Yep, that's right he is now pulling himself up on anything from a sitting position and standing...we are so proud!
A blog about the rewards of motherhood which are more precious than jewels.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
And He Stands!
Yep, that's right he is now pulling himself up on anything from a sitting position and standing...we are so proud!
Jackson' Schedule 8 months old
9:30ish watch the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the exersaucer while I finally get a shower (Before this he is crawling around under my careful eye)
10:30ish Nap till 12 ish, During this time I do my Bible Reading and computer time
12:30ish I usually go to Curves and work out till
12pm-:3:30 or
4pm-5:30 or 6 Nap Joyous Time of the Day
8 or
Monday Nights-Wash Jackson cloths
Tuesdays –Wash our cloths, nights Weight Watchers meeting
Wednesday-Church at night
Thursday-softball at night
Some Tips/Questions Answered for New Moms:
* Pictures are from last weekend when my parents came to visit Jackson for the day---they really love him and he was very excited to see them
I have recently given some advice to some new moms so I thought I would share:
1. Bottles The top three bottles I have found to be are:
a) Platex drop in bottles that I use or anything by Platex that is a slow flow nipple
b) Nuby bottles
c) Dr. Brown bottles if you can figure them out
The key is for your baby not to drink to fast, and I have found that advent bottles are too fast and babies drink it too fast and get sick…but yet again every baby is different
Thought on Breastfeeding
*Breast-feeding was the hardest thing I have ever had to do! It is different for everyone and for some it comes very easy… You are NOT A BAD MOM IF BREAST-FEEDING IS NOT WORKING! Please do not let your babies have to go to the hospital because you will not supplement. They have come a long way with formula
When you breast feed at first, I used a timer and did 15 minutes per side. The breast milk usually does not come in for 3-5 days (mine day 7) and you need to eat really well and 500 more calories a day. You probably do not want to eat any salads. The milk will come in based on how long you breast feed for so if you only breast feed for 5 minutes at a time do not expect to have a lot of milk.
* Every different doctor I went to seemed to say something different. Some said I should breast feed every 2 hours others said to wait. Since you do not know how many ozs you are getting I am not sure what new moms should do. I would try to still wait for 2 ½ hours from the beginning of the first feeding.
* Using a breast pump is good but you need to sterilize the pump every time you use it. I used Medla microwave bags for this. You will only be able to get half of the milk that you really have in your breasts
* It was the hardest when I was both breast feeding and supplementing. If you do this you need to breast feed for like 15 minutes each side and then right after feed you baby anywhere from 2-4 ozs of milk at first. I only did this for like 3 weeks and when you finally pick either breast feeding or bottle feeding it becomes so much easier! Babies need a minimum of 24 oz of formula in 24 hours and a max of 32. Every since
* Be aware that if you strictly breast feed though, you baby might not ever take a bottle
* Be aware that jaundice is caused by breastfeeding so if you baby has a high level of jaundice you probably want to supplement formula.
* Go to a breastfeeding class if at all possible
* I will not even attempt to breastfeed my future blessed children (for many personal reasons) But I would recommend all new moms to at least attempt it.
* At the end of every day I put all 5 bottles in the dishwasher and wash them every night
* I wash the pacifiers in that contraption you can get at Walmart for $2. Pacifiers are not evil!
* I am also washing my top of the high chair in the dishwasher once a week.
2. What type of formula do I use?
- I have always used Similac Lactose free but now they have changed the name to Similac Senstive (it is the only similac that is has an orange label). This works really well with gassy babies and for new babies with sensitive stomachs
- If you use the powder kind you need to make it very exact and just make it a bottle at a time. Either boil your water to make the formula or use nursery water (in pink container) found at Walmart
- Jackson has gotten use to the ready feed and he was waken up in the middle of the night when we were using powder so we have had to go back to the $6 a day ready made
- Make sure your baby gets at least 27 ozs in during the day even if you have to feed him for like 15 minutes and then wait a little bit and then go back to feeding him---if you want him to sleep through the night. After you have heated the formula up (I put very hot water in a plastic cup) You can use the formula for 1 hour, then you need to throw it away! If you try and put it back in the refrig and then give it to them later---IT WILL MAKE THEM SICK
