Fun with the little mister

Hosea gets cuter and cuter each day.  He continually makes us smile and laugh.  Here are a few videos of some of the fun we have with him. 

Playing with cousin Cam

Hosea's favorite song

Tickle time!

What a precious son we have!

Getting tickled by daddy



Santa rides on a fire truck?

Christmas has officially come to Falls Church, VA!  Sunday evening, the whole fam was hanging out at the house together, when we heard fire truck sirens very close.  They were so close that we went to the window to see if there was a fire nearby.  "When what to our wondering eyes should appear...?" Santa on a firetruck and firemen on the rear!  The Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department decked out their fire truck with Christmas lights and decorations and had Santa sitting on the top of it, waving.  Between siren sounds you could hear Christmas music blaring from the truck.  The volunteer firemen, wearing Santa hats, rode on the back of the truck.  As they passed homes they would hop off the truck and walk up to people (everyone seemed to come out of their houses...including us...to see what all the commotion was about) and hand out candy canes and "fire safety tips" for the season.  So great!  Last night (Monday), it happened AGAIN!  Cousin Deb was teaching me how to make toffee (so yummy) in the kitchen and we heard the sirens.  This time I asked Jed to go capture some pics or video footage of it so we could post it to the blog...just in case you didn't believe me.  :)  He did a great job - check it out.

It's getting cold outside!

Venturing outdoors with two little boys and two dogs gets a little trickier when the weather gets cold...in addition to the normal getting ready for a walk routine, we now have to worry about hats, mittens, coats/snowsuits, a sweater for Poncho, and cream for the boys' faces to protect them from the wind and cold.  Hosea has a new Winnie the Pooh chocolate brown snowsuit and he is just the cutest in it.  Hosea LOVES being outside and doesn't mind the cold weather at all.  Here are a few pics of our adventures in the cold.

Daddy and Hosea looking all tough

On a walk with the boys

Evening walk as a family - Hosea is wearing one of daddy's scarves (orange) from a Gaelic football game - Armaugh, Northern Ireland

The men in my life...I love them!

First shoveling of the season. Caesar got bundled up for it...

...Mommy & Hosea stayed inside

Hosea wouldn't nap, so daddy came back in and took him shoveling with him. 
This is what his face looked like afterwards. That is to say, none of the other kids would let him join in any reindeer games (like Monopoly).

 

Joy!

It seems during the Christmas season, we see and hear the word "JOY" a bit more than usual.  "Joy" is all over Christmas cards, Christmas decorations (you know the letters J-O-Y that sit over the mantel as stocking hangers), and Christmas songs ("Joy to the world the Lord is come," "Oh, tidings of comfort and joy," "Now ye hear of endless bliss; Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this!", etc.).  I've been thinking lots about this word "joy" recently...actually, I've been thinking more about my lack of it.  Yesterday, I spent the majority of my day (more than usual, I guess) in a rocking chair holding and nursing my fussy, squirmy son.  Hosea has been getting over a cold and working on a poop and has been even more needy than usual these past few days.  By the end of the day, Hosea had only slept for two or three chunks of 10 minutes and I was spent from all the TRYING to put him to sleep.  Just when I would nurse him fully to sleep, stand up, burp him, and lay him in his crib, he would open his eyes and make it known that he did not want to be sleeping anymore.  Around 9:30 PM, Jed and I bathed him, changed him, and put on his PJ's.  I took him in to rock him to sleep and give him one last feeding.  As I sat in the chair, I sang Christmas carols to him.  As I sang these "joy"-filled songs, I began to think about how "un-joyful" I felt and feel sorry for myself.  I hadn't been out of the house all day, I never showered, I smelt of sour milk from the multiple times Hosea had barfed on me that day, I was wearing sweatpants (normally comfy, now made me feel yucky), my boobs hurt, I hadn't accomplished very much (laundry, cleaning, exercising, etc.), and I hadn't intentionally spent time with the Lord...alone or with Jed.
When I finally got Hosea to sleep, I had a little breakdown in my husband's arms.  He lovingly pointed out my self-pity and comforted me.  We had a sweet prayer time together on the bathroom floor.  As I went to sleep, I was reminded of a devotional from "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers.  I remember him saying that joy is not conditional upon circumstances, happiness is.  This morning, I looked back to find the devotional I had remembered.  It is from August 31st, entitled, "My Joy...Your Joy."  I will include the text below.

