Oh dear. The only reason I'm writing here is that it's my last-ditch attempt at procrastinating grad school readings. Yes, I'm back in school! And so thankful to have that on my plate again. I'm easing back into the program with a course on power theories, which is fascinating to me, but I won't worry with that for the next few minutes.
Anyway....
Here are Emmy's first few sentences from the past 8 weeks or so.
(on FaceTime): "Daddy, you funny."
(stroking my hair): "Mommy is good girl."
(impatiently crying for her too-hot meal): "I see my dinner!!!!!"
I am blown away by the little person she is.
She's charming and loves orderly arrangements and peanut butter on apples. Her hair is a mess and her shoes are more stylish than mine. She reminds me to read her her Bible story at bathtime when I forget, and she angrily threw a snack pouch in Wal-Mart tonight, splattering pureed sweet potatoes all over me and all over the styrofoam-packaged eggs as she screamed. She is in love with her daddy, who sends her the most thoughtful presents and postcards and sings and dances with her during their online afternoon talks. She is crazy about Winnie the Pooh, and she makes her stuffed animals kiss each other before bedtime.
She gives me a lump in my throat and she makes these days so full of joy and exhaustion.
I am honored to be her mama.
October 23, 2012
August 24, 2012
Hey-o! It's August. Can you believe it? Football season is days away, and the light outside is fading faster at bedtime. Where has the year gone?
I don't really have a reason for this blog post. Seriously. I just wanted to note that I know a great peace lately, even with Anthony gone. God is sustaining me emotionally and physically, and I've been surprised by all the different opportunities lately to serve my friends and church. I think that this is the "hitting my stride" period of deployment; I am comfortable with our new routine and have a feel for the pacing of the next few months.
Here are the blessings I'm counting before I forget them:
a great birthday and a fancy new camera
the drive to keep a clean house
a good guard dog
cooler weather
friendships with older, wiser women
family that pesters me until I call them back
starting back to school in October
love at PWOC
my girlfriends
texting
pecan pralines
I don't really have a reason for this blog post. Seriously. I just wanted to note that I know a great peace lately, even with Anthony gone. God is sustaining me emotionally and physically, and I've been surprised by all the different opportunities lately to serve my friends and church. I think that this is the "hitting my stride" period of deployment; I am comfortable with our new routine and have a feel for the pacing of the next few months.
Here are the blessings I'm counting before I forget them:
a great birthday and a fancy new camera
the drive to keep a clean house
a good guard dog
cooler weather
friendships with older, wiser women
family that pesters me until I call them back
starting back to school in October
love at PWOC
my girlfriends
texting
pecan pralines
July 29, 2012
Energizer Bunny Mode
Whew! The thought of writing itself has seemed exhausting these past few days, but I want to leave a reflection here of what the recent past has been like.
Tiring!
Man alive.
Emmy girl's got some stamina. This weekend she... climbed atop the dining room table to empty the salt shaker, climbed up her high chair, wedging herself into a sitting position upside-down on the footrest, crawled up my leg onto my hip like it was a fireman pole, climbed atop Petey and held his extra neck fur while gripping his back legs with her knees, and shimmied underneath a restaurant table and out of my grasp, losing a shoe in the process.
Hot toddler mess.
But it's fun, so so much fun, and I'm so glad and grateful that she is growing and healthy and strong and vivacious.
That said, I want to reflect on a sentiment that I've heard before about handling deployment with kids at home: "You have to be mom and dad... you're a single parent for a few months...". And this is what I've heard from other military spouses.
Frankly, I completely disagree, and it could just be that, in my experience, I don't HAVE to be. This may be different for other families with limited communication, and I don't doubt that many spouses have felt like they had to be both.
We have been very blessed to be able to stay in consistent communication with Anthony, and we even get to Face Time with him! Emmy is still connected to her daddy. From the bottom of my heart, I am so glad for that. I can let go of the pressure of having to be Emmy's be-all, end-all. She has baby friends and family and grandparents and an overlarge puppy to keep her occupied. I know that she misses Anthony because she talks about him and says his name, but I feel confident that all I have to be is a good mother. There's no replacement for a father, and God is more than gracious enough to keep that spot in her heart warm while Anthony's away. He is faithful in all things!
I don't have to be in Energizer Bunny mode emotionally. Physically, I am aching from a little bit of insomnia, running in too hot weather, and trying to lasso a bronco of a toddler, but my soul and spirit can rest in the thought that God is sufficient, for me and for her.
Tiring!
Man alive.
Emmy girl's got some stamina. This weekend she... climbed atop the dining room table to empty the salt shaker, climbed up her high chair, wedging herself into a sitting position upside-down on the footrest, crawled up my leg onto my hip like it was a fireman pole, climbed atop Petey and held his extra neck fur while gripping his back legs with her knees, and shimmied underneath a restaurant table and out of my grasp, losing a shoe in the process.
Hot toddler mess.
But it's fun, so so much fun, and I'm so glad and grateful that she is growing and healthy and strong and vivacious.
That said, I want to reflect on a sentiment that I've heard before about handling deployment with kids at home: "You have to be mom and dad... you're a single parent for a few months...". And this is what I've heard from other military spouses.
Frankly, I completely disagree, and it could just be that, in my experience, I don't HAVE to be. This may be different for other families with limited communication, and I don't doubt that many spouses have felt like they had to be both.
We have been very blessed to be able to stay in consistent communication with Anthony, and we even get to Face Time with him! Emmy is still connected to her daddy. From the bottom of my heart, I am so glad for that. I can let go of the pressure of having to be Emmy's be-all, end-all. She has baby friends and family and grandparents and an overlarge puppy to keep her occupied. I know that she misses Anthony because she talks about him and says his name, but I feel confident that all I have to be is a good mother. There's no replacement for a father, and God is more than gracious enough to keep that spot in her heart warm while Anthony's away. He is faithful in all things!
I don't have to be in Energizer Bunny mode emotionally. Physically, I am aching from a little bit of insomnia, running in too hot weather, and trying to lasso a bronco of a toddler, but my soul and spirit can rest in the thought that God is sufficient, for me and for her.
June 20, 2012
Week 1
Hello blog! I'm back from summer vacation. It was long and luxurious and the saltwater taffy gave me Beyonce hips, without all the awesome toned muscle. And now here I am again, back in the swing of things back home.
Anthony is now in Kuwait, safe and sound, and we have months of separation ahead of us. It's hard to believe that he's only been gone a few days... it seems like an eternity already! Emmy and I are doing well. Staying busy every other day is key for me. Friends and activities and storytime and keeping discipline and a happy, clean house fill the hours.
I've been thinking for days that I should blog on what it's like to start a deployment back home. After all, I started this blog to document the transition into military spouse life. It's rather practical: packing, waiting, saying goodbye and waiting for the phone to ring.
What stands out the most is how much time I have to think. What I do is completely up to me. It's weird and at the same time, I know that God sees our situation, and planned for us to go through this time. He has a purpose to it, and I need to be a wise steward of this time I've been given.
