Way Out Here

Norah: Month 1

2011-11-17T14:19:00.001-08:00

Norah has been in our life for a month now and boy has she changed it! Just ask Jonas. It's hard to believe sometimes that she's a month old already. It's been a tiring month, a frustrating month, a fun month - a month that I would not give up for anything.

It's been interesting trying to remember what Jonas was like as a newborn and coming up empty. Can you believe I forgot already? I guess that's why we we decided to have another child - we'd forgotten just how exhausting newborns are.

So, what's Norah like as a newborn? Overall, pretty good. She loves to eat. She loves to sleep. Most nights have gone really well with her, though we have had a couple of nearly sleepless nights. She wakes up to eat somewhere between 2:30 and 3:30. She wakes up somewhere between 6 and 7 in the morning to eat again, but then will often want to sleep right away again and will sleep til about 9. That has been really nice for me. I can get up at 8 and get my morning started and get Jonas going before she needs my attention.

What does Jonas think of her? Well, he hasn't asked me to get rid of her yet. He likes to come and see her in bed in the morning. He likes to say 'hi' to her. He likes to pick out headbands for her - and don't try to tell him that they don't fit yet, he'll make you put them on anyway. :) I think the thing he struggles with the most is the time I can't do something because I'm feeding her. Even that hasn't bothered him as much lately.

We love our little girl and are looking forward to what Month 2 has in store. Hopefully some sleeping through the night. ;)

Enjoy the photos of Norah!

Norah Grace: The Birth Story

2011-11-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

The story of Norah's arrival is a rather complicated one that many of you probably aren't aware of. I will try to keep it to the point using a time line and some photos of course!

Monday, October 24

2:30 pm: Regular visit with my OB. Discussed with her my concern over quickly decreasing movement on the part of the babe.

3:00 pm: Placed on the monitor for 45 minutes to monitor babe's movement and heart rate.

4:15 pm: Result is borderline (too few movements and a heart rate that doesn't spike as they would expect), doctor decides to have an Amniotic Fluid Index and Biophysical Profile done at the hospital. Appointment is scheduled for 5:00 pm and I am told to head straight to the hospital

[Side Note: At this point in time I am still planning on picking up Jonas and Nate and taking them both to the appointment with me. Didn't really know what else to do. Lisa wisely suggested I just leave Jonas with them until we know more about what's going on. Thank you Lisa!!]

5:00 pm: Nate and I finally make it to hospital and the tests begin. The test takes nearly and hour and is done by ultrasound. The technician is kind of explaining what she's looking for and how things are "scored." I know by the end of the test that the score is not going to be great. I also know that the babe is doing alright.

6:00 pm: Doctor is called and she tells them to send me to triage up on Labor & Delivery for another monitoring by the on call doctor there.

7:30 pm: Nate takes off to get Jonas settled down with a place to stay for the night. While he's away another ultrasound is done because suddenly every one thinks the babe is breech. Babe is not breech.

7:45 pm: The doctor on call goes back and forth and finally decides that she thinks the monitoring results are too borderline to send me home in light of a poor score on the biophysical. She decides induction is best.

8:00 pm: I'm admitted to Labor & Delivery and a plan for the induction is decided on.

9:00 pm: Cervidil is inserted and pain medication for my migraine is given. Nate and I begin to settle in and thankfully get a pretty good amount of sleep that night.

Tuesday, October 25

8:00 am: Contractions have started coming fairly regularly and are pretty intense. To top it all off my migraine has gotten worse. I am allowed to order breakfast, but can't eat it when it comes.

9:00 am: Cervidil is removed and I am experiencing a full blown migraine and contractions. Imitrex is administered and I am allowed to take a warm shower.

10:30 am: Imitrex has taken effect and I am feeling much better. Contractions are strong and painful, but I can breathe through them. Nate leaves (don't worry I was only 2 cm dilated) to pick up stuff for us from home (I was not packed yet!) and to get some stuff for Jonas since he'll now be staying with Liz and Greg til we are done at the hospital.

10:45 am: I am breathing through contractions when I suddenly get sick and am scrambling to grab trays to use. I add this because it's slightly humorous that it happened when I was alone.

11:45 am: Nate gets back and has had some lunch. I am in the process of getting an epidural - much to Nate's surprise. My water is broken and contractions pick up. We are in good spirits and settle in for a long day. Nate composes a story.

4:30 pm: Liz comes with dinner for Nate and Jonas is allowed in to see me for a minute. He's afraid of me of course - with all the tubes coming out of me. I'm about 4cm dilated at this point and the nurse is optimistic that the next 6 will go quickly. She's really wanting the baby to come before her shift is over.

6:00 pm: Shift change. No baby.

7:30 pm: Dilated 9 cm with just a ridge left. I sit up more to allow gravity to do more work.

8:00 pm: No major change, but I am feeling a lot of pressure and so we think that we'll start soon.

9:30 pm: Still a ridge, but we decide to push a little and see what happens. Pushing is absolutely exhausting for me at this point and I am falling asleep between contractions. Not much progress.

10:00 pm - 12:00 am: Pushing on and off, trying all kind of positions to see what will be effective. Because I kept falling asleep between contractions we actually took a couple of breaks. The nurse would leave the room and let me rest for about 30 mins.

12:00 am: The urge to push is strong, but pushing is still not going great. I insist on getting into the position that feels the most productive to me. The "pushy" charge nurse comes in and suddenly things get moving. (Nate was really annoyed by her, but at that point I needed some more pushing).

12:15 am: Doctor comes in the room, I push twice and out comes the babe.

12:23 am: Norah Grace is born! She is taken by the NICU team and looked over and passed their exams with flying colors. She is 7 lbs 7.5 oz and 20" long.

Praise the Lord for a healthy baby girl! It was a long time to be on Labor & Delivery - 30 hours! It was a long 27 hour labor, but it's over now and well worth it.

So Close

2011-10-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ahhh. We are almost there. 37 weeks. Full term. Friday. I thought we'd never make it here and now that we're so close, I feel like it's happened too quickly. I'm not ready. I mean, I am physically ready, REALLY ready. I'm not life ready. I need more time to clean up the office to make room for baby clothes and diapers. I need more time to spend with Jonas. I need more time to get ready for basketball season. I need more time to fulfill commitments. I need at least 2 more weeks, preferably 3, then my mom will be here to take care of Jonas.

We've had a few sleepless nights wondering if contractions are going to get closer. They haven't yet, but they haven't been unproductive. My doctor confirmed that for me at my appointment yesterday. She told me to try and take it easy til at least Friday so that we could say the baby was full term - with a smile on her face of course. She told me that I better get ready. Of course, we could still end up inducing - you just never know with these babies, do you?

I'm trying to slowly get ready - while taking it easy too. I didn't have any contractions last night (and slept like a brick!!) and haven't had anything more than your average Braxton Hicks this morning. I am hoping that I can hold off until at least November 5. So come November 1, if this babe hasn't made it's appearance I'm going for long walks to get it ready. :)

Tradition

2011-09-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

Back in the days when Nate and I were "just friends" and living in the dorms we used to take walks around Calvin's campus to take a break from studying - or whatever else. One night we walked by the "Jonah in the Whale" sculpture by the science building (which will be referred to as The Cheese from here on out) and I insisted that Nate climb into it like Jonah. A tradition was born - we began stopping at The Cheese every time we went on a walk. 3 years later, Nate even proposed to me at The Cheese. Needless to say, The Cheese has a special place in our hearts and we make sure to visit it every time we grace Calvin's campus. This summer was no exception. Here's a little photo journey of our Calvin Tradition.

This was taken in the Spring of 2005. It was taken at the same time as the picture we put on the Jones Soda bottle wedding favor we had at our reception.

These pictures were taken in the Summer of 2008.

I am actually about 4 months pregnant with Jonas in this picture.

December 2009: Jonas is almost 1 year old in the picture!

This picture was taken in the Summer of 2011. I am about 7 months pregnant with Baby T #2.

Take Me Out To the Ball Game

2011-09-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

... but let's not watch, let's walk around. On Sunday morning we were on our way home from church when we heard on the radio that the Angels had a game starting at 12:35. We decided to change and drive out there. It was Labor Day weekend after all! We got tickets in the Family Section ($16 per adult, $5 per kid .. not too bad) and enjoyed the fact that it was cloudy! Jonas had his glove and was ready to catch any home runs (that would have had to have been hit REALLY FAR). :) But after a little while he decided that the game was not fun to just sit and watch and demanded that we walk around for most of the game. Oh well, we had a great time anyway!

A little dark and Jonas isn't looking (of course), but our attempt at a family photo.

Photo taken by Jonas himself. :)

A self portrait.

Summer Highlights

2011-09-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

I am going to do my best to recap the summer, but if I forget something cut me a little slack. I forget a lot these days! And some events are out of order ...

We went camping for the first time with Jonas. He didn't get too much sleep in the "tent house."

Nate H. and Sarah got married and Jonas danced and played football with Nate at the reception!

The next day we took a side trip to Hodad's. We were told we must eat there at some point in our lives. We got there right before it opened and we had to wait in a line to get in. We're not sure they were the best burgers we've ever had, but they were tasty.

We celebrated the 4th of July at the Wiers' house.

Jonas decided he wanted to wear a "shirt tie" like Daddy for ACA's graduation.

All ready for graduation.

Just a couple of our favorite 2011 graduates - Lauryn and Hailey.

Another favorite - Caitlin.

Jonas got a pool for the backyard.

He LOVED to run and bounce into the sides, resulting in splashes of course! He tended to force Mom out of the pool.

We had to take some long car rides to get to some places, so Jonas caught up on current events.

Making sand castles and getting some grit in the diaper.

Thanks for the new bed, Sarah!

