Ellis continues to grown and he a truly wonderful healthy baby boy. He is almost sitting up by himself. He can not be left on the floor for long, because in no time he is already across the room. He is eating baby food and growing out of clothes left and right.
Length: 27.5" (Growth Chart 90%+)
Head Cir.: 16.50"
Weight: 16 lbs 15 oz (Growth Chart ~50%)
While the weight was surprising (he weighed 18 lbs at 5 months), the doctor said that he is moving so much already that he is burning the calories. He also just shot up, as noted in length. Overall the doctor was very happy with Ellis development and health. We are so proud of our sons.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Squirrelly
Today I found this picture on the National Geographic Site and it made me think that I could relate to being a Red Squirrel.
1. The Snow in Arkansas was almost up to my knees.
2. While my ears are not that long, I bet I can hear things my sons do that science would tell you that you would need ears like the Red Squirrel.
3. At the current moment I feel as if this would be a current portrait of me: my hair in "defying gravity" style and my eyes are wide open trying to convince myself that I am awake.
4. "The active period for the red squirrel is in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. During the winter, this mid-day rest is often much more brief, or absent entirely, although harsh weather may cause the animal to stay in its nest for days at a time." - I almost started to check to see if I had red fur or look in a mirror to verify that I am indeed NOT a red squirrel after reading this fact from Wikipedia. This fact could not more accurately depict my life at the moment - recent snow days, sick 2 yr old, and teething baby throwing his naps to the wind as to say "I'm so awesome that I don't need no sinkin' nap".
5. Honestly, this is not a point but I just thought this picture was hilarious. It's like the "comb over" for the Red Squirrel.
6. My brain/thoughts are very squirrelly at times. (point above being a small example) I praise God that He gives me grace & keeps up with me. If you were to replace the "background" snow picture with say my living room filled with toys, I truly feel like this squirrel.
Paused....
Searching....
Hands together and looking, knowing that there was something I was supposed to do....
Sometimes I don't know what is coming my way or what I was in the middle of doing for that matter. There are also times that I don't understand the best way to do things or how Eldin got that car into that space. This is one of the times I have to remind myself:
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
I take heart in knowing that God knows, he doesn't forget or is bewildered. Not only that, but He created a creature that looks how I feel sometimes: hair straight up, eyes wide open in bafflement, & tiny in a big world. For a person like myself that learns a lot visually, this is a gift to me and I can smile & know that God truly knows what I'm going through.
1. The Snow in Arkansas was almost up to my knees.2. While my ears are not that long, I bet I can hear things my sons do that science would tell you that you would need ears like the Red Squirrel.
3. At the current moment I feel as if this would be a current portrait of me: my hair in "defying gravity" style and my eyes are wide open trying to convince myself that I am awake.4. "The active period for the red squirrel is in the morning and in the late afternoon and evening. During the winter, this mid-day rest is often much more brief, or absent entirely, although harsh weather may cause the animal to stay in its nest for days at a time." - I almost started to check to see if I had red fur or look in a mirror to verify that I am indeed NOT a red squirrel after reading this fact from Wikipedia. This fact could not more accurately depict my life at the moment - recent snow days, sick 2 yr old, and teething baby throwing his naps to the wind as to say "I'm so awesome that I don't need no sinkin' nap".
5. Honestly, this is not a point but I just thought this picture was hilarious. It's like the "comb over" for the Red Squirrel.
6. My brain/thoughts are very squirrelly at times. (point above being a small example) I praise God that He gives me grace & keeps up with me. If you were to replace the "background" snow picture with say my living room filled with toys, I truly feel like this squirrel.Paused....Searching....
Hands together and looking, knowing that there was something I was supposed to do....
Sometimes I don't know what is coming my way or what I was in the middle of doing for that matter. There are also times that I don't understand the best way to do things or how Eldin got that car into that space. This is one of the times I have to remind myself:
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
I take heart in knowing that God knows, he doesn't forget or is bewildered. Not only that, but He created a creature that looks how I feel sometimes: hair straight up, eyes wide open in bafflement, & tiny in a big world. For a person like myself that learns a lot visually, this is a gift to me and I can smile & know that God truly knows what I'm going through.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Lioness
Lions are a well known animal in our house and greatly discussed. Recently the DC Zoo has announced and shared the new 7 lion cubs. In looking at some of the released pictures & some recent events, I came to the realization that I am a lioness, and our family is truly like a pride of lions.
