things Asher does video

This video is clips from the last 3 or 4 weeks.  It includes the sound of his baby cry (which is starting to change), hiccups, sleepiness, sneezing and the best is towards the end- the smiles, little bit of cooing and excitedness!  It's about 3 minutes long if you care to take a peek.

unpredictable me

5.19.11- Edit Update: this is a great post to ponder about Bible reading! "Do I have to read my Bible?"

Admission: This year I have been (unfortunately, sadly and self-destructingly) unpredictable and not faithful to be in the Word daily- or (*embarrassed) even weeks on end, for months now.

Shock, gasp and dismay-        I know.

I have no excuses good enough. I know I need more than to be fed from weekly Bible studies or listening to online sermons (which is as far as I've gotten). I mean, for heaven's sake Amanda- you're (I'm) studying HEBREW'S of all books! Doesn't this sound familiar? ---"you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:11-14 ESV) Interestingly this week, more than once, God has prompted me to get back into the Bible so I can hear from him. Most often it's been while I'm feeding my little man his milk.  Because he's a baby, he's new and young, that's what he needs, for me to feed him milk. But what am I sustaining my spiritual self with?! milk? really? Why not the whole Thanksgiving meal- Turkey and all!?

Hummmm.  God called me to Himself at a very young age and I have grown in the knowledge of my Abba (Father) since then.  I should be a mature believer. Has the business of life, (and all of my *good* excuses- bed rest, hospital, new baby, feeling yucky, family, facebook, entertainment, holidays, attender of small group and Bible studies, etc) made me dull in hearing?! Have I become immature?  a drinker of milk?   I am out of constant practice.

So today I couldn't resist his call anymore; done with this milk phase. Back to the solid food! I'm sooo grateful my salvation doesn't depend on me, my faithfulness, my works, or my own desires, I'd be ruined for sure- but it's God's constant faithfulness and mercy and grace, calling me back to himself, having written my name in His book of life, and compelling and causing my desire to know him, hear from him, and become like him, and creating a longing to live with him forever. His steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 118).

Amen and Amen.

That still doesn't excuse my responsibility to hear from him in the Bible.


So, I've found I'm an auditory learner.  I often am more helped and encouraged when I listen to the Bible spoken.  Often when I sit to read the Bible (which I still do, most often when I'm really doing a study or something) I get distracted.  So I've found this great website that allows me to listen on my iPod, or iPhone or iMac. and there's lots of different devotional guides for daily use. ESV Reading Plans. Last year I was using the chronological guide.  This really helped me to stay faithful in my quest to daily hear from the Lord. I would listen while I drove, or cleaned, or laid in bed.

Today I clicked my iPhone on to listen to today's reading while I was napping/resting.  It was 1 Corinthians 12-14.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Stood out to me. It's talking about one God being over all people and all their very different and unique and special giftings.  This became so real to Charlie and I over the past couple of years.  There were so many times that God sent just the right person for the right day.  Some days it was a meal, some days it was someone talking about their life and not mine, others it was serving us by cleaning, or listening, or a hug, or crying with us, or laughing or rejoicing with us.  The way God has designed the body of Christ is absolutely amazing, and I have chills right now just thinking about how real it has become to us personally. We are all empowered by the same Spirit! Awesome! (12:11) And all those many different members were arranged by God to form His body! We need each other. 12:21-22) indispensable is the word used.  And we're to suffer, be honored, and rejoice all together. But yet he allows us to remain individuals who must LOVE on each other.  With these things in mind, 1 Corinthians 13 reads in a different light.

OK.  I'm done with my devotional.  But just had to share in my weakness, and God's greatness and mercy and faithfulness.  I hope you too are called closer to our Abba today, don't only drink milk, scavenger for the solid food. Hone your 'powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil'.

an iowan thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year took us home to our families (both sides) in Iowa. It was so fun to have Asher spend time with all his cousins and extended family. Here are the highlights.

My sister Bridget's little boy, Landon, was in awe and quite curious of Asher.  He wanted to touch his hands and hair, and was very pleased when he did so. Here are some cute pictures of them together, giving loves.