3. What type of diapers did I use?
- I used the Swaddler Diaper at first and all the way to size 2. I like Pampers Diapers the most and Huggies are good too. Luvs only worked for him when he was at the end weight of the certain size
- I use Pamper Senstive Wipes because
4. Schedule of a new born (
7am Diaper Change, Eat
8:30-10 Nap
10 Diaper Change Eat
2:30-4ish Nap
8:30-10ish Nap
10 Diaper Change Eat
Hope this helps!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Pictures of Jackson's First Beach Trip
Today we went to the beach with our good friends the Trauxs. It was our first beach trip with Jackson, and we had such a good time. We went to the end of Folly's Beach and it was beautiful! It only took us an hour and a half to get down there. We first went to a children's clothing shop "Once Upon a Child" that I highly recommend (they just opened one up in Columbia at Harbison). Enjoy!
This beach is also special because it was the FIRST beach that my grandmother, Molly, took me when to when I was 4 years olds. This area is where my dad is from so it was a very special trip!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Jackson's First Time Swimming!
Today we went to the Shaw Air Force Base pool. Our good friends the Traux's are in the military, and invited us to go swimming today. We had the best time! I got this fun swimming chair at Walmart. He does have some hives from the Huggies little swimmer sun screen (SPF 50) So moms be careful, some babies have reactions to certain sun screens. We just have given him a little benadryl and he is fine Enjoy the pictures and video!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Update on Andrew-May 25th 2007
Since I last posted on Andrew he has been on NBC nightly news and Headline news But here is the latest updates:
| FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2007 02:39 PM, EDT |
| I just posted a new picture of Andrew practing walking. In this picture, he is on his stubbies. They are shortened prosthetics that allow him to practice balance. They will gradually raise them as he improves. He now is practing on C-legs using a knee joint as well. His upper body is growing strong from all of the use of muscle to propel himself forward. He's doing just great! ~Katherine |
| |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007 02:31 PM, EDT |
| Andrew is doing well. They recently took his stitches out from his previous surgery, so he was able to get back into hard physical therapy today. He is practicing walking again and is doing well. He is using the legs that have knee joints (which are harder to maneuver). He had his nephrostomy tube taken out of his kidney. It's just so amazing that everything has healed up so well there! Thank you all for your continued prayers! ~Katherine |
| |
| SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2007 10:41 PM, SAST |
| Andrew tried out the 3-wheeled bicycle the other day and really enjoyed it. It is basically a bicycle that has been adjusted, so that he could use his hands to propel himself forward. Dad said it really wore him out, but that it was a lot of fun to get outside. It sounds like he's doing really well! ~Katherine |
| |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 09, 2007 07:16 PM, EDT |
| I have an amazing praise report to share with you today. You all know that I have been asking for prayer regarding a major upcoming surgery- an internal surgery that would close up the hole in his ureter and close up the fistula that had formed. To give some background, the ureter is the small fragile tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder. Because of a tear in his left ureter, urine had been leaking into his body forming an unnatural passage or fistula connecting the ureter to the colon. Thus, urine would have a passage to the colon. This was obviously a major problem. They had temporarily dealt with this by preventing the passage of his urine. They inserted a nephrostomy tube in his kidney and in his bladder to prevent the urine from going anywhere. They performed an x-ray test this afternoon by inserting a fluid into his nephrostomy tube to follow the passage of the urine. It started to collect in a round oval formation. They wondered what this was. They tried dyeing the fluid blue. You would not believe that the urine went all the way through his system as it should. His ureter and fistula are completely healed! The doctor was absolutely shocked. Andrew no longer needs this major surgery because it healed on its own. God has heard many of our prayers and chose in His grace to heal him. I know He did not have to. We are not promised anything here on earth. I just see how God desired to bless Andrew in a special way with this. How should we be surprised as Andrew should not even be alive today? I am just so thankful to God for this miracle. I am thankful to all of you for your very specific prayers on Andrew's behalf. ~Katherine |
| |
| SUNDAY, MAY 06, 2007 08:10 PM, EDT |
| Andrew is doing well and had a nice weekend with my parents. Please continue to pray for his emotions and stress level. He is so in need of a break, but is not at a point where he can get one. Pray for encouragement, strength in the difficulties, and for rest. Also, please lift up this upcoming surgery. The doctors are now undecided about when they actually want to repair the ureter and fistula. There are several surgical teams from both hospitals involved in this decision and the decision making process thus gets pretty complex. Pray for wisdom in this. Thank you! ~Katherine |
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Solomon's Peak-2 Chronicles 6:14
"He said: "Oh Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or in earth--- you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."