There are many things we know about lions, but specifically from Wikipedia and Dictionary.com here are a few facts:
1. Lionesses are the core members of, and the primary hunters for each pride - This is the main reason for this comparison as recently I realized that moms are the primary grocery shoppers. We plan (or pick at the last minute) meals and shop for the food to make said meal. The main difference I see here is usually the cubs (kids) are with us as we hunt (shop).
2. Highly distinctive, the male lion is easily recognized by its mane, and its face is one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture. - This ranges from scruffy beards that literally looks like a mane to the reverse of bald/balding. Hopefully the look of a dad if very different from a mom, but there are times my hair might be mistaken for a crazy mane.
3. They (lionesses) act as a co-ordinated group in order to stalk and bring down the prey successfully.- When our family gets together with others if the moms do not coordinate, I have NO idea where we would end up, IF we would eat, and I'm sure there wouldn't be an extra diaper for the explosion that is destined to occur.
4. The males associated with a pride tend to stay on the fringes, patrolling their territory. Why sociality—the most pronounced in any cat species—has developed in lionesses is the subject of much debate. - Seriously? The lioness has to be the social one! If she is a homemaker like myself, the only adult interaction comes in social interaction/events.
5. Both males and females defend the pride against intruders. Some individual lions consistently lead the defense against intruders -I love how protective my husband is of our kids. He really is the head Lion in all his majesty. However, there are times that the "Momma Lion" (or Momma Bear as some know it) comes out, claws and all.
6. Lions have an array of facial expressions and body postures that serve as visual gestures. - Again with "The Look" (refer to previous entry Meerkat)
*You do see that cub about to bounce on a peaceful set of parents - This is truly a picture worth a thousand words. If I ever have a moment of peace like this...I know this is what is about to happen too.*
When I struggle on my role I need to remember that God's word tells us that He is the Lion and the Lamb. If I have accepted Jesus as my sacrifice (The Lamb), then I need to make sure to let God be the Lion of our Pride (family/life).
There are days that I look like a Lion, but at the heart I am a Lioness. (Watch out groceries, here I come...)
There are many things we know about lions, but specifically from Wikipedia and Dictionary.com here are a few facts:
1. Lionesses are the core members of, and the primary hunters for each pride - This is the main reason for this comparison as recently I realized that moms are the primary grocery shoppers. We plan (or pick at the last minute) meals and shop for the food to make said meal. The main difference I see here is usually the cubs (kids) are with us as we hunt (shop).
2. Highly distinctive, the male lion is easily recognized by its mane, and its face is one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture. - This ranges from scruffy beards that literally looks like a mane to the reverse of bald/balding. Hopefully the look of a dad if very different from a mom, but there are times my hair might be mistaken for a crazy mane.
3. They (lionesses) act as a co-ordinated group in order to stalk and bring down the prey successfully.- When our family gets together with others if the moms do not coordinate, I have NO idea where we would end up, IF we would eat, and I'm sure there wouldn't be an extra diaper for the explosion that is destined to occur.
4. The males associated with a pride tend to stay on the fringes, patrolling their territory. Why sociality—the most pronounced in any cat species—has developed in lionesses is the subject of much debate. - Seriously? The lioness has to be the social one! If she is a homemaker like myself, the only adult interaction comes in social interaction/events.
5. Both males and females defend the pride against intruders. Some individual lions consistently lead the defense against intruders -I love how protective my husband is of our kids. He really is the head Lion in all his majesty. However, there are times that the "Momma Lion" (or Momma Bear as some know it) comes out, claws and all.
6. Lions have an array of facial expressions and body postures that serve as visual gestures. - Again with "The Look" (refer to previous entry Meerkat)
*You do see that cub about to bounce on a peaceful set of parents - This is truly a picture worth a thousand words. If I ever have a moment of peace like this...I know this is what is about to happen too.*When I struggle on my role I need to remember that God's word tells us that He is the Lion and the Lamb. If I have accepted Jesus as my sacrifice (The Lamb), then I need to make sure to let God be the Lion of our Pride (family/life).
There are days that I look like a Lion, but at the heart I am a Lioness. (Watch out groceries, here I come...)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Aquatic
Recently I have notice that I have turned into a goldfish....
While watching Ponyo (a Japanese version of Little Mermaid), I realized that I have done the reverse since having kids. I (and by I, I mean my brain) have turned into a fish.
