brian.sara.liam

Wow...March already???

2009-03-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

Tomato planting March 1st

He likes to put his feet up on the table...hmmm...think we should nip this one in the bud!!

A daily occurrence - his breathing treatment for asthma

So, I have obviously NOT kept up with blogging through the holidays and now into the new year (3 months into the new year!). For the family that does follow and check here to see how we are doing, I apologize for not taking the time to do this. Right now Liam is napping and I have taken some new pictures (which I do often) and some new videos to post for you all to enjoy!

Quick update on Liam: He is now almost 1 1/2 years old! He took his first steps just around Christmas time and has been off and running since then. He loves doing whatever we are doing - digging in the dirt with Dad or putting on an oven mit to mimmick me. He LOVES books and we could read them all day long. He does not say any words yet - some may be worried, but I do think he will do it in his time. His has officially been diagnosed with asthma, apparently only triggered when he gets a cold. He spent the couple days after Christmas in the hospital in Lynchburg, VA and has not had a cold since then. He is on daily inhaled steroids to help the ever present inflammation in his airways so that when he does get a cold, I can manage the more immediate symptoms with better efficacy. So often Brian and I just stare at him and watch him move around doing cute things, discovering new things and we just laugh. We LOVE being his parents and find that this truly is such a journey we didn't know existed!

Brian and I are doing well - you may get our updates via email as well and so you probably know we are working for our ministry here in South LA and also Brian is trying to find a part time engineering position. We will hear tomorrow from one company that sounds promising. We know the Lord will continue to meet our needs, even in this difficult economy.

So enough of the writing, enjoy the pictures and video! Hope you all are doing well too. Thanks to those of you requesting a new entry - it helped me to get my bum in gear!

Finally, an update!

2008-11-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

"So Big!!!"

Brian's trying to get him to walk! We have a little bet out - we'll let you know who wins!

He likes "riding" on the skateboard.

Our in our back driveway in the walker and with our landlady, Sara

Poor Boo Boo

So, that was the first month since Liam was born that I didn't post anything! Sorry to those of you that do check our site. It was a great October though, lots of ups, a few downs and even a couple of trips to the hospital! So, it was definitely a full month.

Well our trips to the hospital were for our little guy! He had been sick off and on (mostly on) during the whole month of September and most of October as well. The second trip to the ED landed him an admission because he needed some oxygen to support his breathing. He had a bout of bronchiolitis - a common childhood illness. Since it is a virus, not much to do but help him out with some O's and a little IV fluid. He spent 3 nights at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles - it felt like home to me. I even got to visit some friends in the PICU. I wish I had been visiting under different circumstances, but it was good nonetheless.

Also, praise God! We had a great month of fundraising. God was able to raise for us 99% of our goal for the month of October! What a blessing - we will have a full pay check in the month of November. Our overall support is still steadily increasing, but we see so clearly how God is providing for us and giving us our daily bread. It is amazing.

Liam is changing lots too - he is learning all sorts of tricks now too. He is still not walking but is cruising everywhere he can! He can clap his hands when we say "clap" ; he does "so big" with his arms in the air, he gives me "kisses" (a nice lean in to my neck)and he can point to his toes, a turtle on a pillow and my nose! It's great. It is hilarious how much little things like that are celebrated for a little guy. He is also of course testing his limits in everything, but that is expected. I think Brian and I are doing well maintaining consistency, but that too I am sure will be tested. Also, Liam is sleeping ALL of the way through the night - 11 hours! It is wonderful and as I write, I have weaning Liam down to 2 feedings per day. I have a mix of emotions as this time of our time of nursing is coming to an end.

So, here are some pictures!

videos

2008-09-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here are the videos I thought I could post in the last one!

Enjoy!

An update finally

2008-09-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been home now for almost 2 weeks. The above pics are from our drive home after visiting my sister in Wisconsin. We stopped in Arches NP and Zion. We wanted to see Rocky Mountain National Park but it snowed all in the park the night we got there and the park was closed. But we drove through about 4 inches of snow over the pass of the Rockies! It was beautiful. We loved our drive back out West and are glad to be in our home again and getting down to business here!

So we arrived just before Liam's 1st birthday. We celebrated with our small group. When everyone was singing "happy birthday" he got shy and I could tell by the end of the song Liam would be crying. And sure enough, it frightened him the singing. But he ate some cake and ice cream and it was nice to celebrate the passage of his first year. It was amazing to think what happened last year and how far we have come. What a blessing.

We have been getting busy now just getting into a routine and things have been going well. Support raising is going well, just taking some time. We have been learning so many things during this process from the Lord and it has been humbling, challenging, and also unifying for our family. We are excited about seeing how God works during the coming months.

Liam is doing really well these days!! He is crawling more and more and pulling up on things. He has been scooting on his belly for weeks now, but he is getting the hang of traditional crawling more and more and literally changes from day to day. His pulling up on things is getting better and better and I sure do have to watch him like crazy now! He loses his balance sometimes and takes a nice fall, but it doesn't stop him from trying again. He had his 1 year check up on Monday. He is in the 15th percentile for height and weight so he is proportionate. He is becoming more and more picky with his food and it is a battle at each meal but breakfast. Oh well, we'll keep working on it!

Well, hope you enjoy the pictures and the videos especially. On a sad note, we lost our video camera in Maryland and so are videoing on our digital camera some.

We are heading out...

2008-08-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well, our time in Maryland has come to an end. I thought I'd just post a few more pictures on here of Liam with family. Also some of the pictures are of of Liam in the bay out back and also of some toes in the Atlantic ocean. He didn't like the waves coming up to him so quickly, but we did get him wet! Tomorrow we are leaving for Canada and a stop in Auburn, NY to see my great aunts. And this time next week we'll be in Ohio visiting friends and going to a Buckeye game! Looking forward to it! We may not get another chance to post but we should be home by the 15th of September, Liam's first birthday!

Support raising is going well - please pray that the Lord would continue to provide for our needs as He has so faithfully. We are ready to get home but have felt so blessed by our time with family, new friends, and in this beautiful part of the country.

Love always,
Brian, Sara and Liam

Our Vancouver and Maryland Adventure

2008-08-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

At the point at Nana's house

Annapolis, MD by the waterfront.

On the "point" at Gigi's house. It was Liam's first time out there to the bay!

At Brian's grandmother's house just south of ocean city, maryland

Gigi (Nana) feeding her great grandson his breakfast!!!

By the waterfront

We made a little side stop to Washington, DC before an appointment. It was brief, but we drove around and went to the Mall. Neither Brian nor I had been to D.C. for many years.
With Pop Powers
Staring down Uncle Eric (Brian's brother)

VANCOUVER, CANADA July 26-31

A visit to a local park near Sooke in Canada. It was VERY chilly!!!

My brother and sister, Amy.

As the tide fluctuation was great at the place we stayed on Vancouver Island, we found all kinds of creatures - snails, hermit crabs, bigger crabs. It was fun to explore!!

Brian and Liam out in front of the house we rented on the Sooke Bay.

The Boys: Robert (my brother), Elijah, Brian and Liam and Eric (brother in law)

With Grandpa

Cousin Elijah is pointing at Liam's teeth and Liam loved laughing at Elijah because I think he thought he sounded funny talking!
Playing "Peek a boo" with Rene
Storytime with the kids

The Cousins: Liam, Elijah and Anna
On the ferry over to Vancouver Island. It was beautiful!!

Out in front of the rented house on Vancouver Island in Sooke

This was a feast!!! My brother Robert does a lot of urban farming in Vancouver where he lives. We decided to spread out everything he has harvested - including the berries and the jam he made with the berries to take a picture! We had a plenty for dinner that night and it was so tasty - from potatoes, kale, carrots, beets, lettuce, eggs, etc...it was yummy~

Picking blackberries with uncle Robert at one of Robert's urban farms he works on.

With my Dad and Maureen and Robert

Horseshoe Bay

In Robert's backyard which is all a garden! He even has a big grapevine which will be harvested for wine in September.

I can't believe it is already the end of August!! We have almost been gone from our home in LA for 2 months. We definitely feel like gypsies at times, and now that we can see the end near, we are looking forward to getting home and permanently unpacking. However, we feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to be on the east coast with family for so long. We have been in Maryland for 3 weeks now and much has been going on. We are back in Ocean City now spending time with GiGi and continuing to meet with people interested in our ministry. God is teaching us much about faith and truly hoping in Him and not in people. It is good. Brian and I have had some rich conversations recently and our faith has been deepening. We are learning lots!

