden mess. We had to drive super slow and it took us twice as long to get home as it usually did. Joel and I decided to have his sister head over sooner rather than later since the roads were getting worse and she could stay the night with us. I called her and she said she would be over as soon as she could. I began to get Jeremiah ready for bed; Joel started packing his bag.
Contraction after contraction. They were getting stronger and closer together. They were not as strong or as close together to warrant going to the hospital, but we knew the snow was a major factor. Go to the hospital now before the weather gets any worse or wait and go to the hospital who knows when with over a foot of snow on the ground? We also live near one of the worst interstate combinations and the thought of going with snow and rush hour traffic sounded rather unpleasant.
I knew that going to the hospital in early labor would mean the nurses might get too pushy (no pun intended, ha.) if I was not further along than they wanted. I knew if I went in they would start pressing me to get labor going at the speed they thought best. It was best to get to the hospital. I'd deal with the nurses, I guess.
Joel's sister arrived at 10:30. Jeremiah was in bed. We talked for a bit as I finished packing my bag. The contractions were getting hard and I had to stop with each one to breathe through them. I gave my sister-in-law the run down on Jeremiah and she said that she hoped to get the next day off because of the snow.
We left home at 11:45PM. The roads were a slushy, slippery mess and it took us 15 minutes longer to get to the hospital than normal. The contractions were difficult to manage on the way, but nothing like the pain I had experienced in the car ride with Jeremiah. We arrived at the hospital, with snow abounding, and I started the check-in process while Joel parked.
I am here, again, already? The last time I sat in this chair I got it all wet. Hahaha. I let the memories flood back through my mind as the receptionist asked me a bunch of questions. My mom arrived with my sister as I was finishing and we headed up to labor and delivery! I turned down the wheelchair since I was feeling great- I wanted to keep the contractions coming!
I am here, again, already? The last time I walked these halls we had welcomed our firstborn son into our home. Who will we meet this time?
Friday, March 30, 2012
Memories and Milestones
Trying to eat lunch (cheddar bunnies, pb&j on a tortilla and an Izze- I thought I was on a health kick?) as quickly as possible so I can finish laundry while Jeremiah is napping. Joshua is resting on my knee and giving me the cutest coos ever.
These boys are growing up so quickly. It's crazy. I want to soak up every moment of their baby and toddlerhood because I know it, out of all the stages, is the one that is over in the blink of an eye. I'm doing {mostly} well at letting lots of things go undone so I can enjoy my children while they are little
Jeremiah- 18 months
Jeremiah is starting to talk SO MUCH. He said his first word, "uh-oh," at 9 months and has had a pretty steady vocabulary growth since then, but the last week he tries to repeat everything. I love the way he says yes. SO CUTE.
Yesterday he was watching the Donut Man and I heard the sound on the TV go off. He came to me in the kitchen with his hands stretched out to the side and said, "happen?" He has learned to turn off the TV with the buttons on the side and when he did it last I had come in the living room saying, "What happened?"
Yesterday we went to a new park that has a two story twisty slide. He climbed all the way up to the top by himself and wanted to go down alone. I went down with him the first time and he went alone the second time. It's a big slide- I cannot believe he wanted to go alone!
I love how he gets in Joel's face and says, "Hi, Dadda. Hi, Dadda. Hi, Dadda."
I love how, at bedtime, he says, "hand," after Joel finishes reading the Bible because he knows it is time to pray.
The other day he was watching YouTube videos of football (I know, I know), which he calls "bow" after Tim Tebow and he started running all over the house saying, "football" as he looked for his football. He finally found it in his bed (since he had napped with it) and came running back out to the TV. He proceeded to throw the football around a couple of times. He does this when he watches football and I love it!
Joshua- 3 months
This little boy is ALL smiles, oh my word! He is a wiggle worm, talker, smiley and can already inch forward when laid on his tummy. He sleeps great, but has a hard time getting to sleep when he hears Jeremiah playing. He'll be almost asleep, hear Jeremiah and give me the biggest smile that seems to say, "I want to go play, too, Mom!"
He likes being outside and is very attentive to sounds.
He's only spit up twice.
I can eat everything since nothing seems to bother his little tummy.
He holds his head up like a champ and is mastering turning his head while holding it up. So cute to see it wobble as he tries to watch Jeremiah run around.
I love the way he looks up at me- like just now- when he is sitting on my lap. It's like he is saying, "Hi, momma."
He sucks his thumb. He has since he was born and my guess is he did in the womb. He also sucks both thumbs- SO CUTE- and I have yet to get a good picture of it!
Last night he almost fell off of my lap because I was not paying attention and forgot he is trying to roll over all the time.
