Robots

Merry Christmas Becky!!

My amazing sister is currently traveling the world as a missionary for The World Race. Since we could not get her a gift for Christmas, we decided to make her a music video of her favorite robot song.

Love you Boo! Missing you each and every day! May our gracious Lord protect you and bring you back to us soon! In the mean time, go love on those peeps!

Airport Angel

Arms full, sweat well everywhere!, screaming hungry tired child, full bladder, full diaper (on Owen), flight to catch, not enough time for anything! This is what things looked like in July as we prepared to fly to Alabama to spend a week with Great Grandma.

I walked into the bathroom desperate for a plug to warm Owen's bottle. Wouldn't you know the plug was too far from the counter and the bottle warmer would not reach the counter. A woman came up to me... AN ANGEL! She said, "what can I help you with..." I just looked at her and had no clue what to say. I just started murmuring in confused speech about the cord and warm milk. She said, here I will hold it so you can do other things. I looked at her in amazement... "Okay, thank you" I responded. (Let me paint the picture here, this is a busy airport bathroom and here is this woman standing near the entrance just holding a bottle warmer in the air while it cooks.) I went and changed Owen's diaper and washed my hands. As soon as my hands hit the water I was overwhelmed with the sensation of my aching full like a bucket leaving a well bladder. The woman still stood there waiting for the milk to finish warming. I strapped my screaming wrestling child into his stroller. She said, "I will stand here, I will watch him, you can go to the bathroom, its okay." I walked into a stall left the door partially opened and listened to my baby scream while I peed and a STRANGER watched my child. I was so desperate I simply could not care.

I refer to this woman as a stranger but in actuality she was my airport angel. I came out, washed my hands, she discreetly handed me to bottle so Owen would not see it, she had wrapped up the bottle warmer and had it ready for me to put away, then she said "I am on my way to visit my Grand kids... I completely understand how it is. You are a great mommy."

"You are a great mommy."

I wanted to burst out in tears because in my mind I was thinking "Oh no! I left my kid with a stranger. Mike is going to kill me!!! What is wrong with me!? I am a horrible mommy! HORRIBLE!" God spoke to me through this woman. God showed me that He always finds a way to help His children in need. God showed me that He can speak through others mouths in a way that penetrates straight to my heart. God showed me that He is near! Always near!

So thank you to that airport angel grandma! May God bless and keep you!

Copy Cat

Copy Cat!

So I am learning to watch out because I have the worlds biggest copy cat on my hands! Mr. Owen Michael Wojcik is very vocal his current word count is as follows:
Mama <3
Dada
Gama (Grandma)
All Done
More
Gampa (Grandpa)
Tank Ou (Thank you)
Go Job (Good Job)
Car
Tuk (Truck)
Ball
Bubul (Bubble)
Boo (Aunt Boo)
Co (Cow)
And I am probably forgetting some still... He is 13 months old and can repeat sounds and words on command. It is incredible. It just forces me though to watch what I say because you never know what he might pick up. He is so quick at learning. (I WISH my sister, Aunt Boo, Becky, was here to be teaching him spanish during his sponge season.)

Having this copy cat makes me realize that I should always be living in a way that is honorable in character. My heavenly daddy is always with me and I should ALWAYS be acting like it. He is such a good and gentle Heavenly Father, loving me even when I mess up. Jesus, I pray that you would lead me in this parenting adventure. Form me into the mommy you desire me to be. Please remind me that there are always little ears and eyes around me... just waiting to be molded by my actions and character.

Mommy Powers

Its 12am... I have no peace. I must go check on Owen. Off I go, sure enough, he has a full diaper. Must be teething or fighting something off I think.

Its now 2am... no peace again. Rewinding my steps from earlier, sure enough, full diaper again. Cleaned and back to bed.

2:45am, still no peace. Asking God, am I crazy, surly he hasn't ruined another diaper when it has only been a few minutes. Prayed, still no peace. Here we go again! And would you believe it, another dirty diaper.

