Amazima - Katie's children

I was awestruck as I ran across this blog yesterday. Take some time to read about what one young woman is doing in Uganda:
Take some time to read through her experiences.... I've copied some from her blog, but there is so much more, plus pictures. Pictures of the children she has taken in, and of those who she is still striving to help. To step out in faith and care for even a few of the millions of children who are homeless, hungry, and sick is an inspiration. I realize that I am blessed by God to be safe and healthy in my more-than-enough home. It's easy to look at any of the so-called hardships I think I have gone through and feel sorry for myself. But they are all nothing. Nothing compared to the devastation that 147 million orphans in this world go through.


"It is my 16th Birthday and I am eating sushi at my favorite restaurant with my parents when I tell them that I would like to explore the possibility of taking a year in between high school and college to do mission work. This is unheard of in my family and they say they are not sure and will think about it. I am nervous, but somehow I know it is right. He changes their hearts.

I graduate high school having made the commitment to teach Kindergarten for a year at a school in The Middle of Nowhere, Uganda. In August I get on the plane. I’m apprehensive and I cry most of the way because I miss my Mommy and my boyfriend. I am eager, but so uncertain. I trust Him. I teach 138 children how to speak English and to love Jesus.

It is October and I am just not sure I can do it anymore. I live in the smallest room I have ever seen in the back of a pastor’s house. I am more uncomfortable than I had bargained for. No one understands, not people here, not people at home. I am tired. But I am prideful and I am not going to quit. I don’t like this. But I know He has a plan. I learn, I grow, He is there.

It is December and God has spoken very clearly about opening a ministry that sponsors 40 of the orphaned children in the village where I am working. This involves moving into a different house, ALONE. It is big and I cannot imagine how God will fill it up. I am lonely and I am anxious. But I am still trusting. He fills the house, and we now have 400 children sponsored.

It is January and I am looking at a little girl, crushed under a brick wall with no one to care for her or her younger siblings. I offer to take the three home with me until we find them a better placement. I am not really sure what to do with them, but I know they are God’s children. They stay.

It is three days later and the littlest looks at me and calls me mommy. My heart might break in two. Something clicks. I am even more scared than I was the day I stepped on that plane, but I KNOW. Today I have 13.

I have to deliver a baby, give a boy stitches, pull a tooth, give and injection. I am petrified. But no one will do it if I do not. He is present, He holds my hand, they are all fine.

It is March and a lame little girl is brought to my gate. She is undoubtedly mine, but I am still anxious. What if I can’t do it? I don’t know what to do with a special needs child, especially as my 13th child. I am criticized and ridiculed. I wonder. I trust and praise God for her sweet little life. She starts to walk.

We keep taking in more children until there are 400 in our program. There is no way we will raise enough funds, but by now I have stopped worrying. He has always provided. Blessings rain from the sky, and all 400 children go to school. "

from http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

So as I tuck my own precious child into bed in just a few short minutes, I'll pray for him as I do every night. But I'll pray for Katie's children as well.

Quick visit

My dad came out from Minnesota to visit with the three of us. Noah was unfortunately slammed with work, and couldn't spend a lot of time with us, but I know my dad loved spending time with Ethan, and had a great time as he acclimated to being Grandpa. We spent most of the time just doing errands and holiday shopping around town. We also went out for dinner at our neighborhood pub.

Also, I stole a few photos of my grandfather from my dad, as I don't have a lot of them of the last few years of his life. He passed away a year ago, and today would have been his 91st birthday. I know he would have loved to meet Ethan, as he is the first boy born into our family in 55 years!

Grandpa Howard:

Pictures of the day

Although it's 3 days shy, we'll call this 2 months. When people ask how old Ethan is I feel like I've been saying "almost two months" for the last few weeks. I guess I'm going to have to get used to not saying almost, since Ethan will hit the two month mark on Friday. Here are a few photos of our sweet, sweet boy. I love him so much.

