HELLO FOLLOWER :-)
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BLESSINGS,
The Andersons
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
5 Months
She is now wearing a lot of 9 month clothes (partly due to the cloth diapers and partly due to her size ;-) She is such a happy girl always smiling and laughing. We think she's very social as it seems like no matter what kind of day she's having new faces always make her happy. She's quite the conversationalist as well. We're not sure what she's saying but its apparently hilarious because she laughs at her own jokes.Highlights of the month in photos:
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| Afton's does her exercise routine in her johnny jump up while mommy gets ready for the day :-) |
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| Afton's Aunt Angie and cousin Sam visited. It wasn't long ago that I met Sam and he was her size! |
Then...
and now!
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| John and his nephew, Sam. |
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| Loves reading...;-) |
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| ...eating... |
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| and bathing. |
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| She also really loves this ball. |
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| And we really love her hair. |
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| She does NOT love this sweater. (Doesn't every kid has a sweater they hate but mom loves? ) |
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| Loves her exersaucer. |
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Monday, October 14, 2013
Milestones and Memory Lane
A weeks ago John and I had a conversation that went like this:
"Johnny! She rolled over!"
"What's the problem? Is she ok?"
"Yes! But she rolled over for the first time!"
"Oh, I've seen her do that before."
"What?! Why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't think it was a problem."
A short tutorial on milestones followed.
Since he couldn't be here for it today, I recorded Afton having her first solid feeding. Thank heavens I did. I had no idea how much cuteness would be in every bite!
This past weekend, I happened upon memory lane. It all began as I watched my cousin welcome her baby into the world. So thankful to her for allowing me the opportunity to watch that sweet moment on video. As I watched with Afton in my lap that strange emotion I'm not used to yet welled up inside me and I bawled my eyes out. Never have I loved the look of a newborn baby so much until after I held my own. Now I understand the preciousness in a whole new way and I want to hold them all.
The second stroll happened when I attended a banquet at my previous place of employment. I had planned to go ever since Melissa Ohden was asked to be the keynote speaker. I left feeling refreshed, invigorated and full of excitement after hearing her incredible story as well as some very exciting steps being taken to impact the twin cities area!
The last decision to "stroll" was made on a whim. Last Saturday we decided to visit our Alma Mater, Crown College. John had a previous student who was playing in the homecoming game and it was proving to be a nicer day than the weather man had suggested, so we hopped in the car and drove the hour west of the cities. While I realized now as a resident on the east side of the twin cities, Waconia is pretty far out there, I did enjoy the drive sipping coffee and listening to Afton giggle and talk. Two memories came to mind as we drove- the first was of many trips back from home during the fall. A familiar feeling crept in of the excitement to get back to school and also the familiarity of home sickness.
The other memory was of last year as John pulled me out of the house in the midst of my dreadful morning sickness telling me going out to Crown for homecoming would take my mind off of how sick I felt. It wasn't the case. (To this day I can't look at the sweater I was wearing because it still makes me nauseous. ) I was awkward with everyone we ran into because all I could think was "I hope I don't vomit here. Not here. Please God! Not here." ) Oh the joys of pregnancy! I don't think anyone picked up on it. Most people did look surprised when we walked into the football stadium (yes, Crown has one now) with a stroller.
It was a fun time. I love showing Afton off. She smiled and entertained all she met. When it started to rain we left to grab coffee at Mocha Monkey. Second to Crown, this place holds some of the most precious times between John and I. This is where the "DTR" happened and many since. It's where he held my hand for the first time. It's where we studied the one and only class we ever had together-the one we met in. It's where I decided on a major. It's where I wrote many a paper for said major. It's where I met with my internship supervisor (now dear friend) for staff meetings...oh the list goes on and on. And now its where I've spent a rainy Saturday afternoon with my family of three.
"Johnny! She rolled over!"
"What's the problem? Is she ok?"
"Yes! But she rolled over for the first time!"
"Oh, I've seen her do that before."