Faithful. That's it. That's my word for this season, faithful. Faithful to maintaining and supporting a healthy, loving marriage. Faithful to teaching love and discipline and the ABC's to Emmy. Faithful to loving other Army wives and their families. Faithful to the opportunities to serve I've been given at church. Faithful to going to bed on time and taking care of my body so I'm not a broken-down wreck in a couple of weeks. Faithful to a dog that needs baths once a week and a ball thrown to him every day. Faithful to Him.
Psalm 119:30 - "I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me." (NASB)
Anthony is now in Kuwait, safe and sound, and we have months of separation ahead of us. It's hard to believe that he's only been gone a few days... it seems like an eternity already! Emmy and I are doing well. Staying busy every other day is key for me. Friends and activities and storytime and keeping discipline and a happy, clean house fill the hours.
I've been thinking for days that I should blog on what it's like to start a deployment back home. After all, I started this blog to document the transition into military spouse life. It's rather practical: packing, waiting, saying goodbye and waiting for the phone to ring.
What stands out the most is how much time I have to think. What I do is completely up to me. It's weird and at the same time, I know that God sees our situation, and planned for us to go through this time. He has a purpose to it, and I need to be a wise steward of this time I've been given.
Faithful. That's it. That's my word for this season, faithful. Faithful to maintaining and supporting a healthy, loving marriage. Faithful to teaching love and discipline and the ABC's to Emmy. Faithful to loving other Army wives and their families. Faithful to the opportunities to serve I've been given at church. Faithful to going to bed on time and taking care of my body so I'm not a broken-down wreck in a couple of weeks. Faithful to a dog that needs baths once a week and a ball thrown to him every day. Faithful to Him.
Psalm 119:30 - "I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me." (NASB)
March 22, 2012
Beside
I'm sitting curled up with lots of pillows and Sprite in a wine glass with lemons. You could put old bottled water from under the seat in your car into a delicate wine glass and - bam - pretty enough for Pinterest!
C-SPAN is telling me about the future of the war in Afghanistan. I'm going to change the channel pretty soon, because politicians looking bored while commanders present their plans are about to make me cry, and Amy Winehouse already did that last night for no good reason.
I recently finished Laura Bush's Spoken From The Heart, and it resonated deeply within me. First Ladies have a certain elegance and slight celebrity from their spousal association, and I can't help but love them... (except for Hillary Clinton... partly because my mom disliked her and partly because I am wildly jealous of her career). I think that Michelle Obama is charming and beautiful and stylish and oh-so-smart, no matter what her politics are. And Mrs. Bush has a special place in my heart, because her husband is my forever-president, despite his flaws. If I ever wake up from a coma with memory loss, I'll probably be in 2006, with ol' W still in the Oval Office. Anyway...
Laura Bush's memoir flows like a river. You can almost hear her speak the words in her slow, soft drawl as you read them, and I was moved by the motif of sight/blindness that she used as metaphors for many life experiences. I cried as I read about how her mother lost many unborn and newborn children and how she longed for siblings to play with. I smiled with nostalgia as she mentioned her college days and her small apartments. She was gracious toward political opponents of President Bush, although she never missed an opportunity to defend his biggest decisions, a sure sign of the hurt inflicted upon her as she witnessed the man she loved the most lampooned, mocked and misunderstood.
Most of all, she made me happy to be who I am. She affirms military families, wives, homemakers, mothers, daughters, and Texans. She gives hope to the reader, which is good, because she recounts 9/11 in such a personal and sharply sad way that I sat up in my in-laws bed one night with tears streaming down my face. It felt so fresh and painful still to hear it from her perspective.
She could have crumpled at such a time. Instead, she stood beside President Bush and threw herself into serving the nation. I won't spoil for you all her adventures in the Middle East and Africa, but I will say without exaggerating that her initiatives and personal visits to dignitaries have helped thousands of women who would surely have died without her intervention.
And now, I'm off to find the Bush Crawford ranch address, because I need to say a little thank-you to the writer who inspired me to keep going.
C-SPAN is telling me about the future of the war in Afghanistan. I'm going to change the channel pretty soon, because politicians looking bored while commanders present their plans are about to make me cry, and Amy Winehouse already did that last night for no good reason.
I recently finished Laura Bush's Spoken From The Heart, and it resonated deeply within me. First Ladies have a certain elegance and slight celebrity from their spousal association, and I can't help but love them... (except for Hillary Clinton... partly because my mom disliked her and partly because I am wildly jealous of her career). I think that Michelle Obama is charming and beautiful and stylish and oh-so-smart, no matter what her politics are. And Mrs. Bush has a special place in my heart, because her husband is my forever-president, despite his flaws. If I ever wake up from a coma with memory loss, I'll probably be in 2006, with ol' W still in the Oval Office. Anyway...
Laura Bush's memoir flows like a river. You can almost hear her speak the words in her slow, soft drawl as you read them, and I was moved by the motif of sight/blindness that she used as metaphors for many life experiences. I cried as I read about how her mother lost many unborn and newborn children and how she longed for siblings to play with. I smiled with nostalgia as she mentioned her college days and her small apartments. She was gracious toward political opponents of President Bush, although she never missed an opportunity to defend his biggest decisions, a sure sign of the hurt inflicted upon her as she witnessed the man she loved the most lampooned, mocked and misunderstood.
Most of all, she made me happy to be who I am. She affirms military families, wives, homemakers, mothers, daughters, and Texans. She gives hope to the reader, which is good, because she recounts 9/11 in such a personal and sharply sad way that I sat up in my in-laws bed one night with tears streaming down my face. It felt so fresh and painful still to hear it from her perspective.
She could have crumpled at such a time. Instead, she stood beside President Bush and threw herself into serving the nation. I won't spoil for you all her adventures in the Middle East and Africa, but I will say without exaggerating that her initiatives and personal visits to dignitaries have helped thousands of women who would surely have died without her intervention.
And now, I'm off to find the Bush Crawford ranch address, because I need to say a little thank-you to the writer who inspired me to keep going.
March 21, 2012
Spring Break 2012
Get bat colony in attic.
Flee to Florida with dog and baby.
Visit favorite city, site of engagement, and fancy food market.
Spend the weekend with best married friends and their boy.
Have yummy brunch with girlfriends. Dive into that dairy.
Pack a Saturday with a neighborhood walk, the junior museum, and kiddie pool baby nakedness.
Get truck washed -- for free!
Go to home church. Get hugged by my pastor before I reach the door.
Introduce my mother-in-law to Mad Men. Forget about the risque scenes and stare straight ahead in embarrassment.
Have lunch with Emmy's 3rd, Filipina grandma and Auntie Nessa.
Walk my hometown for hours with the jogging stroller.
Pull a Laura Bush and talk to a kindergarten class about the Army.
Get seen by Anthony's old classmates. Feel vain about my looks at said moment. Be glad I dressed up.
Play hookie with high-school sister.
Watch Emmy throw a royal fit at Super Canton. See rice fly.
Applaud same sister at poetry contest. Try to steal her prize money.
Eat homemade tortilla.
Wash dirtiest dog in the world back to a pristine white coat.
Devour a Piggly Wiggly lunch plate with father-in-law. Listen in to him softly picking and humming "All Creatures of Our God and King."
Pack the truck.
Drink a Mr. Pibb.
Return to (so-far) bat-free home.
Check!
BEST CHECKLIST EVER.
