Thoughts on the Month of June

June flew by. I cannot believe we are coming up on two months with our sweet baby Afton. It's been a challenging but joyful journey so far. We frequently make comments like "You know you're a new parent when..." followed by obscure conversation about how many bowel movements she's had, how excited we are when she burps, and the best system of how to___ you fill in the baby related blank. We realize that once we think we know something, she's always going to change it up on us. We're still hoping to figure out a schedule, although of course we have one of sorts- we're hoping it will soon be a bit more consistent. I do think it's safe to say that we have a good sleeper! She now sleeps through the night consistently. Praise God!

one month old!

The best two pieces of advice I've received are:

 1) do NOT make to do lists in the first two months after baby comes. If you do you'll feel like a failure but if you must, write down things like fed her, changed her diaper, took a nap to ensure that you can actually check things off! ( Note: I started this blog entry at the beginning of June and am finishing it at the end of July. Case in point.)

2) Go on a date as soon as you possibly can after having your baby. If you can't bear to leave her, have your mom (or someone you trust) watch her while you go in another room and have coffee and talk UNINTERUPTED. This is very important. You will probably feel guilty, but you just have to realize that she'll love you for loving each other. That's how she got here in the first place ;-)

Heading out on our first date since baby (happened to be our anniversary too!)

June brought many welcome visitors our way! We are so glad for the guest bedroom/open loft area and only wish it had a door so that people would stay longer ;-) We had a dear family friend, Ruth, on her way out to Switzerland visit us and offer to watch Afton for us while we went out for coffee. What a blessing little dates are. So much needed. You don't realize how precious those little things are (even things like riding in the car together without interruption because she's in the carseat) until they are more few and far between.

dear ruth with afton

anna meeting afton for the first time

afton meeting great grandma b.

afton meeting papa great and nana great

meeting aunt angie and cousin sam

afton with pawpaw

afton with grandpa anderson

Both our moms and many other friends and family came to bless us and meals were provided through our church friends. Such welcome interruptions to long monotonous first few weeks. We LOVED visitors. 

grandma anderson

My sweet little brother, who is finishing up college at Moody Bible in Spokane, WA flew in at the end of June for my cousin's grad party and stayed with us for a few days prior. What a grown up Godly, wonderful young man he has turned into. I was SO richly blessed by his presence as he did dishes for me, cleaned, washed laundry, FOLDED laundry and even MADE MY BED, not to mention volunteering to watch Afton so I could shower and read alone and changing the dirtiest of all diapers during that time. He's clearly smitten with his niece. What a wonderful blessing he was to us all.

uncle garrett

My mom also came almost every weekend throughout the rest of May and June and did countless projects around the house for me. She refinished an old coffee table I had bought that I absolutely love, steam cleaned my carpets and let John and I go out on dates. My mom definitely has the gift of helps and I'm so thankful God has allowed me to benefit from it. Not a trait I picked up on myself, but one I love to receive! ;-) In return, I think she and Afton have a special bond. Nani is one person that can make Afton laugh the most!

nani making afton laugh

Other June milestones included Afton's first smile (and many since), her first trip across the border to Wisconsin, she began tracking things with her eyes and she started gaining weight! (YAY!!!) =-) June also revealed Afton's love for baths. We know we're in for a boat load of smiles when it's bath time, no matter what kind of day she's had. :-)

afton started smiling...a lot!

she LOVES bath time

Afton Rose

Meaning of Afton: Near the River

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their confidence. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of draught. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Afton (L) and Me (R) 

First day (L) and one Month (R)

May 14th, 2013

Hello!

Since having our sweet Afton Rose, we have been pretty much just learning to be parents. Many times I've thought, goodness, I would just love a few minutes to catch up on blogging, but time has not permitted! Today it has, and to clear my head and reminisce on the last few months, I am planning to do at least a double header here =-) First, I want to tell you the story of Afton's birth!

