I've been collecting these gems for quite a while!
Grammy to Malachi: What did you dream about?
M: God
G: What about God?
M: Jesus {way to go with the classic Sunday School answer, kid!}
G: What about Jesus?
M: He dead. {clearly we have some theology issues to work on}
Before Naomi was born, I wasn't sure how I was going to handle the boys seeing me breastfeed. Especially Josiah. He's into that very curious, ask-very-detailed-questions stage, and I wasn't ready to answer all of them. But, life happened, and they saw me nurse. Malachi--oblivious (what's new?!). Josiah--curious. One time, he was pelting me with more questions about nursing. "What is she doing? What is she drinking?" After giving a simple explanation, he replied, "so those are like straws and she sucks the milk?" YEP, we're going with that!
One day, while riding in the car with all 3 kids crammed in the back, Josiah says, "I know how to spell 'warning,' Mom! w-a-r-n-i-n-g." For a second, he had me. I was impressed! Then I realized what he had done...read the "warning" sign on Naomi's seat and spelled it out to me. But, hey! He read the word!
Uncle Eric (after being begged to play after dinner): I'll play with you after you count to 60.
Malachi: 1,2,3,4,5,60! (In the sweetest, most innocent voice)
While wearing his super hero shirt that is headless (HE is supposed to be the hero..):
Hannah: Which is better, Superman or Batman?
Malachi: ME!
When laying down for bed:
Malachi: I'm gonna think about Jesus and going to heaven.
Josiah: I'm gonna think about math.
Love these boys! They sure keep us laughing!
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
My Other Family
This past week, our organization had it's annual conference in Thailand. It's a week (sometimes more if we decide to travel) out of our hectic and usually stressful year to take a break, relax, and surround ourselves with 500 of our best friends. That's what it seems like, anyway. I could sit down with anyone at that conference and connect with them on several levels. Because even though we may serve in different roles, cities, or even countries, we all seem to have the same highs and lows. The struggles and trials don't care what culture you're trying to adapt to--they're just about the same.
This conference, chock-full of corporate worship, lessons from the pulpit, and seminars is so life-giving. Even more so if we've been living in a city without any of those things. The corporate worship gives me goosebumps every.single.time. Of course we get to sing and worship in small settings back in China, but I think it's the large group that gets me. Gives me a picture of what heaven will look like. Only that will be a million times better.
Not only is the actual conference amazing, so are all the lunches, dinners, coffee and smoothie dates, trips to the zoo and other excursions with new and old friends. We can speak in English! We can wear shorts in the middle of winter! (Especially amazing when living in our last city that hovered around 0 or lower for 5 months!) We can eat delicious food! Thai, Western, Indian, oh yum! And Thai iced tea! (If you haven't had this, find your nearest Thai restaurant and order some!) Thailand is known as "The Land of Smiles." It truly is! The locals are so kind and helpful!
So why write about all the wonderfulness of our conference and Thailand? Because we missed it this year. I knew it would be hard to look at all the pictures of the beautiful people I miss and only get to see once a year. I knew I'd miss the warm, mid-winter break (although, this midwestern winter ain't half-bad with its up-swings into the 60s several times!). I knew I'd miss Lemongrass, the best Thai restaurant in town. Lunch for the fam costs $10.
But it's hard to talk so highly of a place and people I love when we're at home (the one on this side of the world, anyway) with family and friends. Of course I love being here, too. On those bad "China days," I long for America with its free libraries, parks in every neighborhood, and any comfort I could dream of with little effort to make. When I'm in the States, I long to be back in Asia. My heart is torn. There are amazing things about each place.
Missing conference made me realize that the friends I see there are more than friends..they're family. Wow, that sounds mushy. But it's true. With every team we've been on (4 different ones so far), our teammies become our family. I thought it was just for that year while we were teammies, sharing birthdays, holidays, ups and downs. But, no. I now see that we'll forever be bonded together. Since we all move around so much, we often don't get to spend more than a year together. That's why conference is so amazing. We get to reconnect with old friends..er..family.
And that's why it's so hard to miss being in Thailand. I'm missing out on seeing my family. My one chance for the year.
So American friends and family, if you hear me talk about or read a Facebook post about my China family, don't be jealous. Our hearts are torn between Asia and America. A great reminder that we are aliens in this world and our citizenship is in heaven. (Phil. 3:20)
This conference, chock-full of corporate worship, lessons from the pulpit, and seminars is so life-giving. Even more so if we've been living in a city without any of those things. The corporate worship gives me goosebumps every.single.time. Of course we get to sing and worship in small settings back in China, but I think it's the large group that gets me. Gives me a picture of what heaven will look like. Only that will be a million times better.