Flee to Florida with dog and baby.
Visit favorite city, site of engagement, and fancy food market.
Spend the weekend with best married friends and their boy.
Have yummy brunch with girlfriends. Dive into that dairy.
Pack a Saturday with a neighborhood walk, the junior museum, and kiddie pool baby nakedness.
Get truck washed -- for free!
Go to home church. Get hugged by my pastor before I reach the door.
Introduce my mother-in-law to Mad Men. Forget about the risque scenes and stare straight ahead in embarrassment.
Have lunch with Emmy's 3rd, Filipina grandma and Auntie Nessa.
Walk my hometown for hours with the jogging stroller.
Pull a Laura Bush and talk to a kindergarten class about the Army.
Get seen by Anthony's old classmates. Feel vain about my looks at said moment. Be glad I dressed up.
Play hookie with high-school sister.
Watch Emmy throw a royal fit at Super Canton. See rice fly.
Applaud same sister at poetry contest. Try to steal her prize money.
Eat homemade tortilla.
Wash dirtiest dog in the world back to a pristine white coat.
Devour a Piggly Wiggly lunch plate with father-in-law. Listen in to him softly picking and humming "All Creatures of Our God and King."
Pack the truck.
Drink a Mr. Pibb.
Return to (so-far) bat-free home.
Check!
BEST CHECKLIST EVER.
March 13, 2012
One Year
It's been one year already with our beautiful daughter Emmy.
Since we had her birthday party a few weeks early, I've already been through all the feelings of elation at seeing her arrive at this milestone. Today will be a little quieter, with some small festivities, but special just the same.
It's been one year since Emmy was revived to life by a team of nurses and doctors before my eyes.
It's been one year since we became parents and realized that love meant giving of yourself until you were spent, and then more.
It's been one year since I first held my baby close against my body and wondered who she would become.
It's been one year since I saw Anthony turn into a father who loved his daughter more than he loved himself.
It's been one year.
And in this year, we've watched her grow into the most amazing biglittle bundle of crazy happiness.
Emmy is 22 lbs and a little over 31 inches tall, with four teeth and the tip of a molar to her name. She walks, says "mama", "dada", "done", and a few more half-words that we recognize as conversation. She loves turkey, peas, bananas, raisins and nursing. She cries when Petey has to go outside, and waits for him at window of the back door. She waves to babies in the grocery store, but acts shy when grown-ups say hello. She loves to grab the pillows off of the couch so that she can throw herself onto them and roll around, giggling. She opens books, turns the pages and jibber-jabber reads them to herself (books with pictures of puppies are her favorite). She loves wagon rides and bumpy jogging stroller adventures on the park trails. She has a sweet temperment, and is a happy baby.
We knew that having a baby would be good, but were caught by surprise by the waves of steady joy that she brings to our life. We simply love her.
Happy birthday, Emmy!
Since we had her birthday party a few weeks early, I've already been through all the feelings of elation at seeing her arrive at this milestone. Today will be a little quieter, with some small festivities, but special just the same.
It's been one year since Emmy was revived to life by a team of nurses and doctors before my eyes.
It's been one year since we became parents and realized that love meant giving of yourself until you were spent, and then more.
It's been one year since I first held my baby close against my body and wondered who she would become.
It's been one year since I saw Anthony turn into a father who loved his daughter more than he loved himself.
It's been one year.
And in this year, we've watched her grow into the most amazing biglittle bundle of crazy happiness.
Emmy is 22 lbs and a little over 31 inches tall, with four teeth and the tip of a molar to her name. She walks, says "mama", "dada", "done", and a few more half-words that we recognize as conversation. She loves turkey, peas, bananas, raisins and nursing. She cries when Petey has to go outside, and waits for him at window of the back door. She waves to babies in the grocery store, but acts shy when grown-ups say hello. She loves to grab the pillows off of the couch so that she can throw herself onto them and roll around, giggling. She opens books, turns the pages and jibber-jabber reads them to herself (books with pictures of puppies are her favorite). She loves wagon rides and bumpy jogging stroller adventures on the park trails. She has a sweet temperment, and is a happy baby.
We knew that having a baby would be good, but were caught by surprise by the waves of steady joy that she brings to our life. We simply love her.
Happy birthday, Emmy!
 |
| How wonderful life is when you're in the world... |
March 10, 2012
Sigh.
I can't count how many times in the last four days I've said, "Oh no!"
Our house officially has a bat problem. They are entering the house through the eaves of the attic, and are able to use the spaces of the house to crawl down into the laundry room and the downstairs den. I can hear them rustling in the attic through the bathroom vent. It makes my skin crawl.
At least it's not snakes, or rats, or insects. The house is habitable, and we have a professional coming on Monday to clear them out and seal the house off, only after I delivered a threatening letter to our rental management company this morning. Sometimes you just have to light a fire underneath folks to whom you are just another number on a list of complaints.
I'm so tired, and it's just funny now. Every night I sigh with frustration and hilarity as Emmy looks at the Sesame Street voice-recorded book that Anthony left as a new, sweet present for his little girl.
"The Count is counting bats to fall asleep. One little bat, two little bats, three little bats..."
It'll be hilarious in about a week.
Right now I just want to be in a coma for until then.
Our house officially has a bat problem. They are entering the house through the eaves of the attic, and are able to use the spaces of the house to crawl down into the laundry room and the downstairs den. I can hear them rustling in the attic through the bathroom vent. It makes my skin crawl.
At least it's not snakes, or rats, or insects. The house is habitable, and we have a professional coming on Monday to clear them out and seal the house off, only after I delivered a threatening letter to our rental management company this morning. Sometimes you just have to light a fire underneath folks to whom you are just another number on a list of complaints.
I'm so tired, and it's just funny now. Every night I sigh with frustration and hilarity as Emmy looks at the Sesame Street voice-recorded book that Anthony left as a new, sweet present for his little girl.
"The Count is counting bats to fall asleep. One little bat, two little bats, three little bats..."
It'll be hilarious in about a week.
Right now I just want to be in a coma for until then.
March 6, 2012
I Did Not Panic: A Story of Near-Panicking
As my friend Abigail pointed out, "This is sooo a blog post."
And you know what? I kind of already wrote this story tonight. So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a tale of bravery, surprise and animal kingdom/humankind dangerous encounters.
Text Messages, Tuesday night, 7:56 p.m.
Me: Just got a live bat out of my house by myself. No big deal.
Abigail: You are such a legit army wife right now! That's CRAZY
Me: I know, stuff ALWAYS happens when they're gone. It was crazy, I was just glad that Emmy was already tucked in. Probably not gonna sleep any tonight, but I did do a house search and I think it was just a rogue operator ;)
Abigail: How did it GET IN?! That's craziness I can't even imagine doing that with out involuntarily screaming the whole time lol
Me: I was like screaming with my mouth closed bc I didn't want to wake Emmy up. I had the garage open around twilight to put away the jogging stroller, and had the downstairs den door open too. It was hanging in the netting in the playpen in that downstairs room. Either that or it crawled into the laundry room through a pipe or something and then came in? Truly a mystery.
