No, no, this isn't a creative announcement! We're NOT expecting.
We love to tell Ella stories and apparently she's really listening. We tell her stories about how we met, our engagement, our wedding day, our life in Japan. We tell her how we prayed for the blessing of a child, about being pregnant, learning our baby was a girl, how we chose her name, about the day she was born and what she was like as a "tiny little baby".
She loves these stories and loves to tell her own. in her world, play clothes are now 'wedding dresses' and I'm often told she's getting married 'next week'. And this is what I heard while driving in the car today:
"I have a baby in my tummy. Yeah, and when I was pregnant, I ate flowers. When I was pregnant, the baby was crying, crying crying. The baby freaked out. The baby's face was very messy. Yeah."
Hysterical. I almost drove off the road. and for the record, I did NOT eat flowers when I was pregnant.
I love her.
Oh, and did I mention that "Grammy loves boogers"? All this heard in one car ride, folks. Grammy has some explaining to do!
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Just when you think you've had enough . . .
Today has been an exceptionally trying day. There's been a few of them this week, actually. It seems we're all just feeling a little on the 'ratty' side lately. Most everything is met with resistance, whining, tears, tantrums; which always ends with d.i.s.c.i.p.l.i.n.e. Who knew that this could be so exhausting?
Tonight at dinner though, my frustrations gave way to the mother's joy I had momentarily lost as my daughter began to speak. These are just a few things that were on her mind . . .
"Dad, when you're finished, will you dance with me?"
"I'm going to marry mummy"
"Yeah, I'm going to marry daddy"
"Let's dance, Mama"
I may be tired, but I'm also very, very blessed!
Tonight at dinner though, my frustrations gave way to the mother's joy I had momentarily lost as my daughter began to speak. These are just a few things that were on her mind . . .
"Dad, when you're finished, will you dance with me?"
"I'm going to marry mummy"
"Yeah, I'm going to marry daddy"
"Let's dance, Mama"
I may be tired, but I'm also very, very blessed!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Swim classes for Noah
Noah started swim classes earlier this month. He didn't cry as much as Ella did during her first class, but I got some awfully tight hugs for 30 minutes. A few weeks on, he is noticeably more relaxed when he enters the pool and sometimes smiles while he splashes and kicks. His favourite activity is back floating and "basketball" (collecting the small, coloured balls and putting them through the hoop).
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
2010 gives way to 2011
Happy New Year from our family to yours (yes, this may be replacing our actual New Years card/letter AGAIN, this year. Forgive me and please don't remove me from your card list just yet!)
I'm not sure how to best summarize 2010. Having a baby in 2008, an international move in 2009 and another baby that same year, kind of makes 2010 pale in comparison. In some ways we thrived, and in others we just survived. We have much to be thankful for in spite of the challenges. I'm extremely thankful for our friends and family who visited us throughout the year (too many to name, but you know who you are; thank you for coming!), and for the new friendships here in Wollongong. There's nothing quite like beginning to feel at home and of having a sense of belonging.
Over Thanksgiving we traveled to Perth, WA in November for the wedding of good friends. While we didn't feast on turkey this year, we did enjoy excellent hospitality and amazing sunsets.
In December we traveled to Brisbane to be with my family for Christmas. We went expecting sunshine in the Sunshine State but instead got lots and lots of rain. And sadly, as you probably know, the city and surrounding areas are currently devastated by floodwaters.
After Christmas we drove back south to spend the last few days of the year at Camp Challenge. It was a great week of fellowship, learning, rest and recreation. Our kids love it and one thing that we especially enjoy is the many extra hands who help care for our kids! Thank you!
So here we are in 2011. We have already enjoyed visits this year from friends in Canberra and family in Victoria. It was good to get home and reconnect with our church family here in Wollongong and friends from Mother's group who I so enjoy spending time with.
Ella will be starting at a new 'school' soon as the lovely carer who has been having my kids on Fridays is relocating to Perth. Noah will get to enjoy a few hours as an only child each week while Ella gets to spread her wings in her new environment. There isn't anything that Ella can't say these days. We so enjoy listening to her (though sometimes we learn that she is REALLY listening to EVERYTHING we say!) Recently she has begun to sing songs on her own which warms our heart to no end! Thanks to her Dad and Grammy and aunt Miss in Texas for nurturing her love of song and music. She loves craft (she used to call it 'scrap' - lol) and drawing. A favourite pastime of hers is eating from the garden and she can identify coriander (cilantro), basil, thyme, kale and strawberries. I'm thinking there aren't TOO many 2 year olds who eat kale from the garden! (and I have a feeling I may have already blogged about this fact . . . sorry!) Most recently Ella has really taken off in her swimming classes!