Charlie, Asher and I stayed at my parents house this trip. It was fun to spend time with Grammy and Papa and the Aunties. On Thanksgiving morning Bridget and I and all of our boys ate breakfast while we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  (Bird and I have done this since we were little, and have been missing watching it together- although this year we seemed slightly preoccupied with our Little's). And you'll also spot Daddy, showing off Asher's tiny turkey bum.  :-) We spent Thanksgiving supper with the Bohlen side at Aunt Lynn's and Uncle Doug's, but I forgot to get my camera out... I know Auntie Sandy had her iPhone out snapping pictures, so Sandy if you're reading this, could you zip a few of those pics to me?! (or anyone else who was snapping) It was a nice night of food and games and family.

We headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's for Thanksgiving lunch.  Beverley put on quite the feast! (As she always does). I told her this year, I hope I never inherit her job, because I'd never be able to do as good of a job as she does filling our tummies with yumminess!

Uncle Andrew (Uncle the FoCack to Asher) came home, and was promptly bombarded with attention vying nieces and nephew's, and he was amazing- all day- every day.  Every little boy should have an Uncle FoCack I think.

Auntie Ruth and Uncle Andrew Morgan and their kids came from Atlanta too! We always enjoy seeing them, and I was wondering why I didn't have picture's of them- well it's because they're the photographers of the family and were always behind the camera.  But thanks to them we got some great family shots- as good as family shots with 5 kiddo's under 4 can get...

And speaking of kiddo's, the Caven's rounded out their family by adding precious little Henry (pictured with Asher and is the baby on the bottom row, second from right). He was only 4 days old when they arrived in Waterloo! It was so fun to spend time with him/them.  We were amazed at the difference just 6 weeks makes for tiny babies. 

But our baby has never been very tiny...

• 12.1.10-Little Buddy, when we went to the lactation consultant today (7 weeks, 3 days old) you weighed 13lbs 15.2 ounces! (nearly 14 pounds). She thought that was quite a bit to weigh for such a young man like yourself.  Mommy still needs to tame down the milk supply for you- before you completely ROLL off the charts.  While we were there, you smiled at a stranger for the first time.
• You are using your voice a lot now, especially in the morning, just about a coo-ing sound. So cute.

As much fun as it was to see everyone and have extra hands around, I must say- It's really good to be home again. I'm not sure why I find it slightly stressful still to get out and about and be around people much. Perhaps I'm not fully recovered yet.  Maybe it's leftover stress and anxiety from our past two years.  I haven't figured it out.  Poor Charlie has had to put up with me wanting to be at home most of the time. He's so gracious and patient, I know it's getting old for him. It is (I am) getting better though, slowly.  I want to get back to "my old self"- but I'm not sure I will ever be fully like my old self.  My life is now new, and different, and changed.  So I guess "new self" is better and for my good.  It's just taking some time to adjust and combine the two.

Hummm, wasn't planning on going there.  Oh well, you get what you get these days.

a super 7 weeks with our little man

Asher, you turned 7 weeks old on November 28th! Time has gone so fast, and yet slow (only during the fussy times) all at once.  We are so stunned lately at just how much and how fast you've changed. You're getting to be such a big boy, and like daddy says, that's a very good thing.  (But a little sad that our little man is growing so quickly, a common parenting dilemma I think).

Highlights from week six:

• Your Auntie Cal and Auntie Nan were still here at the beginning of your week six,  I call them your "Baby Fairie's"! The whole time you hardly got a cry in edgewise! 
• When Auntie Cal was vacuuming, you were sleeping on the couch sleeping, not bothered by the noise or commotion.  You're a sound sleeper baby boy.
• They were the first people to babysit you (besides daddy). They watched you while mommy went and got her nails and hair done.  It was really great, and you were very happy with them, they even fed you a bottle, and got you to take a passi a couple of times. (you don't usually take the passi very easily, but we're working on it).

Asher, these are your baby fairie's! -They love you bunches my dear.

