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!