Williamsburg in Summer

Williamsburg in Summer

Monday, December 31, 2007

2007: A Year in Review

This year I decided to forgo writing a Christmas letter; there was just too much to do this December. However, Josh and I thought it would be nice to post an end-of year blog in lieu of the formal Christmas letter.

This year began with the exciting news that we were expecting a baby. We found out just two weeks before Christmas ’06. We were able to tell Josh’s family our joyful news in person as we spent the holidays last year in Seattle. We returned to Maryland on January 1st and the next day I began bleeding. We were afraid we might lose the baby; however, God sustained the pregnancy—and for that we are forever grateful. On a sadder note, Josh lost his grandmother, Ruby, on January 6th. She was born in 1908, which made her 99 years old. She was a precious woman, and Josh loved her deeply. January also saw the celebration of Kim’s brother, Brian’s, wedding on January 13th to Jecholia Jessee.
In March Josh was given an incredible opportunity to go to Brazil with two colleagues. He spent two weeks working with bow makers in the small town of Guarana, just outside of Vittoria, Brazil. He also was able to travel to Southern Brazil to several towns near Porto Allegre. He was fascinated how different the two regions were. In southern Brazil Josh felt like he could have been in Barvaria, as the area was settled by Germans about 200 years ago. This trip was a dream come true for Josh. Brazil is known for its growth of pernambuco, the wood used to make bows. Josh has always wanted to see the forests and meet the bow makers of Brazil. Now he has, and he hopes to return some day soon.


In April, Josh and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary. In one sense our wedding seems like just yesterday, and in other ways I feel like Josh and I have been together forever. Marriage is wonderful this year. We made it through the throes of 1st year adjustments, and as we quickly approach our third anniversary we are comfortable and really enjoying one another’s company.

In June, I said goodbye to an 11 year career at Covenant Life School. I transitioned out of my position as director last year and transitioned to part time Educational Therapist. At the close of the school year in June, I packed 11 years of files, books, and memories into four lonely boxes whilst saying goodbye to teaching and hello to motherhood. I am still doing some educational testing from home and working with one student. However, as excited as I was about the coming baby, I did go through a bit of an identity crisis this summer.

Most of the summer was spent awaiting our daughter’s arrival while I desperately made efforts to stay cool. Our bathroom was the coolest room in the house, and many times Josh found me hanging out in there in front of the air conditioning vent. My other strategy was to spend hours and hours in my parents pool. Refreshing cool water and the lack of gravity made my very pregnant body feel wonderful.
Kate arrived on August 16th at 8:01 p.m. weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz. She was beautiful from day one. We have been holding on tightly as the rollercoaster ride of parenthood took off in full force. In late August Kim took Kate to the pediatrician because she had a fever. Little did we know that that would land us in the hospital for five days until her fever broke. All manner of tests, including a spinal tap, were run to eliminate any possibility of infection or disease. The doctors ended up calling the whole thing a prenatal viral fever that just had to run its course. Kate has been a needy baby in many ways, but she has been a complete joy in our lives. It’s hard to remember life without her.

September was a celebration of family. Brenden, our nephew, turned one year old just as Shaun and Debbie announced the exciting news that Baby #2 was on the way. (We have since learned that they are having a little boy, Collin Richard, in late April). Our cousins, Lindsey and Brian Knott, are also expecting their 2nd baby in June. (No more babies from us just yet. Kate is all we can handle right now.) Josh’s mom, Ann, came in early September to provide some help and much needed rest. She was my source of sanity, as we had just come home from the 5 day hospital stay. We all were emotionally and physically spent when Ann arrived. She was our angle! Josh’s sister, Shawna, came at the end of September for a long weekend. She too came at a pivotal time. Kate was dealing with a lot of reflux and dietary concerns and Shawna’s motherly expertise was a godsend! It was also very special to have Shawna here over Josh’s birthday.
October seemed a blur as we got into the routine of infant parenting—diapers, feedings at wee hours of the morning, crying, more diapers, visits to the doctor, mixing bottles of formula, figuring out how to assemble baby toys and stuff, even more diapers, lack of any recognizable schedule or sleep, lots of loads of laundry to wash off baby spit-up, and so on. It was so busy in our house this autumn that we hardly noticed the incredible fall as the oak and maple trees around us all turned into blazing autumn colors. One thing we did manage to do this autumn was settle into a new church. Josh and I have been discussing and praying about the need to find a new church home for more than a year now. God really helped us see that the time was right for the change, and after some searching we found peace, acceptance, and felt God's presence at the Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene. It was a harder transition for me, as I had been at the same church for almost 20 years. Yet, we are enjoying meeting new friends and getting involved there.

