Christmas

Well, we are just about to finish up 3 weeks of travel!! First, we went to DC for Rachel's wedding, then onto Dallas, TX to see my parents, then onto Victoria, TX (south TX) to see Josh's parents, then back to Dallas to fly back out. So, that was 8 flights for Rebekah and me and even more for Josh since he had weird connections!! All in all, Rebekah has done so well and has very much enjoyed her grandparents, aunts/uncles, and new cousins!!
Highlights- Just listening to her say practically 20 new words a day, such as chocolate cake, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, every relative's name, Dunkey (Duncan- the dog!), animal crackers, tons of phrases- more ____, Mama's _____, Nana's home, Dada work church... Rebekah with her new cousins- Riley Jane (a little jealousy there), Quale, and Emilia Lots of snuggle time during restless nights and planes Her fascination with Christmas trees- what will we do when they are gone?! She accidentally socked my mom in the face and looked up at her and said "Mamama, sorry!" Feigning ouchies for attention and kisses Clapping around in her Xmas shoes Happy Feet! (she River Dances in place and that's what we call it)
The pics are in no particluar order, so enjoy!

My new niece and nephew, Quale (short for Pasquale, which means Easter in Italian and is also his father and grandfather's name) and Emilia

Rachel and her new husband, Pat (also short for Pasquale)

Josh with his older sister, Rachel (left), who sings in the Navy for the Sea Chanters, and younger sister, Sarah (middle), who is a missionary in the Middle East
Just precious...
Rebekah adores her Papa- this is them with Dunkey (aka Duncan) in sunny (note the perfectly green grass and short sleeves) south Texas.
Us with Riley Jane on Christmas Eve... Nana taught Rebes a new fishy face- she took to it immediately!

Billy, Bec, and Riley Jane- Becky always finds the trendiest things- the leggings are called baby legs and can go on arms or legs for added warmth (which we need in TX with 60-70 degree winters!) and style! Incidentally, Becky has inspired me to get back in shape as soon as our son comes- she looks AMAZING and it has only been 3 1/2 months!!!!!
Need I even comment?
At Nana and Papa's, there were 7 adults and 3 children- bless them!
Rebekah LOVING the play house at Nana and Papa's church!
My parents' enormous tree!! Apparently, they grow on the way home...

At Nana and Papa's (J's parents)...
Do you think my big brother is proud of his little Riley Jane? he surprised Becky and RJ with special gifts that he shopped for and wrapped all by himself! The sweetest ones were a stuffed lamb, RJ's first cross necklace, and a baby's first year frame that he filled in as much as he could! I was very touched by the moment...plus, they checked on RJ about every 5 minutes to see if she was up yet for Christmas morning- they didn't want to her to miss a thing! She roused at 10:15 and then they opened her stocking and presents!! So adorable- 2 prouder parents would be hard to find!
Lovin' hangin' put together in their spiffy new pj's!

Sweet One

Isn't she precious? This was from the wedding day- trying on sweet Papa's glasses!

We are safely in Dallas- slight scare in that my second bag didn't make it until the next day, but all is well now!

Anyway, we are having a great time- Rebekah is delighting in another doting set of grandparents! She is loving the TX warm weather and going outside with Grandy (Grandaddy) and peppermints with Mamama (Grandmama). So funny!

Unfortunately, Rebes has been up with my parents (bless them!) in the middle of the night twice now- last night she was up at 3:30 and wouldn't go back to sleep...yikes! She was pretty insistent on her right ear being an ouchie, so we decided to hit the clinic since we are out of state and it's a weekend. She was horribly tired, hungry, and hurting, so it was a long 2 hours to wait!! Alas, she has another ear infection (that's 5 now), but the meds seem to be helping now.

Well, Merry Christmas!!

The Plans of Mice and Moms

Well, as many of you who are in frequent contact with me already know, Josh's older sister, Rachel, just got married this weekend in DC!- well, Annapolis, to be precise. She and her new husband (Pat) are both musicians for the Navy, so they had a beautiful ceremony in the Annapolis Chapel. Rachel wanted a small affair, so only parents, siblings, their families, Rachels' best friend, and Pat's 2 children attended. Josh and his dad officiated- it was just lovely!