Mommy Super Powers I tell ya! The Holy Spirit is so amazing! God even cares about diarrhea in diapers!

This experience made me realize that I really should seek God in all I do. He is an ever present God and is delighted to be in constant communion with me. Not to mention, he is like the most powerful magical super hero that ever existed!

"Look at the birds in the sky. They don't plant or harvest or gather food into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. You are more valuable than they are, aren't you?" -Matt 6:26

Yes, we are those parents...

Owen's Uncle is a swimmer... we were just trying things on for size.  

Chatty Mommy

Owen has proven to be very verbal.

His current word count is as follows:
Mom
Dad
Ball
Gama
Dog
Up
Down
More
All Done

We try to do sign language with him but I always laugh because I sign to him looking like a crazed monkey and then he looks up and me and says "all done". Now he will sign and say the word at the same time. Proof that sign language is not for every child.

Anyway! When Owen and I go out to run errands I always talk him through everything. I say "we need apples now.." "this ice cream is cold".. it is a constant chatty Cathy. Seriously! Anyway, today I was happily surprised when I loaded the groceries and said "now lets go return the cart." A man walking by said "Here, let me take it." I was so surprised because people around here don't usually do kind things for others. It made me think hummm maybe this crazed monkey chatty Cathy thing can work for this mommy. I guess all moms do it. And to be honest I don't mind looking crazy if people help me out a bit.

Signing off, The Crazed Monkey Mama

FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

It is crazy to think that one year ago today I was giving birth to my son! That is a day I will NEVER EVER forget. I have grown so much in this past year and am humbled that God has chosen me to be this boys mommy. I pray that he continues to equip me in every way to teach this boy in the ways that he should go. 

I will admit... I cried while singing him the birthday song. 

(Shout out to Boo- I want you to know that you lead the birthday song for the whole party. I played your voice mail and when you began singing we all joined in. xoxo)

A visit from Murmie...

Owen is quite fond of his Murmie... and who wouldn't be!? She is amazing!

She flew down to spend the weekend with us. She was full of fun and adventure. She teaches me to be patient and watch your child discover the world. I love her "lets see what he does" approach. She is such an awesome woman.

We had a fun relaxing time and my favorite time was drinking warm mulled wine in the fall leaves. I am sure her favorite time was playing with her only grandson!

11 Months!

Did you notice that my baby had his first haircut? Well he did and I am not going to lie... it was a nightmare! First of all let me start by saying it cost twenty dollars! FOR A BABY HEAD that is outrageously over priced! I am trying my best to learn how to cut hair as to not have to pay this again. BUT, all things considered I am glad it is done and over with. Cartoons, books, toys, drenched in sweat mommy, two hair stylists, patty cake, screaming, singing, and we were DONE! Not going back...

Anyway! Here is our little guy at 11 months. Of course I have planned his first birthday and tear up when I think about my baby becoming a toddler.

10 Months!

DOUBLE DIGITS!

1-0! Wow, that is such a big number! This is all happening way too fast! Double Digits!

Owen loves balls and wheels. As you can see his hair is getting a little on the shaggy side. We plan to get his hair trimmed soon. Wish us luck!

9 Months!

We "Mustache" a boy!

Owen is crawling everywhere! He has 8 teeth and loves food! Owen has such a fun, strong, yet sensitive personality! We just discovered why he does not like to give daddy kisses... his spikey beard bothers him.

:)

Country Boy

Took Owen to the country today! We went out to pick some peaches! He loved the fresh flowers and always enjoys time with Grandma! We are so thankful to be so close to wonderful outdoor adventures.

8 Months!

8 Months!

This month was a difficult month. Someday Owen will understand why.

July was hard because my sweet and dear Grandaddy passed away this month. Grandaddy LOVED watching Owen play. He loved seeing him discover the world around him. Upon first meeting Owen, Grandaddy announced "He has my eyes." He was right! Owen has bright blue eyes that remind me of Grandaddy.

We will miss him a great deal. We look forward to seeing you someday Grandad, we will expect a big hug at those pearly gates.