Jonas actually started sleeping on his back as soon as he got a bed. He doesn't thrash around like a worm on the end of a fishing hook anymore when he is sleeping.

Jonas and I flew to Michigan without Nate. Jonas did a great job on the plane.

Jonas learned how to golf from Aunt Jess. Great choice for a teacher, as Nate can't swing his way out of a wet paper bag.

We went to Silver Beach in St. Joe and rode the merry-go-round. Jo chose an elephant.

Jonas with Lily, Sadie (behind Great Grandma?), Mia, Lydia, Aubrey, Oakleigh, Great Grandma, and Great Grandpa. Dad's cousins have a lot of girls!

Silver Beach, at the fountain.

Another picture at the Cheese at dear old Calvin.

We went to Bob Evans with Great Grandpa and Grandma Wierenga.

Jonas got to drive the golf cart at Thornapple. He only hit three people.

Jonas plays the Wii in his whitey tighties. If he is still doing this in 15 years, we may need to pay for professional help.

Jonas got to fly a helicoptor at the San Diego Zoo. He never got it off the ground.

25 Weeks

2011-07-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's hard to believe that I'm already at 25 weeks. When I first found out I was pregnant I didn't know how I would be able to wait for November. Now I can't believe how far we've come in what feels like a short amount of time!

It feels good to be in this place - week 24 is what is often referred to as the week of viability, in other words, the baby has a decent chance of surviving outside the womb. So, if anything were to start going wrong and the baby had to be delivered now it's chances of surviving having greatly increased. Now, I don't anticipate this being the case, pregnancy has been going well and there's no reason to expect it to happen. Still, it feels like a good milestone to have reached.

It also feels good to think that I will be "full term" in 12 weeks! 15 weeks to the due date. Is it bad of me to say I wouldn't mind if the babe came in 12 weeks? :)

I've been having a little bit of a harder pregnancy than I had with Jonas. Until recently I think my hormone levels have just been much higher than they were with Jonas. So, I experienced things that I didn't really experience with Jonas: nausea, indigestion, heartburn, among other things. A lot of the tiredness and nausea have ended, but there are still things I'm dealing with that I wasn't really expecting. I'm already not sleeping well at night - just can't get comfortable. At the end of the day my joints can be a little achy, especially my hips. I think that the relaxin hormone is really to blame for the joint stuff.

Last night I went on a maternity ward tour at the hospital where the babe will be born. Jonas was born at this hospital too, but I thought it would be nice to have a little refresher. It was a good decision. They've changed a few policies and it's good to know that ahead of time. I also got to preregister - that means that I've already signed my life away so that I don't have to sign all those papers when I am actually in labor. It also gave me a chance to start thinking about what I might want this labor to look like. I have some thoughts on this already, but I'll save that for another post.

Sorry this post was kind of all over the place, that's just the way my brain is these days. I actually apologized to Nate today for being forgetful and spacey, although, I think it's getting better. :)

6 Years

2011-07-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

6 years ago today Nate and I were married. We had a great wedding and celebrated with family and friends. Then we started the great adventure of becoming a tiny family unit in Redlands, CA. Almost 4 years later we had another great occasion where we welcomed our precious son, Jonas to our family. Today we anticipate the addition of another little one (sorry, we don't know what it is) in November. Today we also celebrate what began it all - and continues it today - our love for each other!

Boy or Girl?

2011-06-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

Next week we have the "big ultrasound" scheduled. I have been thinking about this ultrasound for a very long time because Nate and I are at odds as to whether to find out what we're having or not. Actually, we're not just at odds, Nate has flat out refused to find out. He has, however, graciously given me the permission to find out so long as I do not tell him. He even told me I could tell EVERYONE what we're having so long as he doesn't know. As if that would work.

So, here's my problem. I can't decide whether to find out or not. I think I really want to know, but I'm afraid there is no way to find out and not leak it to Nate. While he's okay with me finding out, he has let me know that he would be really disappointed if I did let it slip. At this point I'm figuring I'll just make my decision next Tuesday afternoon in the moment.

Until then, and maybe beyond, I will have to wonder about what we're having. Nate's convinced he can only make boys and I'm convinced he's at least right so far, but that's mostly because so many people around here are having girls that the quota must be filled by now!

What do you think? Boy? Girl?

11/11/11

2011-05-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

November 11, 2011. That is Baby T's due date.

We are thrilled and feeling incredibly blessed. After everything that happened this summer it was difficult to imagine we'd ever make it to this point, and yet, here we are! Things are going well and we've made it to the second trimester. Because I am now considered high risk, we've had several opportunities to see the little one on ultrasound. We had another one done yesterday - Nate's first time seeing the baby live! This little bugger is a wiggler! We still have at least one ultrasound to go! We've decided to keep the sex of the baby a surprise again, though Nate is sure he's only capable of making boys. :)

Here is a little photo depiction of baby's growth. Enjoy!

Just one of several tests I took. Yeah, I guess I'm one of those women. :)

Baby at 6 weeks - safe and sound in the uterus!

Baby at 10 weeks.


Baby at 13 weeks - this is the ultrasound we had done yesterday. The baby is face down with the head to the right.

Another picture from yesterday: Baby's head is on the left and you can see one hand on the right.

Spot!

2011-03-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

The video says it all ...

The Boys I love

2011-03-10T12:23:00.000-08:00

Just Because.

Beep Beep

2011-03-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Jonas has always loved when cars honk their horns. Thanks to some of Nate's basketball players, he can now do it himself. Enjoy this little video of the day they taught him.

I Pity the Fool!

2011-02-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, ACA had their new annual Cirque du ACA. This year's Cirque included a new fundraiser. The students were encouraged to raise money so that their teachers would have to shave their heads. And, they would shave their heads just in time for the Seniors vs. Faculty basketball game that would wrap up the day of Cirque.

In case the title wasn't a big enough clue for what might be coming, I'll just tell you. Nate, since he's called Mr. T, had to have his head shaved to mimic Mr. T's hair cut. It was stupendous.

And now, I will allow the pictures to tell the rest of the story.

Play Time

2011-02-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

After playing with the water table. :)

Oldie

2011-01-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. It's way too late to be posting pumpkin pictures, but I just couldn't help it! I just came across these pictures and I think they're too cute to miss.

Picnik Practice

2011-01-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

A friend recently shared with me the Picnik website. You can do quite a few things for free and even more for a very small fee. It is MUCH cheaper than any software and perfect for someone like me - someone who is really not great with photoediting software anyway. :)

Here's a little carwash fun I whipped up in about 2 minutes.

One Good Christmas

2011-01-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

Blogging about Christmas - everyone's doing it, and so am I!

We had a great Christmas this year. (Really, I can't think of ever having a bad one). But this year was nice. We stayed in California for the second time since moving here. The first time was because we were expecting the arrival of our sweet Jonas around Christmas time and we had family out here. This year, it was just us and that was really nice.

On Christmas Eve we went to church with Greg and Liz and then went out to Denny's with them. Kind of a Wierenga thing ...

When we got home we put Jonas to bed and Nate and I each chose one present to open. He got Michigan flip-flops, I got the TomTom I had been drooling over for a long time. We were both very excited about our gifts.

It's a crazy face ... I know.

So happy ... too bad it's been too cold for flip flops!

On Christmas morning, Nate got up and was making us eggs while I got Jonas out of bed. First thing Jonas did? Ran right to the tree and started bringing me presents and saying "open." The presents had been under the tree for about a week before then and he could have cared less, but all of a sudden on Christmas morning, he had to have them. Kids just know these things I guess. So, we started with stockings and moved right into the rest of the pile. Jonas got a lot of great toys and books. So many we ended up getting a new toy box. The nice thing is, he's got 3 buddies to share all these new things with every week.

After spending a lovely morning as a family, we went to Greg and Liz's for Christmas dinner. We spent quite a bit of time with them from the afternoon through the evening. We are very grateful that we have friends like them that we could be each other's family on Christmas.

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year!

Feliz Navidad

2010-12-22T17:19:00.000-08:00

My friend Liz and I thought it would be fun to have a Christmas party this year. When we were trying to come up with ideas for themes Nate suggested a Mexican theme. We like it and rolled with it. Enjoy the pictures from our Mexican Christmas party!

Liz and Greg - so serious

Our babysitters for the night - they watched 5 kids so we could enjoy the party!

My "famous" salsa. So good!

Nick and Julie making "fried" ice cream.

Happy Birthday Liz!

Look at That Hair!

2010-12-16T17:12:00.001-08:00

Paint

2010-11-18T17:28:00.000-08:00

He rarely gets to do this - because of all the preparation and clean up - but when he does, he LOVES it!

Get In on the Action!

2010-11-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some videos Nate and I took while we were 4 wheeling this past weekend. The one where Nate is driving was taped during our real adventure in Joshua Tree. You see, after doing the Geology Tour as planned, we just hadn't had enough of the 4 wheeling. So, we decided to take a fork in the road to see where it would lead. It lead us a long way. We got to a point in the road, or maybe it was really a trail at this point, where I was ready to turn back and say we went far enough. Nate, however, just put the Jeep in park, jumped out and ran ahead a little way to see what was around the corner. Upon returning he triumphantly announced, "I think we can make it." We went ahead, but boy was I nervous!

According to the park map this trail was supposed to lead us to a road south of the park that we could actually take into Desert Hot Springs. We were on this trail for nearly an hour and we were both starting to sweat it a little bit, when we ran into some other people and an end to the trail. We found the road and made our way to Desert Hot Springs. So, don't want to pay the $15 entrance fee for Joshua Tree? Have a 4 wheeler with high clearance? We've got a free way in and out for you! Just beware of the people shooting their shot guns out there!

The videos are quite shaky, but there's not much we could do about that. The first one is rather funny. Enjoy!