So, I have MANY pictures to post here but I will give a bit of an update on Liam first! He is an absolute JOY and brings so much happiness to us as well as those around him. I know that my family deeply misses him and I know that Gigi and others who are around him all of the time are not looking forward to him leaving shortly. His smile just sparkles!! And it comes so easily it just makes me happy. He is scooting A LOT on his tummy - actually it is more like combat crawling. He is getting stronger each day and before long, he will a pro at the traditional crawl! He also loves standing and pulling up a little on things. He loves banging on everything and has found is favorite toys among them all - a metal mixing bowl and a wooden spoon. It makes the perfect "ding" and he blinks his eyes while smiling as he hits it repetitively! He is also "talking" a lot - lots of "gagas" and "dadas" and roaring like a lion and a little bit of loud screaming. I think he likes to hear himself talk! Uh oh.... He is waving lots, and even waves at the fans above in every room here. He finally is picking up his own food and loves feeding himself, though when I get him out of his seat, I see a lot in his lap. He is a big breakfast eater and loves yogurt, oatmeal and apples or bananas for breakfast. As Gigi says "He eats more for breakfast than I do!" I am just starting a third meal for the day - a lunch time snack. He hasn't been eating a ton, but I am trying hard to find good things for him to eat. I am still making his food for the most part and just yesterday tried broccoli and cheese which he enjoyed. And, the biggest change seems to be his sleeping. He has been sleeping at night lots and usually has a 7-8 hour stretch of sleeping at night. Praise God!!! This truly is an answer to prayer. I feel more rested as this is the most sleep I have consistently had for over a year! It is amazing what a parent can endure for a child. We just love him to pieces and can't get enough of him!

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

We're here...

2008-08-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Well, we have been all over in the past couple of weeks. Right now, we are in Ocean City, Maryland staying with Brian's grandmother and Liam's Gigi!! Actually, we are in South Point, MD, across the bay from Assateague Island where the wild horses roam! We arrived on Sunday night after a couple of visits elsewhere. We spent the last week just north of D.C. traveling around meeting with old friends of Brian's. We arrived from our fantastic stay in Vancouver, Canada on the 1st. I will definitely post some pictures of that time soon. We left our computer along the journey and will get it back on Thursday. This week we are traveling a bit more - Brian has a trip to Michigan for a follow training time for his job and I am heading to visit my friend Jennie in Richmond for Friday night. Whew....we are exhausted and missing LA. But, the Lord is sustaining us.

Just wanted you all to know that we are alright and that things are going well. We will post some more pictures and information about what is going on with us shortly! Please pray that in our travels we would be refreshed anew.

The end of our stay in Virginia...

2008-07-24T19:45:00.000-07:00

So, we are ending our time in Virginia today. Tonight is our last night and we are crazily busy packing up from our stay in Lynchburg. We feel so blessed to have been able to come and visit people and spend this extended time in Virginia with family and friends. We have had great times connecting with people about our ministry and we continue to pray that the Lord leads faithful supporters to us. Brian and I have both reflected that had we not gone into this career path, we would not have had the opportunity to come for so long. We feel like this is an added blessing we didn't quite expect.

We are leaving tomorrow for Maryland for only one night before we are off to Vancouver, British Columbia to visit my brother for the upcoming week. My family is trying to get together more than just at Christmas 2 other times per year so we are all descending upon him in Canada!! What out! It is going to get crazy. We are spending 2 nights on the mainland in the city with my bro and then 3 nights on Vancouver Island in the city of Sooke. It should be spectacular! We will be back to Maryland on August 1st and then will be there for the next month. Whew....

So Liam has had such fun and good days recently. Everyone comments that he is such a good baby, which I do agree with! He just has a hard time a night. However, the past several nights he has gone down to sleep at night awake and has obviously become more content and familiar with his crib here in Virginia. This is so hard for me, because tomorrow he will start the many nights in unfamiliar places. Please PRAY for him during the transitions to Maryland, Canada and back. I really desire to give him things that are steady and secure, which babies need and do well with, but right now I need to trust that God will sustain all 3 of us during the difficult transitions. I really appreciate all of you who are praying.

We will try and post again in Vancouver, but only if there is time.

updates!

2008-07-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Asleep with Rene

reading with Grandpa

He loves taking baths! We don't always use the tub still, but he enjoys just reclining and babbling during bathtime. It usually puts him in a good mood.

He loves standing up on the couch and looking out into the lake and banging on the window. What a cutie!

We made a trip to Blacksburg and Virginia Tech where Brian went to school. This is from the memorial for the shootings that happened last year.

getting ready for a paddle boat ride at my Dad's house. This life jacket suit was a bit big and he hated being in it. but he sure does look kind of funny!

Flowers, flowers and more flowers in the yard!

Swinging with Grandpa
Brian working on fishing

Well, we've been busy!!

It has been really good meeting with so many people in Virginia and for me to be able to reconnect with people that I have grown up knowing in my church! What a blessing. The change in routine and place has been a big adjustment for Liam, but overall, he is such a good baby! He had his first experience with mosquito bites, and he had quite a few of them on his legs. I think he was really bothered for a couple of days, but now is much better. Brian and I have had many wakeful nights with him over the past several weeks, but we are used to it and trying to keep a good perspective. God is really sustaining us on little sleep, and He is providing chances to rest. Today is another day of rest for us, at least we don't have any appointments. We have lots of other miscellaneous things to take care of for work, but will probably be in most of the day. At my dad's house we can fish, take the paddle boat out and relax on the swing. We haven't had much time to enjoy those things since the 4th of July, but we will try to today.

So, fundraising is going pretty well and we feel encouraged at people's responses and excitement for us and our work in Los Angeles. We are challenged daily to rely on God to meet these needs and we have seen Him work in many ways already. Monday night we had an info session at my church and I felt completely blessed by the friends that came out to learn about what we are doing. please pray for us and rest as well as the vision and boldness to continue on in our efforts here in Lynchburg, VA.

We will be traveling next Friday to D.C. to take an early flight out on Saturday to go to Vancouver, Canada to visit my brother. The whole family is going there to visit him, so it will be another cross country trip, this time by plane. The changes for Liam has for me, proven to be the biggest challenge of this trip. He is up quite a bit during the night, and then not having a routine during the day is hard somewhat, and naps are often cut short. We have begun trying to stay in at least for his morning nap, so that he has that consistency and has nothing scheduled before 1pm.

So, I wanted to share lots of new pictures! Hope everyone, friends in Los Angeles and friends on the east coast are doing well! Thanks for stopping by.

Brian, Sara and Liam

We Made It!

2008-07-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - Los Angeles to Flagstaff, Arizona

Our traveling set up! If Liam was asleep, Brian and I would be in the front. If awake, he definitely needed someone to look at and not just the back of the seat.

At our very first stop in California on our way out.

Day 2: Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, and on to New Mexico

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Day 3- New Mexico to Oklahoma

The view of the lake from Brian's grandparent's house! Spectacular!

Eating at the Cracker Barrell - Brian was so excited to get some country fried steak! He had his fill and that was the only time we stopped for a real dinner.

Days 4,5,6- Visiting in Mountain Home, Arkansas

Liam with Aunt Cindy! We were so excited and happy to visit with her and catch up a bit!

With Great Grandpa Homan!

And with Great Grandma Homan! It was such a blessing to be able to stop and visit for awhile there and have a chance to spend good time and conversation with Brian's grandparents. It was a wonderful time.

Day 7 - Arkansas to Lynchburg, Virginia!

In Knoxville, Tennessee for Brian to show me around

Wow...we are in Virginia. We arrived at 0300 a.m. on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning!). We decided to push on through from our stay in Arkansas with Brian's grandparents all of the way to Lynchburg, Virginia. It was a little over 800 miles, and took us 17 hours to do. And let me tell you, Liam is the star traveler! The whole week he did so well when we traveled in the car - of course he got fussy, but overall, he sure does enjoy his carseat! However, he has had a hard time adjusting at night to new places. I am very glad to be in one spot for the next 3 weeks in Virginia.

We didn't leave Los Angeles until 10am, a few hours after our original goal time for leaving. But leaving for 2 1/2 months is no easy task! We didn't mind the late start and we really approached the whole trip with an easy going attitude.

Day 1 - We arrived in Flagstaff, AZ at around 6:30. We found a hotel, and then went to the little downtown area and grabbed some local pizza.

Day 2 - We drove up to the Grand Canyon and did some sight seeing and then headed out past Flagstaff and stopped at the Petrified National Forest and Painted Desert. We had a goal of getting to Albuquerque, NM to stay with some friends, but we quickly saw that would be difficult to make. So, we enjoyed the national parks, and enjoyed the chance to take it easy. We did make it to Gallup, NM.

Day3 - Pure driving. We drove through NM, the pan handle of Texas, and into Oklahoma and stayed in Elk City.