Anyway, those of you who are in frequent contact with me must know, then, that hotels, connecting flights, and napless days with a 17-month-old Bunny are stressful for me! I love thinking that I have it all together, that I am in control, that Rebes and I have finally meshed into a smooth unit...travel like this is the Lord's way of stretching me, I think!

Where to begin?....Let's see, Josh's parents blessed us by flying us in and Rachel blessed us by planning her wedding in such a way that Josh was able to take his German final early and be done with class, thus allowing us to go home, I mean TX :), earlier for Christmas! We flew out as a family Friday morning...with him preparing for the final and trying to finish his PhD apps, Josh delegated me as our ride-finder to and from the airport. I think I am normally good at this sort of thing, so I was glad to pitch in where Josh normally leads so well! Andrea blessed us with a ride that morning and as Josh wondered where she was, we realized that I had gotten the flight time wrong and we would barely make the plane! Fortunately, Andrea was early and we walked in as they were boarding...whew! We easily made the next and final leg of the flight- 3 hours of fly time can be challenging for a 17-month-old, so we heavily invested in some suckers and treats...those went over well, altho Rebes evidently prefers Tootsie-Roll Pops to Dum-Dums. She also learned all about airplanes and can recognize any airplane by calling it an "ehpane" and saying "zoom!" She also loved the "snow" in the sky (aka clouds).

So, we got there Friday afternoon, J's parents picked us all up and thus began Rebekah's fascination with Papa! She always had to know where he was and insisted he partake in Itsy-Bitsy spider even while driving (he said no). We ate lunch and Rebekah easily went down for a nap in the hotel crib! I was shocked! We visited, got her up when she called out for her grandparents, and headed off to dinner with the wedding party. We had our own room at the restaurant and Rebekah loved her new cousins (Cuale-7 and Emilia 3 1/2)! She had a blast eating, running around, and going for walks around the place. She went to bed late, but easily, and all seemed well...until the next morning...Rebekah was rousing at 6am (way to early for her late bedtime), so the 4 of us (we all shared an adjoining room to Rebekah's) decided to see if she'd fall back asleep. She wasn't crying, juts sort of moaning sleepily. After 30 minutes of this, I finally threw in the towel and said they could get her, but, oh, by the way, I accidentally shut the adjoining door (now inoperable by design from our side), so go out thru the hall and thru that door. Upon further reflection, tho, I was reminded that Phyllis had locked the deadbolt and the security bar (as I would have)...so, yep, we were plumb-locked-out!! I'd like to stress that R wasn't crying...anyway, the hotel maintenance guy was about 200 yrs old and not much help as he rattled the hall door again and again...my genius husband was much more help as he picked the door from the adjoining side! My hero!! Anyway, in the midst of all this, R had fallen back asleep none the wiser!!!

On with the day- breakfast, pick up flowers, meet at the chapel, chase the child (who loved her dress shoes and the sound they made on the marble floor), sit down for the wedding, pull out aforementioned suckers and M&Ms...unfortunately, this is the part where Rebes realizes that not only is Dada talking up front, but low and behold, so is Papa!! Lots of sushing takes place to no avail, and R ever so often excitedly calls out Dada! or Papa! or fusses as she tries to run to them...thankfully, it was a short wedding! Onto a lovely lunch, where R is surprisingly good for no nap and being cooped up! We head back to the hotel and the last 5 minutes of the trip, she conks out....it's after 3, so since we have to wake her up at 5am the next morning, I am wondering is it wise to let her sleep a long time when she really just needs to go to bed early...anyway, I opt for what I assume will be a happy medium- let her nap an hour in the carseat, wake her up, put her to bed at 6...really wish I could re-do that. Rebekah, bless her heart, was crashed out and did not appreciate being awakened...she melted down for about half an hour, then decided if she was up, she was up! There was no going to bed at 6! We tried- but Josh convinced me to get her up, wait til she was really tired, then try again...so, we hung out with her for a while, walked, looked at the Nut Cracker (to which she affectionately refers "Nutttt" (great articulation of the "t") or "Crackers") and Christmas tree in the lobby...then we rolled her up with us in the bed and threw our parenting philosophy out the window and watched some tv...I was able to put her down at 8 without much squawking.

