Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Monday, October 04, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
11 months and first steps (pics and video at the bottom)
Violet has grown so much and she is bringing so much joy to us each and every day. Her smile and beautiful laugh bring so much peace and hope to each passing day. She offers a friendly wave to everyone she sees and smiles her toothy grin (she has 4 teeth now). She loves to wave at elderly men especially because they usually wave back. :) Violet started saying Daddy and Dad very clearly this past month. She has started saying Mama again these days too. Yeah! She also says "hat" and she knows what she is saying. She looks at a hat and says "hat"! She also says "duck" and "hot". She loves to wash mommy's face in the bath and she loves to brush mommy and daddy's hair. She loves to stack the rings on her stacking toy and put the ball in the hole. She pretends to talk on the phone. She giggles with abandon when daddy tickles her. She plays peek a boo all the time. She tries to do the hand gestures for "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" too. It is so precious to see those tiny fingers come together. She claps to rhythm and she claps when she has done something. It is so cute! I love to see her clapping. It is amazing to see her eyes light up when she learns something new. It brings me such joy to watch her try something new. And..... She has started WALKING!!!
Her precious little feet took those first steps on August 17th. And since then she has been taking more and more. She is up to 9 consecutive steps with out falling down. She now pretty much refuses to sit and eat. She stands and eats. :)
Violet still nurses quite often and eats 3 meals of food a day. I was a little worried about her weight because she doesn't eat as much food as I think she should. But yesterday we went to the doctor and he said not to worry. He said she was small but not that small. :) She weighs 16lbs. now and she is 25.11".
When I hold her and rock her at night it amazes me at how much she has grown these past 10 months. I remember when I would hold her in one arm and she would nuzzle in so close. Now I struggle to hold her with two arms. She loves to stretch out while she is nursing to sleep.
I just am so thankful for each day with her. She truly is a miracle and perfect gift that I do not and never will deserve. Her little smile melts my heart. We love you Violet!
10 months
11 months
Here are some more summer pics on facebook to check out if you like. **warning...there are a lot of pics** :)
Here is a video of Violet walking to Daddy
7 Steps from Musclecars & Meditation™ on Vimeo.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Father's Day
Happy Father's Day!!
Violet is growing by leaps and bounds. It amazes me everyday how many new things she is learning. On Saturday she learned how to give a kiss when asked to do so. It is one of the most precious things I have ever seen. Her face gets very serious and thoughtful and then she gently presses her mouth up against our cheek or face or mouth. She also kisses her doll and bear, Mahatma. I was so surprised yesterday when I asked her to kiss her baby doll, she picked her up and actually turned the doll over so that she could kiss her on her face. It was precious. One of the wonderful things about her learning to kiss is that yesterday was Father's Day. So we woke Daddy up with kisses. It was beautiful and I could see how happy it made Gabe. She was so focused on showing affection to Gabe yesterday, it was amazing. She kissed him at random times and also when we asked her to do so. She snuggled up to him during our morning family nap too. It was beautiful. She is so perceptive. Gabe said maybe she sensed that I was focusing on him yesterday and so she did the same. It reminded me how much she feeds off of our emotions. I pray that God will grant me the ability to teach Violet how to be loving to others at all times. Not just on special occasions but everyday. I pray she will love people for who they are each and every day. That means that Gabe and I have to provide that example for her to learn from. Thank you Gabe, for being a kind and loving father and husband. You teach me daily about tolerance toward others and patience and peace. You are an amazing Daddy to our Violet. I love you!
Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us how to love and for loving us just as we are. As children we learn how to relate to our Father in heaven through the love of our father's on earth. I am so thankful that God blessed me with such a loving Daddy.
To my father on earth, Daddy, Thank you for loving me just as I am and for teaching me how to love. You are a wonderful man and father and I am so thankful for all that you sacrificed for me and our family. I love you!