Days 4,5,6 - Elk City, Oklahoma to Mountain Home, Arkansas to visit Brian's grandparents and introduce them to their first great grandchild! We stayed there 3 nights and a full 2 days. It was a blessing to spend time with them and relax in a beautiful part of the country.

Day 7 - Arkansas to Lynchburg, VA! We stopped in Knoxville, TN to see where Brian used to live while he worked with the Navigators at the University of Tennessee. It was really fun to experience that with him!

So, it has been really busy since we got here with the 4th of July and all. We have been enjoying seeing family and friends and are getting a full schedule as we begin our fundraising efforts here in Virginia. We are feeling so blessed, challenged, and supported here. It is not always easy, but I know that God is growing us and our faith.

We miss our home in Los Angeles, but also enjoy very much being in the city where I grew up and being able to see aunts and uncles and grandparents multiple times. My family is very important to me and I am enjoying this extended visit a bit. We have taken some trips out in the paddle boat on the lake and Brian has enjoyed some swimming. It is a great place to stay. And is a great chance to focus on the Lord.

Well, enjoy the pictures!

Father's Day pictures and new video

2008-06-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Well, we are HOT here in LA. Temps have been in the mid to upper 90s the past 2 days and we have no AC! Thank goodness we have a unit for Liam's room - he definitely sleeps nice and comfortably! Today we are having a going away sort of party with some of Brian's old coworkers and people from our little small group here at USC. It should be fun - kind of hot, but fun. I wanted to be sure to post some adorable pictures of Liam and Daddy from Father's Day! We had a great day! We had a nice breakfast at home and leisurely morning, and then we went to a place called The Americana which is a big outdoor shopping area. We didn't do any shopping, just enjoyed the huge fountain, people watching and some yummy Pinkberry "yogurt" to keep us cool. Then we went to this place called "Forest Lawn." Yep, it's a huge graveyard, but has so much greenery and interesting statues and displays. We have gone there many times before for times of quiet and so Brian wanted to stop by before church. It was a great day to celebrate Brian and his role as a dad! He is a great dad and I love watching him with Liam. In fact, I hear the two downstairs laughing away!!

Liam has been babbling recently lots - mostly "ga ga ga" and also, and to Brian's enjoyment, "dada" He tends to wake us up in the morning "talking" like this and his voice is just so sweet on the monitor. He loves rolling around his crib and I think is enjoying the freedom of movement a bit more. We are just absolutely adoring him these days - we just can't get enough and he is just so cute!!! I know, we are his parents, but that is how we are supposed to feel!

So, we are down to the wire. Just a few days before we are off! I am getting excited in lots of ways and scared in lots of ways - it will be some times of transition and growth for sure, but I am looking forward to this adventure! We leave on Wednesday, so there is a tremendous amount of work to do before then. But, we are getting it done, and Brian is just such a hard worker. Hopefully I'll get one more post in before we leave and post from the road!!!

Enjoy the pictures!

Our Stay at Home Vacation!

2008-06-10T09:20:00.001-07:00

Out at dinner at Yamashiro

This was an awesome sushi place that is in the hills above Hollywood. Very fun place and peaceful where we ate in the garden.

After the show Wicked. We were blessed with amazing 3rd row center tickets - we could see every expression and all the details. It was so much fun! This was also our first time out without Liam for 8 1/2 months! What a blessing. I was nervous leaving him with a friend because I didn't know how he would do going to sleep, but he did great and fell right asleep. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with our friends that night too.
Greg and Julie at the Huntington Gardens. This was a beautiful garden area in Pasadena. There were so many different gardens (Japanese Gardens with Bonsai trees, Chinese, Desert, Australian, etc). It was a little chilly that day, but we still enjoyed the beauty of this place.

Liam loves hands and is thoroughly entertained by them.

Greg and Brian contemplating the map....

I think this picture is funny - Liam and Greg seem to be making the same face!

Compliments of Greg, this is a fun picture. There were lots of surfers there, but according to him, nothing like a weekend day. The surf was pretty decent for the guys.
We had lots of space there and got a fire ring to enjoy once the sun went down. It does still get chilly in Southern Cali!

So, last week was a great and fun week here in Los Angeles! We spent a "stay-at-home" few days of vacation with our friends Greg and Julie. We did some really fun things in the area and had great time to just hang out. It started out with a night on the town - to see the show Wicked (which was fabulous!) and to eat some sushi. Yummm. On Wednesday we went to the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena and then had dinner at the oldest winery in California - the San Antonio Winery downtown. They don't grow grapes there anymore, but still bottle the wine there. It was fun. Then Thursday we ventured down to San Onofre state beach where Julie, Liam and I chilled out and the guys did lots of surfing. And then Friday we grilled out at Greg and Julie's apartment. It was a great week and was fun to take a moment to not think about all we have to do.

So, on to what we are doing. Well, Brian got home from his staff training in Orlando and has been busy meeting with people and connecting with others about our ministry. We have had lots of positive times with people and I have enjoyed getting to know new friends. We are gearing up for a big cross country trip in about 2 weeks that will take us back east to connect with people there as well. God is really blessing this time and we are excited to see how He works in our relationship and how He will provide for our needs. I am sure I will be sharing lots about this in the coming weeks and months.

And now about Liam. Well, he now has 3 teeth poking through - one on top is now coming in, hopefully the other top one won't be far behind! He has been eating lots and lots now - and I am happy to report that he LOVES my peas now. I have made sweet potatoes and peas recently. And this morning I needed to make some prunes - I think he needs a little help. :) He ate those right up. He is sleeping better and taking decent naps. This trip across the country will be somewhat challenging with Liam, but I think it will make us take things slower and as Brian said, "Enjoy the sunset each day." It will undoubtedly be an adventure we look back on with fondness.

So, enjoy the pictures. I have a video I want to post soon as well. Look for that shortly!

Love to all.

Fun pictures!!

2008-05-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

Green beans....yummy! (not!)

Mr. Pea face

Well, this whole week, Brian has still been gone to Florida. Liam and I have done pretty well and have actually had some breakthroughs as far as sleep is concerned. I decided he can take no more naps in his swing! So, he has been doing well doing all of his sleeping in the crib. We have had such a fun week together and I think he is just changing all of the time. This week, I started making my baby food for Liam! It is a choice for economic purposes as well as just to take an active role in knowing what I am feeding Liam and also to expose him to many different foods that aren't always available in the jars. Anyway, as I said in the last posting, he LOVED carrots. No problem eating a jar (he could probably eat more!). So, I thought I'd make green beans...well, those didn't go over so well. He cried and gagged. I have the rest frozen in the freezer for later experimentation. So, the next day I made peas - I tasted them and they tasted sweet and yummy, I thought for sure he'd like them. ( I even put them through a fine strainer which took forever to get rid of all of the little bits). Wrong. He gagged and cried again. He did take a few spoonfuls (probably because I tricked him - he thought it was rice cereal) So, the rest is frozen in the freezer. I'll try those again in about a week. Today I made pears (of course those he liked) and squash. I didn't even bother trying the squash, it will be in the freezer until he is ready. It is actually fun to make this food and then just know that I have it when I need it! So far, so good.

So, today i took bunches of pictures with the new camera. I had fun just clicking away. I am posting some of my favorites. I will probably mess around with them more and crop them and enhance my favorites for printing, but I thought I'd just put up some of what I took. I love photography and hopefully I'll get better and better as I keep trying.

Mother's Day and more!

2008-05-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Just messin' with the camera...

If you could hear him he would be "singing" right now - that is his current sound...arhhrrhh
Peacefully sleeping - he is down to about 2 naps a day now..

Oh so interested in the jumper...and so serious!

Brian took this on our little porch on the second floor. He loves looking at this church steeple across the street.

At the zoo!!!

He even chews on Daddy's hair.

He's pointing where he wants to go at the zooooooo!

With the tall giraffs

So, my first Mother's Day was great - we had such a great weekend and it was really fun to be celebrated as a mother! I love being a mom and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be Liam's mommy! Anyway...we went to the LA Zoo (the Orangatang (sp?) wasn't loose that weekend) and had lots of fun looking at the animals. And then Brian cooked up a yummy steak dinner on the grill. Sounds more manly, but we don't eat red meat often at all so it was a real treat! And, we purchased a new toy off of craigslist - a used digital SLR camera which I am SO excited about. I have taken so many pictures and love exploring my inner photography passion. Hopefully, awesome pics to come in the future!