Abigail: Oh.my.gosh. In the playpen?! I would have freaked!!! This should aalllll have been part of the Real Housewives of the Army that I feel we need to be a part of
Me: Yes! It was staying there TO BITE MY BABY as soon as it could. And we are perfect candidates. I need to work on my tagline... "bats, babies, boots, all in a day's work".
Abigail: HAHAHA perfect!
Abigail: This is sooo a blog post
Me: Dude. This is a life memory. I stress ate half a bag of trail mix, an italian ice and a toaster pastry immediately afterward.
Abigail: Girl. That is the only thing to do in such a situation
Me: I'm glad you agree :)
And you know what? I kind of already wrote this story tonight. So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a tale of bravery, surprise and animal kingdom/humankind dangerous encounters.
Text Messages, Tuesday night, 7:56 p.m.
Me: Just got a live bat out of my house by myself. No big deal.
Abigail: You are such a legit army wife right now! That's CRAZY
Me: I know, stuff ALWAYS happens when they're gone. It was crazy, I was just glad that Emmy was already tucked in. Probably not gonna sleep any tonight, but I did do a house search and I think it was just a rogue operator ;)
Abigail: How did it GET IN?! That's craziness I can't even imagine doing that with out involuntarily screaming the whole time lol
Me: I was like screaming with my mouth closed bc I didn't want to wake Emmy up. I had the garage open around twilight to put away the jogging stroller, and had the downstairs den door open too. It was hanging in the netting in the playpen in that downstairs room. Either that or it crawled into the laundry room through a pipe or something and then came in? Truly a mystery.
Abigail: Oh.my.gosh. In the playpen?! I would have freaked!!! This should aalllll have been part of the Real Housewives of the Army that I feel we need to be a part of
Me: Yes! It was staying there TO BITE MY BABY as soon as it could. And we are perfect candidates. I need to work on my tagline... "bats, babies, boots, all in a day's work".
Abigail: HAHAHA perfect!
Abigail: This is sooo a blog post
Me: Dude. This is a life memory. I stress ate half a bag of trail mix, an italian ice and a toaster pastry immediately afterward.
Abigail: Girl. That is the only thing to do in such a situation
Me: I'm glad you agree :)
March 4, 2012
Putting Roots Down
As I'm writing this, I am about 27 hours into Anthony's NTC rotation. I'm not bored at all, although the days are much quieter and much longer. This month brings me a long, self-imposed, and mostly fun to-do list. But who am I kidding? I LOVE lists -- my daily planner is one huge scribble of checks and squiggles and underlined reminders.
My first project is to work on a victory garden, one of my New Year's Resolutions. As a nod to the Army life we live, it will, with a little bit of work and a watchful eye, provide fresh veggies and herbs for the spring, summer and fall. Original victory gardens were born out of necessity -- families in wartime reverted back to self-sustaining home gardens to free up commercially farmed food for soldiers. Mine is born out of the desire to put down roots in this home that we love.
Because we will move again in just a couple of years, if not sooner, I sometimes feel hesitant to commit to any type of home projects or local activities because we won't always be here. But... this is a bad trap to fall into. As a homemaker, I set the tone for our daily lives and the refuge that we make out of this rental house. Though it is temporary, it is our home. If I neglected loving the moments and the days and this place out of fear, it would be my loss.
So, today I took cups and soil and pretty, shiny little seeds and planted them. They'll stay on the dining room table for just under two weeks, until tiny leaves poke up and they're ready to graduate to a planter box (stay tuned for that DIY project!).
It sounds silly, but I prayed over the seeds, that they would flourish and bring a really big harvest. And one day, I hope to give the food and plants and planter boxes away, because they won't be practical to pack, and will take with me not only a picture of a little garden, but also a memory of a happy harvest.
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| Were it not for the highchair and soil, this looks like some weird drinking game setup! |
February 24, 2012
Another First
Emmy's birthday party was a success. There was no stressful overplanning, no yelling about balloon colors, no worrying about the seven house guests we had staying with us.
Just love, cupcakes, wagon rides and a moment to stand still and think how good God has been to us and to our little girl.
What a sweet day.
Just love, cupcakes, wagon rides and a moment to stand still and think how good God has been to us and to our little girl.
What a sweet day.
February 3, 2012
The Dairy Diaries: Part Three
Here we are at the end of my dairy-free series. Hopefully it's been informative for anyone needing help going dairy-free, whether you are breastfeeding or not.
If you are slashing dairy because your baby is allergic or sensitive to cow's milk proteins in your breastmilk, you might be surprised at just how many processed food items contain milk protein. Now, please take in mind the nature of your baby's sensitivity or allergy. Some babies simply get gassy. Others have it so severe that if they intake dairy products unheeded, they have problems absorbing the nutrients that they get from other proteins and foods, simply because the gut is trying to push the offending proteins out of the intestinal tract as quickly as possible. Yikes!
So, do a little experimenting with an elimination diet to see just how sensitive your baby is. Sometimes you only need to cut out cheese and milk, and that's awesome. Sometimes you have to nix every trace of milk protein in your diet, and that's not so fun.
And the latter situation is where today's post will come in handy, because I'm writing about hidden dairy. Ah, the sneaky sneaky kind. If you're not a from-scratch cook, it might surprise you just how often dairy is used in common foods that you buy at the market. Below is a list of boxed, processed or prepared foods that usually have some form of milk powder, milk protein, or milk product in them.
Bread
Breadcrumbs
Some pasta sauces (obviously, the cream sauces, but also some tomato-based)
Crackers and chips
Vegetarian items and fake cheese
Packaged guacamole and veggie dips
Processed meats and hot dogs
Cakes, muffins, cookies
Sherbert and frozen fruit bars
Most chocolate candies
I must confess that the one that makes me most angry is the frozen fruit bars. In looking for an ice cream alternative, I saw them and was stoked. Yay! Something cold and sweet for after dinner. NOT. The first ingredient? Ice cream. Don't be fooled by brand or item names. Just because something says it's "Whole Fruit", doesn't mean it's fruit only. I had a box of frozen coconut fruit bars in my freezer for months, just taunting me.
Are you bummed out yet? Resigned to just eating fruits and vegetables until your baby weans? (HOW CAN PEOPLE BE VEGANS?????!!!!!!)
Don't give up. Dairy-free isn't all that bad after you push through the first few weeks and figure out good replacement foods. You WILL be hungry the first few days, especially if you eat a few helpings a day like I did. Your bones won't shrivel up for lack of calcium, especially if you eat lots of almonds and dark green vegetables.
The best thing that I did to keep me on track with a dairy-free diet was to remember that my motivation was for Emmy's overall health. It won't last forever, and on the day that she weans, I'm making the biggest grilled cheese sandwich that I can handle. Until then, I'll sacrifice a little cream here and there, and be thankful that I even have food on the table and a child in my arms.
P.S. Don't make stuffed shells with tofu and spinach. It's horrible.
If you are slashing dairy because your baby is allergic or sensitive to cow's milk proteins in your breastmilk, you might be surprised at just how many processed food items contain milk protein. Now, please take in mind the nature of your baby's sensitivity or allergy. Some babies simply get gassy. Others have it so severe that if they intake dairy products unheeded, they have problems absorbing the nutrients that they get from other proteins and foods, simply because the gut is trying to push the offending proteins out of the intestinal tract as quickly as possible. Yikes!
