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Sunday, March 20, 2011

"...thank you for bed..."

I think sometimes we forget to thank God for even the simplest things. Things that we totally take for granted. I realize that more especially in the wake of the tsunami that struck Japan. They are going without so many essentials that we as Americans take for granted. ie. food, clean water, shelter, etc.

Tonight my innocent two year old son also reminded me. His prayer tonight started out excited and full of inaudible mumbling. But suddenly his voice was clear:

"...and thank you for bed, my Uncle David, my church slide and thank you for my shower."
It really is the small things that we forget about.
Dear Lord, thank you so much for all the things you have given me and my family. Thank you for giving us our jobs to be able to provide my son with a bed and shower. And thank you so much for my wonderful church. Each week the wonderful volunteers share a small part of your love with my Daniel. And teach him to be grateful of what you give him. And Lord thank you for my family. Although I'm not sure why David got top billing over me! Never the less God, thank you for the wonderful family that my son is madly in love with.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Party time!

I can't believe the year that just went by with this little girl. I had the privilege of being there when she came into this world and loved celebrating that today. Liana you were the perfect addition to our family and I'm so proud to say I'm your aunt. We love you so much!
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY LIANA!!
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Saturday, March 5, 2011

A toy's story...

60 seconds out of sight and Daniel found an old pen that managed to leak ALL of it's ink. Poor Buzz and Woody didn't have a chance. After a bath in some Shaklee and nail polish remover we didn't get too far. We ran out of polish remover before we finished. We'll have to get more because the tub now has a purple ring.
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Welcome home John!

Dear Lord, thank you for keeping my brother safe while at sea. I pray that you continue to watch over John and Amanda as they adjust to being under one roof again.
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Monday, February 7, 2011

Potty training study time

Who doesn't occasionally read in the bathroom?
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Technology rocks!

I'm such a nerd and finally have figured out how to post decently from my phone! Now I really have no excuse...
Watch out folks, there is a good chance this blog will be rocking and rolling again...hello...anyone out there...**cricket**

Peekaboo

I was trying to get his pajamas on and he took off half way through the process. A little defeated I waited a couple minutes before going after him. I found him in his closet with his hands over his eyes! "Peekaboo" he yelled. LOL
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Friday, August 27, 2010

TWO YEARS OLD!

I'm dusting off the old blog. I guess I've neglected it long enough. There really is only so much you can share on Facebook! I can't believe how fast the time has flown. I know that's so cliche but, seriously! Time really does get away from you so easy. Just look at how long it's been since I've graced these pages. I really couldn't believe it's been six months since my last post. For all I know I'm talking to myself now. I can't blame you for ditching me for more interesting blogs like the ones I have listed in my margin. Check them out if you haven't already. They are some great people and blogs!

Daniel turned two years old today! I am still in awe sometimes that he's here. Crazy, I know, even after this long. He has grown up so fast into the cutest, smartest, silliest, sweetest boy. Of course I'm extremely biased. :o) His vocabulary and sign language has sky-rocketed just in the past month or so. I have to tell him to slow down because he's still so hard to understand. And he gets very excited and talks fast like his mommy. Which is why the sign language is still great! He hasn't mastered sentences more than three words, but he sure tries. It's really cute when the words get all turned around because then he starts sounding like Yoda. I love it when he wraps his little arms around my neck or gives me a hug or kiss without asking for it! Although if you ask him if he loves you, he will tell you no. I've only gotten one I love you out of him just out of the blue. I'm just happy he said it to me first! Hey, he did say "dada" before "mama". I should get something!

He of course is walking, running and climbing at full speed. Nothing is ever done slow or carefully with him. It's all or nothing with this little boy. He's fearless. Which, in turn, terrifies me! He loves playing outside and especially going down the slide. Any slide! Again, fearless! Tonight, while watching him literally run around in circles I told my dad that he is like this ALL THE TIME. He fights bedtime because he doesn't want to stop. The only thing that gets him to stop is Thomas or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Then I may be able to squeeze out 30 -45 minutes of down time.

Daniel's love for books and music has multiplied. We probably read ten to twenty books a night. Not all at bedtime, but just throughout the evening. Some of course are quicker than others and some we just shorten ourselves. I appreciate his love for books though. Just like Michael appreciates his love for music. However loud the drum may get. He especially loves singing "Twinkle Twinkle" or "Wheels on the bus" with his daddy. We have learned that Daniel has better dance moves than his daddy. You should see his little booty wiggle.

