Sunday, February 13, 2011
I want to start blogging again!
There's just the small issue of being what they call "too busy"!!! I don't like being busy. I liked being able to offer the ministry of availability to those around me. Sigh...decisions decisions. Well, the impending two-children situation is non-negotiable LOL. The husband going into the residency thing is also non-negotiable. Just need to PRI-ORI-TIZE!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
A Direct Line
It was a week of miracles and a week of frustrations.
Miracles first:
This sounds petty, like, "I went to the mall on a busy Saturday and prayed for a parking spot...," but I really do believe it was an answered prayer.
V and I left the house at 8:50 for a 9AM Women's Bible Study at the church. I knew I wouldn't get there until right at 9 and that all the parking spots close to the church would be taken already, and we'd have to park across the street. When we stepped outside the house, there was a chilly breeze blowing, so I prayed quickly, as I stuffed her into the car, that there would be a parking spot for us near the church, so she wouldn't be cold. We got the church and what do you know? There was a spot available for us right in front of church. However, it was one of my "pet peeve" spots. You know, the ones where an SUV driver has done a sloppy job and one of her wheels is on the line, leaving someone else to squeeze into the remainder of the adjoining spot. Sigh. Leave it to God to multitask. He got me to get over my seriously petty issues in that moment, comprehend the spot as grace and take the grace. JUST TAKE THE GRACE! ...All the while taking care of my little girl's needs.
The other miracle that happened involved V too, actually. We have safety gates at top and bottom of our staircase at home. Because of all the children who have come over and hung on those gates (all children we love, btw!), they no longer automatically swing to a locked position once you get through them. You have to pull on the door to make sure it latches after you've passed through. Well, I thought I was taking V upstairs for a nap one day, so I didn't do the double check of the gate. She wasn't tired, however, so we started playing. She went off into her loft/play area to do something, and I was in her room cleaning up some books. I said something to her and when I didn't hear a response, I went out into the loft to look for her. She wasn't there! The next thing I know, she pokes her head out from behind the open gate as she is standing on the staircase landing! She smiles and calmly walks back into the loft area. I've read that toddlers, in child development studies, make their own safety assessments and listen to their parents' warnings only 50% of the time...and that they're not all that bad at assessing danger. However, she's only 15 months old! Either way, I'm grateful to the Lord that He kept Vera from falling down the stairs and/or He gave her good sense at an early age.
In fact, I pretty much marvel everyday at the positions in which she falls as she toddles around. Her head mostly seems to land in just such a way as to miss a door jamb or a protrusion of some toy. Once, she fell and hit her head on our glass coffee table, but she landed on her chubby cheek! That is not to say that we don't babyproof and don't run ourselves ragged chasing after her (we obviously do). The sheer quantity and force of grace that He pours into each of our lives is utterly amazing - it reminds me that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (romans 8:28).
Then there were the frustrations...
Through some administrative glitch, my health coverage was terminated. I asked to be reinstated and was told it was being "reviewed"...for two months. Well, anyone who has ever worked in an office knows that when things are being "reviewed," it means they are being "forgotten." So the past few weeks have been spent sending reminder emails, calls, writing a letter pointing out the administrative inconsistency etc...all without reply. There was that; then there was the floor issue. A transition strip in our hardwood flooring downstairs had popped up because the glue holding it in place didn't bond correctly during installation. The installers, who are a different company from the distributors, wanted me to call the distributors to work out the issue. I called the distributors, who called the installers, who (true to their name), stalled. I would not hear back from either of them, so again went the cycle. I called the distributors, who called the installers, and no one would call me. Thankfully, after an incredible amount of busy work, both of these issues have been resolved. Last but not least, there was a the mortgage company. I had a simple question about where to send our property tax invoice and was forced to wrestle the automated system to the ground before being transferred to a customer service rep. We've all had those days...especially if you're a chief home economist, like I am :) ...the phone company, the credit card customer service line, the airline. Funny thing was that at the end of the week, I had gratitude in my heart. I am thankful that I have one direct line: God's. He always personally takes my calls, at any time of day, whether I'm able to speak or not. When He "reviews" things, I can be darn sure something amazing is brewing. In Christ, I have access to His Throne, and not only that, but I am told to approach with confidence and boldness as a child would her own father. Boldly, not because of my own riches and capabilities, but because of the immeasurable grace of God. Hallelujah!
Miracles first:
This sounds petty, like, "I went to the mall on a busy Saturday and prayed for a parking spot...," but I really do believe it was an answered prayer.