This is from Sunday when we went back so that I could drive faster! :)

Early Christmas

2010-11-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

One Michigan fan got an early Christmas gift this year.

Time Away

2010-11-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

After my surgery in September, Nate and I talked about taking a little trip for my birthday as a way to refresh after everything that happened this summer. So, this past weekend, we took that trip. We stayed a night in a resort in Desert Hot Springs and spent some time in Joshua Tree National Park.

We stayed in a little "boutique" resort called Bella Monte where we soaked in water from the hot mineral springs in Desert Hot Springs. We sat in the hot tub on the patio and we soaked in it in our own jacuzzi tub in our room. It was beautiful and it was quiet. So relaxing!

We rented a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 soft top to use for the weekend. Why? you might ask. Well, there's this trail in Joshua Tree that requires 4 wheel drive and I've wanted to do it for about 5 years now, so we decided now was as a good a time as any. And let me just tell you, I had a BLAST doing it! I had so much fun, we went back on Sunday morning so that I could go faster on it.

I thouroughly enjoyed the experience, even the part where we weren't sure if we were going to be able to make it through. Let's just say that we found a new way in and out of the park. We have videos, so look for those in the coming days.

It was a fantastic trip and I would love to do it again.

Enjoy a few photos of our trip!

I really loved being able to see out to Mt. San Jacinto and seeing the wind turbines too. :)

They had a little fire pit that they lit after the sun went down.

Fall Fun

2010-10-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

After a lot of patient waiting (well, I at least thought I was patient), I got the phone call at the beginning of this month that I had been waiting for. My parents finally called to say they bought plane tickets for CA! It had been almost 2 years since they were last out here and almot a year and a half since they had seen Jonas, so I had been dying to have them come out again.

So, last week they spent a few rainy days here. We still had fun. We still got some work done. We built a mantle and installed it and my dad hung two ceiling fans for us. Many of you know I have been wanting ceiling fans for a while now. Of course, we haven't even run them yet .... :)

Love you Mom and Dad! So, so glad you came out!

Paiting on the patio with Grandpa.

Making our way through the corn maze at Live Oak Canyon.

Jonas loved having Luke come too!

They like finding us around corners.

Jonas liked the goats. Luke did not.

Of course, once one nibbled Jonas he didn't love them anymore.

Wagon ride out to the pumpkins.

Jonas sized pumpkin.

Wee!

Checking out the SD Harbor from Cabrillo National Monument.

Grandpa had to make sure Jonas didn't just jump over the edge of the hill.

Hanging out at the whale watching area - too bad it's not whale season.

Hurry it up Grandma!

Jonas and Grandpa and Grandma at the tide pools at the Cabrillo National Monument.

Daddy hanging on tight to Jonas who wouldn't a close look at the water.

Family pic!

Jonas utilizing his early Christmas present from Grandpa and Grandma.

Checking out the La Brea Tar Pits

A sleepy Jonas at the tar lake.

His face may look anxious, put it was actually pure excitement. There was a model mastadon that had moving parts and Jonas thought it was fantastic. I think he could have sat there and watched it all day.

Yes, the tar pits smell, but I think Nate's actually just sneezing.

Special Visit

2010-10-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

After my surgery in September, we had a very special guest come to visit. Well, she came to take care of us really. Grandma Triemstra!

Even though she helped out a lot, we still got to a few fun things too.

Second big boy hair cut.

Grandma took her big boy out for lunch with his new do.

Grandma took Jonas to the park.

Wee!

Look at how I can climb Grandma!

Getting flip flops on so Jonas can play in the back yard.

Grandma even took Jonas to play at My Gym.

He's a Maniac, Maniac!

2010-10-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

Over Due

2010-10-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been sitting on these for awhile now ... pictures from our summer. In July we had 4 friends come out to visit us. 4, lucky us! We did a lot of great things and had a lot of fun. I wish we could spend time with them like this more!

In the falls at Forest Falls

Kate, Abby, Becca & Libby

Jonas would walk over the edge of anything - good thing Kevin is holding on to him!

This is down at the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument
Libby (left) and Abby (right) were two of my roommates at Calvin.

Hiking at Joshua Tree. In July? I know what you're thinking, but we know from experience that if you're prepared for the heat, you might just get to see something cool.

Big Horn Sheep. The only two times we've ever seen these have both been in July. So, there you have it.

Friends

2010-09-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Four days a week Jonas has some friends come to play with him in the morning. He thinks it's the greatest thing ever!

Swimming

2010-08-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Jonas really likes to swim. Well, he really likes to go in the water. We had a swimming party one night with the youth group and he got to swim with his Daddy for a while. What a blast!

Doesn't he look so cute in a bathing suit??

Jonas' priority was to play with the giant beach ball in the pool.

Swatting the ball around the pool.

Making Valerie and Daddy fetch the ball for him.

Light Reading

2010-08-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

We recently started to receive the LA Times 4 days a week and Jonas is sure glad that we did that.

Playing at the Park

2010-08-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Jonas loves to play at the park. So, when the weather was comfortable this summer we would take him.

Scrub a Dub Dub

2010-08-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

Teach me some melodious sonnet

2010-07-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

We had several great friends in town visiting last week, and while I have many fond memories of that time, one occasion stands out to me.

Picture this: Nate refuses (again) to fill up the tank with gas before heading up the mountain because we have enough to make it. True, we did, but it got a little sketchy on the way down. So, we've got the air off (does that really help?) and it's HOT in that little van with 7 occupants in it. We're tired, some of us are a little sick in the way back, and we're all certainly uncomfortably warm, including little Jonas in his cast and carseat. (Like how I'm really getting after Nate on this one?)

Then, someone says something that causes another to sing a line of a hymn. All 6 of us (I'm sure Jonas will when he's got the words memorized) join in. We continue to sing several favorite hymns. A couple of examples, Come, Thou Fount and Amazing Grace.

It's so awesome to think about how we all held those words and tunes dear and how we belted them from our hearts at the top of our lungs. Why did we all love those hymns so much? Because they speak very truthful words about who our God is and what following him means for us.

We are loved by an amazing God and it's amazing to sing his praises - even if it's in a hot van full of tension wondering if we'll make it down and to a gas station!

New Mexico

2010-07-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th of July weekend we drove out to New Mexico and met my sister and her family there. Her husband, Mac, is in the Air Force and since there was a base in Albuquerque, we thought that would be a good meeting spot since they live in Texas. We staid on base, managing to only get turned around at the gaurd shack once - because of no fault of ours I would like to add!

We had a really great time! Jonas loved playing with his cousins!

We went to Albuquerque's Bio Park on Saturday. At the Bio Park we got to walk through a very large botanical garden (we only saw a small portion of it), go to the aquarium, go to the zoo, and ride a train between the aquarium and zoo.

Checking out some fish with his cousin Cameron

Looking in the big tank with Cameron and Lucas

The McCleans: Mac, Kait, Cameron and Lucas

Getting a good view out the train window

This may have been one of their favorite parts of the day

Laughing with Cameron

Giant pumpkin in the Children's Fantasy Garden at the botanical garden

Hanging out in the pumpkin - hiding from a little bit of rain

On the 4th we did a very short hike that led us down to the Rio Grande. After that we grabbed lunch and headed up Sandia Peak. Another fun day!

Posing by the Rio Grande

Jetty Jack Sculpture

Checking out the view from Sandia Peak with Daddy

Why won't Jonas pose for a family picture?

Climbing the little rock

Trying to climb the big rock with his big cousin Lucas

Hanging out and relaxing with Cameron before the big hike. He needed his rest to run down the trail and scrape his knees all up after all! :)

achey breaky

2010-07-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Ahh summer. Beach days, 4th of July, visitors - there's just so much going on! We've already had a lot of fun this summer and have some great pictures and stories to share with you.

But before we get to that, here's what's going on at this exact moment:

On Wednesday night Jonas somehow managed to break the 1st metatarsal of his left foot. We really don't have any idea how it happened. We know when it happened, but don't know how. He ran down the hallway to his bedroom, then 15 seconds later he was screaming, laying on his back in the middle of his room.

We journeyed to urgent care and 1 and half hours later we had an xray confirming that it was broken and a splint. Today we went the orthopedist and he got a little mini cast put on his leg. He has to wear that for two weeks.

It's really not stopping him too much, so that's good.

Sing Along

2010-06-26T14:09:00.002-07:00

Blooms

2010-06-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

If you asked Nate, he'd say I hated the rose bushes in the front yard, and most of the time, he's right. It's not that I hate rose bushes themselves, I just hate the way they're placed in our yard - just three in a row, front to back. You can't even see the bush in the back.

And it's that bush in the back that is BEAUTIFUL. I think it's about done blooming for awhile, but while it was blooming it had the biggest, most beautiful white roses on it. I often pick them and put them in a vase in the house. I am tenderly caring for that bush and anticipating the next time it blooms.

Out in Right Field

2010-06-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Eating all the nachos, peanuts, sodas, and Dodger dogs our hearts - or bellies - could desire. Our friend Greg has often talked about wanting to go see a Dodgers vs. Tigers game and sitting in the Right Field Pavillion - the all you can eat section. Well, a couple of weekends ago, we finally went. Best part, Tigers won!

So, for $35 we got to see a great game (home run in the first inning) and eat as much as we could stand. I didn't eat as much as I had planned ... wanted to get my money's worth. :)

And the man who's dreams came true ... Greg

Michigan Adventure

2010-06-02T20:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know anything about Michigan, you will notice that the title here is a play on words ...

We went to Michigan a couple of weeks ago for Nate's brother's wedding. And let me just tell you, we had a blast!

We went to St. Joseph to see Jer and Molly's new place

This isn't their house, just a playground on the lake.

