Christmas decorations

Hi all!

Sorry about the blog silence for the last month. As most of you know, I have been dealing with some health issues, and though I'm still in the midst of the trial, I am dealing with the pain and fatigue better. Thank God!

For the past few days  I have been buzzing around the house decorating for Christmas. I have heard myself explaining that this is for Benjamin, who this year is able to comprehend what is going on. To be honest, though, it's as much for me as it is for him. I love this time of year. Every time I look at the tree or the other decorations around the house, I am reminded to thank God that He sent His Son to earth to live a perfect life and die as the atoning sacrifice for sinners like me. This entire month is an outward celebration of that glorious truth that we live in each day! I hope that God gives me the grace to not just pass along a love for a season, but a love for the savior this season celebrates. Amen!

Christopher's 4-month check up!

Here are Small Fry's stats:

Weight: 15 lbs. 9 oz. (75th percentile)

Height: 25.5 inches (90th percentile)

Head Circumference: 16.5 inches (50th percentile)

He is growing beautifully and developing a little ahead of schedule on some things :) This child wants to sit up so badly that he will try to do a sit up anytime I lay him on his back. He is almost rolling over, so I have to keep an eye on him all the time. We are going to try some rice cereal tomorrow, so I will post photos soon!

The past month

The blog has been the last thing I have thought about all month. Between two teething children and my own health issues, it's been very difficult to get even the most important work done around the house. It hasn't been all whining and grumpiness, though :) Here are a few highlights!

This videos is my favorite from the month:

Here is Christopher (or Small Fry, as he is known around here) having a deep conversation with Aunt Jenny and Auntie Chloe!

We also took the boys to the Harvest Party (our church's Halloween alternative) and had a good time despite the tears at the beginning of the evening :) Benjamin was a little freaked-out by seeing the kids he knows in weird costumes...hehe! Here are some pictures:

(Our little Puppy!)

(Playing the matching duckie game!)

(Trying to climb into the game!)

While Bram has been away

Bram is on his last submarine trip for the year...thank God...and there have been a few funny (and one scary) incidents in his absence. Benjamin, Christopher and I have been staying with Ryan and Jenny James. They graciously opened their home to us to both help me take care of the little guys and keep me company. The change of scenery has been welcome and the help has been a blessing, indeed!

First, the scary incident. On Sunday evening Jenny and I were preparing Gluten-Free Three Bean and Turkey Chili (which was fabulous, by the way and not just for us gluten-free-ers) when my first real kitchen accident occurred. I was chopping the onion when the ceramic knife I was using slipped and caught the side of my left hand. I very calmly pulled the knife out and put pressure on the wound. After 10 minutes I checked to see if it had stopped bleeding and saw that there was a very nasty cut under there - it was time to go the emergency room! The cut wasn't deep, it just cut a good size flap of skin that no band-aid will hold. No stitches, thankfully. They closed the wound with something called "Dermabond" and gave me a tetanus shot and sent me on my way. Ryan very kindly drove me to Shady Grove Hospital - he is a very good brother-in-law! Jenny watched the boys and cared for Benjamin as he was very concerned when I told him "Momma has an owie!" He actually started crying and holding his hand in sympathy. He is a very compassionate little boy, but I digress :) I am still pretty soar, but am healing quickly!

Now for the fun stuff.

Benjamin has made a rather long over-due milestone. He has not been in the habit of actually saying "Momma" but after months of prodding, he now says my name. Well, something like my name. He calls me "Mommop" and it is appropriate since he calls Bram "Daddat." Who knows how long this will last, still I think it's the cutest thing ever! Since Bram has been away, Benjamin will every once in awhile look at me questioningly and say "Daddat?" and I will say, Dadda is on a big boat right now, but he will be home soon." That seems to satisfy his curiosity for now. We all miss Bram very much right now.

