Since returning to Korea from the States, Marc has spent a little time in the bouncy seat and is definitely more interested in the toys! - but he doesn't quite fit in the seat like he used to...
hmmm....
Saturday, August 28, 2010
the bouncy seat.
Since returning to Korea from the States, Marc has spent a little time in the bouncy seat and is definitely more interested in the toys! - but he doesn't quite fit in the seat like he used to...
Friday, August 27, 2010
Happy 1/2 Birthday, Marc!
Today, Marc is 6 months old! It is really amazing to think how far we have come in such a short time.
I love watching Marc continue to grow and discover the world around him!
He has grown to a healthy 8.1kg nearly quadrupling his weight from birth... I don't know how he is so solid on a pure liquid diet! :)
Marc loves to reach out and touch whatever is near - especially our faces.
He is enthralled with the books we read to him - especially when his daddy uses funny voices. :)
He is even showing interest in learning to read... or um... chew?
Marc still loves going outside- and there are so many new sights to see, he won't stop looking out the window in a taxi.. and seeing all the lights at night time
Marc loves to kick, kick, kick his feet.. and then grab whatever he is kicking and hold it with his feet. funny guy.
He also loves to grab his feet with his hands.
He plays with his toys, and watches them as he throws them to the ground... I think the "Mommy pick it up" game is going to start soon...
He is enjoying the Bumbo seat and the new perspective on our house and is getting more and more balance every day to sit up on his own.
Marc had his first cold.. his first ever sickness this past month. We all have learned about the nose aspirator.
He is learning to go to sleep on his own in his crib - and making definite progress.
And he still has the cutest face his mommy has ever seen!
Happy 1/2 Birthday, Marc!
I love watching Marc continue to grow and discover the world around him!
He has grown to a healthy 8.1kg nearly quadrupling his weight from birth... I don't know how he is so solid on a pure liquid diet! :)
Marc loves to reach out and touch whatever is near - especially our faces.
He is enthralled with the books we read to him - especially when his daddy uses funny voices. :)
Marc loves to kick, kick, kick his feet.. and then grab whatever he is kicking and hold it with his feet. funny guy.
He also loves to grab his feet with his hands.
He plays with his toys, and watches them as he throws them to the ground... I think the "Mommy pick it up" game is going to start soon...
He is enjoying the Bumbo seat and the new perspective on our house and is getting more and more balance every day to sit up on his own.
Marc had his first cold.. his first ever sickness this past month. We all have learned about the nose aspirator.
He is learning to go to sleep on his own in his crib - and making definite progress.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
a willful spirit... a soft heart
I am sitting here in my living room, listening to my son cry in his crib and it is taking so much self control to not go in there and stop it. All I would need to do is pick him up, shush him and nurse him.. and he would be asleep for the night. The time for him to go to sleep has come and gone - and still he cries, making the sheet wet.. snotting all over himself... refusing sleep..
He is not hungry. He is not hurt. He does not have a wet or dirty diaper. He is just stubborn. And through his cries he is stubbornly saying that he will not rest until he is in the comfort of our arms.
I guess there isn't an easy way to teach Marc to sooth himself to sleep. Suck your thumb, boy! Hug your bear! I don't care any more, just PLEASE sleep!
Marc wants his way, and he wants it now. and he is letting us know with every cry. From his little point of view, looking up out of the crib toward the ceiling - he can't understand why we would ever want to keep ourselves from him - to comfort him and cuddle him and love on him... to be with him every moment. hmm. right now, I forget why, too!
I'm sure our neighbors are thinking, "just pick the kid up!" SUCH temptation.. I should stop Marc's crying so that our friends can sleep... because we still want to have friends.. and we still want them to be happy we have a baby.
But if we wait and do this in a few months.. a year.. a couple years.. it will only get louder! And, I mean, he can't go to college still nursing to sleep!
I need every pep talk I can get: I think we can, I think we can. Stick it out! It will be so nice when we can just put him down, say goodnight and he will go to sleep. No long, drawn out rig-a-ma-roll to get him to sleep every night.
But still, it is painful to hear. It hurts my heart.
So - since I obviously can't go to sleep while listening to these wails.. I can't help but get a little introspective (thanks Rachel) and think about my own limited point of view. I know what I want and will wake up and tell God "ok, here is the plan.. thanks in advance for doing it"... or "man this is a tough time - God, please fix it right away!" But now I see from such a limited point of view... I don't know what Good God is intending for whatever we may be experiencing. Just as I only want good for my son, but he has to go through this time of learning - so our Father in Heaven refines us for our good...
And as my heart breaks listening to the cries of my son, I know that he still has to learn this lesson... that stopping his pain, his crying, would not produce the intended results. And so when I pray - I should not pray that the Lord take away whatever trial I face.. but that my heart would be ever soft to learn the lesson quickly so that we can move on to better things!
