Eli's smile

My boy is smiling! I just love his gummy smile. He's such a happy boy. That is if mommy doesn't eat or drink dairy products. It's getting easier, though. I have found that I am eating healthier. Except Dan found these delightful chocolate cookies for me. Good thing they are expensive!

We had a wonderful Christmas! I'll post some pictures of our Christmas festivities later. That takes more time as I took way too many pictures again. Can't help it. I want to be able to look back and remember my babies as little ones. I can just look at a photograph and a flood of memories come back to me.

"ABEFG" song

Selah is doing so well sitting on the potty. I am so proud of her for going on it at least a few times a day. Her reward is to put stickers on her sticker chart and m & m's. Her favorite color is pink, and I found pink m & m's in which she was so excited about. Here she is singing her favorite song while on the potty.

PS: There is another new post below this one.

Pony tails and bear hats

Yay for pony tails and hair clips! My darling daughter, who loves to wrestle, play in the mud and is in love with vehicles of all sorts, is allowing me to put her hair up finally. And I think she looks pretty darn cute!

Eli wearing his new hat from daddy. Dan just had to buy it, even though Christmas is around the corner. You can't tell in this picture, but his eyes are very blue.

December happenings

Selah was in her first Christmas program at church. She really didn't know what to do, as the 2 and 3 year olds don't learn the music and choreography like the older kids. But that didn't matter, I was still proud of her. I got a little teary eyed as I watched her up there. My girl is growing up. Speaking of growing up she has shown increasing interest in using the potty. This week she has gone at least once each day on her little Dora potty seat. She doesn't even fear pooping on the potty. I attribute that to Dan teaching her to be proud of poops and toots. It really isn't very lady like when she announces that she tooted or went pooped in public, but if it makes potty training easier I can work on teaching her to be a lady later. This Christmas season is especially fun with her. The look of amazement in her eyes when she sees lights or trees never gets old. We'll be driving down the road and she announces that she sees lights on mommy or daddy's side. She has also been quite helpful in decorating. She loves to make snowflakes and snowmen, and they are spread throughout our house.
Selah continues to be a great big sister. She will come lay her head right next to Eli and talk to him, or sit and "read" to him. Selah has such a sweet disposition and great imagination.
Speaking of Eli, he is now 5 weeks old. My boy is growing like crazy. I sadly had to put all of his newborn clothes away already. But now I get to put some of the other adorable clothes that were given to us on him. Eli is more alert and attempts to "talk". I just love those little coos! He even smiled at his sister. Not a gas smile, but a conscious, you make me happy smile. Those two are going to have a great relationship with one another. Oh and something very strange happened, yet exciting. The other night I had him on his stomach and he rolled over. You might be saying, what?! That's what I thought too! I thought it was a fluke. So, I kept putting him back on his stomach and sure enough he would do it each time, and he has continued to do it since then. He's not supposed to do that yet, I know. I remember having such a hard time with Selah rolling over. Finally at 6 months she rolled over from her stomach to her back. Up until then she would cry in frustration until we rolled her ourselves.
I have had to cut out dairy in my diet. Anyone who knows me knows that I love dairy products. A tall glass of whole milk each meal, ice cream, cheese...yumm!!! My poor boy was experiencing horrible stomach pains and breaking out on his face. I had been told that he might possibly have an intolerance to lactose, which was being passed through the breast milk. By the way, nursing has improved immensely. No more pain! Anyways, after much research I decided to cut out dairy for a while. Sure enough Eli was not crying out in pain and his break outs went away. It is more difficult than I thought. I really never realized how much dairy products I consumed, thus, each meal has become a challenge. I'll do this no dairy thing for a while, and slowly reintroduce it to see if it affects him.
I have five more weeks before I return for my last class. Such a relief and at the same time bitter sweet to be graduating soon. It has been a challenge, yet a welcome one. I wish I could see a video of where I was and who I was when I started at Multnomah, compared to where I am now. I know I have grown and changed. I have gained knowledge that will not only benefit me as I enter into ministry, but also in my relationships and understanding who I am. Many people, mainly my family, struggle with understanding my purpose in graduating from college. Never mind they can't seem to remember the exact degree I have earned or what I want to do with it, but if I am not going to use it to make big bucks what's the point. Here is my response: The knowledge I have gained, the personal growth I have experienced, the relationships formed have more value to me than making money. These things will allow me to be a better mom to my children and raise them according to God's will. I will hopefully become a part of a ministry team that has one common interest, that is sharing the love of Christ and his story with children. Laying the foundation of Biblical truth and building upon their faith in Christ that will impact them for a lifetime.
I mentioned earlier that graduating would be bitter sweet. I am going to miss my peers, professors, and being in a structured environment like Multnomah's. It has also become "me time". Strange as that sounds. Wouldn't I rather go to a spa or get myself a new outfit? No, not really. Education is far more valuable to me.
To end this I asked Dan if he wanted me to report anything about him. His response, "I'm pretty cool and handsome." He's so humble. I'll give my own report in addition. He's working hard and excelling at work, despite his sleep deprivation. As always he continues to understand the changes that have gone on in me since Eli was born. The emotions are finally settling down. He can walk in the door after work and understand the kind of day I had just by the look on my face, and despite his day is ready to help me. The most iresistable quality about him is his relationship with his children. Selah completely adores him and Eli is comforted when in his arms. We still love to be in each others company more than anyone elses. Even after 6 years he is still my dream man.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2 weeks