V and I left the house at 8:50 for a 9AM Women's Bible Study at the church. I knew I wouldn't get there until right at 9 and that all the parking spots close to the church would be taken already, and we'd have to park across the street. When we stepped outside the house, there was a chilly breeze blowing, so I prayed quickly, as I stuffed her into the car, that there would be a parking spot for us near the church, so she wouldn't be cold. We got the church and what do you know? There was a spot available for us right in front of church. However, it was one of my "pet peeve" spots. You know, the ones where an SUV driver has done a sloppy job and one of her wheels is on the line, leaving someone else to squeeze into the remainder of the adjoining spot. Sigh. Leave it to God to multitask. He got me to get over my seriously petty issues in that moment, comprehend the spot as grace and take the grace. JUST TAKE THE GRACE! ...All the while taking care of my little girl's needs.
The other miracle that happened involved V too, actually. We have safety gates at top and bottom of our staircase at home. Because of all the children who have come over and hung on those gates (all children we love, btw!), they no longer automatically swing to a locked position once you get through them. You have to pull on the door to make sure it latches after you've passed through. Well, I thought I was taking V upstairs for a nap one day, so I didn't do the double check of the gate. She wasn't tired, however, so we started playing. She went off into her loft/play area to do something, and I was in her room cleaning up some books. I said something to her and when I didn't hear a response, I went out into the loft to look for her. She wasn't there! The next thing I know, she pokes her head out from behind the open gate as she is standing on the staircase landing! She smiles and calmly walks back into the loft area. I've read that toddlers, in child development studies, make their own safety assessments and listen to their parents' warnings only 50% of the time...and that they're not all that bad at assessing danger. However, she's only 15 months old! Either way, I'm grateful to the Lord that He kept Vera from falling down the stairs and/or He gave her good sense at an early age.
In fact, I pretty much marvel everyday at the positions in which she falls as she toddles around. Her head mostly seems to land in just such a way as to miss a door jamb or a protrusion of some toy. Once, she fell and hit her head on our glass coffee table, but she landed on her chubby cheek! That is not to say that we don't babyproof and don't run ourselves ragged chasing after her (we obviously do). The sheer quantity and force of grace that He pours into each of our lives is utterly amazing - it reminds me that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (romans 8:28).
Then there were the frustrations...
Through some administrative glitch, my health coverage was terminated. I asked to be reinstated and was told it was being "reviewed"...for two months. Well, anyone who has ever worked in an office knows that when things are being "reviewed," it means they are being "forgotten." So the past few weeks have been spent sending reminder emails, calls, writing a letter pointing out the administrative inconsistency etc...all without reply. There was that; then there was the floor issue. A transition strip in our hardwood flooring downstairs had popped up because the glue holding it in place didn't bond correctly during installation. The installers, who are a different company from the distributors, wanted me to call the distributors to work out the issue. I called the distributors, who called the installers, who (true to their name), stalled. I would not hear back from either of them, so again went the cycle. I called the distributors, who called the installers, and no one would call me. Thankfully, after an incredible amount of busy work, both of these issues have been resolved. Last but not least, there was a the mortgage company. I had a simple question about where to send our property tax invoice and was forced to wrestle the automated system to the ground before being transferred to a customer service rep. We've all had those days...especially if you're a chief home economist, like I am :) ...the phone company, the credit card customer service line, the airline. Funny thing was that at the end of the week, I had gratitude in my heart. I am thankful that I have one direct line: God's. He always personally takes my calls, at any time of day, whether I'm able to speak or not. When He "reviews" things, I can be darn sure something amazing is brewing. In Christ, I have access to His Throne, and not only that, but I am told to approach with confidence and boldness as a child would her own father. Boldly, not because of my own riches and capabilities, but because of the immeasurable grace of God. Hallelujah!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Parties I'd Like to Throw
It's been too long since I've posted. Moving into a new house seems to have required that I reevaluate and revamp all my routines (not necessarily a bad thing). Also, it's just a lot of extra work that's hard to accomplish with a child stuck to one hip! I miss you, oh Bloggy!
Well, I started to keep track of some of Vera's new antics on the blog, but realized that there are so many everyday, as she enters toddlerhood, that it's hard for me to remember them all when I sit down to journal at night. So I've started keeping a little paper journal open on my desk and jotting down the fun things she does throughout the day while the memory is still fresh. It's funny that parents have this urge to record and document every little thing that their child does. I wonder if it's a reflection of how God feels about us. Scripture says that He hears us when we call and knows the number of hairs on our head. It's very sweet (and humbling) to me to think about how my concern for Vera is just a very pale reflection of the love our Heavenly Father has for us.