Not only is the actual conference amazing, so are all the lunches, dinners, coffee and smoothie dates, trips to the zoo and other excursions with new and old friends. We can speak in English! We can wear shorts in the middle of winter! (Especially amazing when living in our last city that hovered around 0 or lower for 5 months!) We can eat delicious food! Thai, Western, Indian, oh yum! And Thai iced tea! (If you haven't had this, find your nearest Thai restaurant and order some!) Thailand is known as "The Land of Smiles." It truly is! The locals are so kind and helpful!
 |
| Josiah and Ellie, friends from our first years in China. They hadn't seen each other in 2.5 years, and played together like no time had passed at all. |
So why write about all the wonderfulness of our conference and Thailand? Because we missed it this year. I knew it would be hard to look at all the pictures of the beautiful people I miss and only get to see once a year. I knew I'd miss the warm, mid-winter break (although, this midwestern winter ain't half-bad with its up-swings into the 60s several times!). I knew I'd miss Lemongrass, the best Thai restaurant in town. Lunch for the fam costs $10.
But it's hard to talk so highly of a place and people I love when we're at home (the one on this side of the world, anyway) with family and friends. Of course I love being here, too. On those bad "China days," I long for America with its free libraries, parks in every neighborhood, and any comfort I could dream of with little effort to make. When I'm in the States, I long to be back in Asia. My heart is torn. There are amazing things about each place.
Missing conference made me realize that the friends I see there are more than friends..they're family. Wow, that sounds mushy. But it's true. With every team we've been on (4 different ones so far), our teammies become our family. I thought it was just for that year while we were teammies, sharing birthdays, holidays, ups and downs. But, no. I now see that we'll forever be bonded together. Since we all move around so much, we often don't get to spend more than a year together. That's why conference is so amazing. We get to reconnect with old friends..er..family.
And that's why it's so hard to miss being in Thailand. I'm missing out on seeing my family. My one chance for the year.
So American friends and family, if you hear me talk about or read a Facebook post about my China family, don't be jealous. Our hearts are torn between Asia and America. A great reminder that we are aliens in this world and our citizenship is in heaven. (Phil. 3:20)
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Naomi's Birth Story
Almost a month later I finally found and am taking the time to write Naomi's birth story. Gotta get it penned before I forget!
Naomi Elizabeth Felder
Born: Wednesday, December 10th at 9:07pm
Weight: 6lbs 13oz
Length: 19 1/4 inches
*Fun fact: Josiah was 5 days late, Malachi was right on time, and Naomi was 5 days early! I love the symmetry!
Tuesday night, a whole 24 hours before she was born, I started feeling contractions with some pressure. I'd been having Braxton Hicks since week 18, so I knew they were different. With these, I felt pressure but no pain. I thought to myself, "Great! She's coming tonight!" I slept for a few hours, but not well. I could still feel the contractions and I was getting anxious. But they were still wonky, not consistent, and were getting further apart.
Around 2am I got up, ready to move things along. I couldn't go many places in the house we were staying in without waking others, so I grabbed the exercise ball and computer and set up shop in the bathroom. I bounced and paced and Facebooked for an hour and a half, timing each contraction. They started going down to around 7-8 minutes apart, but still no real pain. Shucks. What was going on?! (Read here for Josiah's story and Malachi's story--nothing like this!) At almost 4am, I gave up the bathroom and climbed back into bed, a little defeated, but figured I'd better get some rest because she'd be here in the morning! Right?
I slept hard for the next few hours. When I got up, I was a little mad that I'd slept so hard. That meant that I hadn't felt any contractions! What was this girl doing to me?!
Michael was supposed to go into work that day. I wouldn't let him, knowing she'd be here soon. It was freezing outside, but I truly contemplated going outside to walk and get things moving. It worked with Malachi! But it was just too cold. So I paced in the house. And they got further apart. I wasn't happy. So I kinda gave up for a while. What else could I do?!
I laid down for a nap around 2pm and woke up at 4pm with real deal contractions. Finally! Pain! I never thought I'd be so happy.
I started timing them, and they were still all over the place. 15 minutes, then 7, then 25, then 10. Craziness. But they hurt, so I knew something was happening. She just wanted to come differently than her brothers, I guess!
The friends we were staying with were going to take care of the boys while we went to our midwife's house to deliver. They got situated and went to a church function, which left Michael and I to decide when to leave the house. By 6pm, the contractions were getting closer, but still not super consistent. They averaged around 6 minutes, so I told Amber (midwife) we were on our way.
I wasn't looking forward to the car ride because contracting while being constricted in a chair is not ideal. But, since they were still wonky, I only had 2 hard ones in the car. Not so bad. And nothing compared to the ride I had with Josiah!
We got to Amber's around 7pm. She had already kicked out her hubby and 4 teenage kids. (So thankful for a midwife that lets me have a home birth in HER home!!) She had the birthing room all set up, complete with ambiance. We sat there for about 10 minutes, then it got awkward. I felt like we were all just staring at each other while my still-slowish contractions came. So I started walking circles in her house. Contractions were still coming, but still around 5 minutes apart.