Potty training is going smooth so far. To be honest, I'd like it to go fast. But I'm trying to be patient. He will tell me "poo poo potty" which means he needs to go or has already gone in his diaper, whether or not it's solid. (TMI? LOL) In fact this post was interrupted by that very statement! He's not had a dry night yet so I know we still have more time to practice. I'm thinking about getting a little more adventurous with possibly a bottomless Saturday. But I'm just not sure how effective that will truly be although I've heard it works. Obviously not a great idea if you only have carpet!

I'm so amazed at how much he learns and grows everyday. Sometimes it seems like its something new everyday. He'll do or say things that Michael and I have no clue where he picked it up! That of course only solidifies the "be careful what you say and do" policy we've tried to adopt. :o) But we can only protect him so much. It's no exaggeration when they refer to children as sponges. We changed day cares in March to a local "church" based facility. The first daycare was wonderful because it was right across the street from my office, among many other reasons. But the older he got we realized we needed something closer to our home. It gives us the opportunity to have a day off work to run errands or relax without keeping up with a little one. I know he's also enjoyed having two of his grandmothers pick him up occasionally for a little fun. It was a smooth transition and a very wise decision on our part!

Well, this toddler mom is exhausted! I'm trying to figure out how to get pictures off our camera. Once I do I will amaze you with the difference from the last pictures posted!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Apologies . . .

I'm such a terrible blogger! Sometimes I wonder, why did I bother starting one? I can't tell you how many times I've started and restarted a post. In fact I have one in limbo full of Christmas pictures! I'M SOOO SORRY!!

There has been so much going on in our neck of the woods! We had such an amazing Christmas. We were the lucky participants of five Christmas celebrations. Needless to say, I don't think there is a toy out there that isn't in our house! Daniel is such a blessed and loved little boy. He was showered with so many gifts. Things ranging from toy cars, books, clothes, shoes and underwear. Well, maybe not undies, but he did get lots of diapers. Everybody gets underwear at Christmas at least once in their childhood. I'm sure this won't be the last. (Honestly, I ask for diapers every year! Not that we haven't been taken care of it in that department.)

My brother John proposed to his girlfriend Amanda on Christmas Eve. Well, now I can't even call her his fiance because they got married the first week in January. Something to do with living with him on base when he comes back from . . . I don't know where. He was stationed in Hawaii and is loving every minute of it. Amanda stayed behind in Texas to get a little more school behind her belt.

Patty, Michael's sister, and her family got to come down for a couple weeks. We had such a wonderful visit with them. Sometimes you forget how much your family means to you until they're physically out of reach! We miss them already and can't wait until their next visit. I just couldn't believe how big Catherine had gotten and how small Patty had gotten! :o) Catherine was so excited to meet Daniel. She continuously introduced him to everyone she came in contact with. "This is my baby cousin Daniel. He's my cousin!" It was adorable. Patty looks like a different person. To those of you who know her, she lost so much weight I was giving her clothes from my closet to take back with her. (Although, now that I mention it Patty, I may need them back with all the eating I did during the holidays!) Daniel just couldn't get enough of his Uncle Lorne. He just loved him. He was constantly asking him to pick him up. And of course Lorne obliged! :o)

Michael and I celebrated our NINTH wedding anniversary on December 30th. (Thank you to the Reece's for the special shout out! We thought of you too!) Patty and Lorne watched Daniel for us that night so we could go eat and take in a movie. Sometimes I look back and think we were way too young and stupid! But I know that God was with us every step of the way. Although, I'm sure there were some times all He could do was just shake His head at us. We're hoping to do something special for our tenth but we don't know what's in store at the moment.

Daniel will be starting a new daycare on March 1st. Please be in prayer for us during this transition. We found a wonderful place in Waxahachie that is a special ministry with a local church. Apparently a lot of people want in and God got us in quick! :o) The daycare he's been at has been absolutely amazing and vital for the first year. But now we need something closer to home and we definitely prefer the Christian curriculum. I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. I'm sure he will do much better than I'm expecting.

Well, I can't think of anything else. I'm busy planning my sister's baby shower for this weekend. Her little girl is due February 28th. We are just loving all these little ones!