God searches our hearts. Are we more worried about our children's perfect actions? Are are we concerned rightfully about our children's heart and their motive behind their actions.
Chronicles keeps on stating that the heavens cannot contain God. How much time do we actually spend thinking about God and His greatness? How much time do we spend worshipping in thoughts and by our words and songs? God has blessed me beyond what I can fathom, just by me trying to seek Him daily by reading/listening His word through in one year. We give a little, and God gives so much more back!
God searches our hearts. Are we more worried about our children's perfect actions? Are are we concerned rightfully about our children's heart and their motive behind their actions.
Chronicles keeps on stating that the heavens cannot contain God. How much time do we actually spend thinking about God and His greatness? How much time do we spend worshipping in thoughts and by our words and songs? God has blessed me beyond what I can fathom, just by me trying to seek Him daily by reading/listening His word through in one year. We give a little, and God gives so much more back!
Little Rascal
Little Rascal is trying his best to stand up on things and is into everything. He is not liking the powder formula too much, I think that is why he is waking up now some nights (he is rubing his belly). Enjoy the picture! Ps-Kelly's baby picture look a lot like Jackson's (yeah my sister looked like a boy for a while when she was a baby).
Friday, May 18, 2007
Pictures from the Youth Fund-Raiser
Here are two professional pictures that were taken on April 20th, so Jackson was 7 months old. Our youth is going to World Changers and this was part of their fundraiser. Gretchen and I worked out today at Curves (which along with Weight Watchers has helped me lose the fun filled 50 pounds I gained with Jackson) and she scanned these two pictures on her scanner. She is the best!
1 Timothy 2:15
Justification: Happens when we are saved. God’s righteousness is imputed to us. In other words, when God now looks at us, he sees Jesus, a perfect person
Sanctification: Literally means to set apart for special use or purpose--- that is to make holy. Growth in grace should continue throughout every person who has accepted Christ. I think that getting married makes us holier because we again have to die to ourselves and become like Christ. Getting a dog, makes you sanctified because you have to suffer and die to yourselves. And certainly, having a baby makes you holier by daily dying to your own self and putting another person’s needs before your own. There is nothing wrong with being single. In fact, people that are single have more time to devote to spreading the Gospel.
Glorification: I believe this does not completely happen till be receive our glorified bodies after Christ returns. The Baptist Faith and Message defines it has the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.
My point of this post is that children make us more like Jesus. They teach us to die to ourselves. However, our society says we have to do things for ourselves, and we do not want anything that is hard or to have anything that might make us suffer even a little. Isn’t through great sorrow comes the greatest joy you could ever know? Is it not he will of God for us to suffer? We today have really gotten so “me” centered that no one dare want you to have more than 2.5 kids. Isn’t the heart of the Gospel to die to self and depend on God for everything?
1 Timothy
Maybe Mark Driscoll (http://www.marshillchurch.org/) is right that Paul here is talking about us being becoming more like Jesus when we give birth to a child and raise them up in the admonition of the Lord. Having children is part of the sanctification process for women. What do you think? Do you think he is talking about Eve, and Christ coming through the seed of Adam and Eve?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
2 Chronicles 17:16
It is amazing how much more I am learning this time around by listening to the Bible on cd (the dramatized version)
David's prayer:
"Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"
This verse just keeps ringing in my ear. "Who am I?" David asks. In the culture that we are trying to reach here in Sumter, everyone thinks they deserve everything. Until a person really realizes that they are not a "good person" there is no reason for them to accept Jesus. That is what I am praying for daily for Jackson. I am praying that even though he lives in a culture that is constantly telling him he deserves everything, he will realize the depths of his sins. I pray that he will have David's heart and his humility.
This great song also keeps going on in my head and I thought I would share:
David's prayer:
"Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"
This verse just keeps ringing in my ear. "Who am I?" David asks. In the culture that we are trying to reach here in Sumter, everyone thinks they deserve everything. Until a person really realizes that they are not a "good person" there is no reason for them to accept Jesus. That is what I am praying for daily for Jackson. I am praying that even though he lives in a culture that is constantly telling him he deserves everything, he will realize the depths of his sins. I pray that he will have David's heart and his humility.