All the Triemstra siblings: Jess, JD, Jer, Molly, Becca, and Nate

Bonus: Jonas on Uncle Jer's shoulders!

I look pretty cool with my shades on, huh?

Jonas made a new friend at the rehearsal - Little Dan

This is Jonas in his outfit for the wedding.

Waiting with Uncle Jer for the wedding to begin.

He was a pretty tired little camper after that long day.

A 'Big Boy' Night

2010-06-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Earlier in May, we took a look at Jonas' hair and knew it was time for him to lose the baby hair and get a big boy haircut. Plus, he was going to be in a wedding soon and we thought we should clean him up a little bit.
So, we took him to a children's salon on a Friday evening, then went and celebrated his new (first professional) haircut at the Old Spaghetti Factory.

He was a little tearful at first, but soon got distracted by Thomas the Train on the tv.

We don't actually put gel in it...

A Mess

2010-05-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

My office is a mess. It's true. Today I cleaned it enough so that I could get through to the desk. I haven't turned on my computer since, well, I actually can't remember. But before I lead you to believe I haven't been on a computer, I must confess that I have checked my email and Facebook on our laptop. Thank goodness for wireless internet - I can take the lap top somewhere clean!

We went to Michigan two weeks ago for Nate's brother's wedding. Yay JD and Jess! I somehow can't get back into real life mode. That just short of a week vacation catapulted me directly into summer vacation mode and I AM STRUGGLING! Cleaning the office today was a major push in the direction of maintaining some amount of productivity.

But really, isn't it nice to have a couple of days where you go to volleyball games and baseball games, read, watch movies, move a bamboo plant, and watch the kid play in the yard?

I am trying my darndest to get back on track. I took the first step, I made it possible to get to the computer. I have a few must do things - commitments, but after that, I'm making you a commitment to get some pictures up here! After all, Jonas got his first big boy haircut, we went to JD and Jess' wedding where Jonas was a SUPERSTAR, and we have yet to share our moved-in pictures of the house.

So until I complete my must do tasks, farewell. It will be a short absence. :)

2010-05-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Nate coaches girls basketball at ACA. This year was his first year as the head coach for the varsity girls. He has actually been coaching many of these girls for several years, which makes for a good time. Nate loves coaching. Jonas and I love that he coaches.

It's a little late in coming, but here are a few (and only) pictures from the 2009-2010 season.

The Team

Christmas party at Big Boy in Calimesa

Jonas with his caretakers at every game.

Thanks Rachel, Sarah, Libby and even Will!

Last game of the season calls for a special tie.

Some of these seniors actually gave him this tie when he was their coach in middle school. He never wore it before this game. :)

Adventure

2010-04-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

I think My Gym may be making him a better climber than is safe. :)

2010-04-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

I know I said I was taking a hiatus because we are moving, but now I'm taking a hiatus from the moving. I'm sick of packing!

So, I'm messing around on the computer instead. I came across these videos of Jonas at My Gym. We went for a free play session the Friday that Nate was on spring break. I hope you enjoy the way Jonas "jumps" as much as we do.

An Excused Absence

2010-04-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

It's moving week! Actually we've been in the process since Tuesday - that's when we started packing.

For those of you helped us move from Norwood to Barton you will remember how poorly prepared we were for that move. Not this time! I've got the boxes labeled as to what room they should be put in, and notes on them for me to tell me what is in each box. I'm trying very hard to be super organized so that unpacking will be a breeze. And, more than that, so my plan to create a much more child friendly home will be a breeze.

I will be taking a break this week from the blog. I hope you all will not be beside yourselves (haha), because I will be back. I will probably even have pictures of the new place with our stuff in it. :)

Wish us luck and pray that I don't lose my mind. I don't enjoy moving and I don't enjoy all the stuff that comes with that - changing address on everything, setting up utilities, etc.

As a side note, we turned Jonas' car seat around today. Now he gets to see where we're going instead of where we've been.

Spring Break: Huntington Beach

2010-04-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

This is the first time we've been to the beach when Jonas could actually play in the sand in the water. He LOVED it. And even though the water was a cool 60 degrees, he had to go in it. Several times.

It was a beautiful day and I had been so looking forward to the day there, but we left as soon as our meter was up. No refilling the meter today. Why? Because there was a plague of lady bugs at Huntington Beach today. Weird, but true. I've included pictures of them crawling on Jonas and Nate, it got worse than that and that's when I grabbed Jonas and we ran to the car.

Spring Break: San Diego Zoo

2010-04-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

Not a Lion, Not a Tiger, Not a Bear

2010-04-05T21:35:00.002-07:00

I Can do it Myself Mom!

2010-04-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

We're getting to that point. Jonas wants to do just about everything for himself. Sometimes it's messy, but mostly it's cute.

Splish Splash

2010-03-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Jonas often blows bubbles in his tub, and usually chokes afterwards as well. We missed him here, but it's still a cute video.

Trunk Sounds

2010-03-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Swirling

2010-03-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

You are the sunshine and

I am the candle,

You are a mountain and I am a hill;

You are the ocean and I am a river,

Winding and swirling and

never quite still,

Winding and swirling and

never quite still.

You are the canyon and

I am the crevice,

You are the heavens and I am a star;

You are the thunder and

I am a whisper,

Quietly longing to be where You are,

Quietly longing to be where You are.

You are a mighty God,

so awesome and holy.

Mighty God, I stand amazed.

You are a mighty God,

I worship you only.

You are so mighty and

worthy of praise.

You are so mighty and

worthy of praise.

You are so mighty and

worthy of praise.

You are the eagle and I am a sparrow,

You are the lion and I am a lamb;

You are the fire and I am an ember,

Fanned into flame by the

glorious I AM,

Fanned into flame by the

glorious I AM.

You are mighty, God.

You are so mighty

and I am unworthy,

But I will worship you. I worship you!

You are worthy of praise!

Words and Music by Ken Young

This is a song that I turn up really loud when I am alone in the car and sing my heart out with. I do it when I am alone because I am not particularly proud of my singing abilities. :)

Besides the fact that it emphasizes how awesome and mighty God is, to me it also puts into words that struggle inside of me to be more than I am and to be near God. I think it's a good struggle. It's not always comfortable to be disappointed by my limitation of being unable to be as holy as I think God calls me to be. It is refreshing though to remember that it is something that I delight in working toward.

I've highlighted in blue the parts of the song that make me think of my own relationship with God. I do feel like I am often winding and swirling, and certainly never quite still. It's hard for me to be still before the Lord. I like how calling God the thunder and me the whisper reminds me that our relationship is not all about me. It's a good reminder when so much in the world around me tells me that it is all about me - the individual. But then, but then! I am an ember and God fans me into a flame. I may start little, but God pushes me further. And that is the only way I can go further - if God fans me into a flame.

Imagine Seeing This ...

2010-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

I was just out walking with Jonas and this ran across the sidewalk. It almost went over my sandaled feet. Eww! I really hate these things ... skinks. I saw a lot of them growing up in Florida, but they are bigger here!

I also hate when I see an Alligator Lizard. They all just creep me out!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2010-03-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

One of my greatest pleasures of being a mother, I've discovered, is watching Jonas learn from us and try to imitate us. When he first started doing it I thought, wow isn't he smart! I honestly don't remember how old he was when I took this video, but he had just started walking so it must be at about 11 months. A little background: I was cleaning his room and using a pink dust rag I have. When I was done, I just tossed it down the hall into my room, then started cleaning something else. Jonas disappeared and a few seconds later he reappeared with the dust rag, at which point he began to do a little cleaning himself. So cute!

A New Place to Call Home

2010-03-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have found us dealing with a, let's call it interesting, situation. We've found ourselves trying to make some difficult decisions and trying to make them in faith. We came to a point where we realized that between our two options we had to have faith that God would provide for us either way. After praying and talking and praying and talking and getting advice from wise family and friends, we finally made a decision on Monday. We are moving to a HOUSE in mid-April!

So, what brought us to this point? In November smokers moved into the unit below us. In December I took Jonas to his pediatrician because he'd had a cold for several weeks. His pediatrician wondered if it could be due to the smokers. In February when I took him in again, she told me it was time to move. So, about 3 weeks ago I started looking into what I could do.

I ended up finding a great little house in a GREAT neighborhood that was in our budget. But, at the same time, I still hadn't negotiated us out of our lease here (which isn't up until July). We knew the house would go quick and when we put in application, we weren't the first. So, we prayed. We kind of figured that if we didn't get, it wasn't meant to be. We eventually got a call letting us know that we got the house! That was when we had to decide, do we trust God to provide for us should it become necessary to pay to get out of our lease? Or, do we trust that God will provide a different place to live should we decide to pass this house up? After a lot of thought and prayer, we obviously chose the house.

So, where are we at with the lease? The "legal" department of the management group that owns the apartment complex asked the manager to have us fill out some forms, get a form filled out by Jonas' pediatrician, and for good measure, we had his pediatrician write another letter chronicling his visits to her as well as all of the antibiotic treatments he has been prescribed. So, we turned those all in yesterday and the manager will be faxing them in on Monday. I hope to have an answer one way or another by the end of next week. Either we get out scott free, or we have to pay a settlement fee. Either way, we trust that God will somehow provide. And in April, we'll be moving into a smoke free house with a backyard for Jonas to play in.

We are excited!

Please join us in praying for God's provision. Obviously we are hoping to not have to pay anything to break the lease, but know that God may work in another way as well.

A few specs: It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house. It has a garage and nice big backyard.

Here are a few pictures of the new place. We checked out just after the previous tenants moved out, so it's a little worn. But, the floors are all being replaced or resurfaced. The kitchen cupboards will either be replaced or resurfaced and the walls are going to be painted.

Front door to the right, hallway to the bedrooms right ahead.