In November we started this blog; so most of the events in the last two months of the year can be read about in the blog archives. (And there are some cute videos of Kate, so I hope you’ll check out past entries.)

On December 23rd Josh’s 2nd grandmother passed away. Theodora Henry was 90 years old. Josh treasures the memories he has. We are all sad to see her go.

The rest of our year is a whirlwind of pediatrician appointments, dirty diapers, 2 a.m. bottles and wonderful smiles and coos from Baby Kate. Our little one is 4 months old now. We really enjoyed celebrating Christmas with her. It made the holidays extra special to have a baby around. We can’t wait to see what next year holds!

Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Happy Birthday to you!

Today, we celebrate two family birthdays:
Anna and Gabriella



My sister, Anna, and Gabriella, my niece were both born on the 29th of December. Both of them live in Tacoma, Washington, which unfortunately, is on the other coast from the Washington that I live near. I wish that we lived much closer so we could see each other more often, but for now, we have to rely on cell phones and the internet to keep in touch.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to Anna and Gabriella,
Happy Birthday to you!
(I know you know the tune, and are singing it in your head.)

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas with Kate

We had a fun morning opening presents with Katherine. It took much longer to open presents this year as we had to stop often for bottles, naps, diapers, and crying. But even with a little one who has no idea what is happening, it was so much fun to give her presents and celebrate her first Christmas. Here are a few pictures from the morning:


We are amazed at everyone's generosity this Christmas. Thank you for all your gifts to Josh and me and to Kate as well. Kate loved them all. She sends a special thank you
to Grandma Ann, Papa Henry, Papa G, and Gigi.
Thanks for spoiling her already!

In Loving Memory of Theodora Henry

This picture was taken this last August on her 90th birthday.

Josh's grandmother, Theodora Henry, passed away at 11:13 p.m. on Sunday, December 23rd. She was 90 years old. Although her death was not unexpected, her passing still brings sadness this holiday. Josh is grateful for the wonderful memories he has from years past as well are recent phone conversations and a visit with Grandma Henry last summer. He is also grateful that both his parents were able to drive to Boise, Idaho, and be with her before she passed. It was a blessing that all her children were able to gather with her in the final days.

The following poem was read at our neighbor, Jim Hall's, funeral last Friday. As soon as Josh heard it he thought of his grandmother. We share it with you in tribute to Teddie:

“I know how much you miss me,
trust God and have no fear
for I’m spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I can’t tell you of the splendor
or the peace here in this place.
Can you imagine Christmas
with our Savior, face to face?

May God uplift your spirit
as I tell Him of your love
then pray for one another
as you lift your eyes above.

So let your hearts be joyful
and let your spirits sing
for I’m spending Christmas in Heaven
and I’m walking with the King!”

~author unknown

Friday, December 21, 2007

Elf Yourself for a little holiday fun...

Okay, thanks to my friend Sarah, Josh found this web site. Our evening quickly became very amusing. Josh is really getting into the Christmas spirit this year; he decided to put his own spin on some holiday cheer. So from our house to yours...Merry Christmas!

Trust me...this is a must see.

