Belle and I were experimenting with the isight video camera on the MacBook. Here's a little shout out from her...
ejk
Monday, July 20, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sunrise, Sunset...I've always hated that song, but it feels appropriate today
We have worked all day rearranging, cleaning, painting...trying to get ready for baby. We finally cleaned all of our files off of the PC and restored Old Faithful Dell back to the factory settings. We'd love to keep her, but there is NO ROOM in this inn.
In fact, Aron started getting sentimental as he was packing her up. He reminisced about the Christmas he received the computer, and how excited he was that his mom had ordered the upgraded sound card so he could record. "Its special, Hun...I'm feeling sad to let it go," he told me. I told him I knew how he felt...I felt the same way when it was time to sell the Tib a few weeks ago.
I don't think its the things themselves that we're sad to part with, but the sentiment behind it. My parents bought the Tib for me as an enormous graduation gift for being Valedictorian (a naive promise they made when I was in elementary!) Aron's parents bought the computer for him and took extra care to get just what he would need, and he remembered his mom's excitement as she told him all about it. But alas, chapters of our life now only a memory must close in order for new ones to begin. Parting with these 'things' just make it more real.
I need a bigger car for TWO babies...we need more room in our condo, so the desktop & the desk it sits on have to go. Its stupid, but we are sappy & sentimental.
On a funny note...we had NO clue what to do with the Dell, and we hated to see it go to waste. We were able to sell the Tib on Craigslist for exactly what we were asking, so we thought we'd try to list the Dell on the 'Free' section hoping someone would have a good home for her. A few hours after listing the computer, I checked my email...forgetting about the listing. I looked at my inbox, which read ' 284 new messages'....and was instantly ticked thinking someone had sold our address and we'd gotten slammed with spam. No, they were definitely all in response to the post requesting our free Dell Desktop.
So now I'm trying to figure out how to decide who gets our black beauty. Retarded as it seems, I'm sorting through the emails looking for someone who seems like they'd really appreciate her and take good care of her.
enough sentiment for tonight...
ejk
Thursday, July 16, 2009
from relationship to abiding
I can't help but see the world through the lens of pregnancy - but its an undeniable portion of my existence during this season. As I sit and type, I feel the rise and fall of my baby's chest practicing breathing - preparing for life outside of the womb.
There's a portion in a book we've talked about before..."I became a Christian and All I got was this Lousy T-Shirt"...and it echo's in my spirit as I consider this child within me.Vince draws the conclusion that we were never really meant to be in relationship with Jesus - though a relationship is certainly better than religion. But I'm in a relationship with a ton of people...and I can go days or even months without connecting with them, and I'm fine. Is it the same with God? Can I go days or weeks without really connecting with him?
Check out what he has to say: (pg 33-34)
A relationship with Jesus is better than a religion with Jesus, but still, I don't think Jesus was talking about us just having a relationship with him.
For instance, one time Jesus said, "Abide in Me , and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it a abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." To abide means to live within. Jesus says he wants me to live inside of him, and he live inside of me. That doesn't sound like a relationship to me.
What if you could somehow interview a baby inside his mother's womb? And let's say you asked the baby, "Do you have a relationship with your mother?"
I think the baby would give you a really weird look. Now from the pictures I've seen, babies in their mothers' wombs look very alienlike, so you may not realize the baby was giving you a weird look. But trust me; this questions would get you a weird look.
The baby would say, "Could you repeat that?" (I'm assuming the baby can speak.)
So you ask again, "I said, do you have a relationship with your mother?"
The baby would give you another weird look and and answer, "That's what I thought you said, but I can't believe you would ask that. How do I answer? I mean yes, we do have a relationship, but c'mon it's way beyond that. I mean, I live inside of her. I can't live without her. I am totally dependent on her for everything that keeps me alive. I can't do anything without her. So yes, I guess we have a relationship, but that's a colossal understatement." (I'm assuming this baby uses cool words like colossal.)
He later goes on to say:
So when we pray to God about our relationship with him, I imagine God saying, "Did you really just say that? I mean, yes, I guess it is a relationship, but you did catch the part where I said I want us to live inside each other, right? You want to call that a relationship? You can call it what you want, but I'm inviting you into much more than a relationship. I'm offering to be the womb you exist within, and the blood that flows through your veins. I want to be the umbilical cord that brings you the fluids that sustain you, and I want to be the breath that enters your lungs when you're born, and I want to be your lungs. What I want is for you to get lost inside of me, and I want to be lost inside of you. My desire is for us to be one..."
