Traveling the world with a baby June 11, 2008

I haven’t written any thing for months now, due to different reasons.  My computer stopped working and then we started traveling. 

Not planning to come to North Africa this summer I informed Norah’s grandparents they would be seeing her while Tyler was in North Africa.  Our plans changed, now I am in North Africa with Norah, so we got to visit our families a little earlier, because you can’t break that kind of promise. 

When Norah first flew she was so little she hardly noticed the flight, she slept most of the time.  She is now completely aware of everything.  So our first flight was probably my worst flight ever.  She got hungry, and with all that waiting to board waiting for everyone else to board.  By the time i could actually feed her she was frantic.  And all the nice people on the plain felt bad for her so they ALL decided to help me out and tell me what to do, over and over.  Even the nice single man in front of me suggested “maybe she’s hungry, you should try feeding her”.  What i told him i said with a smile on my face, so that counts for something right?  I just shared with him that i had tried that and i was not an idiot.  Nothing too mean.  Even the flight attendants would just not leave me alone.  It was just bad. 

Well, she seemed to get better and better from that point on.  She deffinately had a period of screaming on the first five flights, of our traveling, but nothing for the last four.  So Nine flights and three train rides later, we are here and doing well.  North Africa is beautiful, and I look forward to getting some more posts published in the next few weeks. 

Help April 4, 2008

There are nice things about living here in Peru, like the cost of labor is very low.  So help or work is easy to come by.  Having someone watch Norah is not too hard or expensive.  But i have to say, it doesn’t replace Grandparents or friends.  

 Honestly, I could get a break if i wanted.  Sometimes, even though it doesn’t cost much, I don’t want to pay someone to watch my kid constantly.  I guess it is the principal of the thing.  Or maybe I’m just a cheapskate.  

But this week, I realized I sometimes just need help.  Yes it is just one baby, most of the time we are fine, but there are weeks that she is just difficult.  Wants to be held all of the time, etc… I realized during these times I get incredibly stressed out, to the point where I just cry when Tyler is walking out the door to teach English.  

I finally told him, I know I have a problem when i get overwhelmed.  I will not ask for help.  Not from him or anyone.  It is a pride problem, and sometimes I need to just ask for help, for my sanity and for Norah.  She doesn’t need a frazzled mom.  

It was such a liberating feeling admitting my problems and asking for help.  Of course, Tyler knew I needed help, but sometimes when he realizes it, it’s too late, so I need to just ask.   

I have Feet! March 28, 2008

Feet, as a child you use your feet, not to walk, but for other things.  Norah has just discovered her feet, aka “new toys”.

 Not only does she love to play with them, they serve a very important purpose.  When she drops a toy,  she now lifts up her feet to pass the toy to her hands.  It is the funniest thing.  They may not yet be useful in walking, but they sure are useful for something.  

  

A Celebrity in my house? March 22, 2008

Yes, that’s right, we had a celebrity stay with us this week.  Steve Saint, the son of Nate Saint.  When I heard the news, I was so excited and nervous all at the same time.  He was here in Peru and we were blessed by his company and Bruce Sneed.  We only had Steve Saint for one night, it wasn’t nearly enough, but we definitely enjoyed it. 

 It was amazing to hear him tell the story of his dad and how the Lord allowed him to continue working there with his mother.  The most amazing is the part where one of the men who murdered his dad is now saved and practically his family.  He showed us pictures of his grandchildren climbing all over this man, who is now a Christian. 

 It is humbling when I think of the problems I have, or issues with people who may have offended me.  How could the Lord ever do that kind of a work in my heart when I can’t give up the bitterness I have over such small things?  

 Well, I have to say he was one of the kindest men I have met, and of course we got a picture with Norah, as she was pulling on his beard.  That was one unexpected blessing.   

Who’s your Daddy? March 4, 2008

Norah has really perfected the art of grabbing things, whenever we eat, she makes this little noise like she is tasting it, (and man does it taste good).  Last week, she actually grabbed my plate, so the past few days she has been reaching and grabbing drinks etc…

 Every now and then i’ll put my arms out like I am going to pick her up, just to see if she’ll reach for me.  Nothing so far, until yesterday.  I was holding her, (obviously she didn’t reach for me) she saw her daddy leave the room and was watching as if to say, “where is he going?”  I picked her up and followed him, and when he turned around she reached out for him.  I had to admit, if it were anyone else in this world I would have been distraught.  To make matters worse, when i tried to take her, she turned away.  