• You're still a smile'n! Your eyes light up first and then a big grin. It's been tough to get the camera in hand when the happy mood strikes, but you have been giving a few smiles to daddy, mommy, Auntie's, & Grammy's daily since Nov 20.  It's been SO FUN!

Sorry these are so fuzzy, but it was a dark room, and I only had my iPhone with me...

• Around November 27 you have started to use your voice more. (Not just to cry). You are adding coo's in once in a while, mostly when you're agitated and talking... but today, Nov. 30, you were laying on your changing table looking at your mirror and you were just cooing and talking. Your voice is just precious Little Buddy! I hope that continues to become more frequent.
• In the evenings (like 5:30-9:45pm) this week especially, you seemed to be a little more fussy and grumpy. We're not real sure as to why. But you're still sleeping really well, going to bed at 10-ish, only getting up once around 4:30 to eat, sometimes sleeping until 9 or 10am! -We like that a lot!
• You're still LOVING your bath time and the water, you don't cry much when you get out anymore. The whole thing is fun for you now.  Mommy and Daddy love to kiss up on your fresh and clean, soft little baby skin.
• According to Grandma's home scale this past week- you were weighing nearly 14lbs! You grow ever more handsome son!
• We had a little open house/shower for you in Waterloo Wednesday. It was so fun to have you meet many friends and family who are very special to mommy and daddy. They also prayed a lot for you while you were growing inside me. 

Fun during your sixth week

• This past week was also Thanksgiving, it was a big week for you in Waterloo Iowa. (Mommy will write a post about our trip after this).  We went to Waterloo, and you got to meet your new baby cousin, Henry Xavier Caven; he was born on Sunday November 21. You guys are exactly 6 weeks apart. We stayed at Grammy and Pappa's and you got to play with cousin Landon and your older Caven cousin's thought you were pretty cute and were always kissing you up. 
• The last three days or so it seems like your tummy has really been hurting.  We're not sure why or how to help.  And you're having a tougher time nursing.  You're tummy gurgles and your kinda gag and spit-up a lot. Daddy and Mommy hope that all gets better soon. (Daddy bought you some gripe water to try, and it seems to make it a little better). Yesterday and today you've been sleeping a TON. Maybe it's just a growth spurt.  
• You like to grasp our fingers tightly. -Especially when you nurse. 
• When you're awake, you're very alert, taking in everything that's around you. We talk to you and sing while you look around.  
• You really like being in the ergo and the sling while mommy does stuff around the house. You seem very happy to be home from vacation and at ease and relaxed.

This is how big you've grown!

In other news, Charlie is loving his new job at Prime Therapeutics.  The people he works with have created an atmosphere of collegiality, which Charlie enjoys a lot. He's really enjoying fatherhood, and is very loving and attentive to me and his little "Baby Bluvo".  I'm enjoying being a mom, trying to figure out a good daytime schedule, since our nights are more predictable now. I'm feeling much more like myself again. It's time to start cooking suppers again, it's been so nice to have friends take care of our meals until right before Thanksgiving! Thank you guys! 

Winter has come early in the north. About three weeks ago we got 10" of snow and it stuck around, melting a little. And then we've had bouts of ice and rain, and today, snow again. I think it'll be along cold winter around here.  That gives us lots of extra snuggle time together!

not a lone tree

Something I have learned during pregnancy and motherhood thus far:  I am not a lone tree.

While Asher was growing inside, there were many opportunities for my questions to arise.  Multiple times veteran mommies came to my aid.  -Anything from weird queasiness, and birth plans- to what should I use to catch my babies poop (cloth diapers, ec-ing, etc) and what I can use to make his clothes fit longer (...onsie extender snaps, btw).  Also got tips on good books to read, how to make baby food, and advice on how to get through breastfeeding successfully. Among MANY other topics. 

All I've had to do is post anything from one little sentence on facebook (which could gather upwards of 30 responses of loving, caring, experienced moms with 1-7 Littles), to texting dear friends late in the evening (who immediately respond with what's worked for them and their baby). Or my mom, charlie's mom or our sisters are always there with a wealth of wisdom and lots of love.  My dear husband Charlie, there with an outside (often clearer) perspective and fresh viewpoint for loving encouragement or a strong pair of arms to take over when I grow weary.