Christopher has learned to belly-laugh. This morning I was playing peek-a-boo with Benjamin and even though I wasn't even looking in his direction, every time I peeked my head out and said "boo" Christopher laughed hysterically! He is such a responsive little boy, and not even 3 months old yet! He loves to be held and talked to, tickled and made faces at. He is a joy to be around, except when he insists on being held and talked to while I am trying to make dinner. Then he can be very whiny :)

Bram returns home, barring any unforeseen problems, on Thursday. Please pray that his return home will not be delayed at all. He will take a few days off of work and we will enjoy the long holiday weekend together!

Baby Laughs

Christopher learned to laugh this week!

"Fishy Jail" outing!

So, it's a family inside joke to call an aquarium a "fishy jail." When the family moved to California, and we had one of the most famous aquariums in the world just a short drive away, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, we decided to check it out. Jenny had a funny confession to make on the way there. She said, "When I was little, I thought they put fish that had been bad in an aquarium, so I called it a fishy jail!" We all thought that was really funny, and the name stuck! On Labor Day, the Lillards and the Jameses went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Here are some pictures, as taken by the official family photographer - Jenny James!

Montgomery County Fair time!

In August we took the boys to the Montgomery County Fair. Benjamin was in heaven with all the animals and farm equipment. Abe Lillard, Bram's dad, and Jenny James, my sister, came along for the fun. Jenny took all the pictures, so you know they are magic!

Benjamin and Abe entering the fair.

Benjamin taking in all the sights on the midway.

Fire Department exhibit - Benjamin loves fire engines!

Benjamin attempting to kiss a baby goat!

Farm Equipment exhibit - The Boy was loving it!

Tractors! Another of Benjamin's favorites.

It was a lovely afternoon to visit the fair. We had a wonderful time and next year Christopher will be able to enjoy it, too! As it was, he slept the whole time this year :)

Spending time with Aunt Jenny

One of the good things about having a professional photographer in the family is that she documents all the time she spends with the boys in such a beautiful way! Recently, Benjamin has been able to spend a lot of time with his Aunt Jenny. He loves her (and her camera!) Here is a small sample of some of their most recent escapades. Enjoy!

(Benjamin playing with his favorite toy, the shopping cart...with headphones on.)

(This one is titled, "Hipster in Training")

(I like to call this one "Babbushka")

Benjamin's 18 month and Christopher's 2 month check-ups

Today we took the boys for their check-ups with the pediatrician. Here are their stats:

Benjamin

Weight: 24 lbs. 8 ozs. (25th percentile)

Height: 33.25 inches (75th percentile)

Head circumference: 19.75 (97th percentile)

Christopher
Weight: 12 lbs. 2 ozs. (75th percentile)

Height: 23.5 inches (90th percentile)

Head circumference: 15.5 inches (50th percentile)

They are both growing and developing right on target. We were a little concerned about how many words Benjamin has mastered, but evidently animal sounds count at this age, so he's solid ;)

I went back and looked at Benjamin's 2 month stats, and he was just a little bigger than Christopher on all the stats. But hopefully Christopher will cope much better with his first round of shots then his big brother. I was a little better prepared this time and gave Christopher some tylenol before we went to the appointment. Maybe that will save us from  dealing with an excessively fussy baby tonight! Your prayers for grace and comfort for both the boys would be very much appreciated!

I will be posting in the days to come about our recent activities - so check back soon!

Discovering Crayons

Benjamin, where did you put the BLUE crayon???

Dinnertime Antics

Sometimes it takes a lot to keep Benjamin happy at dinnertime. He's teething right now, so meals can be hard for him if his mouth is hurting. Bram has found that distraction is the best way to help him get through meals. Here's some of his most recent attempt to keep the boy happy!

Benjamin learns a new skill

Benjamin has not been around too many older kids. The other night our friends Dusan and Elizabeth, and their daughter Eva, brought us dinner and hung out for a little while. Benjamin loved playing with Eva - and she taught him a new skill (well, almost.)

