life

1. Jonas woke up from a nap on Sunday, and when Paul went in to get him there was black stuff on his face. We had NO idea what it could be until we saw the crib. You got it, Jonas has been biting the side of his crib. Nice, son. There are even indentions from his teeth...not just missing paint.

2. Our house has been getting a paint job. It looks nice but has taken FOREVER! Yesterday, the guy was painting our front door which meant he needed it open for a while. How do you keep an 11 month old from getting into paint or touching the wet door? It is very hard, and I took an extra long time at the lone errand I needed to run to the bank.

3. Since our door was painted (I also had him paint the inside of the door), it smelled really bad in our house. So, we needed to get out for a while. We went to Jason's Deli for dinner which was yummy. But, I am a stupid, stupid mommy. I decided to give Jonas a few TINY tastes of my ice cream (or is it yogurt at Jason's). You see, we found out the hard way when Jonas starting taking formula to supplement his bottles that he needed soy-based formula. He threw up about 4 times and his eyes swelled. I would definitely say he has a milk allergy. Anyway, last night we headed over to the mall. It was while I was in the dressing room at the Gap that Paul said we needed to leave NOW. Yup, the little mister had thrown up everywhere. I guess the allergy is still there.

4. There is a little restaurant here that is only open for breakfast and lunch. I have been dying to get lunch there for a while now. Today was the day. Jonas and I met Paul and had one of the most amazing lunches ever. We will be going lots more. If you come visit us, we will take you there.

5. A little patch of skin on my arm has been hurting. It is by my bicep and runs down my arm about 4 inches and is about 2 inches wide. I am wondering if it shingles...anyone ever have it before. I think it is something with the nerves in my arm but don't know what. My skin looks normal just is really sensitive and hurts to touch. Weird, huh?

6. I have been planning a certain little boy's one year old birthday party. It is really fun, but I can't decide what time to have it. We are going to grill out, so it needs to be around a meal time. And, our families are coming so we are super excited!

7. I rearranged our living room the other day. I think I like it but now need to adjust the stuff on the wall.

11 months

Jonas turned 11 months old on Monday! We are already starting to plan his first birthday. Anyway, this past month has seemed monumental in his development. He is looking more like a little boy than a baby and oh so cute!

This month has brought...
- WALKING of course. Check out the video in the post below
- giving kisses. Very slobbery but kisses none the less. It is good for this mama's heart.
- waiving bye bye
- clapping
- playing with his trucks the "right" way...wheels on the ground
- hiding toys and then finding them
- putting toys in and out of the basket or whatever he deems as a good toy holder
- vibrating his lips together like a truck sound. He will even use his finger against his lips to make the noise as well
-clicking his tongue and copying sounds and expressions
- being VERY aware of where we are and crying when we aren't around
- opinionated...that is all I have to say about that!
- seems to understand so much more of the world around him...like cause and effect, etc.
- loves to go to the park and swing...in fact, we just got a swing for our backyard
- weighs 17.4 pounds and is right at 29 inches long

Paul and I talked the other night about how we think Jonas is going to be the life the class kinda kid. He loves to make us laugh and can be really goofy. We can tell that he is extroverted and is quite vocal. Here are some pictures of the little mister...

standing all by himself...

Jonas loves this little dog. We named him Woof Woof...

swinging at the park...

These Boots Were Made For Walkin' !

You guessed it, Jonas took his first few steps on April 6th! Teetering, stuttering and wobbly, but they were STEPS! We were so excited! He walks frequently now, although when he needs to get somewhere in a hurry he still goes into four wheel drive mode. Sorry we've been so slow in getting the video posted, here it is!

the goodness of THIS Friday

Last night at my small group, we were talking about the Passover meal that Jesus shared with the disciples, his inner circle - the most trusted of friends. We ran through the events of the evening...eating, washing of feet, Jesus making several predictions... Then, we landed on Gethsemane. I think I can say pretty confidently that I have always viewed the time Jesus spent in prayer prior to his arrest as a last ditch effort for God to change his mind. Why? Because he didn't want to face the pain he knew was to come. The Romans had perfected torture. Dying on a cross was saved for the most heinous of criminals. Jesus knew there would be a lot of pain involved during the course of the next many hours. So, he prays an agonizing prayer..."take this cup from me." I had a revelation last night. Jesus' last ditch prayers were not to save him from physical pain but from the emotional agony of being separated from God.

God's plan was for He who was without sin to become sin. Become sin. Jesus became sin. He lived an entire life of perfection just to die with the shame, humiliation, grotesqueness of our sin. That is the reason for Gethsemane. God would forsake his only son. Forsake is such an ominous word. I'm not sure I've ever forsaken someone, and I'm not sure I could. I even hold out hope for those who have made horrible mistakes...I would come to their rescue should it ever be needed. But, God deserted Jesus in his greatest time of need. He watched as innocence was lost. And Jesus faced the intense emotional, physical and spiritual pain alone.

Scripture says that as Jesus breathed his last breath, he screamed "it is finished". He completed the task. He paid the price for all humanity in order that we may stand in the presence of God. We will know God's presence. The curtain to the holy of holies was torn in two. The end had come.

But, there is hope because God's plan didn't end there. There is a part 2. Jesus rose from the dead. Sin was forgiven, and Jesus emerged the victor. Sin was conquered. He who was without sin became sin and won. He beat death...

walk on

Just wanted to let everyone know that our boy is WALKING! Yup, he took his first steps tonight. He would take 3 or 4 at a time and did that several times. More to come by way of video.

the trip

here are some pics of the trip Jonas and I took to San Marcos. We had so much fun, and Jonas did so well. I was pretty nervous about driving all that way by myself with him, but I didn't need to be. We got see my sisters and mom, errrr.... Aunts and Grandma. We shopped and ate and shopped and ate.

heading out of town

Jonas with my Grandma

Jonas with my Grandpa and Rosie, the dog

climbing the stairs

Jonas and I with my sisters and mom

you know you aren't far from home when you see the windmills