"What?! Why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't think it was a problem."
A short tutorial on milestones followed.
Since he couldn't be here for it today, I recorded Afton having her first solid feeding. Thank heavens I did. I had no idea how much cuteness would be in every bite!
She's been interested in food for a long time. I've just been putting it off because I'm emotional about how quickly she is growing up. I find this emotion very strange as I can't compare it to anything I've ever felt. I want her to grow up, of course, but I cannot believe how independent she has become in such a short time! I am frantically digging for parenting books and chucking "Caring for Baby" books aside! Just as all babies are different, I know all children are different and there is no manual...blah blah blah...but aware of my need for wisdom like never before. Parenting well is something I am not capable of doing without the Lord's leading.
Lord, help us train Afton up in the way that she should go so that when she is older she will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6).
The second stroll happened when I attended a banquet at my previous place of employment. I had planned to go ever since Melissa Ohden was asked to be the keynote speaker. I left feeling refreshed, invigorated and full of excitement after hearing her incredible story as well as some very exciting steps being taken to impact the twin cities area!
The last decision to "stroll" was made on a whim. Last Saturday we decided to visit our Alma Mater, Crown College. John had a previous student who was playing in the homecoming game and it was proving to be a nicer day than the weather man had suggested, so we hopped in the car and drove the hour west of the cities. While I realized now as a resident on the east side of the twin cities, Waconia is pretty far out there, I did enjoy the drive sipping coffee and listening to Afton giggle and talk. Two memories came to mind as we drove- the first was of many trips back from home during the fall. A familiar feeling crept in of the excitement to get back to school and also the familiarity of home sickness.
The other memory was of last year as John pulled me out of the house in the midst of my dreadful morning sickness telling me going out to Crown for homecoming would take my mind off of how sick I felt. It wasn't the case. (To this day I can't look at the sweater I was wearing because it still makes me nauseous. ) I was awkward with everyone we ran into because all I could think was "I hope I don't vomit here. Not here. Please God! Not here." ) Oh the joys of pregnancy! I don't think anyone picked up on it. Most people did look surprised when we walked into the football stadium (yes, Crown has one now) with a stroller.
It was a fun time. I love showing Afton off. She smiled and entertained all she met. When it started to rain we left to grab coffee at Mocha Monkey. Second to Crown, this place holds some of the most precious times between John and I. This is where the "DTR" happened and many since. It's where he held my hand for the first time. It's where we studied the one and only class we ever had together-the one we met in. It's where I decided on a major. It's where I wrote many a paper for said major. It's where I met with my internship supervisor (now dear friend) for staff meetings...oh the list goes on and on. And now its where I've spent a rainy Saturday afternoon with my family of three.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
'Autumn' in Black River Falls
(The dreadful pun above is dedicated to the pun master (and my father) Brule Buselmeier. Enjoy ;-)
We are enjoying this beautiful rainy fall morning...at home! It's miraculous. The last few weeks have flown by with the student ministry year beginning and all that comes with it. I (Autumn) also started a few part time jobs (thirty-one consultant, substitute teaching and occasionally babysitting for a friend). Juggling ministry, work and parenting has proved to be a huge area where we need to be trusting the Lord to guide us in how to set appropriate boundaries and priorities. There is always so much to learn in every season. Praise the Lord for His council and the wisdom He promises if we only ask.
Since I rarely have time to blog anymore, consider this Afton's first fall / five month blog post :-) September was a fun milestone for us- we found out last September that we were pregnant. It's hard to believe that was a year ago and now we sit here with a lovely little girl who is growing and changing every day. People laugh at me when I marvel at how "big" she is. They look at my little 40th percentile baby and say "she's tiny!" I look at her and say "how did THAT come out of ME!" She is learning to roll over now, which makes naps and sleeping more difficult for our previous sleeping champion because she rolls over and often can't figure out how to roll back onto her back. We must have trained her to know that sleeping on her tummy is a no- no just by putting her on her back every time we place her in her crib. She is quickly turning into a side sleeper...it's just a matter of not accidentally tipping over once she gets there in which case she often ends up screaming and usually in a panic somehow ends up with her foot caught between the crib slats. After such trauma, she takes awhile to settle back down so bedtime lately has become quite the ordeal. Here is a picture of what I usually find when all is well during nap time (minus the fact that her foot is caught in the crib- which eventually woke her up).