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11
What was the joy that Jesus had? Joy should not be confused with happiness.  In fact, it is an insult to Jesus Christ to use the word "happiness" in connection with Him. The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father - the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do - "...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..." (Hebrews 12:2) "I delight to do Your will, O my God." (Psalm 40:8) Jesus prayed that our joy might continue fulfilling itself until it becomes the same joy as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?
Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God's work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. But the first thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances.  Jesus said, "...the cares of this world,...choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" (Mark 4:19).  And before we even realize what has happened, we are caught up in our cares.  All that God has done for us is the merely threshold- He wants us to come to the place where we will be His witnesses and proclaim who Jesus is.
Have the right relationship with God, finding your joy there, and out of you "will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). Be a fountain through which Jesus can pour his "living water."  Stop being hypocritical and proud, aware only of yourself, and live "your life...hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). A person who has the right relationship with God lives a life as natural as breathing wherever he/she goes.  The lives that have been the greatest blessing to you are the lives of those people who themselves were unaware of having been a blessing.

This was an upper-cut to my heart!  Written in my own words...having a JOY-filled life is not dependent on whether my boobs hurt, whether my son takes a nap, whether or not I've had devotions, "but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed."  God, forgive me...thinking about my circumstances has definetly made me irritable.  Forgive me for taking my eyes off You and for not surrendering each care and concern to You.  I desire a relationship with You that is as natural as breathing.  May I find my joy, this season and always, in my relationship with YOU. 

Hosea has recently found happiness in peek-a-boo. He is "unaware of having been a blessing" to his mom and dad.  Lord, thank you for our son!

Babies are messy!

I've been babysitting kids since I was eleven years old and have had at least one family that I consistently nanny for ever since college.  You'd think after all that time, that I would have realized how messy babies are.  Now that I have my own child, I have reached new levels of amazement! 
Hosea is a drooling, spitting, peeing, pooping MACHINE!  I think he goes through 3-4 bibs and at least that many burb rags every day.  We change the sheets on his bed nearly every day.  Jed and I also find ourselves making wardrobe changes at least once a day, and we are not wimpy.  Our change of clothes is usually due to the fact that we are beginning to smell like sour milk or because we have a massive wet drool spot on a portion of our clothing...to the point that it is uncomfortable. 

Yesterday and today, in particular, revealed the chuckles (and sometimes mild frustration) that we get out of having a messy baby.  Last night, we gave Hosea some "naked time" after a bath.  He's had a little bit of diaper rash (he rarely has it because we are using cloth diapers), so we've wanted to nip it in the bud.  Before or after his bath, we'll lay down a waterproof pad and a towel on his playmat and let him roll around and play naked.  He LOVES this time.  Yesterday he played for quite a while.  We were surprised that he didn't pee the entire time.  Jed rolled him over to pick him up and take him to the changing table.  Hosea was smiling at him and having a grand time so Jed smiled back and played with him a bit more.  Seconds later, a stream of pee was heading towards daddy, soaking the carpet and the edge of his playmat.  I assure you, NONE of his potty landed on the waterproof pad.  AWESOME!  Towel and playmat into the laundry.

Tonight we had planned to return some materials to the library and go to the grocery store.  After we finished watching Cam, we came downstairs to play with Hosea a bit and make a grocery list.  Soon, daddy smelt something and said, "I think Hosea pooped."  I responded, "Hosea's poops usually doesn't smell so it's probably just gas."  Now, there is something you should know about our son's digestive system...he is VERY efficient.  He usually only poops every 5-7 days (it is ok for this to happen when babies are solely breastfed).  The last time he pooped was on Sunday, so I was not expecting him to poop on Tuesday.  Because Hosea poops so rarely, nearly every time he poops is an epic poop.  Am I giving too much detail?!  Oh well.  We took Hosea to the changing table and...daddy was right....poop.  And, it was smelly.  So, we decided to clean him up and then give him a bath as well.  Hosea loves baths, so it's a win-win.  Daddy washed Hosea and mommy was there to towel dry him.  Well, as I did, he threw up all over the place (another towel in the laundry).  So, back into the tub he went.  We dried him off a second time and took him to his changing table.  As I dried him off and got ready to put on his diaper rash cream, I was surprised by a stream of pee all over my jeans and on the carpet just in front of where I was standing (mom's jeans, several towels, and Hosea's socks all going in the laundry).  After quite a delay in our library/grocery store plan, we decided against another bath and just used a wet wipe to clean off Hosea.   We could not help but laugh...and document with pictures and video.  Enjoy!