This great song also keeps going on in my head and I thought I would share:
i want it all
by shane barnard
use me, break me, waste me on You, Lord
ruin me, take me, waste me on You
for to die is to live...
to starve is to feast
and less of me is more of Jesus
Lord, i want it all
Lord, i want it all
if i lose my life
i gain everything
and at the cross
away with all death's sting
Lord, i want it all
Lord, i want it all
there is power in the blood
there is victory in Jesus
come in power, wash me clean
overwhelm me with Your presence
there is power in the blood
there is victory in Jesus
help me glory in the cross
help me find my gain in loss
(Philippians 1:21-23; 3:7-11)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Happy 2nd Birthday Millie Boo!
Well, today, is our dog’s second Birthday. I thought I would write about it, because it is only by God’s grace that she is still alive. She ate rat poison that was left in the church parsonage and had to have a complete blood transfusion last June (2006). The doctor told me that she had a 50/50 shot of living. He definitely told me this when I was 6 months pregnant, and very emotional after the big move and the sudden death of my grandmother. This was a time in my life when I was depressed, and my relationship with Jesus was not even a relationship. I am glad Millie Boo almost died because I have never prayed that hard or that much. God does get all the glory for saving her life.
I am thankful for Millie Boo because:
- She sanctifies us daily, and has brought us closer to the Lord during her near death experience. She teaches us how to die to ourselves, and depend on God for strength.
- She makes
- She relaxes me by licking my feet daily
- She teaches both me and Charlie patience. She is a high maintenance dog because she requires a lot of time and attention (all dogs really need a walk daily, so think about that before you get a cute little one)
- She always has a loud, friendly welcome!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Update on the J-Man, 8 months old (35 weeks)
Well, he has been doing better obviously from the pictures, but he did have to have his third shot on Monday for his left ear infection. Apparently, it is the new trend to instead of giving stronger antibiotics if your little one still has an ear infection, they just give you a shot of antibiotics that last anywhere from 24-36 hours. It is strong and gets right to their little system fast. His left ear infection was bad enough to where our doctor knew he would need 2 shots, but was not sure about the third. We went in on a Monday and she said it was still red, so we could not give the shot to him, but we might be back at the doctor at the end of the week...after those little words we decided to go ahead and give him the shot. They also gave us some great ear drops and we can now give him motrin before he goes to bed because he is over 6 months old.
In the last few weeks we have been to the doctor:
April 27th-falling off the bed
April 30th-Double Ear infection
May 10th-still one ear infection
May 11th-second round of shots
May 14th-third round of shots
Praise: Our doctors are less than 1 mile away from us!
Praise: This is the first real time he has been sick
Please pray that he starts to sleep through the night again. He has woken up for the last three nights at 1 am and gone back to bed fine in our bed, but cried every time we laid him down in his crib. So last night he slept with us all night and it was terrible. He is such a violent sleeper and was starving at 6:30 am, so I have been going strong all day.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Happy Mother's Day! (Proverbs 31)
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
Complementarian Perspective on the Proverbs 31 Woman
Complementarians see the Proverbs 31 woman as a woman who is selfless, devoted to domestic chores, and one who supports her husband’s leadership in the town. George Knight is quick to point out that Proverbs 31:10-31 shows a wife and mother who supports the family beyond the domesticated chores. Since Scripture interprets Scripture, these verses do not contradict what the apostle Paul states in the New Testament. Additionally, we must see the emphasis on the home as the very point of the Proverbs passage. Knight affirms that the woman in Proverbs works to care for her family and to fulfill her responsibility to her family (c.f. e.g., verses 21, and 27). She does this not only “for her children but also to support her husband’s leadership role in the community” (verse 23). [1] She supported her husband’s leadership. This woman wants the best for her family. The key questions a wife should ask when deciding on rather or not to work outside the home is: is it beneficial to her family, foes it aid in her husband’s calling? Can she do it while still being faithful to her primary calling to be a wife and mother and to care for her home? The proverbs women did not seek to find herself, yet her desire was to serve her family. In the end, she receives praise from her family (verses 28, 29), and “recognition for her labors (verse 31) because she has conducted the whole endeavor in obedience to the Lord she reverences” (verse 30). [2] Her heart motive is to serve her family, and she has her family’s interests above her own. She is being obedient to the Lord and trusting him.