Well Eli had his little procedure to clip the frenulum under his tongue. It was not a pleasant experience. We were initially told by two different people at the hospital that it would not hurt him or cause any bleeding. That was wrong. But we were already in the specialists office when the doctor warned us that it would cause our little guy pain. So, I left the room with Selah while this was being done, and Dan stayed with Eli. With the way my hormones are lately I cry at the drop of a hat, so this experience would definitely set me off. After it was done they came to get me so that I could nurse him. While trying to nurse my sweet boy began having trouble breathing. He was making gurgling sounds and really struggling. Air was not passing through his airway completely. They put a suctioning tube up his nose to remove the fluid, and this caused him to cry and clear his lungs even more. Eli is doing well now. He gained 1 lb. in a weeks time!

In happier news, I am so impressed by how well Selah is doing with having a baby brother. She is just so sweet with him! The other night we were getting ready to put her to bed when she walked over to Eli's cradle, gave him a kiss on the head and said good night. All without being prompted. Of course I teared up and scooped her up in my arms (I can finally hold her again!). She is very concerned when he cries or if he doesn't have a hat on. Every night at dinner we hold hands and pray, and she made sure Eli was included in the hand holding. She offers him cups of tea when we have tea parties, which is everyday, several times a day. I just love that girl! I really hope that they have a strong bond to one another as they grow.

A day at the park

Dan and Selah have enjoyed playing at the park quite a bit since Eli was born. It allows them to have some daddy-daughter time and get out of the house. It allows Eli and I some peace and quiet! Well this trip Eli and I tagged along. I was tired of being cooped up inside, and it was a beautiful fall day. Here are a few pictures of my sweet girl having a blast, and Eli...well sleeping.

One week later

With my two beautiful babies!

Selah thought this was very comfortable.

Daddy watching a blazer game with his son in the hospital.

Eli's bed when we were in the hospital.

Going home! This is nurse Lois. She was the best nurse I've ever had!

Sister and brother meet for the first time!

*sigh* Oh I just love him so!

Little piggies!

Things are going quite well in the Newcomer house! Tomorrow Eli will be one week old. It is hard to believe that one week ago already we welcomed our son into this world. It has been a week that has been nothing less than amazing! We had our first outing on Wednesday to see the lactation consultant. Eli has had no trouble latching on. He took to breastfeeding the first day he was born. The main reason we went is to see how much he was eating, which we found out he is quite the little chow hound. Also, in the hospital we found out he has a frenulum (sp?) under his tongue. The connective tissue under his tongue does not allow him to extend his tongue past his gum line. This poses no problems for him eating, but it does cause me pain. Next week we will see a specialist who will clip this. Thankfully it will cause no pain to him, because there are no nerves in this tissue. They also weighed him, and he has gained back his birth weight.
Eli is such a sweet baby boy! Thus far, the only time he cries is when he is hungry or has a little gas bubble. And when he wants food he wants it now! Goodness, the wee one eats every hour from 7-10 in the evening, and the rest of the day every 2-3 hours. He loves to be cuddled as well, and I don't mind that one bit. He has a special fondness for his sister and responds positively to her voice. We have had quite the experience with diaper changes. One of my fears with having a boy was that his little wee wee would spray everywhere. Well, that came true! But it's okay. I just feel bad when he pees on himself. But I learned quickly to cover it as soon as it is exposed to the air. I realized I just referred to his penis as it. Hmm...:)
Selah has shown to be affectionate, curious, and cautious. She will bring her brother his hats or his Thumper bunny she got for him. She will casually come up to give him love pats and just stare at him. She also reminds us that, "Eli sleeps a really, really long time!" I pray that they will have a strong bond with one another.
Dan has been a huge help around the house. He and Selah have gone to the park quite a bit. He said to me today that he feels closer to her and is enjoying seeing all sides of Selah. I think it is difficult for dads to see their children as the moms see them, because they only spend a short amount of time with them in the evenings and on the weekends. I think this time is such a blessing for the two of them to spend one on one time together. Dads are so incredibly important for their daughter's well being as they get older. I am glad Dan and Selah are building a solid relationship now.
As for me, I am recovering well. I tried to stop taking the pain medication, but realized I wasn't ready. So, after being lectured by Dan and a friend of mine I am taking it again. Emotionally I am doing well. I have only had a couple of times where I spontaneously cried over something silly. Dan just says that he understands something is going on inside me, and it's okay. Other than that I am very overjoyed with our sons arrival and seeing him and Selah together. To sum up my feelings as of late...Praise God for allowing me to be a mom!
Thank you to those of you who have brought meals over to us. They have been such a blessing and oh so delicious!