Since having kids my brain works on short bursts of memory. A goldfish is known to have a memory span of 15 seconds - how they determined this is fascinating to me and when I have the time or brain rest I will research this. I truly believe that my life is like a goldfish in a fish bowl, as the example below will demonstrate.
"Oh my goodness I need to vacuum the floor. I can't remember the last time I vacuumed this floor" As I get up to get the vacuum I find Eldin picking up a crumb and proclaim that he has to eat it. "No Eldin, do not eat that. We don't eat anything off the floor! Put it in the trash and I will get you a snack" Get in the kitchen to get Eldin grapes and remember that I needed to make a grocery list because we are out of items, including grapes. "Okay Eldin we are now going to have raisins for a snack since they are a form of grapes and currently available. Let's get your bowl out for your grapes, I mean raisins". After giving Eldin the cup of raisins I stand in the kitchen thinking that there was something I was doing on my way to the snacks but can't remember it. I then decide to get a drink and realize (again) that I'm out of juice and need a grocery list. Okay, I need to do this before I forget again....I pour myself a glass of water and head to the drawer for a pen and paper. I open the drawer and then stand there looking into the deep fathom abyss of the junk drawer and wonder: "What did I need in this drawer and why was I here?" Baby starts crying before I can truly search for this answer. I find Ellis rolling his way across the living headed for under the couch in need of help. I walk over and pick him up and tell him that I'm sorry and that, "Man, this floor needs to be vacuumed".
I am forgetting so much in such a short period of time. If I have the time to look back on the day sometimes I can see that I am circling the bowl and coming back to items that I "discover anew" again and again. While some might be thinking what a downer this comparision is I would like to present you with the bright side of this craziness of motherhood.
-Life is NOT boring (also noted in this blog address)
-Don't have time to worry about things since my brain dumps it in short intervals
-These are just things and will be done when needed
Thankfully I'm also like Dory in Finding Nemo, in that while I have short term memory dysfunction, I remember the important things. There are times where I have to take a bit to remember, but in the end I remember or have that constant
Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings and loves me madly.
So, if you find yourself bored (WHAT?!?), stressing about something a lot, or feel life is mundane and predictable I would challenge you to have an Aquatic day and take a swim around the bowl as a goldfish.
While watching Ponyo (a Japanese version of Little Mermaid), I realized that I have done the reverse since having kids. I (and by I, I mean my brain) have turned into a fish.
Since having kids my brain works on short bursts of memory. A goldfish is known to have a memory span of 15 seconds - how they determined this is fascinating to me and when I have the time or brain rest I will research this. I truly believe that my life is like a goldfish in a fish bowl, as the example below will demonstrate.
"Oh my goodness I need to vacuum the floor. I can't remember the last time I vacuumed this floor" As I get up to get the vacuum I find Eldin picking up a crumb and proclaim that he has to eat it. "No Eldin, do not eat that. We don't eat anything off the floor! Put it in the trash and I will get you a snack" Get in the kitchen to get Eldin grapes and remember that I needed to make a grocery list because we are out of items, including grapes. "Okay Eldin we are now going to have raisins for a snack since they are a form of grapes and currently available. Let's get your bowl out for your grapes, I mean raisins". After giving Eldin the cup of raisins I stand in the kitchen thinking that there was something I was doing on my way to the snacks but can't remember it. I then decide to get a drink and realize (again) that I'm out of juice and need a grocery list. Okay, I need to do this before I forget again....I pour myself a glass of water and head to the drawer for a pen and paper. I open the drawer and then stand there looking into the deep fathom abyss of the junk drawer and wonder: "What did I need in this drawer and why was I here?" Baby starts crying before I can truly search for this answer. I find Ellis rolling his way across the living headed for under the couch in need of help. I walk over and pick him up and tell him that I'm sorry and that, "Man, this floor needs to be vacuumed".
I am forgetting so much in such a short period of time. If I have the time to look back on the day sometimes I can see that I am circling the bowl and coming back to items that I "discover anew" again and again. While some might be thinking what a downer this comparision is I would like to present you with the bright side of this craziness of motherhood.
-Life is NOT boring (also noted in this blog address)
-Don't have time to worry about things since my brain dumps it in short intervals
-These are just things and will be done when needed
Thankfully I'm also like Dory in Finding Nemo, in that while I have short term memory dysfunction, I remember the important things. There are times where I have to take a bit to remember, but in the end I remember or have that constant
Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings and loves me madly.