I am not alone in this mothering venture. (and we are not alone in our parenting journey).

I'm so thankful for the depth of resources and friends available to help me through. But most of all I'm thankful that as I sit nursing by the nightlight, in the darkness in Asher's room in the middle of the night, (or any other time) I can talk to my Father, Creator, Wisdom and Knowledge and Understanding Himself.  He is faithful to give mercy and grace for each moment and each trauma/problem/query/drama I encounter as a mommy. I wouldn't survive without Him by my side and as my Lord.

Thank you Lord for bringing me/us this far and for Your promises to keep leading and loving. 

Thank you friends for caring and offering advice on what has been working for your families.

Thank you family for being there for us, whether a phone call or short drive away always available to love and help.

What sweet treasures I have around me.

6 whole weeks Little Mister Asher!

Six week highlights:

• Saturday, November 20, 2010 you smiled deliberately at mommy.  We were in your room, just after you ate breakfast.  I was talking/cooing to you because you were so alert and three separate times you smiled right at me.  :-)  Your little eyes lit up and everything.  It was absolutely adorable.  Later that day daddy and I were talking to you and you used your voice a little, and then smiled a few times right at daddy.  -We melted, just like everyone says we would.  
• Friday we went to a lactation consultant. (at 5 weeks, 5 days you weighed 13.6 lbs) Found out mommy was making plenty of (too much) milk for you (to handle).  So we learned a few tricks and it seems to have helped, 'cuz already we've noticed a difference, especially at night- Sat. and Sun you went to bed at 10pm & only got up at 3am to eat & went right back to sleep until 7:15 or so.  - We are SO very pleased about this development!
• Daddy mentioned just this morning how you seem much more mature this weekend that last. We can tell when you're uncomfortable and something is hurting (like you need to burp, etc). You're alert a little more often. Something about you just seems a little older.  
• You still grunt- nearly all the time. 
• Your rolls are ever expanding. You're getting rubber-band wrists. At the Dr. on Friday you weighed 13.6 lbs!!! Our little chuncka-lunck. You're so very kissable!
• Your Auntie Anna and Auntie Cally came on Thursday and are staying until Tuesday when we go home to Waterloo for Thanksgiving. They've been playing with you, cuddling you, comforting you.  And helping out around the house a TON! It's awesome to have them here. 
• You've found your hands in just the last few days and you study them, and you munch on them and suck on them. (it's pretty cute to watch).  ;-)

You were looking especially dapper the other day in your plaid pants and b-bop hat.

Little Buddy, you're the bestest little present that's ever been under our Christmas tree! We are so thankful for you with each passing day.  

Fun to have around- indeed!

Just now while I'm writing this post, you've been sleeping on your daddy's chest (you love listening to the heart beat and listen to our breathing). And he's holding you looking at the Christmas tree, and you smiled write at him while he was asking you to smile.  Baby he loves you so much. WE love you so much Honey!!!

5 week Asher

Asher, On your fifth week birthday, Auntie Anna and Uncle Paul came to visit.  They arrived just before we got a giant snow storm- which kept us all snowed in and cuddled up the whole weekend.  We got about 10 inches of snow, and it was only November 13-14! (That's an early storm for even Minnesota!) You didn't mind at all, more time for all of us to hug and hold you my little tiny sugar muffin.

You also started to smile quite a bit- in your sleep... We can't wait to have you smile in response to us. But we LOVE the smiles any way they come! You still spend most of the time sleeping, and from the look of things(your cheeks and tummy) it's not cutting in on your eating or growth in any way.  ;-)  You're chub'n up! You seem to do this (cute) little thing with your tongue when you're mad or frustrated with us, it sort of sticks out and hits your top gum and sounds like "p-th-d-d-d-d-d-d-d" and then a tiny whiny voice. It's pretty funny, sorry mommy laughs at you...