Eli Daniel Newcomer

Our son has arrived! He weighs 7 lbs. 6 oz. and is 20 inches long. He was born at 9:14 a.m. on November 6.
More pics to come...

Pumpkin Patch

Selah and I were pulled by a
tractor out to the pumpkin patch.
Dan was following us, as he was just coming
out of the bathroom as the hayride left.

Selah was pointing out the little bugs and 'broken pumpkins' as we walked along.

We took a trip to the pumpkin patch out in Damascus, OR. this past Saturday. Beautiful weather for the occasion! We found three pumpkins to bring home (one of which Dan made a delicious pumpkin pie with)! Selah also found a mud puddle! Since the rain has arrived she has been quite fascinated by mud puddles. When we are driving along she insists that the car drive through the puddle. Anyways, we could not get her out of the puddle at the farm. After 10 minutes or more Dan finally swept her up so we could go look at other things.

That night we had a lovely night out with some good friends of ours! My last outing before baby comes. Had chinese food at Hong Kong 97, went on a group shopping trip to Fred Meyers, and had dessert at Claim Jumpers Restaurant. Thank you Rod, Elaine, Sally, and Bryan for a fantastic evening out! Selah enjoyed her night with her little friends as well. She started the evening by joining her best buddy Samantha in the bath (They are so cute together!), feasted on pizza, and played with toys. What could be better than that for a toddler! Thank you Jenni for watching all 5 kids for the evening. I asked Selah if she had fun the next morning and she said, "I have fun with Jenni!" So, there you go! ;)
Alright I better get to work! Thank You cards have been beckoning for quite some time now.

baby snail

Selah and I found this tiny snail when playing outside today.

I have never seen one so small. The shell was very transparent.
Selah kept coming back to it saying, "Hello little snail! You want chocolate milk?"

Funny girl

Selah wearing her new shirt and purse that
Aunt Jenny and Uncle Dustin got her from Paris.

Toting her beloved Yellow Bear around in her new purse.

Just thought I would give a quick update on what has been going on with the family. So, here goes...
Selah has moved up to the 2-3 year old class at church, and enjoys it quite a bit. She is also in a class on Wednesday nights called Caravan. Her particular group is called Papoose. She loves it! Every night on our drive home she tells me what she learned in class, and then tells me she had fun with all her friends and teachers, naming each one of them. She can say the Papoose motto, which is, "A Papoose loves Jesus, a Papoose loves her friends, and a Papoose shares with her friends." Next Wednesday will be the first ceremony of the year, and she will earn our scarf, rank, and physical bead. It's all just too cute! I am sure I will snap a thousand pictures, so I will update next week after Selah's big night.
I had my 36 week check up yesterday. My blood pressure, weight gain, and my measurements continue to progress just right. I definitely have been experiencing more discomfort this time around, as I hear is common in subsequent pregnancies. Our boy is doing good. He is a strong little bugger! Sometimes he's moving so much I feel that he is going to bust out right then and there.
Some of you know that we have elected for a second cesarean. But for those who did not know...there you go. I have peace with this decision, and both my doctor and I feel it is the best decision for my particular situation. So, baby boy will be born on November 6. That means I have 3 weeks left!!! Yippy!
Dan is doing well. He had his annual review with his boss and passed with flying colors. His boss even took him to lunch after that. We are so thankful for this job he has. Dan enjoys his work and I am able to stay home with my sweet Selah (and soon to arrive son). He also has enjoyed commuting to work on his bike. Praise God for his many blessings in our life!