Our first day home and what I learned

Monday, July 21st was my first day home alone with the boys. Before this day actually arrived I had many worries. How well would Benjamin adjust to me having divided attention? What would happen if we had to divert from Benjamin's routine? How would Benjamin do while I nursed Christopher? All these questions lay at the back of my mind. All I could hope in was God's grace to help me face these and other unknown challenges.

The morning arrived and I felt a peace that I could not have conjured up on my own. I know my prayers and the prayers of others were being answered by the Lord. Everything happened the way I had secretly hoped. Christopher nursed at the perfect times. Benjamin was in a good mood and played happily throughout the morning. Lunch went off without a hitch and Benjamin went down for his nap without any complaints. While he slept, Ruthie Hemple came over and stayed at the house while I took Christopher to his 2 week check-up with the pediatrician. I was shocked when the nurse told me Christopher had already gained a pound over his birth-weight! At birth he weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. When we left the hospital he weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. At his "new born" visit to the doctor (two days after we came home) he was 7 lbs. 12 oz. Yesterday he weighed in at 8 lbs. 14 oz. He gained 17 oz. in 11 days! The doctor said that is pretty rare for breast-fed babies, so needless to say, I am very proud of myself...hehe! I can't say that I am very surprised because my brother grew at the same rate as a baby...we might have another Jamison on our hands :) I hope I can keep up with his demand! What a blessing not to have to worry about how well Christopher is growing. When we got back home, the ease of the day so far continued. I could not have written a better script for our first day in the new routine!

All of these things, the perfect day and Christopher's beautiful growth, have reminded me that God is faithful when we humble ourselves and acknowledge our dependence on him. Left to myself I am emotional and reactionary. But, with his grace I have peace and an abiding joy that changes my perspective on any circumstance, be it easy or challenging. My heart is filled with gratefulness for God's blessings and I am freshly reminded to posture my heart in humility toward him who freely gives blessings to a sinner such as me.

"In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:6

Who's who?

Here is a picture of each of our boys at 2 days old. Can you tell which one is Benjamin and which one is Christopher? (No peeking at previous posts, please!)

Christopher already doing push-ups

Here's Christopher showing off his amazing new skills:

Christopher's birthday

The Story:

Sunday morning came like every other morning of the last three weeks. I hadn't slept very well and the tiredness was still lingering as I made my way downstairs to eat breakfast. This morning Bram was scheduled to serve at church - he needed to leave no later than 7 am. After I eat and helped get him ready to leave, he made me promise I would go back to sleep, for I was having contractions again. As he left I told him that I wasn't sure if I would be able to get Benjamin ready to come and church later on if the contractions persisted. He assured me that whatever I felt was necessary would be okay - I didn't need to push myself. I went back to bed and awoke to Benjamin singing in his crib at 8:15 - we wouldn't make it to first service after all. Benjamin was in good sorts for breakfast and played happily as my contractions got more intense. I began to suspect that these contractions were actually working...maybe this was early labor. I called Bram at church in between services to let him know that contractions were getting strong. He said to me, "Maybe we will have a baby later today." I couldn't bring myself to hope that this was the real thing. But by the time Bram got home from church I was more comfortable saying I was in labor. Bram said, "Of course you are!" There was no going back from there.

After eating lunch I laid down for an hour and slept between contractions to gather my strength for the work ahead. When I finally got up, there was no doubt in my mind I was in labor, but I was not so confident that I would have the baby before the night was through. I continued to labor at home and when contractions were about 3-4 minutes apart I called the midwife. We were to meet her at the hospital at around 6:30 pm. I ate a little dinner and made sure everything we needed was in the bag. Jenny and Ryan arrived to care for Benjamin at 6:00 pm, and with hugs and kisses for our first born we were out the door to return the parents of two! We made it to Shady Grove Hospital in a matter of minutes and got lost on the way to the new maternity wing! With the help of some kind strangers we finally found the right elevator and made it to where I would be admitted. We got into the room and the midwife checked to see how far I had progressed. I was already 7 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced! I was so surprised to be so far along. The next couple of hours held very hard work for both Bram and I. I never felt the need to have pain killers and was able to stay on my feet for a good amount of time before pushing. By around 9:30 pm I was completely dilated and now only needed to wait for the urge to push. At 10:00 pm I started pushing and an hour and a half later my new baby was laid across my stomach! The midwife let Bram "catch" the baby and announce to the room who's birthday it was. Bram, with wonder in his voice I can still hear, said, "We have a little boy!" Our little Christopher Abraham was born at 11:26 pm on Sunday, July 6th, 2008!