***I wrote this and 10 minutes later Joshua rolled from tummy to back for the first time.***
Ministry
This was a full week of ministry and the weekend is just as packed. We had Skate City on Tuesday, regular church on Wednesday and the worldview class (that I teach) on Thursday. This is all after Jeremiah and Joel being sick last week. We have been resting when we can. The house, laundry and carpets are proof.
Two kids broke their arms at Skate City. It was fun. We made almost $800 for the Mexico mission trip. Jeremiah and Joshua were so good. Jeremiah hung out with Mrs. Vaz and Emmori.
The worldview class was GREAT! We discussed philosophy and prayed for the speakers at the recent Reason Rally in D.C.
These boys are growing up so quickly. It's crazy. I want to soak up every moment of their baby and toddlerhood because I know it, out of all the stages, is the one that is over in the blink of an eye. I'm doing {mostly} well at letting lots of things go undone so I can enjoy my children while they are little
Jeremiah- 18 months
Jeremiah is starting to talk SO MUCH. He said his first word, "uh-oh," at 9 months and has had a pretty steady vocabulary growth since then, but the last week he tries to repeat everything. I love the way he says yes. SO CUTE.
Yesterday he was watching the Donut Man and I heard the sound on the TV go off. He came to me in the kitchen with his hands stretched out to the side and said, "happen?" He has learned to turn off the TV with the buttons on the side and when he did it last I had come in the living room saying, "What happened?"
Yesterday we went to a new park that has a two story twisty slide. He climbed all the way up to the top by himself and wanted to go down alone. I went down with him the first time and he went alone the second time. It's a big slide- I cannot believe he wanted to go alone!
I love how he gets in Joel's face and says, "Hi, Dadda. Hi, Dadda. Hi, Dadda."
I love how, at bedtime, he says, "hand," after Joel finishes reading the Bible because he knows it is time to pray.
The other day he was watching YouTube videos of football (I know, I know), which he calls "bow" after Tim Tebow and he started running all over the house saying, "football" as he looked for his football. He finally found it in his bed (since he had napped with it) and came running back out to the TV. He proceeded to throw the football around a couple of times. He does this when he watches football and I love it!
Joshua- 3 months
This little boy is ALL smiles, oh my word! He is a wiggle worm, talker, smiley and can already inch forward when laid on his tummy. He sleeps great, but has a hard time getting to sleep when he hears Jeremiah playing. He'll be almost asleep, hear Jeremiah and give me the biggest smile that seems to say, "I want to go play, too, Mom!"
He likes being outside and is very attentive to sounds.
He's only spit up twice.
I can eat everything since nothing seems to bother his little tummy.
He holds his head up like a champ and is mastering turning his head while holding it up. So cute to see it wobble as he tries to watch Jeremiah run around.
I love the way he looks up at me- like just now- when he is sitting on my lap. It's like he is saying, "Hi, momma."
He sucks his thumb. He has since he was born and my guess is he did in the womb. He also sucks both thumbs- SO CUTE- and I have yet to get a good picture of it!
Last night he almost fell off of my lap because I was not paying attention and forgot he is trying to roll over all the time.
***I wrote this and 10 minutes later Joshua rolled from tummy to back for the first time.***
Ministry
This was a full week of ministry and the weekend is just as packed. We had Skate City on Tuesday, regular church on Wednesday and the worldview class (that I teach) on Thursday. This is all after Jeremiah and Joel being sick last week. We have been resting when we can. The house, laundry and carpets are proof.
Two kids broke their arms at Skate City. It was fun. We made almost $800 for the Mexico mission trip. Jeremiah and Joshua were so good. Jeremiah hung out with Mrs. Vaz and Emmori.
The worldview class was GREAT! We discussed philosophy and prayed for the speakers at the recent Reason Rally in D.C.
What have you been doing this week?
Friday, March 23, 2012
Meeting Joshua: Part 3
Where are the difficult contractions, I kept thinking as I showered, dressed and ate lunch. These are nothing like the pain I had with Jeremiah. I guess I should stop comparing and be thankful!
Joel was studying and I decided to lay down for a nap. I slept for almost two hours and had maybe two contractions. I know my water broke. I know it. I know I had a couple of strong contractions. I'm not crazy. People are going to think I do not know my own body!
I was frustrated with myself and did not want to go through another false alarm especially since we had told so many people that I was in labor, Joel had come home from church and our friend had taken time out of her day. I battled with pride, wondering what people would think- does she not know when she is in labor?
God quickly reprimanded me, "Does it matter what other people think? Is that your focus? If I want to put you through another false alarm to humble you will you fight me on it?" So thankful for His discipline in my life!
We decided to have the babysitter bring Jeremiah back home since my contractions were pretty much non-existent at 3PM. She was sympathetic, understanding, saying that it happens and she would be ready when the time did come. She encouraged me by saying that since my water broke that I would be having a baby soon! She also said it would be easier for me next time to part with him since I probably had dealt with all my emotions already!