Well, right now Brian is in Orlando, FL for his training to go on staff with our church. Welcome to the mission field! We are excited about this next step and are looking forward to seeing how God provides. He left Sunday night and won't be back until the 28th. That is the longest we have been apart. But so far, so good. Last night my friend Julie spent the night, and of course, Liam behaved well. She was there in case I needed a break, (and of course to hang out!) but he did well and went right to sleep. What a blessing! She is coming over again on Thursday. Her husband is out of town as well so we get a chance to catch up and get quality time.

Finally the weather today is cooler in LA. Over the weekend it was around 97-98. Wow...it gets cookin' here! But relief is here today with cloud coverage off the ocean.

Well, enjoy the new pictures! Liam is eating more and more and yesterday I gave him some carrots - he couldn't get enough of them! Yesterday was also his 8 month check up. He is finally on the curve for height - 26.5". He has come a long way. And he is close to 17lbs now. Movin' on up. He is so much fun and I love seeing him change each day. So, here are some pictures to keep you updated as well!

Much love,
Sara and Liam

Fun first feeding!

2008-05-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Chewing...

My pensive guys...wonder what they're thinking?

With my little guy

Just so cute after a bath!!

He does this with his tongue so he can feel his bottom teeth - so cute!

Before the food....

After the food...

So, we gave Liam a bit of rice cereal on Sunday for the first time. And when I say a bit, I mean a small bit. Of course he wasn't too into this food, but I will keep trying it each day. We have a great video of it on our video camera so maybe soon we'll get those onto this blog. Meanwhile, enjoy the pictures. Brian and I also went out yesterday for lunch a our favorite carribbean place - he got some spicey jerk pork and I got a brazilian chicken. It was yummy! Enjoy the pictures we have taken this week! He sure is growing and growing!

Growing up

2008-04-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Dancing with Papa in July 2006

Fishing with Dad

Playing with Grandpa and Rene

So, we're back from a trip to the East. Last Monday, my grandfather, known to me my whole life as Papa passed away from cancer. He was 84. We all made the journey home last week and I am so thankful that we were all able to go and spend time with my family. I enjoyed remembering him and am so incredibly thankful and blessed to have truly grown up knowing my grandfather and seeing him weekly. I will definitely miss him.

On a lighter note, Liam is changing so much! Just yesterday, after several more wakeful nights (not to mention the time zone change of 3 hours) I rubbed Liam's bottom gums and FINALLY, I feel the sharpness of 2 little teeth coming through! Yay!! I felt so proud of him. I can see just the tops, no doubt they'll all be out soon. Also, last night, after not having rolled over for almost 2 months, Liam decided he could roll over again - so no more tummy time - he just rolls right over onto his back. Still not rolling over from his back to his tummy, but he has come close on several occassions. Just a few updates!

So, just posting a couple of pictures and fun videos. The computer is overheating now, so best be going!

New Pictures

2008-04-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post some new pics I took this week. We have been having fun with Liam playing while he sits up. He is getting so strong in this area, and I think he enjoys the change as well. We also bought a little bouncer so he can have a bit more fun. He likes to bang on the toys. We haven't put all of the toys on it yet, nor have we put batteries in - we'd like to change things up in a couple of months for him and surprise him! Anyway, we are doing well. I am sick this weekend and working hard not to spread it to Liam. So, we have had a low key, sweatpants kind of a weekend. Hope all are doing well. Thanks for stopping by!

Springtime fun

2008-04-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Blooming cactus in Joshua Tree

The yellow flowers were plentiful at this time!

His favorite thing...chewing on his fingers!

At the beach for some baptisms for church

Playing and laughing with Daddy!

The new color - Brian's creativity!

At the beach for some chilly baptisms!

So, I haven't been good at keeping up with this blog as of recent, but I hope to begin posting again weekly. We have been busy! Last month we went home for a short but very sweet visit to Lynchburg, VA. All of my siblings came into town and we enjoyed a nice weekend together and visiting with grandparents. It was a great visit and I got to introduce Liam to my sister and I got to meet her new little girl, Anna. Our flights there and back were pretty good and all in all, Liam behaved so well! Way to go, little guy!

Liam is now almost 7 months old...wow. He has been doing well, still waking up about twice during the night. Not bad I suppose. I think I am learning to just let him be himself and not compare his behavior to anyone else's child! In lynchburg he actually slept really well the nights we were there. Maybe we need to travel more! I changed my diet to eliminate the most likely culprits if he was allergic. I have since added back gluten, nuts, and sometimes caffeine. He did really well on a gluten free diet, but I was not convinced that was the reason for his good days and nights. Probably was just my wishful thinking!

He is "talking" more and more and making us smile simply all of the time. He is also getting stronger and can balance sitting up unsupported for about 20 seconds now before he does his topple over. I haven't started him on solids yet, but will probably by May1st, unless he needs it sooner. He is still content with breastmilk at this point, and his doctor said I don't need to rush it - it helps decrease allergies to wait a little while anyway. He is now 15lbs 3oz (as of March 21st), gaining at a much slower rate now, but moving along with the curve and is appropriate. He is still not quite on the curve for height for a 6 month old, but we give him a little slack for being early. :)

So the 19th of March was our 3 year wedding anniversary! Brian took the day off and we just did some errands, had lunch out and made a nice dinner and watched a movie. Then that weekend, we did a little day trip to Joshua Tree about 2.5 hours due east of LA. One of our favorite places and I hadn't been there since last February. We drove a lot, but enjoyed the flowers blooming in the desert. I took my film camera there and got some great shots - will post those later.

Other than that, things are moving right along with us. We repainted Liam's room a little over a week ago and last Sunday moved him into his very own room! He has done well, and Brian and I enjoy not having to tip toe around the room afraid of waking him up! He's a big boy! This morning I hosted the mommies in a mommy group I am a part of. There are five of us moms, all with one boy except one girl who just had her second and is a girl. Liam watches lots but isn't quite yet able to participate! Soon enough. It was nice to have the play date here. Makes me see where I'll need to child proof the house! We really do love being in this apartment and have enjoyed getting it almost settled.

So, I could write more, but must be getting to posting those pictures I know you all are wanting to see! Sorry I have been so slacking, I know you all aren't getting your Liam quota. Hopefully this helps. Thanks for your thoughts! Will hopefully post again next week or sooner.

We're Here!!

2008-03-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

With Miss Lisa from Virginia

With Aunt Celeste

With my friend's son Dylan

Hello!

We're still here! It has been a busy 3 weeks since we moved, but we are all doing pretty well. First off, we are so thrilled to be in our new place. It has been great and fun to make this really a home. Liam is still in our room right now (because it is easier on me in the middle of the night!) but may be transitioning to his room soon. We'll see. We are almost unpacked, and amazingly, we have filled this place. Brian loves his office and would spend most of his days there if possible. It is a pretty calming room. On another note, Brian has been accepted to staff to work for our church full time. He is leaving his job in May and we will begin the process of raising support to be missionaries here in LA. We are excited to be on this path with God.

Well...so what is new with Liam? Lots. On a positive note, he is starting to look a bit older, with a few more hairs on top of his head. Also, he can roll over from his tummy to his back. He is getting more dexterity and hand-eye coordination. He can even put his pacifier in his mouth, of course after a few times of it in backwards. He loves playing with things and is very interested in the world around him. On a somewhat different note, he has been really fussy. I am starting to think this is somewhat of a temperment thing. I did change my diet per the pediatrician after visiting the doctor last Wednesday again with no illness found to exclude caffeine, dairy, and nuts for 2 weeks. I think it may have made a little difference. Hard to say though. No coffee in the morning is difficult, especially after awakenings totalling 6 one night last week. He is down to about 3 right now, but of course, each night is different. I am glad he at least isn't sick.

Two weeks ago Brian's aunt Celeste visited us after attending a local retreat. We loved having her and enjoyed the chance to hang out and introduce Liam to a great aunt! Also, on Monday, my friend Lisa came and visited with her mother. She was a mentor to me growing up and it was really fun introducing her to my little boy! We had fun and she had good advice for me. They even took me out to a stress free lunch! Thanks ladies!

Well, I could write much more for updating, but let's face it, all you really want to see are pictures! So enjoy the new pics and video.

New Pictures

2008-02-13T10:45:00.001-08:00

Well, we are on the move! We are so excited to be moving on Saturday to our new apartment!! We want to thank the Lord for his provisions for us and this place - it is amazing that He provided not just a 2 bedroom but a 3 bedroom and it is a far better place than we could have imagined. Brian and I just feel so blessed and excited these days. Not to mention that this weekend with our church small group at USC we are having a "stay at home retreat", meaning we get together during the day, but sleep in our own beds. Well, the service project for this Saturday is moving us to our new place! So I know we will have lots of willing hands which will be wonderful. But, there is lots we are doing right not to pack up. We have thankfully had the opportunity to take many car loads over there already, so that should help out a little. Also, on Sunday Brian and I painted Liam's room. It is a bit brighter (green) than I had planned, but we'll wait and make our decision when we get his furniture in it. I am thinking we will repaint it. It only took about 3 hours so that is not bad.