Boat Ride!

It is summer time! We packed up a picnic and headed to a river nearby to take Owen on his first boat ride! HE WOULD NOT SIT STILL! Mike and I had to take turns. This guy is STRONG! I am not sure what he wanted but he would full out leap out of our lap. As you can see, it was difficult to get a good picture.

7 Months!

This is what teething looks like. Teething pretty much consumed all of month seven. It was a hard race but those suckers soon popped through the gums- THANK GOODNESS! All things considered, he is still the sweetest boy ever!

Fathers Day!

A fine image of what being a father can look like. 

This fathers day I am thankful for the daddy's in my life!

My own father is a superb example of what unconditional love looks like. And Mikes dad is a prime example of what true sacrifices in life are like.

And then there is MY BABIES DADDY! Mike is such a loving man. He takes such pride in watching Owen grow and develop and learn new "tricks!"

Thank God for Earthly Fathers!

First Real Booboo

I do not post this post to make the individual feel bad, I post this post to show what I have learned. What Jesus has taught me...

It was a total accident.

Owen was accidentally burned. Not by me, but it could have been a mistake that even I could have made. It broke my heart to see his skin bubble up in first and second degree burns. The doctor comforted him, and us. Owen was fine. But there was still a mark. I had to put ointment on it at each diaper change. My heart broke every time I saw it. It was a mark on his sweet perfect skin that was there because of someone elses mistake. Someone elses accident. Someone elses sin.

Then one night, I sat rocking him sweetly before bedtime. I was thinking about his scar from his burn. This scar was there and it was totally not his fault.

This reminded me of our Heavenly Father...

God sent his Son to earth knowing that he would receive scars. He would get these scars on purpose. Jesus could have denied his calling and gone free of scar, but Jesus had a divine role to play! God knew what His Son would have to do to save the world. It must have been so difficult to send his Son to earth to bare these scars. You see, Jesus was not at fault, he was innocent. Jesus got his scars because of someone elses mistakes, someone elses accidents, someone elses sin.

I praise my God for loving his people so much that He made a way for us to be SAVED! I praise Jesus for baring scars from the cross because of everyone elses sin. What a mighty God we serve!

So, my son has a scar, it was not his fault. But we all learned something from it.

Mothers Day!

Since having my own child I have come to realize just how amazing Mothers truly are! I have two of the best motherly examples a girl could ask for

I can not even begin to explain the cherished moments I have had with my own mother! And the story is similar with Mike's Mom, Judi. I will tell you that having a child has made me understand JUST HOW MUCH you had to sacrifice to raise your kids! Being a mom is tough work! I am glad I have both of you to show me how its done!

Love you both and Happy Mothers Day!

6 Months!

WOW! Half a year! That is remarkable! Boy how time sure does fly! It is incredible to think that just 6 months ago we were welcoming our sweet baby boy Owen! He is a true gem in our lives. He is already sitting up, rolling around, and is so much fun to play with!

So different...

Life is so different with a baby. Just to run out to the store you have to think of 8 million things that need to get packed and carried into the car. I always joke that being a mommy means being a pack mule.

Yesterday I went to the grocery store. I bought a bunch of groceries, packed Owen and the items into the car and then I was stuck. What do I do with this cart???  I cant walk it all the way back to the cart return and leave Owen in the car. (Mind moves to the movie Courageous when the car gets stolen with the baby inside.) I cant just leave it here in the middle of the parking lot. I was so desperate. Where was the cart guys that collect the carts? I got the guts to ask a man walking by "you don't happen to need a cart do you *smile*?" He replied "as a matter of fact I don't" and walked on. I was frustrated- HOW COULD HE NOT KNOW!? I needed help, it was an easy little favor. What was wrong with him!?! I thought.  

I sighed and went to unbuckle Owen. I got him all the way out of his car-seat. I walked over to the cart and grumbled away from the car. This woman came up to me and asked "are you coming or going" I said we are trying to leave but... she interrupted and took my cart and said "I will take the cart for you."