Ohhh. no more crying! excellent!
until tomorrow, then.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
He is not hungry. He is not hurt. He does not have a wet or dirty diaper. He is just stubborn. And through his cries he is stubbornly saying that he will not rest until he is in the comfort of our arms.
I guess there isn't an easy way to teach Marc to sooth himself to sleep. Suck your thumb, boy! Hug your bear! I don't care any more, just PLEASE sleep!
Marc wants his way, and he wants it now. and he is letting us know with every cry. From his little point of view, looking up out of the crib toward the ceiling - he can't understand why we would ever want to keep ourselves from him - to comfort him and cuddle him and love on him... to be with him every moment. hmm. right now, I forget why, too!
I'm sure our neighbors are thinking, "just pick the kid up!" SUCH temptation.. I should stop Marc's crying so that our friends can sleep... because we still want to have friends.. and we still want them to be happy we have a baby.
But if we wait and do this in a few months.. a year.. a couple years.. it will only get louder! And, I mean, he can't go to college still nursing to sleep!
I need every pep talk I can get: I think we can, I think we can. Stick it out! It will be so nice when we can just put him down, say goodnight and he will go to sleep. No long, drawn out rig-a-ma-roll to get him to sleep every night.
But still, it is painful to hear. It hurts my heart.
So - since I obviously can't go to sleep while listening to these wails.. I can't help but get a little introspective (thanks Rachel) and think about my own limited point of view. I know what I want and will wake up and tell God "ok, here is the plan.. thanks in advance for doing it"... or "man this is a tough time - God, please fix it right away!" But now I see from such a limited point of view... I don't know what Good God is intending for whatever we may be experiencing. Just as I only want good for my son, but he has to go through this time of learning - so our Father in Heaven refines us for our good...
And as my heart breaks listening to the cries of my son, I know that he still has to learn this lesson... that stopping his pain, his crying, would not produce the intended results. And so when I pray - I should not pray that the Lord take away whatever trial I face.. but that my heart would be ever soft to learn the lesson quickly so that we can move on to better things!
Ohhh. no more crying! excellent!
until tomorrow, then.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
Sunday, August 22, 2010
feet and foot rests.
This week has been full of fun adventures! :)
Marc has discovered a new toy that is always attached: his feet! He has used his feet for quite some time to grab onto all sorts of things... like toys.. my arm... and he has used his hands to hold on to each other...
But this week, his little hands discovered they liked to hold his feet, too! In the middle of whatever he is doing, he will stop and make sure his feet are still there. :)
It is really amazing to watch.. if only I found my feet this interesting...
As if discovering the wonder of your feet isn't enough fun - Marc was also introduced to the world of sippy cups! Daddy decided that Marc wanted some water to drink...
...so we pulled out the sippy cup and decided to let Marc try and figure out how to use it.
He sucked on it like a bottle for a long time - but a couple of times we heard the water get sucked out.. and proceed to dribble down Marc's chin.
Oh my, look at that face! Marc isn't quite sure what to make of this experience... but we'll keep trying. :)
At least the sippy cup makes a nice foot rest.
But this week, his little hands discovered they liked to hold his feet, too! In the middle of whatever he is doing, he will stop and make sure his feet are still there. :)
It is really amazing to watch.. if only I found my feet this interesting...
As if discovering the wonder of your feet isn't enough fun - Marc was also introduced to the world of sippy cups! Daddy decided that Marc wanted some water to drink...
He sucked on it like a bottle for a long time - but a couple of times we heard the water get sucked out.. and proceed to dribble down Marc's chin.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
because when you smile...
Dear Marc,
Today I went to the school where I worked last year. And I realized again how much my life has changed from professional to stay-at-home mom. And can I just say, I love you so much. And I will always love you no matter what. I love staying at home with you all day long. I love taking walks with you, discovering the world with you, playing with toys with you, snuggling with you, kissing your feet, even making joyful noises with you. :) I love your cute little face, your chubby legs and cheeks, your pouty lip, your bright blue eyes, the way your feet grab onto your toys, the way your eyes will follow me around the room when I put you down, the way you stop what you are doing and look up at the sound of my voice, the way you hike up your leg and stick it straight in the air when you are nursing, the way you laugh when I tickle you... or when you laugh at random times, like while we are reading a book!... I love watching to you grow and change. You are so easy to love.
But you know what? I even love you when you drive me nuts. Like when you blowout your diaper (onto the sheets!) at 4am and then scream while you get your diaper changed. Or when you spit up. a lot. on yourself.. and me.. and the floor.. in Walmart. Or when you wake up an hour early from your nap, just as I'm sitting down to eat.. Or when you cry as soon as I put you down to go to the restroom. Or when you make windmills with your arms and yank on the nursing shawl while I'm trying to feed you in public while not exposing myself to the entire room. Or when you decide not to sleep hardly at all during a 14 hour plane ride... or when you decide to encourage me to exercise during that same plane ride for 10+ hours...