Dining Room - will definitely be getting new floors. :)

Kitchen, a little small, but I don't cook much anyway. :)

Living Room, certainly a little bigger than the one we have now.

Gas fireplace in the living room .. kind of wish it had a mantle to hang stockings on :)

Patio and backyard - to the left is a garden and to the right is lawn, you just can't see it in this picture.

Master bedroom, has a bath attached. Really the other 2 bedrooms look just like it.

The Music Man

2010-03-19T16:52:00.002-07:00

After insisting that I play it for several minutes, Jonas was finally prepared to try it for himself. I took this video on the cell phone so it has a grainy sound and picture. Sorry.

Jonas: One Year Old

2010-03-13T19:47:00.000-08:00

Ahh, Jonas' birthday. It's like he was already cursed for being born 2 days after Christmas. We celebrated his birthday a day early in Michigan with Nate's family (sorry, I don't have any pictures from that one right now). Then, we flew home from Michigan on Jonas' real birthday. So, he wore his birthday shirt and the co pilot gave him some wings.

Because I really wanted to make Jonas a cake, we decided to have a very small get together for his birthday here as well. It was a month after his birthday, but what does he care? Thanks to Sarah for helping me make the cake. It was fun, but a lot of work.

Jonas got a lot of great gifts for his birthday, including a kid size chair from Ikea. I have to thank Liz and Sarah for sticking with the hunt for that one!

It was really exciting to celebrate Jonas turning one. It's hard to believe sometimes that he is one already. When I look at him I truly no longer see a baby, but a little boy. A charming little boy if I do say so myself. ;)

Jonas: King of His Toy Kingdom

2010-03-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

Jonas: I'm Silly Sometimes

2010-03-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

(He did put those on their himself. He went to the laundry basket and threw them over his head and proceeded to play)

Nate will probably kill me if he ever sees this picture, but this is just so Jonas. Every time he has a bath, he wiggles free of the towel and runs around naked - usually with a big smile accompanied by laughter.

Jonas: I LOVE Playing Outside

2010-03-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

(And at My Gym)

Jonas: Let Me Tell You About My Experience in the Pool

2010-03-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Jonas: Just Relaxin

2010-03-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

I loved those early baby days! I'm not ready to experience them again ... not yet. But, aren't they precious?!

Wide open eyes.

Jerky movements.

Little squeaks.

Lots of yawns.

Lots of eating.

Lots of sleeping.

Jonas was such a content little guy too, so other than the large amounts of time spent feeding him, taking care of him was a breeze. So, I took a lot of pictures of him just relaxin.

My Name is Becca

2010-03-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

So, in my quest to personalize and gussy up my blog I learned that I could add a signature to each and every post automatically. Fun! So, I headed over to Live Signature and created one, added into my settings and TA DA, there it is ... take a look below.

But in the process, I did that thing where if you say a word too many times it begins to not sound like a real word anymore. There are over 100 fonts to choose from and I looked at all of them. By the end, my name didn't sound (or even look like) a real name anymore.

Have you ever had?

Does Something Look Funny?

2010-03-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

Ahh, yes. I've spent HOURS working on giving the blog a different look. I'm TERRIBLE at this. I'm frustrated when I see other blogs looking so sharp and no amount of searching through Blogger help gets me anywhere near that.

In the time I spent, I managed to get the header the size that I want it and to get it centered, but my picture is smooshed. I know I need to resize it and crop it differently to change that effect, but I have to get back on the Mac to do that, and Nate is using it, I think.

After I get that worked out, I'd really like to customize the title more, i.e. it's location in the header and it's font, etc. If anyone has any advice on this, feel free to give it!

Jonas: "I will not perform!"

2010-02-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

You know how kids do something new and you want to show it off? So, you turn on the video camera and then they won't do it. This video is one of those times.

This video was taken when Jonas was a few months old. He had just really started to try his voice out and Nate and I were trying to catch it on video. The only noise he really makes is to start to whimper at the end. But, he does some really cute things during it anyway.

I'm not really sure why it shows up black at the beginning, but there really is a video there.

By the way, do you hate the way your voice sounds on recordings? I sure do!

Feeling Neglected

2010-02-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

I imagine this blog is feeling a little neglected - or a lot. I have an excuse, I really do. First of all, it's just been one of those weeks. Second of all, I've had A LOT of work to do lately. I know, it's pathetic, I started the whole video/picture thing, and I couldn't keep it up. Well, I am going to try and be a little more realistic and say that I will update on the weekends. Is that fair? Will that work?

Jonas and the Earthquakes

2010-02-19T15:11:00.000-08:00

Actually, Jonas does not pay any attention to them at all. I think the only thing he notices is the look on my face that says - ARE YOU KIDDING ME? ANOTHER ONE? And, I'm sure he enjoys that moment where I freeze and try to gauge whether or not this is "the big one." I mean, they keep saying it's going to happen sooner or later. I think it might happen within the week.*

Strange to think that we are raising a child who expects the ground to move and shake. And move and shake the ground has.

Starting last weekend we have had several earthquakes centered about 3-4 miles S/SSW of Redlands. By several, I mean several a day. Every day. I know we've only been here 4 1/2 years, but I am going to say it anyway, I have never experienced anything like this. They've become so frequent that I'm not surprised by them anymore. Until about 2 years ago, Nate and I could not concretely say we even felt an earthquake. Maybe we felt one, maybe we didn't.

This strange earthquake weather** has prompted me to do a little research. About 45 minutes worth. Frankly, I haven't come up with too much. Here are a couple of articles written in local newspapers that include interviews with real professionals.*** From the Redlands Daily Facts. From the Press Enterprise.
This article from the Desert Sun does not include an interview from, but does include data from the U.S. Geological Survey (they are the ones who collect all the data on earthquakes, etc.). It focuses on the handful of magnitude**** 3+ tremors we had around lunch time today. They're pretty good shakers. We can generally feel 1.5+ when they occur, so when a 3+ comes around, you tend to stop a second and take notice.

Since Saturday, when everyone started to take notice of the earthquakes after experiencing a 4.1, we have had 7 3+ earthquakes. 7 folks!

If you're interested learning more about these quakes, check out the Southern California Earthquake Data Center. They have a map that show where earthquakes have happened in the last hour, day, and week. If you click on any location once on the map it enlarges to that area. Also, once you enlarge it once, if you scroll down you will find links for the big earthquake list (which at this time is clearly dominated by Redlands) and the all earthquakes list.

Of course, things will go on as normal. A little moving and shaking can't keep us down!

*Please keep in mind that I have no education or knowledge whatsoever to base this prediction on. It's just meant to be a little joke.

**A term I have coined on the spot to describe something that has been making an appearance as much as the sun has.

***While I am a smart person, I am NOT a professional in the field of earthquakes and other geological phenomena.

**** On the Moment Magnitude Scale, an earthquake one number higher is approximately 31.6 times as powerful.

Jonas: Meeting the Family

2010-02-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

Isn't that really one of the most exciting times we have when we have a new baby. (I had to look at that last sentence twice to make sure I typed it right!) We are certainly not an exception. I was so PROUD to show off my little Jonas. Since my family made the trek out here for Christmas, they were able to see him right away. It was really exciting for me to be able to experience labor, delivery, and tiny baby with my mother and my little sister (who actually has 2 boys older than Jonas).

My Daddy with tiny Jonas. I believe he was about 4 days old here.

Jonas with my cousin Melissa and two of her kids: Aliyah and Aaron.

Hanging out at the country club: Aidan, Aaron (belonging to my cousin Melissa), Lucas (my sister's son), and Jonas. Missing from the picture: Cameron (my sister's other son)

My beloved sister Kaitlyn and her husband Mac.

This picture is actually from the spring, but for some reason I only have 1 picture of my mom holding Jonas and it wasn't exactly flattering. :) This one is!

We were very lucky to have most of the rest of our family make the long journey to CA to meet Jonas as well.

Nate's parents adoring little baby Jonas. They still do!

Uncle JD (Nate's brother) and Aunt Jess (soon to be our sister-in-law!!)

This is one of my favorite pictures. Jonas just LOVED the The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. The colorful pictures got him all excited. You can see in this picture how he would wave his arms around when we would read it to him. This is Uncle Jer (Nate's brother) and Aunt Molly reading to him in the hotel when we went to San Diego.

We were able to introduce Jonas to the family members when we went to Florida in the summer. Crazy, I know, but when your husband is a teacher, that's just what works.

This picture just always makes me laugh. In Jonas' defense, Ryker wasn't sharing. :) (Don't worry, Jonas only had the beginnings of teeth at this time and no child was hurt while taking this picture)

Jonas playing in the pool at Grandma and Grandpa W's with his cousins Dylan and Ryker.

A family picture. Jamie (my brother), Alison, Ryker and Dylan.

For some reason I don't have any pictures of them with Jonas, but they definitely were with him.

Jonas: The Beginning

2010-02-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize that I'm skipping around a little. I can only say this, posting one video yesterday was easier than trying to choose some of my favorite pictures out of hundreds. But today I'm feeling a little more up to it. I was able to get a light jog in with Jonas, accomplish many things around the house, start working on my classes, and best of all, I got 9 hours of sleep last night! So bring it on!

My pregnancy with Jonas was probably about as smooth as a pregnancy can go. I think I was sick twice (and I think it's because of the medication I took on those occasions for migraines). I felt really good physically - I didn't experience too much discomfort until about the 8th month and that only lasted for about 3 weeks. I was lucky, I know.

Then, came the labor, or not. I never went into labor on my own, but since my water broke, we had to go in. Several hours (18) on the maximum dose of pitocin (yeah, after 8 hours I gave up and got the epidural), Jonas made his arrival.

Here's a few pictures of that journey and his first few days of life.

So, I guess that's at about 21 weeks.