By 7:30 or so, I was ready for a distraction, so we turned on the TV. It was quite the ordeal turning it on because sweet Amber didn't know how it worked. Can't blame her for not knowing since she never watches it! After Michael finally decoded all the remotes and gadgets, one of the first things on the guide was Ducky Dynasty. That's right. We watched it. We knew it would be clean, so why not? A little lame humor and silliness is good for a laboring mama! We all sat around, eating soup, watching while I labored. Amazing. And hilarious.
By 8:15, the contractions were finally coming faster and much stronger. I couldn't focus on what the Robertson clan was doing anymore, so I decided it was time to move to the tub. I got into the blissful warm water and relaxed through a few more hard contractions.
Within 20 minutes, we were moving along! Transition came quickly and I found myself moaning and groaning while grasping the side of the pool. A few things I remember saying during some of the hardest parts:
"Get her out of me!"
"This hurts sooo bad!"
"I can't do this again!"
"Get her out of me noooowwww!"
Right when I got in the tub, I had asked Amber to remind me again how to avoid tearing. I tore with both boys and didn't heal correctly after Malachi, resulting in a minor surgery later. So I wanted to do all I could to avoid that again. Her reply, "Don't push." I immediately thought she was nuts, but knew she was right. I just didn't know if I could do it. "Just let your body and contractions do all the work," she reminded me. Yep...I'll try.
I didn't do so well. It hurt, and I wanted her out. So I pushed. And then I tried to stop, afraid of tearing. But then I could feel her head coming and I pushed it out. Because I couldn't not push. Once it was out (or so I thought--Amber told me later that at this point, only her head up to her eyebrows was out!), I remember saying, "Oh, thank God that's over!" With the next push, the rest of her came. I laid my head on the side of the tub, so, so glad she was out. Then I remembered I was supposed to be catching her! Amber handed her to me under the water, and there she was. Beautiful. She sucked in her first breath, then cried. Amazing.
I checked for all her fingers and toes...then checked to make sure she really was a girl. :)
I then noticed that the water was pretty nasty! I was immediately grossed out and wanted to get out, but needed to wait. With Malachi, the water was still clear, so I wasn't expecting it, although it was normal.
I tried nursing her pretty soon, and it took her quite a while to figure it out. But, once she did, she wanted to stay there, thus making me sit in nasty water for almost an hour. Ew.
My placenta still hadn't come out, so I sat on the toilet, had one contraction, and out it came.
Thankfully, Amber let me take a shower. Her hubby had detached the shower head to hook up the hose in order to fill up the tub, and we couldn't figure out how to put it back on. We all laughed as I took a shower with a straight stream of water. I told her no worries--I've done much worse. Like a bucket full of nasty water in Nigeria.
Upon inspection, I only tore a little, and everything has healed on its own--without stitches. I could tell it wasn't much of a tear pretty much immediately because of how great I felt! I guess it helped that she was a nearly 2 pounds smaller than Josiah, too.
After we got all cleaned up, we took our time with paperwork and such. By about 1am, we were ready to go. Amber offered for us to stay there, but we knew it'd be better to be in our own bed. Some of her kids were home by then, and I'm sure they wanted to go to bed, too! I'm sure they thought we were bonkers for having a baby in their house. Ha!
Amber told me later that one of the times I was screaming "get her out of me!"she had her head all the way out, her hand on her face (ouch #1), then she turned her head from side to side (ouch #2). What, was she looking for the best way out or something?! Thankfully, when Amber and Beth (other midwife) saw that she had her hand up, they wisely told me to change positions so the rest of her would come out a little easier.
We stopped by Walmart for some supplies on the way home, then rolled in close to 2am. We snuggled in for the night and I tried to sleep while still on a high for being privileged enough to bring a baby girl into the world.
Amber has said with every child that I shouldn't climb stairs for at least a week to give the giant wound inside time to heal. With Josiah, I didn't know any better. I didn't do stairs, but I did a lot more way too soon. Healing was slow. With Malachi, I was basically a single parent one week after he was born because Michael had to go back to China early. Healing was extra slow that round.
This time, I was determined to rest well. Except I hate resting for long periods of time. Even when I'm in pain. But Michael helped. I was in the guest room on the 3rd floor, and every time someone came to visit, he'd carry me down the stairs. What a great hubby! I made it to day 5 without any stairs. I call that success. I noticed the bleeding stopped a lot earlier this time! The Chinese rest for a month. Americans rest for 1-2 days. I think we should meet in the middle. Rest is good.
So far, she's a pretty great baby. I'm doing my best to enjoy every moment, not knowing if we'll have more or not. And, she's a girl and there's something extra special about that.
