tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231449062024-03-13T05:00:30.889-04:00The Pursuit of His BestThe pursuit of God, wisdom, music, and funAndrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.comBlogger528125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-31030437480526641312023-11-14T20:50:00.002-05:002023-11-14T20:55:40.011-05:00Dad Files Months 17-18: Painting with Spaghetti, The Scientist, and Tantrums<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8GV6F7xIKQY8UG4sVbJ2Hz5QZf1PjLRAQhjjZWLIkFWGRIwOrgSbbxesG_1tTvMU6u2AGjXHuLRV-K9R9e6eSfxeYzy_t482HsM026bwtXqsULuro6L2gEEWU4lm49V0IB0FmYGGatHnuygNhbLVZIVrmOX3PzYf0_mWYve0yPidDAfnv3Mi0g/s4032/IMG_5535.JPEG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8GV6F7xIKQY8UG4sVbJ2Hz5QZf1PjLRAQhjjZWLIkFWGRIwOrgSbbxesG_1tTvMU6u2AGjXHuLRV-K9R9e6eSfxeYzy_t482HsM026bwtXqsULuro6L2gEEWU4lm49V0IB0FmYGGatHnuygNhbLVZIVrmOX3PzYf0_mWYve0yPidDAfnv3Mi0g/s320/IMG_5535.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br />With entry into the full on toddler phase comes the continued strong opinions and tantrums. These can include the bucking bronco, arms flailing, flinging himself while hands filled with poop diaper changes and may require multiple adults to get him properly changed. There can be a roller coaster of emotions as sometimes he wants you to hold him and 5 seconds later he pushes you away and then implores you to pick him back up immediately after putting him down. If you and your wife try to hug each other, he may express jealousy or push you away if she's holding him and you try for a group hug. On the especially grumpy days, a visit outside with a change of scenery or taking him for a walk can reset his mood and makes for a much better experience all around.<br /><p></p><p>With lots of doctor and urgent care visits he may begin to develop an aversion to medical providers and will express great displeasure with them even being in the same room as him. Distraction tactics like playing with a toy, singing songs, etc. may need to be employed to allow nurses and doctors to check his pulse or use their stethoscope to examine him.</p><p>It's probably true throughout all of life but especially at this stage the toddler is essentially a scientist who is exploring, experimenting, and figuring out the world. What is edible, how do drawers open and close, if I yell what response does that get me, learning words to communicate and name different items, learning how to balance and walk while standing up, how to pet the kitty with gentle hands, and how to turn the sippy cup so he can get the last bit out using a straw.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3FmNgDg7OFcIGRhmM-uZyFbqxnHz4Ll12gdJcj4hb-OkYLHeOwLYsp5Yd2F4nGzCfgZFg25c79qN1MRnxVPRMD4hNojZyqx_D3bYiaXRbdd4RVHo1CZAfT5V7uG3GE05ubYqXBrEwwR49K_JqVdGpFsbod4c6lecG04KY7aXsfOxTiBcX1SUuA/s2560/IMG_8344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="2560" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3FmNgDg7OFcIGRhmM-uZyFbqxnHz4Ll12gdJcj4hb-OkYLHeOwLYsp5Yd2F4nGzCfgZFg25c79qN1MRnxVPRMD4hNojZyqx_D3bYiaXRbdd4RVHo1CZAfT5V7uG3GE05ubYqXBrEwwR49K_JqVdGpFsbod4c6lecG04KY7aXsfOxTiBcX1SUuA/s320/IMG_8344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>With language development, you will see a progression from single words and unintelligible sounds to unrelated words grouped together such as "all done moo kitty," to two word sentences with meaning such as "no mama" "no dada." When putting him to bed if he wants you to leave and says "bye bye" and you haven't quite finished your special time with him, it can be a little sad.<br /><p></p><p>Daylight savings time does not exist in the toddler's world. What
previously was a 5:45 am wake up time for him will become a 4:45 am wake
up due to an unrelenting circadian rhythm. You can get him back on
track but it will take some grumpiness late in the day to push his bed
time late enough so he'll sleep according to the new time. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u1V_T8VXbUSwclfSkHtUQ7YgVT7xvpNGtObJbH8wqU87h2BooV7AUo4PS-gVUHH9g7qR0Rz6bvG_hpebNgDokbVXEFFcIuitfVFSLjFLZjbpQDTd2vqHLwx4VRIrMgvWduD6-f5AtdeTT-SKm1Gyk31a1f4-saexXMiUChhkwcUeYHNNiG-9lg/s3264/IMG_8319.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u1V_T8VXbUSwclfSkHtUQ7YgVT7xvpNGtObJbH8wqU87h2BooV7AUo4PS-gVUHH9g7qR0Rz6bvG_hpebNgDokbVXEFFcIuitfVFSLjFLZjbpQDTd2vqHLwx4VRIrMgvWduD6-f5AtdeTT-SKm1Gyk31a1f4-saexXMiUChhkwcUeYHNNiG-9lg/s320/IMG_8319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>In helping him learn to walk while giving him your fingers or hands to hold on to, you can direct his path similar to leading someone in dancing. Otherwise, he'll roam free range around whatever area you're in. This new mobility will also allow him to take energetic and noisy laps around the house while holding on to a horse, shopping cart, or other object with wheels. Those first few independent steps are exciting for everyone but will require lots more practice. He can get a little over eager when walking between parents and it will seem more like controlled falling at times. <br /><br /><p></p><p>His new found strength and fine motor skills can result in pulling off a bib if that doesn't suit his preference. This also can turn dinner time into a finger painting with spaghetti art project that covers toddler, his plate or tray, the floor, walls, you and anything else he flings sauce at. Taking off articles of clothing to save on additional laundry work is not a bad idea. It's also highly recommended to change out of work clothes before feeding him any sauce oriented meal.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2jsu_F1GGQYs6fnqHSFxld2hUvSqzcRkho1ZO_Dmn-qFtsC-2bhrCKZ3P79LcA-O2Pl66_DJ_acMwnUSwYeGgxMXNaVcxB7CQtio_-wFEVZsmKNkUtM7h3MJiGnbRTQV_Hyf40d5TAQjXp6yvJvVxHCTW6kin8W99WG3K94tKp5KdACorspv4w/s3264/IMG_8277.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2jsu_F1GGQYs6fnqHSFxld2hUvSqzcRkho1ZO_Dmn-qFtsC-2bhrCKZ3P79LcA-O2Pl66_DJ_acMwnUSwYeGgxMXNaVcxB7CQtio_-wFEVZsmKNkUtM7h3MJiGnbRTQV_Hyf40d5TAQjXp6yvJvVxHCTW6kin8W99WG3K94tKp5KdACorspv4w/s320/IMG_8277.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Swimming lessons can be fun, water torture, or somewhere in between. You will learn many songs as you splash and play, splash and play and dunk the toddler under the water. Swim lessons at this age are supposed to help develop core strength, coordination, comfort level with the water, and how not to drown. <br /><p></p>It's lots of fun to see all the new developments he's making but they also bring new challenges. Keep savoring each moment, each day, and record videos and take pictures since it passes quickly. Love him, sing to him, read to him, play with and pray for him. The Lord is on the journey with you and will guide you in it.<p>In pursuit of His best,</p><p>Andrew</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-47429408349444012182023-10-24T21:37:00.007-04:002023-10-24T21:37:44.466-04:00Eulogy for My Granddaddy Clatie Lewis<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgIAQTwZWPgbrXjLgh1vmsLtPAMUf1VfDD3bZFdEmfl7-Hx_8Ml4lWFLCqJ5dhHU7vFjJG2mTnIFRDWWR_aCA_yBEtOob11N1DIWV5dfH4cKg7QmIy_umNAKs8bRfei3WvA69O64himgxWr0YZcP8doORNmS_pd_yM6hUqyd8yPcgzkghPcC2tA/s1280/clatie%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgIAQTwZWPgbrXjLgh1vmsLtPAMUf1VfDD3bZFdEmfl7-Hx_8Ml4lWFLCqJ5dhHU7vFjJG2mTnIFRDWWR_aCA_yBEtOob11N1DIWV5dfH4cKg7QmIy_umNAKs8bRfei3WvA69O64himgxWr0YZcP8doORNmS_pd_yM6hUqyd8yPcgzkghPcC2tA/s320/clatie%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>A heart for Jesus, industrious, generous, resourceful, intelligent, forgiving, and an unwavering faith in God describes my granddaddy.</p><p>Clatie Floyd Lewis was the first son and second baby born to John Terry and Martha Ann Shaffer on March 5, 1925 out in the country in Webster County, Mississippi. His parents and grandparents for generations back were mostly farmers living off the land. From research we’ve done they seemed to have been mostly of the Baptist and Presbyterian faiths.</p><p>Regarding how his parents decided on his name Granddaddy said, “I was named after a fellow in the community who went to fight in WWI, his name was Clatie. He was a fine young man but was killed in the war. To honor him they named me Clatie.”</p><p>When Granddaddy was just 4 years old the Great Depression hit and significantly affected his life. The house and farm his dad had bought were foreclosed on when they couldn’t make the payments as a result of declining crop prices and losing his school bus route. By the time Granddaddy was 7 years old he was pulling a plow with a mule named Lou in rented fields helping to grow crops—cotton, corn and hay. Because his dad needed him to help with the farm, he attended school sporadically.</p><p>Finally, during the winter of 1940 The Farm and Home Administration had a resettlement program. They loaned my great-granddaddy, John Terry $550 to buy a 60-acre farm in the Edgeworth Community near Eupora, Mississippi. Granddaddy and his brothers were able to cut timber off the land and build a modest 3-bedroom house for the family of 10. It had wood-burning fireplaces for heat and a wood burning stove to cook on. When Granddaddy was in the U.S. Army, he sent money back home so that his dad was able to pay his 40-year loan off in just five years.</p><p>Soon afterward in December of 1943 at the age of 18, Granddaddy was drafted into the army during World War II. Because of his past experience cutting hair, when they were in Italy he got to cut people’s hair at 10 cents a head instead of having to do drills with everyone else.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q2VUh0w8CyJ90ox2Bv3r5Gm3w5WPByUQobpYV9n3YPk_rAN7ycEHuYQ9Aw3t2d7hABgtgkWx9uib7Ta2LcBvfb637WjBdum46vQhDWCU_LmJ8npYM_rOld_K_cWwsiu9ztqQiwHeeFvEcIEjPUUFq9mVVYOBeiXLC6VO5v6nvYvhW7GsvG2kig/s2944/IMG_7858.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="2206" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q2VUh0w8CyJ90ox2Bv3r5Gm3w5WPByUQobpYV9n3YPk_rAN7ycEHuYQ9Aw3t2d7hABgtgkWx9uib7Ta2LcBvfb637WjBdum46vQhDWCU_LmJ8npYM_rOld_K_cWwsiu9ztqQiwHeeFvEcIEjPUUFq9mVVYOBeiXLC6VO5v6nvYvhW7GsvG2kig/s320/IMG_7858.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>One night while spending time close to the German lines in southern France, Granddaddy said he was lying there in his tent listening as the German shells went off not far away. “I had my Bible. It was dark and I said, “Lord, if you will get me out of here then I’ll serve You all the rest of my life”.