To abide. Wow, what a concept, what a life. His strength, his life, his love, his joy, his identity flowing through my existence, giving me everything I need to not only survive, but to grow and thrive into the girl he created me to be. This is my heart's desire, Jesus.
ejk
There's a portion in a book we've talked about before..."I became a Christian and All I got was this Lousy T-Shirt"...and it echo's in my spirit as I consider this child within me.Vince draws the conclusion that we were never really meant to be in relationship with Jesus - though a relationship is certainly better than religion. But I'm in a relationship with a ton of people...and I can go days or even months without connecting with them, and I'm fine. Is it the same with God? Can I go days or weeks without really connecting with him?
Check out what he has to say: (pg 33-34)
A relationship with Jesus is better than a religion with Jesus, but still, I don't think Jesus was talking about us just having a relationship with him.
For instance, one time Jesus said, "Abide in Me , and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it a abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." To abide means to live within. Jesus says he wants me to live inside of him, and he live inside of me. That doesn't sound like a relationship to me.
What if you could somehow interview a baby inside his mother's womb? And let's say you asked the baby, "Do you have a relationship with your mother?"
I think the baby would give you a really weird look. Now from the pictures I've seen, babies in their mothers' wombs look very alienlike, so you may not realize the baby was giving you a weird look. But trust me; this questions would get you a weird look.
The baby would say, "Could you repeat that?" (I'm assuming the baby can speak.)
So you ask again, "I said, do you have a relationship with your mother?"
The baby would give you another weird look and and answer, "That's what I thought you said, but I can't believe you would ask that. How do I answer? I mean yes, we do have a relationship, but c'mon it's way beyond that. I mean, I live inside of her. I can't live without her. I am totally dependent on her for everything that keeps me alive. I can't do anything without her. So yes, I guess we have a relationship, but that's a colossal understatement." (I'm assuming this baby uses cool words like colossal.)
He later goes on to say:
So when we pray to God about our relationship with him, I imagine God saying, "Did you really just say that? I mean, yes, I guess it is a relationship, but you did catch the part where I said I want us to live inside each other, right? You want to call that a relationship? You can call it what you want, but I'm inviting you into much more than a relationship. I'm offering to be the womb you exist within, and the blood that flows through your veins. I want to be the umbilical cord that brings you the fluids that sustain you, and I want to be the breath that enters your lungs when you're born, and I want to be your lungs. What I want is for you to get lost inside of me, and I want to be lost inside of you. My desire is for us to be one..."
To abide. Wow, what a concept, what a life. His strength, his life, his love, his joy, his identity flowing through my existence, giving me everything I need to not only survive, but to grow and thrive into the girl he created me to be. This is my heart's desire, Jesus.
ejk
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Ultrasound...
Okay, here are the details:
Baby Boy (yes, its still a boy; I asked her to check again with the many stories of big toes and umbilical cords...) is measuring 32 1/2 weeks or so weighing approx 4 lbs 5 oz. This puts me in the 20th percentile (so I'm safe for now!). I did gain a pound this week (thank you pizza hut and coaching from Aron).
So they want to start monitoring me weekly, and they'll do another ultrasound again in 2 weeks to make sure he's continuing to grow. At that time, depending on his size, they'll decide whether to let me go naturally or induce the next week. I am praying for naturally. Half our family will be vacationing south spread out between South Carolina and Florida the first half of August, so I'm getting much encouragement to eat and cross my legs until later in the month!
Baby is head down, in position. Now we must position ourselves...
we'll be hard at work on projects again tonight.
much love and thank you for your prayers...keep them coming!
ejk
Baby Boy (yes, its still a boy; I asked her to check again with the many stories of big toes and umbilical cords...) is measuring 32 1/2 weeks or so weighing approx 4 lbs 5 oz. This puts me in the 20th percentile (so I'm safe for now!). I did gain a pound this week (thank you pizza hut and coaching from Aron).