Naomi Elizabeth Felder
Born: Wednesday, December 10th at 9:07pm
Weight: 6lbs 13oz
Length: 19 1/4 inches
*Fun fact: Josiah was 5 days late, Malachi was right on time, and Naomi was 5 days early! I love the symmetry!
Tuesday night, a whole 24 hours before she was born, I started feeling contractions with some pressure. I'd been having Braxton Hicks since week 18, so I knew they were different. With these, I felt pressure but no pain. I thought to myself, "Great! She's coming tonight!" I slept for a few hours, but not well. I could still feel the contractions and I was getting anxious. But they were still wonky, not consistent, and were getting further apart.
Around 2am I got up, ready to move things along. I couldn't go many places in the house we were staying in without waking others, so I grabbed the exercise ball and computer and set up shop in the bathroom. I bounced and paced and Facebooked for an hour and a half, timing each contraction. They started going down to around 7-8 minutes apart, but still no real pain. Shucks. What was going on?! (Read here for Josiah's story and Malachi's story--nothing like this!) At almost 4am, I gave up the bathroom and climbed back into bed, a little defeated, but figured I'd better get some rest because she'd be here in the morning! Right?
I slept hard for the next few hours. When I got up, I was a little mad that I'd slept so hard. That meant that I hadn't felt any contractions! What was this girl doing to me?!
Michael was supposed to go into work that day. I wouldn't let him, knowing she'd be here soon. It was freezing outside, but I truly contemplated going outside to walk and get things moving. It worked with Malachi! But it was just too cold. So I paced in the house. And they got further apart. I wasn't happy. So I kinda gave up for a while. What else could I do?!
I laid down for a nap around 2pm and woke up at 4pm with real deal contractions. Finally! Pain! I never thought I'd be so happy.
I started timing them, and they were still all over the place. 15 minutes, then 7, then 25, then 10. Craziness. But they hurt, so I knew something was happening. She just wanted to come differently than her brothers, I guess!
The friends we were staying with were going to take care of the boys while we went to our midwife's house to deliver. They got situated and went to a church function, which left Michael and I to decide when to leave the house. By 6pm, the contractions were getting closer, but still not super consistent. They averaged around 6 minutes, so I told Amber (midwife) we were on our way.
I wasn't looking forward to the car ride because contracting while being constricted in a chair is not ideal. But, since they were still wonky, I only had 2 hard ones in the car. Not so bad. And nothing compared to the ride I had with Josiah!
We got to Amber's around 7pm. She had already kicked out her hubby and 4 teenage kids. (So thankful for a midwife that lets me have a home birth in HER home!!) She had the birthing room all set up, complete with ambiance. We sat there for about 10 minutes, then it got awkward. I felt like we were all just staring at each other while my still-slowish contractions came. So I started walking circles in her house. Contractions were still coming, but still around 5 minutes apart.
By 7:30 or so, I was ready for a distraction, so we turned on the TV. It was quite the ordeal turning it on because sweet Amber didn't know how it worked. Can't blame her for not knowing since she never watches it! After Michael finally decoded all the remotes and gadgets, one of the first things on the guide was Ducky Dynasty. That's right. We watched it. We knew it would be clean, so why not? A little lame humor and silliness is good for a laboring mama! We all sat around, eating soup, watching while I labored. Amazing. And hilarious.
By 8:15, the contractions were finally coming faster and much stronger. I couldn't focus on what the Robertson clan was doing anymore, so I decided it was time to move to the tub. I got into the blissful warm water and relaxed through a few more hard contractions.
Within 20 minutes, we were moving along! Transition came quickly and I found myself moaning and groaning while grasping the side of the pool. A few things I remember saying during some of the hardest parts:
"Get her out of me!"
"This hurts sooo bad!"
"I can't do this again!"
"Get her out of me noooowwww!"
Right when I got in the tub, I had asked Amber to remind me again how to avoid tearing. I tore with both boys and didn't heal correctly after Malachi, resulting in a minor surgery later. So I wanted to do all I could to avoid that again. Her reply, "Don't push." I immediately thought she was nuts, but knew she was right. I just didn't know if I could do it. "Just let your body and contractions do all the work," she reminded me. Yep...I'll try.
I didn't do so well. It hurt, and I wanted her out. So I pushed. And then I tried to stop, afraid of tearing. But then I could feel her head coming and I pushed it out. Because I couldn't not push. Once it was out (or so I thought--Amber told me later that at this point, only her head up to her eyebrows was out!), I remember saying, "Oh, thank God that's over!" With the next push, the rest of her came. I laid my head on the side of the tub, so, so glad she was out. Then I remembered I was supposed to be catching her! Amber handed her to me under the water, and there she was. Beautiful. She sucked in her first breath, then cried. Amazing.