</p><p>Days later Granddaddy recalls they were waiting around in the camp with the Germans getting closer. “It was cold outside. I had a cup of coffee I’d just made. Even though I’d just made it, something told me to go over and warm up my coffee. As I picked up my right foot— ‘bling’—right where my foot would have been, a piece of shrapnel landed. If my foot had been there, it would have torn my foot off. I knew then, God told me to warm my coffee.”</p><p></p>Eventually, Granddaddy’s unit was hiding out in the basement of an abandoned house. During the night the Germans shelled the building and blew the huge five-inch-thick doors wide open. The force from the shell blew them all down. Granddaddy was diagnosed with a concussion and shell-shock. After 9 months in the hospital, he was honorably discharged on June 2, 1945 with a bronze star medal.<p></p><p>Grandaddy didn’t originally graduate from high school but when he got out of the army, he showed the school administrator his army general classification test and based on his excellent scores they gave him a certificate.</p><p>Grandmamma and Granddaddy met while attending Clarke College. Originally, grandmamma was dating his friend Ray. Ray told him that Maxine might like Clatie and that he should take her on a date so he did and that night granddaddy thought God told him that she would be his wife. His sister Florence said I know you and I know Ray and one of you is going to get hurt. Granddaddy said “well it’s not going to be me.” And that worked out well for all of us.</p><p>Granddaddy and Grandmamma were married in December 1946 and raised four children together. Grandmamma said: “Clatie caught my attention because he applied himself to his lessons, he worked in a barber shop to make extra money and attended church regularly.” She wanted a husband who was a good Christian, who wasn’t lazy and would make a good living for his family. She said, “God helped me find Clatie and I haven’t been disappointed.”</p><p>After school, Granddaddy became a CPA and an auditor for several government agencies and moved his family whenever he could get a good job with a raise. He finished his professional career with the Federal Highway Administration in Atlanta overseeing seven southeastern states. He often traveled for work and because of his frugality rather than spending his travel per diem and 7 cents per mile, he used to save the money up and buy a new car for the family with it.</p><p>Granddaddy delighted in doing things for others and was always very generous with his time. He did many tax returns for friends and acquaintances but never charged them. After retirement, he took classes and learned to refurbish old computers at the charity, FODAC where they were sold at affordable prices to those in need. He would cut the grass in his yard on a riding lawn mower and sometimes even drove across busy Chamblee-Dunwoody Road to cut the neighbor’s grass.</p><p>He loved visiting people for the church. If Granddaddy was in town, he took a partner and went visiting most Tuesday nights. On many Sundays he went to nursing homes to sing with the residents, give a devotional and visit with them. When Miss Millie, his little dog came into his life, he took her with him.</p><p>Besides being generous with his time, Granddaddy was also generous with his money. His family had very little growing up. He pinched pennies all of his life but was willing to share with others. After they got married, he and Grandmamma bought his parents a refrigerator so Granddaddy’s family could keep their food cold. They were faithful tithers to their church and paid for each of their children to get college or technical training after high school so they didn’t accumulate debt. He said ‘I can’t take it with me’ and whatever someone needed whether family or others, he was willing to help them. I also remember him being generous with his Bubblicious bubble gum when I was a kid.</p><p>Granddaddy was very resourceful and skilled at fixing things and if you needed some work done just let him know and he would work it into his schedule. He came to all of his children’s houses many times to change out commode parts, install a ceiling fan, hang wall paper, paint, or put in a hardwood floor. He was also his own mechanic. One time as our family was preparing for a trip to Nashville the water pump went out on our Oldsmobile Cutlass. We left it at Granddaddy’s house and when we returned, he had replaced the water pump. I also remember him helping me change the oil in my car when I was in high school.</p><p>Finding his way around came easily for Granddaddy before the days of GPS. He had a keen sense of direction and was good at reading a map. He also did many ‘dry runs’ with Grandmamma helping her find a place she needed to drive to.</p><p>When Grandmamma and Granddaddy lived in Clarksdale, Mississippi; Granddaddy drew up the plans for the house he wanted to build. Uncle Buford came from southern Mississippi and helped him build it. He and Grandmamma did a lot of the work themselves. Aunt Patricia and Mamma visited Clarksdale a few years ago and saw that the house was there and still in a good neighborhood. The carport had been enclosed and a room was added to the back of the house.</p><p>After living in Decatur, Alabama for several years, Granddaddy drew up plans for another house. Sunday afternoons were spent driving around town looking at new houses and getting ideas. This house was close to a nature reserve so the family’s little beagle could roam at night.</p><p>Atlanta, Georgia was the last city the Lewis family moved to and called home. A friend at church was selling lots in the Gainsborough subdivision so Granddaddy bought a lot on the corner of Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd. and Chancery Lane. He was the architect and general contractor for this home too and lived in it for 59 years.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9X80oZQbqSuMiqHc_du9bWBMRH46dhbDz5l6DjBeSsNwNg9NF099TLllbzhgz_DNyMiav2GaZPyr2Hr18iUj-FJeDFnHyHkOkYHWYN28r9MMelbDLo00CyvcYHpCVKj7QIiW1CeCHkBrf9p5NL5gydAgpdcRrJpsxYTEtfaRRIFr6XTY1oJmOw/s1600/clatie%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9X80oZQbqSuMiqHc_du9bWBMRH46dhbDz5l6DjBeSsNwNg9NF099TLllbzhgz_DNyMiav2GaZPyr2Hr18iUj-FJeDFnHyHkOkYHWYN28r9MMelbDLo00CyvcYHpCVKj7QIiW1CeCHkBrf9p5NL5gydAgpdcRrJpsxYTEtfaRRIFr6XTY1oJmOw/s320/clatie%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Granddaddy had a big garden in the backyard growing mostly tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and butter peas. When my mom was young sometimes he would cut a sucker off a tomato plant and give it to her to put in the ground and grow her own tomato plant. He always grew many more tomatoes than he needed so he could share with family, friends and neighbors. Grandmamma would cook these vegetables for Sunday lunch each week and freeze extra for the winter. Granddaddy was an appreciative eater and would often say that’s the best tea, meal, or dessert I’ve ever had.<br /><p></p><p>The summer between my mom's Freshman and Sophomore years in college Granddaddy got her a job with the North American Acceptance Corporation as an operator taking down credit information. It was located in the same office building that he worked at so he let her ride with him to work every day.</p><p>Granddaddy liked to play with words and we called these ‘Clatieisms’. If you said you don’t want him to catch your cold, he’d say I won’t take it. When telling him goodbye, you say bye and he’d say sell. If you asked him if he wanted a roll at dinner, he’d say I’d rather walk. If you tried to call Granddaddy on the phone and couldn’t reach him, you’d call back later and say, “I tried to call you”, he’d say “you didn’t holler loud enough.” If you said I finally got you on the phone. He’d say, “what are you going to do with me now?”</p><p>It’s not easy to excuse people who have wronged you and Granddaddy had a sensitive spirit but with God’s help, he had an incredible capacity to let go of things that hurt him. He was very forgiving. If someone had treated him poorly in the past, he was able to forgive and let bygones be bygones. He didn’t hold grudges.</p><p>Granddaddy had an unwavering faith in God. My mom remembers him many times working to fix something and when things weren’t going well, he would thank God for helping him and continue to work. He eventually got it fixed and would praise God for the results. This encouraged all of us to trust God and expect Him to help us.</p><p>Granddaddy had a faithful prayer life and a heart for others and wanted everybody to go to heaven. He learned some techniques through Campus Crusade and shared Jesus with everyone he met; whether at the gas station, the drug store, at the mall, or on the bus. He enjoyed sharing about how Jesus had worked in his life and did some preaching and singing at the Atlanta Union Mission downtown as well as at his church.</p><p>In his later years, Granddaddy continued to trust God for what he needed. He had some health issues where he couldn’t remember things like he used to but he actually knew Joshua’s name and would ask about him. It was so fun to see the two of them interact. He kept a good attitude, stayed positive, and walked a mile or more everyday in the neighborhood up until about a year ago. He said the doctor told him if he kept walking that he wouldn’t ever stop. When I would walk with him he’d say “keep on walking and walk right into paradise.” </p><p>He also had an incredibly strong grip even at the age of 98 and liked to let people know it when shaking their hand or with a vigorous back rub. On Sundays, I’d give him a back rub and he’d say I’ll give you 30 minutes to stop that and often he’d get up and return the favor. When I’d encourage him to have a good day while saying goodbye; he’d say, “I’ve decided to.” I loved this attitude and how he continued to live life to the fullest even in his later years.</p><p>My mom once entered and won a contest where she shared the best advice your dad ever gave you. This is what she summarized from his life. “When running life’s obstacle course, stop along the way to help those who can’t get over the hurdles. The winner is the one who brings the most people to the finish line.”</p><p>Granddaddy was faithful to his promise to God when he was in the tent in southern France. He was a devoted servant and follower of Jesus Christ all the days of his life. In 2 Timothy 4:8, it says there is a crown of righteousness in heaven in store and I’m sure he heard well done good and faithful servant when he arrived.</p><p>We praise God for my Granddaddy’s life!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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on your shoulder, arm, or other body part near baby’s mouth. This isn’t
malicious but everything including you are fair game as his chompers