So! The parties! I want to write this down to remind myself to have these little gatherings:
1. A tea tasting party (or parties). My parents know I love tea, so they brought me a full Kung Fu tea tasting set from China the last time they came West (really flying east...anyway...). Kung Fu is a Chinese tea tasting ceremony and roughly translated, means Effort Tea...which is apt because the process takes a lot of work! But I'm so excited to try it out. I'm going to start out by inviting eight ladies because that's how many tasting cups I have, and depending on how it goes, invite eight more!
2. A toy/clothing swap. My friend and neighbor hosted one of these last year, and it was so much fun. How it works is, every participant brings 15 items in good condition that her family no longer uses. The hostess(es) lays everything out by category, and the day of the Swap, all the participants come and "shop" for whatever they want! If it's a large event, then the planners might get to shop first and have to start out by taking only 15 items until everyone has had a turn. With 5 to 10 ladies, it can just be a wonderful free for all! My one experience with it was so much fun, and I got a lot of good parenting advice and ideas from chatting with the other ladies!
3. A potty party. This one is probably a little ways away, but I saw this idea while watching Huggies videos (was earning points in the Enjoy the Ride campaign). Once a child is pretty much potty trained, you throw her a party. It kind of reminds me of a baptism where she declares to the world that she is committed to being diaper-free HAHA. I think, given the theme, this could be a lot of fun to plan :)
4. Oh yeah, one more...the Victor Borge party. That man is so talented and funny, he makes me cry from laughter and joy every time I watch his performances. We got this 13-DVD set of all of his recorded work because Mike and I really believe in supporting the arts, especially giving access to classical music through public television. Can't wait to huddle with other Victor Borge fans!
5. Oh wait...I'm not done! (Man, I'm going to be a busy bee). I want to throw a Gigi Hill handbag party. I've been attending my friend's parties and love the bags (own four of them now!). They were created by two local female designers. At first glance, they look like normal bags, but looking further into the detailing, proportions, use of space etc. reveals just how good the design really is. I bought one of the large handbag/totes to use as Vera's diaper bag as a gift to myself when I was expecting her and have gotten countless compliments. Designerly, sensible bags without outrageous price points: where's the "like" button?
6. An Easter Party! My #1 favorite holiday of the year! Also can't wait to snap photos of Vera and her little friends in their Sunday best :)
Well, I started to keep track of some of Vera's new antics on the blog, but realized that there are so many everyday, as she enters toddlerhood, that it's hard for me to remember them all when I sit down to journal at night. So I've started keeping a little paper journal open on my desk and jotting down the fun things she does throughout the day while the memory is still fresh. It's funny that parents have this urge to record and document every little thing that their child does. I wonder if it's a reflection of how God feels about us. Scripture says that He hears us when we call and knows the number of hairs on our head. It's very sweet (and humbling) to me to think about how my concern for Vera is just a very pale reflection of the love our Heavenly Father has for us.
So! The parties! I want to write this down to remind myself to have these little gatherings:
1. A tea tasting party (or parties). My parents know I love tea, so they brought me a full Kung Fu tea tasting set from China the last time they came West (really flying east...anyway...). Kung Fu is a Chinese tea tasting ceremony and roughly translated, means Effort Tea...which is apt because the process takes a lot of work! But I'm so excited to try it out. I'm going to start out by inviting eight ladies because that's how many tasting cups I have, and depending on how it goes, invite eight more!
2. A toy/clothing swap. My friend and neighbor hosted one of these last year, and it was so much fun. How it works is, every participant brings 15 items in good condition that her family no longer uses. The hostess(es) lays everything out by category, and the day of the Swap, all the participants come and "shop" for whatever they want! If it's a large event, then the planners might get to shop first and have to start out by taking only 15 items until everyone has had a turn. With 5 to 10 ladies, it can just be a wonderful free for all! My one experience with it was so much fun, and I got a lot of good parenting advice and ideas from chatting with the other ladies!
3. A potty party. This one is probably a little ways away, but I saw this idea while watching Huggies videos (was earning points in the Enjoy the Ride campaign). Once a child is pretty much potty trained, you throw her a party. It kind of reminds me of a baptism where she declares to the world that she is committed to being diaper-free HAHA. I think, given the theme, this could be a lot of fun to plan :)
4. Oh yeah, one more...the Victor Borge party. That man is so talented and funny, he makes me cry from laughter and joy every time I watch his performances. We got this 13-DVD set of all of his recorded work because Mike and I really believe in supporting the arts, especially giving access to classical music through public television. Can't wait to huddle with other Victor Borge fans!