Noah is now walking and is such a handsome little guy (in our humble opinion!) He has finally started giving hugs and kisses; this delights all of us! He is a bit of a daredevil, throwing himself face first on to anything soft and climbing on things all. day. long! A favourite part of my day is taking him into Ella's room when she wakes from her nap. Ella receives him so sweetly and he goes wild with joy and then they wrestle on the bed together. Noah has started swimming classes also and is less than impressed so far, though I'm hopeful that he enjoy them more and more as Ella has. In the meantime, he gives great snuggles for the half hour! Real food still isn't one of his great loves, but give him a NON food item and it's sure to go straight in his mouth. Paper, chalk and gecko poo would be good examples.
We are constantly (as in multiple times a day) challenged by the raising and training of our two kids but thank God for two healthy, happy kids!
We will be heading to the US, also this year and are so looking forward to seeing those of you that we can. As we have more details, we'll be glad to let you know where we will be and when (you catch us on facebook or email for the details). We expect to come back with our cups full and ready to continue working here in Wollongong. Before then though, the first ScreamFree Parenting group/learning circle will be in February, Lets Start Talking will be re-launched once the university year begins, and Port Parables continues in Port Kembla. Pray that we will be open and willing to walk through doors that the Lord opens.
As I was thinking back on 2010 and looking towards 2011, these verses from Lamentations came to mind. I'm thinking that it is probably no coincidence that the same words were on my heart when I posted my first blog for 2010...
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord."
(Lamentations 3:22-26)
In the past year, there were times that I felt "done" or "consumed". But in hindsight I am so keenly aware of the ways in which God has taken care of us and sustained us. He has taught us, comforted us and given us peace in difficult times. I sure hope 2010's hindsight can become 2011's foresight more often than not! And so, as we start a new year, I'm thankful once more for the faithfulness, love and mercy of God. I hope to look back on this year and know that I've grown in allowing God to be more of my portion each day.
I'm not sure how to best summarize 2010. Having a baby in 2008, an international move in 2009 and another baby that same year, kind of makes 2010 pale in comparison. In some ways we thrived, and in others we just survived. We have much to be thankful for in spite of the challenges. I'm extremely thankful for our friends and family who visited us throughout the year (too many to name, but you know who you are; thank you for coming!), and for the new friendships here in Wollongong. There's nothing quite like beginning to feel at home and of having a sense of belonging.
Over Thanksgiving we traveled to Perth, WA in November for the wedding of good friends. While we didn't feast on turkey this year, we did enjoy excellent hospitality and amazing sunsets.
In December we traveled to Brisbane to be with my family for Christmas. We went expecting sunshine in the Sunshine State but instead got lots and lots of rain. And sadly, as you probably know, the city and surrounding areas are currently devastated by floodwaters.
After Christmas we drove back south to spend the last few days of the year at Camp Challenge. It was a great week of fellowship, learning, rest and recreation. Our kids love it and one thing that we especially enjoy is the many extra hands who help care for our kids! Thank you!
So here we are in 2011. We have already enjoyed visits this year from friends in Canberra and family in Victoria. It was good to get home and reconnect with our church family here in Wollongong and friends from Mother's group who I so enjoy spending time with.
Ella will be starting at a new 'school' soon as the lovely carer who has been having my kids on Fridays is relocating to Perth. Noah will get to enjoy a few hours as an only child each week while Ella gets to spread her wings in her new environment. There isn't anything that Ella can't say these days. We so enjoy listening to her (though sometimes we learn that she is REALLY listening to EVERYTHING we say!) Recently she has begun to sing songs on her own which warms our heart to no end! Thanks to her Dad and Grammy and aunt Miss in Texas for nurturing her love of song and music. She loves craft (she used to call it 'scrap' - lol) and drawing. A favourite pastime of hers is eating from the garden and she can identify coriander (cilantro), basil, thyme, kale and strawberries. I'm thinking there aren't TOO many 2 year olds who eat kale from the garden! (and I have a feeling I may have already blogged about this fact . . . sorry!) Most recently Ella has really taken off in her swimming classes!