To my Dad Craft, Thank you for accepting me into your family and for loving me as your own daughter. Your love means so much to me. Thank you for all that you do for all of us everyday. I love you!
more pics on facebook album
Violet is growing by leaps and bounds. It amazes me everyday how many new things she is learning. On Saturday she learned how to give a kiss when asked to do so. It is one of the most precious things I have ever seen. Her face gets very serious and thoughtful and then she gently presses her mouth up against our cheek or face or mouth. She also kisses her doll and bear, Mahatma. I was so surprised yesterday when I asked her to kiss her baby doll, she picked her up and actually turned the doll over so that she could kiss her on her face. It was precious. One of the wonderful things about her learning to kiss is that yesterday was Father's Day. So we woke Daddy up with kisses. It was beautiful and I could see how happy it made Gabe. She was so focused on showing affection to Gabe yesterday, it was amazing. She kissed him at random times and also when we asked her to do so. She snuggled up to him during our morning family nap too. It was beautiful. She is so perceptive. Gabe said maybe she sensed that I was focusing on him yesterday and so she did the same. It reminded me how much she feeds off of our emotions. I pray that God will grant me the ability to teach Violet how to be loving to others at all times. Not just on special occasions but everyday. I pray she will love people for who they are each and every day. That means that Gabe and I have to provide that example for her to learn from. Thank you Gabe, for being a kind and loving father and husband. You teach me daily about tolerance toward others and patience and peace. You are an amazing Daddy to our Violet. I love you!
Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us how to love and for loving us just as we are. As children we learn how to relate to our Father in heaven through the love of our father's on earth. I am so thankful that God blessed me with such a loving Daddy.
To my father on earth, Daddy, Thank you for loving me just as I am and for teaching me how to love. You are a wonderful man and father and I am so thankful for all that you sacrificed for me and our family. I love you!
To my Dad Craft, Thank you for accepting me into your family and for loving me as your own daughter. Your love means so much to me. Thank you for all that you do for all of us everyday. I love you!
more pics on facebook album
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Sweet Pea Has A Name.
We have finally decided on a name for our precious Sweet Pea.
Here is a little poem I wrote, you will find her name at the end. Enjoy!
As I feel you move inside me
your fingers and your toes
your arms and your legs
and even your tiny nose
I wonder what you look like
I wonder who you'll be
I wonder if you'll love me
As much as I love thee?
Will you have your daddy's blue eyes?
Will you have my hair so brown?
Will you sing just like the nightingale?
Will you travel the world 'round?
So many things I ponder
As you grow inside my womb.
This time is full of wonder
As we wait for you to bloom.
No matter what you look like
No matter what you do
Your Father in heaven will love you
Even more than daddy and I do.
You will always be enough.
You will always have His love.
You will always have His angels
Guarding you from above.
And now this name we give to you
Our tiny precious flower.
We love you so, our darling girl
Our Violet Cecilia.
Now that you all know the name I will explain why we chose it. Her full name will be Violet Cecilia Sumire Craft.
Violet was my dear sweet Great Grandmother's name. She was a very special woman in my life. We used to go visit her and Grandpa in Missouri in summer time. She was an amazing woman. Full of love for her family and the Lord. I can still see her in her kitchen and I can smell her delicious cooking. I remember when she would get upset about something and I can still see her wiping tears from her sweet eyes and saying "Mercy, mercy." My sweet Grandma Sweet.
Cecilia was the middle name of Gabe's dear Grandma Craft. Joyce Cecilia Craft. She was also an amazing woman. I never had the pleasure of meeting her in this life. But I have heard so many wonderful stories about her. Gabe often tells me how fondly he remembers her reading Peter Cotton Tail to him and Jesse and how she would read it with all kinds of voices for the characters. Her love of the Lord is evident in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was an incredible artist and beautiful person. She loved her family so dearly.
Another reason behind the name Cecilia is that St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians. When I was a little girl I always used to dress up like St. Cecilia on All Saints Day. She was always my favorite saint. I would dress up in a pink sheet with a hole cut out for my head and carried a harp made of cardboard. I loved it.