Liam is doing well - still fussy in the evenings but the past 3 nights has been consolable and more just like himself. I think maybe he really got his lungs the past few weeks! He is still a good baby, just of course the evenings are tricky. No problem. Brian and I pace up and down the hall with him and are generally able to distract him. But it has taken us almost 2.5 hours to calm him down before. I took him to the doctor last Thursday just to see, and they said he has a little cold. Personally, I think he has allergies. He has always sneezed like 10-15 times a day, rubbed his nose and eyes. Not to mention that I am sitting in the "mold room" right now. Our roof leaked during the recent rains and now I believe there is mold growing in the corner. Very frustrating since we told our landlord about a month ago. But there is a paper bag I taped up around the area and a sheet coving the doorway. I am glad we are moving.

So, enjoy the pictures of the cutie!

Updates, finally!

2008-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

Wow, this was the longest I have gone between posts! I have had my hands full recently and Brian and I have been busy as well. New videos are below!

To start with, I thought I'd post a pictures of Brian on his sailing trip with his friend Greg (who has a friend whose boat this is) for his birthday. He had a great time and even had the chance to steer for a little while. I know that sailing is something Brian would like to get into and it was a great time spent with his friend. We celebrated a few other times for Brian too that week. The saturday after his birthday we went with some friends to a sushi/Japanese food place down in Little Tokyo downtown. It was a great find and we had fun with our friends. We ended up back at our place (on a very rainy and cold night I might add) playing games and eating some yummy homemade German chocolate cake for him. I had fun making it and we all enjoyed eating it.

Also, we are moving! No, we aren't moving east, we are just moving in our immediate neighborhood close to USC to a bigger place. We have looked off and on since we found out we were pregnant for a 2 bedroom affordable, nice place with a dining room (since we have found those to be lacking in 2 bedroom places around here) and really didn't have any luck. But about 2 weeks ago we found a great place not far from here, with a laundry room and everything we were wanting (what a blessing that would be! no more laundromat!). The price was 1700 and they came down to 1600 for us! However, as soon as we had made an appointment to sign the lease, we found yet another place, closer to USC and to our friends, for LESS money and one more bedroom. Brian was skeptical, but we went to see it last Friday night. It was fabulous and we both left feeling like it was truly a home and special place to find in this area. It is a two story duplex with three bedrooms upstairs and 1 1/2 baths, shared laundry with the owners (no problem, it is right on the back porch), 2 parking spots (unheard of!!) and even central heating. So all of this is only going to cost us $50 more than we are paying for our current 1 bedroom! What a blessing. God truly has met our needs and has graciously granted us a fabulous place to stay in and raise little Liam. We honestly feel humbled at how God is blessing us. We signed the lease and get the keys tonight. We are really excited. Moving day is the 16th of Feb.

So,what is new with Liam these days? Well, as of yesterday, he is getting really fussy! And last night in the midst of a lot of crying, Brian poses the question as to whether he may be teething. Ahh...very possible I think. He has been eating his hands like crazy, as well as anything he holds. He is drooling lots and just can't calm down sometimes. Now, I know all babies cry, but he really has been such a good baby, that his crying usually doesn't last long and usually there is something to console him. Well, not yesterday. He is doing alright today, though woke up more often last night. He is 4 1/2 months old and 3 months old gestationally (post due date). I guess it is possible! Also, he is holding his head up better and better these days, just still a little wobbly. But he does have a big head (as was also pointed out by Grandpa who visited earlier this week.) And when placed on his tummy he can push up and lift up his head well. But often, he just likes lying in his tummy. :) Yesterday we got out to walk at the beach in Santa Monica which I personally loved. It was great to get out and see some scenery and get some exercise! My goal is to go at least 3 times a week.

He is also sort of laughing. He has laughed in his sleep several times, one time in the middle of the night it was an all out laugh for like a minute while I was holding him after he ate. It made me laugh and gave me such joy to hear and see his smile! I woke Brian up during the time as well so he could here. It was great. He continues to mimic me and that gets him to let out a little laugh sometimes too. How amazing...these are his first laughs of his life! He will laugh countless times in his life but I am hearing his first ones! How special. He is so amazing and I love discovering him. Brian is also so fun as he hates leaving in the morning especially as Liam is so smiley when he wakes up. Next Saturday I am hoping to go get my hair done and just spend some time alone and let Brian watch Liam. We'll see. It is hard for me to even think about pumping and giving Liam a bottle after the incredibly hard time I had to get him to breastfeed after bottlefeeding, but I think I am going to do it. I know Brian will enjoy the time too to take care of him.

Well, hope everyone is staying warm around the country! Thanks for continuing to keep up with us.

He's so fun these days!

2008-01-21T09:59:00.000-08:00

Well, wanted to post a video of the little guy as we play together. In the past couple of weeks he has really found his hands and loves sucking on them (of course) and just plays with them all of the time. He is also smiling like crazy and loves interacting with people more and more! He tries so hard to make different sounds and he is getting there. What fun!

Also, the other day my friends from childhood Lea and Jennie came by to visit Liam! It was really special to me and crazy how quickly we are growing up. So there is picture of that too here. Also, Brian's 28th birthday is coming up this Wednesday and his friend Greg surprised him and took him out sailing with a friend of his yesterday. He had a blast - will post those pics a little later.

Enjoy the video!

Family visits!

2008-01-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

GiGi with her great grandson!! He fell asleep in her arms for a good while - he was out cold!

With Aunt Becky. Liam loved smiling at Becky when she did

a little dance with him and his arms!

Three different generations!

At Griffith Observatory

He loves smiling now - it sure does melt my heart every time!

With Uncle Eric, who can of course, be a goofy uncle!

The siblings and Liam

"Ahh," he says..."all in a good days work."

Over the weekend, Brian's grandmother, brother and sister all made a trip to Los Angeles to visit us, and especially to see the little man, Liam! They arrived Friday night and stayed until Tuesday night. It was a very special and fun visit full of games of UNO Powers' style, and Settlers of Katan, and of course lots of oohs and ahhs for Liam! Of course they fell in love with him. We had a chance to visit Griffith Observatory on a nice warm day, and have a picnic in Santa Monica at the beach. We also were able to bring them to church and hang out with some friends for a little pre celebration of my (Sara's) 29th birthday. It was loads of fun and we felt so blessed that they were able to come visit! So, of course I had to post some pics of his aunt and uncle and great grandmother (GiGi) holding him. Enjoy and thanks again so much for coming all of the way! We loved having you and Liam loved meeting some more family!

Yesterday was my 29th birthday and I really had a nice day. Liam and I went for a walk, played together, Brian brough home dinner, flowers, and cookbook and a card for me too! Then at our weekly gathering for USC church group, Brian had a surprise cake and time for people share words of encouragement to me. It meant so much and I had a great birthday. I think 29 will be a great year!

Hope everyone is doing well!

just a few photos

2008-01-11T19:00:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to post a couple of pictures taken in the last week so you guys don't get too bored! We went to Liam's 4 month check up today. He is doing well - now he weights 13lbs 12.5 oz! Nine pounds more than when he was born! He's a cutie! The mouse in the pictures is from the Forrest family and of course we had to have some pictures in the cute OSU attire sent by Grandpa Bob and Rene for Christmas. Too bad those Buckeyes didn't win, but we still had fun getting him in his gear. This weekend Brian's grandmother, brother and sister will be in town (actually, they arrive in 2 hours!). We are really excited about visiting with them and no doubt, they'll fall in love with him too.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

At Santa Monica Dec 31st

The last sunset of 2007!!!

New Years Day hanging out at our place

Liam looking pretty chill with Julie

Hope you all are having a great start to the New Year!

Thought we'd share a few pics from the last day of 2007 with you. We continue to feel so blessed by all that God has given us and we are looking forward to great things in 2008! For the day, we went to Santa Monica Beach, had a nice stroll, and sat and watched the last sunset of 2007. It was great, and we got some fun pics too! New Years Day we spent with friends and Brian tried out a new grill I gave him for Christmas. We watched football, talked, napped, and had a nice chill day.

Liam continues to give us such joy. There is nothing like waking up in the morning and seeing our son smile and giggle back at us. It is truly special and we just could never get enough of his smiles and coos.

Congrats are also in order for my sis who had her baby girl, Maggie Anna last Saturday! Yay...our family is growing and growing and Liam has a new cousin. What fun a new baby gives.