So, Josh got me up at 5 this morning- he was to take his parents and us to the airport before he drove to NJ to look around at Princeton for fun since he's applying there (high hopes! ;)). His dad was to marry another couple this afternoon in TX, so they had to make their flights and to my knowledge they did. Since this was my ride, we booked my flight early, too...I was sick about having to wake her up, but before we awakened her, J discovered that my first flight to Chicago had been delayed 3 hrs by a snow storm. Since I had a 3-hr lay-over anyway, this was welcome news! I went back to sleep with R once again none the wiser and Josh came back for me and for his other sister, Sarah, since we both now had 10:30 flights. Unfortunately, this delay was just long enough to make the AA people assume we would not be able to make our second flight, so they put us on a later flight home. I thought, oh well...anyway, we enjoyed the extra time with Sarah and had a great first flight. Seriously some of the sweetest time with Rebekah to date! She is talking so much and is so much fun! She even impersonates a crying baby when she hears one on the plane- you have to hear it!- it makes my eyes water...

Well, we get to Chicago and I double-check on the next flight and discover that it, too, has been delayed just long enough that we can make it- if we are willing to go without luggage! I decide, fine, and head off to get us lunch, assuming we have enough time...silly girl...I am just biting into my Chicago-style hotdog (sesame bun, mustard, tomato, relish, pickle, cucumber, and celery salt- wow!) when I hear last call for Passenger Emily Malone! On my gosh- I'm that person! So, I chunk my food and drink and grab my girl and run for the plane...a bit over-dramatic b/c the plane hasn't even been loaded with luggage, which makes me wonder why they can't put mine on...? So, as I'm sitting there, I realize - hmmm...the carseat will not be there when we get there...so, I frantically call my ride and tell her to get the extra one out of our basement when she picks up our car. Anyway, Bunny and I have another delightful flight- before she slept and I tried to tune out the guy in front of me telling the whole plot line of the new Will Smith movie, I asked her for a bite of her apple (before you judge me, remember I had to throw away my wonderful hotdog and i am preggers and in need of constant food...). She obliges, then resumes eating it herself. Next thing I know I have an apple right in front of my face and a sweet little face and voice asking "Mama bite?" I almost cried from the tenderness of the moment- shoot- I'm tearing up now...you had to be there to hear her little timbre and the sweetness of the offer, besides the fact that I didn't know she knew the word "bite"...In the midst of so much chaos, my little angel is simply content to sit on my lap and share her only food with her mama.

We land! My ride lets me know that the whole house was locked tight (I assumed the back would be open from the girl dropping by to take care of Samson) so she was unable to get the extra carseat, but had procured one from a mutual friend!! PTL!!!! It should have been at this point that I realized that I foolishly put my house keys in my big bag and did not have them and would thus be locked out, as well. Instead, it was as we pulled up to the locked house...I called Josh, who gave me the person's # for where his key was for the dog, and was able to use my spare car keys (hidden under the mat for all these rides to the airport) to get over there and retrieve the key. It was also at this point during a call with Josh, who was truly nothing but helpful and compassionate, that the stress of the day hit me- even tho R had been wonderful, we had been blessed with empty seats next to us, and we were safe- I kind of flipped out over doing it all solo, not being home for the day, needing to get Sam over to his holiday home, and having to go back to the airport for my stuff...I also just felt bad for my girl- having been strapped in all day and still facing another hour+ of driving! To her credit, Rebekah talked to her feet and kind of sang to herself most of the trip. I was also blessed by an airport employee helping me with my 2 huge bags (we filled one with hand-me-downs from Emilia) and carseat, as I carried Rebekah- and "Roscoe," let's not forget!

Well, it is all done now and I am marveling at the day...my natural inclination to focus on the bad instead of the good and my penchant to worry over things I have no control over, yet to not think thru so many situations where I am in control!


Well, it's done for today- I have almost packed us all to start over tomorrow- this time Dallas!

Computer Issues

Just thought I'd let y'all know that my laptop is down...not sure what happened except that its battery cord got trampled enough times by you know who that it just powered down last week and won't power back up. My husband is a computer genius, but is not hopeful...anyway, that is slowing down lots of things for me!