I checked for all her fingers and toes...then checked to make sure she really was a girl. :)
I then noticed that the water was pretty nasty! I was immediately grossed out and wanted to get out, but needed to wait. With Malachi, the water was still clear, so I wasn't expecting it, although it was normal.
I tried nursing her pretty soon, and it took her quite a while to figure it out. But, once she did, she wanted to stay there, thus making me sit in nasty water for almost an hour. Ew.
My placenta still hadn't come out, so I sat on the toilet, had one contraction, and out it came.
Thankfully, Amber let me take a shower. Her hubby had detached the shower head to hook up the hose in order to fill up the tub, and we couldn't figure out how to put it back on. We all laughed as I took a shower with a straight stream of water. I told her no worries--I've done much worse. Like a bucket full of nasty water in Nigeria.
Upon inspection, I only tore a little, and everything has healed on its own--without stitches. I could tell it wasn't much of a tear pretty much immediately because of how great I felt! I guess it helped that she was a nearly 2 pounds smaller than Josiah, too.
After we got all cleaned up, we took our time with paperwork and such. By about 1am, we were ready to go. Amber offered for us to stay there, but we knew it'd be better to be in our own bed. Some of her kids were home by then, and I'm sure they wanted to go to bed, too! I'm sure they thought we were bonkers for having a baby in their house. Ha!
Amber told me later that one of the times I was screaming "get her out of me!"she had her head all the way out, her hand on her face (ouch #1), then she turned her head from side to side (ouch #2). What, was she looking for the best way out or something?! Thankfully, when Amber and Beth (other midwife) saw that she had her hand up, they wisely told me to change positions so the rest of her would come out a little easier.
We stopped by Walmart for some supplies on the way home, then rolled in close to 2am. We snuggled in for the night and I tried to sleep while still on a high for being privileged enough to bring a baby girl into the world.
Amber has said with every child that I shouldn't climb stairs for at least a week to give the giant wound inside time to heal. With Josiah, I didn't know any better. I didn't do stairs, but I did a lot more way too soon. Healing was slow. With Malachi, I was basically a single parent one week after he was born because Michael had to go back to China early. Healing was extra slow that round.
This time, I was determined to rest well. Except I hate resting for long periods of time. Even when I'm in pain. But Michael helped. I was in the guest room on the 3rd floor, and every time someone came to visit, he'd carry me down the stairs. What a great hubby! I made it to day 5 without any stairs. I call that success. I noticed the bleeding stopped a lot earlier this time! The Chinese rest for a month. Americans rest for 1-2 days. I think we should meet in the middle. Rest is good.
So far, she's a pretty great baby. I'm doing my best to enjoy every moment, not knowing if we'll have more or not. And, she's a girl and there's something extra special about that.
Getting weighed in the baby hammock!
Best. Team. Ever.
Josiah LOVES Naomi to pieces! He loves holding her, making sure there is always a bow in her hair, and protecting her.
Malachi loves her in his own, special way. He gives her kisses occasionally. :)
Sweet lips!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Catch Up
Pretty sure this year's blog posts is at an all-time low. Bummer. I'll try to end on a high note! I think this should be a random list. It's just what I'm feeling tonight.
- I'm about to have a baby girl. I'm SOO excited! It almost feels like the first time again...anxious, impatient, reading into every single symptom. I guess that's normal for the last few weeks. C'mon, girl...be earlier than your brothers! We want to meet you! And, I want my abdomen back.
- I didn't know how homeschooling would go this year. I've been pleasantly surprised. We started a new reading book a few weeks ago, and he's already reading short sentences! Hooray! Bonus: He LIKES to learn to read new words! :) Also, another perk, we're staying with a young family and the other mom is a Kindergarten teacher. She brings home activities, homework packets, and other goodies for Josiah to try out. Amazing! It'll be interesting to see what I can get done with a newborn in the mix!
- Our goal while in the States for this long was to see as many friends and family as possible. We've taken road trips and met up with so many of you--we're so thankful! Inevitably, there will be people we will miss, but we feel loved seeing so many of you already!
- Some fun quotes lately:
Malachi {With a super sweet face and a hug afterwards}: Very Christmas, Mommy. :)
Josiah: Mom, open your eyes all the way and look at me. {Looks intently at one eye} I think your brains are coming out.
Me: Oh, really?
Josiah: Yep, they're getting smaller. {Still inspecting}
Me: Wow, uhh..
Josiah: Yep, they're small.
Me: Oh, really?
Josiah: Yep, they're getting smaller. {Still inspecting}
Me: Wow, uhh..
Josiah: Yep, they're small.
Thanks, son.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Malachi's 3rd
Just discovered I never recorded Malachi's 3rd birthday! 2+ months late is better than never, right?! I'm sure it'll be appreciated when I (one day) put all these blogs in a book. Yep, whenever that happens.