I believe this is right at the end. Looking pretty good, huh?

This is one of my favorite pregnancy pictures. This was when Nate and I went walking up in Big Bear.

Here's THAT day - actually this is technically the day before he was born.

Daddy and Jonas at the hospital.

(Because Nate was so sick the days before Jonas was born and I was frankly exhausted, we don't have very many hospital pictures. Sorry Jonas if we messed up on that :)).

This is the picture we used on our blog post announcing his arrival.

First bath at home - he hated it!

It wasn't any better with Daddy. :)

Jonas: The Jerky Days

2010-02-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

Until I went through all of these old videos of Jonas in preparation for this project, I had forgotten just how jerky baby movements were. I know it's not been that long, but I forgot. This video is one of my favorites of him in this jerky stage. This was from when he was about 3 months old. He was still sleeping in our room at the time. In the video he is reacting to the fan.

Progress Report

2010-02-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you all know that I have been working VERY HARD on the pictures and videos I have "promised." I have all the videos on the computer. They just need a little chopping done to make them an appropriate length for the blog. I have chosen several photos and put them in a special folder for this journey of Jonas. I am working on getting the rest of the photos off the old computer right now by way of flikr. It may take a while, but I'm excited about all I have done already.

So, rest assured, by Tuesday (keep in mind that tomorrow being President's Day means I have a long weekend to work with) you will see here the first installmant of pictures and videos for "Jonas: A Journey Through the First Year."

Be sure to come back and check it out!

Dare I?

2010-02-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

I want to make you all a promise, but I'm a little nervous to do so. Today I went and bought a new computer (for reasons that shall be discussed another time in another post). It will be much more conducive to sharing pictures and videos on the blog.

I want to promise that I will spend time this weekend preparing you for a photo and video journey of our first year with Jonas to occur over the next few weeks, but I'm too afraid to. I know that the instant I promise, something will come up and it won't get done.

But, feel free to come back and check on my progress after this weekend. Go on. I dare you!

Can I Stand up here on this Soapbox?

2010-01-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

I don't often use this blog to voice my opinions, concerns, etc. about political or social issues, but after a long frustrating afternoon, I feel I must vent.

I feel that the way credit reporting is done in this country is a SHAM! It's my credit report, but I can only look at it once a year without paying? I have to pay to see it any other time? I've known this for a long time, but it really only bothered me today. :) Shouldn't these credit bureaus be making their money off companies who want to check the credit of an individual consumer instead of the individual consumer? Aren't the companies checking the consumer's report the ones receiving a service? Credit bureaus: you are not providing me with a service. Maybe a headache, but not a service.

I just went through the whole Annual Credit Report thing with Nate's reports and mine just to make sure that there was nothing funny going on. For both of us, Equifax said, "We're sorry, we are unable to provide you your report because there is either a fraud alert, security freeze, or active duty freeze, etc, etc on it." Wait, don't I have to place those on my reports? Since I didn't, how'd they get there? Hmmmm. I guess we should follow up on that one?

Experian was the only company we did not have any problems with.

TransUnion worked just fine for Nate's report. Mine, not so much. Since I checked my report with them back in 2007 I had a user name and they wanted me to log in to continue, so I entered the information, pressed the Log IN button and up popped the screen saying "You are now logged off, thank you for visiting." When I logged back in, no free credit report, they now wanted $10.50 for it. No thanks.

As a side note, both Experian and TransUnion will allow you to see your credit score for $7.95 along with your free report. But, if you go to their websites at a later time to get just your credit score, I believe it's $15 to $18. So, if you're going to get your free credit report and want to see your score, you'll save a few bucks by tacking it on. As far as I know there is NO FREE way to see your score. Well, maybe if you're applying for a loan or something and the lender is willing to reveal it to you.

Oh, and the way you build credit? By having credit. How do you earn credit to build credit if no one will give you credit because you don't have credit? It's absurd, really. It's like when you graduate from college and you're searching for a job in your degree field, but everyone wants to hire someone with experience. How are you going to get experience if you can't get a job? (We won't delve any further into this one).

Because of my ranting and raving, you're probably assuming that we found something we did not like. Not the case, all is well in our little credit world (according to 3 companies who somehow get to decide what is important to our credit report and how that translates into a score). I just feel like I got screwed.

Anyone else agree with me? If you actually disagree, you are not invited to leave a comment. ;)

A Little Promo and Request

2010-01-24T16:49:00.000-08:00

Our youth group at Bethany Reformed Church will be doing World Vision's 30 Hour Famine again this year. While the Famine isn't actually until April, we can start raising funds NOW! This year they also have the convenience of donating online at sites set up by Famine participants. So, you guessed it, I set up a site for YOU to donate online.

The funds that we raise during the 30 Hour Famine will be used by World Vision to support the programs that they have around the world that help feed children through various projects. This year, a portion of the funds raised have already been designated to go to the efforts that World Vision has already begun in Haiti. Want to know more? Check out their website.

If you decide this is a cause you'd like to support, please, please donate online TODAY!

I thank you in advance for your support of our youth group's efforts!

Family Pictures

2010-01-21T15:37:00.000-08:00

A little over 2 weeks ago we spent an afternoon with Mark Leonard having our family pictures done. We had a good time and the results are fabulous! He even made me look good!

Here is a glimpse of some of the results. If you want to see more, just check out his gallery.

Thanks Mark!

Picture of the Day, v.3

2010-01-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

2nd Cousins?

Jonas, Lily, Sadie, and Baby Mia

I don't know how these relations things work, so this is a picture of Jonas with Nate's cousin's daughters. Got it? :) We spent Christmas in Michigan this year and enjoyed a Christmas Eve celebration at Nate's grandparents' home. Jonas loved playing with the girls, but we couldn't get him to sit on the couch to take a picture with them, until we let him sit in a box that is! What a boy. That is my Jonas in a nutshell.

Picture of the Day, v.2

2010-01-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

We're being animals. Can you guess which ones?

Libby: ?

Kristin: ?

Abby: ?

Becca:?

Picture of the Day

2010-01-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

Family Picture at The Cheese

Whenever we're back in Michigan, Nate and I like to at least take a drive around Calvin's campus. It still holds a special place in our hearts. Not only did we receive a great Christian education, but we met and fell in love there. It may seem strange or cheesy (haha, get it?) that we take a picture here every year, but this is a special place for us too. We spent many nights taking walks and ending up sitting here talking - it's how we really got to know each other. Nate even proposed to me here. For those of you with a knack for remembering small details you may even recall that there was a picture of us on a Jone's Soda bottle at this place.

* Sidebar: I know that this isn't actually called "The Cheese." That's just what we called it because it was yellow and holey. I'm pretty sure I probably heard that from somewhere else too, I don't think I actually made it up. Is it really called Jonah and the Whale? Anybody know? Trivia challenge!

As 2009 Comes to a Close ...

2009-12-31T20:29:00.000-08:00

It's been several years since Nate and I have really "celebrated" New Year's. There's always some reason we don't really feel like whooping it up and waiting for a lighted ball to drop at midnight (replayed if you're not in the eastern time zone, of course). Last year I think it had something to do with a certain someone being born just days before. You decide whether that's a good excuse or not.

Tonight it's going to be another low key celebration - we just didn't feel like doing anything. We did run some errands and then end with a dinner trip to Qdoba to celebrate. We have plans to watch a 30 Rock marathon and maybe a movie. We'll even try to stay up til midnight. Maybe have a drink or two. Mostly just enjoy each others' company.

One thing I am doing this year that I maybe haven't really done in the past, is reflecting on what has happened in the past year. Maybe being an adult makes you do that?

So, what has happened this year? Without going into details, I will just say this: enough has happened to make me take stock of everything that God has given me. Enough has happened to make me ponder the idea of not wasting any time taking things for granted. And after those thoughts come the thoughts about how to best do that. Well, I'm not quite sure yet, but I will certainly be working on that. In the mean time, if you have any suggestions feel free to shout them out.

As 2009 approaches an end and 2010 is about to begin I am ready to put this year behind me, taking the good times and the things I've learned with me and begin another one.

Happy New Year dear friends and family! Nate and I pray that you may know God's presence in your life this year.

Teenage Basketball Players

2009-12-18T21:57:00.000-08:00

Nate's basketball team has been participating in a tournament yesterday and today that requires about a 20-30 minute (sometimes more, it is So Cal after all) drive. Nate and his assistant coach, Nate (that's right), have each been driving a van and Jonas and I have been riding along.

Today those girls made me laugh harder than I think I have in quite some time. Amongst the talk of cute boys and famous guys way out of their league (sorry girls), we took some time to say positive things about each of the girls as basketball players. See, Nate takes the time to come up with a devotion before each game that relates to everyday life as well as to basketball. Since they had kind of a rough game last night, he decided that they should encourage each other and build each other up today. Well, the girls wanted to start with Nate - or Mr. T as they call him.

We got to Caitlin and she said, "Mr. T, you are a lot more competent this year." Instant laughter from me. The girls all start laughing with me and Caitlin is wondering what I find so funny. Through a short conversation it is discovered that she actually said, "Mr. T you are a lot more CONFIDENT this year."

But, can you see why I thought it was funny, at first?? I thought she was saying that she did not think her coach knew what he was doing, for the past 4 years he's been coaching her. But, now he does. Oh, I'm laughing again just thinking about it. You probably just think I'm crazy.

I did really enjoy those rides. It made me realize how hard the next couple of years are going to be as these girls who Nate has been coaching since middle school begin to graduate high school. So sad. I love these girls and look forward to the rest of their season!

Where Does God Fit into My Life?