Anyway, no pics today, just some fun updates...

It has been a balmy 10 degrees and very windy/cold the last week. Lots of snow and ice...Rebekah loves to talk about the snow and still is enamored by Christmas trees. I put up a wreath on the front door during her nap last week and it took her all of a minute to spot it (thru the glass while the door was closed!) and sweetly ask "Touch it?" I couldn't resist since she has so darn many no touches in her life...now we touch it at least 5 times a day while she labels the pince cones ("cocones"), cinnamon sticks (sisimsticks) and berries ("berries")... :) Anyway, pretty much any tree/wreath that has lights is deemed a Christmas tree and worthy of many comments! This gets us thru bumper-bumper snow traffic, so I am thankful! Last week a ten minute drive took me an hour due to a snow storm- it was 5pm- possibly the worst time for all babies/toddlers- but Rebekah had meaningful conversations with her banana and goldfish, as well as her feet and any lit object we crawled by...so funny!

So fun!- Josh and I took Rebekah sledding yesterday- there are some great hills in our neighborhood, including the local elementary school. There were tons of kids plowing down the hill so we bundled R up (you'll have to see the pics- very Christmas Story- she can't put her arms down) and plopped her into the sled(thank you, Sterners). It is made for tiny children, but there is no buckle!! I was a bit worried, but ignored my gut on that one...Josh took her down the hill and wouldn't you know the sled went out of control as he held onto the rope and it hit his legs and dumped her out onto the snow! Of course, I was video-camering this new experience and saw the whole thing as she wound up for an outraged cry! Rebekah had a big red spot on her cheek that oscillated between being warm and cold the rest of the day (gone now!), but oddly enough she was eager to be back in the sled. Josh quickly scouted put a smaller hill and just let her go with one of us at the bottom. Much better! While wind-chapped and very, very cold, she loved it! During one of these runs, one mom (one I had noticed watching our spill) ran over- she was trying not to laugh as she asked if that crash was R's first sledding experience...she was a mom of 4 and we just laughed together over our novice mistake! At the end, we tried the big hill again and Rebekah was shocked that she went so fast! I wondered if she liked it...however, when we pulled her out of the sled, she wailed, asking "More!" many, many times! Unfortunately, she was ice-cold and so were we, so we decided another day- especially since she has an ear infection- what a trooper! (side note- R has learned "ouchie" and now points to the wrong ear to get sympathy...so Josh's kid!)

Today we went out to lunch after church. I guess after all her tour guide practice, R has learned how fun it is to walk and hold our hands! I used to carry her everywhere b/c she never followed! Now she is a girl in charge! We inspected all the trees and many toys behind glass at the strip mall on our way to Chipotle. Rebekah, of course, narrated the whole time. I noticed a man behind us, wondering if he was annoyed that he was trapped behind a toddler and her doting mother...anyway, he finally approached us and marveled at R's ability to talk so clearly! I guess we're not the only ones who think she's so smart!

Lastly, Rebekah is really into Itsy Bitsy Spider and Ring Around the Rosies...she asks for the first by trying to do the spider and saying Itsy Bitsy over and over again...the second one, she says Ashes and flaps her arms in sync to my lame, lazy version of the song! I am realizing what a little songbird she is! In fact, last night we had 8 couples over from our church and while Nate and Josh were trying to speak to the men, Rebekah grabbed her "pink bunny" that plays a song when you pull his string. She hummed along "duh duh duh" the whole time, completely unaware of her audience. Then, when she was finished, she would select a special person to take for a tour- actually she holds out her hand and implores "Walk?"

Doesn't get much better than this!

Antlers, Christmas Trees, and Dr. Seuss

Well...so much to catch up on! The doctor's visit went well- Dr. Wenzel said that there was very little to be worried about, that Roscoe (our little guy's nickname ;)) was just above normal in dilation and that his kidneys would probably correct themselves by the next sonogram...of course, no promises, just hope... :) Sounds good to us.