We are enjoying this beautiful rainy fall morning...at home! It's miraculous. The last few weeks have flown by with the student ministry year beginning and all that comes with it. I (Autumn) also started a few part time jobs (thirty-one consultant, substitute teaching and occasionally babysitting for a friend). Juggling ministry, work and parenting has proved to be a huge area where we need to be trusting the Lord to guide us in how to set appropriate boundaries and priorities. There is always so much to learn in every season. Praise the Lord for His council and the wisdom He promises if we only ask.
Since I rarely have time to blog anymore, consider this Afton's first fall / five month blog post :-) September was a fun milestone for us- we found out last September that we were pregnant. It's hard to believe that was a year ago and now we sit here with a lovely little girl who is growing and changing every day. People laugh at me when I marvel at how "big" she is. They look at my little 40th percentile baby and say "she's tiny!" I look at her and say "how did THAT come out of ME!" She is learning to roll over now, which makes naps and sleeping more difficult for our previous sleeping champion because she rolls over and often can't figure out how to roll back onto her back. We must have trained her to know that sleeping on her tummy is a no- no just by putting her on her back every time we place her in her crib. She is quickly turning into a side sleeper...it's just a matter of not accidentally tipping over once she gets there in which case she often ends up screaming and usually in a panic somehow ends up with her foot caught between the crib slats. After such trauma, she takes awhile to settle back down so bedtime lately has become quite the ordeal. Here is a picture of what I usually find when all is well during nap time (minus the fact that her foot is caught in the crib- which eventually woke her up).
She doesn't usually sleep naked by the way, but being the dog days of summer we've been trying not to run the air conditioner. Who knew October would still feel like summer! It's a beautiful thing. We've also switched back to cloth diapers now that we are staying put for awhile and not planning to travel much. Thanks to my sweet sister in law Rachel, we have been able to add to our meager supply and I know feel very confident in my cloth diapering routine. (Note to any potentially sitters- we keep a supply of disposables on hand just for you :-)
Speaking of traveling, this past weekend I had the lovely opportunity to visit my home town after a few months. Black River Falls in the Fall is one of my favorite things so throughout our marriage I usually plan a trip alone during a weekend I know John will be away. This year it happened to coincide with a Parkview Church event called "Fall Field Day- an outreach to outdoors men in our area that involves a silent auction, wild game feed archery and trap shooting. In the past I would come home from college for this event to nurse my ego from years past of being called "Annie Oakley by a number of my dad's friends. Apparently I'm not as good behind a bow as I am behind a shot gun ;-)
My dear friend Kayla, who traveled with me, was a natural :-)
Kayla, fascinated with my country upbringing, continued to ask me questions such as:
"Do you know how to milk a cow?"
"No"
"Well where do you go for milk?"
"Into town."
She tried to get me to say that as many times as she could.
Afton enjoyed her time as well. It was delightful to watch her discover apples while we picked from the tree that my dad and I planted in our yard 15 years ago.
Thankful for a lovely time in Black River. I didn't want to leave. A pie making day is in my future with lots of apples waiting in my kitchen from home!
Grandpa Arlin's Birthday
Fall began with a celebration of Afton's Grandpa Arlin's birthday. Last year during this time, we told the Anderson family that we were expecting! This year, grandpa Arlin shared the birthday attention with his youngest granddaughter, who is frequently stealing the show these days.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Afton's First Summer (Months 2 through 4)
Month 2
July 4th weekend Afton took her first trip to Wisconsin for a Kodes family reunion at Autumn's parents home in Black River Falls. It was a wonderful time and even as little as she was- she did a wonderful job. She met many relatives and was passed around a lot giving mommy and daddy a fun little break. During July Afton also started sleeping through the night- unfortunately for her daddy, it happened to be when he was gone on a missions trip with 30 students who did not get to sleep through the night. He texted me intending to brag about getting 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I was delighted to inform him that I'd had 8. She now sleeps 10 hours at night folks. PRAISE. THE. LORD. That is the only reason I am sane enough to write anything down.