I wanted to throw him a "big" party since he rarely gets to celebrate in America. Actually, this was his first time getting to celebrate anywhere near his birthday in the States. But I had a problem: he has no friends here. Why would he? He's spent all but a few months of his little life on the other side of the world. Honestly, it made me a little sad. But not for long. I have plenty of friends with multiple kids, so I just invited them all! Then you add in his 10 cousins, and we were good to go. I'm sure their kids were like, "we're going to whose birthday party?!" haha...yeah, that kid from China, remember?
I planned to go to a local place called Kaleidoscope, which is a place that lets kids create and craft and discover..and it's free! Then, we would eat cupcakes outside. Except that's not what happened.
First, I have this bad tendency to leave a lot of things until the last minute. Especially when it comes to parties. For Malachi's 1st birthday party, I was an hour late. HA! Wow. This time, not quite that late, but I just crammed too many things to do into a short window. Bad Mommy.
So we get to the place, and a few friends had already arrived. And then they told me: Kaleidoscope was closed for the next month. To clean. I couldn't be mad at them..with the host of kids they bring in every day, they deserve to clean for a month! But I started to panic. 30+ people were on their way and I had no Plan B.
Thankfully, the Hallmark headquarters was right next door and there were 2 wonderfully nice ladies that pitied us and helped us as much as they could. They let us go through the Hallmark museum (mostly boring, except for the bow-making machine), gave each kid a craft goodie bag, and showed a short movie in their movie theater! They were great!
Then we discovered there was a Kids Art Fest going on around the corner. Thank you, Lord! We walked over there and the kids enjoyed making crafts, getting balloon animals, sidewalk chalking, and of course a cupcake. To top it all off, it was a beautiful day! I was so incredibly thankful God was looking out for us. I may have crumpled into a pile of Mommy failure had there not been other things to do.
I wanted to throw him a "big" party since he rarely gets to celebrate in America. Actually, this was his first time getting to celebrate anywhere near his birthday in the States. But I had a problem: he has no friends here. Why would he? He's spent all but a few months of his little life on the other side of the world. Honestly, it made me a little sad. But not for long. I have plenty of friends with multiple kids, so I just invited them all! Then you add in his 10 cousins, and we were good to go. I'm sure their kids were like, "we're going to whose birthday party?!" haha...yeah, that kid from China, remember?
I planned to go to a local place called Kaleidoscope, which is a place that lets kids create and craft and discover..and it's free! Then, we would eat cupcakes outside. Except that's not what happened.
First, I have this bad tendency to leave a lot of things until the last minute. Especially when it comes to parties. For Malachi's 1st birthday party, I was an hour late. HA! Wow. This time, not quite that late, but I just crammed too many things to do into a short window. Bad Mommy.
So we get to the place, and a few friends had already arrived. And then they told me: Kaleidoscope was closed for the next month. To clean. I couldn't be mad at them..with the host of kids they bring in every day, they deserve to clean for a month! But I started to panic. 30+ people were on their way and I had no Plan B.
Thankfully, the Hallmark headquarters was right next door and there were 2 wonderfully nice ladies that pitied us and helped us as much as they could. They let us go through the Hallmark museum (mostly boring, except for the bow-making machine), gave each kid a craft goodie bag, and showed a short movie in their movie theater! They were great!
Then we discovered there was a Kids Art Fest going on around the corner. Thank you, Lord! We walked over there and the kids enjoyed making crafts, getting balloon animals, sidewalk chalking, and of course a cupcake. To top it all off, it was a beautiful day! I was so incredibly thankful God was looking out for us. I may have crumpled into a pile of Mommy failure had there not been other things to do.
Big 3 year old!
Semi-Cars themed. He didn't like his hat. But he liked the icing!
With his cousin, Jace, who is a few weeks younger...but waay bigger!
Goofy boys that I love to pieces.
Instead of toys, I asked people to bring gift cards. Loved this idea! We've gotten to go to some pretty fun places!
Earlier in the morning, they went with Papa and Daddy to Home Depot to make a bird house. I wonder who actually did most of the making...?
SO CUTE.
On his actual birthday, we celebrated with the family we're staying with. S'mores included!
Adorbs
How I created two super-clean boys, I surely don't know. We have to encourage them to lick their fingers...even if it is sticky, sugary goodness!
New (light-up!) shoes!
They're growing too fast.
Malachi, we love you! You're a spunky, goofy, adventurous little guy. Although you definitely like to be in the same 1 foot as Mommy most days, you have a part of you that loves to go off by yourself and explore. Particularly when we're in public. You love to be the center of attention, and if you can get people to laugh, you'll stay in the center. You make some of the best facial expressions I've ever seen. That's one reason you were encouraged to be a pirate for Halloween. :) You are currently giving us a run for our parenting title with all your antics, but I know deep inside there's an obedient heart. I just hope it will surface sooner rather than later. :)
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Memorable Moments
This one was from a long time ago...While puking and dry heaving during early pregnancy one day, Josiah was standing in the doorway, encouraging me. I had just scolded him for yelling in my ear, so he began to apologize for being too loud, thinking he was the reason I was getting sick. Precious soul.