That was all... I got back in the car and thanked God. I know he put that woman in my path. I learned that God takes care of even the small things in our lives- like who is going to take this cart for me. I wish I could have said that I prayed for that to happen. But the truth is I didn't, God just took care of me without me asking. And you know what, he does that every single day. I don't have to ask him to take care of me. He does it without question. He is a God who deeply loves his children. Praise the God who is the best caretaker imaginable.

Dedication Day!

This past Sunday Owen was dedicated at our church. (DCMetro Church) He was so brave. We were honored that BOTH his Godparents, Tom Wojcik (Godfatha) and Rebecca Coleman (Godmommy) could attend and join us on stage. Tom flew up from Florida so it was extra special. We stood on stage before our congregation to commit to raise Owen in a Godly home, to teach him how to walk with Jesus, and to be a MAN OF GOD!

Our Commitment:

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

6:4 Listen, Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! 5 You must love the Lord your God with your whole mind, your whole being, and all your strength. 6 These words I am commanding you today must be kept in mind, 7 and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.

Our Inspiration:

Proverbs 22:6

22:6 Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Owen is wearing a Christening Cap that has been in my family for 4 generations. Children in my family have been wearing this special cap for as long as I can remember. I wore it, my father wore it, and even my grandmother wore the cap. It is very special. 

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Cinco De Mayo!

Happy Birthday Brian and Mike!

We love you!

Snuggle Boy!

Sweet Boy loves to snuggle! As you can see here, he has rolled to the corner of his crib, got his monkey and is snuggling with his foot. So precious. I read that baby's feel safe when we snuggle them. I was a little jealous of the monkey when I saw this picture. I wish I was snuggling him right now.

Side note: look at those biceps! Built like his daddy for sure!

"When I am 30"

Mike always joked that he wanted to be a father when he was 30! CHECK! Mike turned the big 3-0 today and he owns the title of Daddy! He is such a great father. I am honored to be his partner. He loves Owen so much. He met his goal and rocks at his new role!

 The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. 

Proverbs 23:24

5 Months Old

Wiggle Worm! Hates being still!

Owen is 5 months old and does not stop moving. He can roll all over the place- front to back, back to front. He hates staying put. He wants to go go go go! This reminds me of when he was inside my tummy, he was such a jumping bean. I smile remembering the feeling of those kicks that felt like punches. He is so strong. He has no trouble pushing up or off when he wants to change positions. His temperament seems to be more like Mike than me, and that's okay. I prayed hard that "he would be just like his daddy."

Keys- First Vacation

Owen and Mommy in Marathon, FL Keys

Owen loves the water! He has no problem when water runs over his face. He smiles and laughs when water gets into his eyes. His body just relaxes in the water. Its adorable. It is neat to know what your baby likes. I know no matter what music and water make Owen happy.

Owen spent most of the week happy in the Keys. There was a few rough moments because he got his 2nd tooth while we were there. But he loved spending time with family and the SWIMMING POOL! I was too nervous to take him on the boat but we hope this is not his first visit to a tropical paradise!

4 Months Old

Just look at that baby boy!

Owen is now 4 months! He is rolling all over the place. We are starting to think about starting solid foods because he takes out 9 ounces each feeding, which seems like a lot to me. Becky just taught me that you can jiggle his belly and hear the milk sloshing around inside of his tummy- WEIRD!

Owen still does not sleep through the night. But again, we are making progress.

Working FULL TIME

Being a full time teacher has been good but hard too. It is a challenge to wake up in the morning to go to work when I haven't slept that great. I joke because I have to go to work to "love everyone else's baby when all I want to do is love my own." But God is good like that, I think he increases your capacity to love in these situations.

Work is exhausting but fun at the same time. I find fulfillment in my job when my students say "oh I get it" or "I love science" or even "Mrs. Wojcik I love you." When those small moments occur I am reminded that yes, God has purpose for me in this school.

Also, I am not going to lie... I have the best nanny in the world so I rarely ever worry about how my little man is doing! Love you Boo!