...makes me laugh.
Awhile back, whenever we'd get off our highway exit, the Mr. and I would say, "Kitty, we're coming home!" Now - totally unprompted - whenever we hit our exit, our boy calls out "Kitty! Kitty!!!" pretty much without fail. Even if he seems totally engrossed in some activity, he stops whatever he is doing to call for Kitty. It makes us chuckle every time.
The Mr. has started running in the mornings, and our boy gets to ride along in the jogging stroller. He's taken to yelling, "Go, Daddy, go!" as they make their way along our country road.
Lately, the boy has become very preoccupied with babies...even the "babies" that are only a month or two younger than him. :) It started when we saw a younger boy on the play structure at the park a few weeks back. He seemed very concerned that a "baby" (an 18 month old boy) was going to go down a very steep slide. He took it upon himself to warn that baby, even though I assured him that the boy's mother was right there and was taking care of him. "No-no, Baby...no 'up' (translation: slide) Baby. Uh oh, Baby..." and so on. And now, every time we see a baby at the pool, at the playground, in the church nursery, he feels the needs to boss the baby around. Is he a firstborn child, or what?!? (Being a firstborn myself, I can joke about this!)
The other day, our mother's helper arrived wearing a Nike jacket with a yellow swoosh. The boy kept pointing to it and yelling, "Moon! Moon!" Ha!
In the past few weeks, any evidence of "baby" has more or less vanished, and my dear boy is looking more and more like a big boy everyday. Perhaps it's the recent haircut. And as much as I'm LOVING this wonderful age of discovery, part of me is sad to be passing out of those baby years. Perhaps it's even more nostalgic because I'm not sure that I'll ever get to experience them again....but it makes me want to hold tight to every moment.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Recently Read...
The Hiding Place by Corrie TenBoom.
Wow.
How is it that have I never read this book before now?
The Hiding Place is the heart-wrenching true story of Corrie TenBoom and her family, who were arrested and sent to concentration camps as punishment for helping/protecting persecuted Jews during WWII.
It is an incredible story of faith and God's redemption. I am humbled and inspired when I read of the faith of this woman, who endured so much suffering.
I could go on and on....but instead I'll say this: if you haven't read it yet, please do! It should be on everyone's must-read list.
Wow.
How is it that have I never read this book before now?
The Hiding Place is the heart-wrenching true story of Corrie TenBoom and her family, who were arrested and sent to concentration camps as punishment for helping/protecting persecuted Jews during WWII.
It is an incredible story of faith and God's redemption. I am humbled and inspired when I read of the faith of this woman, who endured so much suffering.
I could go on and on....but instead I'll say this: if you haven't read it yet, please do! It should be on everyone's must-read list.
Joy
Here are a few things that have brought me JOY recently:
Our friend "E": We have a high school girl that comes to our house approximately once a week to spend time with our boy...a "mother's helper" of sorts. She is lovely; and it's wonderful to have her in the house. Even better? She comes for free!
How'd I get so lucky? Well, this past winter her mom called me up, explaining that E needed a purposeful way to serve and be encouraged in the process, and she thought of me. She was hoping that her daughter could come help out with my boy, and in return her parents would "pay" her for her efforts by putting money toward her band trip. How cool is that?!? I hope someday I am half the parents they are.
A new friend: While on vacay last week at my in-law's, I had the joy and privilege of meeting in person, for the first time, a friend that I have been connecting with over email the past few months. It has been such a blessing to share in each other's lives through email, encouraging one another and committing to pray for each other. I was amazed at how quickly we picked up, just like old friends, when we got together. Our conversation was natural and easy, and yet because of similarities in our life stories, we could also share deeply and from the heart. Here's hoping it's the first of many more get-togethers!
My sister: I have two sisters, and I adore them. I am so happy that my youngest sister and her husband are staying with us for the next 4.5 days. They are low-maintenance houseguests, are loads of fun, and totally love on my boy. I'm looking forward to all the game playing that will take place in the next few days! Plus, we already hit up Costco, courtesy of their membership, and have planned a sewing project for the weekend. Fun!