While Malachi was right beside me...literally...trying to "spit" in the toilet, too. Every time I'd heave, he'd say, "I need spit!" Haha..sympathy vomit? Not sure. Hilarious kid.
Lately, Malachi has been calling his thumbs "thunders." Adorable.
Josiah keeps asking when the baby is going to come out. Today he exclaimed, "she's been in there 100 years!" I agree, child. I agree.
The family we're staying with has 2 boys, 4 and 18mos. Josiah and the 18mo old have a special bond. After nearly every dinner, they spin in circles and laugh together. I think he's going to be a fabulous brother to his baby sister!
When asked if he lives in China (by a friend),Josiah replied, "Yeah, sometimes, but we just change our mind every day, traveling around the earth, staying with different friends." The life of a TCK on Home Assignment!
Let the moments continue!
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Clashing Cultures Results in a Bawling Momma
Our time in the States has been wonderful. I've loved the comforts of this home, especially as this baby takes over more of my body. I'm sure I'd do it, but walking up several flights of stairs on the daily sounds miserable right about now. I huff and puff when I have to walk up 2 floors to do the laundry.
The kids seem like they have adjusted without missing a beat. They've already slept in at least 6 different places, and with a giant road trip coming up, we'll had 4 more to that. Besides the occasional, "I want to go home" comment (which, let's be honest, I have no idea which home they're talking about!), they're real troopers. We're so thankful God has given them the ability to be flexible at such a young age.
While here, we've decided to give the kids as many opportunities as they can. Basically, live it up--American style. We've been to parks, the library, fun and free community events, swimming, birthday parties, play dates, and so much more. I'm pretty sure I'm loving it as much as they are. (Although one of my fears on this list pops in my head often. Will they grumble when we get back to China after being in "fun America" for so long?)
So we decided to enroll them in Awana. A friend explained to the workers there about our situation--that we wouldn't come close to finishing the semester, and funds are limited. So they graciously waived the fees. I was excited to send the boys to yet another weekly group that would teach them about the Good Book.
The drop-off was uneventful. Malachi walked right to the toys, no problem. Josiah joined a sea of kids of all ages, reciting several different pledges. I was happy to look around at the other kindergarteners and realize they, too were lost. Whew. First obstacle semi-avoided.
Then they broke up into their classes. Well, this was the 2nd week, so Josiah was already a little behind. As they broke off, he stood in the middle of the gym, alone. I about lost it then! Thankfully, one of his teachers came to the rescue and showed him where to stand. Mr. Obedient did, but he still looked pretty unsure of what was going on. A Chinese mom I had met assured me everything would be fine.
When did I become that momma? Oh yeah, this was our first experience of anything close to a school atmosphere. Normal, right?
I enjoyed the kid-free hour. It had been a particularly rough day with major kid attitudes and a momma that was tired, probably hormonal, and just plain sick of saying the same 5 phrases over and over. I had already cried 3 times up to that point out of frustration with them. I don't cry super often, so I blame the hormones for that day. But what happened next really caught me off guard.
I went to pick up Josiah first, ya know, the easier one. Ha. As soon as he walked out of the room, he started crying. Hard. I had no idea what had happened, but like any parent, tons of ideas ran through my head. Did another kid hurt him? Who was mean to him? Did he not know any of the right answers? I couldn't get him to say what was wrong, just that the other kids got something special.
So, like any momma bear, I marched over to the teachers. As soon as the words started coming out of my mouth, the tears started stinging. NO! I tried to ask them what happened, why they thought he might be upset. They had no idea.
By then, I was bawling. And I didn't even know why exactly. But it was one of those uncontrollable ones. I. felt. so. stupid.
In between blubbers, I apologized. This isn't my normal self....this baby.....he's new at this....shucks, I'm new at this!...what's wrong with me?!
Thankfully they were gracious, kind people. One lady just hugged me. But then a crowd of at least 5 adults (I couldn't see through all the tears) surrounded me, looking at me, wondering what is wrong with this woman?!
I finally gained a little control and left. After some reflection, I think I know what happened. Yes, I was already emotional for the day, but there were so many other, deeper thoughts happening simultaneously.
The first thought: Josiah is a foreigner in China and he's a foreigner in America. Our whole family is, but it hit him (and me, obviously) hard on this day. He doesn't fit in. And that broke my heart to pieces.
Secondly: He didn't have all the Awana "gear" (vest, book, bag, etc.), plus he was a week behind, so he was completely lost. This one is our fault. We didn't get him all the gear, knowing we won't be here long. But the lack of things that every other kid had made him an outsider.