His birth has blessed us in so many ways. One way we are blessed is to be entrusted with such a precious little life to raise - this alone is more than we deserve. Another way we are blessed is the fact that he was born naturally, without the need for any intervention. This met a deep desire in our hearts, for after Benjamin was born by c-section we were glad to have a healthy baby, but disappointed that I had to have surgery after 16 hours of labor and almost 3 hours of pushing! We are so in love with our two little boys - born just over 16 months apart! We are so looking forward to life as a family of four (for now!)


The Pictures:

I know all of you are anxiously waiting for some pictures. So here they are!

Here's our little boy about 20 minutes old (he had only just stopped crying from all the poking and prodding from the nurses.)

A happy and relieved mom.

Everyone is all tuckered out - it's been a very long day (well mostly night).

He absolutely loves mom's striped shirt; he couldn't stop staring!

And here is a short little video -- not much action, but Christopher sure is one of the cutest little guys ever!




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Benjamin has not been too sure of this new little person. Here's Jenny holding him, with Benjamin looking on. Notice he's holding a little baby doll -- up until today, "baby" has always referred to the little doll that Benjamin sometimes carries around. Now "baby" means this other little thing??!


"Dad, this baby doll is moving on its own! I'm not so sure about this...."


This is a handsome bunch. Sarah is outnumbered!

"The feeling"

When I was almost 38 weeks pregnant with Benjamin I got a feeling that he was coming very soon. I was so confident that I would give birth, I actually called my parents and told them to come to Maryland. This being my first pregnancy it was a risky move, but everything changed in how I was feeling. I woke up on a Sunday morning and did not want to get out of bed; I had been tired before that day, but never so tired that facing the day did not sound appealing. I fought this feeling for 3 days and on the morning of the 4th day my water broke and Benjamin was born hours later. On Saturday this same feeling came over me. This time I'm not so confident that giving birth is imminent. I have had doubts as to whether I actually knew that Benjamin would be born or if all the excitement surrounding my announcement induced my labor. I flattered myself yesterday by saying that I am just a little more self-aware and that is how I could tell something had changed in my body. Bram brought me back to reality by responding that I just assign meaning to every little thing, and that can be both a good and bad thing (he knows me very well.) I am very hesitant to say that I am going to have this baby anytime soon. Let's face it - I'm still a little under 2 weeks away from my due date. The average pregnancy goes well into the 41st week. There is more evidence that this pregnancy will go on for 3 more weeks than that it is about to end. But still, I have "the feeling." I'm hoping that it's not wishful thinking. Please pray for me that I would have patience and confidence in God's plan for my life and my baby's life. I know that His timing is best - and nothing can thwart His plan - not even "the feeling."

Baby Watch - Taking a break

So baby watch will have to take a break for a few days. Hopefully we will have more to report on next week, but as of right now things have slowed down to a snail's pace. The baby obviously is in no hurry - please pray that I would take the baby's approach and sit tight for as long as is necessary. If I can get more sleep, I guess I have nothing to complain about :)

Little one, I know I will see you very soon.

Baby Watch - Day 3

Things have slowed down around here. I'm back to having very irregular contractions, so I guess what I was experiencing yesterday was "false labor." It's really funny how different this stage of the pregnancy has been compared to this stage when I was expecting Benjamin. I had zero contractions, and while he dropped early on (about 32 weeks) I had no indication he was coming except for a strange feeling that came over me about 5 days before my water broke. I was definitely expecting something similar this time around.