The park: We have a great park near our house with a lake and a splash pad. Yesterday I met a friend and her boys there, and we had a blast together. I love watching my boy delight in the water. His joy gives me joy!
Our friend "E": We have a high school girl that comes to our house approximately once a week to spend time with our boy...a "mother's helper" of sorts. She is lovely; and it's wonderful to have her in the house. Even better? She comes for free!
How'd I get so lucky? Well, this past winter her mom called me up, explaining that E needed a purposeful way to serve and be encouraged in the process, and she thought of me. She was hoping that her daughter could come help out with my boy, and in return her parents would "pay" her for her efforts by putting money toward her band trip. How cool is that?!? I hope someday I am half the parents they are.
A new friend: While on vacay last week at my in-law's, I had the joy and privilege of meeting in person, for the first time, a friend that I have been connecting with over email the past few months. It has been such a blessing to share in each other's lives through email, encouraging one another and committing to pray for each other. I was amazed at how quickly we picked up, just like old friends, when we got together. Our conversation was natural and easy, and yet because of similarities in our life stories, we could also share deeply and from the heart. Here's hoping it's the first of many more get-togethers!
My sister: I have two sisters, and I adore them. I am so happy that my youngest sister and her husband are staying with us for the next 4.5 days. They are low-maintenance houseguests, are loads of fun, and totally love on my boy. I'm looking forward to all the game playing that will take place in the next few days! Plus, we already hit up Costco, courtesy of their membership, and have planned a sewing project for the weekend. Fun!
The park: We have a great park near our house with a lake and a splash pad. Yesterday I met a friend and her boys there, and we had a blast together. I love watching my boy delight in the water. His joy gives me joy!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
What I've Been Up To
We just got back from a lovely little family vacay at the in-law's. The boy and I were there for the entire week, and the Mr. drove out on Thursday night to join us for a long weekend. Their town is one of the loveliest places around, and best of all there's lots of water nearby, which makes my boy especially happy! We did lots of biking, beaching, and playgrounding. My mother-in-law kept us well-fed with her delicious cooking, and we frequented the local ice cream stand. The boy reveled in the joy of being the center of his little universe with four adults at his beck and call.
I'm fully expecting grandparent withdrawal this week.
Good thing we have a playdate tomorrow morning to ease the pain of re-entry into real life.
The Mr. and I celebrated our anniversary on Saturday. We left our boy in the loving care of his grandparents and went out for an afternoon on the town. First we hit up an area farm where we bought up a bunch of local strawberries...mmm! Then we headed into the downtown area where we played a round of miniature golf, did some shopping, and finished up the afternoon with an early dinner. We talked and laughed and reflected on the past, and I loved every second of it...except when I lost at miniature golf! (Yes, I am much too competitive.)
In some ways, our life has certainly taken a different course than we dreamed it would when we started out at the beginning. As we talked over dinner, we found that it was easy to think about and reflect on the past, but we discovered it was more difficult to think about and plan for the future. Like most couples, we share hopes and dreams for the days to come...and yet we know better than most that life doesn't always go how we planned. There is so much out of our control.
It's a difficult thing - in some ways it's hard to allow ourselves to hope and dream, because we don't want to be disappointed. And we know that we mustn't grasp too tightly to our own plans, but rather remain flexible in order to allow ourselves to be placed at the center of God's will.
But honestly? Sometimes I'm fearful that my hopes/dreams/plans and God's will seem mutually exclusive. I know it's not true, but it can be scary to give up control. And yet I know that God has a good plan for our lives, and that He's calling me to trust Him yet again.
Once in awhile, though, I wish that for a few moments I could know the carefree confidence of a couple who takes for granted their ability to grow their family with ease. Those who don't know the physical, emotional, and financial strain of infertility treatments.
And yet.
I do know that my husband and I are stronger as a couple for what we have gone through together. For that I am thankful. I fully realize that our struggles could tear us apart. And yet our love is deeper and stronger than ever. I feel blessed that God has given me such a wonderful partner, and despite our highs and lows, I wouldn't want to do life with anybody else.
What a joy to walk hand-in-hand on this journey through life as we love, nurture, and care for our beautiful son, build our home, and serve the Lord together.