explore the world. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRiO4GelnkhjltB0VcFR2Ve3DFAgXtdr-qHc4-KgFba1oP-ttA-vuRy6QWyEMSFZjTtJoYBowLjnbLSuwUUklqLW3ESGr9xHlPQFzYF1_DCBvpitlgeWjlrxnWvtdNTVRHknb3AmURBEFR2j40EJqj5xtVL2V_UVhAbWlVTC4SJH8Nqc9eeglQQ/s3264/IMG_8154.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRiO4GelnkhjltB0VcFR2Ve3DFAgXtdr-qHc4-KgFba1oP-ttA-vuRy6QWyEMSFZjTtJoYBowLjnbLSuwUUklqLW3ESGr9xHlPQFzYF1_DCBvpitlgeWjlrxnWvtdNTVRHknb3AmURBEFR2j40EJqj5xtVL2V_UVhAbWlVTC4SJH8Nqc9eeglQQ/s320/IMG_8154.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>As he cruises, pulls up to tables and see objects whether books, food, or breakable things he will attempt to throw or push everything on the floor with clean plate syndrome vigor. Be forewarned and secure items that would have a better resting place than the floor. On the positive side, this increased hand and arm control introduces new possibilities for activities with balls which is fun to play with him. <br /><br />A book we read said that this is best understood as the caveman stage and communication in short words or phrases is most effective with the goal to match and capture the emotion. He may hit objects, tables, bang toys, plates, cups, or silverware, drop or throw things and generally make a lot of noise. Teaching him to use his gentle hands will go far in keeping yourself, cats, and breakable objects in a healthier state. Loud yells when he’s excited about life, mad, or doesn’t want to go to bed also support this theory. <br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHDJdVwmoKxTiZecD-Rwf0rW8Jtd7R4ftpTk7E42-EBtvgAsVo4XVmvkjRBFRAo3HvyKkjq3P-Q6hBWeExX5TUBMrwH8tKYuh_fjHARFWKelmPJqjtYxxonoqbZQHtYOa6CHucOiaQ2SpszjMxhH5pY4z97YpGUE5zWiBZlf7zK_B_7XIOkx2uQ/s3264/IMG_8164.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHDJdVwmoKxTiZecD-Rwf0rW8Jtd7R4ftpTk7E42-EBtvgAsVo4XVmvkjRBFRAo3HvyKkjq3P-Q6hBWeExX5TUBMrwH8tKYuh_fjHARFWKelmPJqjtYxxonoqbZQHtYOa6CHucOiaQ2SpszjMxhH5pY4z97YpGUE5zWiBZlf7zK_B_7XIOkx2uQ/s320/IMG_8164.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Toys will occupy every room of the house and if you're not diligent with pick up and restoration to their original location, bright colored plastic will infest every surface of your home with an obstacle course winding throughout. There are more toys than you would imagine that make loud and annoying sounds or sing cloyingly cringy songs. No judgement if the batteries conveniently find their way outside of the toy or it's turned off permanently. <br /><p></p><p>As he’s learning to walk, it’s fun to watch him push a table or chair across the room. With significant mobility now, stairs must be monitored closely. On this topic, baby can surprise and scare you and your spouse by climbing independently up the stairs when each of you thought the other was watching him only to look over and see him cresting the top of the stairs unassisted and unmonitored. Install baby gate pronto.<br /><br />Holding his hands as he learns to walk can put a strain on the back so be sure to stretch and bend your knees. A trip to the beach can yield benefits in learning to walk as well as
general fun playing in the sand </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqMdYIQHMAMrtumYGtG8_GSOBinomf4SBvo7u3DbLbBBik1n7-MapeT2tZkklrLPxDqwvX5NezhMkpR1pHfrHjJ8Qvci4aF76MfvSFOtmJUjkteNhYCIc5V1l5ExfN920cfkotPaoEbU-EkAriSlG-AYUpQZekE32DN5mYKLNauvkJVWeNTUk_w/s1135/IMG_8074.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqMdYIQHMAMrtumYGtG8_GSOBinomf4SBvo7u3DbLbBBik1n7-MapeT2tZkklrLPxDqwvX5NezhMkpR1pHfrHjJ8Qvci4aF76MfvSFOtmJUjkteNhYCIc5V1l5ExfN920cfkotPaoEbU-EkAriSlG-AYUpQZekE32DN5mYKLNauvkJVWeNTUk_w/s320/IMG_8074.jpeg" width="179" /></a>though when he eats some sand, it will
put an end to the day as curious baby turns into grumpy baby. <br /></div><br />He will now largely be feeding himself with his hands and it’s especially fun to watch him double fist peanut butter pancakes. If done when he’s tired, there’s the added benefit of rubbing peanut butter all over his face. Have fun getting that cleaned up with your tired caveman. <br /><p></p><p>He continues to enjoy reading books and especially likes the ones with flaps or slides that he can pull in and out. Sandra Boynton books have been favorites as well as the Peekaboo book series. If reading paper page books vs. board books, hold the book strategically since eager reader, page turning hands can render the paper worse for the wear. <br /></p><p>Ear tubes make a big difference in the number of ear infections though you and he are still subject to the sickness of the week at daycare. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg483XLElYfzuIAcNmseSu_PnG6VCw7Ii7TzKxk3P4sKncrQIPsbeoj5A0eTdb3-XK9BzvL0zfE2GB4padwXgkRZjC_MriPGHXy4fkJ3JPAEU6jNphDTiEBG2z-B2Yu2ROqxMq-7tOiUGbk4jVMJ8IVwXoQHF6cTvivMSVc3NJQIYFVtJ9khMci5w/s640/IMG_8004.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg483XLElYfzuIAcNmseSu_PnG6VCw7Ii7TzKxk3P4sKncrQIPsbeoj5A0eTdb3-XK9BzvL0zfE2GB4padwXgkRZjC_MriPGHXy4fkJ3JPAEU6jNphDTiEBG2z-B2Yu2ROqxMq-7tOiUGbk4jVMJ8IVwXoQHF6cTvivMSVc3NJQIYFVtJ9khMci5w/s320/IMG_8004.JPG" width="240" /></a> </p><p>While much of his communication the past 16 months has been related to expressing his many needs, it will warm your heart when he crawls over to you, says your name, and wants you to pick him up just because he’s excited to see you. With so many developmental milestones occurring during this time,
celebrate each one and be careful about comparing your child to another.
God has designed him uniquely and will help him grow and develop exactly as He has
planned. He's a great blessing and your job is to love, protect, pray for, sing to, teach, play with and provide for him, give him your time, energy and attention, and facilitate an environment where he can learn, grow, have fun, and enjoy being a boy and your son. <br /></p><p>In pursuit of His best,</p><p>Andrew<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-32962593594474576902023-06-11T14:37:00.005-04:002023-06-11T14:39:02.705-04:00Dad Files: Months 11 through 13: Dive Bombing, Windmill Arms, Words, and Introductory Walking<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrcKZaNkgDQhHAZ0qTdZziYodqaibJCjO4n3MEHN_CYRsW7L45sFRlYfHk1UYxMo5SQLOrJAuqlc5yQmvgO68ay9ODeL2toPL0EyRYTNiiIKIGKxpL47hJnEOJkEIiLwEa35NIQFMJV2c1-hd73fps1nLicDV-g6gKnwFPd-1oxRsh7cLlXk/s3264/IMG_7904.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrcKZaNkgDQhHAZ0qTdZziYodqaibJCjO4n3MEHN_CYRsW7L45sFRlYfHk1UYxMo5SQLOrJAuqlc5yQmvgO68ay9ODeL2toPL0EyRYTNiiIKIGKxpL47hJnEOJkEIiLwEa35NIQFMJV2c1-hd73fps1nLicDV-g6gKnwFPd-1oxRsh7cLlXk/s320/IMG_7904.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Baby will begin to stand with assistance, pull up on his own,
cruise along a table, or walk with you holding his hands. Monitor stairs
in the house closely because baby now possesses skills to climb. When holding him, baby will dive bomb by shifting his weight and dropping towards the
desired target as he sees people, animals, or things that he wants. At other times, he will maintain a tight koala bear grip on you. <p></p><p>The use of hands and arms has advanced so that they seem like
windmill arms in turning pages on books, pushing you or unwanted food
away and grabbing anything of interest in sight. As soon as objects he's
playing with lose their appeal, he will promptly throw them on the
floor.<br /></p><p>With significant army crawling ability, baby will commando his way rapidly across the room, down the hall, or towards the stairs. Of particular focus for the attentive dad is preventing him from eating cat food since his fascination with it results in relentlessly making a bee line for the cat food bowl. It may be related to the relative similar size of Cheerios which is a favorite authorized food. All cats in the house must stay vigilant with his increased mobility in order to stay a step ahead and keep tails safe from curious little hands. If you've not begun baby proofing the house by now, that should
become a high priority.</p>Baby will
roll, flip, kick, thrust himself backward, and wiggle while you're trying to change diapers or
clothing. You may develop new methods for accomplishing these tasks such
as changing a diaper while holding onto baby's leg with him upside down, doing a
handstand and pulling on the changing table while playing with a stuffed animal. You may
also need to employ jui jitsu and/or judo moves to keep baby
positioned so you can complete the necessary diapering and clothing
duties. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGARthk4SAYOAHMyc3E2FwnZtzO8DPbdnJk5HO1F554o5Io6JhxSFPkObr80tMeqPLWHD2gypPhRnQmnNpSMWfaJvrvXN5D1H4bmFf34nJTwmYdi0IIVTU-v090xXpNWjfE5ahONHustMJMytJwUEYRsQrUWoYhI4kJjIuVdvOgWNhu0SY-Mk/s3520/IMG_7938.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGARthk4SAYOAHMyc3E2FwnZtzO8DPbdnJk5HO1F554o5Io6JhxSFPkObr80tMeqPLWHD2gypPhRnQmnNpSMWfaJvrvXN5D1H4bmFf34nJTwmYdi0IIVTU-v090xXpNWjfE5ahONHustMJMytJwUEYRsQrUWoYhI4kJjIuVdvOgWNhu0SY-Mk/w113-h200/IMG_7938.JPG" width="113" /></a></div>As baby graduates to table food, lots of fun but messy experiments commence, spaghetti sauce and noodles everywhere, Cheerios or cracker crumbs covering baby and the surrounding floor, crushing watermelon with his bare hands and juice running down his face and all over clothing and table. For those items that he needs assistance eating, it may feel at times like a dinner theater with all the songs, funny noises, and facial expressions used to entertain and get him to open his mouth and eat. In order for you to get adequate nourishment yourself, you may need to employ the baby takes a bite, you take a bite method. At the first birthday, there will be the obligatory smash cake with baby crushing the cake and smearing icing all over himself, clothing, you, and generally anything within reach. As fun as the pictures can be, limiting baby's sugar intake is wise. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApgF4X34YUQG3PyNswEg3PDhDLw5A3KtOFPRBO8jlmiPUMHlUhoEyvZ1Yk95PfufnQ-GcQNuMoooFWhpZZIOWlgPvMcizlLGESxkQ_RBjwtrQ-LDo7jABIXJ3tWy9uWRtHZPkn-rAj69EKyquDXIkUabutSnekMplYR-47aCg6CvUAGcv_tk/s4032/IMG_4961.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApgF4X34YUQG3PyNswEg3PDhDLw5A3KtOFPRBO8jlmiPUMHlUhoEyvZ1Yk95PfufnQ-GcQNuMoooFWhpZZIOWlgPvMcizlLGESxkQ_RBjwtrQ-LDo7jABIXJ3tWy9uWRtHZPkn-rAj69EKyquDXIkUabutSnekMplYR-47aCg6CvUAGcv_tk/s320/IMG_4961.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>With his new teeth, seven at the moment, also comes the need for brushing them. This is another fun adventure as baby tries to lick or eat the toothpaste but with practice and a steady hand you can eventually get a version of clean teeth accompanied by a few sips of water.