Again, I am having to remind myself that expectations are dangerous things. I am very good at not having expectations when circumstances are unknown or unfamiliar. I'm not so good at it when I have some experience to draw from. The good in all of this is that I am having to rely on my faith that God is sovereign over all aspects of my life. He is not surprised by little course changes or even complete "turn-arounds" - he planned it. If I believe that he is good and that he intends good for me, I have a responsibility to trust him. I too often do not act on that belief. I act as if he cannot be trusted - instead relying on my own limited wisdom for comfort. I am so glad that I am being reminded that my wisdom is foolishness in comparison to his wisdom. I do want him in control - now I need to act like it. While I am having to fight disappointment, as I was getting very excited to see this little face I have been dreaming about for 8 months, I can rest in the knowledge that God's plan cannot be thwarted and that it is the best possible outcome for me and my family!

I would so appreciate your prayers in this time. That God would renew my strength for the inevitable arrival of baby #2 and that he would continue to show me where I am not living out my beliefs. But most of all, please pray that I would let go of my pride and trust God's timing for all circumstances in my life. Thanks!

Baby Watch - Day 2

I just came back from a check up with the midwife and things are progressing, for sure! My contractions are getting closer together, but still are not painful - though that's not saying much because I have an unusually high tolerance for pain. The baby is very low - about +1 station (I can hear the collective gasp from the moms out there as I write this!) There is no good indication at this point when labor will pick up, but I think it's safe to say I'm not getting all the way to my due date (July 12th.) By God's grace we will see little Christopher Abraham or Bridgette Lyneve before the end of the week!

You can still give us your predictions on sex and birthday!

Baby Watch - Day 1

It is time to commence Baby Watch!

I got some news from the midwife today - apparently this baby is making it's way into the world in the very near future! Right now, my contractions are still really far apart and pretty irregular, but all that could change in a matter of minutes :)

We will keep you all updated each day until Lillard Baby #2 makes his or her arrival.

Anyone willing to make a prediction as to whether it's a girl or a boy and the birthday?

More cuteness...

How many people do you know who can cook dinner, dance in a diaper, and still look cute?

Musical fun and silliness

Took this video of Benjamin yesterday - thought you all would like it.

(although the sound quality is poor) Thanks to Bram's dad for 

buying Benjamin the musical table - he loves it!

I'm not sure who's more entertained ... Sarah and Jenny or Benjamin!

I guess I'm not a typical woman because...

...I don't mind getting appliances as gifts - in fact, I prefer to get a gift that I will actually use, as opposed to some frivolous, impractical gift that only feeds into my propensity for idleness :)

So, when I received a late mother's day present from Bram this weekend, I was thrilled! Check it out: the Eureka Boss Smart Vac! (And no, you may not make the joke that this gift sucks.)

All back together again!

Home - Finally!

It has been a long and strange month, but the Lillards are finally all back home together. Bram returned on schedule Thursday, May 22 and his two favorites could not have been happier to welcome him home! We are taking the long holiday weekend (plus a few extra days) to reconnect, relax, and have fun!

As Promised
I promised to post some pictures of our visit in Cincinnati, so here they are!(Eating on the back porch - it was so much fun to have everyone around the table together!)

(Benjamin taking a ride in his shopping cart - his Poppi got this for him!)

(Benjamin helping cook dinner!)

Other Fun Happenings

We are anticipating the arrival of our new patio furniture. It has been a few years coming! The past two years (since we remodeled our backyard) we have attempted to purchase a patio set only to have the orders canceled for some reason or another. This year (thanks to the economic stimulus package) we were able to purchase a really nice dining set and it is actually on it's way as we speak! We are excited for the opportunities for fellowship this will provide us - and since Bram is the master griller of the house, we will be having lots of cookouts! Skirt steak, anyone?