So, do a little experimenting with an elimination diet to see just how sensitive your baby is. Sometimes you only need to cut out cheese and milk, and that's awesome. Sometimes you have to nix every trace of milk protein in your diet, and that's not so fun.
And the latter situation is where today's post will come in handy, because I'm writing about hidden dairy. Ah, the sneaky sneaky kind. If you're not a from-scratch cook, it might surprise you just how often dairy is used in common foods that you buy at the market. Below is a list of boxed, processed or prepared foods that usually have some form of milk powder, milk protein, or milk product in them.
Bread
Breadcrumbs
Some pasta sauces (obviously, the cream sauces, but also some tomato-based)
Crackers and chips
Vegetarian items and fake cheese
Packaged guacamole and veggie dips
Processed meats and hot dogs
Cakes, muffins, cookies
Sherbert and frozen fruit bars
Most chocolate candies
I must confess that the one that makes me most angry is the frozen fruit bars. In looking for an ice cream alternative, I saw them and was stoked. Yay! Something cold and sweet for after dinner. NOT. The first ingredient? Ice cream. Don't be fooled by brand or item names. Just because something says it's "Whole Fruit", doesn't mean it's fruit only. I had a box of frozen coconut fruit bars in my freezer for months, just taunting me.
Are you bummed out yet? Resigned to just eating fruits and vegetables until your baby weans? (HOW CAN PEOPLE BE VEGANS?????!!!!!!)
Don't give up. Dairy-free isn't all that bad after you push through the first few weeks and figure out good replacement foods. You WILL be hungry the first few days, especially if you eat a few helpings a day like I did. Your bones won't shrivel up for lack of calcium, especially if you eat lots of almonds and dark green vegetables.
The best thing that I did to keep me on track with a dairy-free diet was to remember that my motivation was for Emmy's overall health. It won't last forever, and on the day that she weans, I'm making the biggest grilled cheese sandwich that I can handle. Until then, I'll sacrifice a little cream here and there, and be thankful that I even have food on the table and a child in my arms.
P.S. Don't make stuffed shells with tofu and spinach. It's horrible.
February 1, 2012
The Dairy Diaries: Part Two
Ah, here we are again, talking about milk for the sake of milk. My dairy-free diet has not always been easy, and I hope that the following tips and linked recipes can help others who need to drop la leche for whatever reason. Mine was so that I could continue to breastfeed, because my baby is sensitive to dairy (milk proteins) in my breastmilk. If you have any dairy-free recipes, tips or experiences, feel free to share!
Kale chips. They look weird going in the oven, but they're crunchy and salty and before you know it, you've eaten a whole head of kale in one sitting.
http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/03/baked-kale-chips/
Substitute Foods
Silk PureAlmond almond milk - It's so good! Almonds are very high in calcium, and I find the taste of the original flavor (non-sweetened) to be creamy enough to enjoy a glass by itself. Most of the time, though, I use it with my morning cereal. The vanilla flavor is, admittedly, even better, but I try to stay away from unnecessary sugar, and since my cereal or oatmeal is sweet, it's still yummy!
Coconut milk - This has seriously been a lifesaver when it comes to making desserts. Its full-fat version can be whipped into frosting, and even the lite variety has a wonderful thickness when put in smoothies. I've found that it gives a really great flavor to whole grain oatmeal. On days when all I want is some ice cream, I can just stick a can in the fridge for an hour, crack that baby open and drink it over ice with some berries. It is high in fat, but let's call it the good kind without doing research, ok? :)
Earth Balance spread - As a relatively new product, this dairy-free, soy-free spread is easy to find and is flexible for cooking. I use it to saute veggies and to bake cookies and cakes. It consists of a blend of hydrogenated vegetable and seed oils, but is surprisingly buttery in taste. It can be pricey, at around $4 for a medium-sized tub (maybe 16 oz?), but is worth the investment. Winn-Dixie and Publix carry it, but I haven't been able to find it at Wal-Mart, and I cannot remember if the Army commissary keeps it in stock.
Chamomile tea - Weirdly enough, it tastes buttery. To me, at least!
Kale and collard greens - These are sky-rocket high in calcium, so chomp down and keep osteoporosis at bay.
Dark chocolate - Most dark chocolate candies don't have milk or milk products in them, but they are rich and sweet and when melted into almond milk, make for an indulgent late-night drink.
Chamomile tea - Weirdly enough, it tastes buttery. To me, at least!
Kale and collard greens - These are sky-rocket high in calcium, so chomp down and keep osteoporosis at bay.
Dark chocolate - Most dark chocolate candies don't have milk or milk products in them, but they are rich and sweet and when melted into almond milk, make for an indulgent late-night drink.
Recipes
Substitute Earth Balance spread for the butter and you'll have a SERIOUS PROBLEM ON YOUR HANDS. As in, you will probably eat this whole cake. But really, it's delicious.
Kale chips. They look weird going in the oven, but they're crunchy and salty and before you know it, you've eaten a whole head of kale in one sitting.
http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/03/baked-kale-chips/
There they are, short and sweet! Our next and final post about my dairy-free experience will be about hidden and unexpected dairy in common foods that we eat. Please post if you have any great recipes or food tips for eating dairy-free!
January 20, 2012
The Dairy Diaries: Part One
Should you happen to be a man (or woman!) who is made uncomfortable by the sound of your own in-head voice reading about breastfeeding, please avert your eyes and spare yourself the gagging. Thank you.
Hello!
Today I'm going to start a series of entries about going dairy-free. I have been dairy-free for about 8 months now, with a few cheats here and there. I gave up dairy because my breastfeeding daughter is sensitive to it, something I discovered after a little bit of detective work when she was around 8 weeks old. Breastfeeding was such an intense bonding experience, and I loved knowing that my body could sustain her, so I gave dairy the boot because it was important to me to be able to continue exclusive breastfeeding. However, don't get me wrong. I LOVE CHEESE. And milk. And ice cream. Yogurt, oh the creamy yogurt. Mmmmm, sour cream on my nachos. Ah, the thick and smooth cream sauce! Ok, ok, I'll stop! Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, and that's why I'm writing this in the first place.
If you are here needing help because you think that your breastfed baby might have a dairy sensitivity, intolerance or allergy, please remember to consult your pediatrician. Ours, an excellent doctor, did not have much to say on the issue, and confessed that although his own children were breastfed, he didn't know much about dealing with sensitivities to whatever the mother ate; however, many doctors, midwives or lactation specialists can offer great advice. In search of help, I did a lot of "Dr. Googling" and found other moms who had the same troubles, and hope to add my two cents in case I can ease anyone other mamas in their journey. (Note: Your doctor may recommend switching to formula; however, most formulas are made with a milk protein base, and this will not help at all. A soy-based formula is the only alternative. I encourage you to go dairy-free and keep nursing, though!)