Sumire すみれ, pronounced "sue-me-ray", is her Japanese name. It means violet (the flower) in Japanese. We decided to use hiragana instead of kanji for her Japanese name. Our dear お父さんand
お母さん, Reverend and Mrs. Yoshida, helped us to make the decision on her Japanese name. We decided that hiragana had a softer image and feeling. Also it would be easier for her and us to write.
So that's the story behind our little Sweet Pea, our precious little flower's name. We can't wait to meet her. In fact the contractions are coming more frequently these days...we are praying she will join us soon. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this life changing experience. We love you all!
Here is a little poem I wrote, you will find her name at the end. Enjoy!
As I feel you move inside me
your fingers and your toes
your arms and your legs
and even your tiny nose
I wonder what you look like
I wonder who you'll be
I wonder if you'll love me
As much as I love thee?
Will you have your daddy's blue eyes?
Will you have my hair so brown?
Will you sing just like the nightingale?
Will you travel the world 'round?
So many things I ponder
As you grow inside my womb.
This time is full of wonder
As we wait for you to bloom.
No matter what you look like
No matter what you do
Your Father in heaven will love you
Even more than daddy and I do.
You will always be enough.
You will always have His love.
You will always have His angels
Guarding you from above.
And now this name we give to you
Our tiny precious flower.
We love you so, our darling girl
Our Violet Cecilia.
Now that you all know the name I will explain why we chose it. Her full name will be Violet Cecilia Sumire Craft.
Violet was my dear sweet Great Grandmother's name. She was a very special woman in my life. We used to go visit her and Grandpa in Missouri in summer time. She was an amazing woman. Full of love for her family and the Lord. I can still see her in her kitchen and I can smell her delicious cooking. I remember when she would get upset about something and I can still see her wiping tears from her sweet eyes and saying "Mercy, mercy." My sweet Grandma Sweet.
Cecilia was the middle name of Gabe's dear Grandma Craft. Joyce Cecilia Craft. She was also an amazing woman. I never had the pleasure of meeting her in this life. But I have heard so many wonderful stories about her. Gabe often tells me how fondly he remembers her reading Peter Cotton Tail to him and Jesse and how she would read it with all kinds of voices for the characters. Her love of the Lord is evident in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was an incredible artist and beautiful person. She loved her family so dearly.
Another reason behind the name Cecilia is that St. Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians. When I was a little girl I always used to dress up like St. Cecilia on All Saints Day. She was always my favorite saint. I would dress up in a pink sheet with a hole cut out for my head and carried a harp made of cardboard. I loved it.
Sumire すみれ, pronounced "sue-me-ray", is her Japanese name. It means violet (the flower) in Japanese. We decided to use hiragana instead of kanji for her Japanese name. Our dear お父さんand
お母さん, Reverend and Mrs. Yoshida, helped us to make the decision on her Japanese name. We decided that hiragana had a softer image and feeling. Also it would be easier for her and us to write.
So that's the story behind our little Sweet Pea, our precious little flower's name. We can't wait to meet her. In fact the contractions are coming more frequently these days...we are praying she will join us soon. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this life changing experience. We love you all!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Handmade Treasures
I just wanted to share pictures of these lovely hand knit gifts that we have received for our little girl. These were made with such love and I can't wait to see Sweet Pea in them.
These beautiful sweater vests and little purse were made by our sweet お母さん（okaasan） Mrs. Yoshida.
This beautiful blanket was made by my dear friend Kiley's sweet Daddy.
These beautiful sweater vests and little purse were made by our sweet お母さん（okaasan） Mrs. Yoshida.
This beautiful blanket was made by my dear friend Kiley's sweet Daddy.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The maternity ward of the hospital and Sweet Pea's feet
Last Tuesday we went to the hospital for our 32 week checkup. Sweet Pea has moved into a breech position...we are trying to change that though. Luckily we still have about 8 weeks give or take. So we are not stressing just trying to relax and pray that she will move in her own good time. I think she just wanted to get her mommy into a bunch of crazy positions for a good laugh. It must get boring in there sometimes :) Anyways, here is a short videos that Gabe took after the ultrasound while we were waiting to talk to the midwife about hospital procedures.