So why do I love you when it is not so easy? ...even in the moments of eating meals at record speed - so that I get some food while its hot.. in the stressful times of keeping you quiet so others can sleep or not be disturbed... in the times when I am sick and don't get a sick day... in the frustrating times when I can't figure out why you are fussing... in the wee hours of the morning when you just want to play.. or eat...?
It's because I'm your Mommy and it amazes even me how I cherish EVERY moment with you.
And when you smile, any stress or frustration I am feeling just melts away.
and when you laugh, I want to do whatever I can to hear it again
and when you sniffle after a long cry, I have to hold back my giggle - it is just so cute!
and when you sleep, I look at you in awe - how amazing it is that you are my son.
I get to be your Mommy... which is so much more than I could ever be as a professional. I am challenged beyond myself to be patient when I am at my limits, to be loving when I don't feel like it, to put you before myself every time. And with the Lord's help, I pray that I will rise to the occasion - whatever may come.
I am your Mommy - and I know you need me, even in the not so easy times. And I will be here as long as you need me - to squeeze you and kiss you and feed you and clean you and love you. You add so much to my life - and being with you is exactly where I want to be.
Today I went to the school where I worked last year. And I realized again how much my life has changed from professional to stay-at-home mom. And can I just say, I love you so much. And I will always love you no matter what. I love staying at home with you all day long. I love taking walks with you, discovering the world with you, playing with toys with you, snuggling with you, kissing your feet, even making joyful noises with you. :) I love your cute little face, your chubby legs and cheeks, your pouty lip, your bright blue eyes, the way your feet grab onto your toys, the way your eyes will follow me around the room when I put you down, the way you stop what you are doing and look up at the sound of my voice, the way you hike up your leg and stick it straight in the air when you are nursing, the way you laugh when I tickle you... or when you laugh at random times, like while we are reading a book!... I love watching to you grow and change. You are so easy to love.
But you know what? I even love you when you drive me nuts. Like when you blowout your diaper (onto the sheets!) at 4am and then scream while you get your diaper changed. Or when you spit up. a lot. on yourself.. and me.. and the floor.. in Walmart. Or when you wake up an hour early from your nap, just as I'm sitting down to eat.. Or when you cry as soon as I put you down to go to the restroom. Or when you make windmills with your arms and yank on the nursing shawl while I'm trying to feed you in public while not exposing myself to the entire room. Or when you decide not to sleep hardly at all during a 14 hour plane ride... or when you decide to encourage me to exercise during that same plane ride for 10+ hours...
So why do I love you when it is not so easy? ...even in the moments of eating meals at record speed - so that I get some food while its hot.. in the stressful times of keeping you quiet so others can sleep or not be disturbed... in the times when I am sick and don't get a sick day... in the frustrating times when I can't figure out why you are fussing... in the wee hours of the morning when you just want to play.. or eat...?It's because I'm your Mommy and it amazes even me how I cherish EVERY moment with you.
And when you smile, any stress or frustration I am feeling just melts away.
and when you laugh, I want to do whatever I can to hear it again
and when you sniffle after a long cry, I have to hold back my giggle - it is just so cute!
and when you sleep, I look at you in awe - how amazing it is that you are my son.
I am your Mommy - and I know you need me, even in the not so easy times. And I will be here as long as you need me - to squeeze you and kiss you and feed you and clean you and love you. You add so much to my life - and being with you is exactly where I want to be.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Marc's summer travels
This summer was really, really busy! I have not come close to keep up with all that we did this summer while in the States... so here is a quick recap. Marc traveled across oceans and continents from Korea to the US to Mexico and back. While in the States, he visited and traveled through Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine! He saw his first fish in Maine, nursed in the Bronx, waved at the Statue of Liberty, went swimming in pools in Kentucky and Mexico, played with lots of toys - his favorites being the red octopus and green gecko, stored up his blow-out bowel movements for the most inconvenient places (like Walmart x2, Kohls, or the plane to Mexico!), met LOTS and LOTS of extended family who love him so much, played with his cousins, and slept for hours in the car. Whew, I am tired!
Here are a few pictures from our last major trip to Maine:
On Saturday, Marc and I made the LONG flight to Seoul, Korea to see our smiling Daddy waiting with open arms! Now we are looking to adjust to the 13 hour time zone difference and get on a schedule/routine. Thanks to everyone for their generosity towards us while we were visiting and for your prayers for a safe trip home. It is so good to be back with Jarrod!
Here are a few pictures from our last major trip to Maine:
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Happy Birthday, Love!
Stephanie Puffenbarger (I love saying that!)-Thanks for being my treasure!
"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies."
Proverbs 31:10
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