5. Oh wait...I'm not done! (Man, I'm going to be a busy bee). I want to throw a Gigi Hill handbag party. I've been attending my friend's parties and love the bags (own four of them now!). They were created by two local female designers. At first glance, they look like normal bags, but looking further into the detailing, proportions, use of space etc. reveals just how good the design really is. I bought one of the large handbag/totes to use as Vera's diaper bag as a gift to myself when I was expecting her and have gotten countless compliments. Designerly, sensible bags without outrageous price points: where's the "like" button?
6. An Easter Party! My #1 favorite holiday of the year! Also can't wait to snap photos of Vera and her little friends in their Sunday best :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Yesterday (2/4): V reached up and turned light switch off. Too short to turn it back on. Very proud of herself indeed! I love that proud "I did it!" smile of hers.
Repeated "Puffffff" after me, because she wanted her Gerber veggie crunchies.
Figured out that the source of her tantrums is the fact that she wants formula during the day instead of solely before and after her night sleep - just misses the milky!
Repeated "Puffffff" after me, because she wanted her Gerber veggie crunchies.
Figured out that the source of her tantrums is the fact that she wants formula during the day instead of solely before and after her night sleep - just misses the milky!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Notable Milestones.
Today, V stood on her own. Her dad looked up and found her standing all by herself in the middle of the room, which means that she got herself upright from the floor. She also stacked two blocks on top of a block I'd placed on the floor.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
More Notes to Self
Things that Vera has been doing recently.
I think we have the empathy issue settled. She is reciprocating at an amazing rate. In the past week, she has spontaneously:
With Vera, I'd like to see how far true encouragement goes. I won't be falsely humble here. I think that one of my spiritual gifts is the gift of encouragement - speaking words of life. That is not to say that I won't discipline her, nor read parenting articles nor consult my friends. Those are all helpful and necessary tools. But if I can simply restrain myself, I'd like to not clobber her with parenting "stuff"...and just sit with her and observe her and listen to her, enjoying her melodious voice and her sweet smile... and nudge her with as much gentleness and patience as the Lord will grant me. I'd like to take as few positions on parenting techniques and methodology as I can. I'd like to dream as few dreams for her as I can, and listen to her dreams instead. I know I'll be tempted to "freak out" at some threat upon her or some criticism about my parenting, but I pray that to her, I will be a mother who understood her and who was there to help her walk in the way everlasting.
I think we have the empathy issue settled. She is reciprocating at an amazing rate. In the past week, she has spontaneously:
- Offered me her chewed food (I used to cut up food with my teeth and give it to her)
- Picked my nose (like I still do for her)
- "Read" me a book (very articulately for baby babble, I might add, all the while pointing to the words and pictures like she really knew what she was talking about)
- Responded to my "No, Vera! Don't rip up Mommy's coupons" by crying a little and then thinking better of it, and offering them to me intact for filing instead.
- "Blown" both of us kisses (hand over mouth and then "mmmmmmmm" for a long time before she lets it go). Attempted the phrase "I love you" several times.
- She likes to bite our fingers (especially her father's ever since she was a newborn), but now she offers us her fingers to bite. She probably thinks we would enjoy it too :)
- Associations. I read her "Duckling's First Spring" today, and afterward, she led me to her bathroom sink where her rubber duckies were sitting. It also knows that the book "What's Wrong, Little Pookie" was not "Let's Dance, Little Pookie" but LOOKED like it. When I started reading the wrong book, she went over to her bookshelf and retrieved the right book.
- Nod "yes" and shake "no". Mike taught her to nod after we noticed that she was shaking her head to anything that sounded like a question. That's probably because we say "nono, Vera!" so often. Now, she nods yes to almost everything (e.g. "will you promise to obey Momma forever" *nod nod nod*) ...except for things that she really doesn't want to do (e.g. "Vera, are you tired? Is it sleepy time?" *shake shake shake*). The funny thing is that when she nods, instead of nodding her head alone, the weight of her head "nods" her entire torso to and fro. HAHA!
- The fine motor skills in her hands are quite amazing. She is figuring out switches and knobs and can manipulate very thin pages gently (when she wants). However, she still refuses to walk. She likes to hold my hands and "walk" with me, but as soon as I start to let go or back up an inch to give her a chance to be freestanding, she becomes distressed and grabs hold of me. I think it's perhaps more emotional than physical. Yes, she is a very dense baby (lbs/cubic in), but I think it has more to do with her just wanting to be held by me a little longer. She seems to think that if she stands and walks by herself, I'll stop picking her up or "chasing" her around on all fours. It might also be fear. She was not too fond of the swings at the park, but then again, she still dives off of our bed and sofas head first.