Signs
Emmy starting exhibiting signs of dairy sensitivity around 8 weeks old. She had bright green, mucousy poops and was fussy for no apparent reason around 5-7 p.m. Occasionally there was a slightly bloody stool, which really got me worried. LLL's book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding mentions dairy sensitivity, so I went with my instinct and starting an elimination diet. Basically, I dropped all dairy products for a couple of days and the improvements in both her mood and her poop were drastic. She no longer had evening spells of crying and whimpering, and her stools were perfect. Yes, I realize that only a parent can think that their child's poop is perfect :) And so we hit the nail on the head, and I realized that I needed to make a lifestyle change when it came to my eating and cooking habits.
Continued Signs
Today, at 10 months old, Emmy is still breastfeeding and is still sensitive to dairy in my milk. She eats meats, grains, fruits and veggies many times throughout the day, but her main sustenance is still breastmilk. One difference now is how her sensitivity is displayed. In her early months, her stools were enough to tell. Now, as her diet has expanded and her GI tract has matured, that's no longer the case. Dairy no longer affects her poop. So, every few weeks, I eat a serving of dairy to test and see how it affects her. And yes, I relish those precious few and far between bites of cheese!
Interestingly, in the last two months, her sensitivity has come through in her skin. I ate lasagna and a few pieces of chocolate one day, and she developed tiny ezcema-like patches on her thigh-joint areas, as well as on the back of her calves and near her elbows. When I ate more dairy the following day, the patches got thicker and redder. The next few days, I dropped all dairy and the patches cleared up immediately.
So.... sigh. She is still sensitive to dairy. But that's ok, because I know how to deal with it now!
Baby Steps
I didn't realize how often I ate dairy, and how many surprising food products contain dairy, which, to be clear, does not include eggs. An elimination diet can be shocking, and for ravenous breastfeeding moms, it can be difficult to feel satiated without those yummy fats.
I recommend going cold turkey, as this will speed up the process of removing all milk proteins from your body. Most research that I have read says that milk proteins can stay in your body for up to 3 weeks, yikes! However, it only took two or three days to see drastic improvements in our case.
Soups, stews, salads, trail mix and teas are what helped me in my elimination diet. The liquids kept me hydrated, and the protein from nuts and meat made me feel full. Also, chamomile tea, to me, has a buttery taste, so if you are really craving it, make yourself a cup. It might surprise you to find natural foods that taste just as rich as dairy!
My next post will be about how to sustain a dairy-free diet by using substitute foods. If you are dairy-free, please comment and share about your choice. I'd love to hear from you!
Hello!
Today I'm going to start a series of entries about going dairy-free. I have been dairy-free for about 8 months now, with a few cheats here and there. I gave up dairy because my breastfeeding daughter is sensitive to it, something I discovered after a little bit of detective work when she was around 8 weeks old. Breastfeeding was such an intense bonding experience, and I loved knowing that my body could sustain her, so I gave dairy the boot because it was important to me to be able to continue exclusive breastfeeding. However, don't get me wrong. I LOVE CHEESE. And milk. And ice cream. Yogurt, oh the creamy yogurt. Mmmmm, sour cream on my nachos. Ah, the thick and smooth cream sauce! Ok, ok, I'll stop! Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, and that's why I'm writing this in the first place.
If you are here needing help because you think that your breastfed baby might have a dairy sensitivity, intolerance or allergy, please remember to consult your pediatrician. Ours, an excellent doctor, did not have much to say on the issue, and confessed that although his own children were breastfed, he didn't know much about dealing with sensitivities to whatever the mother ate; however, many doctors, midwives or lactation specialists can offer great advice. In search of help, I did a lot of "Dr. Googling" and found other moms who had the same troubles, and hope to add my two cents in case I can ease anyone other mamas in their journey. (Note: Your doctor may recommend switching to formula; however, most formulas are made with a milk protein base, and this will not help at all. A soy-based formula is the only alternative. I encourage you to go dairy-free and keep nursing, though!)
Signs
Emmy starting exhibiting signs of dairy sensitivity around 8 weeks old. She had bright green, mucousy poops and was fussy for no apparent reason around 5-7 p.m. Occasionally there was a slightly bloody stool, which really got me worried. LLL's book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding mentions dairy sensitivity, so I went with my instinct and starting an elimination diet. Basically, I dropped all dairy products for a couple of days and the improvements in both her mood and her poop were drastic. She no longer had evening spells of crying and whimpering, and her stools were perfect. Yes, I realize that only a parent can think that their child's poop is perfect :) And so we hit the nail on the head, and I realized that I needed to make a lifestyle change when it came to my eating and cooking habits.
Continued Signs
Today, at 10 months old, Emmy is still breastfeeding and is still sensitive to dairy in my milk. She eats meats, grains, fruits and veggies many times throughout the day, but her main sustenance is still breastmilk. One difference now is how her sensitivity is displayed. In her early months, her stools were enough to tell. Now, as her diet has expanded and her GI tract has matured, that's no longer the case. Dairy no longer affects her poop. So, every few weeks, I eat a serving of dairy to test and see how it affects her. And yes, I relish those precious few and far between bites of cheese!
Interestingly, in the last two months, her sensitivity has come through in her skin. I ate lasagna and a few pieces of chocolate one day, and she developed tiny ezcema-like patches on her thigh-joint areas, as well as on the back of her calves and near her elbows. When I ate more dairy the following day, the patches got thicker and redder. The next few days, I dropped all dairy and the patches cleared up immediately.
So.... sigh. She is still sensitive to dairy. But that's ok, because I know how to deal with it now!
Baby Steps
I didn't realize how often I ate dairy, and how many surprising food products contain dairy, which, to be clear, does not include eggs. An elimination diet can be shocking, and for ravenous breastfeeding moms, it can be difficult to feel satiated without those yummy fats.
I recommend going cold turkey, as this will speed up the process of removing all milk proteins from your body. Most research that I have read says that milk proteins can stay in your body for up to 3 weeks, yikes! However, it only took two or three days to see drastic improvements in our case.
Soups, stews, salads, trail mix and teas are what helped me in my elimination diet. The liquids kept me hydrated, and the protein from nuts and meat made me feel full. Also, chamomile tea, to me, has a buttery taste, so if you are really craving it, make yourself a cup. It might surprise you to find natural foods that taste just as rich as dairy!
My next post will be about how to sustain a dairy-free diet by using substitute foods. If you are dairy-free, please comment and share about your choice. I'd love to hear from you!
January 12, 2012
A Small Triumph
I love crafts. I love sewing. I love baby nap time, and on a really really good day, all those happen at the same time.
Here's my January wreath, hanging proudly on our front door. It's wintery in the most Southern of ways -- bright bluewhite skies and still-blooming bushes with streaks of yellow. No snowflakes here, at least not yet, but it's snowed in March for the past two years, so we'll see!
Here's my January wreath, hanging proudly on our front door. It's wintery in the most Southern of ways -- bright bluewhite skies and still-blooming bushes with streaks of yellow. No snowflakes here, at least not yet, but it's snowed in March for the past two years, so we'll see!
January 3, 2012
New Year's Will Bring Me to You
(name that song & artist ^ and you get a big digital hug from me for having great musical taste)
Christmas came and went, and here it is, 2012. I'm going to take an hour one of these days and write out all about our time at home, and about the horrors of roseola, and how apparently you can PMS without PMSing, and how amazing simple dates with my husband are, but for now, I'm looking forward.