Noah is now walking and is such a handsome little guy (in our humble opinion!) He has finally started giving hugs and kisses; this delights all of us! He is a bit of a daredevil, throwing himself face first on to anything soft and climbing on things all. day. long! A favourite part of my day is taking him into Ella's room when she wakes from her nap. Ella receives him so sweetly and he goes wild with joy and then they wrestle on the bed together. Noah has started swimming classes also and is less than impressed so far, though I'm hopeful that he enjoy them more and more as Ella has. In the meantime, he gives great snuggles for the half hour! Real food still isn't one of his great loves, but give him a NON food item and it's sure to go straight in his mouth. Paper, chalk and gecko poo would be good examples.
We are constantly (as in multiple times a day) challenged by the raising and training of our two kids but thank God for two healthy, happy kids!
We will be heading to the US, also this year and are so looking forward to seeing those of you that we can. As we have more details, we'll be glad to let you know where we will be and when (you catch us on facebook or email for the details). We expect to come back with our cups full and ready to continue working here in Wollongong. Before then though, the first ScreamFree Parenting group/learning circle will be in February, Lets Start Talking will be re-launched once the university year begins, and Port Parables continues in Port Kembla. Pray that we will be open and willing to walk through doors that the Lord opens.
As I was thinking back on 2010 and looking towards 2011, these verses from Lamentations came to mind. I'm thinking that it is probably no coincidence that the same words were on my heart when I posted my first blog for 2010...
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the Lord."
(Lamentations 3:22-26)
In the past year, there were times that I felt "done" or "consumed". But in hindsight I am so keenly aware of the ways in which God has taken care of us and sustained us. He has taught us, comforted us and given us peace in difficult times. I sure hope 2010's hindsight can become 2011's foresight more often than not! And so, as we start a new year, I'm thankful once more for the faithfulness, love and mercy of God. I hope to look back on this year and know that I've grown in allowing God to be more of my portion each day.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Exploring and Enjoying
Thanks to Faith Cunningham for taking these pictures of our family at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Noah is ONE
In early March of 2009, we learned that we were expecting another child. What?! Wow!? So soon after having Ella. So soon after having arrived in Australia. I was overwhelmed. I was joyful. Afraid. But eventually and ultimately confident that God, the giver of this gift, would also help us cope.
We welcomed our Noah just before 1am on October, 27th. And "just like that" three became four. Ella, with her chubby baby cheeks, barely weaned and with only signs to communicate, became a big sister, and we now had something other than pink to hang on the line!
Now our boy is 1 year old! He amazes us day after day. He challenges and blesses us all in the same breath! He is cheeky through and through. Knows what he wants and makes sure he is heard. He plays hard and is learning to sleep hard. He is absolutely adored by his big sister and works so hard to keep up with her. He has gorgeous blue eyes, and a beautiful laugh. He is boy to his core, is FAST and curious.
It would be a lie to pretend that the past year has been without challenges. They have been present in many forms. But the blessings have also been abundant. Colic is a distant memory. Sleep issues are beginning to resolve, and he's even back on the growth chart. We have a new (albeit sometimes messy) 'normal'. But we have a lot of fun, laughs and memories.
I'm glad that God works outside of my "box". Surprised? For sure! Close in age, hands on and exhausting? Ummm, YES! But I can honestly say I wouldn't choose to have things any other way.
First birthdays are a sweet time. A time to remember the miracle of life. To recall the sweetness of the newborn days. To delight in milestones. To hope in the future. And a time to eat cake. Sure love our Noah Kai!
First birthday cake - a tiger. Much suited to the little guys personality :-)
Eating wrapping paper
Capturing one of the first laughs
Growing and happy about it
Strong from early days
A favourite toy
Hmmm...up to something?
Love my boy
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Hey there . . . remember us? Hoping to get in one blog post between the kid's birthdays.
Family Update:
We enjoyed a week long visit from my younger sister and her two boys. We had a total of four kids in our home, aged 3.5, 2, 1.5 and 11 months. Melissa was brave on many levels . . . from driving the six hours between Albury and Wollongong alone (just her and the boys), to graciously hanging around when a nasty stomach virus hit Noah (mildly), and Ella (severely). I wasn't feeling great myself during this time, either. I'm glad she hung around and made the most of their vacation even though we weren't much fun. I was so glad to see the light back in Ella, even if it involved pushing her brother and having difficulty obeying and sharing.
Since my last blog post, we've also enjoyed time with my sister and her family from Brisbane. I always enjoy our time together.