2009-12-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

Do you ever find yourself just kind of floating along, doing the same thing day in and day out, not really realizing that you momentarily forgot about God? You go to church, you pray, you may even talk about God with others. Then, all of a sudden it hits you, "I've been praying to and singing to and talking about a God that actually exists!" Somehow you've spent several days or weeks or months, maybe even years, treating God like an idea rather than someone who is real. You've been better at the religion part of Christianity and not so great at the relationship part. You remember the cross and Jesus' sacrifice and the forgiveness of your sins, but you don't remember what that means for how you relate to God.

Then suddenly something happens, or many things happen, and you remember who God is. Sometimes it's something wonderful. Sometimes it's something terrible. Sometimes it's a thought spoken to you at just the right time. Sometimes it's the passage you just read (and actually thought about this time). Or maybe, it's all really God's Spirit whispering to your soul, reminding you of his desire to be in a loving relationship with you.

Oh how wonderful that we worship a living God! A loving God! A good God! He is real. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross means that we can approach him and be counted as righteous and enter into a relationship with him. It may seem weird to enter into a relationship with someone you can't really see or really touch, but I think that's some of the beauty of it. A friend shared how she felt like she just realized how big God was. What a wonderful reminder - that's one of my favorite things about God. He's so big. He's bigger than me! He's bigger than everything that we worry about from day to day. What a comfort to believe in, and be loved by, a God who we can trust completely. Can you think of someone better to be in a relationship with?

That's me, right now. I've been spending several months "going through the motions" as some may say. I've forgotten to allow God to be in my heart, to be in a loving relationship with me. I've been content with just sort of thinking of him as an idea. Maybe I've been too good at separating my daily life from my life as God's child. Sometimes it's hard to figure out how God fits into the details of your life. I often look at my life and wonder what God cares about my having to do laundry or clean the house or run errands. I get lost in thinking that I need to be doing something big and wonderful for God's kingdom at every second. I get lost wondering about what God's purpose for my life is. When I don't think answers come clearly, I just give up and shut down.

That's me, right now. Shut down. Except, God's Spirit has whispered to me. He's reminded me that he cares deeply about our relationship (and wishes I would treat it the same). He's reminded me that he is here, even in the little things. We're not all called to do "something big" (however we judge big to be), some of us may simply be called to live a Godly life and touch someone that we may not even know, or even realize that we touched them. See, I'm learning right now, literally, that doing something for God's kingdom is not about what I may think is important. It's not about me at all. It's about bringing glory to God and he can use me to do that anyway he wants. See, ultimately, the purpose in life for everyone is to bring glory to God.

So, here I am Lord, ready to listen to your Spirit. Ready to rebuild our relationship. Ready to learn from that relationship how to relate to those around me. Ready to live again like you are real!

Fall 2009

2009-12-07T17:37:00.000-08:00

Fall, oh glorious fall. I really do enjoy the fall. It's that time when temperatures start to cool off just enough so that it's not too insanely hot. And, if you're lucky you'll have a cool November. This year in Southern California wasn't too bad. I remember it being quite warm last year. I was still swimming in the pool in November. I don't think I would have gone swimming this November. :)

But enough about how I feel about weather ... We had a pretty full fall this year. I was an assistant coach for the JV and Varsity girls volleyball at ACA. That, as I'm sure you can guess, was quite the time commitment. I really had a great time and look forward to the possibility of doing it again next year.

Nate's parents came to visit in October. They couldn't have picked a better week to come. I got my wisdom teeth pulled about half way through their visit. I really LOVED having their help with taking care of Jonas, and honestly that first day, taking care of me as well. :) Nate's dad also built us an amazing shelf that is hanging on our dining room wall (sorry, I forgot to take a picture of it). We also managed to find some time to do some fun things as well. We went to San Diego and visited the Cabrillo National Monument and the USS Midway Museum. Then we had dinner at the Rockbottom Brewery - a place we often go when we're down there. On Sunday we went up to Oak Glen, got some pumpkins, apples, and some other goodies.

In November we met Nate's Aunt Pat and Uncle BJ in Visalia for Thanksgiving. Greg and Liz came with us and we all had a really great time. We had dinner with some of Uncle BJ's relatives. So, not technically our relatives, but oh well, we had a great time with them. And, Jonas had a great time with their kids. We visited Sequoia National Park while we were there and it was cold.

Now, winter and basketball begin. Christmas is upon us and we look forward to that holiday. But for now, here are some pictures of our wonderful fall.

Down by the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument

On the USS Midway in San Diego

I tried to get a cute picture of Jonas with his pumpkins, but he was too distracted by the rocks.

All dressed up in his pirate costume.

Halloween party. Nate would probably be embarrassed to see I put this picture on here. :)

Smoking Popeye's corn cob pipe.

My friends Sarah and Liz and I before heading out for a wonderful afternoon of shopping!

The volleyball girls loved Jonas and so do the basketball girls. He's a little distracting at times.

All ready for the Michigan game and all smiles about it.

Eating turkey at Thanksgiving dinner. He loved the turkey and the corn (which he did not chew).

Checking out the dairy cows across the street from where we stayed during Thanksgiving.

Playing with some of the kids after Thanksgiving dinner. So cute, they brought him his own bucket of sand from the sand box and a bunch of toys for him to play with. He was so happy playing in that sand, especially when he was dumping it all down his pants. That was a fun diaper to change.

Hanging out with Uncle BJ and Aunt Pat in front of the world's largest living thing. A giant sequoia named General Sherman.

This was the easiest way to carry him on the trails. He was so cute in his winter get up, but kept taking his mittens off.

And finally ... Jonas' "big boy" car seat. He could fit in it already, but he still fits in the old one so for now it sits in his nursery and he enjoys playing with the box with a wooden spoon of course.

Bootylicious Buns

2009-11-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hope that got your attention, if not, I don't even want to know what I would have to type to grab your attention!

I HATE exercising. Or, rather, I hate doing exercise for the sake of exercise. I don't like to run on a treadmill (or anywhere else for that matter). I basically don't like gyms.

But, I've realized that I need to do something. It's not just a matter of looking better, but of feeling better and being healthier.

This week I've done a number of things to try to create good healthy habits for myself. On Saturday I took my last sip of caffeinated soda. I was literally addicted and I was sick of it, so I gave up caffeine prepared to endure a week of headaches, like the last time I tried to quit. Guess what, no headaches! I'm only drinking water, milk, and orange juice and I feel great.

Next step: exercise! A while ago my friend Sarah told me about how she found exercise videos on On Demand from Time Warner that were free. I took a look on Monday and found them. There are A LOT of free ones. In fact, I've done one every day and I haven't done the same one yet! I've had so much fun. Here's what I've tried so far (and try to picture me doing this in my living room for a good laugh): Hip Hop Dance, Cardioke, Bootylicious Buns, and 10 minute abs. My goal is to do 3 days of cardio videos a week and 2 days of the toning videos a week.

I may be getting closer and closer to 30. And I may be a mom, but I will not give up wearing bikinis yet!

If you have Time Warner Cable, check it out. Push the On Demand button on your remote, scroll down till you see Sports and Fitness and select it. Then, scroll till you see Exercise TV and select. From there you can make your own choices. Just make sure they say Free on them, or you will pay for them.

Update: 10 1/2 Months

2009-11-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

I feel like I need to update everyone on what Jonas is doing because he's changed so much since I wrote about him at 10 months. Isn't that just the way things go?

Our guy now has 4 teeth! Watch out, he likes to use them!

Jonas has finally pushed past that 20lb mark. He's a skinny little guy.

He has given up the bottle for a sippy cup. No fuss, no fight, just a couple of times using it to get used to it.

He's always trying new food. He often enjoys some of the things we eat. But, he does not like textures to be mixed. Either it's puree or solid, so don't give him a bite of yogurt with fruit in it. If you do, it all comes right back out.

::Drum Roll:: Jonas walks! He prefers walking over crawling, though he's not quite steady enough to do it full time. Give him a few more weeks and I bet he'll be ready to walk all the time.

Jonas Screening

2009-11-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here you go folks ... a video of Jonas, from about 4 months to about 2 weeks ago. Enjoy!

10 Months

2009-10-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

Two days ago Jonas reached the 10 month milestone. Oh my! Even though there are a million other things I should be working on right now (like fixing that stupid broken mirror on our car!!), I have decided to post some pictures of Jonas first. Can't disappoint the fans! ;)

Jonas watching Michigan football with Daddy. He even has his own football!

Jonas loves to play with the shoes and shoe rack.

This is often how shoe play time ends. It's happened so often now that he's figured out how to crawl out from under it on his own. No more crying for me to help him. :)

Longing to go out on the deck. He has now figured out how to open the screen door, so I had to have a lock put on it yesterday so that he cannot escape.

9 Months

2009-10-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

Nine months. Wow. I can't believe that in less than 3 months, Jonas will be a year old already. Just as everyone told me it would, time went really fast. I've enjoyed each stage (for the most part) that Jonas has gone through. I enjoy each new thing he does and look forward to what he'll be doing next. I don't "miss" months gone by yet, but I think that I may when we pass the one year mark. But, who knows?

Jonas had his 9 month check up on October 1st. He is doing great. He's making all his milestones and he keeps growing. He is now 30 inches long (98%) and 19lbs 3oz (25%). He didn't have to get any regularly scheduled vaccines, but his mean mommy made him get the flu shot - just the first dose of it of course. Don't worry, I will subject him to torture again in the beginning of November for the second dose and possibly for an H1N1 vaccine (since there have been a couple of cases of it at ACA, where Nate and I are a lot). Just like with the regular vaccines, he cried when the nurse poked him, but he recovered.