And for those of you who know Josh, you'll appreciate the inside humor on the second link. Afterall, he is a self-proclaimed scrooge at times:
http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1700856832

View before January 2nd!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

"Baby Jesus" Meets Santa Claus


Kate, who earlier this month played Baby Jesus in our church play, paid a special visit to the North Pole today via Lakeforest Mall. We've been wanting to get her photo taken with Santa to capture another scrapbook moment. However, last week Kate began to exhibit stranger anxiety by screaming anytime I handed her off to anyone other than Josh. Even my mom and dad who see her a few times a week were not able to hold her without a tearful display. So we weren't so sure about how she would do with Santa. Would it be a good Santa experience or a bad Santa experience? Since she wasn't feeling well last week we held off on the experience and we're so glad we did, because this week she's a much happier baby. So I am thrilled to report...it was a good Santa day! (See post from Dec. 2nd for Baby Jesus story.)

On to More Serious Matters...

Have you ever noticed that around Christmas time and the holidays death seems to linger uninvited? Maybe death is always there, but its presence is more noticeable at a time of year when everyone wishes to be joyous. Not to be particularly morbid, but I have been thinking a lot about death lately, and in response, I've also been thinking about those that I love so dearly. We've had a series of sad events strike us this month, and they continue to weigh on my mind.

My grandfather died on December 10th thirty-three years ago. Now granted a bit of time has passed, but his death always stings because it happened on my grandmother's birthday. This year Josh and I took my grandmother out to one of her favorite places to help her really celebrate her birthday, but there is still always the remembrance of my grandfather on that day as well.

On December 11th our dear neighbor, Jim Hall, lost his battle with cancer. He was diagnosed just before Thanksgiving and the condition progressed very quickly. We've been blessed to have Jim and his wife, Mary, as neighbors for the past three years. They are wonderful people that have shown us so much kindness. Jim and Mary are also the parents of one of my friends from my college years. It was doubly hard to watch a wife lose her husband and a son his father. We are still mourning Jim's passing.

As I write today, my Uncle Billy is on an operating table in Boston undergoing a very serious procedure for two aneurysms in his heart. The surgery is so complex that he has four renown surgeons working together to complete this 12-14 hour surgery. My Uncle Billy is a strong man. He has come through many other surgeries in past years; however, this one is different. It is very serious. My mom and dad flew up to Massachusetts last weekend to visit with him before the surgery; it was good for them to have that time together. Billy is also looking at weeks of recovery in the hospital with it's own risk of infection and complications. We are praying for God's protection over him. We are hopeful and trusting in God that the surgery will be a success. We ask for your prayers today and in the weeks to come.

Also this week, Josh's grandmother was taken to the hospital in Idaho. She was found in her nursing home room passed out on the floor bleeding as she apparently hit her head in the fall. Doctors discovered that she is bleeding internally around her brain and that there is an aneurysm in her brain as well. At her age, the condition is terminal. She imoves back and forth between recognizing people and a less responsive state. Yesterday, Josh's mom and dad left the Seattle area to head to Boise, and Josh is trying to prepare himself for the news that looks to be coming soon. It's particularly hard for Josh at times like these to be so far away from his family.

We share these events so you know what is happening in our lives. As the blog headline states at the top of this page, it's a place to share both life's joys and sorrows. We also share this so you can keep us and the ones we love in prayer during a challenging season. We are grateful for your support and prayers. Death really is a key part of Christmas; Christ came to earth as a human to suffer and die in order for those who believe to receive the gift of eternal life.

So teach us to number our days so we may get a heart of wisdom. ~ Psalm 90:12

Monday, December 17, 2007

What a Difference a Month Makes!




Little Miss Kate turned 4 months old on Sunday! She has changed so much in one month - every week she seems to change! Currently, she really wants to sit upright. Whenever she is reclined back she tries to pull herself upright. We prop her up as often as we can and she likes the new view of the world. Kate has also discovered that she can control her hands. She grabs hold of rattles and picks them up when they are near her. She reaches up and bats things on her floor gym. She's just discovered the joys of toys - and just in time for Christmas too!

