This may only be funny to those of us who speak Chinese, but I want to record it anyway.
The other day, a friend and I were working on a project. Josiah kept bugging her with "Hey, look at this!....Look at this!" She once responded, "哇塞"(Wa sai), which means "wow!"
He followed with, "Lauren, look at this 哇塞！" :)
He made quote of the week for our community for this clever one!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Highlight of my Week
A dear friend of mine got pregnant last fall. Throughout her 9 months, we often chatted about natural birthing strategies, how to deal with pain, etc. I knew learning about the birthing process was a passion of mine ever since we took a 10 week birthing course (Bradley Method) before Josiah was born. During that class, I was fascinated with the entire process as well as all the helpful tips that had been long forgotten or brushed aside. I was reminded that our bodies were created to go through this process, and yes, insane pain was also promised. (Thanks a lot, Eve!)
When I had Malachi in a giant blow-up tub in my midwife's basement, I realized I much more enjoyed a comfortable place to birth over the bright lights and disruptive nurses and annoying beeping machines. It was a beautiful process that I'm still thankful I was able to experience.
My friend would have loved to have had a home birth, but it's just not possible in this country at this point. So, she picked the best hospital in our city and trusted the Father to figure out the details.
I was able to be with her for 2 days while she labored. I loved being by her side, encouraging her, massaging when the pain increased, and reminding her that she is strong. At one point she yelled, "I can't do this!" For anyone that knows the birthing process, this is called the transition stage. I had to stifle a chuckle because I clearly remember saying the same thing during my labor experiences. I encouraged her by telling her she truly was in transition, which meant she was nearing the end.
Her labor was hard and intense for over 3 hours. Her husband and I used all our strength to push on her hips as she, with every breath, whispered, "You've gotta push harder, guys; you've gotta push harder!"
As soon as she said she felt like she needed to push, she was whisked away to the birthing room, where I wasn't allowed in. Only 1 person could go in with her. Of course, her husband went. I was hoping they could bend the rules for me, but I soon realized they were already bending the rules for her hubby to go in. I sat down in the waiting room next to a nervous-looking man. After striking up a conversation with him, I realized he was an anxious new Daddy, waiting to hear when his wife, alone with the docs and nurses, had given birth to his new little bundle. He, too, wondered why the foreign guy got to go in with his wife and he couldn't. I then swallowed my annoyance, realizing he was probably more frustrated than me. That's just the way it is here.
When I got to meet baby Pilgrim, I was elated. I was beyond blessed to be a part of the process to help him come into this big, new world. Even better was to watch him and his Momma and Daddy bond after a long 2 days of waiting and hard work. Even as I type, my eyes swell with tears, amazed, again, at the beautiful process the Father has created.
If I was in the States, I would probably look into becoming a certified doula. I would love to help other Mommas through this painful, but oh so amazing process of birthing. But, since I'm not, I'll help as many Mommas as I can that live close to me and that desire such help.
*Of course, I realize that everyone has an opinion on the birthing process. Some choose other methods, and that is completely fine! Other Mommas want to have a natural birth, but something comes up and can't. I'm just a proponent of the parents educating themselves on this difficult and intricate process of bringing a baby into the world. :)
When I had Malachi in a giant blow-up tub in my midwife's basement, I realized I much more enjoyed a comfortable place to birth over the bright lights and disruptive nurses and annoying beeping machines. It was a beautiful process that I'm still thankful I was able to experience.
My friend would have loved to have had a home birth, but it's just not possible in this country at this point. So, she picked the best hospital in our city and trusted the Father to figure out the details.
I was able to be with her for 2 days while she labored. I loved being by her side, encouraging her, massaging when the pain increased, and reminding her that she is strong. At one point she yelled, "I can't do this!" For anyone that knows the birthing process, this is called the transition stage. I had to stifle a chuckle because I clearly remember saying the same thing during my labor experiences. I encouraged her by telling her she truly was in transition, which meant she was nearing the end.
Her labor was hard and intense for over 3 hours. Her husband and I used all our strength to push on her hips as she, with every breath, whispered, "You've gotta push harder, guys; you've gotta push harder!"
As soon as she said she felt like she needed to push, she was whisked away to the birthing room, where I wasn't allowed in. Only 1 person could go in with her. Of course, her husband went. I was hoping they could bend the rules for me, but I soon realized they were already bending the rules for her hubby to go in. I sat down in the waiting room next to a nervous-looking man. After striking up a conversation with him, I realized he was an anxious new Daddy, waiting to hear when his wife, alone with the docs and nurses, had given birth to his new little bundle. He, too, wondered why the foreign guy got to go in with his wife and he couldn't. I then swallowed my annoyance, realizing he was probably more frustrated than me. That's just the way it is here.
When I got to meet baby Pilgrim, I was elated. I was beyond blessed to be a part of the process to help him come into this big, new world. Even better was to watch him and his Momma and Daddy bond after a long 2 days of waiting and hard work. Even as I type, my eyes swell with tears, amazed, again, at the beautiful process the Father has created.
