2 Months Old

Guess what we did this morning

8 Weeks Old

Annabelle's 8 week stats: 10.5 lbs, 22.5 inches, and as pretty as can be.

Cooing and Smiling at Mommy

Interview

Okay, I'm going political on you. . .

While I am not able to vote in this election (a huge bummer since this will probably prove to be one of the most important elections of my lifetime), I am still very concerned about the issues at hand in this election, both the Presidential race and California Prop 8.

I know there are a wide variety of people who read this blog and some of the readers will disagree with my opinions here. That's okay. . . that is what our political system encourages, right? Freedom to discuss ideas in not be afraid that we will be in danger because of beliefs we hold.

Jen, posted a very articulate statement released by the Catholic church, which I believe is well worth your consideration. If you believe in the absolute sanctity of life but are drawn by the Obama-Biden ticket because of their passion for the poor (which IS admirable!), their desire to end the war, or any other social justice issue, please read this essay. I think it is at least worth consideration.

Also, if you're a CA resident, please visit my sister's blog and find out more about Prop 8 and why I believe it is important to vote in favor of it. At the very least, you should be very knowledgeable on the issue and know why you're voting the way you are.

Okay, that's the end of my political posts. . . at least for now.

Six Weeks Old!

2 Years Old!

Happy Birthday, Big Boy!

Caleb's List of Favorite Things
(click here for last year's list)

1. Transportation of any kind, especially motorcycles, helicopters, jet airplanes, trains, race cars, and boats.
2. Baby Annabelle

One Month!

One month ago, I slept all night long.
One month ago, I only had to change one kid's diapers.
One month ago, I was able to get showered and dressed before 4pm.
One month ago, I only did 2 loads of laundry a week.
One month ago, I wasn't a walking milk factory.
One month ago, I hadn't yet met the sweetest baby girl in the world.
A lot can change in a month!

4-Weeks Old

In honor of her 4-week birthday, Annabelle requested to snuggle with her big brother this morning.

Parenting Book Recommendations

Jen recently asked me where I learned about the idea of Chair Time. I remember that I read about it in several books, but I was devouring those kind of books for a while and I really don't remember. To add to the fact that my brain now functions at half-speed thanks to the two little bundles of joy I call children, I also moved from CA to Singapore since reading those books and they are packed in a box somewhere. What I do remember is several conversations with mothers of large families (like Heather and Kendra) who recommended training Caleb to play quietly for extended periods of time. I'm very thankful to have wise friends and family that I can learn from.

While I don't remember which books introduced the idea of chair time/quiet play, I do remember a few of the books which stood out to me as particularly insightful or helpful:

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
The Most Important Place on Earth by Robert Wolgemuth
Your Child's Profession of Faith by Dennis Gundersen (not what you're expecting)
Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman
Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
The Mother at Home by Rev. John S.C. Abbott

As with any book, I recommend that you read with discernment and judge everything by the standard of Scripture. And, keep in mind that not every great idea works in every family. Just because something worked well for so-and-so, doesn't mean you should feel guilty if your family looks completely different (I am reminding myself!) Even if you only implement one or two ideas out of a thousand, it's good to hear from others who are further down the path.

Now it's your turn. . . Aside from the Bible, the best source of wisdom, which books/blogs would you recommend for parenting wisdom?