Other fun things she/we learned this month:
How to hold a toy in her hand (she)
How adorable she looks in a swimming suit (we)
How to release and let her go to the nursery (we)
Month 4
Happy 4 months to our sweet girl! ( Saturday, September 14th)
July 4th weekend Afton took her first trip to Wisconsin for a Kodes family reunion at Autumn's parents home in Black River Falls. It was a wonderful time and even as little as she was- she did a wonderful job. She met many relatives and was passed around a lot giving mommy and daddy a fun little break. During July Afton also started sleeping through the night- unfortunately for her daddy, it happened to be when he was gone on a missions trip with 30 students who did not get to sleep through the night. He texted me intending to brag about getting 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I was delighted to inform him that I'd had 8. She now sleeps 10 hours at night folks. PRAISE. THE. LORD. That is the only reason I am sane enough to write anything down.
Other fun things she/we learned this month:
How to hold a toy in her hand (she)
How adorable she looks in a swimming suit (we)
How to release and let her go to the nursery (we)
Month 3
August held many adventures for the Anderson family. It began with a trip to Door County, Wisconsin to see Autumn's side of the family and ended with the annual trip to Hayden Lake in Danbury, MN to John's family cabins. Afton is SUCH a good traveler! Good thing since our legacy kind of has to do with traveling and we just can't seem to stay put (John and Autumn got to know each other while on tour with a worship band in college and LOVE traveling (doesn't matter where!) As long as she was fed and changed she happily entertained herself until nap time. What a trooper...
Our trip was filled with many wonderfully welcomed stops to see friends made on John's internship in Mequan, WI, friends from college in Appleton, WI and friends from our previous church in Kiel, Wisconsin. It was fun to reconnect with our eastern Wisconsinites!
We enjoyed many wonderful dates together while in Door County taking full advantage as parents of the first grand baby. My (Autumn's) parents and grandparents were delighted to spend some time with Afton and have some fun grandparents/grandaughter adventures of their own. We went Kayaking, hiking and mini golfing and were able to explore some of our favorite places from a summer spent there while dating- including the place he proposed! :-)
August ended with a trip over Labor Day weekend to Hayden Lake where Afton completed her first overnight camping trip :-) She loved watching the campfire and slept great that night all bundled up! We are so proud (and thankful) that she did so well. We also took her hiking AND she went swimming for the first time! Annd by swimming I mean we held her in the water- she loves it. Bath time is STILL her favorite activity. If it wasn't an obvious invasion of her privacy and a complete internet/parent no-no I would be delighted to show you videos of how excited she gets, but I'm betting its not nearly as awesome to everyone else as it is to us. We're first time parents ok? Everything she does is the coolest/funniest/cutest thing :-)
Unfortunately, pictures only do her so much justice, but we're sure you'll get the idea.
Other fun things she/we learned this month:
How easy cloth diapers are (we)
That Autumn can babysit 2 children this age and keep them alive- and have fun (we)
How to belly laugh (she)
How to roll (she)
How to "inch worm" (she)
How to do rasberries/smacking noises with her mouth (she)
That she is teething (we)
That she is 14 lbs! (we)
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| Dear friends Lenay and Stuart! Stuart made Afton belly laugh for the first time! |
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| This girls hair is out of control. |
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| The Rettlers- Dear friends and John's host parents while living in Mequon. |
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| 3 Months! |
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| Tummy Time! |
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| Hayden Lake |
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| Gramma face! |
Month 4
Happy 4 months to our sweet girl! ( Saturday, September 14th)
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