Her latest "toy" is a rain forest jumpy seat that my Aunt Debbie and Aunt Dot gave Kate before she was even born. We are so excited to finally use it. Now you might notice the phonebooks under her feet; well, Kate isn't quite tall enough yet to reach the floor, but we want her to develop her leg muscles. It's a solution for now. There are so many more ways she has changed - she's holding up her own neck and very attached to mommy and daddy. We are really enjoying her. Shayla is too, or at least Shayla likes her toys. :)



Kate's been a bit under the weather the past few weeks. First she had a stomach bug that created A LOT of dirty diapers and a nasty diaper rash. We made it through that, and now she's battling a possible ear infection. We go back to the doctors on Wednesday for a re-check on her ears. She's been keeping her mommy and daddy on their toes. It's the winter months for sure.

Before we go, Kate has a special message to deliver:

Happy Birthday, Auntie Shawna!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

First Snow Fall


Today the snow fell for the first time this season. I get so excited about the first snowfall of the year. I must be the teacher in me; the possibility of a snow day was always more thrilling to me than to the kids I think. Even though I'm no longer teaching - I still felt like a little kid today. It came down hours earlier than expected. So when we woke this morning the first dusting was already on the ground. It was beautiful.

Both my parents called before 9 a.m. and strongly advised we stay in. (I guess you never really grow up in your parents' eyes.) In their defense though, my dad witnessed an awful wreck on his way into work. Josh was supposed to travel to Baltimore for the day so they were right to be concerned for him. My plans for the day, however, were not as exciting. (Kate had a doctor's appointment, and I needed to go grocery shopping.) Now that the day is over and there are about 4 inches on the ground, I am glad we cleared our schedules and nestled in for the day.

We did venture out into the backyard for a few minutes. After all, the first snow of the season was the first snow ever for Kate. And that is a moment worth capturing. :)

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Exit - Center Stage

Well, Little Miss Kate is following in her big cousin, Alex's, footsteps. She made her acting debut today as Baby Jesus in our church's children's Christmas production. By default, Josh and I were asked to be Mary and Joseph. So our little family took on the role of the most important family in history.

Our church has two services. Kate performed wonderfully for the first showing; she smiled, looked at the audience, and contently sucked her fingers. However, the second performance did not go smoothly. Due to the demanding schedule that actresses must endure (ha...ha...) she missed her morning nap and had just fallen asleep in Josh's arms before we went on stage. We thought we were set up for a beautiful version of the babe that slept in a manger, no sound did she make. BUT...the kids began singing and a startled baby did wake. And cried and cried and cried. So sitting center stage I stood with baby in arms, Josh quickly joined me, and we made a calm and quick exit - center stage. Oh well, one performance out of two isn't bad for a three month old.

The event was a bit stressful to be completely honest, but at the same time it was quite an honor to represent the Holy Family. Even though it was just a children's play, the whole experience was very humbling. For the last few days I've been thinking a lot about another favorite Christmas song, Kenny Rogers and Wynona Judd's Mary Did you Know. I think it sums up my feelings from the nativity. Enjoy!


Saturday, December 1, 2007

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

I love Christmas! Today we bought our Christmas tree! Kate slept through the entire experience, but it was still really special buying her first tree. And the house is beginning to look like a festive place. :) Last year we didn't decorate much because we were spending the holidays on the West Coast. However, we did buy some garland that we wound up and around the stairs. Within a few hours of it being up, Shayla had shredded it all over the steps. No sooner were the decorations displayed that we had to throw them away. So this year we have fake garland adorning our stairs; however, we do have a real tree. So we'll be keeping a close eye on the tree and praying that Shayla leaves it alone!

For a few years now I have had a tradition of buying myself one new Christmas CD each year to build on my holiday collection. This year I knew immediately which one I wanted: Josh Groban's Noel. My wonderful husband purchased it for me this week (along with a short fun Michael Buble Christmas CD). I have been listening to Josh's rendition of some classics all week. I first heard Josh Groban a few years ago as he sang O Holy Night on a NBC Christmas Special. It was so powerful that I think of it every time I hear that song. I must admit I was very disappointed that O Holy Night was not on the CD, but he does a beautiful version of Silent Night. So should any one be itching for some new Christmas tunes, grab Noel and celebrate the beauty of this season.

Although disappointed that O Holy Night was not on the CD, I found a way to listen to it anyway . So thanks to YouTube's ingenuity, I can share the experience with all of you. Enjoy!