I have much to be thankful for.
I'm fully expecting grandparent withdrawal this week.
Good thing we have a playdate tomorrow morning to ease the pain of re-entry into real life.
The Mr. and I celebrated our anniversary on Saturday. We left our boy in the loving care of his grandparents and went out for an afternoon on the town. First we hit up an area farm where we bought up a bunch of local strawberries...mmm! Then we headed into the downtown area where we played a round of miniature golf, did some shopping, and finished up the afternoon with an early dinner. We talked and laughed and reflected on the past, and I loved every second of it...except when I lost at miniature golf! (Yes, I am much too competitive.)
In some ways, our life has certainly taken a different course than we dreamed it would when we started out at the beginning. As we talked over dinner, we found that it was easy to think about and reflect on the past, but we discovered it was more difficult to think about and plan for the future. Like most couples, we share hopes and dreams for the days to come...and yet we know better than most that life doesn't always go how we planned. There is so much out of our control.
It's a difficult thing - in some ways it's hard to allow ourselves to hope and dream, because we don't want to be disappointed. And we know that we mustn't grasp too tightly to our own plans, but rather remain flexible in order to allow ourselves to be placed at the center of God's will.
But honestly? Sometimes I'm fearful that my hopes/dreams/plans and God's will seem mutually exclusive. I know it's not true, but it can be scary to give up control. And yet I know that God has a good plan for our lives, and that He's calling me to trust Him yet again.
Once in awhile, though, I wish that for a few moments I could know the carefree confidence of a couple who takes for granted their ability to grow their family with ease. Those who don't know the physical, emotional, and financial strain of infertility treatments.
And yet.
I do know that my husband and I are stronger as a couple for what we have gone through together. For that I am thankful. I fully realize that our struggles could tear us apart. And yet our love is deeper and stronger than ever. I feel blessed that God has given me such a wonderful partner, and despite our highs and lows, I wouldn't want to do life with anybody else.
What a joy to walk hand-in-hand on this journey through life as we love, nurture, and care for our beautiful son, build our home, and serve the Lord together.
I have much to be thankful for.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Recently Read
I'm back! Our trip to Nebraska was absolutely wonderful. Makes me wish our families lived closer. We often joke that we are going to build a town with our extended family so we can all live together, and then we brainstorm who can have what job. We have the teachers, scientists, and pastors well covered...but who's going to collect the trash???
Hmm...we still have a few details to work out.
I've been doing a lot of reading lately (a lot for me, anyway...the Mr. is the true bookworm of our family! He puts me to shame.). This past winter I was sharing my heart with a friend, and afterward she passed along a book to me. She said that it might take awhile for me to be ready to read this book--and I may never be, and that was okay too. She promised that she wouldn't be the least bit offended if I passed it back to her and had never cracked it open. I thanked her and put it on a shelf.
It sat there for a long time.
But then after our failed IVF in April, I decided that maybe I was ready to read it.
And I'm so glad I did. It was really good.
The book is called Carried Safely Home: The Spiritual Legacy of an Adoptive Family by Kristin Swick Wong. It chronicles her family's journey to adopt their two young sons from Vietnam. Kristin gives an honest and transparent look into the challenges and struggles of their process as well as highlighting how she saw God's hand at work and celebrating the joys and blessings her family experienced along the way. There were many things I really liked about this book, and I was surprised to find several similarities between her journey with adoption and mine with infertility.
A few reflections...
1. I appreciated her grappling with the role of prayer in a Christian's life, especially when we cry out to God and our prayers seem to go unanswered. We might find ourselves asking, "What is the purpose of prayer anyway?" I know the "Sunday School" answers to this question and have even encouraged others when they've voiced similar sentiments. But as it's become more personal, I get it. I know what it's like to pray like crazy for something and not have it happen they way I had hoped. But Kristin reminds us of God's sovereignty; He indeed may be answering our prayers, even when the outcome is not what we hoped for. Sometimes He graciously lets us see how He has worked for our good. Other times, though, I'm convinced that there are things we won't fully understand this side of Heaven.