Monday, November 23, 2009

We're still here!

I know this phrase is horribly over used, but my how time flies! There's been a lot going on but way too much to just list.

We had a good Halloween and enjoyed showing off our little Yoda. Even though some people mistakenly called him Shrek. But what do they know. :o) He had a good time just the same. Surprisingly he didn't try to get take off his ears!



He enjoyed a little candy with his friend Lucas at the church's fall festival. We also went into Fort Worth to my friend Candi's church festival. He had a really good time there and rode on a "mini hay-ride". It was a riding lawn mower pulling two small trailers with big bean bags. He loved it! :o)







My brother David and his beautiful wife Natalie have welcomed their first baby after 37 long hours of waiting. We couldn't be more thrilled. And Case's parents more exhausted! Daniel can't wait to show Case a few tricks. Hopefully nothing bad.





David Case Needham

November 19, 2009

8:30 p.m.

7 lbs 6 oz

20 inches







My sister Jennifer is blooming more and more. She is expecting her first baby on February 28th. Finally a little girl to add to the group. I teased her that she'll either be a total princess or a tom-boy. Our family is just growing at leaps and bounds. Michael and I have discussed baby number two. But really it hasn't gotten any further than "discussing". All in due time!

My youngest brother John survived Navy boot camp and graduated on November 6th. He's still in the Chicago area but is now in school learning . . . more Navy stuff I guess. How sad that I'm not quite sure. But at any rate we are all very happy that he will be home for the Christmas holidays.

We also can't wait to see some long lost relatives this Christmas. Michael's sister Patty and her family will be joining us this year! We are so excited. It seems like forever since we've seen them and they've never even met Daniel. Just to give you an idea of the time!

Well, that sums it up for me. Just a sec, apparently Daniel has something to add . . .

yhmyhmghmjhtgg lrkduo45todfcxd t t t t t t t t t t t t vrv -pccccctiolk JY

vhctby bn ujn by bnnnnnnnnnnnnn


Okay, daddy has now pulled away baby kicking and screaming. Gotta go! Later! :o)




Monday, October 26, 2009

Ex-haus-tion

–noun
1. the act or process of exhausting.
2. the state of being exhausted.
3. extreme weakness or fatigue.
4. the total consumption of something: the exhaustion of your vacation benefits for the year.
Origin: 1640–50; <>

To say that I'm tired just wasn't enough. I'm exhausted! This last week has been such a trying week. My house has been a sick house! We noticed the week before that Daniel just wasn't himself. With the occasional low grade fever and just wanting to sleep. So when his fever got up to 102.6 on Monday morning on decided it was time to take him to see Dr. Sweet. I prayed all morning, "Please don't let it be flu!" Well, it wasn't flu. It was, however, a list of other things. Some of which all kind of piggy back each other.
  1. strep throat
  2. viral throat infection
  3. double ear infection
  4. thrush
  5. Hand Foot and Mouth

Two prescriptions and handouts later the doctor says, "At least it's not the flu!" She's right. Thank God for that. But now what?

Well, Tuesday morning I'm giving Michael instructions on how and when to give Daniel is medications. He looks at me with this glazed looked telling me he's not listening to a word I'm saying. In the middle of me asking, "Are you listening?" he darts to the bathroom and commences to puking and diarrhea. So, I call in for a second day and now have two boys to take care. Wednesday morning met me with a lovely slap in the face. It was my turn to be sick. Luckily only once! I was able to power through the rest of the day still caring for two puny, but recovering boys. Michael and I went back to work and Daniel back to school. I prayed that the daycare wouldn't call me and say it was too soon. Especially now that the blisters seem to have migrated from his mouth to his little face in the past two or three days!

In the midst of the crazy week my poor mother is diagnosed with a fungal ear infection that may have made it's way into her lymph node! How does that happen? Why does it seem everyone around me is falling apart? Pray that she feels better soon. She's been in tons of pain and will be going back to the doctor today. Pray that she doesn't require hospitalization but just lots of rest at home.

So, now we are trying to get back on schedule and maintain some form of routine. It's amazing how easy it is to get off and how hard it can be to get back on. A mother and wife's job is truly never ending. (I'm sorry Mom for never recognizing that until now!) I'm almost caught up with laundry and my house doesn't resemble a pig-sty anymore. Well, maybe just a little. But I'm still working on that!