So they want to start monitoring me weekly, and they'll do another ultrasound again in 2 weeks to make sure he's continuing to grow. At that time, depending on his size, they'll decide whether to let me go naturally or induce the next week. I am praying for naturally. Half our family will be vacationing south spread out between South Carolina and Florida the first half of August, so I'm getting much encouragement to eat and cross my legs until later in the month!
Baby is head down, in position. Now we must position ourselves...
we'll be hard at work on projects again tonight.
much love and thank you for your prayers...keep them coming!
ejk
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The crunch is on...
We've been buzzing around our humble abode - checklists in hand - trying to get ready for this baby.
At my OB appointment this past Tuesday, the doctor was concerned that I was measuring a few weeks small and my weight gain is low. Basically, because Belle was so little at full term, they're watching this one extra closely for an IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). I've measured perfect up until this point...
I'm to get another ultrasound this Tuesday and see the doctor again to further evaluate. If I remain below the 5th percentile, they'd like to 'take the baby' at 37 weeks. I am 34 weeks on Tuesday...
So it just hit us this week how incredibly close to D-day we are, and the huge amount of things we need to accomplish before the sleepless nights and every 2 hours nursing begins.
I've been trying to eat more and increase my calorie intake. We'll see if it helps. Pray with us that this little baby will grow strong and be able to get all the nourishment he needs while he continues to develop in the safety of the womb.
much love
ejk
At my OB appointment this past Tuesday, the doctor was concerned that I was measuring a few weeks small and my weight gain is low. Basically, because Belle was so little at full term, they're watching this one extra closely for an IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). I've measured perfect up until this point...
I'm to get another ultrasound this Tuesday and see the doctor again to further evaluate. If I remain below the 5th percentile, they'd like to 'take the baby' at 37 weeks. I am 34 weeks on Tuesday...
So it just hit us this week how incredibly close to D-day we are, and the huge amount of things we need to accomplish before the sleepless nights and every 2 hours nursing begins.
I've been trying to eat more and increase my calorie intake. We'll see if it helps. Pray with us that this little baby will grow strong and be able to get all the nourishment he needs while he continues to develop in the safety of the womb.
much love
ejk
Thursday, July 9, 2009
vacation moments - Part 2
Watching 4th of July Fireworks on Rankin Hill - with the stunning view, great company, and homemade ice cream - is pretty much the highlight of our summer.
chloe and grace - nieces from both sides of the family - as they overlook the sunset.
all kinds of cousins reuniting...
aron's daddy & uncle ray
brotherly love..."true love", if you will.
stealing kisses at dusk
aron's bro ben and our nephew, samuel.
grandma steals a kiss from samuel & carissa
my mom & her festive fourth of july cast!
a handsome crew of kirk men
the fireworks are getting closer...its almost dark!
great friends, clint & lindsey, who joined us on the hill once again this year.
my sister, elizabeth. this was her first year...unfortunately, she missed the ice cream.
time to bust out the sparklers!
aron lighting sparklers for more than a half hour. the kids didn't get the concept of lighting each other's!
poor belle was running 103 degree fever all day. we brought her along anyway (with tylenol & ibuprofen on board). she felt puny, but bless her heart, she tried to enjoy herself anyway.
mama & her girl
pretty much the perfect way to end our vacation at home.
The 4th was a washout this year, but thankfully the festivities were rescheduled for the 5th...and what a gorgeous evening God gave us.
Here are a few moments from the night:
eli quinton, our nephew. we've forbidden him from getting any older while we're away.
chloe and grace - nieces from both sides of the family - as they overlook the sunset.
all kinds of cousins reuniting... aron's daddy & uncle raybrotherly love..."true love", if you will.stealing kisses at dusk
aron's bro ben and our nephew, samuel.
grandma steals a kiss from samuel & carissa
my mom & her festive fourth of july cast!
a handsome crew of kirk men
the fireworks are getting closer...its almost dark!
great friends, clint & lindsey, who joined us on the hill once again this year.
my sister, elizabeth. this was her first year...unfortunately, she missed the ice cream.time to bust out the sparklers!
aron lighting sparklers for more than a half hour. the kids didn't get the concept of lighting each other's!poor belle was running 103 degree fever all day. we brought her along anyway (with tylenol & ibuprofen on board). she felt puny, but bless her heart, she tried to enjoy herself anyway.
mama & her girl
pretty much the perfect way to end our vacation at home.ejk
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Vacation Moments - Part 1
Belle was sooo looking forward to spending time with Chloe this vacation...so we made sure they got to see each other as much as we could.