<p></p><p>From a new words perspective, baby will call most things "da" or "ah da di" despite efforts to the contrary by his mother. On rare occasions, he may say "ma ma." Other words include "ki ki" for kitty, occasionally "hi" or "hey," and "ba" which can refer to other objects or people. <br /></p><p>Baby's greater awareness of the world, who you are, and the existence of strangers will bring with it separation anxiety when you drop him off at day care. It can crush your heart to hear him cry as you hand him off or set him down and then leave the room. Most of the time, he'll be fine in a couple minutes and it's nothing that a handful of Cheerios can't solve from a caring day care provider. On the other side, reunification can be heart warming and really fun as baby recognizes and is excited to see you.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierzTg7CIQwU7p0wiWdRfqA7aJZbZuSZkUZnJSpbVM58kMs51b6ikrqvb3uSK2dR-SY-eSXrYemjI7aCpvubF7Aq4W0sm7nmypcle09rS9HvLNap__S279Yqc9AC2JkfskZXs2J37KXa4hwtGqEC8F19fUC4PXUaJiWl8EBtdemo7_iDNLOYY/s3264/IMG_7975.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierzTg7CIQwU7p0wiWdRfqA7aJZbZuSZkUZnJSpbVM58kMs51b6ikrqvb3uSK2dR-SY-eSXrYemjI7aCpvubF7Aq4W0sm7nmypcle09rS9HvLNap__S279Yqc9AC2JkfskZXs2J37KXa4hwtGqEC8F19fUC4PXUaJiWl8EBtdemo7_iDNLOYY/w150-h200/IMG_7975.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>At the one year pediatrician checkup, the doctor said we'd filled out our full merit badge for illnesses over the past year including RSV, Covid, a new cold or cough on average every two weeks, 10 ear infections, and hand, foot and mouth. As a candidate for tubes, we decided to move forward with that recently and it seems to have made a big improvement especially from a crawling and walking skills perspective. <br /><p></p><p>You go through a lot with baby in a year both positive and challenging and it can be easy in the moment to forget that you're both making a lot of progress. When you're out and and about, you'll see other parents with babies that are younger than yours and you'll feel a certain kinship with them and also a growing bit of confidence of a seasoned veteran.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunFDag8oxMvFdVfuLGT5yeGMG4MwlbZDCoHT8FlVp8hifdhDOeoIDq0G2VFCuOCsCx7mLAmdPEN7Kpo-yAz-O4VCSOSJCVTy7JaGwoI_Ak_l6qj2BAjREO49sVhfFue-JAwpahUjkkRu3UCWRiKrG6I_eO0h0KHtMuNvh1-iKnlNlzbgFu4U/s640/IMG_7928.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunFDag8oxMvFdVfuLGT5yeGMG4MwlbZDCoHT8FlVp8hifdhDOeoIDq0G2VFCuOCsCx7mLAmdPEN7Kpo-yAz-O4VCSOSJCVTy7JaGwoI_Ak_l6qj2BAjREO49sVhfFue-JAwpahUjkkRu3UCWRiKrG6I_eO0h0KHtMuNvh1-iKnlNlzbgFu4U/s320/IMG_7928.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Story, singing, and prayer time each night becomes a special tradition and closes out a day nicely as you hand him off to God to watch over during the night.<p></p><p>In pursuit of His best,</p><p>Andrew<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-24982731167781530382023-03-04T11:37:00.003-05:002023-04-05T10:27:19.752-04:00Dad Files: Months 8 to 10 Clapping, Roly Poly, Babbling, Catch and Release Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhqCvHvlrJZJmSU5qSj-eI9-m-gHaTBQ779LhB-xSoCPFUVvmRaangB3rZrMHtgnQZAX1SGO9bO12htJ6NvKIUr2xbP0ye1VTO8SQ6wA-cqzy7cuJ0wKga8wAcJWXE0XDShlcFlUYf6FphaA5XfzDIOCkyGRq2VpFKhupiibGrmVhMWEAywo/s3264/IMG_7835.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhqCvHvlrJZJmSU5qSj-eI9-m-gHaTBQ779LhB-xSoCPFUVvmRaangB3rZrMHtgnQZAX1SGO9bO12htJ6NvKIUr2xbP0ye1VTO8SQ6wA-cqzy7cuJ0wKga8wAcJWXE0XDShlcFlUYf6FphaA5XfzDIOCkyGRq2VpFKhupiibGrmVhMWEAywo/s320/IMG_7835.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Baby will learn to exert his will in accepting or refusing food into the mouth when feeding with a spoon. This may be due to texture, taste, boredom, distraction, or he's just full. If baby sneezes while a spoonful is near his mouth, you may find yourself sprayed with lots of green stuff especially if the spoon includes vegetables. Baby food choices can be interesting with combinations of kale/chickpeas/bananas, pear/peas/spinach among others. I don't know that I'd eat these combinations especially as the first meal of the day but baby does pretty well and the fiber helps keep things moving regularly to the diaper.<br /><p>Bibs are highly recommended and will result in greater laundry duties if not utilized. Personally, I enjoy the superhero bibs. A basket of baby's laundry can be deceptive in the size to time ratio required for laundry prep. Though small in size, almost all garments require attention with spraying dirty spots in advance of washing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf0XtIb9UvIlQ2W_1n1F4YqvSPlm-pGQeQd4McZqnE_KxwoU5qGWyzBmuq1q89-31fm8BSscOTZAZ8_7GVnooF3IpzzSO1mJgp3qfZsSDV8STvwW_E6l_HB2XWXqObBE2olrrlTNMZ5f4NDTR1G0tdVDCK7icOR7RxAFZ4V6r8mNdtvhpJn4/s3264/IMG_7739.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf0XtIb9UvIlQ2W_1n1F4YqvSPlm-pGQeQd4McZqnE_KxwoU5qGWyzBmuq1q89-31fm8BSscOTZAZ8_7GVnooF3IpzzSO1mJgp3qfZsSDV8STvwW_E6l_HB2XWXqObBE2olrrlTNMZ5f4NDTR1G0tdVDCK7icOR7RxAFZ4V6r8mNdtvhpJn4/s320/IMG_7739.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Baby's first two teeth came in on Christmas so he got the same wish
as the two front teeth from the song. While teething can be
uncomfortable for a few days, ear infections are pretty rough too with
goop oozing out and baby not feeling good. It can appear that a candle factory has set up shop with the quantity of ear wax produced. Several trips to urgent care
may be required if these occur on weekends or after the doctor's office
closes. </p><p>Lots of baby clapping "Yay baby" will occur at a variety of
times. Babbling sounds include ah di di, ma ma ma, da da, ba ba ba, ah wa wa. This
is in addition to laughing and loud velociraptor screams. </p><p>Fine motor skills will improve dramatically with baby grabbing everything within reach, playing with them 10 to 15 seconds then throwing them on the ground. This catch and release game should be monitored closely if in public so an errant ball doesn't roll under another restaurant guest's table or church attendee's pew across the aisle. Learning discreet ways of retrieving said objects will serve you well. A pro tip is to attach the toys using a clip to baby's clothing so they don't travel far and your retrieval work is reduced. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcMZu241i8jFShG_L2I7oMnVbIBClKhKlwFQqYcQZbTNSdmsOkBIjmqlvWdajXwr6P0wkM9yk5HpkmGdJ1mbzP7X61e-Kig9DHhbb_xcPsPU7HIoq6cTRWToOSJlZTkV_lIVRomYH7t9U6KSwRHsITz4pIYxo8LxQIxvhZUjFxkLeLQOGaf4/s2048/IMG_4635.JPEG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcMZu241i8jFShG_L2I7oMnVbIBClKhKlwFQqYcQZbTNSdmsOkBIjmqlvWdajXwr6P0wkM9yk5HpkmGdJ1mbzP7X61e-Kig9DHhbb_xcPsPU7HIoq6cTRWToOSJlZTkV_lIVRomYH7t9U6KSwRHsITz4pIYxo8LxQIxvhZUjFxkLeLQOGaf4/s320/IMG_4635.JPEG" width="240" /></a>Baby will occasionally dance by popping his chest and moving up and down. <br /></div><p></p><p>Ambulatory activities include turning into a roly poly as he rolls back and forth across the room as well as belly crawling and trying to figure out reciprocal crawling. Baby will gain strength and the ability to stand up with assistance. As he learns to sit on his own, watch out if he flings himself backward. Positioning a pillow or soft surface behind him is helpful if you're not immediately beside him. </p><p>In pursuit of His best,</p><p>Andrew<br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-56781916041880200442022-12-05T21:40:00.005-05:002023-06-16T16:44:41.553-04:00Dad Files: Months 6 and 7 Solid Food, Sickness, Hand Control, and Holiday Travel<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQGVW8nbAqN_ivCIheBJYnpZTjr4Iq8bnrnONe6q8YhUUETXTm3TihuurrsRy6FV8JlkJoD_T8r38MA26PGDskfdBtfbp05qwntaev6bpCNehS4-26R8pTRJcRGfnnZZDCDwvUrzCi1xc0IpE9uSSyuGrbe2QpFLL9UNFaT0RpDn2U0MPTBw/s3264/IMG_7643.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQGVW8nbAqN_ivCIheBJYnpZTjr4Iq8bnrnONe6q8YhUUETXTm3TihuurrsRy6FV8JlkJoD_T8r38MA26PGDskfdBtfbp05qwntaev6bpCNehS4-26R8pTRJcRGfnnZZDCDwvUrzCi1xc0IpE9uSSyuGrbe2QpFLL9UNFaT0RpDn2U0MPTBw/s320/IMG_7643.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Tis the season...for RSV (<span>Respiratory syncytial virus). As mentioned in a <a href="https://www.pursuitofhisbest.com/2022/10/dad-files-5-month-insights-daycare.html" target="_blank">previous dad files edition</a>, daycare is a great delivery mechanism for spreading sickness among children and their parents. RSV can be a serious illness in children and thankfully we got through it though it was rough for baby and me for about 10 days and we took a couple trips to urgent care between the two of us. </span><span><span>Caring for a sick baby with a 102 degree fever yourself is not
fun but you can get some good snuggles from baby if you're aware enough
to enjoy them. </span>Incidentally, sometimes healthcare providers are very helpful and recommend tools like the NozeBot which is fantastic at removing snot from the nasal passage. Other times, they may diagnose your child with a crack in his hiney. <br /></span><p></p><p><span>Baby has developed much greater dexterity and control of his hands which can result in activities such as grabbing you by the throat while burping him implying "GIVE ME MORE MILK!," </span><span><span> apprehending the hand sanitizer container while you're changing his diaper, </span>and undoing his own diaper after you've put a new one on and are in the midst of re-clothing him. You will also want to be conscious of drawstrings on a hoodie or jacket because baby may not let go even when you put him down or hand him off and give you a good yank. The consumption of reading material during story time takes on new meaning as baby grabs pages, puts them in his mouth and chews on them. So far he's not "digested" any books yet. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hsDloyq65ngov9IEWKxyZ06MVtg_kdGKt-VMYXW275BKWCKs5R-Jnm2MYlCBS3CxkTT8TjeXan_nzbv0zelGu0dBeS_nTS3cnQL4Dxyskp8CGmqYp8YsBcZQkVCxOMNUtjADa7Z4fT7Q9731yDd8MxoEzBE0BK3Ps2ndDbHNiVR8lCamfJ8/s3264/IMG_7692.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hsDloyq65ngov9IEWKxyZ06MVtg_kdGKt-VMYXW275BKWCKs5R-Jnm2MYlCBS3CxkTT8TjeXan_nzbv0zelGu0dBeS_nTS3cnQL4Dxyskp8CGmqYp8YsBcZQkVCxOMNUtjADa7Z4fT7Q9731yDd8MxoEzBE0BK3Ps2ndDbHNiVR8lCamfJ8/s320/IMG_7692.