So, if you find yourself bored (WHAT?!?), stressing about something a lot, or feel life is mundane and predictable I would challenge you to have an Aquatic day and take a swim around the bowl as a goldfish.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
New
New Year
New Decade
New Job
New State
New Place
New Friends
New Church
New Son
New Vehicle
New Clothes
New Teeth
New Weather
New Challenges
New Adventures
New Decade
New Job
New State
New Place
New Friends
New Church
New Son
New Vehicle
New Clothes
New Teeth
New Weather
New ChallengesNew Adventures
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Meerkat
Eldin has reached that age where he is trying to figure out possession (or he is trying to take over the world by claiming it is all his). During this time in his life he has expressed recently the following phrases:
My Kids
My Park
My House
While we are trying to teach Eldin about sharing and that some things in this world are not his, I realized that he is also learning community. SO, it came as no surprise to me that our life seems like Meerkats (minus the digging tunnels in the ground. Although sometimes you wouldn't think that by how dirty my sons are).
-A Meerkat community is called a mob or gang - "My Kids"
-Meerkats are extremely social animals (have you met my son Eldin?).
-Observing Meerkats is a wonderful experience (I'm sure observing my life is sometimes better than living it, if nothing else it would be more humorous).
-They love grooming one another, wrestling and playing with one other. (My sons are some of the very few boys in Searcy, so most of the families we hang out with have daughters - they play dress up and Eldin plays a dragon that chases the princesses and takes on the castle).
-They have avid curiosities and can make a toy of almost anything (thankful and unfortunately that describes my kids and our friends).
-Even with all this play, Meerkats do not ignore the need for security. One Meerkat always seems to be a sentry and stands guard to keep the gang safe. (This is a perfect description of the parents in different ways:
1.Moms: Our primary sentry duties entail the safety of the children from themselves (falling, hitting into objects, swallowing anything we don't want, etc)
2.Dads: Their primary sentry duties are default to the outward life to the entire family "gang"
(sometimes the Mom Sentry forgets that the Dads are sentries also, because they can feel as if the dads are adding to/creating some of the safety concerns on the MS radar)
-Meerkats constantly communicate with one another in three different ways:
scent (the primary thought that comes to my mind is dirty diapers)
sound (The Mom Call/Tone)
body language (The Look - you know what I'm talking about, the one we all hope as new parents we can pull off that put the fear of God in us as kids from our parents).
-One last interesting point, sound can be broken up into one, two, three, and even four syllable calls. (Mom Calls usually are short & with one word, even through it carries the entire weight of the human language, so you are warned that you definitely don't want that lecture).
The pictures above are from December when 3 families got together to take a horse carriage ride downtown. I was touched and joyfully blessed when I realized the gift that God had provided us with in our friends. He instructs us on the importance of community and so I shouldn't be surprised when He provides.
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
I am so thankful that my parents taught me, and more importantly, showed me how to live a God-filled life. This includes the previously mentioned "The Look". Now it is my responsibility to teach and live a life that our children will know is the Truth and to become a community with others as a body of Christ. Currently this takes the form of a Meerkat Community.
My Kids
My Park
My House
While we are trying to teach Eldin about sharing and that some things in this world are not his, I realized that he is also learning community. SO, it came as no surprise to me that our life seems like Meerkats (minus the digging tunnels in the ground. Although sometimes you wouldn't think that by how dirty my sons are).
-A Meerkat community is called a mob or gang - "My Kids"
-Meerkats are extremely social animals (have you met my son Eldin?).
-Observing Meerkats is a wonderful experience (I'm sure observing my life is sometimes better than living it, if nothing else it would be more humorous).
-They love grooming one another, wrestling and playing with one other. (My sons are some of the very few boys in Searcy, so most of the families we hang out with have daughters - they play dress up and Eldin plays a dragon that chases the princesses and takes on the castle).
-They have avid curiosities and can make a toy of almost anything (thankful and unfortunately that describes my kids and our friends).