The following video is of Selah telling her first joke.

Sweet words

Selah's latest painting experience.
One of her favorite activities!

When I ask her to smile this is what she does. Just hilarious!

Highlight of the day...Selah hugged me and said, "I love you mommy!" *sigh* Somehow those sweet words coming from my daughter just melted away all of the stress I've been feeling lately. Thank you God for blessing my life with my precious Selah, and reminding me of what really matters with her joyful presence.

pushing forward

Selah's favorite phrase lately, "It's crazy!" Never mind that she says it when she is running around in her diaper or any article of clothing comes off. Goofy girl! But that is exactly how I feel lately. Life is just so hectic. In the next five months I will welcome my second child into this world and graduate from college. I am attempting to finish two college courses in 6 weeks while in my third trimester of pregnancy. Am I insane for taking on this monstrous task? Yes, I am starting to feel that way. All I want to do is relax and enjoy the end of my pregnancy. Enjoying the life that has so delicately been growing and developing these past 8 months. Instead every free moment is spent reading and writing. I feel drained, but I press forward. This has been a long time goal of mine, to be educated, learn, better myself, and graduate with a college degree. So, as my doubting moments have increased as of late my prayers have also increased. I know that God brought me back to Multnomah for a reason, and He will help me succeed in finishing the task at hand. I will finish and graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Leadership and Ministry, but not on my own by any means. Rather, it will be by God's real presence in my life. Everytime I sit down at my desk with a bad attitude and unmotivated attempt at studying He lifts me up and will carry me to the finish line.
I am also so thankful for a patient husband. I know that my non-stop studying has an impact on him, because our one on one time spent together is limited. However, he is often the one who reassures me that the race is almost done. God sure blessed me with one of the good guys!
____________________________________________________________________
In kiddo news, Selah had her 2 year old check-up today. Let me just say she was a different child at her 18 month check-up. She did not enjoy the cold stethiscope or bright light that wanted to look in her ear, nor did she care to stand on the big girl scale. Consequently Dr. Basco and I worked up a sweat! She has a great doctor, though. I am so thankful the Doc. is patient and really takes her time with us. I also appreciate that she encourages us as parents and points out the things we are doing well.
Selah now weighs 26 1/2 pounds (50%) and 36 1/2 inches long (95%). She got a cookie in the end, which instantly shut off the tears.

We go in next week for my 34 week check-up with the baby doctor. That means only 5 weeks left! I am so ready to meet our little guy. And it's not because he has been quite frequently kicking my bladder...okay that probably has a little to do with it. He seems to have nestled himself really low, which puts more pressure down in my pelvic region. It's not a pleasant feeling!
As you can see there are many big changes happening in the Newcomer house. Things you can pray for specifically are:

Becoming a family of four
Graduating from college
Finding a new home by March

Summer time wrap up

We have enjoyed going on many wonderful trips this summer. Camping down in central Oregon, going out to the farm several times to pick fresh fruit and veggies, celebrating Selah's 2nd birthday, family camp with our church family, and a weekend at grandpa's in Florence.
We ended the summer with one final vacation down to my grandpa's. Saturday was spent walking through the shops in old town with family and then lounging by the lake back at the house. The sun shined for a little bit. We had delicious food and played games that evening. The next day we played down by the lake, and Selah got to see a salamander. A rare sight anymore. It was a lovely trip, and I was sad to come home. Dan also informed me today that he wore the same pair of underwear the whole weekend, so we better do some laundry. He actually thought I was serious when I told him on the way down I forgot his underwear. Apparently me laughing didn't clue him in that I was only kidding. Now I am laughing even more and slightly grossed out at the same time!

As summer ends we move into fall and the birth of our son quickly approaching. We are so excited to meet him! Will he look like his big sister? Will he have a calm demeanor? We do have a name picked out, but are keeping it a secret. Everyone knows it's a boy, so we have to have some element of surprise! Amongst all of this excitement I do have a difficult decision I have to make. I have to decide how he will be delivered. Selah was born by Cesarean because she was breech. Because of this previous surgery it would be risky for me to deliver naturally, although, it is possible. I would like to try for natural delivery, but is it the safest? My doctor has advised me to do a repeat cesarean. Not only because of the risk of a VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean), but also the way I am shaped internally may not allow for a successful delivery. There are so many factors involved in choosing either delivery. We will find out at the 36 week check-up to see if baby boy is even head down. If he is breech as well I don't even have a choice. I hope that appt. comes soon.
I also have been quite upset by the comments I have gotten in regards to a Cesarean. Apparently women (those who have never had a c-section) find that it is taking the easy way out. Just because I have never experienced natural labor pains I am some how less of a woman. These comments are completely ignorant and hurtful to any woman who has had a c-section. No woman purposely chooses a c-section to escape the pains of labor. It is a decision that is made for the safety of the baby and mother, and is quite risky. No matter how a child comes into this world their health and that of the mother's should take priority. Recovering from the surgery is no walk in the park, and the emotional impact of this delivery takes a toll on the mother. No matter how a woman delivers her child please support her. Motherhood is a big enough marathon, let's start off on the right foot by offering encouraging words.