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p><span>As he moves beyond only consuming milk, the introduction of solid foods also introduces a change in the output to diaper. Solid food = solid poo. This can sometimes work in your favor with a less runny diaper but can also be very messy and smelly. During the past month's diaper changes I've been working on a song with the lyrics "got a dirty diaper if you know what I mean, got a dirty diaper and it needs to be clean." As baby masters sounds like blowing raspberries, he may do this with increasing frequency. Pray that it's not during church. During diaper changes, blowing raspberries are his way of mocking you...PPPPHTHHHTTT....heh heh heh you have to change another diaper ....PPPHHTTTHTHTT...heh heh heh I've got something else coming out right now. <br /></span></p><p><span>Learning to feed baby with a spoon can be an adventure as he figures out how to maneuver his tongue. Sometimes he'll be very interested and get excited, kicking his legs and pounding his hands for more as he tries tasty foods. Other times he'll be totally uninterested and you'll resort to any manner of method to get food into him like pretending the spoon is an airplane, acting like you're eating the food yourself, making silly noises, or opening and closing your mouth repeatedly an inch from his face. Getting through a 2 ounce container of food can seem as daunting as trying to fill up a bathtub a spoonful at a time. <br /></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Rm10Kc7ZBXSZOm0hjqeYpF79kfaJzdczPvcnFnzueuGY8Hx-xIW0yugrLxh_FpyzhRs_qLnPq-7-I2qgkcPoUpoGMKuegkuzb3M9Iv_Mv4bgExzKyeEsSaH3h-ic9NDtZKHCWvhudFCsygvv9rrlQe0G3x5l2iNGs_A5_6VzpunmsVdoH0U/s3264/IMG_7698.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Rm10Kc7ZBXSZOm0hjqeYpF79kfaJzdczPvcnFnzueuGY8Hx-xIW0yugrLxh_FpyzhRs_qLnPq-7-I2qgkcPoUpoGMKuegkuzb3M9Iv_Mv4bgExzKyeEsSaH3h-ic9NDtZKHCWvhudFCsygvv9rrlQe0G3x5l2iNGs_A5_6VzpunmsVdoH0U/s320/IMG_7698.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This high chair has fed 3 generations of children</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span>I've heard it said that feeding a baby can be like trying to put toothpaste back into a toothpaste tube and it's an apt analogy. Bibs are highly recommended and will save you laundering time later on. Super hero bibs add an element of fun to meal time though baby may decide he wants to play with, </span><span><span> pull off, or </span>try to eat the bib. You will develop strategies like simply putting food on the bib or his hands since he's sticking them in his mouth anyway rather than letting you get a spoon in.</span></p><p><span>With holiday travel to visit family and friends, it behooves you to keep baby on schedule as close as possible. He can get over stimulated being passed from person to person coupled with long car rides and interrupted or no naps. After one event, baby was so tired that he fell deep asleep on the back seat of the car while I was changing him. All of these factors together can result in a very grumpy baby by the time the day is over. Remember, you're the parent and you get to choose what's best for baby.</span></p><p><span>In pursuit of His best,</span></p><p><span>Andrew<br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-5562978069579259202022-10-11T19:07:00.002-04:002022-10-11T19:55:40.086-04:00Dad Files 5 Month Insights: Daycare, Carseats, Overnight Solo Parenting<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEun2bu5D9P0vRZjTQHFj7AzaPrpmOaiGMMRWS6kaVEBzYIY7BVaJ6NgOJsTN0wUkq8GEs9yxaDfeEXhSbOSzP4aGe_V9W_qgAJr1QP1k_2StdacxI8ag4xeKnjaYbjjx_ADloDPEhLNNf8so0FyFhFI4551TgZJ7k3f0KA3f-5wGjdf41q74/s3264/IMG_7468.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEun2bu5D9P0vRZjTQHFj7AzaPrpmOaiGMMRWS6kaVEBzYIY7BVaJ6NgOJsTN0wUkq8GEs9yxaDfeEXhSbOSzP4aGe_V9W_qgAJr1QP1k_2StdacxI8ag4xeKnjaYbjjx_ADloDPEhLNNf8so0FyFhFI4551TgZJ7k3f0KA3f-5wGjdf41q74/s320/IMG_7468.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Handing over your most precious person in the whole world for the first time to essentially a stranger at daycare and hoping they take care of him is challenging emotionally. Over time, you and baby will get to know the daycare workers and develop a relationship with them as they partner with you in his development. <p></p><p>While you'd love for baby to never get sick, entering the halls of this institute of care is also germ central and will almost definitely result in a cough and cold within a few days of starting. There's nothing quite like seeing a booger encrusted classmate crawl towards your baby and reach out a slobber and snot filled hand to welcome him to the cold crew. Baby will subsequently have essentially a continuous cold and cough for the next few months. </p><p>Listening to your baby coughing and sneezing while you can't do anything about it is hard. Boogie Wipes will become your new friend in the next weeks and months. You too may share in the new colds passed along from baby as he coughs or sneezes in your face. On the bright side, baby should have a rock solid immune system by the time he starts kindergarten. </p><p>As you take on the responsibility of drop off and pick up from daycare, time should be allotted to get baby dressed, bottles prepped and labeled, extra clothing changes, and a well stocked diaper bag plus some extra margin as baby requires. Don't be late for pick up; they're strict about that cutoff time and charge by the minute if you're late. </p><p>If you're heading to the office following drop off, you'll want to be especially careful to dodge any spit up that may occur between home and hand off and it wouldn't hurt to keep a change of clothes in the car just in case. This can easily occur on the pick up side as well especially if they've fed baby immediately prior to pick up. Also possible is a blow out that you realize when you first smell then feel the sticky wetness on your own clothing as the transmission from baby to you occurs while walking to the car. </p><p>Sometimes you may split drop off and pickup responsibilities with your spouse. If you only have one car seat, you'll want to coordinate in advance to not get caught without the seat. It's a surprise if your wife leaves before you with the car seat but you are dropping baby off at daycare. Hope that you can get some work done at home because you're not going anywhere till she returns to trade off the car seat. Alternatively, if you leave with car seat but not baby and she is in charge of baby, you may get a call shortly into the work day resulting in a return home to trade off car seat. </p><p>The first multi night solo parenting experience will make you appreciate single parents and the challenges they go through even more with the weight of all responsibilities and care taking falling fully on you. You will be very thankful when your wife returns home.<br /></p><p>Baby will increasingly smile, laugh, babble, and explore introductory motions towards crawling as he gets stronger with lots of tummy time sessions. You can have fun baby sound conversations with him even if neither of you use a distinguishable language. Laughing with him is also a joyful experience for all involved. </p><p>He will begin watching you from across the room and pay close attention to things of interest like the milk bottle or favorite toys. You may attempt feeding baby rice cereal or other foods like sweet potatoes. It's an experience as baby learns about spoons and how to get food down the hatch rather than spiting it out on clothing and generally all over his face.</p><p>In pursuit of His best,</p><p>Andrew<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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anything he can reach in his mouth and baptize them with saliva. Along with copious amounts of slobber, baby will increasingly spit up both at meal time and at random intervals. This may require adjustments to slow pace of feeding, quantity, or frequency. Consequently, baby may require additional wardrobe changes throughout the day. </p><p>Bath time is also fun as baby learns about the water and splashes around. An extra bonus is if he lets a poop slide right in the middle of bath time or alternatively contributes bubbles to the water that when popped leave behind a smelly aroma. <br /></p><p>With bright eyed excitement at new discoveries, joyful laughing, and kicking his legs simultaneously I've loved watching as he learns more about the world. It's a lot of fun especially when he's not yelling at you. <br /></p><p>Over the past 6 weeks, I had the privilege of taking paternity leave and staying home with him. It definitely gave me an increased appreciation for full time stay at home parents as well as single parents. There are lots of great parts but also lots of challenging and tiring parts. It's possible to get things done during the day but you need to be very intentional about planning out the day. With awake and sleep cycles running every 3 hours, you need to constantly be planning the next session as well as getting anything done like house work, exercise, nap, paying bills, or even a little down time. </p><p>I totally understand how someone could go all day or even multiple days in the same clothes or without showering. On the days that were the most successful, I had a goals list for the day and priorities which could be tackled similar to a regular work day. Of course, baby can totally derail that plan with plans of his own. I think it's also a good idea for stay at home parents to purposefully connect with others outside the home since it can be exhausting and isolating fulfilling need after need day after day without adult interaction. </p><p>All in all, I'm grateful that the company I work for introduced this benefit for dads and that I was able to invest focused time in him over the past month and a half. <br /></p><p>I've also been finishing up a song that I wrote for him and hope to post a version of it soon so stay tuned!</p><p>In pursuit of His best,</p><p>Andrew<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-15488695117595042912022-07-29T10:44:00.003-04:002022-07-29T10:45:08.776-04:00Dad Files: 3 Month Insights: Smiles, Swaddles, Spit Up, and Types of Cries <p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h7ViPp5LDaict50k0Te-HRYKfVrY3yScN0qGdmdQESu4xJLNBNuqLarKwlRJ7_anqUmZjKATgAXza0XlQgt2QkApODVwusAPO4mVWvVKthLItGXUU_dESMKc8wAcOycPVfuvs5pYarFQ4nt3Fqq_oXxsNcrNqvc8fIDPVldSga3hjOV9obA/s3264/IMG_7254.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4h7ViPp5LDaict50k0Te-HRYKfVrY3yScN0qGdmdQESu4xJLNBNuqLarKwlRJ7_anqUmZjKATgAXza0XlQgt2QkApODVwusAPO4mVWvVKthLItGXUU_dESMKc8wAcOycPVfuvs5pYarFQ4nt3Fqq_oXxsNcrNqvc8fIDPVldSga3hjOV9obA/s320/IMG_7254.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If baby’s other parent discovers a blowout and hands baby to you for cleanup, you are fully entitled to call foul and reject the handoff. Bonus points to you if you graciously overlook this violation of courtesy and endeavor on restoring baby to cleanliness.