We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend with your families and friends!

Back home - family update

We made it back to Maryland in one piece, thankfully! After so many full days in Cincinnati, the quiet around here has been both a blessing and a bit unnerving. Thankfully Ryan and Jenny are here to help break up the silence at times - though they are very quiet compared to the Lyman household :) Benjamin adjusted to being home right away - was back into old habits immediately. I am very glad he is getting better at adjusting to "new" environments. He was confident and comfortable more quickly than I had prepared myself for! It is nice to be able to sleep in our own beds - Benjamin has definitely been enjoying it most - averaging 14 hours of sleep each night since we returned! It's nice to have a rested boy on my hands each day.

And the extra hours alone are welcomed by me, as I am definitely in nesting mode! I have found myself occupied with many little projects and the planning of other little projects for when Bram returns...no heavy lifting or painting for "the preggy" (as Bram affectionately calls me.) I reach the 8 month mark this coming Saturday, and boy do I feel it! At my last midwife check-up they informed me that I gained 8 pounds in the course of 3 weeks - par for the course with my pregnancies. At this point in my pregnancy with Benjamin I actually gained 10 pounds in about 2 weeks! But after that the weight gain plateaued as I was losing weight and he was gaining it. So if I do the same thing this time I will have gained 28 pounds. Not too bad in my estimation :) The baby turned head down over the weekend (both a blessing and a curse, as you other Mommies are well aware!) and despite the cramped quarters, he or she has not settled down in the activity department. It feels as though I have two little feet constantly kicking the upper part of my belly. Ruthie Hempel told me that if it's a girl, she's a dancer, and if it's a boy, he's a soccer player. I guess we will just have to wait and see!

Bram will return a week from today! It has been such a strange trip for him. We had prepared ourselves for 4 weeks of intermittent email contact, but instead, for the past 2 weeks we spoke on the phone everyday and even got to be together in Cincinnati for 4 days! The sub needed some major repairs and all the testers (of which, Bram is one) had nothing to do but sit and wait for the repairs to be completed. For the last week it was always, "We will leave sometime tomorrow" which didn't turn out to be the case until Wednesday morning. We said our goodbyes for the week and praised God for the blessing he had given us in the time we did have together. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for us over this time...your faithfulness to us has been a huge blessing! We have been granted such undeserved gifts over the past 2 weeks and we know it is attributable to your prayers for us - thanks again!

The next post will have pictures and videos of our time with Lymans, so stay tuned!

Another big development!

Bram is in Cincinnati! He flew in on Sunday and will be here until Wednesday! The repairs needed on the sub will take longer than originally expected, so Bram was able to come "home" for a short time. I am so happy to have this unexpected blessing! Benjamin is so happy to have his daddy around and the two of them have been playing and carrying on like they always do. Benjamin will be very sad when Bram has to leave again.

Thanks everyone for praying for us over the last week or so...those prayers have definitely been answered in a very tangible way!

Unexpected developments

The last week has been full of surprises for the Lillards. Bram's trip got off to a good start and we were able to email each other frequently in the first week. On Wednesday I received an email from Bram saying that the boat was in need of a major repair, they were heading for port, and would be there for a few days. I got a call from him on Wednesday night! It was so good to hear his voice after a week! We were able to talk many times on Thursday, and we expected that he would be heading back out early Friday morning. Friday we had our "last conversation" about 5 times...in other words, his departure kept being delayed throughout the day. I last heard from him at 11:30 AM.

But then, as I was sitting down to dinner that night I heard the familiar sound of Bram's ring tone coming from my cell. "What are you still doing on land?" I asked in stunned amazement! His immediate response was, "Do you want to fly down here for the weekend?" He was going to be in port until Monday morning! So, he will be in King's Bay, Georgia for the weekend. He is on a very large military base - about the size of a small city - staying in a VIP suite for $33 a night! Bram said the room is about the size of the first apartment we lived in after we were married!