When Dad dresses me

I do love it that Noah enjoys spending time with Ethan. He's the master burper, bather, and diaper changer and he really makes my job a lot easier by picking up the slack when my hands are full. The one caveat is when it comes to dressing Ethan, he seems a little lost. Now, this seems to be a recurring theme from the stories I hear from other friends about their husbands, so this isn't intended to throw my hubby under the bus. If anything, I think it's adorable.

Usually I just set out 2 or three outfits next to the changing table because a) its easy to grab if I need something quick b) if there's something that he hasn't worn yet or might grow out of soon, I might want him to get some wear out of a certain outfit and c) if Noah's changing Ethan, he doesn't have to guess on what will or won't fit him, since there are different sized items in the dresser and I do most of the laundry, so I know what fits and what doesn't.

Let's just say that today, there weren't any outfits set out. And while the pants and shirt weren't the most complimentary to each other, I don't really care. What did make me laugh was Ethan's pants. Notice the tag:

Just the first of many dad inspired outfits. I wonder what other fashion statements we have to look forward to!

Thanksgiving

How could I forget to take pictures of Ethan's first Thanksgiving!!?! We slept in a little later than anticipated, packed our bags, and braved Thanksgiving day traffic and drove to Noah's family's house. After quite a long drive, we arrived at Noah's Grandparents house, and left our camera in the truck. From there on out, the thought didn't even cross my mind, and the truth is that Ethan slept through most of the evening. I did manage to get a great shot of Ethan and Roxanne the next day... sooo, sorry Ethan, this is the closest thing to a picture of your first Thanksgiving:

Cute Jammies / New Sling

There is so much to be thankful for these days, but I honestly can't get enough of this kid.

Cute moose jammies:

A picture with mom:

A new sling:

This sling is fast becoming a favorite item in our household. It saves me when Ethan just wants to be held close and there is laundry to be done, dishes to be washed, etc. This seems to happen most during the evenings when Noah's at work. This has often meant that certain jobs get put off till the next day or.... hmm... who knows when! But Ethan loves his Lucky Baby Sling, I love how cute it looks, and most importantly, it helps to keep him calm and snoozing when there are things to do (like packing for Thanksgiving, which is what I have to do right after I finish writing this).

We are going out to Noah's family's place for Turkey day... which makes 3 weekends in a row of traveling! I am becoming quite a pro at figuring out what to pack, what baby gear we need, and how many diapers, outfits, etc. And going to visit family is worth it becuause it sure is fun to have everyone love on the baby. We are so glad that we'll be sharing this holiday with family, and also will be missing others that we can't be with too.

Happy Thanksgiving Friends and Family :)

My boys

I am usually the first in our family to grab the camera and start snapping. This means that we end up with an uneven amount of pictures of Ethan with his daddy in comparison with pictures of me with Ethan. I'm not complaining though... and here are some favorites of Noah and Ethan together:

Great-Grandma and Grandpa visit

My mom and grandparents flew in last Friday for a quick weekend visit. Ethan had a great time getting to know his Great Grandparents and seeing his Grandma again. Just a few pictures:

First look:



Four generations of family:
Great-Grandma:

Grandma:

Great Grandpa:

Catching up on past events

A few weeks ago, Noah and I got all dressed up, and with some trepidation, left for a night in Seattle without Ethan. This was the last Friday in October, meaning Ethan was not even 4 weeks old... I had to stop myself from thinking that this made me a bad mom. It was an annual awards banquet we were obligated to go to, and as expected... we had a great time! I was very nervous to be away from Ethan for such an extended amount of time, but he was in great hands. Noah's sister Roxanne (who's new name of "Aunt Smee" is catching on quite quickly) came over, forgoing a day of work, and visited with us, helped us get ready and even brought some lovely hydrangeas too! It was so nice to have such a capable and trustworthy family member looking after Ethan, and I know leaving him will get easier with time. I think we all did great... no tears were shed on my part, or Ethan's for that matter!

One month check-up

Ethan had his one month check up today. He weighs 9 pounds 3 ounces and is 21 inches long. His birth weight was 7 pounds 8 ounces and he measured 19 inches... so he's growing, growing, growing! Good job buddy :)