30 and 31 week belly shots
We are 32 weeks along now. I will post those pics later though. We always take our belly pics on Sunday nights. We are feeling really well these days and are getting very excited about the arrival of our precious miracle. Will post more pics soon! Love you all!
30 weeks (talking to the little one)
31 weeks
30 weeks (talking to the little one)
31 weeks
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Nursery
The nursery has been a work in progress. It is finally looking just about right. We have been searching for a set of drawers for the room for over a month. I can be so impatient sometimes.... :)
I was willing to settle for plastic drawers because I was so anxious. Then we found a couple that were too expensive...Gabe reminded me to be patient that we would eventually find what we needed. And low and behold we did. This weekend at the recycle shop (that we have been visiting every weekend for the past month) we found the perfect set. I am so blessed to have a patient husband! It was a great deal and the perfect size. So here are some new photos of the nursery. You can also click on this link to a facebook album with more pictures of it.
One of my favorite artists is Chihiro Iwasaki. These are some postcards I bought at an exhibit of her artwork a few years ago.
I was willing to settle for plastic drawers because I was so anxious. Then we found a couple that were too expensive...Gabe reminded me to be patient that we would eventually find what we needed. And low and behold we did. This weekend at the recycle shop (that we have been visiting every weekend for the past month) we found the perfect set. I am so blessed to have a patient husband! It was a great deal and the perfect size. So here are some new photos of the nursery. You can also click on this link to a facebook album with more pictures of it.
One of my favorite artists is Chihiro Iwasaki. These are some postcards I bought at an exhibit of her artwork a few years ago.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Baby, Momma & Daddy Photo Shoot by Sarah Ruddy
Click this here link for more of the pics that wonderful Sarah was so kind to take:
Baby, Momma & Daddy Photo Shoot by Sarah Ruddy
It was a rainy day but we asked our friend Sarah to take some pics for us and Sarah can make anything look great! Thanks Sarah!! BTW Sarah is a web developer and web page designer also, so if you need something in that line check her out here.
Friday, April 03, 2009
The Beating of A Heart
Yesterday we heard the most glorious sound we have ever heard. We were finally able to hear the beating of our little baby's heart. Gabe and I went to the doctor around 3:30 yesterday and we both felt anxious waiting for the doctor to come in. I was lying on the table and Gabe was sitting beside me holding my hand. We laughed together as we waited. Finally our sweet doctor came in.
I was pleasantly surprised that the gel that he put on my belly was comfortably warm. I just expected it to be cold for some reason. Then he placed the Doppler device on my belly and began the search. As I waited a million worries rushed through my mind but then I looked into my sweet husband's beautiful eyes and felt his calming gaze wash over me. Finally that miraculous sound came through the speaker. At that very moment I began laughing and crying at the exact same time. Then as I laughed my stomach muscles tensed up which made it impossible to hear the baby. So I started trying to take deep breaths and tried to calm down again. But it was no use. I cried tears of joy the entire time. The doctor let us listen for a few minutes and said the heart rate was about 160. I felt that my heart rate must be about the same as it seemed to be beating out of my chest! We felt so relieved and so blessed.
When we got home we got a package of books from someone here in Japan. She was giving them away and we requested some of them. One book is called "The Child Within". This book is a devotional for pregnant moms. It couldn't have come at a better time. Before bed we read the chapter for the 3rd month of pregnancy. It spoke so deeply to me. It helped me to remember that God is in control of this pregnancy and that He alone can form this life within me. He only asks that I take care of myself as best I can and leave the rest to Him. For only He knows the perfect plan for this life. I rested so peacefully last night and fell asleep to the sound of our precious baby's heart beat playing over and over in my mind.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. We are still so overwhelmed with joy by this miracle God has so graciously granted us.