May 8th, her due date came and went. Although I told myself early on in my pregnancy not to hold tightly to my due "date" but think only about the fact that her due month was may, I couldn't help but be slightly disappointed when she didn't come on her Nani's birthday. I hoped mother's day might bring my welcome bundle, and I cried when it did not. We spent the afternoon on mother's day with John's family at his youngest sisters house playing games and talking- it was a good distraction. Later that evening my parents came to our house in hopes that they would be there for her big debut. I tried to talk them out of it saying that I felt it may be a waste of time, but I was so glad they came for the distraction. I was so uncomfortable.

What a strange feeling waiting for your baby to arrive is, after the due date. It was hard for John too as we both felt each day come and go thinking that could have been it. We went for a hike on Sunday (that's right- huge preggo went hiking- i really wanted this baby OUT!) and on Monday morning I went to the pre-natal appointment I had scheduled hoping I'd get to cancel it because she would come. The mid-wife I spoke with on the phone most often said there was nothing going on at the hospital (imagine that) and came to my appointment even though she was not the one I had scheduled with. She said she was just curious to see what was going on ;-) At this time I was having contractions inconsistently and far apart. I had been up for two nights timing them anyway because for some reason I was afraid I would miss it. That seems hilarious now! Mary told me that things were progressing and that she wouldn't be surprised if I had the baby soon, but we scheduled an induction for the coming friday just in case. We went home after stopping at the grocery store for watermelon (I couldn't get enough!) and had lunch. I took a short nap while John and my dad went to the gym to work out and my mom cleaned for me.

When I got up I sat in my baby's room in the rocking  chair imagining what life would be like when she was in my arms. My mom joined me and sat on the floor. We both sat in silence. Finally she prayed that the baby would come soon and quickly so that she and my dad could be there. They both had to work the next day and really wanted to be there with us. Moments later I had my first REAL contraction. A tear rolled down my face and my mom just looked at me for a minute and then laughing said, "I told you you wouldn't "miss" it ;-)" Things progressed very quickly the rest of the night until it was time to go the hospital. I labored at home from 6pm until midnight to ensure I wouldn't be sent home. When we got to the hospital I was dilated at a 6 and I was having terrible back labor so it felt like I was having a contestant contraction. I labored in the tub for quite a while, then asked for an epidural. I was so glad I did. I felt I had not energy left and things were not progressing. They told me to sleep but I was wide awake shaking for hours and still feeling a lot of pain in my back.

The next morning they had me try a few different positions to get the baby turned around since she was faced sunny side up- hence the back labor. By 10am they came back in to check on me and the mid-wife could see our baby's head! She said it was time to push (finally!) All I could think about as she got ready was the fact that I was going to meet my baby...TODAY. I remember not being able to get ahold of my body because I was shaking so much- probably a combination of the pain, excitement and complete exhaustion. They took my temp and I had a slight fever so they said I should try to get the baby out in under a half hour so they could wait to administer more antibiotics. She was out in 19 minutes! They placed that sweet little girl on my belly directly and her eyes and mine locked. She was screaming and it was music to my ears. She was wide awake, alert, so strong holding her head up looking right at me! She was kicking her legs trying to crawl up toward me and I remember thinking it was so strange that now I felt her on the outside and thinking- that's what that motion looks like that I've been feeling for nine months :-)

 John followed the nurses as they took her measurements and wrapped her up. He didn't leave her side and they had to ask him to let go of her hand while they weighed her which he reluctantly did. We tried to nurse right away and she was
a champ! Soon after her PawPaw (my dad) came in to meet her which was a beautiful picture. He prayed for our new little family and then he and my mom left.

That day, May 14th around 10am, my life changed forever when that little seven pound fifteen ounce bundle was placed in my arms.