Cousin Time
Ella is now speaking in sentences and it seems as though it happened overnight. I love the new level of communication and they funny, sweet and off-the-wall things she comes out with. She will be starting her second term of swimming classes and now loves it! If she ever sees her swimsuit or swim diaper/nappy around the house she starts saying "go fwimming!" And during bath time we get to sing the little welcome song that they sing each class. Ella loves to tell me who we get to sing for next. I love that she is making friends and learning to comfortable and confident in different settings.
She loves being outside. Loves picking basil and coriander to eat straight from the plant. Loves lizards and bugs. Just like her dad. And boy does she love her dad! Such a joy to watch their relationship.
Meet the Whaley version of Bindi Irwin (don't freak out folks, it's not a real lizard. Gotta love the princess attire + reptile combination)
Brave
Goofy
Focused
Noah is going to be one in just a few weeks. I just can't get my mind around how fast his first year of life has gone. He isn't walking just yet but walks confidently around furniture and he is a climber just like his big sister. If there is anything near the kids table or coffee table, he'll climb on it and then on to the table. Unbelievable. He is one expressive little guy. At least we're never left wondering if he's happy, sad or mad.
Climber
Note his climbing "coach" in the background :)
Little guy "helped" his sister with some painting
Blue eyed, Vegemite eating boy
About a month ago Noah and Ella started family day care. They spend five hours each Friday with Jasmine and three other kids. It was a big decision for us to make but we have not looked back. It is a fun and safe environment for the kids, they are together, and get to learn and play in a new environment. Ella loves painting and making pasta jewelry at "Jazzie's house". And it has been so helpful for us to know that we have this time each week to do whatever it is that is pressing and helps us keep work and home related things running a little smoother.
Ministry Update -- a few highlights
Jason and Corey continue to meet weekly in Port Kembla for Port Parables . . . reading and discussing Jesus Parables and considering what they mean for our lives. The parables are both simple and rich and I think they have meaning no matter where you are in your faith journey. Over the past few months I studied, with a couple of women, the book of Esther using material by Beth Moore. We wrestled four kids all under two years for a few months to complete the book, but it was well worth it! We'll be studying the book of Phillipians next if anyone is interested. Bring a child! The more the merrier! :)
In the New Year, we will be starting a group that will meet for discussion and support using the ScreamFree Parenting material. The materials (DVD, book and workbook if you're interested), present a "revolutionary approach to raising your kids by keeping your cool". Now who doesn't want that!? It will be an opportunity to discover Christian principles that will help strengthen family life and help us as parents keep our cool and stay calm and connected to our kids. I'm looking forward to getting alongside other parents and growing together and supporting each other. Don't worry, we don't think we have it all together after 26 months of parental experience, so we're not teaching, rather facilitating . . . using some great materials that present some excellent principles. If anyone wants more details, let me know and I can get you the information (time, location, etc) as it is available. Spaces for this first group will be limited.
But sooner than that is our October 16th tree planting at Greenhouse Park (Tom Thumb's lagoon). We've used a few trees recently in the printing out of applications for Jason's permanant visa application, so I'm extra glad to care for Creation in this way. It's pretty easy work because the ground has been well prepared for the planting. Again, the more the merrier, and kids are welcome, too. Send me a message or leave a comment if you would like further details.
Family Update:
We enjoyed a week long visit from my younger sister and her two boys. We had a total of four kids in our home, aged 3.5, 2, 1.5 and 11 months. Melissa was brave on many levels . . . from driving the six hours between Albury and Wollongong alone (just her and the boys), to graciously hanging around when a nasty stomach virus hit Noah (mildly), and Ella (severely). I wasn't feeling great myself during this time, either. I'm glad she hung around and made the most of their vacation even though we weren't much fun. I was so glad to see the light back in Ella, even if it involved pushing her brother and having difficulty obeying and sharing.
Since my last blog post, we've also enjoyed time with my sister and her family from Brisbane. I always enjoy our time together.
Cousin Time
Ella is now speaking in sentences and it seems as though it happened overnight. I love the new level of communication and they funny, sweet and off-the-wall things she comes out with. She will be starting her second term of swimming classes and now loves it! If she ever sees her swimsuit or swim diaper/nappy around the house she starts saying "go fwimming!" And during bath time we get to sing the little welcome song that they sing each class. Ella loves to tell me who we get to sing for next. I love that she is making friends and learning to comfortable and confident in different settings.