Friday, October 9, 2009

Bring the Rain

I actually had a completely different post planned for this evening but in light of what has taken place will postpone that for now.

For those of you who don't know, Michael is the Corsicana High School Choir director. And that small town has just been rocked with a terrible loss. Michael received word about an hour ago that the father of one of his students was killed in a car accident. In this town like every other small Texas town, sports reign. Which can be very frustrating for a fine arts teacher. But Michael knew that no matter what was going on he could depend on this man to support the choir. Including chaperon the trip to New York earlier this year as well as other functions. Michael cares for all of his students but for some reason really bonded with this family, this man. Sadly, he was also the pastor of one of the local churches. And knowing that is bittersweet. I can't help but remember the verse from Mercy Me's song Bring the Rain.

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Such powerful words in such a difficult time for this family. Please pray for them this weekend while they cope with this rain.






Lord, we come to you on behalf of the Edwards family tonight. We pray that you wrap your arms around his wife tonight and give her comfort and strength. I can't imagine the loss that she is feeling right now. Please hold on tight to his son tonight. Give him the comfort that now only his Daddy God can give him. Every boy needs his daddy and now give him the wisdom to come to you. To know that in all this rain you will give him the peace and understanding that his father is now with his Heavenly Father. Please give this family comfort to know that this man closed his eyes to this world but opened them to your welcoming face! I also pray Lord that you give Michael the words to share with this family. This is such a difficult time to find words. Just speak to his heart and give him comfort as well with the loss of his friend. I can't remember the last time I've seen him so heartbroken. Lord, we don't always understand your ways when we're in the middle of the storm. Sometimes we still don't even after the clouds have gone away. But we know we can always take comfort in knowing that you are here. It's in Your name we ask it all! Amen

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

My tray runneth over!

Michael and I grew up on Spaghetti-O's (admittedly still eat them) and couldn't wait for the day Daniel could do the same. Last night he tried Michael's favorite. Spaghetti-O's with meatballs. Needless to say he devoured them! He looked like an Oompa loompa when he was done. And the dogs enjoyed cleaning up the mess. We had to take him outside to clean up. Whitetrash, I know. But fun just the same. Just see for yourself!

What did you eat as a child you couldn't wait to give your little one?
















Wait Daddy, there's still some on my tray!





Stick 'em up!

I think I found some between his toes!

I should be on a cleaning product commercial. Can you see that orange ring?

Dinner was good but bathtime is always so much more fun!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

"Little boy,
you

remind me

how
so much
depends on
days
made of now."

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Anchors away!

Wednesday we said goodbye to my little brother, John. He has joined the navy and on to a new life! We're all so proud of him and will miss him while he's in basic. Please continue to pray for him during the new stage of life. We all know he will be a different person when he comes back. But we couldn't be prouder! We love and miss you John!




Thursday, August 27, 2009

Dear Daniel,

One year ago today, God changed my life forever. Never in my wildest dreams could I have possibly imagined how much. No parent truly realizes the changes and sacrifices they will make for such a precious gift. Daniel, you mean so much more to me than I could have ever imagined. Not a day goes by that I don't look at you and thank God for giving me one more day of your smile. The way you tug on my neck so I'll hold on for one more second. The way you say mama melts my heart with every breath you take. To know that sometimes I'm the only one that can calm your tears delights me. Your little hand at your mouth blowing me kisses. The way you seem to fit in my arms just so when I hold you close. Even on those sleepless nights I can praise God that I have a reason to be exhausted.

One year ago today, I held you for the first time and couldn't believe that God had trusted me with one of his most amazing miracles. The joy, honor and fear of it all washed over me. To know that I was responsible for His creation. To care for you and raise you to trust in our Saviour. To know that you were not only a part of me and your dad, but a part of God. To know that you weren't truly and wholly mine, but God's. To know that my love for the Lord was so much stronger because He blessed me with you. Because He was and is always faithful. Praise be to the one and true God who moves mountains!

One year ago today, I looked in your eyes and saw your father. My love for your daddy is immeasurable. My love for him grows each time I see him kiss your precious head. To see you both asleep in the recliner gives me such peace. Your laughter makes him smile a smile that he saves just for you. I love that smile! When he sweeps you up into his arms I know that he would do anything to help and protect you. And to see him reprimand you reassures me he will also guide you. Not only guide you through this world but down the path of righteousness. Because your daddy loves you more than any man on this earth!

