What Brings Us Together

JOhnny ApPleseed

2009-11-01T20:19:00.002-06:00

With a pot on his head, apple in hand and a few seeds in his pocket, Isaiah went trick or treating to the two neighbors with lights on and to my grandparents and a few of their neighbors. We enjoyed the simple way in which we could engage some more of our neighbors as well as bring a little joy to my grandparents and their neighbors.

Kitchen Curtains

2009-11-01T13:14:00.003-06:00

Clint's aunt Sharon came for a visit to make curtains in my kitchen and Isaiah's room. Thanks to her expert sewing skill, we were able to make curtains for four kitchen windows, three doors and one big curtain for Isaiah's bedroom.

Just by Himself

2009-08-27T11:51:00.004-05:00

This is one of Isaiah's favorite spots in our home. Around nap time, he will sometimes disappear to suck his thumb on this specific step and look out the window, waiting for me to put him to bed.

Thanks to the Skougs & Dafoes

2009-08-26T16:13:00.002-05:00

Sharing meals with family and friends has become a bit easier around here thanks to a dishwasher. Richard and Becky, Clint love his new dishwasher! Thanks for helping Clint bust out some cupboards Mike. And thanks for keeping me distracted from the chaos in the kitchen Jessin.

This Blog is Changing

2009-08-21T19:44:00.006-05:00

It was never my intent to devote this blog solely to "cute kid" pictures, and that is what it has been this past year. But, fortunately, that is also what much of my days are filled with, the handsome Isaiah. For about a month, I have been struggling to come up with something fresh that would inspire me and after a week of scattered thoughts, a baby squirrel that I mistook for a rat is what inspired the new title. So, starting now, what I want to bring you is "What Brings Us Together," the intentional and sometimes seemingly accidental encounters with my community, my friends, my family, my neighbors and strangers. Isaiah will not be left out, but I hope to share the simple ways in which he too shows love to strangers on the street, his neighbors and his family.

I was washing dishes one evening, Clint was working a night shift and Isaiah was in bed and out my window, I noticed a gray animal with a skinny tail, squirming in the neighbors yard. Initially I thought it was a rat because of a previous conversation about rats with a neighbor. So, after rationalizing that it is best not to bother paging Clint over a "rat," I call my dad, but end up leaving a long and dramatic message. While leaving the message, I realize it is probably not a rat but a baby squirrel. I knock on the neighbors door so they can call their daughter who cares for abandoned or injured wildlife. She instructs us to find a small container... to fill it with grass... to nail it as high as possible onto a tree... and then place the baby inside. After Jack climbs a ladder to nail the container to the tree... as high as I could have done it from the ground... Audrey, wearing hair dying gloves, picks up the baby to pass to Jack. The baby is squirming so much that Jack passes it to me and I reach up to put the baby in its man-made nest. But before I let go the baby screams, leaps out of the "nest" and I find its mamma coming to attack me. While this was rather exciting, I was more excited to be working together with my neighbors Jack and Audrey. So simple, but this tiny squirrel brought us together. What I have noticed in the week that has followed is that the conversations with Audrey have increased, maybe it is because of the little adventure we shared or maybe it is simply because I entered into their space... I went into their yard, instead of talking over the fence. Whatever it is I look forward to many future gatherings, whether intentional or not.

Walking

2009-07-04T09:17:00.002-05:00

At Dr. Luke's request, here is Isaiah walking. Thank you for the video Uncle Luke.

Happy Birthday Isaiah

2009-06-23T21:24:00.003-05:00

Cliche, but true, this year has gone by so fast. Isaiah is 1 today and he has taught me so much about being a mom. One of the biggest discoveries this past year was understanding love in a new way. As I sit in the rocking chair each night with Isaiah I am amazed at how deep my love is, it is different from my love for Clint or my parents. I never understood how much my own mom loved me till I became one, too. But this new love for my own son made me realize how limited my understanding is of God's love for me. What an honor it is to understand more how incredible God's love is. It is a joy to spend my days with an energetic, joyful and curious little guy. This past year has been quite an adventure. Isaiah fits in our smallest kitchen cupboard, not only does he fit in, but he crawls in head first and turns around, wow.