</span></p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes there are blowouts requiring both parents in order to properly change and clean baby. These involve fluids and poop covering essentially all parts of baby and a subsequent bath is recommended. No judgment if you opt for throwing away clothing rather than endeavoring to clean it.
</span></p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By now you will begin to recognize meanings of various cries whether hungry, tired, in need of a diaper change, sick, gassy, hurt, or generally disagreeable to the current situation. Volume, tone, and length all play a part with tremolo vibrato crying reserved for the especially distraught times and commonly associated with the car alarm cry. The quicker you recognize these and take action where appropriate the better for all involved.
</span><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When you get fussy baby down for a nap and simply desire the same for yourself he will likely cry out just as you cross the sleep threshold. He may more or less get a full nap in but you will need to resign yourself to a few micro sleeps.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Increased frequency of smiles, snuggles, and baby’s recognition of you are tangible dividends for the hard work so far and make all those dirty diapers, interrupted or reduced sleep, and yelling/crying sessions more tolerable and worthwhile.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Holding baby aloft and zooming around like an airplane immediately following feeding, while fun, runs the risk of a cascade of spit up flowing down and covering anything underneath. Subsequent clothing change for you will be necessary. On the positive side, baby’s expulsion may miss his clothing entirely and allow him to soldier on in current attire. Needless to say, less aerial play options are recommended until adequate digestion time has passed.
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Baby’s hair will have grown a fair amount over the past three months though a bald spot may develop in the back when he shakes head from side to side while laying down. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When switching to zip up swaddles, baby may look like a whale flapping it’s tail when kicking or exercising legs. This is also observed if carrying while in swaddle with squirming baby resembling a flip flopping fish. Hold on tight!</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In pursuit of His best,</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Andrew </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-24411762905427394452022-06-26T15:48:00.004-04:002022-06-26T16:25:57.337-04:00Dad Files: 2 Month Insights: Blowouts, Booger Picking, and Growing Strength<p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlG4KbukzlxCmefLiPYi_KH4adZWGr4ZP-Jh_eHgjkSQk1Z_b5DhUGmNhe5iqsvo4meRgrUCpua8Nce2yUwtCIrCoyV6o3StDhOf_IjLeV0B_UcQCkorwDwJXiqRKezAZE_fD84GJQmeOgrVOz6IYdllaqQYHLw1tYwNu5aKjTiMc5Hzaru0/s3264/IMG_7169.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlG4KbukzlxCmefLiPYi_KH4adZWGr4ZP-Jh_eHgjkSQk1Z_b5DhUGmNhe5iqsvo4meRgrUCpua8Nce2yUwtCIrCoyV6o3StDhOf_IjLeV0B_UcQCkorwDwJXiqRKezAZE_fD84GJQmeOgrVOz6IYdllaqQYHLw1tYwNu5aKjTiMc5Hzaru0/s320/IMG_7169.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Baby will exhibit increasing strength. If you are doing skin to skin and have hair on your chest, you may consider shaving it or baby will rip it out by the fistful. With increasing strength, baby will also frequently break out of swaddles making you wonder whether he will pursue a career in escape artistry or strongman competitions in the future. This will heighten vigilance in proper swaddle technique particularly when desiring sleep. Baby’s head will remind you of a bobble head as he builds neck strength. Recoil in conjunction with burps may surprise you with increasing power.
<p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When you arrive home from work, your spouse will hand him off after a day of fussiness so she can have a break. It may seem that all the baby is interested in when you get home is screaming at you especially if you’ve had a hard and stressful day at work. You will do anything possible to get him to go to sleep including beatboxing while assisting him with interpretive dance, bicep curls and triceps extensions with baby, tummy time, bouncing on knee, singing lullabies, whistling classical music, yelling back at baby (not effective), praying for relief, holding baby tightly, rocking baby, rubbing baby’s back, walking lap after lap around the house with baby, feeding, burping, changing diaper, changing diaper again, taking baby on walks outside, and anything else your sleep deprived mind comes up with.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You may sing popular songs on the radio to baby, </span><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">worship songs, </span>or even revert to your own childhood nursery singalongs. What comes out in your most desperate sleep deprived times digs deep to the core of your being.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you keep baby with you during a church service, he may make joyful noises unto the Lord at inappropriate times. This will give you the opportunity to better acquaint yourself with the halls and parking lot of the church with baby while your spouse completes the service independently.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Doctors and nurses will poke, prod, and stick baby at checkups. You will need to take on faith that it is for baby’s long term good because short term will likely increase fussiness and screaming sessions.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A constipated baby will make you miss all those number 2 diaper changes. You will pray fervently for the bowels to resume normal function and with every passing of gas compulsively check diaper for poop. Once a juicy one finally comes to fruition, you will rejoice with songs of praise and thanksgiving.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On the other side of the spectrum, you will sometimes wonder if there is an immediate path from mouth to diaper and whether skipping the baby and pouring milk directly on the diaper would be more efficient.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first public bathroom diaper change is an adventure. By this time you should be fairly experienced in diaper changes but the road game aspect adds a whole other dimension. If there are others in the bathroom, it can almost take on a public performance element. For my first one at Olive Garden, it was a major blowout with runny brown poo pudding covering all of baby’s lower half and exceeded the bounds of the diaper traveling half way up his back calling into question the wisdom of putting the onesie back on. He did well for most of the process with only three other patrons passing through until at the end the whaaaaaa alarm started going off and I was frantically rushing to avoid full on nuclear meltdown echoing through the bathroom chamber. I took baby back to the table with just a diaper on and with a harried look in my eye handed him off to my wife and went to get a new change of clothing from the car. Incidentally, my personal opinion is that just a diaper is a viable wardrobe choice. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Blowouts while traveling in the car will most likely be discovered as you are arriving for an event making an on time arrival shift to tardiness and a very messy cleanup in the backseat of the car. Probably in the range of a 12 wipe cleanup. You should always have a backup change of clothes for both baby and you. Woe to you if you don't take precautions. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You may never have picked someone else’s nose before. This likely will change. While snot sucking instruments can be helpful for the juicy ones, boogers on the dry side may need manual encouragement.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Keeping baby on a schedule and regular routines will benefit everyone involved. The feeding schedule in particular is similar to feeding a parking meter. You may skate by beyond the meter’s expiration but at the risk of a full throated rebuke from the pediatric parking attendant.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In pursuit of His best,</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Andrew<br /></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-38325957098693847022022-06-19T21:34:00.001-04:002022-06-26T15:49:09.216-04:00Dad Files: Father's Day Reflection<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_VYOCeIAgskc1b9ENmiwry3n1b5ed2fmd2Uwu9-MhzSTx9HckOl-tUYVQbcXTO9KIBNr4nS0ImZs2E_M2mqweFAq7CTj1XeRzVUhEU2LkR08BGz9JI3SpxcLUVBcAL1jw639dtUzxFp-j7TU1yMGCSBiF1--0aNyIRt5aKg0aPXMWXknMxE/s2048/IMG_7064.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="2048" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_VYOCeIAgskc1b9ENmiwry3n1b5ed2fmd2Uwu9-MhzSTx9HckOl-tUYVQbcXTO9KIBNr4nS0ImZs2E_M2mqweFAq7CTj1XeRzVUhEU2LkR08BGz9JI3SpxcLUVBcAL1jw639dtUzxFp-j7TU1yMGCSBiF1--0aNyIRt5aKg0aPXMWXknMxE/s320/IMG_7064.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Having children has been a long time desire and goal and one that I didn't know if I'd ever have the opportunity to experience. I'm so thankful that God has blessed my wife and I with Joshua. On my first Father's day as a father, I have a new appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices
that parents go through in order to raise children and have an increased
respect for anyone who has brought up kids. Even though it can be really hard in the middle of sleep deprivation, night feedings, countless diaper changes, or when he just won't stop crying, I'm still grateful for the opportunity to be his father. <p></p><p>Before he was born, I was nervous about the many new things to learn, the weight of the responsibility, and having very little experience with babies. Since he was born, I feel much better about the basic skills and have a lot more confidence in taking care of him. </p><p>There is still much to learn but I've enjoyed the fun parts so far and am so appreciative to have my wife as a partner in the journey. I'm beginning to understand what it means to have unconditional love for a child. It only scratches the surface of God's love for us but there are many parallels between a parent and child relationship. I want him to be happy, safe, healthy, protected, provided for, well fed, rested, and to experience all the goodness that life has to offer. </p><p>As I think about his future, I pray that he will walk with and follow Jesus all the days of his life. That he will be filled with God's love and joy and show kindness to others. That he will be strong and healthy, smart and wise. That the Holy Spirit will empower him and guide him to do great things and to encourage others to pursue relationship with God. That God's angels will watch over and protect him. I pray for the girl he'll one day marry that God will watch over and protect her and give her parents wisdom in raising her. That she will love the Lord and that God will bring them together in His timing and bless their relationship. </p><p>I don't know what the journey of fatherhood has in store but I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to be Joshua's dad, to love him and invest in his life, and pray that God will give me the strength and wisdom to do it well.</p><p>In pursuit of His best,</p><p>Andrew<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-75940570924249347422022-05-30T12:22:00.001-04:002022-06-26T16:38:34.404-04:00Dad Files: 1 Month Insights: Sleep Deprivation, Diaper Changes, and Goat Sounds<p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl3hZyNHsRcqgdlWnNpjY8E8hicRbctBmx4XIaOmg37vwF_ysezyS3W2EfZXjhUGs2M6zRQBxnTA84y37hqu3fUO2FqK1qYa1qVDwoxic49tr1yHSmdJw7pIbbxLbZ5PnofbSWbSQIPRIjyuIxt6IcwAjpXtjY03HHrdde1lRXOVOyqcU-nQ/s1080/IMG_7067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="964" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGl3hZyNHsRcqgdlWnNpjY8E8hicRbctBmx4XIaOmg37vwF_ysezyS3W2EfZXjhUGs2M6zRQBxnTA84y37hqu3fUO2FqK1qYa1qVDwoxic49tr1yHSmdJw7pIbbxLbZ5PnofbSWbSQIPRIjyuIxt6IcwAjpXtjY03HHrdde1lRXOVOyqcU-nQ/s320/IMG_7067.JPG" width="286" /></a></span></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Baby can quickly</span><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>go from calm or sleeping to DEFCON level screaming at the top of his lungs. This is common if not meeting previously negotiated feeding times with baby. He will make your ears pay dearly for tardiness.