We are also enjoying the rainy weather here in LA as it provides a change of scenery and a chance to make bean soup and snuggle up with each other. Hope you all wherever you are are able to enjoy your family as well.

Love to you all!

Christmas at the Powers!

2007-12-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

A Special delivery from Grandma and Grandpa Homan!! Thanks so much!

He couldn't watch those Buckeyes win the National Championship on the 7th without sporting some OSU pride! Thanks Grandpa Bob and Rene!

All decked out for the morning! We took him places with the hat and everyone loved the antlers.

Giving us a little smile.

Christmas Eve.

We were truly blessed with all of the presents! Brian could barely contain himself until the morning.

Christmas eve and Liam is ready for bed. We loved just sitting and listening to Christmas music and looking at the tree.

Christmas Eve with mommy!

The toy drive. There were over 200 volunteers to help walk the kids through the toys to pick out lots of goodies!

This past week and last weekend was just a wonderful time for us in Los Angeles. It was busy, but full of lots of good things. I truly love the season of Christmas the most in the whole year.

Last Saturday was the Toy Giveaway at church. We partner with another church and raise money to buy presents and/or have them donated for a big giveaway for the kids in the neighborhood. It is never advertised, but for years now, they come! Last year the church served around 600 kids. This year, I believe it was more! My friend Shalom basically runs the organization of this event for months leading up to the day. It was our first year to volunteer and experience the shear mass of toys and kids receiving toys. It was quite a spectacle! Enjoy the pics.

Sunday Sara finished up her shopping and Monday was one of the most relaxing Christmas Eve's I can ever remember. We listened to music, watched a movie, cooked, played with Liam and just enjoyed each other. At the last minute we decided not to attend a Christmas eve service, but instead stayed in, cooked a simple dinner (that we used our China on for the first time!), prayed a lot, read the Bible, and prayed some more. It was thoroughly enjoyable and special and a wonderful memory as our first Christmas eve as just us. That night when I woke up to feed Liam at about 1:30am, Brian said "Can we open presents now?" He was such a kid! He begged me over and over again to open them before the morning. He did open one on Christmas eve. I suppose I gave in a bit.

Christmas morning Liam was awake and happy as we opened presents. He is really going to enjoy all of the fun things his grandparents, great grandparents, and aunt and uncles sent him! We dressed him up in his garb and took lots of pictures. We had fun opening up presents and taking our time and enjoying our family time. It was wonderful and such a great time! He got fun books, DVDs, play things, clothes and lots of love from all his family. Thanks!

In the evening we had a potluck style Christmas dinner at our friend's house. There were about 13 people there and it was fun and enjoyable.

Enjoy the pictures and the video! We are truly blessed and want to thank you all for your thoughtfulness! What a joyous rememberance of our Savior we had this Christmas.

hustle and bustle!

2007-12-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

This week has been great - it has been a little cool and little rainy and feeling a lot like Christmas! Monday we accomplished the feat of shipping all of our family's presents to arrive in time for Tuesday. It is great having had most of our shopping done over a week before Christmas. There have been many years we have been making last minute trips out, but hopefully not this year. And in LA I have found that it is truly crazy everywhere at this time.

I went to a cookie exchange party on Wednesday which was my first and very fun too. We are going to be helping with a toy drive at our church this Saturday. Toys will be given out to many many kids! I think last year about 600 kids received toys from the drive, and this year it is expected to be much more! Much planning has gone into this event and it all culminates on Saturday. Should be a good time for all.

Well Liam has been kind of like a night owl this week. Since he is spending more time awake during the day (hopefully during the day) I am just now realizing that it is important to have him on some kind of schedule. This came about when all this week he has not fallen asleep before 10pm. That is not a bad time, but the night before he was wide awake until midnight. That is not cool. So, I am trying to keep him up more during the day to help with an earlier bedtime. Easier said than done! He is asleep in the swing now as I write...

But overall he is doing well and growing and growing more. He is also smiling more and looking at things that hold his interest. It is fun to see him change - I realize it is happening all too quickly! He is getting better at controling his head and hopefully will continue to gain that strength with each day. Sleeping is still not predictable and last night he only went 4 hours between feeds. Oh well, it is hit or miss with long sleeps. However, he is such a joy to watch and care for and I feel very blessed.

So eventhough our tree is turing brown and is very brittle, we have fun presents underneathe! Brian can be just like a kid as he pleads with me to open presents before Tuesday. He says
"it is so long until Tuesday. I can't wait!" How fun. :)

Hope everyone is getting things done well and enjoying their days. I hope we all take the time to remember and reflect on the magnitude of God's greatest gift to us.

A couple of smiles for you!

2007-12-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

This video is the best I can do now for smiles! He smiles when he doesn't have a camera in his face, which makes most sense! Please excuse the crazy talk by me and if the video isn't as clear as the last one. Enjoy!

Much to share...

2007-12-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Wearing some of the gifts from Miss Lisa and Aunt Amy! Thanks Ladies!

Griffith Park and the Getty Villa

At the Getty Villa in Malibu with Beth and Jason

Hello everyone!

I know it has been a little while since posted, but we have been busy! Our friends from Columbus Beth and Jason came and visited over the weekend. It was supposed to be rainy much of the time, but it ended up being just a spectacularly clear and beautiful (yet quite chilly too!) weekend. What a blessing. On Friday we just hung out in the afternoon, and then met them up in Pasadena for some yummy dinner (Liam behaved so well!). Saturday we went to the beach and all of the way up to Malibu and later in the evening went to a Christmas party. On Sunday it was Sunset Blvd and Griffith Park with fabulous views. We had a great time just reconnecting and laughing and exploring LA. It had been awhile since Brian and I got out so much, but it felt good and Liam did great. The car sure does lull him to sleep :)

Sunday night was also a special night. We had Liam dedicated at church. There were three other little ones being dedicated. Our pastor prayed over each of the kids a prayer that reflected the meaning of each name. It was beautiful and very good. Dedication is just an open acknowledgement that we are going to raise Liam in a godly way in the church and those that are close to us and in our lives in the church committ to helping him along the way as well. It was a nice time.

Liam once again has a little cold, but so does Mommy! I usually don't get sick, but I think that the persistant lack of sleep has finally taken a noticeable toll on my body. However, just this week, Liam has been sleeping 5 1/2 - 6 hours at a stretch at night! Yay!!!!!! I have had about 7 hours of sleep each night this week. It has been wonderful. He still sleeps a bunch during the day, but is slowly spending more time awake. He had a doctor's appointment on Friday and he weighed 11lbs 9oz. I am sure he is now just about 12lbs. Catching up, for sure! He gained about 3lbs in one month.

On Monday, two little fun gifts found there way to our home for Liam!! I finally got out to pick up the package from Miss Lisa at the post office. May I say, Lisa, that I LOVED the card (I read it to him) and loved the fun gifts. He definitely needed a Christmassy colored blanket, warm too since our apartment is freezing. And the hat looks really really cute on him. And the burp cloth, bib and booties....so cute! I tried so hard to get some good pictures and even a video that day, but I will post only one picture right now, since he didn't really cooperate. Look for more, especially a video in the coming days of him in his garb. Also, Aunt Amy sent a little onesie that he wore for about 2 hours (before he peed on it) of which a picture is posted too. Very timely for me, I must say! What thoughtfullness from both of you ladies! He is ready for the holidays, thanks to you both.

Well it is pretty chilly out here still and the apartment doesn't warm up very easily. Lows still in around 42-44 each night which is chilly in a drafty apartment. But we keep the bedroom nice and warm. We are busy shopping and even got out to the Grove shopping area on Tuesday night which was really fun for us. That is my favorite place to shop. Plus they were blowing snow off the roof (fake snow that still "melted") and it was so fun to walk through. I loved it, and will need to go back for sure. We are hanging in there and are enjoying our family at this time. Our tree is already pretty brittle (oops!) so we will be leaving half of it on the floor by the time Christmas comes around. Oh well. Last year we lucked out, but apparently not this year.

Hope everyone is well. I will be hopefully posting more videos soon since everyone commented that they liked the video. Look for one shortly, hopefully by tomorrow.

Tis the Season

2007-12-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Liam is kind of smiling at Daddy!

Bringing in the tree and Liam and Mommy waiting outside in the cold!

The decorated tree and Liam all bundled up in the chilly morning apartment.