True. And, false labor or not, a long hot shower, time with Joel and a nap had been nice.
Be grateful in all things. God knew I needed rest and had given it to me.
I played with Jeremiah, got him a snack and started feeling more contractions. I was a little wet, well, down there again. What is going on? I sat down to read him some books. Contractions stopped. I got up to clean the kitchen. More contractions. More fluid.
There was no rhythm to my contractions and they were only happening when I was moving around. I decided that I was not going to sit around the house all night and that I would go to church. If the contractions are coming while I am up moving then going to church will continue to encourage labor!
People who had heard my water had broke were shocked that I was at church. The word quickly spread to those that did not know. People were asking me questions. I was thinking differently than I was answering.
"Yes, I think my water broke." I did not wet my pants five times today.
"Yes, I have been having contractions all day." I know they are not as strong, but they ARE contractions!
"Yes, I did decide to come to church." Duh, I'm here.
It was getting frustrating. I was having to pray through every conversation that God would give me patience. People were expressing their care for me. I needed to receive it.
And God was refining me, as always.
Read Part 4.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Meeting Joshua: Part 2
I continued to cry as I finished packing Jeremiah's bag. I had a couple of contractions, but kept forgetting to time them. I was praying while I was packing that Joel would get home before the babysitter arrived. I needed a good hug and a moment with just the three of us before Jeremiah left. Only God knew when I would see Jeremiah again and by that time, Lord willing, he would be a big brother!
The last couple of weeks I had struggled with so many emotions when it came to Jeremiah. He was not going to be my baby anymore. He was going to be a big brother. He was still needing so much of my attention. He was barely out of our bed and still nursing.
How would he adjust? How would I adjust? How would I do this with two?
God was faithful to give me peace and remind me that this second child was from Him- and in His perfect timing. He would give me all I needed to mother ALL the children HE would give us.
I needed to trust Him.
God was gracious to me and Joel arrived just moments before the babysitter. We hugged and he let me cry a few minutes. He gently encouraged me to rejoice- we were about to meet our second child {already?}!
Our friend and her daughter arrived a little after 10am. I got teary again and she gave me a big hug. She reminded me that everything I was feeling was ok! She would know, after all, since she has six children!
We hugged Jeremiah and took a last picture of just the three of us!
We had a teary goodbye as she took Jeremiah in her arms. She prayed over us before she left.
And then she was gone... with my baby boy.
I allowed myself to cry a few minutes. Jeremiah and I had spent so much time together in the last fifteen months. It had been so much fun growing as a parent and watching him grow. It was hard to believe that I was about to meet my second child {already?}.
Joel and I talked about what we should do since my contractions were not coming as quickly as they had with Jeremiah. I decided to take a long hot shower.
Surely the contractions would pick up soon...
Read Part 3.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Meeting Joshua: Part 1
I woke up Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 4:00am, as usual, to go to the bathroom. As I was awkwardly trying to roll myself out of bed I felt a little wet, well, down there. Man, I must really have to go, I thought. When I stood up some more fluid leaked out.
My heart started beating faster as I wondered, did my water break? No, it couldn't be. My due date is still 10 days away.
I went to the bathroom and got back in bed.
I awoke at 6:00am, as usual, to go to the bathroom again. I was very wet, well, down there. When I stood up some more fluid leaked out.
My heart started beating faster as I wondered, did my water break? No, it couldn't be. Remember, it gushed with Jeremiah.
I went to the bathroom and was going to go back to bed, but felt I should tell Joel.
He was already awake and reading the Bible (he's so amazing). I startled him and he looked at me with wide eyes as I told him I thought my water had broke.
"It's just not the same as it was with Jeremiah," I pondered.
"Should I go to church?" he pondered.
He was supposed to leave home at 6:45am, but we decided he should stay with me to see if I started having contractions. I had one or two between 6am and 8am, but nothing major. We decided he should go into church (ie, work) and I would call him when something more exciting started happening.
I had a few more contractions around 9am and I called him to see if we should get the babysitter ready to take Jeremiah. He said to go ahead and call her. She was going to be out running errands around 10am and said she would be happy to get him.
10am was just one hour away.
His bag was not ready.
I was not ready to part with this little boy whose life was was about to be turned upside down.
I started crying as I finished packing his bag with favorite foods, toys and clothes. He was going to be a big brother. This little boy who had turned MY world upside down just 15 months earlier had no idea what was coming!
Would Jeremiah have a brother or a sister?
My heart started beating faster as I wondered, did my water break? No, it couldn't be. My due date is still 10 days away.
I went to the bathroom and got back in bed.