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3-5

Postpartum Meal Planning

Wednesday, May 1st, marked my last day of work at New Life Family Services. It was a difficult decision to make but in the end, I know I followed the Lord's leading in it. Thursday, May 2nd, marked my first day as a stay at home mom. I enjoyed many texts from dear momma friends congratulating me on my "new job." :-) While I can't say that I'm entirely overjoyed as being a stay at home mom has not been one of my life long dreams, I do have a peace about following the Lord's leading not to continue in my full time role and I'm trusting in his provision going forward. 

The days ahead I both look forward to and dread as I am a very driven person and I struggle with not seeing my accomplishments play out. I've already made quite the to do list for preparing for baby- who is due in 5 days, mind you. I look forward to her being here with such anticipation! There is no point in sitting at home without her to take care of so I'm starting the process now. Meal planning has begun and I've followed the advice of many blogger friends and begun making and freezing meals that will be easy to take out, thaw and reheat! While it's a little more work up front, and a lot more groceries than we've ever had in our house at any given time, I think it will be a huge benefit in the long run and hopefully result in a lot less "take-out" dinners. That's one of the goals! 

Below is one of my favorite meal ideas:

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

Chop the following ingredients and divide them between 2 freezer bags. 

3 sweet potatoes

3 zucchini

2 onions

2 green bell peppers

1 red bell pepper

4-5 chicken breasts

In each bag also place sauce. You can either use your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own. This is what we did:

8 oz tomato paste

1 T Worcestershire sauce

2 T brown sugar

1 T mustard powder

1 garlic clove minced

1/4 t salt

All items go into freezer bag raw so this was very easy to do last night while watching a movie with the hubby who was working on making and freezing a few meat loafs! 

The Waiting Game

Got up early this morning to enjoy delicious apple cinnamon oatmeal with almond milk (my favorite thing right now) home made by my hubby, ice water, the smell of spring and the look of the beautiful green grass outside of my window. It's a "wouldn't-you-say-life-is-beautiful" kind of morning. A quick check of Facebook to see who else has had their baby was a must as well. We are in the middle of a waiting game mixed with the joy that she hasn't come yet because we're enjoying a lot of mommy/daddy dates that will be a lot harder with baby in tow.  The processing of this life change has been months in action- the fact that our lives are changing is sure, but we won't know how much until she gets here. Our lives have already changed at the fact that she exists- and makes herself known so well- in our every day lives, especially mine! Her little personality is fun to guess at as she rolls around in the womb. Days that she is especially active I often tell her dad that she must be more like him ;-)

Her nursery is set. A crib that we love and a matching changer set from John's parents reminds me of the bed john built me only about 3 years ago as a wedding gift, a basket full of bows on the wall for my beautiful little princess,  many adorable clothes (compliments of some stylish students we know) folded and hung and a bag by the door for when "it's time," a shabby chic style dresser that was my grandparents refurbished into a piece of adorable baby furniture by my mom "Nani," a frame that holds the "Mother's Prayer" -- a piece in my mom's kitchen for years, refurbished also by Nani, and a beautiful  nursery chair purchased by Nani, her sisters and my grandparents. So thankful. Now we just wait to bring her home!

Another appointment today reminds me of the waiting game that we play. Nightly dreams cause me to second guess whether she'll be born early, on her Nani's birthday- as expected- or will wait a few weeks to make her appearance. Her busy sometimes seemingly frustrated movements make me wonder if she's as ready to come out as we are to have her here.

Merry Christmas 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

This year has flown by. We can't begin to count the things that God has done in our lives on one hand. We are overwhelmed by how much He has done in one year  all in His perfect timing.


A year ago we were sitting in our home in Omaha, Nebraska far away from family praying the weather would cooperate so that we'd be able to make a quick trip home for the holidays. We were so homesick but knew that we were right where God had planted us for that time and purpose. (Click here for more details on that adventure)


His timing is perfect.

Last spring God began to stir our hearts and prepare us for change- a change that happened so very quickly. Months before I told John I could never leave the boys we worked with until I felt that our ministry with them was complete. God orchestrated the timing of each of them completing or exiting the program right before we found out we were moving. After much prayer about God's tugging his heart back toward youth ministry, John applied for a job at a church called New Life Church in Woodbury, MN and last April God answered a long time prayer and brought us back to MN. (Click here for more details)


His timing is perfect.