She loves being outside. Loves picking basil and coriander to eat straight from the plant. Loves lizards and bugs. Just like her dad. And boy does she love her dad! Such a joy to watch their relationship.
Meet the Whaley version of Bindi Irwin (don't freak out folks, it's not a real lizard. Gotta love the princess attire + reptile combination)
Brave
Goofy
Focused
Noah is going to be one in just a few weeks. I just can't get my mind around how fast his first year of life has gone. He isn't walking just yet but walks confidently around furniture and he is a climber just like his big sister. If there is anything near the kids table or coffee table, he'll climb on it and then on to the table. Unbelievable. He is one expressive little guy. At least we're never left wondering if he's happy, sad or mad.
Climber
Note his climbing "coach" in the background :)
Little guy "helped" his sister with some painting
Blue eyed, Vegemite eating boy
About a month ago Noah and Ella started family day care. They spend five hours each Friday with Jasmine and three other kids. It was a big decision for us to make but we have not looked back. It is a fun and safe environment for the kids, they are together, and get to learn and play in a new environment. Ella loves painting and making pasta jewelry at "Jazzie's house". And it has been so helpful for us to know that we have this time each week to do whatever it is that is pressing and helps us keep work and home related things running a little smoother.
Ministry Update -- a few highlights
Jason and Corey continue to meet weekly in Port Kembla for Port Parables . . . reading and discussing Jesus Parables and considering what they mean for our lives. The parables are both simple and rich and I think they have meaning no matter where you are in your faith journey. Over the past few months I studied, with a couple of women, the book of Esther using material by Beth Moore. We wrestled four kids all under two years for a few months to complete the book, but it was well worth it! We'll be studying the book of Phillipians next if anyone is interested. Bring a child! The more the merrier! :)
In the New Year, we will be starting a group that will meet for discussion and support using the ScreamFree Parenting material. The materials (DVD, book and workbook if you're interested), present a "revolutionary approach to raising your kids by keeping your cool". Now who doesn't want that!? It will be an opportunity to discover Christian principles that will help strengthen family life and help us as parents keep our cool and stay calm and connected to our kids. I'm looking forward to getting alongside other parents and growing together and supporting each other. Don't worry, we don't think we have it all together after 26 months of parental experience, so we're not teaching, rather facilitating . . . using some great materials that present some excellent principles. If anyone wants more details, let me know and I can get you the information (time, location, etc) as it is available. Spaces for this first group will be limited.
But sooner than that is our October 16th tree planting at Greenhouse Park (Tom Thumb's lagoon). We've used a few trees recently in the printing out of applications for Jason's permanant visa application, so I'm extra glad to care for Creation in this way. It's pretty easy work because the ground has been well prepared for the planting. Again, the more the merrier, and kids are welcome, too. Send me a message or leave a comment if you would like further details.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Ella's 2nd Birthday
We celebrated Ella's 2nd birthday at the end of July. I feel like I'm in some crazy time warp many days as I watch her running around, playing and talking. How has time gone so fast from the moment we learned I was pregnant, to her arrival, to now?
We celebrated among new friends this year. Earlier this year I was welcomed into the most amazing Mother's group ever, and the Sunday before her birthday we had a combined birthday for all of our "bubs" who celebrate their birthdays within just a few months of each other. We partied at the Green Bean Play cafe. The kids had a blast with the whole venue to themselves, complete with party whistles, party hats, music and cake. And us parents relaxed, enjoyed some party food ourselves and didn't have to worry about any clean up.
On Ella's actual birthday we invited a few more new friends to our home to celebrate. We had six kids under 2.5 years old in our home. The older three kids (all girls) enjoyed the slide in our living room and the three boys (all 10 months old) seemed to have a pretty good time themselves. That afternoon we continued to celebrate with Corey, Emily, Enoch and Greg. Ella ate cake...with sugar this time, and blew out the candles three times just because she could. And what birthday wouldn't be complete without a couple of skype calls with grandparents who live far away?
It was a wonderful day all around but the highlight for me was rocking to sleep my worn out birthday girl. She was out in less than five minutes but I sat there for about twenty. As I held her I remembered praying and waiting for this little girl. I remembered tears that fell over journal entries and in midnight prayers. I remembered ultrasounds, baby showers and her arrival. The day we chose her name, her first words and first steps. I'm thankful for birthdays which help me remember and rejoice in the faithfulness of God.
How blessed we are to raise this little girl! Happy 2nd Birthday, Ella.
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