January

The month of January has passed by relatively quickly. We have continued working on the house, getting ready for the arrival of baby Woods. Uncle Ben Rooke, aka Ben-Ben, came to visit on his way to Florida. It was so very fun to see him even though his visit was very dramatic. He was a HUGE blessing to me especially! Other than that, we have been recovering from illness and getting ready for a new baby.

As we continue to settle in Charleston, the number one question I get asked is what the weather is like. Our weather has continually be around 65 or 70 and sunny just about every day. There have been a few "cold" days, but most of the time it is just delightful. I am realizing how much I am enjoying the weather and not missing the cold at all like I thought I would. I am very content to wear a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt with the occasional sweatshirt. It is awesome to be able to get outside for a walk or bike ride or the park every day. From what I hear this is an unusual winter, but it seems like that is the case just about everywhere. We are relishing this weather, knowing that the heat will be here again before we know it!

Here are some highlights from the month.

While Uncle Ben was here Jonah got sick and we ended up with a 2 hour doctor visit which consisted of two breathing treatments for the little guy along with his ear infection. Uncle Ben was an unbelievable blessing as he just jumped in and helped me and rolled with the punches when Jonah screamed literally all night and morning. Ben-Ben took Emma out for some fun time (a smoothie, cookie, and a walk) while I took Jonah to the doctor. In addition to some special time with Ben-Ben, Emma played dolls with Ben-Ben and essentially monopolized his attention. She said to me today how much she misses him. We are hoping to see Ben-Ben again on his way back north.

Enjoying alone time with Ben-Ben

Here is Jonah in the doctor's office getting his breathing treatment. His breathing was really bad and he just laid there. He was very concerned about Puppy and making sure Puppy was getting medicine too.

Here is the new bedding for the baby. We got this bedding on clearance at Target for $15 for Jonah, but Jonah has insisted upon keeping his original bedding. So, we are thankful for a cheap new bedding set for this little guy.

Emma has been taking Teddy with us everywhere. Usually Teddy, which she insists is a he, is dressed up in some combination of her clothes and tutus and leotards. It brings smiles to the faces of everyone we come across while we are out. Not only are they smiling at her outfits, but Emma just bounces him and talks to him and shhhhs him like a real baby. This is a trip to the park where she took care of Teddy the whole time. When she does swing now, Emma can get herself started and pump to get going. We didn't teach her that, she just did it the other day.

Painted toes during alone time with Mommy

Emma introduced Jonah to playdough this week. She played for over an hour and Jonah joined her for a little while. They both love it along with art projects.

Bath time fun with Daddy

Emma with Teddy on a bike ride. She got a basket for Christmas so her friends could come alone. The only problem is that we routinely stop so she can comfort whoever is in the basket because that baby is crying. She has pretty much mastered riding and holding a baby at the same time. She also has figured out how to peddle backwards and stop herself!

We received a new panini maker at Christmas and have been having awesome sandwiches for lunches all week long. It has been used so much already and is essential in making grilled cheese for Jonah which has become his favorite meal.

Finally asleep. Sweet. She has been reading books to help fall asleep at bedtime and Mike snapped this as he turned out her light one night.

This is a typical sight for Mike as he drives home over the water each evening. He sees the most amazing sun sets and enjoys the scenery. His job is going very well and the Lord has been stretching him but also very faithful in providing him with a lot of encouragement and affirmation in the decision for us to move here. The Lord has also affirmed that decision for me as Mike has worked from home several days in the past two weeks. I have realized that Mike working from home in Cincinnati would have been a disaster. We love Daddy time, but we have a working routine on weekdays that doesn't quite work when Daddy is working in the house!

In other news, we have pretty much landed on a church. We have been attending a southern baptist church that has been an amazing blessing to the kids and to Mike and I. Our attendance has been inconsistent between Christmas and illness, but we are excited to get involved once we have adjusted to life with five family members. Along with that, we are looking at preschools right now for next year. Emma is doing much better with the transition to life here, but we are realizing the importance for her of friendship and structure. She will LOVE going to school a few mornings a week and we are praying through those decisions.

Here is a video of the kids playing with the new game Aunt Erin and Uncle Ben got them for Christmas. There are butterflies that come out of the elephant's trunk and they have to catch them in nets. They can play this game for a very long time.