</span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Babies and goats can make similar sounds which may be why they’re both called kids.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You will frequently feel an insatiable desire to sleep. If friends, family, neighbors, or work colleagues are not interesting and to the point, you get a free pass for a few winks of sleep. Really it’s on them and will encourage more efficient communication.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You can get decent strength training done by lifting, holding and playing with baby who should be steadily growing and adding to weight resistance.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You will willingly allow another human to fart on you. Volume and length of flatulence is disproportionate to the size of baby. You will learn to distinguish between a dry one and a juicy one the later which requires a subsequent diaper change.
</span></p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When completing diaper change and holding legs in the air to clean the backside, beware of the crack which can expel either more of what you just cleansed </span><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">concurrent with diaper change </span>or fart directly in your face. Bending down close to the danger zone is ill advised and done at your own peril.
</span><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When in public, you should always have multiple diapers on hand as well as additional clothing for both baby and you. Blowout risk is real.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Showering with the baby is an efficient way of bathing him. Having one parent hold and one bathe is helpful. When cleaning the front side, beware the water cannon which may go off at any time unannounced.
</span></p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grandparents, other family, or friends can provide a nice respite if you need a nap, eat a meal with hands unencumbered, exercise, shower, or to run an errand. Friends or family who offer to do house work or bring a meal are greatly appreciated and get extra bonus points.
</span><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Your wife will do some very selfless things.</span> </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A happy, fed, rested baby with a fresh diaper can be sweet and a lot of fun.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In pursuit of His best,</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Andrew </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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</script></div>Andrew Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164957604404279218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23144906.post-10860808990589639462022-05-15T21:53:00.003-04:002022-06-26T16:39:50.991-04:00Dad Files: Insights After Two Weeks: Bodily Fluids, Feeding, and New Skills<p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvnZ2K0Yw_W_xZ9tfdE7YEwOI0Kmiinu-9NWIFnhbAssqjefshmz51a3idDfsV_GqsaqavfAD4YfJOXu14dqCFoTPRrpvWyKUxBnU3DCoy7tY0whWTnm3BCf6vAgrAuQJda_BhqWRA9xaKwk29yK7N5949SocM8mufdDfuGseM5FRhq-NLyk/s1280/IMG_7031.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvnZ2K0Yw_W_xZ9tfdE7YEwOI0Kmiinu-9NWIFnhbAssqjefshmz51a3idDfsV_GqsaqavfAD4YfJOXu14dqCFoTPRrpvWyKUxBnU3DCoy7tY0whWTnm3BCf6vAgrAuQJda_BhqWRA9xaKwk29yK7N5949SocM8mufdDfuGseM5FRhq-NLyk/s320/IMG_7031.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Bodily fluids flow freely at all hours of the day. If you change a diaper and feel a sense of accomplishment, you likely will have the opportunity to repeat that accomplishment shortly, like inside of five minutes. Boys come installed with a water cannon, when changing his diaper note well and plan accordingly, it may very well find occasion to spray you, baby, swaddles, formerly clean clothing, walls, and anything else within a close radius.
<p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If baby is smiling, it’s probably because he’s passing gas or otherwise refilling his diaper.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tiny humans are capable of producing loud noises for long periods of time. Be the adult and don’t respond in kind.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleep deprivation can be brutal and it’s a good thing God gives kids two parents to tag team and share responsibilities. Prayer will help get you through the tough spots.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When feeding baby, don’t race to complete a bottle but pause at appropriate intervals. Your over confidence at having finished so quickly will bite you in the form of wearing half the bottle when baby spits it back up.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Burping is an essential part of feeding.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s possible to be peed on, pooped on, and puked on within a short time frame. Don’t assume the outfit you and baby plan to leave the house in are the ones you will actually be wearing. The amount of household laundry needs will rise exponentially.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Babies have sharp fingernails. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The precious baby pictures that people post only tell half the story, baby will be grumpy and rage demandingly when hungry, tired, needing new diaper, while changing, putting in car seat, or for no apparent reason at all.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are lots of skills to learn that you never knew you’d need to know. Bottle prep and feeding, diapering, swaddling, putting on and taking off tiny outfits with superfluous snaps and zippers, securing baby in car seat, skin to skin contact as a calming technique, singing lullabies, making silly sounds, and rocking baby to sleep.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When baby is calm, content, or sleeping, snuggles can be a lot of fun.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Meal trains are a great idea. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Other parents are genuinely happy for you and remember the joys and challenges of raising their own kids.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Babies are a blessing and a gift from God. He gives wisdom for the journey.</span></p><p> In pursuit of His best,</p><p>Andrew<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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moment but aren't very healthy and so future you pays the consequence.
In contrast, future you is thankful to current you when you make good
decisions around nutrition, feels better and has better health. <br /></p><p>What about education? Whether reading, taking classes, talking with wise people, learning a new skill, practicing the skill or not, each of these result in a level of knowledge and ability that future you has in an area. </p>Financially, is current you making choices that future you will appreciate or not? Do you have a savings and giving plan or do you spend without consideration of the future? Do you put good financial habits in place and seek accountability? Do you ask for counsel from knowledgeable people with expertise in this area or do you listen to get rich quick systems?<br /><br><p>Of course, in thinking about future you, there will be others that you interact with along the way. Do you reach out to friends, maintain strong family ties, build relationships with colleagues, seek out opportunities to meet new people and make new friends? Does current you burn bridges or look for reconciliation? The relationships of future you will be impacted by who current you chooses to spend time with or not, who current you invests in or lets fade, who current you sets healthy boundaries with or allows others to take advantage of. </p><p>What voices does current you listen to? Whether from news, social media, books, blogs, websites, movies, music, podcasts, people close to you, culture, celebrities, pastors, family, co-workers, neighbors, those you encounter in the marketplace, all of these will impact the worldview of future you. Are these voices healthy and life giving, encouraging you along a path you want to take? Are there any voices that you need to turn the volume down on or remove from your life?</p><p>If current you could give advice to past you 5, 10, or 20 years ago, what would you tell yourself? What do you think future you would encourage current you to do?<br /></p><p>Would future you appreciate if current you spent more time in
prayer? Future you would be thankful for wisdom gained and
intimacy formed with God through actively engaging with Him. He will guide you through life as you ask for direction and future you will be better for it.<br /></p><p>Future you depends on current you. </p><p>Consider who it is, where and what you want to be in the future. Work on your behalf and for your benefit. Future you will arrive where current you takes you. Let it be a path and place that future you is glad you took. </p>In pursuit of His best,<p>Andrew<br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOYPFi6WCjmYAmm0-HeYP671wxoAyRQ2Qzj55DFSY42gxlw1aHe0mhsVFj8FNlEbX4iaZbjp-ww6g64dZIJtuvFagZc0tPce8JeEnQGeLB8bY5WXFJQe86JPI3ewinfxTqgxfAA/s1600/Acacia_in_Ein_Khadra_Desert_Oasis_00_%252887%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOYPFi6WCjmYAmm0-HeYP671wxoAyRQ2Qzj55DFSY42gxlw1aHe0mhsVFj8FNlEbX4iaZbjp-ww6g64dZIJtuvFagZc0tPce8JeEnQGeLB8bY5WXFJQe86JPI3ewinfxTqgxfAA/s320/Acacia_in_Ein_Khadra_Desert_Oasis_00_%252887%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo by لا روسا Acacia in Ein Khadra Desert Oasis, Egypt</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There can be seasons of waiting and living in the space between what's been and what's hoped for. The new professional opportunity, the relationship development, the family situation, the health condition, the personal goals hoped for. It's in these times when a disconnect can exist between the intellectual acknowledgement that God is in control and loves us and the heart experience of longing, discouragement, pain, and disappointment.<br />
<br />
In these places, it's so important to continue to lean in to God's promises even when we can't see what's on the other side and when it will come. To trust in the Lord with all our hearts leaning not on our own understanding but allowing Him to direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 paraphrase)<br />
<br />
A comfort when I've been waiting in the space between, is reading Psalms. There are so many great passages that worship God and acknowledge Him as creator, almighty and powerful, a rock and refuge in times of trouble. Similarly, there are passages that are brutally honest, crying out to God in times of trouble, expressing pain, and searching for what good can come of very difficult circumstances and how long they'll last.<br />
<br />
Whatever you're going through in your season of waiting in the space between, be encouraged that God is with you, He sees you, He knows you, and He loves you.<br />
<br />
In pursuit of His best,<br />
<br />
Andrew<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/2006-01-14_Surface_waves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/2006-01-14_Surface_waves.jpg" width="320" /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2006-01-14_Surface_waves.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Roger McLassus</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Selfishness and choosing a path outside of the one God designs leads to outcomes that may be temporarily satisfying but ultimately leaves regrets, pain, and heartache. When tempted there can be a tendency to not think of the impact and repercussions one's own actions and choices can have on others. <br />
<br />