I awoke at 6:00am, as usual, to go to the bathroom again. I was very wet, well, down there. When I stood up some more fluid leaked out.
My heart started beating faster as I wondered, did my water break? No, it couldn't be. Remember, it gushed with Jeremiah.
I went to the bathroom and was going to go back to bed, but felt I should tell Joel.
He was already awake and reading the Bible (he's so amazing). I startled him and he looked at me with wide eyes as I told him I thought my water had broke.
"It's just not the same as it was with Jeremiah," I pondered.
"Should I go to church?" he pondered.
He was supposed to leave home at 6:45am, but we decided he should stay with me to see if I started having contractions. I had one or two between 6am and 8am, but nothing major. We decided he should go into church (ie, work) and I would call him when something more exciting started happening.
I had a few more contractions around 9am and I called him to see if we should get the babysitter ready to take Jeremiah. He said to go ahead and call her. She was going to be out running errands around 10am and said she would be happy to get him.
10am was just one hour away.
His bag was not ready.
I was not ready to part with this little boy whose life was was about to be turned upside down.
I started crying as I finished packing his bag with favorite foods, toys and clothes. He was going to be a big brother. This little boy who had turned MY world upside down just 15 months earlier had no idea what was coming!
Would Jeremiah have a brother or a sister?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Still Around
It is 10:59PM as I begin this post.
Joel and Jeremiah are in bed. Joshua is strapped snugly to my chest in the Moby wrap (still LOVE this giant piece of fabric) and is *finally* asleep. He is such a good baby- sleeps at night and is awake during the day. He barely cries and is starting to show more personality. ::Ahem:: More on him in another post.
And me? I am doing laundry and thinking about blogs.
I really should be in bed sleeping soundly like the rest of my little family, but for now I am soaking up the quiet stillness in my home. I need time to think and it seems that these days I get very little.
Two boys. I am the mother of two boys.
I cannot believe how quickly time has passed- from my 10th birthday disaster to learning to drive, working two great jobs, marrying my best friend and now being the mother of these two precious boys.
And all too soon they will be grown. They will be 10. 16. 21. 25. 28.
I am reading through the Bible and just finished Judges (Funny, Jeremiah got his first haircut the day I read about Samson. Ha.), Ruth and have started 1 Samuel. Oh, to raise a son like Boaz. Oh, to be a mother like Hannah with a son like Samuel. I do not want to raise sons like Samson. Or how about Eli's sons? 1 Samuel 2:12 says, "Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord." May that never be said of my sons!
Amidst the dishes, diapers, laundry and all the other daily chores I never, ever, ever, ever (EVER) want to forget that I am raising adults. Boys turn into men. And I want them to be men. I do not want them to stay boys (it seems many mothers do and many men stay boys).
There are times when the books strewn on the floor, the overflowing diaper pail and the constant snack time wear on me. Yet, at the same time I know I will miss it one day when the pitter patter of tiny feet is no longer in my home. These are days to cherish as I pour into these little souls the time it takes to make a little boy into a man.
And now that I am crying... I will iron the last shirt and go to bed.
Joel and Jeremiah are in bed. Joshua is strapped snugly to my chest in the Moby wrap (still LOVE this giant piece of fabric) and is *finally* asleep. He is such a good baby- sleeps at night and is awake during the day. He barely cries and is starting to show more personality. ::Ahem:: More on him in another post.
And me? I am doing laundry and thinking about blogs.
I really should be in bed sleeping soundly like the rest of my little family, but for now I am soaking up the quiet stillness in my home. I need time to think and it seems that these days I get very little.
Two boys. I am the mother of two boys.
I cannot believe how quickly time has passed- from my 10th birthday disaster to learning to drive, working two great jobs, marrying my best friend and now being the mother of these two precious boys.
And all too soon they will be grown. They will be 10. 16. 21. 25. 28.
I am reading through the Bible and just finished Judges (Funny, Jeremiah got his first haircut the day I read about Samson. Ha.), Ruth and have started 1 Samuel. Oh, to raise a son like Boaz. Oh, to be a mother like Hannah with a son like Samuel. I do not want to raise sons like Samson. Or how about Eli's sons? 1 Samuel 2:12 says, "Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord." May that never be said of my sons!
Amidst the dishes, diapers, laundry and all the other daily chores I never, ever, ever, ever (EVER) want to forget that I am raising adults. Boys turn into men. And I want them to be men. I do not want them to stay boys (it seems many mothers do and many men stay boys).
There are times when the books strewn on the floor, the overflowing diaper pail and the constant snack time wear on me. Yet, at the same time I know I will miss it one day when the pitter patter of tiny feet is no longer in my home. These are days to cherish as I pour into these little souls the time it takes to make a little boy into a man.
And now that I am crying... I will iron the last shirt and go to bed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)