Rebekah, on the other hand, is full-throttle! She is really into Dada right now...she takes him by the hand and leads him on a tour of the house, mainly to her big girl room, where she likes to open a cabinet and hide things for later use. She then grabs him by the hand, maybe even both, and marches back up front. She refuses to give me this tour...go figure. On the same note, she fed Josh Kashi (as she lovingly calls her organic cheerios) and wouldn't share with me...hmmm....last night, I told Josh I would put her down alone so he could relax- he would be doing it solo tonight while I taught ESL- as he was starting to leave, Rebekah looked straight at him and said "Luv you!" Of course, Josh stayed a while and got a few more loves.... :) I do get that, just not uninitiated.

Another new development is that Rebekah has learned that as long as she is talking to her Grandmama, she gets to stay on the phone...so, as I reach to take it back, she starts in again with a cheerful and emphatic "Hi Grammy! Hi Grammy!" Adorable...of course, it's worth the confusion over why she sometimes get to touch a previously clear-cut "no touch."

Some special holiday treats- R loves Christmas trees! Sadly, we opted not to put one up due to limited time here because of travel plans and my fear of not watching her closely enough to make sure she doesn't get hurt. Anyway, apparently, it would have been worth the effort b/c all things Christmas delight Rebekah! She excitedly points out decorated trees in houses, as well as the pine trees in people's yards by exclaiming gleefully- "Christmas tree! Christmas tree!" Wreaths originally were balloons, then Christmas trees, and now weaths! So adorable! Saturday was an ice day- I had briefly spoken at a Jr High/Sr High purity retreat and got dropped off early due to inclement weather. Thus, for the first time in a while, we were confined to the house...of course, it was a bad nap day (the only bad one in 3 weeks tho!) and Josh and I were so hoping to watch a movie...sweet Josh popped in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (the classic Dr. Seuss version, of course, that Josh procured ages ago for us)...Rebekah watched...then had a serious intense look...she determinedly headed to the kitchen and promptly returned with her only Dr. Seuss book- "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?" (thanks to the Mortons), pointing at the pictures...yet more proof that our child is a genius- she recognized Dr. Seuss drawings!!! It is at times like these I often hear Josh contentedly say, "I really like her."

(I should mention these are from our video camera and are back-up until we get a new camera- so the quality isn't great...)

Rebekah loves to make faces at me now...

She loves to say antlers and put them on...as you can see, we do this frequently.





Brushing her hair with my brush...

Rebekah asked Dada to put in an extra clip...he always obliges...his is the candy-cane one on your right.
Love this face!!!!
and this one...
...and definitely this one...






Staring the tour- just looking for a passenger...

You can see the tour guide in the corner, retrieving something precious I am sure. Note- she is still holding Dada's hand. :)

News on Baby Boy Malone

First off, thank you to everyone who contacted us with regard to our son!! Our Iowa sonogram confirmed his gender, as if it were in question, and we are still thrilled.

However, we would like to ask any of you who are wiling to pray for our son- I got a call from the doctor that said his kidneys are slightly dilated, but that it was not a huge deal. Essentially, they are retaining some fluid, but not a lot, which would have been bad, b/c my amniotic fluid levels are good. Dr. Wenzel says she normally has 4-5 patients at a time whose boys have this "condition." Normally, it corrects itself by another sonogram at 30-32 weeks and if not, they will check after birth. The kidneys can still correct themselves, but antibiotics and/or surgery would be the ultimate options. It does not appear to be life-threatening or anything and she was not very concerned.

As for us, I handled the call well, until 10 minutes later, Josh got home and I balled. :) It just kind of hit me all at once. Josh sweetly said it was a great way for us to trust the Lord and commit this to prayer every day. We had been talking about a possible name we both loved and we confirmed it tonight as we prayed for our son. It will still be a surprise for y'all ;) b/c that's what we (yes, we) want and we ask that you honor that by not hounding us or trying to trick us!! (Grandparents ;))

In the grand scheme of things, this does not seem too worrisome. It was just hard for me, at least, because I feel like I am just getting to know my boy- I feel him a lot now and know he is a boy and we have been so enjoying that. To know that he might be struggling with something is difficult to imagine, but I am so glad to know Jesus Christ and to trust in Him.

I imagine we won't hear anything more until that next ultrasound, but know we will keep you informed and truly appreciate your prayer.