But how can I complain, my little girl loves her Daddy.  Sometimes, (lots of times) he is the only one she wants, and the only one who can calm her down.  I am so thankful for such a perfect husband and father to Norah.  Honey, I love you!  Oh, and this morning she reached for me, so I feel better now.   

 

Parent Dedication February 28, 2008

This past Sunday we dedicated Norah to the Lord.  Pastor Alonso Montenegro challenged us as we dedicated our daughter, that we weren’t only dedicating her, but ourselves as well.  To give her a godly example and to raise her to love God and His Word, with all of her heart, soul and mind.   

I have to say it was quite convicting.  I want her to be so much more than what I am.  How can I expect her to become this godly woman, when I know I am not even close to the godly woman I should be?  I can always hope she’ll turn out more like her Dad.  

The truth is, I can’t be all she needs me to be.  It’s relieving in a sense to admit that.  It has to be the Lord who works in me.   So yes it was called a “Baby Dedication”, but it was a day to dedicate ourselves as parents to this immense journey ahead of us.  

So Worth It February 22, 2008

These past couple of days have been a little more challenging.  Norah is growing so she has been eating like crazy, for long periods of time and not sleeping.  Like every mother I look forward to that little part of my day when I can get caught up on things or do the things I need to.  

Needless to say, I end my day a little worn out and just frustrated.  But before I gave Norah her bath tonight I stripped her down and was playing with her, she is ticklish under her arms and when i tickled her, she let out the sweetest laugh. It’s kind of a deep laugh/giggle. Oh my, those are the sweetest sounds I have ever heard in my life.  She doesn’t laugh very often, but when she does, my heart almost jumps out of my chest.  I wish it could last forever.    

So though it was a trying day, hearing her laugh for a few seconds made it worth it all.  But, I am still hoping she’ll take a break from this eating schedule.     

Check the Volume February 20, 2008

This would have to be my saddest post so far.  I hope there are none sadder.  I am officially inducted into the “first time mom mistakes” hall of fame.  The other night we put Norah to bed and went to bed ourselves.  I saw that the baby monitor was on, I did not check the volume.  So we headed to bed.  8 hours later I woke up and thought, wow she went 8 1/2 hours.  I went into her room surprised she went that long, because that is not her normal routine.  She was whimpering, talk about the saddest sounds I have ever heard.  Come to find out the volume on the monitor was down and i still have no idea how long she had been awake, hungry.  

She ate and then was her smiling self like every morning.  So I guess there was no psychological damage.  I just can’t get it out of my mind.  I know I’ll never do that again.

I think about how much I lack when it comes to being a mom, and am so thankful, my Heavenly Father never makes those mistakes.  He always hears us, doesn’t have to check the volume.   And He gives us the grace to learn to follow His lead.  

Daddy’s Little Girl February 16, 2008

There are few things that totally disgust my husband.  One of them probably #1 on the list is anything involving spit.  Once in your mouth it should stay there.

I have to agree, but babies are pretty much known for that kind of stuff.  Recently Norah has started Drooling.  Baby drool, it comes with the territory right?  But Daddy puts up with it, because it’s his little girl.

Well, every night we have to give Norah her medicine for acid reflux.  I have to pour it in her mouth with a dropper.  It’s cold so she really hates it.  Some days she takes it, others she dribbles it down her chin, but last night she was in a mood and while Daddy was holding her she spewed it all over his face.  His glasses were covered, good thing he had them on.

Of course I thought it was hilarious, waiting for his reaction, but he didn’t seem to mind, just hugged her like he always does and calmed her right down.  Wow, what a great dad!

 

Babies Cry February 16, 2008

If there is one thing I have learned since becoming a mom (4 short months ago).  It would be that babies cry.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but it’s true.  When we first brought Norah home, I was afraid to change her, because she would cry, and i just didn’t want her to cry.  Giving her a bath for the first time was traumatizing for me and for her.  Our first visit to the doctor was a tragedy, I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.  After a few months, I just got use to it I guess.   There were nights when she would scream for hours, I remember thinking, “are all babies like this?  Why would anyone have more than one?” (i know that is awful to think, but those first couple of months were not easy)  If you are a mom, I’m sure you know what I mean.

 She has gotten so much better.  Just getting use to life.  She is doing great, but here in Peru, I don’t know if their babies just don’t cry, or if they can’t hear them because they are so bundled up.  If a baby cries it is the end of the world, and everyone has a solution.  I usually feel like I have to give them a reason why, (usually anything but what they are telling me).  I now realize that I thought the same way, and I wanted an answer or a reason for every whimper.  But I have finally settled in my mind it’s just a fact, she’s a baby and babies cry.