Dorothy Patterson continues Knight’s observations on the Proverbs 31 woman by stating that there is no mention of rights (contrary to Bilezikian’s argument) or pursuit of self-serving interest neither is their any mention of the husband assigned to “domestic pursuits.”[3] In fact, his occupation with other task is clearly states, “Her husband has full confidence in her . . . Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land” (Proverbs 31:11, 23). In conclusion, God’s ideal wife is one who is a “committed homemaker, chaste helpmeet, upright and God-fearing woman of strength.”[4] All women can strive after this woman of strength by striving for spiritual excellence and fearing the Lord.
[1] George W. Knight III, “The Family and the Church: How Should Biblical Manhood and Womanhood Work Out in Practice?” in John Piper and Wayne Grudem, eds., Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism (Wheaton: Crossway, 1991), 348.
[3] Dorothy Patterson, “The High Calling of Wife and Mother in Biblical Perspective,” in John Piper and Wayne Grudem, eds., Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism (Wheaton: Crossway, 1991), 367.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Does God Change His Mind?
I am still trying to read the Bible through again and I am in 2 Kings now. People ask me all the time, “How do you have time to read your Bible?” A very wise women told me in seminary and I believe she is right, “You have time for what you want to have time for.” I always think about this passage when I start thinking like a Calvinist (j/k) in that God has already decided what is going to happen, so why should I pray? Read this, this will rock your world if you have not read this glorious passage of Scripture before.
2 Kings 20
Hezekiah's Illness
In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, "Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of
Salvation Experience and Call to Ministry:
I was recently asked to give me testimony and salvation experience so I thought I would share it here as well:
I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior when I was 10 years old in a revival service at First Baptist Spartanburg. I still to this day remember crying uncontrollably because it was the first time I had ever realized the depth of my sin. I knew I had to accept Christ into my heart and trust him completely or I would be eternally separated from Christ. I was baptized in May of 1990, and my parents did a great job of making this moment the biggest event of my life. I received a charm bracelet with the date of my baptism inscribed on it, and my extended family all came to see me baptized. I still vividly remember my conversion from utter darkness to light. Now, I wanted God through his son to be glorified in my life
I grew up in a very strong Bible believing church and in one of the most dynamic youth groups in the country. I was discipled and in a bible study all through junior high and high school. My senior year I became president of FCA where I taught the Bible weekly.
I went to college and joined
After college, I had no direction from the Lord on what I should do with my life. I learned patience and how to really trust God through prayer during this time. I went to One Day, a Christian conference, in
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Jackson 7 months and 3 weeks old (33 weeks old):
Milestones:
- Can crawl very fast, and anywhere he wants to go.
- Can balance on his knees, however, he is not interested in standing to much
- He tries to stand up in his pack in play, but falls.
- He waved to me with his left hand this morning in his highchair
- Understands “no” and actually stopped grabbing a cord last night when I said no firmly. We are disciplining him when he can hurt himself or others. He laughs when we say no but usually stops. We sometimes have to isolate him in the crib for just a couple of minutes, and only when he has kept grabbing something that can electrocute him, and after we have said no.
Favorite Show:
- The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, this is the only cartoon he will watch, and trust me we have tried them all
Favorite Toy:
- Tickle Me Elmo, Doctor one that talks (some sweet YMCA parent gave to us in Raleigh---I think they run like $50) He gets so excited when Elmo talks to him.
New Favorite Book:
- The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes by Kenneth N. Taylor. We try to read this too him every night. This is a special book because Charlie’s dad read it to him when we was a little boy ( I think it was published in 1975).
Update:
- He is doing so much better. Babies and children are so resilient!
- He has slept through the night since Wednesday night
- We have stayed indoors, and he has gotten better. Today, me and Jackson did not go to morning church, but went tonight and he was fine.
- I do think he is starting to develop some allergies like his mom and dad
- We had a great visit with Charlie's parents Mimi ,"Doc,"Lauren, Scott, and Jake on Saturday!
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