We love December and getting ready for Christmas in the Powers' household!! This past weekend was actually a rather chilly one, which made it perfect for finding a great tree at the HomeDepot downtown. Actually, by the time we made it over there, the sun was setting, and it was actually pretty cold! But, it made it feel much more like Christmas to be cold. We picked out a lovely Douglas Fir (which smells amazing!) and decorated that night, had some yummy dinner, and just enjoyed the start of the season. We hope that the needles decide to stay on long enough, but after looking at some on the tree skirt, I am not quite so sure. We decorated with our few ornaments that we have given each other or have been given over the years of our marriage. We just have a handful non-ball ornaments, and are enjoying the gradual growth of them over the years. Liam has two on the tree now - a pair of shoes with his birth information on it, idea compliments of Lisa Racek. And another one for this year. My mom always had little ornaments that had our names and the year inscribed on them when we were little. I thought I'd start the same tradition with Liam.

So, now that we have begun such a busy season, we are trying hard to take the time out to enjoy it and not be overwhelmed by any of it. We want to remember what Christmas is all about, admittedly hard in our culture sometimes. But I think this year more than any other, I have had a glimpse of the humanity of Jesus incarnate. I am amazed as I hold my little boy in the wee hours of the morning or while he cries as he tries to poop, that Jesus too was a baby. He was completely dependent upon Mary and Joseph, and he also acted like a baby in all the various ways babies act. Born a baby and yet a King. Amazing...

Liam is doing great. We have his 3 month check up this week, though he is just now a little over 4 weeks post term. He is spending more time awake, though sometimes his awake periods are coming during the night for about an hour and a half (eek!). He has started to smile and just this morning he has smiled several times at me without me working too hard for it! What a gratifying thing, a baby's smile. He still doesn't have much of a schedule, still isn't super fond of his crib, and still loves to be held. He is a great baby though, and we adore him. Brian often comes home from work and immediately wants to hold him and play with him. He is a great dad and continues to be a fabulous husband, as he helps me in the night if I need a break from an overactive baby. He is good at getting Liam to fall asleep.

This weekend my friend Beth from college and her husband are coming to visit! I am so excited as I haven't seen Beth since my wedding. I am really looking forward to laughing with them and catching up.

A video of Liam!

2007-11-30T10:23:00.000-08:00

We took this with our digital camera - not super clear but easy to upload for you to see! Hope you can see it. Enjoy!

Refreshing Times

2007-11-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

Brian with Liam Saturday morning.

He's working on that head control! He actually does a really good job, and is getting stronger and stronger.

With uncle Robert. Liam loved the way Robert would hold him!

Just chillin'. He sure does have some funny looks with those furrowed eyebrows.

Doing the "Robert bounce."

The Holidays are among us! And we are excited for the coming weeks. Our last visitor in the month of November, my brother Robert, left this past Monday night. It was a great visit with him as I don't get to see him that often. He really liked meeting Liam and Liam sure did enjoy the bouncing walk that Robert perfected during his time. I am so thankful that Robert came as I enjoy my friendship with my bro.

The rest of this week has been really nice for 3 of us to just relax and refocus a bit on some goals we have as a family and just spend some good quality time together. Brian took off Wednesday and we got ready for Turkey Day. We went over to a friend's house for the holiday and shared a meal with about 30 other people. There was lots of good food and conversation. And Saturday we ventured out to do a little shopping for Christmas. It has been a low key weekend. Next weekend we are doing our Christmas decorating, which I am really looking forward to. It has been chilly here recently at night (lows into the upper 40s). Since we still don't have our pilot lights lit for the two heaters in our apartment, and since Brian is a little weary of the safety of them, we bought a radiator type space heater. It worked really well in the bedroom last night. And, I didn't have to double bundle and put a hat on Liam. He stayed nice and toasty.

So, about that little boy....he is getting bigger and bigger! He is over 10lbs now (close to 10.5). He is sleeping pretty well at night, though at most only 4.5hours between feeds still, though that doesn't happen with any regularity. He still hasn't smiled at us on purpose, and though I know that won't come for a few weeks, I am waiting in anticipation all the time. I think, however, when I see him smiling during his sleep, that he has at least one dimple. I would love it if he has two, like me! We'll see.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. There is just so much for us as a family to be thankful to God for.

Other pictures...

2007-11-15T17:25:00.001-08:00

November visits!

2007-11-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

Like I said in the previous post, we have been really blessed recently to have our first family visits since Liam was born! It really worked out well to have the grandpas come out at this time because it allowed some time for Brian and me to get used to Liam and to get into a routine of sorts. Plus, Liam is older and bigger and more awake these days which was a real treat to the visitors! It all worked out in great timing.

First, Skip, or Pop Powers, stopped by for a nice visit. We had several nice evenings and even ventured out to Santa Monica and the Pier as well as lunch at an english pub. Liam did well, though by the end, he was over being in the car seat. It truly was special for this first time grandfather to be introduced to his grandson. And it was fun to see 3 generations of Powers' on the same sofa!

Next, Grandpa Bob and Rene made the long haul. And of course there were many oos and ahhhs when the met him. There was lots of holding which really allowed me to get out to do a few things by myself or even around the house. Liam sure does like to be held! It is sometimes hard to put him down. Oh well, I may have created a bad habit, but he sure is nice to hold. We had lots of chill time together and even enjoyed the OSU game on the computer. It was such a fun visit for me to introduce my dad to his second grandson. And of course Maureen was a fabulous help and already loves Liam to pieces, I can tell. It is amazing how many hours of entertainment looking at one little baby can provide.

Needless to say, many pictures were taken, and we just really enjoyed both visits. And tonight, I am picking my brother Robert up at the airport for a nice visit as well. We are so blessed!

So, Liam is now about 9lbs 5oz - WOW! He is more and more awake, and is looking bigger and bigger. We love catching him smile as he is drifing off to sleep, and I personally cannot wait for him to smile and interact with me.

Thanks to all who post comments and who take the time to keep up with us. I so enjoy reading them and hope that soon I can personally connect with you all.

Enjoy the pictures!

We're Still here

2007-11-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

We have been so blessed by family visiting that we haven't had a chance to post anything new recently. We are all doing well. Brian's Dad's visit was fabulous and lots of fun, and currently my Dad and Maureen are out here for a couple more days for a fantastic and relaxing visit as well. We will have new pictures of Liam and family up shortly. He is getting bigger and bigger - about 9lbs now. He is also spending more time awake during the day and just looking around. He is the most precious little boy!

Check back very soon for more.

Due Date!

2007-11-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

So today was officially my due date. Wow.

Last weekend, Brian and I made a trip out of the house (our first non-necessity trip) to Babies R Us to pick up a few things and then to a park to try out our new little stroller. We ended up buying a little baby scale to keep track of the weight of our little one. Well, news, he is now 7 1/2 lbs! A perfect birth weight had he stayed in. It will be fun to keep track of his weight.

We are all doing well here in LA. I also made another trip out of the house today to visit two friends who have also recently had kids - it was a wonderful difference from my days inside our apartment and I love sharing my experiences with other new moms. I am feeling more and more comfortable to leave the house and enjoy being mobile a bit more. I still am not quite ready to expose him to larget crowds, but with each passing day he will get stronger. He still has his cold, but according to the doctor, it could take 2-3 weeks for him to clear his congestion. We'll hang in there. Liam continues to eat well and look more and more chubby.

So, Liam is basically still in some preemie outfits people have bought for him and his onesies, but still can't quite fit into some of the newborn things his has. And unfortunately the one Halloween outfit we had didn't quite fit in length. I put him in it, but it didn't last long - his legs are too short still for it! We didn't do much for Halloween and nobody stopped by for candy, though we did here the USC students in our neighborhood get a little crazy.

Well, Brian took his test which was quite grueling. He will find out whether or not he passed in about 3 months - just long enough to forget he took it and then be surprised by the news.

Tomorrow Brian's Dad is making a trip to LA to see his grandson! And next week, my Dad and Maureen are coming out to visit. We are looking forward to introducing him to some other family! I think it is good that he is older - he is starting to be awake a little more during the day, but still acting like a newborn, and sleeping lots, hence all of my pictures.

Well, hope you enjoy some pictures!