Weeks later God provided a job for me at New Life Family Services (not related to the church) in Richfield, MN- the adoption agency and pregnancy care center that I completed my senior internship with 2 years prior. I now work in the position I had interned under two years ago.

His timing is perfect.

Months later John and I were surprised to find out that God was giving us exceedingly and abundantly beyond what we had ever asked or imagined and blessing us with a sweet little boy or girl whom we cannot wait to meet on May 8th, 2013. As "unplanned" as this little darling was to us, God's evidence of planning are literally ALL OVER as we've found. Another delightful surprise was finding out that this sweetheart will most likely be born on or around my mother's birthday- and if they're later than expected at least close to Mother's Day! What joy flooded my heart when I realized this. It was also fun to be able to tell my parents the news of their first grand baby on Grandparents Day, and tell John's parents on his father's birthday. (Click here for more details!)

His timing is perfect.

As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next, it is a comfort and a joy to recognize his perfect timing. Yes, there were definitely trials this year. Moving several times, finding out that a high school friend of mine and a college friend of mine both passed away suddenly, and dealing with several health problems have  caused us to question God and ask, "Now? Really? Again? This?" In other ways waiting on God has been difficult and hearing "no" or "not now" have been frustrating. Yet, I cannot go on without recognizing how faithful he has been in the past and how faithless I am to not trust Him in the future.

My dad always quotes an old woman who once said,

"There is just one thing that God can't do and that's fail!"

And just because we can't see all the pieces of the puzzle doesn't mean that He lost one.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time and has set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what He has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

"Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

He has provided in the past and He will continue to provide in the future. The gifts He has provided for us have been a constant reminder of this- but He gives freely a much greater gift to each of us! The gift of His Son and the gift of eternal life.

Romans 3:23 says that we have all sinned and therefore we all fall short. We deserve death for our sin (Romans 6:23) but the gift of God is eternal life that comes through Jesus!

Romans 5:8 explains that the demonstration of God's life was Jesus dying on the cross in our place even while we were still living in sin. His love is what saves us! Not religion, not attending church..etc.

We can be saved by accepting this gift. Romans 10:13 says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! If we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we are saved.

What greater gift or reminder of His never-ending love and faithfulness could we ask for?

Merry Christmas friends and family!

We pray you are blessed and know Christ's presence in your life deeply as you celebrate this holiday season.

Love,

John, Autumn and Baby Anderson

Did I forget to mention?

Our lives are changing forever. The Anderson Adventure just took another crazy turn. Surprised? Probably not by now. If you've been following this blog for the two years that it's been in existence, you have seen a lot happen in a small span of time. We've stopped counting addresses and moves that have happened in one year. Now we are simply soaking up the time of "stillness"living in one place and are beginning to accept the fact that our version of "settling down" and God's are totally different =-) Likewise our definitions of adventure differ. How wonderful. I wouldn't change what I've learned- the surprises, the irony, the stories, the pain and the joy along the journey so far for ANYTHING. John agrees. 

Three months ago we enjoyed some time at Afton State Park together soaking in the last rays of summer, exploring new hiking trails and going for one last swim in the river before the leaves began to change. We spoke of the highs and lows of the past year and we spoke of the future and what could be coming. We agreed that we were experiencing a healthy thankfulness for the fact that things might be what we called "normal."

God has a sense of humor. Duh.

We found out later that day that I was pregnant. (Even as I type this, I laugh out loud!)

Although it wasn't quite "our timing" to be honest, I find much more peace in that. The God of the universe decided- like he always does- against all of what we'll call "the odds" to create this little one. To surprise us with the joy of this little one! To begin a brand new adventure close to where our family and friends can support us and encourage us and pray for us as we seek to raise this child up to love and honor the Lord's statutes. 

We are thankful.