If I was in the States, I would probably look into becoming a certified doula. I would love to help other Mommas through this painful, but oh so amazing process of birthing. But, since I'm not, I'll help as many Mommas as I can that live close to me and that desire such help.
*Of course, I realize that everyone has an opinion on the birthing process. Some choose other methods, and that is completely fine! Other Mommas want to have a natural birth, but something comes up and can't. I'm just a proponent of the parents educating themselves on this difficult and intricate process of bringing a baby into the world. :)
Sunday, May 12, 2013
A Memorable Mother's Day
How
my the started: As soon as I got up, Josiah says, "Happy
Valentine's Day!" I gently corrected him, then he followed with, "When
is it gonna be Josiah's Day?"
Michael got me some cereal and chocolate. Cereal may sound random, but it's way expensive here, so it's a definite treat! This has become his tradition for Mother's Day; I love it!
I ran a few errands. One was to buy some fresh milk. While there, I couldn't resist taking this picture:
How my the day ended: We decided to go to a local place for burgers, a big deal because we rarely go out as a family. As soon as I got Malachi down from the bike, he pooped. And I had forgotten to pack a diaper. So I asked around for directions to the nearest store, rode to it, and only found newborn-sized diapers. I knew it wasn't even worth a try, so I bought the next best things...giant pads! I returned to the restaurant to find the bathroom was a squatty, so we quickly changed him on the chairs at our table. Surprisingly the pad lasted until we got home!
Michael got me some cereal and chocolate. Cereal may sound random, but it's way expensive here, so it's a definite treat! This has become his tradition for Mother's Day; I love it!
I ran a few errands. One was to buy some fresh milk. While there, I couldn't resist taking this picture:
 |
| Yes, she is wearing pajamas, a very white face mask, and hair curlers. No shame! |
How my the day ended: We decided to go to a local place for burgers, a big deal because we rarely go out as a family. As soon as I got Malachi down from the bike, he pooped. And I had forgotten to pack a diaper. So I asked around for directions to the nearest store, rode to it, and only found newborn-sized diapers. I knew it wasn't even worth a try, so I bought the next best things...giant pads! I returned to the restaurant to find the bathroom was a squatty, so we quickly changed him on the chairs at our table. Surprisingly the pad lasted until we got home!
 |
| So, so blessed to be the Momma of these cute boys! |
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Birthday Boy Request
Josiah is going to turn 4 in about 3 weeks. He's getting to be such a big boy!
Since we're not planning on coming home this summer, I thought a way to bring parts of "home" to him would be if some family and friends would send him a birthday card, picture, etc. If you have kids and they'd be willing to draw him a picture and/or if you could take a picture of your kids, he would love that! He doesn't have many foreign friends here, and I don't want him to forget about his other home. :)
If you get it in the mail within the next week, it has a good chance of getting here on time. Even if it doesn't, who doesn't like a birthday that just keeps on giving?!
Below is the address to attach to the envelope. It's probably easiest if you just print this out and tape it to the card, that is, unless you have a secret talent of writing Chinese characters! *If you don't attach the Chinese part, it may take several months to arrive, or get lost altogether!*
Thanks for loving on our little guy in this way!!
Josiah Felder
ELIC Chinese Language Program
Teacher Training Building #401
Northeast Normal University
#5268 Renmin Dajie
Changchun, Jilin 130024
130024吉林省长春市
人民大街5268号
东北师范大学师训大楼 #401
美国英语学会
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Since we're not planning on coming home this summer, I thought a way to bring parts of "home" to him would be if some family and friends would send him a birthday card, picture, etc. If you have kids and they'd be willing to draw him a picture and/or if you could take a picture of your kids, he would love that! He doesn't have many foreign friends here, and I don't want him to forget about his other home. :)
If you get it in the mail within the next week, it has a good chance of getting here on time. Even if it doesn't, who doesn't like a birthday that just keeps on giving?!
Below is the address to attach to the envelope. It's probably easiest if you just print this out and tape it to the card, that is, unless you have a secret talent of writing Chinese characters! *If you don't attach the Chinese part, it may take several months to arrive, or get lost altogether!*
Thanks for loving on our little guy in this way!!
Josiah Felder
ELIC Chinese Language Program
Teacher Training Building #401
Northeast Normal University
#5268 Renmin Dajie
Changchun, Jilin 130024
130024吉林省长春市
人民大街5268号
东北师范大学师训大楼 #401
美国英语学会
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Where are you, Jesus?
The other day, I somehow found myself explaining to Josiah that Jesus can live in his heart. He immediately looked down his shirt and said, "Where are you, Jesus? I don't see you!"
I couldn't contain my giggles. Once under control, I explained to him that he could listen for Jesus' words and read His words in the Bible.
I love little minds.
I couldn't contain my giggles. Once under control, I explained to him that he could listen for Jesus' words and read His words in the Bible.
I love little minds.
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