Clean Bill of Health

Today we went in for another checkup, and Caleb was given a clean bill of health. At our appointment on Thursday, he was already back up to his birth weight (8lb 10oz), and today he was up to 8lb 13oz. He's doing so well that we don't have to go back to the pediatrician until October 5 for his one month checkup! Pretty exciting seeing as how we've spent so much of his first week at doctor's appointments. Praise the Lord for His mercy on Caleb!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the last few days:

Sweet boy


So peaceful


Our little froggy


Sleeping on Daddy's chest


Even laundry is more fun with this guy around!


First family walk (Wally came too but was too low for the picture)


First time in his bouncer (Thank you, Sosebees!)

The Many Faces of Crying Caleb

Caleb seems to be a really, really good and easy baby, thus far. However, when he does cry, he makes the most adorable faces! My favorite is when he sticks his lower lip out in a pouty face. These pictures in no way indicate how he spends most of his time, but I just had to share a couple with you.

Life at Home

We were discharged from the hospital Saturday afternoon and have been slowly adjusting to life at home. Unfortunately the transition hasn't been as smooth as we had envisioned, but we're still so very thankful.

Very early on Saturday morning (before we left the hospital), Caleb was diagnosed with jaundice. This is very common in newborns, and they think his jaundice is a result of the bruising on the top of his head from the delivery. Anyway, there are two common types of phototherapy treatment for jaundice. One is referred to as "the blanket", which is kind of funny because it's not a blanket at all. It's a pad that you place under the baby's back. What's nice about the blanket is that you can still hold your baby and move them around.

The second type of treatment is what I like to call "the light box" and basically looks like a tanning bed for babies. The light box is much stronger and more effective in treating jaundice but the baby just has to lay in this box alone all day (unless being fed or changed).

When we left the hospital, they were out of blankets, so we were sent home with a light box. Ryan and I had planned on spending the rest of the day as a family in bed, catching up on sleep and just being together, however, the light box changed that. Kind of a long story, but basically Caleb did not tolerate the light box well in the beginning. He had to lay in it with only his diaper on, which meant he couldn't be swaddled. At two days old, Caleb was definitely not used to being so free in his movements all day long, not to mention that all of his wiggling around was irritating his circumcision site.

It was heart breaking watching our two day old son lay in this box screaming incessantly and not being able to comfort him. We didn't keep him in the box constantly, and when we had his bilirubin levels checked at the hospital on Sunday morning, they had gone up. Our pediatrician then instructed us to keep Caleb in the light box AND on the light blanket at all times. Jaundice, though extremely common, can cause brain damage if not kept in check. We felt so bad and resolved to leave him there all day.

On Monday, his levels had dropped some, so we were told we could use either the blanket OR the light box. We decided to do the blanket during the day so we could still hold him when we wanted to and the box at night. On Tuesday morning, we had our first appointment with the pediatrician. They were very encouraged by his weight gain (8lb 10oz at birth, 8lb 4oz at discharge and 8lb 7oz yesterday), as well as his frequency of peeing and pooping. When we got the bilirubin results back yesterday afternoon, though, they had gone back up. This can be normal because the levels often peak around day 5-6, but they shouldn't keep going up. Because everything else looks so good (weight gain, peeing, pooping and his physical color--not too yellow), the pediatrician said we could discontinue the phototherapy and just let them know if there were any changes.

We go back on Thursday for another check up and ask that you would be praying that God would cure Caleb of his jaundice.

Now, on top of all of this, we discovered that Caleb was also tongue tied. The little piece of skin that connects your tongue to the bottom of your mouth extended all the way to the tip of Caleb's tongue. This is often hereditary (my brother had it) and is more common in males. Anyway, it often makes it difficult for the baby to eat because sucking is harder (though Caleb seems to be doing fine in this area), as well as later impeding speech development.

Yesterday afternoon, Caleb had his tongue clipped. It's a really easy procedure at this age and is even done without any anesthetic. If we had waited until he was 10 months, they would have had to put him under. It was so hard to hear him screaming in the next room, but he handled it like a champ and seems to be back to normal.

Everything is going more smoothly now, and we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this little boy. It's so incredible to think about how long we have prayed for him and to now finally be able to hold him in our arms. Praise the Lord for His unwarranted goodness to us!

Caleb's First 24 Hours

The first day of Caleb's life has been so much fun. It was filled with lots of sweet visitors (we'll post some pics later) and time with our boy. One really fun thing about our visit here has been our hospital room neighbors. Our dear friends, the Abrahams, were due with their son on Labor Day as well. They were also going to be delivering at the same hospital using the same group of OB/GYN. Toward the end of our pregnancies, Megan and I were progressing very differently, so it wasn't looking like we would be in the hospital at the same time. However, they ended up checking into the hospital a couple hours after we did and delivering a couple hours before we did (this ss their second child). Anyway, it's been fun having them just down the hall.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Caleb's first 24 hours:

Caleb Ryan, 9.3.9

In December 2005, Kelli and I started chronicling our favorite baby names. “Caleb” was on the list then and only rose in esteem. But why, finally, did we name our firstborn son “Caleb”?