2. As I discussed in a previous post, I could really resonate with her reflections on the challenges of waiting on the Lord. Her words encouraged me to be intentional in my own time of waiting, in hopes that God can use this time to grow me and stretch me in ways I might not have been otherwise.
3. I love her parallels between earthly adoption and our Heavenly Father's adoption of us, his children.
4. She reminded me of the value of being a part of the body of Christ. The way her friends came alongside her, prayed for her family and her sons, walked with her through challenges, and celebrated her triumphs was truly amazing. It really inspired me; I want to be that kind of friend to others.
5. I was challenged by her call to love our neighbor and care for the orphans and widows in a more global sense.
6. Kristin's faith is at the center of this book. She is the first to admit that she is not perfect, but her strong faith, godly character, and desire to follow God's call on her life are evident throughout this story. It is inspiring. I love her use of scripture to encourage her readers. The woman knows her Bible!
I don't know if God is calling us toward adoption. I do believe that sometimes God does use infertility to move a person's heart toward adoption, but not always. I do know that adoption is a huge decision and not one to be taken lightly. I acknowledge that with adoption comes challenges and at times heart-breaking struggles and disappointments, but it also brings unspeakable joys and countless blessings. We'll see what God has in store for our family.
Hmm...we still have a few details to work out.
I've been doing a lot of reading lately (a lot for me, anyway...the Mr. is the true bookworm of our family! He puts me to shame.). This past winter I was sharing my heart with a friend, and afterward she passed along a book to me. She said that it might take awhile for me to be ready to read this book--and I may never be, and that was okay too. She promised that she wouldn't be the least bit offended if I passed it back to her and had never cracked it open. I thanked her and put it on a shelf.
It sat there for a long time.
But then after our failed IVF in April, I decided that maybe I was ready to read it.
And I'm so glad I did. It was really good.
The book is called Carried Safely Home: The Spiritual Legacy of an Adoptive Family by Kristin Swick Wong. It chronicles her family's journey to adopt their two young sons from Vietnam. Kristin gives an honest and transparent look into the challenges and struggles of their process as well as highlighting how she saw God's hand at work and celebrating the joys and blessings her family experienced along the way. There were many things I really liked about this book, and I was surprised to find several similarities between her journey with adoption and mine with infertility.
A few reflections...
1. I appreciated her grappling with the role of prayer in a Christian's life, especially when we cry out to God and our prayers seem to go unanswered. We might find ourselves asking, "What is the purpose of prayer anyway?" I know the "Sunday School" answers to this question and have even encouraged others when they've voiced similar sentiments. But as it's become more personal, I get it. I know what it's like to pray like crazy for something and not have it happen they way I had hoped. But Kristin reminds us of God's sovereignty; He indeed may be answering our prayers, even when the outcome is not what we hoped for. Sometimes He graciously lets us see how He has worked for our good. Other times, though, I'm convinced that there are things we won't fully understand this side of Heaven.
2. As I discussed in a previous post, I could really resonate with her reflections on the challenges of waiting on the Lord. Her words encouraged me to be intentional in my own time of waiting, in hopes that God can use this time to grow me and stretch me in ways I might not have been otherwise.
3. I love her parallels between earthly adoption and our Heavenly Father's adoption of us, his children.
4. She reminded me of the value of being a part of the body of Christ. The way her friends came alongside her, prayed for her family and her sons, walked with her through challenges, and celebrated her triumphs was truly amazing. It really inspired me; I want to be that kind of friend to others.
5. I was challenged by her call to love our neighbor and care for the orphans and widows in a more global sense.
6. Kristin's faith is at the center of this book. She is the first to admit that she is not perfect, but her strong faith, godly character, and desire to follow God's call on her life are evident throughout this story. It is inspiring. I love her use of scripture to encourage her readers. The woman knows her Bible!
I don't know if God is calling us toward adoption. I do believe that sometimes God does use infertility to move a person's heart toward adoption, but not always. I do know that adoption is a huge decision and not one to be taken lightly. I acknowledge that with adoption comes challenges and at times heart-breaking struggles and disappointments, but it also brings unspeakable joys and countless blessings. We'll see what God has in store for our family.
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