From Iowa City to St. Paul

2009-06-03T10:59:00.005-05:00

Leaving Iowa City was difficult. Clint has lived in Iowa City for 8 years, which is the longest he has lived in any one place; I live there for five years. We have developed many wonderful friendships and created special memories, which made for many tears as we said goodbye and reminisced about how God abundantly provided for our spiritual, physical and relational needs the past five years. It is always so exciting to see God at work around us and I am grateful he allowed me to see his Glory in Iowa City.

Clint graduated in May and is now a doctor. I am grateful for and proud of his hard work as a student, husband and father. After graduation, we pack up our apartment and drove to Des Moines where we lived with my family for four days waiting to close on our new home in St. Paul. We had to wait four more days at my grandparents in Stillwater, MN, but we finally got to move in a week after we had planned.

With the many changes in our life the past month, Jeremiah 29:11 has encouraged me.
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “The plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you Hope and a Future.” Jeremiah 29:11

What an exciting adventure the past five years have been. I look forward to the one ahead!

More to come of our new home and trips to Branson and Florida.

Peek-A-Boo

2009-05-10T20:51:00.004-05:00

Isaiah is sitting in Auntie Kels's lap, while playing peek-a-boo with Auntie Lolo who is to the left of frame. He loves his aunts!

Yummy Dirt

2009-05-02T22:57:00.003-05:00

Isaiah enjoyed playing and eating the dirt while Aunt Morgan and I started planting a garden at Kyle and Morgan's place. What a wonderful day in the sun and hanging out with Morgan. I hope this garden is as wonderful as we are imagining.

Swingin' with My Girlfriend

2009-05-02T22:49:00.004-05:00

Audrey and Isaiah loving the swing and beautiful spring weather in Iowa City. We don't have much time left here and we are trying to make the most of our last few weeks. It will be sad to leave Audrey, Mike and Lindsey!

Moving to St. Paul

2009-04-25T19:35:00.003-05:00

In the past month, Clint has matched at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, he has finished all his rotations at the university and we purchased a home in St. Paul. Above is our new home starting mid May. Over the past year, I prayed about the new neighborhood and community God wanted us to be a part of more than I prayed about what city. It excites me to see what God's plans are for us and the people's lives we will be a part of over the next however many years. My grandparents, Clint's cousins (and spouses) and my friend Megan and her new husband Aaron are all up in the area. It is wonderful to know we have wonderful family and friends so close to us. We are both nervous and excited about all the changes taking place and grateful for how God works out the details both big and small.

Crazy Camper

2009-03-23T15:13:00.003-05:00

Just getting in some semi-nudie time before bed, I'm not quite sure how he does this but I thought it was hysterical.

Camping Trip

2009-03-23T14:48:00.004-05:00

We finally went camping with Isaiah, well camping in a cabin with electricity and running water. We walked through the woods looking for deer sheds and wildlife, Isaiah rode the tree-swing with daddy, the men pushed Paul's car out of the mud and Isaiah helped daddy build a fire in the stove. The weather was beautiful and we all had a relaxing time with my family down at Morningstar camp.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T22:12:00.000-06:00

Giddy Up

2009-02-07T21:04:00.001-06:00

Goofy Guy

2009-02-07T20:59:00.001-06:00

We Miss the Dafoes

2009-02-07T20:38:00.003-06:00

We had a fun time visiting Richard, Becky, Jonah and Elijah at their new home in North Dakota.

Minnesota

2009-02-07T20:23:00.003-06:00

We got to spend a wonderful month living in Minnesota at my grandparents place while Clint did a rotation through a hospital in St. Paul. My grandparents we so gracious and hospitable to open their home and lives and change their daily life to include the three of us. It was such a blessing to see Isaiah light up "Bapa" and "Grama." We are praying that Clint will get his residency at St. Paul.

Long overdue

2009-01-15T10:21:00.003-06:00

This post is long overdue, but finally, here are some random and adorable photos of Isaiah. From droplets of slobber on his chin, laughing with mom, playing with his friend Violet, having a quite serious conversation with his giraffe and posing like a little Dutch boy, Isaiah is changing fast.

Sweet Ride

2008-09-18T22:19:00.030-05:00

Isaiah loves his stroller almost as much as mommy does. We go for walks to the grocery store, we have apple picking adventures and we visit Marilyn and Francie (some special Eddie Bauer ladies) who live in the neighborhood.

