New Developments

Yes, Kristi is correct---I've been buried deep in Einstein videos and have now emerged to post something new. I'm blogging from Ohio. We flew in the other day and will be here for the next few weeks spending the holidays with my family. Caleb had everyone on the plane charmed with his big smile and giggles. It's also been fun watching my three sisters, parents, and bro-in-law duke it out over who gets to hold him. I hold him maybe 10 minutes a day now. Chris and I are going to try to have 20+ date nights and take full advantage of the situation. They only get to see the little guy every 3 months so they're loving it.

We've been pretty busy figuring out what we're doing in the new year. Chris decided this fall that he was ready to move on from ThreeSeasonAnt so as of this month, he's done. We applied to some churches all over the place but did eventually decide to take the job at Kings Valley Wesleyan Church where Chris will be the new Worship Arts Pastor. So we're staying put. This job made the most sense, and we're very excited about it. I'm planning on going back to my job at KV in March. It feels good to have made a decision!!

We're headed to Florida on January 1 for the Wesleyan Conference so that will conclude our travels. We'll be back in NB, ready to roll January 5. Until then, it's last minute Christmas shopping, eating my Mom's good cooking, and enjoying all the things the States offer that Canada does not.

I hope everyone has a super Christmas!! I know I will.

Baby Einstein???

Ok, calling all mothers, childcare providers, or anyone who knows anything about kids. I've been hearing a lot of stuff about baby einstein dvds, cds, etc and was wondering if I should be getting into all that stuff with Caleb (who is almost 5 months). Should I be reading to him, going over vocabulary words, what??!! We talk to him a lot and basically just love on him but I'm wondering if we should be more intentional about working on motor skills and all that jazz. What to do?? Comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

The past month . . .

Wow, has it really been that long?? I guess that makes me a slogger. :o) I'll just give a brief update on what's been happening with the Stephens.

1. Caleb got a hair cut!! I actually feel a little guilty because I know there were so many fans of the long, rocker, I don't even look like a baby look. I'm sorry if you feel betrayed. Just know that I am a happier person because it doesn't take me 10 minutes to wash shampoo out of his hair. And he loves it!

2. Chris is home for awhile! YEA! TSA doesn't hit the road again til the 16th!!!!

3. I've been busy in the kitchen. Sad to say, I don't cook much. I wish I cooked more. Chocolate chip cookies, coffee cake, moo goo gai pan, sausage breakfast bake, and several pasta dishes. I'm starting with the easy stuff. It's been fun.

4. We went through Caleb's first official cold/cough. What a horrible experience! It's an awful feeling as a mother to feel like you can't do anything to help! Glad he's on the mend.

5. Chris turned 27!!!

6. Chris and I attend a small group, and we're doing an awesome bible study called "Fully Devoted." There is homework each week so Chris and I go through it together. It's been an awesome way to connect as a couple. I love it. Did I mention he's home for awhile!!!!

7. God, of course, is always up to stuff in my life. It's definitely been a month of "contemplation." I think God is throwing the covers off some stuff that's been hiding for awhile-----still making sense of it all. It's put me in introspection mode for sure. A good thing.

That's my month. Hopefully, I'll blog again before another one goes by!

The Decision

After much consideration, I have decided to LET CALEB's HAIR GROW. I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your input. It's been most helpful.

It takes a community to raise a baby!

What's Not to LOVE about this??

Enjoying the Moments

I have typically been the kind of person who looks ahead to the next thing. What's happening tomorrow? Am I going back to work? Am I going back to school? What's God going to do in my life next? Where's He taking me? You get the idea. I get obsessed with moving on and quite possibly miss out on those neat little things that happen every day.

But today there were moments: watching Caleb and his daddy laugh at each other, having a heart-to-heart with Chris, connecting with God this morning, Caleb falling asleep on my shoulder----they all make me put aside my fixation of future things and enjoy NOW. I hope enjoying the ordinary days---the now--becomes the norm for me.

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I decided to start blogging again. Yea for me!