-Even with all this play, Meerkats do not ignore the need for security. One Meerkat always seems to be a sentry and stands guard to keep the gang safe. (This is a perfect description of the parents in different ways:
1.Moms: Our primary sentry duties entail the safety of the children from themselves (falling, hitting into objects, swallowing anything we don't want, etc)
2.Dads: Their primary sentry duties are default to the outward life to the entire family "gang"
(sometimes the Mom Sentry forgets that the Dads are sentries also, because they can feel as if the dads are adding to/creating some of the safety concerns on the MS radar)
-Meerkats constantly communicate with one another in three different ways:scent (the primary thought that comes to my mind is dirty diapers)
sound (The Mom Call/Tone)
body language (The Look - you know what I'm talking about, the one we all hope as new parents we can pull off that put the fear of God in us as kids from our parents).
-One last interesting point, sound can be broken up into one, two, three, and even four syllable calls. (Mom Calls usually are short & with one word, even through it carries the entire weight of the human language, so you are warned that you definitely don't want that lecture).
The pictures above are from December when 3 families got together to take a horse carriage ride downtown. I was touched and joyfully blessed when I realized the gift that God had provided us with in our friends. He instructs us on the importance of community and so I shouldn't be surprised when He provides.
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Proverbs 22:6
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
I am so thankful that my parents taught me, and more importantly, showed me how to live a God-filled life. This includes the previously mentioned "The Look". Now it is my responsibility to teach and live a life that our children will know is the Truth and to become a community with others as a body of Christ. Currently this takes the form of a Meerkat Community.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Not Available
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7
Don't get me wrong...I would never want to give birth in a stable. I want nurses, doctors, and most importantly, meds! However, God reminded me: Sometimes when we have to improvise (make due with what we have), our life is open to receive and experience so much more. For example, we all know that a kid usually loves and plays more with the box of a toy than the toy itself.
These memories are about the experiences and life with love.
I come from a life of stories. (I wish God had blessed me with the ability to tell them, but that has not happened yet....maybe through writing so I don't go through so many rabbit holes in the story). So much joy comes in my life from remembering moments in my life - a big smile can't help but arise with each thought. This year I have restrained myself and bought a couple of things here and there and let it be. I'm trying to spend my energy and time coming up with moments to create/share with my family rather than searching the internet for another toy.
I'm excited to be living in the moment of Christmas.
There are only a handful times I can recall an awesome hotel or room I traveled to. The adventure is not in the room, it is out there in the unknown....the empty space that is available for any possibility since it is not restricted within a space. Life is an adventure of love. As much as it would scare me to live as Mary did, I am so thankful that Jesus Christ was not born in a room. I am so thankful that the Creator, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha & Omega, Abba, Son of God was born out in the open - an empty space - no restrictions - He filled the void of nothing with Everything! Now we have the ability, through Him, to live life without restrictions, without void/nothingness, open to all possibilities (especially those we can't even imagine). Christ is reminding me that Christmas is about rejoicing in the "Not Available". For in that moment all predictions, laws, and restrictions were removed and Christ used the heavens to unveil His Love, and now all things are possible through Christ! (even a virgin birth)
Merry Christmas!
Don't get me wrong...I would never want to give birth in a stable. I want nurses, doctors, and most importantly, meds! However, God reminded me: Sometimes when we have to improvise (make due with what we have), our life is open to receive and experience so much more. For example, we all know that a kid usually loves and plays more with the box of a toy than the toy itself.
These memories are about the experiences and life with love.
I come from a life of stories. (I wish God had blessed me with the ability to tell them, but that has not happened yet....maybe through writing so I don't go through so many rabbit holes in the story). So much joy comes in my life from remembering moments in my life - a big smile can't help but arise with each thought. This year I have restrained myself and bought a couple of things here and there and let it be. I'm trying to spend my energy and time coming up with moments to create/share with my family rather than searching the internet for another toy.
I'm excited to be living in the moment of Christmas.
There are only a handful times I can recall an awesome hotel or room I traveled to. The adventure is not in the room, it is out there in the unknown....the empty space that is available for any possibility since it is not restricted within a space. Life is an adventure of love. As much as it would scare me to live as Mary did, I am so thankful that Jesus Christ was not born in a room. I am so thankful that the Creator, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha & Omega, Abba, Son of God was born out in the open - an empty space - no restrictions - He filled the void of nothing with Everything! Now we have the ability, through Him, to live life without restrictions, without void/nothingness, open to all possibilities (especially those we can't even imagine). Christ is reminding me that Christmas is about rejoicing in the "Not Available". For in that moment all predictions, laws, and restrictions were removed and Christ used the heavens to unveil His Love, and now all things are possible through Christ! (even a virgin birth)
Merry Christmas!
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