I feel like I have to say this again and again, "I LOVE Jonas' pediatrician." She is a perfect fit for ME. I'm a worrier, but she's completely laid back, which I think has helped me tremendously. She is also just a funny person. This time she said to me, "You know that Jonas is abnormally long and skinny, right?" Ha. He is, thus being in the 98% for height and 25% for weight. Don't worry, she's not concerned about his weight. :) Just something to consider: Jonas was 21 inches when he was born, now he's 30. That means he's grown an average of an inch a month. Babies are just the craziest things, aren't they?

Jonas is getting around quite well these days, maybe a little too well. He's very curious and we try to foster that within reasonable bounds. He's a boy and he gets bruises and scratches. He is a quick crawler and pulls himself up on everything. He's climbing already too. He occasionally tries to take a step, but he's not going anywhere on that yet. I want him to walk soon and I don't want him to walk soon. He's a handful (in a good way) already.

I LOVE my son!

Sick!

2009-09-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

We're all sick.

Nate came home Friday afternoon complaining of being achy and having a sore throat. He proceeded to run an intense fever for the rest of the weekend. Yesterday, it seemed, his fever had finally broken, but he stayed home to rest and make sure he was really ready to go back to school. This morning he seemed miserable. I told him that if it got to be too much he should just come home at lunch. He didn't even argue, just kind of nodded.

Then, while I was changing Jonas' diaper I realized that he felt quite warm. Checked his temperature, and indeed, he does have a fever. He fell asleep while trying to play at 9:30 and he's been sleeping ever since. I don't want him to sleep all day because I want him to sleep well tonight, but can you really wake up a sick baby???

Around 10 I started to feel a little achy and got a headache. Now, I have a little bit of a fever.

Blah. I HATE being sick and I HATE when my family is sick. I know I have to pull myself together and just pretend (at least till Thursday evening) that I am not sick. So, until then, I will NOT be sick!

Changes

2009-09-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Some change is good, right? Inspired by many friends who have recently updated the look of their blog, I felt like it was time to do the same.

So, new colors, new photos, and soon, new posts.

Here's a change you can make: post some comments for goodness sake! I just like to hear from all of you. :)

New Blog

2009-09-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

Today I created a second blog. It's simply a place where I will be sharing my experiences, both good and bad, as a mother. I will share things I've learned. I will ocasionaly do product reviews on things I've tried out with Jonas - some will be good, some will be bad.

So, if you want more of a glimpse of my struggles and my joys in being a mother to Jonas, head on over to Motherhood: From My Perspective.

Nate CAN Fix a Car Problem

2009-09-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so neither Nate nor I know anything about cars. So when it wouldn't start Friday night and still wouldn't start on Saturday morning we started to think about if we would have to call a tow truck. But, we thought it might just be the battery and we were determined not to pay a mechanic just to replace a battery.

I went online, got instructions for how to properly remove a battery and Nate removed it. Then our friend Sarah (thank you!!) took him to Wal-Mart (even though we hate that store!) and he had them test the battery. It was DEAD. Go figure - we can't even remember if we've ever replaced it since we've owned the car and we've owned it for about 5 1/2 years now!

Nate bought a new battery and installed it. Now, the car is working beautifully again. Maybe we should start changing our own oil ...

Jonas Laughs

2009-09-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

Guilty Pleasure

2009-09-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

So, I have a guilty pleasure and it involves watching ridiculous TV programs during Jonas' naps sometimes. My choices on programs can range from "I Didn't Know I was Pregnant" on TLC and "Real Housewives" on Bravo. Well, I found a new one this afternoon and it's a doozy.

It's called "Flipping Out" and it's on Bravo. Wow. It's basically about a gay guy (being gay actually doesn't really have anything to do with the show) who flips million dollar homes somewhere in the greater LA area. He's a real winner, let me tell you. He has like 3 assistants two of whose jobs have less to do with his business and more about being his slaves. Seriously. Let's just say that he seems completely delusional about how the real world works. And his "1st" assistant reminds me of Elaine from Seinfeld. She looks like her and talks like her. Remember when she is Mr. Pitt's assistant and has to do weird things like find him the perfect pair of athletic socks? This man is like a modern gay version of Mr. Pitt and his assistant (well, all of them really) are doing these bizarre things for him.

My question is, where does he find people who are willing to do this stuff for him and put up with his utter ridiculousness?

My mouth is pretty much hanging open the whole time I am watching this show. Check it out sometime. "Flipping Out"

How Did We Get Here?

2009-08-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

::Sigh:: I look at what we have on our plates for the next several months and I wonder: how did we get here? Better yet, how will we survive here?

All summer I had been wishing for some sort of job to do for this year, some way to make a little extra money for our family. Careful what you wish for! I now have two "little jobs."

Little Job #1: I am watching a little girl who is just 4 days older than Jonas. She's such a sweet even tempered baby! People always tell us Jonas is mellow, well, they should meet this girl. I'm only going to be watching her about once a week, so it's definitely not a major time commitment.

(Not so little) Little Job #2:Starting about 2 weeks ago, I am now the assistant coach for the JV and Varsity Girl's volleyball teams at ACA. The head coach is the same for JV and Varsity and I have enjoyed learning some coaching techniques from him. Honestly, the main reason I have this job is because the administration at ACA thought it would be a good idea to have an adult female around. The head coach chose me because 1: he knew me and 2: I did play volleyball in highschool. But WOW does coaching take a lot of time commitment. You'd think I'd have realized that with Nate coaching, but for some reason I guess I just didn't see it.

I actually really love doing both of these jobs, but it does feel a little overwhelming at times, especially with figuring who is going to be watching Jonas and factoring in my other 2 jobs: youth director at church, and childcare coordinator for MOPS.

Nate is the one who, starting in November will have ALOT on his plate.

Full time teacher
Tutoring 2 afternoons a week
Head coach for girl's basketball at ACA
Sound technician at church
Consistory (he's a deacon)
Executive committee at church

I know some people thrive on busyness, but we are just not those people. When I think about all that we will have going on until the spring, I have trouble breathing. But at the same time, I know these jobs are blessings because they really do fit us. And while I was pondering all this, I was reminded that:
"...When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." - Luke 12: 48b

We have been given much. How will give in return?

Florida: A Journey of Firsts

2009-08-14T20:22:00.001-07:00

At the end of July Nate, Jonas and I took a trip to see Grandpa and Grandma Wierenga, Uncle Jamie, Aunt Alison, and Dylan and Ryker. This trip included a lot of firsts for Jonas. Enjoy a picture journey of some of Jonas' firsts in Florida.

#1: First plane ride

Playing in the airport while we wait for the next flight.

#2: First time playing with his cousins
#3: First time at a "water park"

Hanging out by the fire hydrant that made the magic happen.

#4: First time playing in a door frame bouncy seat

#5: First time seeing an alligator

(Not the first time he's sucked on the camera bag strap)

Can you see the little bugger?

#6: First time playing in a baby pool
#7: First time getting run over by his cousin coming down the slide

Jonas, Ryker, and Dylan

Getting warmed up with Grandma Wierenga

#8: First time having to share anybody's lap

All the boys had to be held by Grandma - seriously they were getting mad that the other was in her lap, so she just picked them all up. Silly Grandma.

#9: First time having to defend himself

What you don't see here is that Ryker had been pushing him away by putting his hand on his face. And, he's not really biting him, he's just sucking on him, which he does to EVERYONE and EVERYTHING. Please note that Grandpa Wierenga is standing in the background allowing them to "work it out."

#10: First time eating a Cheerio
Aunt Alison just stuck one in there to see what he would do. He made a little face, sucked on it for a while and then it was gone. Didn't hate it, didn't care about it. So, we'll put Cheerios on hold for awhile to save a little money. :)

Jonas, Dylan, and Ryker

#11: NOT his first time to the beach, BUT his first time in the ocean!

Uncle Jamie and Dylan playing in the sand.

#12: First tan

Jonas and Daddy hiding from the sun.

Jonas really LOVED the sand. He would pick some up, squeeze it in his hand, look at it, then squeeze it again.

Squint and you can see that Nate is holding Jonas out in the water. The water temperature was perfect for his first dip in the ocean.

Just to Let You Know I'm Still Alive ...

2009-08-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

I feel like it's been a long time since I've posted anything on here. I suppose it kind of has been a while, but it's summer and for some reason I'm finding it harder to write - I guess it's because I'm loving all the time that Nate and Jonas and I are spending as a family.

So, what's going on in our life?

A few weekends ago we spent some time in San Diego on our very first FAMILY VACATION! It was a blast. Jonas did great and we got to do and see a lot of neat things. I love San Diego every time we go!

We've been to the beach a couple of times with friends. We went to the San Diego Zoo with our friend Eric - you can't keep us away from the zoo!

We just returned from a week at my parent's house. We got to spend a lot of time with my parents, brother and sister in law, and their twin boys. They are 1 1/2 and gave me a glimpse of our future ... at least I don't have to do it with two at once! They were a lot of fun. It was fun watching them with Jonas. I just kept imagining him running around with them the next time we see them. He'll be able to protect himself a little better. :)

It's been a long day - I've been up since 3am FL time (that's midnight CA time)! We've been dealing with Jonas by forcing him right back into his routine as soon as we got home. We got home in time for his afternoon nap. And now, he's asleep, hopefully for the night. Cross your fingers!

So, now I sit here in the quiet, alone, realizing that I'm struggling deeply with the sadness of having to say goodbye once again. It's always hard to leave, but it's never been this hard. I cried when I woke up this morning. I cried at the airport. I cried when we walked in our door. I usually feel a sense of relaxation when we return home from a trip, but this afternoon I walked in and despised the fact that I was here.

I don't know what made it so much harder this time, but I'm feeling like I can't stand being away from my family anymore. My mom is my best friend. I am a Daddy's girl. I love sharing the experience of parenthood with my siblings. But here, I'm isolated from all of that.

Maybe a shower and a good night of sleep will refresh my spirit. Our life, after all, is in God's hands.