One year ago today, I became your mommy. And I will always and forever be Daniel's Mommy!

I love you Puppy, a whole sky full!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Daniel's world

Daniel has changed so much in the past several months I don't even no where to begin!
He's not walking yet, but has taken a few steps. I am sad to say that I missed his first ones. But the ten other people in the same room got to see him. At least we were with family.My Uncle Roy asked me how long he had been walking and I told him he wasn't.
"Well, he just did!" I couldn't believe I missed his first steps. His MOMMY!
But we were able to get him to take a couple more steps so we could get it on video.
That will come soon.

He has a mouth full of teeth! Okay, I'm exaggerating. But it seems like he's gotten all his teeth over night. He has three working on four on the bottom and the same on top!
Funny thing is he already knows what they're for. He puts them to good use with some of his favorite foods. Or as soon as something is in his hands, it goes right to his mouth.
We've had lots of drool, trouble sleeping, yucky diapers, etc. The list goes on. . .
Needless to say, this last round of teething has been very difficult for all of us!

While Daniel may not be walking, he is cruising on everything possible.
Push toys, furniture, or Mommy and Daddy's hands have all proved to be very helpful in getting around. Of course his crawling skill has tripled! He's faster than ever.
When it comes to eating he's a pro! He of course is a Huffstetler and doesn't struggle with this a bit. He especially loves veggies, which makes his mommy very proud. He also loves yogurt. If you show him the container he goes nuts. And gets upset when we get to the bottom and tell him he's all done. (Like I said, he's a Huffstetler and loves his food!) We introduced the sippy cup at nine months and didn't turn back. It came to a point that he preferred them so the bottles were completely gone before 1o months! He is on whole milk now. While he wasn't on formula for long, that stuff smells horrible and cost a ton. Thanks to Gran she kept us well stocked.

Pacifiers are slowly becoming a thing of the past. I remember before having a baby I swore I would never use them. But I gave Daniel his first before he was a full 24 hours old! :o) I was so disappointed in myself but then he went to sleep! HEAVENLY!! We started "forgetting" it for nap times at school then at home. Now we're down to only in the car or at bedtime. Even then he doesn't use it much. However, if he does find one laying around he puts it straight in. I can't stand to see him playing with a paci in his mouth! I will ask him to hand me his paci and he obliges with no fight. Good boy!
We've been working on teaching him sign language. Just the very basic signs to start out with. (more, all done, milk, etc.) Although his sign isn't always accurate, he's seems to be picking it up. He certainly understands it if we sign it to him! He enjoys watching his Baby Einstein video that shows him the signs. He will watch the video then turn and watch me do the sign. It's really cute! I think the one sign he picked up on faster was "all done". He let's you know when he's had enough.

As far as speech he of course keeps it very basic. He now uses Mama and Dada in the correct context. And has now learned "yuck". It's especially cute when he says it while changing his diaper. I'm pretty sure that's where he picked it up at! :o)

Saturday we celebrated his first birthday a few days early. I can’t believe it was already time for that! We had a wonderful time with everyone that was able to come. We decided to keep it to just the family and had it outdoors since we live in a cozy two bed, one bath home. He had so much fun playing with everyone and playing with all his new toys. His top favorite was a big red ball Krystyna got him. Luckily he didn’t focus on just that and was eventually distracted by some of the noisier toys he received. He really needed some toys more geared to his age. I think he was getting bored with his rattles! :o)

We grilled hot dogs and had cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. His “cake” was a stack of cupcakes that I put together. The single one on top had chocolate icing. He was absolutely adorable! He really wanted to chow down but I guess he just couldn’t wrap his head around how he was going to go about it. It was just so funny. He eventually figured it out and got icing everywhere. I was holding back tears of laughter the entire time.

Well, I think I’ve covered all the bases. I will be posting pictures and video soon. I promise! :o)




Thursday, August 13, 2009

We're back from our blog break!

Look what Daniel learned to do while we were gone!




Okay, okay. But I just had to share this video! :o)

Updates about . . . crawling, cruising, teeth, drool, and daycare . . . are coming!