Selah is 2!!!

Well, my sweet girl is two years old today. The comments we have been getting regarding this milestone seem to imply that we should fear this age. Oh the "Terrible Two's"! However, we have found that her wanting independence and testing boundaries starts well before this age, and I actually look forward to it! It is a process she will go through like every other human being in shaping her personality. We can either embrace it and learn ourselves as parents or become a ball of stress and overreact to our child's new desire for independence.
Selah definitely has plenty of personality already! Every day she learns something new or says something funny. Dan and I watch her as she sleeps at night in marvel at this precious child God has blessed us with. It is overwhelming the love I have for her. I know other mom's who may read this feel the same way. I believe as we are created in the image of God it is a reflection of our relationship with our heavenly Father.
There is so much I want to say about my daughter, because I am so proud of all that she has done this past year. Hmm...where do I start. Some of her favorite things to do are:
Dance and sing songs
Read books (I often find her sitting on the floor with a book reciting the story as she turns each page)
Somersaults or other acrobatic feats that usually scare mommy.
Being bundled with blankets and cuddled, even when it is 107 outside.
Play time with Daddy when he gets home
Tickle time
Talking on the phone
Playing in the water
She is very good at communicating things she does or doesn't want, and what she is feeling (scared, sad, tired).
She knows her colors, is getting better at counting in English and Japanese, and knows a few Spanish phrases.
LOVES to eat cranberries, avocados, and anything sweet!
Selah is excellent at sharing, very selfless, and I really hope that this trait continues.

Happy Birthday Selah! You are the greatest joy of our lives, and the most perfect blessing. I am so thankful that I get to spend everyday with you and watch you as you grow and develop. I LOVE YOU!

Love,
mommy

Family Reunion 2009

Selah on her new trike. We got it for her birthday and just gave it to her early.
She pretty much lived on that thing while camping.

Selah carrying on the tradition. I learned to ride when I was little too.

This is what my uncle cooked the Chinese dinner on. He was very fast and organized.
In this picture he is just cooking bacon for our breakfast.

The cousins: Shannon, me, Nick, and Jason

The siblings: (Patty) my mom, Uncle Gerry, and Auntie Sonie (Joanie)
There are two more that weren't there.

We just got back from a weekend of camping with our family down in West Fir, OR. Unfortunately we couldn't join the rest of the group until Friday afternoon, they were there the whole week. My uncle, cousin and her husband came up from California. My parents, brother, aunt, and another cousin and his family (who just moved here from Texas) were there as well. I haven't seen my cousin (from California) since we were 5 years old at our grandma's funeral. It was a great time visiting and reconnecting after so long. We spent the weekend lounging by the river (some of them went rafting), sitting by the fire roasting marshmallows (yumm!!!), attempting to ride our unicycles after several years, eating good food, and fighting off the bees and daddy long legs. The bees were horrible during the day, biting or stinging 5 of us. And as soon as it was dark the daddy long leg spiders started moving across the ground. Saturday my uncle cooked a delicious Chinese food dinner for us, all over the campfire with a wok. Best chinese food I've ever had!!! It was a great trip, and I look forward to next year's trip! But next year us Oregonians will make the drive down to California.
Selah did great on the trip. Her routine was a little thrown off which meant for a cranky girl Sunday when we were getting ready to come home. We did not take a pack and play, instead she slept on the ground with us. She did not have any problems with it, until during the day when she was supposed to take a nap. I had bought a pack of 12 mini muffins and she decided to get into them when she was supposed to be taking a nap. Apparently it was more fun to take a bite out of each muffin and line them up, and then take her diaper off to run around naked in the tent. No accidents, though! We also enjoyed waking up with her right away. But really laying there an extra minute wasn't an option. The first morning I woke up with a book laying on my face with her saying, "mommy read book please!", and the next morning with her cute little button nose pressed to mine as she stared at me. I love that girl!