Naked time

Getting cleaned up after a poopy diaper - bath #1 of 2

Bath video #1

Bath video #2

Bath video #3

Bath video #4

So many posts, so little time

Over the last week, I’ve wanted to write multiple postings, but time has just slipped away from me.  At the end of the day, when the kiddo is in bed, I find myself wanting to blog, but choosing to snuggle up to Jed and watch a movie, fold laundry, or go to bed.  I am convinced that 3 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour + 2 hours, interrupted and separated by feeding, diaper changing, and soothing a squirmy baby does not equal 7 hours of sleep, so when Hosea is sleeping I know I should be too…I’m so tired.  So, this blog posting will be short versions of all the posts I wished I had written. 

First, I wanted to write a reflective post for Thanksgiving and include a family picture and one of Hosea wearing his “Baby’s First Thanksgiving” bib (a gift from my friend, Kristin…super cute with a turkey on it).  Well, we never took a family picture or a picture of Hosea with the super cute bib on.  We were too busy cleaning and making mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, creamed corn, and cinnamon rolls amidst taking care of our cranky son, who was getting over a cold.  We had a nice dinner with some of Jed’s family, here in Falls Church.  Thanksgiving kind of snuck up on me this year.  I’m used to traveling to Minnesota or Wisconsin to be with family and usually I’m not the host, so I get to enjoy all the great food and fellowship without the cleaning and cooking.  This year, we stayed home, hosted, and cooked (along with Jed’s aunt and cousin, who did most of the work).  I definitely have new respect for anyone who hosts Thanksgiving dinner at their home…it is a lot of work for one meal!  Jed has a different perspective - “It’s more than worth the work for the best family event/holiday of the year.”  Thanksgiving, by its very name, begs us to stop and give thanks for all we have.  This year, I was reminded about the importance of intentionally giving thanks, both individually and corporately.  If we are not intentional, countless things will distract us from this focus.  Thanksgiving becomes “just another day/meal,” rather than a celebration.  Lord, help me to be a more thankful person and us to be a more thankful people…on Thanksgiving and every other day of the year.  Don’t let anything stand in the way of our hearts praising You for who You are, for what You’ve done, and for all You’ve given us. 

Family at Thanksgiving dinner - Jed's elbow on the right

Second post – Hosea is growing like crazy and does the cutest stuff!  He is enjoying sitting in his Bumpo much more than before, LOVES standing (with help for balance, of course…he’s got the strength), talks (in Hosea-ese) all the time, and wants to chew on everything (drools like crazy)!  He is also developing an amazing eye/hand coordination.  The other day, Hosea and I walked to Panera for lunch, while daddy was working in the yard.  As I ate my salad, Hosea intently watched each forkful from bowl to mouth.  After watching several bites- SNATCH!- my son grabbed a leaf of lettuce off my fork as it traveled to my mouth.  He is very quick and now explores the world with his hands.  All of a sudden, we have to be very careful what comes within Hosea’s reach, especially when we’re holding him.

At 4 1/2 months, Hosea is almost 25 inches (if you measure this way)

In the Bumpo

Why lie on your back when you can stand up?

Third post – Mouth battles! For a long time, daddy has attacked Hosea with (sometimes scratchy) kisses on his neck, face, and chest.  Hosea has started to fight back!  He always has been an open-mouth kisser, but now, it has gone to new levels.  Mama got a surprise attack to the chin the other day.  He must have been hungry because he bit onto my chin and wouldn’t stop sucking.  It made me laugh a lot!

Attack!

Fourth post – Visual representation of Hosea's cuteness.  If one pic = 1,000 words…what do four pics equal?

  

Hosea does his best Buddy Hackett

Pretty good, huh?

Mama vacuuming with Hosea in the carrier (reaching for the camera)

Enjoying an outdoor Sunday brunch in November. How cute are they?

I love my daddy!

Hosea loves Jed! And, why wouldn't he?! He is an amazing, funny, loving, crazy, gentle, snugggly, strong, godly daddy! It is such a blessing that BOTH of us get to be home with Hosea. Jed does so much for me, as a mom, and so much to care for Hosea (he needs a lot!).  One of the things Jed is amazing at is putting Hosea down for a nap and to sleep at night.  This is no small task! Hosea is a screamer (see posting on high needs baby) and Jed so gently shushes, sings, bounces, etc Hosea off to sleep. One of my favorite times to watch Hosea & Jed interact is when Hosea is on his changing table. When Hosea was very small he hated getting his diaper and clothing changed. Now, he loves getting his diaper changed and kind of likes getting his clothes changed (loves being naked...does not love getting his clothes back on).  Hooray for daddy!  He is the best!