News

2007-10-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

So I am sure you all are aware of the California crazy fires out here. I just wanted you all to rest assured that we are all doing well - the fires aren't close to us to pose any danger. We do however, have a nice haze that makes the sun shine orange/red. Since I don't get out much these days, I only noticed the sun when it shone eerily orange into our kitchen yesterday. I am also trying not to expose Liam to the poor air quality, but it has been very hot recently, and I can't keep the windows shut all day. Hopefully the heat will let up later this week. I much prefer the cool weather, and it is more fun to dress Liam up in sleepers. :)

Well, Liam and Daddy both have colds this week. Miraculously, I have not had one, which makes me think I gave it to both of them! Who knows. Brian tried so hard all weekend to stay clean and not get around Liam too much, but come Monday morning, I realized as I was feeding Liam that he was pretty congested. So, I called the pediatrician and he said to do what I was already doing - suctioning out his nose, and loosening the secretions with saline drops and a humidifier. So, today he is doing better- he HATES having his nose suctioned, and cries a lot, but he will know some day, I do it because I love him. :) It has been somewhat hard to be a nurse during these questionable illness times. It is totally a blessing to be a nurse and have such knowledge of pediatrics as I do, but it is also a curse because my mind wanders down a path where every little symptom has Liam ending up at CHLA intubated in the PICU. I know, a little irrational, but nonetheless, the product of not much sleep, loving Liam to pieces, and seeing what I have seen in my job. So far, so good. I actually went to the pediatrician yesterday because he has continued to have a goopy eye which was a blocked tear duct as I thought, but also a worrying breathing thing, that I wanted the doctor to look at. He thought it was regurgitation, but we'll see. I am more relaxed after going. It was also my first real outing with just Liam!

Well, update and praise!!! Liam has been breastfeeding exclusively since last Friday. YAY! We have chosen on occassion to give him a bottle at night so Sara can sleep, but he is doing so well, and I am SO thankful and feel so blessed. I am feeding him much more on demand and he is eating about 11 times a day. He usually has this marathon feed in the early evening where he is eating every hour or less, but then he is naturally not waking up as frequently at night. However, I still set my alarm to wake up and feed him if he doesn't wake me up. He is growing and growing, and if I can, I will go to the Pump Station again and weigh him this week. He is still small, but looking much more like a newborn! His due date is next Thursday, 11/1. On a personal note, I will be glad when his due date has passed - it has been somewhat emotional to go through all of this before when we expected him, and I am ready to get past that date, though still with some sadness.

Please keep Brian in your thoughts and prayers as he is taking an engineering test this weekend. Since Liam came early, it has been very hard for him to study as much as he has needed. But, we just want to trust the Lord to help him pass.

Enjoy the pictures!

To Eat or not to Eat...

2007-10-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

So, this week has been rough. Brian and I weren't seeing any real progress with Liam and our attempts to breastfeed him exclusively. In fact, over the weekend, we ended up giving him more bottles in a row than we had since we started this transition to breastfeeding. So, Monday morning came around and I decided I needed to try a new tactic - no more bottles! On Saturday we went to have him weighed at the pediatrician's office and he was 6lbs 3oz! He gained 13oz in 8 days. So, I felt that he gained more than necessary in that week, and that he just needs a little tough love. Well, it has now been a little over 48 hours and I have given him the bottle one time this morning, after he just wouldn't eat at all. It has been extremely frustrating and exhausting to fight him so much. I don't like doing this, but I know that he CAN breastfeed, since he has on multiple occassions, he just doesn't like to right now. I hope that some day soon he can. Please pray for us during this trying time. It has been hard because none of these struggles were things we had planned on dealing with. I know God can and is sustaining us during this time.

So, here are some more pictures. Liam is now 1 month old, though he still hasn't reached his due date! We love him to pieces and all of the struggling is worth it when we just look at him.

Where does the time go?

2007-10-11T11:19:00.001-07:00

( My favorite face to make!!!! Watch out, ladies!!)

So, I know some of you have been wondering why we haven't posted anything new recently. Well, we just don't know where the week has gone! The weekend of strictly breastfeeding went well overall - Liam had a melt down for a couple of hours where eating was the last thing he wanted to do, though he was obviously hungry. Monday, I had an appointment with a lactation consultant to help with this transition. There are these two fabulous stores/resource centers here in LA called the Pump Station. I was given very good and practical advice from the consultant, who does consultations at a NICU in Santa Monica. It was a blessing that I was able to meet with someone who has experience with breasfeeding premature babies! So, instead of fighting Liam with every feed, the woman suggested that if after 15 minutes of trying he still doesn't want it, then to go ahead and give him a bottle. She encouraged me by saying that this will be a process, not an instantaneous event! Afterall, Liam is still supposed to be inside me for another 3 weeks right now growing and getting ready for all that breastfeeding takes! So, though I am somewhat discouraged by the realization that the pump is still going to be my friend and that Liam will take a few more weeks still, I know that it is worth it to persevere when it seems hard. He overall is still breastfeeding well, but I do give the bottle when necessary. I am sure that as time moves on, it will be less and less!

Sara had her baby shower on Sunday here in Los Angeles. Her friends decided to throw one to welcome Liam and of course to have some fun! It was a wonderful time to visit with friends. We still played the poopy diaper game, which I now know all about! Brian headed back to work on Monday, and that has been a real shock to the system! But, Brian continues to put in his time with Liam and at night when Sara needs help. He is a fabulous husband and loves his boy. Neither of us had had a chance to prepare for what this period in our life would be like. Although, I am sure the extra weeks if Liam had been born on time would not have prepared us enough! We are just constantly amazed that God has entrusted us to take care of such a little person!

So, Liam continues to be busy sleeping, eating, peeing out of his diaper, and pooping lots. Not much new going on in his life! He is, however, acting much more like a baby with his fussiness and such. We think he is looking fuller in the face and body, and his tiniest premie clothes he has just about outgrown. They were the only ones that fit! He will be amazed that he ever fit into them. It all makes me realize how quickly precious time will pass, and has already passed.

Hope you all are doing well. Enjoy the pictures!

Our first outing

2007-10-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Today we made our way to Liam's first doctor's visit with his pediatrician. We were excited to go, and after another tiring night, we barely made it in time! We got him all snug in his car seat, and off we went. So, what did we discover? Liam is now 5lbs 8oz! He gained 7oz since Monday! He obviously has been doing a lot of eating. Because he is gaining weight really well, the doctor said we needed to play "hardball" with him and breastfeeding. Basically, he said "Don't give the bottle at all, and he'll start to catch on. Don't try this at night, but start today, and you'll see that he'll start to learn." Because the doctor knows this might concern new parents, like ourselves, he said he'd see us again in a week to weigh him and see how it is going. So, we've been doing it so far for a couple of feedings, and he is doing alright - still peeing and pooping so far, so that is good. In fact, Liam has been holding out to pee when we change his diaper - we still aren't quick enough with the second diaper, and have been peed on a few times. But, we just laugh and learn.

On another note, and since we do live in LA, we are going to be hosting a film crew in our apartment to shoot out a window into our landlord's driveway for a few seconds of the show NCIS show on CBS. So, you ask, how this came about? Well, tv shows always seem to be filming on our street, and I guess our apartment was scoped out to provide the "needed shot" of a driveway. So, yesterday morning when the producer and about 15 others came by the apartment to take a look and okay the location, we learned we are the chosen location for filming for a few hours. Of course, Brian has been super protective of little Liam. They are paying us nicely for this inconvenience, and I will be camped out in the bedroom next Tuesday while they use the living room window. No problem, Brian already lysoled (sp?) the doorknobs when they left yesterday. We will of course keep you updated after shooting is done. Los Angeles is a different place to live, that is for sure.

So other than they, we have just been plugging along on this journey of taking care of Liam. Friends are bringing us dinner every other night, which is definitely a fantastic service to us.

Best go, more to come later!

A few more pictures

2007-10-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

With Daddy in the glider and wrapped up in his Moses basket

We're Home!

2007-10-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Liam Jacob is here!

Born September 15, 2007 at 6:58pm at Good Samaritan Hospital, Downtown Los Angeles. He was nice and early - 6.5 weeks early!

Weight and length: 4lbs 13oz, 46.5cm

Discharge weight: 5lbs 0.5oz! (way to go big boy!) He spent 16 nights in the NICU.

Who would have thought those weeks ago when Sara went into the hospital in preterm labor that we'd be home 3 weeks later with such a beautiful baby boy. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions these weeks, but we are very glad to finally stay put and be at home in our apartment. We arrived home on Monday, and have been busy feeding, burping, changing poopy diapers and loving on Liam. We haven't slept much, but that was expected! Liam is crying when he is hungry and eating more and more. We are slowly trying to transition Liam to breastfeeding and the nurse practitioner in the NICU gave us good advice about how to do it, it will just be a process. But meanwhile, the freezer is getting full of his food!

Last night we gave Liam his first sponge bath. His umbillical cord fell off last week, but we weren't ready to get the tub out just yet - he is just so small and can be so slippery! But we got him nice and clean and smelling like a baby, which we loved.

We decided to do this little site so that friends and family near and far can check up on us and see how Liam is progressing day by day. We can't promise a posting each day, but we will do our best to keep it updated with the happenings of our little family here in Los Angeles. We love you all and have been so supported by friends around the country, that we are truly blessed to have such people in our lives. Check back soon as we are eager to share Liam with you all!