Nap Time 08.13

2008-09-18T22:19:00.029-05:00

I snuck into Isaiah's room and watched him wake up from a long afternoon nap. It took him a while to notice I was there spying on him. Often, unless famished, he wakes up quite happy and full of smiles from his nap.

Roll Over 8.12.08

2008-09-18T22:19:00.027-05:00

Isaiah rolled over for the first time today. It just so happens I was trying to take pictures when this happened. I got down at his level, and before I could take a picture of him holing his head up so well, he rolled to his back. Finally, after missing it twice while I got in position, I got him on the third time rolling over. To make sure it wasn't a fluke that he rolled, I tested him in the afternoon in a new location. No problem, he just kept rolling. He is always quite proud of himself after each roll. You can tell when he is about to roll, he focuses his eyes and he starts to grunt.

One Month

2008-09-18T22:19:00.016-05:00

Isaiah is one month old today. He has grown and changed so much. Tummy time is a favorite part of his day, he is quite strong. The quilt he is on, was made by Great Aunt Sharon. It is beautiful and great for tummy/play time.

Isaiah is quite a grunter so he sleep for the first night time in his crib. Clint and I slept better and he too is starting to sleep more. This comes with him being more alert to his surroundings.

There have been few days without visitors this past month, between friends, family and neighbors. But also several friends have moved away from Iowa City. Hard to believe Clint and I have been parents for a month, we both think it's pretty special.

Everyone wants quality time with Isaiah

2008-09-18T22:19:00.010-05:00

(top) Jane stopped in Iowa City on her way home to see Isaiah. She was excited she got to see him before everyone else in Des Moines.

(center) Aunties Kels (right) & Lolo (left) spent a weekend with Isaiah.

(bottom)Isaiah hangs out with Luke while mom and dad went out with friends Richard and Becky before they move. Isaiah's never cried for his first babysitter, he did get a bit anxious for food.

June 12 Day of Dedication

2008-09-18T22:19:00.004-05:00

Isaiah and Daddy snuggle in the morning before family and friends arrive for Isaiah's dedication. Later in the afternoon Clint and I dedicated Isaiah to God and His will... more photos to come of dedication.

Little Feet

2008-09-18T22:19:00.001-05:00

Blue Steel

2008-07-25T15:43:00.003-05:00

Isaiah has many poses for the camera. We like to call this one "Blue Steel," it is one of our favorites. For those of you who are not familiar with "Blue Steel," it is from the movie Zoolander where the main character calls his famous pose, that looks just like Isaiah's, "blue steel."

Turning Red

2008-07-24T17:01:00.003-05:00

Just like his mom & dad, Isaiah gets red in the face when he is flustered.

The First Two Weeks

2008-07-24T16:42:00.007-05:00

Daddy holds Isaiah in the rocker after bath time.

Isaiah and I stand outside to say bye to grandma & grandpa Asjes before they go up north for July 4.

June 24 between 12 am and 10 am

2008-07-23T12:55:00.005-05:00

A few more images from when he was born and all the family visiting. The family was able to squeeze five on the couch in hospital room. My dad got a photo of Beth, the photographer, holding Isaiah.

Me holding Isaiah for the first time after the doctors cleaned out his lungs and Clint looking on as the doctors weighed, checked and listened to Isaiah.

June 24 Hospital Visitors

2008-07-23T11:40:00.006-05:00

These photos are from the hospital less than 12 hours after Isaiah’s birth. All of the grandparents were able to make it to the hospital along with most of the aunts and uncles. Isaiah has had many loving friends and family hold and visit him over the past month, these are some of the first, which my friend Beth so graciously captured.

There were 12 visitors and the occasional nurse or doctor in the room to meet Isaiah the morning after his birth. Isaiah slept right through most of it and saved his wide eyes for later in the day.

Grandma Linda cried as she held her little grandson and cries at the end of every visit with Isaiah. Both grandmas have taken many photographs of him and usually have them on hand at all times to share with anyone. Isaiah is well loved by his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

June 23 at the hospital

2008-07-07T14:53:00.007-05:00

We arrived at the hospital around 8pm. Clint was quite supportive.

Isaiah was born at 11:54 pm and Clint caught him.

He weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was
21 inches long.

Beth, a friend of mine from the UI photographed the labor and birth of Isaiah.

The expecting couple

2008-06-15T15:39:00.004-05:00