This year's calendar is already so full: Emmy's first birthday, lots of "trips" for Daddy, big projects for Mommy to tackle. Our family has some singular challenges in store, but none that we can't tackle with a little bit of Rosie the Riveter attitude and a lot of Holy Spirit strength.
I usually do one New Year's resolution a year. The last two were to stay in touch with friends and to not give unsolicited advice.
This year, I'm amping it up to a handful instead of just one. Here goes!
Give more instead of being crazy about finding a deal. Store up treasures in heaven.
Grow a victory garden.
Love on my friends and family by remembering and making special their birthdays.
Read the whole Bible.
Christmas came and went, and here it is, 2012. I'm going to take an hour one of these days and write out all about our time at home, and about the horrors of roseola, and how apparently you can PMS without PMSing, and how amazing simple dates with my husband are, but for now, I'm looking forward.
This year's calendar is already so full: Emmy's first birthday, lots of "trips" for Daddy, big projects for Mommy to tackle. Our family has some singular challenges in store, but none that we can't tackle with a little bit of Rosie the Riveter attitude and a lot of Holy Spirit strength.
I usually do one New Year's resolution a year. The last two were to stay in touch with friends and to not give unsolicited advice.
This year, I'm amping it up to a handful instead of just one. Here goes!
Give more instead of being crazy about finding a deal. Store up treasures in heaven.
Grow a victory garden.
Love on my friends and family by remembering and making special their birthdays.
Read the whole Bible.
December 9, 2011
Another Lesson Learned
I consider myself a fair-to-average crafter, good decorator, great seamstress and excellent cook.
Sometimes, though, it just doesn't work out.
The other night, I attempted to pan-fry tiny grouper nuggets. They literally disintegrated into a pile of fish mush in the pan, and we ended up ordering dinner. Shout out to Mark's City Grill!
A few weeks ago, I wanted to make cozy baby boots for Emmy. I didn't need no stinkin' pattern.
Sometimes, though, it just doesn't work out.
The other night, I attempted to pan-fry tiny grouper nuggets. They literally disintegrated into a pile of fish mush in the pan, and we ended up ordering dinner. Shout out to Mark's City Grill!
A few weeks ago, I wanted to make cozy baby boots for Emmy. I didn't need no stinkin' pattern.
Hmm... that is a general shoe appearance. Hey, Emmy, do you want to wear these? But they're made by your mama, with lots of love. What do you mean, other kids have shoes with shape?
Ah, okay, I see what you mean. I wouldn't give these boots to Dobby, and I didn't even bother to finish the top seam. They. Are. Horrendous.
So, the lesson of the day is that sometimes I don't know it all and I need a pattern. Or a merciful friend to tell me what's what. Or the Bible to point the way.
"But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." - James 4:6
P.S. Tryna, if you're reading this, Jonah will not be receiving a pair of Dobby boots. And he's better for it :)
P.P.S. If anyone needs a soulful, heartbroken song, listen to "Lesson Learned" by Alicia Keys. So good.
December 5, 2011
Snakes, Babies and Sons of Abraham
Here's last week's Advent study scriptures. Take a minute to read over what might be familiar words to you from the book of Isaiah.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. (9:2)
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. (9:6-7)
Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. (11:1-4)
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. (11:6-9)
These are prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament, from Isaiah, inspired by God, and almost haunting in tone. This Son, born out of Israel, was to bring about peace, justice, fairness for the afflicted. I've never really paused to think about the Jewish nation of Israel during Christmastime. But now, reading these passages, they are on my mind. How must it feel to see huge Christian populations of the world celebrate the birth of a Messiah, if you don't believe that he was the true Messiah, as most of them do? How must it feel to think that maybe this amazing peace-bringer might still come in your lifetime? How must it feel to hear carols about it all?
God's promise of a Messiah is a big one. You can't just tell your kids, "Hey, I know that I'm pretty awesome, but one day, I'm going to send someone to you who is AMAZING. He's going to make all the wrongs right and make a kingdom of peace that lasts forever" and then not follow up. God did follow up. It just wasn't the way that the Jewish nation thought He would. It was in the humility of a baby.
To me, this is often the hardest point of belief in our Christian faith that I have. How can a baby be God? How can a person, a person with bodily functions and frailties, be God?
I was dressing Emmy the other day, looking at the fingernails that needed to be trimmed and the dried pumpkin puree on her cheeks that needed to be washed and the fuzzy hair sticking out everywhere and thought, "Jesus was a baby". Jesus needed diapers and kisses and naptimes. And yet He was God.
Let me take a rabbit trail for a minute and tell you about a dream I had two nights ago: Our family was living somewhere out west and it was a hot, sunny day. I went outside to sunbathe in a gravel driveway, and Emmy joined me. Maybe baby sunbathing is ok in dreams? Anyway, as I was lying on my back, I saw and heard a huge yellow rattlesnake by my side. I had to make a decision. Do I move? Do I stay still? Do I grab Emmy and run? He might strike if I move too quickly. He might go away if I stay still.
I am scared of snakes, no doubt about it. In my dream, I grabbed Emmy and ran. So when I came across the verse in our reading, "The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra", I got really creeped out. I can't imagine Emmy by a snakehole or near a poisonous snake. It's too stomach-dropping scary. But this is what God promised -- a peaceful existence.
Jesus brought us peace, eternal peace. When we know Him and believe that He is the light in the darkness of the world, we know His peace. Does this mean that I can let Emmy go play with snakes, chilling over by the cobra holes? Of course not. It's a picture of peace in the natural world that translates to our spiritual lives. I could go on for awhile about the symbolism of snakes and animals in the Bible, but this is already getting long. Are you still reading? Ok, good :)
What I want to finish off with are the encouragements below, for myself and for you.
1. Pray for Israel and Jewish people who haven't accepted Jesus as the Messiah.
2. Pray for faith, faith to believe that God was man.
3. Pray for peace in our families, and that God would teach us to live in the peace that Jesus has brought us.
Merry Christmastime!
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. (9:2)
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. (9:6-7)
Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. (11:1-4)
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea. (11:6-9)
These are prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament, from Isaiah, inspired by God, and almost haunting in tone. This Son, born out of Israel, was to bring about peace, justice, fairness for the afflicted. I've never really paused to think about the Jewish nation of Israel during Christmastime. But now, reading these passages, they are on my mind. How must it feel to see huge Christian populations of the world celebrate the birth of a Messiah, if you don't believe that he was the true Messiah, as most of them do? How must it feel to think that maybe this amazing peace-bringer might still come in your lifetime? How must it feel to hear carols about it all?
God's promise of a Messiah is a big one. You can't just tell your kids, "Hey, I know that I'm pretty awesome, but one day, I'm going to send someone to you who is AMAZING. He's going to make all the wrongs right and make a kingdom of peace that lasts forever" and then not follow up. God did follow up. It just wasn't the way that the Jewish nation thought He would. It was in the humility of a baby.
To me, this is often the hardest point of belief in our Christian faith that I have. How can a baby be God? How can a person, a person with bodily functions and frailties, be God?
I was dressing Emmy the other day, looking at the fingernails that needed to be trimmed and the dried pumpkin puree on her cheeks that needed to be washed and the fuzzy hair sticking out everywhere and thought, "Jesus was a baby". Jesus needed diapers and kisses and naptimes. And yet He was God.