Today, he and few guys spent the day in Jacksonville, Florida and will probably go see Iron Man tonight. He plans on playing golf tomorrow after church...it's hard to pity him right now, isn't it (hehe!) I am so glad that he got the opportunity to get off the cramped quarters of the sub and get a little exercise...I am also very glad that we have been able to speak on the phone so often. This has been an unexpected blessing on many levels. I just wish we could be together in this time. But, I will take what I can get.

Benjamin and I have had a wonderful time in Cincinnati! We have spent a lot of time with family (my grandparents drove in from Missouri to visit while we are here) and I've got to reconnect with old friends (like my best friend from High School, Shilo, whom I hadn't seen in 12 years!) We are planning on visiting the Cincinnati Zoo next week and heading down to Kentucky to visit my mom's parents. This has been a wonderfully full time of fellowship for us...if I can't be with my Bram, these are the people I want to be with (only Jenny and Ryan are missing from the picture!)

More updates to come!

The month ahead

(Bram about to board the USS Florida last year)

The Lillards are facing a very challenging month ahead. Bram will be on a submarine for the next 4 weeks. This means no phone conversations and limited email contact between us. Over the next few weeks Benjamin and I will be in Cincinnati visiting my mom and dad (and Jamison and Adam) so there will be some relief from the shock of Bram's absence. And when we return to Maryland, Jenny and Ryan will be here to make the house feel a little more full :) I am very thankful for these blessings, but I think I would rather have my husband home with us.

We have been preparing our hearts for this long separation for many months, but now that it is upon us there are new challenges and feelings to battle. We covet your prayers over the next 4 weeks. Please pray for safety during our travels, and pray for me as I enter my final trimester of this pregnancy that the uneventful trend will continue and no complications would arise while Bram is away. Also pray that the time would go quickly for both Bram and I, and that God would sustain us in this difficult period.

I look forward to sharing with you the ways God has been faithful to us during this time. Be on the lookout for updates on Bram, our trip to Cincinnati, and all the new things Benjamin discovers over this period!

The next post will be from the Nati!

The gift I have been given - A tribute to my Parents and Grandparents

This morning God has filled my heart afresh with thankfulness for my salvation. Jesus lived the perfect life I could not live and stood in my place, taking on my sinfulness and enduring the punishment of death that I deserve, so that I can be reconciled to God in his perfect holiness. And then God showed that he accepted Jesus as my substitute when he raised him from the dead. What a gift I have been given, first that this even took place, and second that I believe it. Would I even believe this if my parents hadn't told me of this glorious truth from the time I was very small? Would they have believed it if their parents hadn't done the same for them? These thoughts have given rise to an overwhelming gratefulness for the faithfulness of those that came before me. Their faithfulness has blessed me in ways that have eternal significance. Their love for the gospel has transfered to me the gift of greatest important - my salvation.

Mom and Dad - My words cannot convey to you the joy in my heart that your faithful adherence to the word of God has endowed. You have raised children who are not simply moral people, but who understand that their sin is an affront to the holy God, who have trusted in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and who strive to serve him by his grace. I am blessed beyond measure because your words have always been backed up by your lives. Your humble dependence on God for your salvation and your very lives has and will continue to have reverberations in the generations that follow you. You have honored your own parents by obeying them and following them in service to God's kingdom. You have been instruments in God's unstoppable work of salvation in my life - and the lives of those you serve. There is no higher commendation that you can receive. Thank you.

To my Grandma and Grandpa Lyman, and Mimi and Papa Fields - How can I ever thank you for your many years of humble submission to God's word? How can I ever thank you for your faithful obedience to God's command to raise up your children in the fear and knowledge of him? Because you did these things - and still continue in faithfulness to this day - the glorious gospel has gone out and effected the hearts of the generations that have come after you. I am the recipient of an inheritance worth more than all the earth's riches. I am the heir to a heritage of humility, sacrifice, and service that outlasts all the great family names of this world because it has eternal worth! When you preached the gospel to your children, God honored your obedience and granted them repentance of their sins. This enabled them to preach it to me, and in God's great mercy I have repented of my sin and will live forever in his presence. When you stand before God one day, you will hear him say "Well done, good and faithful servant." And we will all give him the glory for your faithful acts in this life. Thank you.