However, the effects of sin cascade outward like concentric circles from a rock dropping in water. Not only does it affect the person but it affects everyone around them. Sin's physical and emotional consequences can affect both yourself and current or future interactions and relationships with others.<br />
<br />
In contrast, making wise choices that lead along the path of righteousness can impact both you and your broader circles positively. By rippling joy and righteousness, those you interact with also benefit from more joy and your contributions to their life.<br />
<br />
As you start each day and go through different scenarios along the way, pray <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-14">Psalm 19:14</span></span><span class="text Ps-19-14" id="en-ESV-14183"> "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-14">be acceptable in your sight,</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-14">O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, my rock and my redeemer." </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-14"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-14">When you've found yourself in a place that you'd rather not be in due to sin, pray 1 John 1:9 "</span></span><span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550">If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550">In pursuit of His best,</span><br />
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1John-1-9" id="en-NIV-30550">Andrew</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPJxo1aEP0YYYP7wKsCJRuVvcZd-cn1lLnA8VJ4ozjYTVGfTTtSOIdFuEfpQBAmBVWBxSeITRd1ipYscP2_DPbMnfG7h8hkbTnJSWkw3fuDbLdLwSMbgc-ijLDfbqREbOXQ8f6w/s1600/communion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Communion" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="785" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPJxo1aEP0YYYP7wKsCJRuVvcZd-cn1lLnA8VJ4ozjYTVGfTTtSOIdFuEfpQBAmBVWBxSeITRd1ipYscP2_DPbMnfG7h8hkbTnJSWkw3fuDbLdLwSMbgc-ijLDfbqREbOXQ8f6w/s320/communion.JPG" title="Communion" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by John Snyder</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you've never had the opportunity to serve the Lord's supper, I hope you get to in the future. And by serve, I mean you holding the cup and/or bread as people receive it vs. passing a plate. Over the past year, I've gotten to do this several times at church. As someone takes the bread, you say "the body of Christ, broken for you." Being in such close proximity to the person, face to face, when they take communion, can be a deeply spiritual moment.<br />
<br />
I had a very real sense of Jesus having died for each person that stood in front of me. When you look into their eyes as a representative of Christ, it brings a new perspective to "For God so loved the world..." Each person that receives communion is someone that Jesus died for. Until recently, I've always been on the receiving side and didn't connect in the same way with the experience as I did while serving.<br />
<br />
Communion can become ritualistic and lose its significance unless you focus intentionally on engaging your heart and mind. If your church is looking for volunteers to serve communion, go ahead and step up. See how God might open your heart and mind to a new perspective of the Lord's Supper.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-ev7Ig3rNw" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
In pursuit of His best,<br />
<br />
Andrew<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96pIZdsx73WM4ysKBbaWuNosfx4HTntEMw3S9a4islQrz57ZkeCc-QS7hFnHo875WkklpU2oYxK0-Ex0_2Imxft70kniUxMkoEY1ITOyDzPjW6GN1_6fMsMxDU6YKqNPlzC7_aw/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Via Dolorosa Sign in Jerusalem" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96pIZdsx73WM4ysKBbaWuNosfx4HTntEMw3S9a4islQrz57ZkeCc-QS7hFnHo875WkklpU2oYxK0-Ex0_2Imxft70kniUxMkoEY1ITOyDzPjW6GN1_6fMsMxDU6YKqNPlzC7_aw/s320/IMG_7998.JPG" title="Via Dolorosa Sign in Jerusalem" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Via Dolorosa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What is your response to pain and brokenness? Do you become angry, sad, frustrated, fearful, and/or nervous? A natural response can be to pray for God to heal the physical or emotional pain and brokenness. But what about when you continue to experience it even after praying? What then?<br />
<br />
At the moment, I have a shoulder injury that according to the doctor will not heal on its own without surgery. I have experienced a range of thoughts and emotions over the past couple of months and began praying early on for healing. He made me and created every aspect of my body. He knows the pain and limitations I've experienced. He knows the questions and emotions I've experienced.<br />
<br />
I am still praying for and believing God for supernatural healing but
even if He chooses not to heal me that way, I will continue to worship
Him through it. I will thank him for medical professionals who know how to partner with Him in healing and ask Him to give them skill in providing treatment. Medical treatment does not qualify as a second class healing.<br />
<br />
I want God's best in however he chooses to provide healing and will continue to seek His glory and honor through this. I will not allow the devil to steal joy from me because of the situation and will defy him by continuing to worship the Lord. <br />
<br />
Pray boldly and with confidence! May He receive more glory.<br />
<br />
In pursuit of His best,<br />
<br />
Andrew<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfilFK8xlmhkYM1HUH26ez8DKwqYVsh4Hk6CpF4J0WbqClE8A41dMkoDNlDqxVjp5Azwd_5JGagyN-VFAmqly0WTETm94o4q1MedhUd8yc2aNMTrDHUfPdp3gWp3uZPYBWaRU1g/s1600/Psalm+119_105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bible Verse Photo Psalm 119:105" border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfilFK8xlmhkYM1HUH26ez8DKwqYVsh4Hk6CpF4J0WbqClE8A41dMkoDNlDqxVjp5Azwd_5JGagyN-VFAmqly0WTETm94o4q1MedhUd8yc2aNMTrDHUfPdp3gWp3uZPYBWaRU1g/s320/Psalm+119_105.jpg" title="Bible Verse Photo Psalm 119:105" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." -commonly attributed to Charles Spurgeon</span></span></div>
<h1 class="quoteText">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When reflecting on the amount of time and life events spent with a Bible, it strikes me as significant when getting a new Bible. The copy I've been using for the past 8 or so years has reached the point where it's time for retirement. I don't know that I could ever throw an old one away since it's been a source of so much spiritual nourishment and is like a good friend. </span></span></h1>
<h1 class="quoteText">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In putting the new one into service, there is a sense of anticipation of what God will teach me, the life circumstances I'll go through, who I'll pray for while reading it, and so many other spiritually significant activities that I'll encounter while reading or studying it. </span></span></h1>
<h1 class="quoteText">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yes, it's just a physical copy of a book but it's a book that holds the very words of God spoken through man. Words that have the power to transform life and impact eternity. </span></span></h1>
<h1 class="quoteText">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you've never read the Bible, or have only done so sparingly, may I challenge you to read the best seller of all time? It will change your life for the better. There are a number of reading plans available at <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/">https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/.</a> Or if you're more of an app type of person, check out a plan in the <a href="https://www.youversion.com/apps" target="_blank">YouVersion Bible app. </a>You can even have the Bible app read to you as you're driving in the car, exercising, doing work around the house, or other tasks. If you become a person molded and shaped by the Word of God, you'll be glad that you did.</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="quoteText">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In pursuit of His best,</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="quoteText">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Andrew</span></span></h1>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS66kMF7K79RI1__lWnDL2icpPTNLXu0zue-teZNrdrfx5MNyo6rughQmiBr8rARoYG7Kd8SfIfR4Ct1rlGNu0uDBIRGydootmHA90RPM1pwPEJMKAMDlsrno-J9QcQiuBXZfSmg/s1600/Christmas+Gift.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS66kMF7K79RI1__lWnDL2icpPTNLXu0zue-teZNrdrfx5MNyo6rughQmiBr8rARoYG7Kd8SfIfR4Ct1rlGNu0uDBIRGydootmHA90RPM1pwPEJMKAMDlsrno-J9QcQiuBXZfSmg/s320/Christmas+Gift.png" width="320" /></a></div>
"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." -<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+4%3A9&version=NIV" target="_blank">I John 4:9</a>.<br />
<br />
When I read this verse recently, I had the thought that this is an expression of Jesus as a Christmas gift. Only God could send such an incredible gift of love. There is no greater gift.<br />
<br />
Who could think to ask for or ever expect to receive the very embodiment of love. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBGqOj-n7io" target="_blank">G</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">od come to earth in the form of man</a> to live a perfect and sinless life then die on our behalf so that we might have an eternal relationship with Him.<br />
<br />
If you've not received the gift of Jesus before, it's freely given from God. You simply have to believe in Him, ask forgiveness for your sins, and receive the gift of eternal salvation. It's the best gift ever! <br />
<br />
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uBGqOj-n7io" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
In pursuit of His best,<br />
<br />
Andrew<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
Several years ago, I saw a video of Zooey Deschanel covering What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? and thought it was such a fun rendition that I decided to learn it myself. In case you're interested in learning it, I've included chords below the lyrics. Hope you have a happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/vzz-eWms_dU" target="_blank"><u>What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?</u></a> by Frank Loesser<br />
<br />
Maybe it's much too early in the game<br />
Aah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same<br />
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?<br />
<br />
Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight<br />
When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night<br />
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year's Eve<br />
<br />
Maybe I'm crazy to suppose<br />
I'd ever be the one you chose<br />
Out of a thousand invitations
You received<br />
<br />
Aah, but in case I stand one little chance<br />
Here comes the jackpot question in advance<br />
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?<br />
<br />
(In the recording, just for fun I pitched down to the key of F# but it's played in the key of A) <br />
Chords: Intro: A D<a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23dim7">#dim7</a> Dm E7<br />
Verse: A4 G7 A A7 D Dm A F#7 B7 E7<br />
Break: A D<a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23dim7">#dim7</a> Dm E7<br />
Verse: A G7 A A7 D Dm A F#7 B7 E7<br />
Break 2: A G#7<br />
Bridge: C<a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23m">#m</a> F<a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23m">#m</a> Am C<a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23m">#m</a> D<a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23m7">#m7</a> D7 C<a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23m">#m</a> F#7 B7 E7<br />
Verse: A4 G7 A A7 D Dm A F#7 B7 E7<br />
Break 3: A Fm7 E7<br />
Outro: A F#7 B7 E7 A <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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