It's a ...

BOY!

That's right, we're having a baby boy!!!!! We are so excited! Our Iowa sonogram isn't until next week, but that was way too long to wait, so if you know my mother, you know she has connections. She hooked us up with a free sonogram in Dallas for us to find out the baby's gender with family. Josh and I were hoping for a boy, but trying to be prepared for either. Rebekah wanted a sissy, so we'll have to deal with that later. The whole experience was hilarious- Mom, Dad, Josh, Rebekah, Becky, Riley, and I all trotted into the lab and the doctor was super-patient with all the extra folks. I didn't realize he had even started due to the fact that my own daughter was sobbing out of worry for me! She ended up having to sit next to me to ensure that I was okay or leave with my mom. Anyway, during those few seconds, Dr. Toofanian announced, "Well, first off, it's a boy!" I started crying out of shock and embarassment for my unborn son as his scrotum (I can feel Amanda blushing) were highlighted again and again for effect. Apparently, he is definitely a boy- Texas-sized, according to the good doctor. (Amanda is blushing again and deciding if it is worth reading further.)

So, Rebekah is still reeling from the news- not really, she of course has no idea how much her life is going to change- I don't think I do either! However, we are excited and now just have to think of a good name, which will still be a surprise. Josh's parents are calling him Little Josh, which amuses us.

As for the rest of the trip, we are having a blast! Rebekah ADORES her cousin Rirey (aka Riley) and looks for her everywhere in the house and in the car, calling out her name in frustration when she can't find her. All 4 grandparents are loving their time with her and us- it's mutual!

We are also learning that Rebekah is very particular about being clean- she fusses about dirty hands, even if it's just a speck until I clean it off. She won't even consider going down the slide until she has meticulously cleaned it. I guess my OCD tendencies are coming through afterall.

Well, time to finish Thanksgiving preparations...have a good one!

Rebekah's Big-Girl Room- take 1

When we moved in last year, the back 2 bedrooms were stark white with blue trim. It killed us b/c the trim is a gorgeous dark wood underneath...we didn't understand who would paint over it- much less blue! Anyway, Josh and a buddy painted our room and Josh did all the trim- it was a lot of work! So, we never got to the guest room- aka Bunny's big-girl room. Now that we have #2 on the way, we decided to work on making her room ready for her so that sometime after Christmas we can get her into it and clear the nursery. I love my old furniture- white and blue- because it is lovely but more b/c it was my mother's, too. I have always dreamed of sharing it with my daughter! :) So, white walls and white furniture was no good to me. I painted her room a lovely light blue to match the furniture and comforter I picked out for her. Josh and I hoped that the paint would mix well with the trim so we wouldn't have to paint it, too. I think it all looks lovely! I simply need to clean the rug and find decorations for the walls, etc. Oh- and get a dust ruffle and the shams...I think I might paint the play crib white, too(it was a gift from Nana). As for the rug- Bunny has the pink version in her room- if we have a boy, we'll switch the rugs. If it's another girl, we'll leave the pink one in the nursery. So, I'll check back with you when I get more done on her room.

p.s. Our camera is broken- agh!!! So, there might be a lull in posts for a while...sad!

My newest favorite commercial...

First time for everything...

...we'll get to that in a minute....

These are of the Iowa River- thought it was pretty!



Most of these I took simply b/c I thought she looked so darn cute in those crazy tights!

Throwing Sam's bone for him- she now calls him Sammy...

Loves to play with coasters...there are pics of us and Sam in them and she loves to name us...

Playing with a McDuff dog she lovingly calls "puppy"...this was from Nana...

Playing hide and seek behind Sammy...

Funny girl...

Giving Sammy a hug...

Sammy kissing Rebekah!

Okay, this is after Rebekah threw up for the first time...since Rebekah never really spit up even as a newborn, we were stunned to find her sobbing in a puddle of puke (sorry) this afternoon...assuming/hoping it was a fluke, we bathed her and redressed her. She proceeded to get sick every 15 minutes for 2 hrs! Poor baby! Plus, it was flu shot night, so she had to get a shot to top it all off...anyway, it's almost worth the throw-up all over us for the extra snuggles...