I already knew all of this. Our kids especially will be outsiders a lot of their lives if we stay overseas for most of their childhood. But this was the first time I ran into the fact of it all head-on.
I'm not sure we'll take him back. The teachers were wonderful and assured me he was just fine during class, participating and doing well. But the way it's set up, if he misses several weeks during travel, then doesn't even get to finish, is it worth it? We're still undecided.
I'm sure many more of these situations will come up. And they might be even harder when he starts to realize himself that he doesn't fit anywhere. By that time, I hope I have enough wisdom and grace to share with him that we were created to feel unsettled on this earth. The Father has a wonderful spot for him Upstairs where he will fit in perfectly. By then, I'm sure he'll be the one to remind me of that fact.
The kids seem like they have adjusted without missing a beat. They've already slept in at least 6 different places, and with a giant road trip coming up, we'll had 4 more to that. Besides the occasional, "I want to go home" comment (which, let's be honest, I have no idea which home they're talking about!), they're real troopers. We're so thankful God has given them the ability to be flexible at such a young age.
While here, we've decided to give the kids as many opportunities as they can. Basically, live it up--American style. We've been to parks, the library, fun and free community events, swimming, birthday parties, play dates, and so much more. I'm pretty sure I'm loving it as much as they are. (Although one of my fears on this list pops in my head often. Will they grumble when we get back to China after being in "fun America" for so long?)
So we decided to enroll them in Awana. A friend explained to the workers there about our situation--that we wouldn't come close to finishing the semester, and funds are limited. So they graciously waived the fees. I was excited to send the boys to yet another weekly group that would teach them about the Good Book.
The drop-off was uneventful. Malachi walked right to the toys, no problem. Josiah joined a sea of kids of all ages, reciting several different pledges. I was happy to look around at the other kindergarteners and realize they, too were lost. Whew. First obstacle semi-avoided.
Then they broke up into their classes. Well, this was the 2nd week, so Josiah was already a little behind. As they broke off, he stood in the middle of the gym, alone. I about lost it then! Thankfully, one of his teachers came to the rescue and showed him where to stand. Mr. Obedient did, but he still looked pretty unsure of what was going on. A Chinese mom I had met assured me everything would be fine.
When did I become that momma? Oh yeah, this was our first experience of anything close to a school atmosphere. Normal, right?
I enjoyed the kid-free hour. It had been a particularly rough day with major kid attitudes and a momma that was tired, probably hormonal, and just plain sick of saying the same 5 phrases over and over. I had already cried 3 times up to that point out of frustration with them. I don't cry super often, so I blame the hormones for that day. But what happened next really caught me off guard.
I went to pick up Josiah first, ya know, the easier one. Ha. As soon as he walked out of the room, he started crying. Hard. I had no idea what had happened, but like any parent, tons of ideas ran through my head. Did another kid hurt him? Who was mean to him? Did he not know any of the right answers? I couldn't get him to say what was wrong, just that the other kids got something special.
So, like any momma bear, I marched over to the teachers. As soon as the words started coming out of my mouth, the tears started stinging. NO! I tried to ask them what happened, why they thought he might be upset. They had no idea.
By then, I was bawling. And I didn't even know why exactly. But it was one of those uncontrollable ones. I. felt. so. stupid.
In between blubbers, I apologized. This isn't my normal self....this baby.....he's new at this....shucks, I'm new at this!...what's wrong with me?!
Thankfully they were gracious, kind people. One lady just hugged me. But then a crowd of at least 5 adults (I couldn't see through all the tears) surrounded me, looking at me, wondering what is wrong with this woman?!
I finally gained a little control and left. After some reflection, I think I know what happened. Yes, I was already emotional for the day, but there were so many other, deeper thoughts happening simultaneously.
The first thought: Josiah is a foreigner in China and he's a foreigner in America. Our whole family is, but it hit him (and me, obviously) hard on this day. He doesn't fit in. And that broke my heart to pieces.
Secondly: He didn't have all the Awana "gear" (vest, book, bag, etc.), plus he was a week behind, so he was completely lost. This one is our fault. We didn't get him all the gear, knowing we won't be here long. But the lack of things that every other kid had made him an outsider.
I already knew all of this. Our kids especially will be outsiders a lot of their lives if we stay overseas for most of their childhood. But this was the first time I ran into the fact of it all head-on.
I'm not sure we'll take him back. The teachers were wonderful and assured me he was just fine during class, participating and doing well. But the way it's set up, if he misses several weeks during travel, then doesn't even get to finish, is it worth it? We're still undecided.
I'm sure many more of these situations will come up. And they might be even harder when he starts to realize himself that he doesn't fit anywhere. By that time, I hope I have enough wisdom and grace to share with him that we were created to feel unsettled on this earth. The Father has a wonderful spot for him Upstairs where he will fit in perfectly. By then, I'm sure he'll be the one to remind me of that fact.
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