Lots of transition

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted. Lots of changes and transition for our little guy. We moved this summer, so Eli has had a new room and house to get used to. We now live in town (Kandern), which is great! It's a 10 minute walk to BFA and 5 minute walk to both grocery stores. The best part of our location is "de train". Every Sunday, all summer long, there is a tourist train that travels to/from our small little town. It's a steam train that makes lots of noise, it pulls up almost directly across from Eli's bedroom window. He literally would jump up out of bed, on Sunday, and runs to find us yelling "it's de train, mama". His excitement brought lots of laughs and memories. Now, I wish I would have captured these moments on video. The train stopped a couple of weeks ago and I know we all miss hearing and seeing "Mr. Train".

Another transition is me staying home with Eli. Jon's position needs him to be at BFA full time. We tried to get Eli into 2 different German childcare facilities. This would have allowed me to go in from 9-12 M-F (until baby sisters birth). Under a couple of circumstances, neither worked. I tried working when BFA started, but it was challenging b/c no day had the same schedule for Eli. Plus, after a recent hospital stay, I'm homebound. Trying to prevent pre-term labor with resting a lot.

Our biggest excitement now is waiting for the arrival of Genevieve Grace, aka baby sister. We are trying to prepare Eli as much as possible for this HUGE transition. We talk to him and read him books about being a big brother. Plus he gets to hear me say be careful, 24/7, with my belly. He's excited, but I'm not sure how much is sinking in.

More exciting news, my parents are coming to visit. Unless I go into labor early (again), they should be here during the birth. It's been 1.5 years since Eli has seen them AND they have never seen me pregnant!! We are beyond excited!!

I'm so proud of my child, he has such a great heart. He's been very sick, but woke up today with no fever....so what does he do? Well, I'm sick now and he came in our room this morning to give me "monkey" (favorite toy from Oma) and blew me a kiss from the bedroom door.

Eli's prayers (they are too good to forget)
September 1st
Dear Jesus, Thank you for Miss. Doris and motorcycles.
September 7th
Dear Jesus, thank you for horses, they go way up high and Titus and Addie.
September 8th
Dear Jesus, Thank you for old train, thank you for engine and race cars.
September 19th
Dear Jesus, I pray for Jesus because he loves me!

Our community here in Germany has been unbelievable to our family. We have had dinners for about 3 weeks now and they continue until Dec. 18th. People have been watching Eli and doing some grocery shopping for us too. It's been a blessing to us and as part of our routine, we pray for the family that brings our dinner. Eli loves praying and giving thanks for his buddies and their families.

Blessings,
Valerie

Psalm 86:12 "I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever."

22 months old and counting

It's hard to believe that in 2 months, Eli will be 2 years old. What a joy he has been to our lives. Latest activities include: riding a balance bike, climbing out of his crib, playing with cars, potty training, saying sentences, drawing on the iPad AND watching "Kipper the dog". Needless to say, he is one busy guy! I have an app on my iPad for drawing. He can swipe through the apps to find the "fish" icon, then he chooses what picture to color. It's amazing!! I probably need to check our credit card to make sure he hasn't purchased new apps....ha! Kids these days!

He LOVES being outside. We have a hard time getting him back inside after a walk or a ride on his bike. He could stay outside all day....rain, snow or shine. He loves to throw snowballs and jump in puddles. I'm looking forward to this summer when we can take him to the zoo and go swimming.

One of the highlights this year has been Jonathan coaching boys basketball. Eli and I would go to practices and games. Each time we visit BFA, now, he asks to go see basketball. He was mesmerized with the noise of the dribbling balls and when the High School boys acknowlegded him. So fun to watch.....I wonder if he will enjoy this sport when he gets older?

Our boy is growing like a weed (Arkansas phrase). I was able to get him 3T outfits during my trip to the states. He can wear them, but they are just a tad to big. Hard to believe. All our 24 month clothing is out the door. It's going to be challenging to keep him clothed, I'm afraid.

He loves for Jon and I to read to him. His favorite book, he calls "Bible book". It's a daily devotional for kids (short and sweet, just like his attention span). We read it to him every morning. He likes to hold it too. As he flips through the pages, he recognizes Jesus, Noah and Moses. This makes a momma's heart happy!

My prayer for Eli is to grow up knowing who Jesus is AND to be a humble person.

"Jesus’ life exemplified humility. He did not assert His divine rights while on earth but instead left behind the glory and authority to which He was entitled. Cloaking himself with humanness, Jesus chose to be an obedient servant of His Father (Phil. 2:5-8).

Our Savior’s example was and still is countercultural. This world does not value an attitude or lifestyle of humility; rather, it applauds high achievement, outward beauty, elevated positions, or exceptional skills. But God assures us that if we choose meekness—living in submission to Jesus as Master of our lives—He will reward us in both this life and the life to come. (Matt. 5:5 niv)." In Touch Daily Devotional