It doesn't matter what these two cousins get into...as long as they're doing it together, they're having a blast. They especially love Papaw Paul to push them on the swing.
And I could really say the same thing for these two cousins as well...it doesn't matter what Aron & Josh get into, as long as they're doing it together, they have a memorable experience. This trip the boys loaded up Josh's jeep and canoed down Eagle Creek to the Ohio River.
We didn't have a lot on the vacation agenda, but we knew we wanted to catch a Cincinnati Red's baseball game. We had a beautiful view of the Ohio River from our seats along the 3rd base line.
And great company as well. My sister, Elizabeth, Josh, and Chloe accompanied us. My parents and Aunt & Uncle came too.
The talented Josh Young & lovely wife, Marie, also joined us for a night of stadium fun.
Silly Josh! Don't make fun of your wife when there's a camera present.
An impressive post game Fireworks show in celebration of the 4th of July followed. Belle absolutely loved this.
ejk
And I could really say the same thing for these two cousins as well...it doesn't matter what Aron & Josh get into, as long as they're doing it together, they have a memorable experience. This trip the boys loaded up Josh's jeep and canoed down Eagle Creek to the Ohio River.We didn't have a lot on the vacation agenda, but we knew we wanted to catch a Cincinnati Red's baseball game. We had a beautiful view of the Ohio River from our seats along the 3rd base line.And great company as well. My sister, Elizabeth, Josh, and Chloe accompanied us. My parents and Aunt & Uncle came too. The talented Josh Young & lovely wife, Marie, also joined us for a night of stadium fun.Silly Josh! Don't make fun of your wife when there's a camera present.
An impressive post game Fireworks show in celebration of the 4th of July followed. Belle absolutely loved this.ejkFrom her perspective...
Cutest conversation...take a listen
Belle: "What's you doing mom?"
Me: "Putting cream on belly. Is mommy's belly getting big?"
Belle: "Yes, it is!"
Me: "What's in my tummy making it so big?"
Belle: "A baby sister!"
Me: "No...its a baby brother."
Belle: "I have a baby brother too like you."
Me: "You are going to have a baby brother, but he will be mommy's son."
Belle: "And he will be my moon."
ejk
Belle: "What's you doing mom?"
Me: "Putting cream on belly. Is mommy's belly getting big?"
Belle: "Yes, it is!"
Me: "What's in my tummy making it so big?"
Belle: "A baby sister!"
Me: "No...its a baby brother."
Belle: "I have a baby brother too like you."
Me: "You are going to have a baby brother, but he will be mommy's son."
Belle: "And he will be my moon."
ejk
Home
We are home from our wonderfully relaxing week with family in beautiful Brown County Ohio. We have so much to share, but for this morning, I am unpacking, Krogering, and laundrying.
So the vacation posts will have to wait.
Until then, I'll leave you with this picture...
Only in Brown County, baby. Aron and I pulled into the pharmacy parking lot to pick up some Airborne (I felt like I might be coming down with something mid-week) and caught a priceless shot. Yes, this is a lawnmower, parked, taking up an entire spot. Giggle if you must (we did!!), but in a strange way, this warms my heart.
So the vacation posts will have to wait.
Until then, I'll leave you with this picture...
Only in Brown County, baby. Aron and I pulled into the pharmacy parking lot to pick up some Airborne (I felt like I might be coming down with something mid-week) and caught a priceless shot. Yes, this is a lawnmower, parked, taking up an entire spot. Giggle if you must (we did!!), but in a strange way, this warms my heart. more to come...
ejk
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Relaxation and Family...the total intent of our week
We decided to spend our vacation time visiting family in Southern Ohio again this year. We arrived at Grandma & Grandpa Jackie's...I mean Grandma and Grandpa Kirk's resort Sunday around 7, and Belle went straight for the pool.
ejk
We spent Monday poolside, soaking up the warmth and peace.
Aron's been taking advantage of the hilly terrain running and biking in prep for the triathalon.
Belle LOVES the wide open space, running in and out and all around.
Lots of family time....
swimming...
and beautiful Brown County.
ejk
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