- All four front upon teeth came in at once in December, just as the four bottom ones came in all at once in August.
- Vera's still an incredibly social person. At the Mission Expo last Sunday, she was carried through the very crowded church gym by a myriad of people (all people we knew, not to worry), who were "showing" her to myriads of other people. She was as happy as a clam and totally chill despite having been awake and at church for five straight hours. She even rode home with my friends who had a car seat in their car, because I needed to stay for tear down of our booth. By their account, she was laughing with the their kids all the way to our house and then played with them until I got home an hour later. This social intuition is definitely one of her spiritual gifts. This week, I'm interviewing prospective Yale students for admission, and if she is awake when they come by, she cruises or crawls straight up to them and asks to be picked up with her "up" sign
- Another spiritual gift I think she has is joy. She jokes around! She has several toy phones and likes to imitate me by holding them up to her ear and saying "hewo? Beh beh beh Blah" copying my inflections. Sometimes, she even pretends to multitask while she's on the phone LOL. Then, she'll hand the phone to me with a smile, and I'm expected to speak on the phone. Of course, I tell the "person" on the other end how wonderful and beautiful Vera is. Sometimes, she'll joke with us by putting something to her ear that is clearly not a phone, like a set of keys or her hand. Then she'll do her little babbly act and crack herself up! It is seriously SO funny. I really need to capture these precious times on the camcorder. We're just so enthralled by her big little personality that we lose track of everything else! I pray that the Lord jealousy guards these gifts He has worked in her, that He will let nothing tarnish them and that He would guide us as we husband them.
With Vera, I'd like to see how far true encouragement goes. I won't be falsely humble here. I think that one of my spiritual gifts is the gift of encouragement - speaking words of life. That is not to say that I won't discipline her, nor read parenting articles nor consult my friends. Those are all helpful and necessary tools. But if I can simply restrain myself, I'd like to not clobber her with parenting "stuff"...and just sit with her and observe her and listen to her, enjoying her melodious voice and her sweet smile... and nudge her with as much gentleness and patience as the Lord will grant me. I'd like to take as few positions on parenting techniques and methodology as I can. I'd like to dream as few dreams for her as I can, and listen to her dreams instead. I know I'll be tempted to "freak out" at some threat upon her or some criticism about my parenting, but I pray that to her, I will be a mother who understood her and who was there to help her walk in the way everlasting.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Holding Hands
Today was a busy one! Lots of packing, lots of errands, lots of phone calls and coordination and discussion...but it was also supremely sweet. We brought Vera over to our bed this morning after she awoke, and what did she do? She told my right hand and Mike's right hand, and put them into one another. I think she's getting the idea that we're her parents and that the primary function of our household is to teach her love :)
I had this plan devised in my head in order to maximize packing time today. When Vera is exposed to new stimuli, she takes LONG naps after only a short exposure to said stimuli...probably because her brain has so much to process. We decided to take her to the park after her morning nap (yes, she still takes morning naps), partially because it was a beautiful, clear day with azure skies...and partially because we needed to pack...so we needed her to nap! Here's the result of her first trip to a public park (I clarify because she's been to a private park in a community association before):
I had this plan devised in my head in order to maximize packing time today. When Vera is exposed to new stimuli, she takes LONG naps after only a short exposure to said stimuli...probably because her brain has so much to process. We decided to take her to the park after her morning nap (yes, she still takes morning naps), partially because it was a beautiful, clear day with azure skies...and partially because we needed to pack...so we needed her to nap! Here's the result of her first trip to a public park (I clarify because she's been to a private park in a community association before):
The desired nap was achieved too, by the way :)
It sounds weird, but I suspect Vera might have the gifts of prophesy, evangelism or something like those. Before she was born, she showed up in at least three of our friends and family's dreams and looked just as she does. She also has this uncanny intuition about people and situations. Mike and I were just talking about it as we were discussing what discipline methods to employ with her. He also agrees that she's been exhibiting this almost preternatural form of social/emotional intelligence and timing. When he's slightly upset, she crawls over to pat and hug him. She crawls straight up to perfect strangers and starts "conversing" with them, usually prefaced by a "hey" to get their attention. Well, these are things that parents hide in their hearts and observe carefully. Very excited about what God has in store for her life, though!
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