Nana, Night Out, & New Adventures

This past Saturday (November 13^th), Nana (Jed’s mom) flew into Baltimore to come visit us for a week.  We are not going to be able to see her for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, so we were thrilled when she bought a ticket to come see us.  Hosea loves Nana and has taken advantage of her snuggles, smiles, and singing. 

Snuggles

Outside of The Falls Church with Nana

On Tuesday night, Jed and I got a night out.  Nana was Hosea’s first babysitter.  I have to be honest.  No matter how much you trust someone to watch your baby and no matter how much you want a date night, leaving your little one for the first time is hard.  I think I always thought I’d be a super relaxed mom when it comes to leaving her baby.  If there is one lesson I have learned since having Hosea, it is “get ready to let go of your expectations.”  If there is a second lesson I’ve learned, it’s “get over yourself.”  If there is a third lesson I’ve learned, it’s “my feelings as a mom are totally normal, valid, and real.”  So, first I admit that I am not super relaxed…I’m a mess.  Second, I admit I got over myself and pulled myself together (this was hard work and aided by the gentleness of an amazing husband).  Third, I admit (well, still learning to admit is more like it) that I am a normal mom with normal emotions and feelings.  Leaving your baby for the first time does induce feelings of guilt, worry, anxiety, and sadness.  These feelings are very real and natural.  Writing this blog is therapeutic, as it provides a place for me to own these thoughts and feelings. 

Nana did a great job watching Hosea, while Jed and I got away for a few hours.  Our night out consisted of a romantic, yummy dinner and amazing conversation at “Pie-tanza,” coffee at Starbucks, and grocery shopping.  It was divine!  I love my husband so much.  Spending time with him alone (or with our baby) is my favorite thing to do…every day (shouts out to Nacho Libre).

Babysitter Nana

Date night long-arm shot outside Pie-tanza and Starbucks

Our time with Nana has been very fun.  We’ve had a whole bunch of new adventures.  For sake of time, I will just list them, but believe me, they were great: taking the Metro into DC to check out the Freer Art Gallery, strolling around the Washington Monument at sunset, exploring Great Falls National Park, lunch with cousin Deb and cousin Cam at Evening Star in Alexandria, and window shopping in quaint, oldtown Alexandria. 

Another new adventure for Hosea was his first ride on daddy’s shoulders (hopefully it won’t be the last).  Hosea was so excited that he spit up all over daddy’s head and shirt.  It was hilarious, if you ask me. 

Having fun

So much fun...

Veteran's Day 2010

Today, Thursday, November 11, 2010, Jed and I had the Veteran's Day holiday off, so we thought it would be appropriate (now that we live in the DC area), to celebrate at Arlington National Cemetery.  We loaded up Hosea in the Baby Bjorn and made our way into the city via the Metro.  It was the most amazing fall day!  The fall colors and beautiful views at the cemetery, along with the crisp, cool air, made our trip even more memorable.  We thought we would provide a picture and video summary of our day.

Waiting for the TourMobile

The "John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame"

Arlington House - view from John F. Kennedy's tomb



Arlington National Cemetery has numerous signs encouraging "Silence and Respect".  At the JFK Memorial (please note, the first stop on our tourmobile), Hosea made it known that he can't read, doesn't care to be shushed, and will speak up when he so desires.  No respect!

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Note to self: Don't take a talkative baby to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider during "The Changing of the Guard" ceremony on Veteran's Day (the video was too long to insert here, but trust me, it was bad). 

"The Canadian Cross of Sacrifice" - we heard some amazing bugle and bagpipe music here

Once again, Hosea found it hard to be quiet...especially with all the exciting bagpipe music.

Back on the TourMobile - Hosea was so sleepy and snuggled with daddy

Gorgeous view of Washington, D.C. from Arlington House

Family shot

My husband takes amazing panoramics

Headed on the bus back to the visitor's center

Leaving the cemetery on the Metro, headed to meet Matt for a late lunch

Uncle Matt lives in the Logan/Dupont Circle areas of the District - we're so happy to live close to him!

BGR - The Burger Joint...it was SO yummy!

There are numerous signs throughout the Metro stations, reminding passengers that food and drinks are not allowed in the Metro.  Well, we risked it/disobeyed, bringing a Coke onto the train, and look what happened.  One jerky Metro train + one ever-moving baby + two disobedient parents = SPILL!  Ooops!

 Happy Veteran's Day! We are so thankful to the Lord for the freedoms we share in the United States of America.  We are also so thankful for the many who have served and died to protect those freedoms.