Phillipians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I was pleasantly surprised that the gel that he put on my belly was comfortably warm. I just expected it to be cold for some reason. Then he placed the Doppler device on my belly and began the search. As I waited a million worries rushed through my mind but then I looked into my sweet husband's beautiful eyes and felt his calming gaze wash over me. Finally that miraculous sound came through the speaker. At that very moment I began laughing and crying at the exact same time. Then as I laughed my stomach muscles tensed up which made it impossible to hear the baby. So I started trying to take deep breaths and tried to calm down again. But it was no use. I cried tears of joy the entire time. The doctor let us listen for a few minutes and said the heart rate was about 160. I felt that my heart rate must be about the same as it seemed to be beating out of my chest! We felt so relieved and so blessed.
When we got home we got a package of books from someone here in Japan. She was giving them away and we requested some of them. One book is called "The Child Within". This book is a devotional for pregnant moms. It couldn't have come at a better time. Before bed we read the chapter for the 3rd month of pregnancy. It spoke so deeply to me. It helped me to remember that God is in control of this pregnancy and that He alone can form this life within me. He only asks that I take care of myself as best I can and leave the rest to Him. For only He knows the perfect plan for this life. I rested so peacefully last night and fell asleep to the sound of our precious baby's heart beat playing over and over in my mind.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. We are still so overwhelmed with joy by this miracle God has so graciously granted us.
Phillipians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
11 Week check-up
Today I went in for my 1st trimester testing (blood work, blood pressure...etc.). I also got another ultrasound. Unfortunately I didn't get a copy to bring home and I forgot to take my camera to take a picture of the ultrasound pic. I really wish I had because for the first time you could actually tell that there was a baby in there. I could see a definite head and body form. The doctor said that the baby was growing at a healthy rate (crown to rump 1.63") and that the baby's heartbeat was , in his exact words, beautiful. It was wonderful news. My blood pressure was normal and I will get the results of the other tests later. I go back again next week for my 12 week and we will finally be able to hear the heartbeat! We are really excited about that! All in all things are going really well.
I did think that my morning sickness was passing but unfortunately it caught me by surprise this morning. But not to worry, I will make sure to have my trusty banana beside my bed tonight so I can eat it before getting out of bed. (^-^)
We also received good news about our housing situation. Our current landlord is going to let us move whenever we like and the new landlord is going to allow us to move in a the end of this month. With a few days rent free for moving our things over. The new house is actually right across the road from where we are now so it shouldn't be too hard. The Lord has blessed us in so many ways. Thank you all for your prayers and love!
Here's a fun video for you to enjoy...note I am eating organic all natural peanutbutter.
I did think that my morning sickness was passing but unfortunately it caught me by surprise this morning. But not to worry, I will make sure to have my trusty banana beside my bed tonight so I can eat it before getting out of bed. (^-^)
We also received good news about our housing situation. Our current landlord is going to let us move whenever we like and the new landlord is going to allow us to move in a the end of this month. With a few days rent free for moving our things over. The new house is actually right across the road from where we are now so it shouldn't be too hard. The Lord has blessed us in so many ways. Thank you all for your prayers and love!
Here's a fun video for you to enjoy...note I am eating organic all natural peanutbutter.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Blessed News
We're having a baby! We feel so blessed and are overjoyed to be experiencing this miracle. Our due date is September 28th. (2 days before Gabe's Bday!) This beautiful gift that God has so graciously given us is already so loved! Today I (steph) registered my pregnancy at the city health care center. We have National Health Care here in Japan and in order to enjoy the benefits I had to go and officially register the pregnancy. I received many booklets and 2 free diapers (we'll take em!)
I received my mother and child health record book too. Actually I got 2. One is bilingual and the other is the normal Japanese version. Another wonderful thing is my doctor likes to do ultrasounds at every visit so we have already seen 3 pictures of our little miracle.
We thought we would share some photos: (for more photos click here)
I received my mother and child health record book too. Actually I got 2. One is bilingual and the other is the normal Japanese version. Another wonderful thing is my doctor likes to do ultrasounds at every visit so we have already seen 3 pictures of our little miracle.
We thought we would share some photos: (for more photos click here)
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