Let me take a rabbit trail for a minute and tell you about a dream I had two nights ago: Our family was living somewhere out west and it was a hot, sunny day. I went outside to sunbathe in a gravel driveway, and Emmy joined me. Maybe baby sunbathing is ok in dreams? Anyway, as I was lying on my back, I saw and heard a huge yellow rattlesnake by my side. I had to make a decision. Do I move? Do I stay still? Do I grab Emmy and run? He might strike if I move too quickly. He might go away if I stay still.
I am scared of snakes, no doubt about it. In my dream, I grabbed Emmy and ran. So when I came across the verse in our reading, "The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra", I got really creeped out. I can't imagine Emmy by a snakehole or near a poisonous snake. It's too stomach-dropping scary. But this is what God promised -- a peaceful existence.
Jesus brought us peace, eternal peace. When we know Him and believe that He is the light in the darkness of the world, we know His peace. Does this mean that I can let Emmy go play with snakes, chilling over by the cobra holes? Of course not. It's a picture of peace in the natural world that translates to our spiritual lives. I could go on for awhile about the symbolism of snakes and animals in the Bible, but this is already getting long. Are you still reading? Ok, good :)
What I want to finish off with are the encouragements below, for myself and for you.
1. Pray for Israel and Jewish people who haven't accepted Jesus as the Messiah.
2. Pray for faith, faith to believe that God was man.
3. Pray for peace in our families, and that God would teach us to live in the peace that Jesus has brought us.
Merry Christmastime!
November 18, 2011
Puttin' the Advent in Adventure
Time for a new blogging bible study, courtesy of my friend over at Abigail's Day! This time around, we're reading scriptures on an advent schedule that enrich our knowledge of the Christmas season. Today, it's two selections in Genesis: chapter 3:8-19 and chapter 22:15-18. But first, let's get all geek-glasses and talk about intertextuality!
Have you ever been amazed at the way a really good author can weave a complex story throughout the length of a novel or series of books, tying up all the loose ends perfectly? It's so pleasing to have "aha" moments where you realize that you've totally been sucked in to a story that someone planned out with great care and forethought.
For instance, I recently finished the Harry Potter series (if you have spiritual problems with Harry Potter, please forgive my liberties and insert your favorite series title here) and was BLOWN AWAY by the skill of J.K. Rowling's storytelling. She creates a world so concise and well-crafted that by the final novel, I was left unable to guess any sort of finale, and willingly let myself get carried away in the detailed perfection of it all. Names, colors, places, the slightest details mentioned throughout all of the books came into harmonious union as the story's end was revealed. The answers were there all along, mirrored in each other's pages. That's intertextuality.
And so it is with the Bible, except that it's not fiction. It's the honest story of mankind and God. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, reveals Jesus, the man who was God who came to save us from sin. And so we begin in Genesis, in two passages; the first (chapter 3) describes the fall of man and the second (chapter 22) describes Abraham's testing.
After reading both sections of scripture and thinking about them for a day or two, I can't help but feel that they reflect each other in great sorrow and great hope. God created Adam and Eve in perfection, only to see them fall into their own sin. Abraham must have anguished over God's request, but told his son Isaac (who he was instructed to kill!) that God would provide a sacrifice.
I think that it is such with our lives and God's faithfulness to us throughout the years. In my life, I have had sorrow and joy, pain and hope. Events and circumstances, which I didn't understand at the time they happened, like my miscarriage, made perfect sense months later when God revealed the necessity of it. I am convinced that that is His beautiful nature -- the slow, steady (intertextual) presence of Providence, of Jesus. When Adam and Eve fell, God hinted at Jesus. When God asked great sacrifice of Abraham and then intervened, he again hinted at Jesus.
And now, a few weeks before Christmas, there are nativities, advent calendars and tinkling carols hinting at Jesus. He's already come, and yet there are still some who don't know that He has and will come again. I hope that in this season, I can lift the veil to those who can't see the epic story of a birth that brought salvation. Maybe it will start as simply as them reading the story for themselves!
Have you ever been amazed at the way a really good author can weave a complex story throughout the length of a novel or series of books, tying up all the loose ends perfectly? It's so pleasing to have "aha" moments where you realize that you've totally been sucked in to a story that someone planned out with great care and forethought.
For instance, I recently finished the Harry Potter series (if you have spiritual problems with Harry Potter, please forgive my liberties and insert your favorite series title here) and was BLOWN AWAY by the skill of J.K. Rowling's storytelling. She creates a world so concise and well-crafted that by the final novel, I was left unable to guess any sort of finale, and willingly let myself get carried away in the detailed perfection of it all. Names, colors, places, the slightest details mentioned throughout all of the books came into harmonious union as the story's end was revealed. The answers were there all along, mirrored in each other's pages. That's intertextuality.
And so it is with the Bible, except that it's not fiction. It's the honest story of mankind and God. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, reveals Jesus, the man who was God who came to save us from sin. And so we begin in Genesis, in two passages; the first (chapter 3) describes the fall of man and the second (chapter 22) describes Abraham's testing.
After reading both sections of scripture and thinking about them for a day or two, I can't help but feel that they reflect each other in great sorrow and great hope. God created Adam and Eve in perfection, only to see them fall into their own sin. Abraham must have anguished over God's request, but told his son Isaac (who he was instructed to kill!) that God would provide a sacrifice.
I think that it is such with our lives and God's faithfulness to us throughout the years. In my life, I have had sorrow and joy, pain and hope. Events and circumstances, which I didn't understand at the time they happened, like my miscarriage, made perfect sense months later when God revealed the necessity of it. I am convinced that that is His beautiful nature -- the slow, steady (intertextual) presence of Providence, of Jesus. When Adam and Eve fell, God hinted at Jesus. When God asked great sacrifice of Abraham and then intervened, he again hinted at Jesus.
And now, a few weeks before Christmas, there are nativities, advent calendars and tinkling carols hinting at Jesus. He's already come, and yet there are still some who don't know that He has and will come again. I hope that in this season, I can lift the veil to those who can't see the epic story of a birth that brought salvation. Maybe it will start as simply as them reading the story for themselves!
Open Up Wide
Of all the baby messes that come along with baby, a crusty high chair bothers me the most. I'm not sure why, but it does. It beats out diapers and vomit and boogers and bothers me. If there's a crusty high chair in the other room, I'm discomforted to know it exists and needs to be clean, now! Maybe it reminds me of greasy windows, crumbs on the table and sticky syrup bottles at a busy restaurant.
Emmy loves to slouch in her chair, pureed plum smeared across her cheeks and egg yolk crushed into her pants, and throw bread at Petey. He gobbles it thankfully and after a few days of this game, he realizes that he has a new guaranteed snack at every mealtime.
My baby is big enough to eat real food.
Emmy loves to slouch in her chair, pureed plum smeared across her cheeks and egg yolk crushed into her pants, and throw bread at Petey. He gobbles it thankfully and after a few days of this game, he realizes that he has a new guaranteed snack at every mealtime.
My baby is big enough to eat real food.
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| Uhhhh, so full. Must feed Petey the rest. |
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| Those eyebrows, they kill me! |
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