I am a part of the 4th generation of those who serve God in his church and who are a blessing to the world around us. My siblings, cousins, and I (and our spouses) will stand on the firm rock of Christ because you all have exhibited it in your own lives. As we bring forth what will be, by God's mercy, the 5th generation of those who love God and his gospel, may we see his great promise come to fruition - "...that my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations." Isaiah 51:8

I love you.

Benjamin showing off!

Here's a video that shows off Benjamin's toddler status...Enjoy!

Mother of a toddler

So, I guess it's safe to say I have officially reached "mother of a toddler" status. Yesterday was the first day that Benjamin walked on his own for significant stretches of the day. I realize that there are still days of crawling and carrying ahead, but I am very encouraged that he has made the mental leap necessary to walk. He is constantly changing and learning from Bram and I, Jenny and Ryan and anyone else he interacts with.

Jenny and I were talking this morning about the time that he couldn't do anything - not even roll over. He was completely dependent on someone to do everything for him - I thought that was a busy time in my life. Now that he has many skills to accomplish his own ends, this is the truly busy time! I have to watch and listen every moment he is awake. Even as I write this he is getting into the basket by the door that holds all the car keys and trying to use them on the front door lock.

That makes me realize that he really watches what the adult around him do. I really have to carefully consider my actions before I even attempt them because this little one imitates everything I do. What am I modeling for him in my daily life, my interactions, my priorities, and my routine? Am I truly exhibiting for him the things of first importance - my daily devotion to growing in godliness, the priority of my role as wife, mother, homemaker? All these thoughts are borne out of my son learning to walk. It just proves that God can use the smallest things to change our perspective and challenge us to change. I guess the catch is that we have to be paying attention. I pray today that God uses the seemingly routine or insignificant things that happen to us to open our eyes to His truth and give us hearts of obedience to follow Him - just as my little boy follows me around today!

Outside time ("Spring is more fun")

We had outside time today. The weather was perfect for some frolicking good times! First we went to the backyard and played with some bubbles. Benjamin is fascinated by the fact that they disappear when he touches them. He isn't quite confident in walking yet, so he tried to crawl after the ones that got caught in the wind - pretty humorous to watch him attempt to crawl with one hand outstretched to catch the bubbles :) The other humorous moment was when I had to communicate to him that he could not take off his shoes while we were outside. You can see his consternation in this photo.

We also explored the garden which is only populated by landscaping rocks right now. It seems the last few springs have gotten away from me in the gardening department. I think I have a few good excuses though :) Benjamin didn't seem to mind, as he was very interested in the different colored rocks. I had to keep reminding him, "No mouth, Benjamin." Haha - he's such a boy!

Another very boy thing Benjamin is already expressing is his love of cars and trucks. While we were in the front yard admiring our crab apple tree in full bloom he caught a glimpse of a truck parked across the street. Let me just say the flowers couldn't cut it after that. All he wanted to do was to get over to the truck. I love how persistent he is at times - that is, when he isn't defying me :) We also brought his little push walker out front so that he could walk up and down the sidewalk. The walker converts into a little car, and he won't touch it unless its in that configuration. Even though he has to bend over to push it!

Overall, it was a very fun outing...other than the fact that I now have watery eyes and a runny nose :) As long as the boy is happy, it's worth it.
(Thanks to Jenny James who took the pictures to commemorate the occasion!)

Boy of many names

He has many nicknames like...

Baby Butter

Budge

Lovey

Buh-boy

Pup-pup

Jamin

Benji-boy

Bubbah

Scooby

and Muffin Man
(In other words, anything other than Ben.)