Well, it’s a responsibility we take very seriously. Naming matters in the Bible. It’s an act of authority carried out by they who are responsible for the one named. So Adam names his wife “Eve.” God is seen with some regularity re-naming men and women, so Abram becomes “Abraham” and Sarai becomes “Sarah.” Notice too that biblical names are chosen to express the character of the person. It is Christ’s person in view in his name “Immanuel” (God with us). And Esau’s brother is a deceiver, so he’s named “Jacob.” Later, Jacob strives with God and refuses to desist till God blesses him; and God re-names him “Israel” (He strives with God or God strives), which reveals that another aspect of naming expresses hope for the work the person will do. God’s true Son is named “Jesus” because he will save his people from their sins.

The person and work of Caleb in the Old Testament encourage us to name our son after him. We name him in faith, with great hope that his character and mission will honor his namesake. Turn to Numbers 13-14 and Joshua 14-15 for key passages featuring Caleb. We see Caleb’s person and work in his position among the people of God and in his stance toward the nations:

Caleb’s Position Among the People of God
“The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel." Numbers 14.7-10

Faithful to his promises, the Lord saved an insignificant people out of Egyptian slavery and made that people into a cherished nation, Israel. But the people rebelled and grumbled against their Savior, all the way through the wilderness to the edge of the promised land to which he was bringing them. Testing their faith, the Lord had Moses select chiefs of the 12 tribes of Israel to spy out the land of Canaan and to bring back a report of its beauty, resources, and people. The spies return affirming all the Lord had promised: The land is rich with produce, a land exceedingly great. But, most of the spies grumble, the enemy men in the land are great as well. And they despair, doubting the Lord’s ability to bring them into the land he promised them.

And Joshua and Caleb speak up, calling God’s people to trust the Lord who fights for them. Caleb was the representative chosen from the tribe of Judah, which is the kingly line (see Jacob’s blessing of Judah, Gen 49.8-12; “Ryan,” which means “little king” reinforces our hopes for our son). Just as Caleb called the people to faith and, in that way, battled their sin of unbelief, we’re praying our Caleb acts as a little king who images the True King who battled and defeated sin finally for others. We pray that Caleb would act wisely and bravely among God’s people and that he ever would lead them to trust Christ and not to fear men, especially when they are tempted.

We’re praying too that our Caleb’s legacy resembles his namesake’s. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, was the deliverer the Lord raised for his people when they cried out to him. And Caleb’s great grandson, Bezalel, built the tabernacle. Just as Caleb led the people into battle to defeat God’s enemies and to make a way for Israel to inherit the promised land, so Bezalel created the place where God’s presence dwelt during their wanderings. Pray with us that our Caleb would devote himself to the building of God’s dwelling place, which is now found in the hearts of those who trust Christ for salvation. And that leads us to Caleb’s standing in the nations...

Caleb’s Stance Toward the Nations
“Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’ And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.”

Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel. Now the name of Hebron formerly was Kiriath-arba. (Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim.) And the land had rest from war. Joshua 14.9-15

After the rebellious spies and those who followed them in grumbling against the Lord died, Joshua and Caleb led the people into the promised land. Because foreign nations were occupying the land, the Israelites had to conquer the nations to take possession of the land God promised. And as Caleb warred with pagans, he was bringing them into subjection to the One and only Lord. Because they stood against God, these nations were defeated for their disobedience. Similarly, we’re praying that our Caleb would give himself to the destruction of rebellion. Of course, after the cross, pagans are conquered not with bloodshed but with loving invitations to cast aside all idols to trust Jesus Christ, the redeemer and reconciler of all who would be right with God. That Caleb would be devoted to conquest, crushing unbelief with bold, affectionate appeals to repent and believe in Jesus—that is our prayer for our son. I trust Brandon and Jill join us in hopes that Joshua (our nephew) and Caleb would take the nations for King Jesus, expanding the borders of his praise, that his glory would cover the earth as the waters cover the seas.

Indeed we’re hoping the Lord will be pleased to make our son faithful like the Caleb of the Bible. And yet that Old Testament hero was a sinner who desperately needed a savior. May our Caleb know his own need and find the One whose name is above all names (Phil 2.1-10).

“My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring him into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.” Lord, make it so!

Another update

Been at the hospital since 6am. Now 7-8cm and 90 percent effaced. Come on little man--we can't wait to meet you!!

Update

I've been having contractions over the last few days but haven't stopped to pay much attention to them. I finally monitored them closely for an hour today and they were 5-8 minutes apart, so my doctor asked us to come in so she could check us. We sat in the doctor's office being monitored for about an hour. Basically, my contractions are regular enough at this point but need to be stronger to cause me to dilate more. We were given the option, and we chose to come back home instead of being admitted to the hospital.

Apparently with first labors, the contractions usually continue to progress (as opposed to just fizzling out), so they said the next few hours would determine our likely course. We have our bags ready and are growing more and more eager to meet this little one, but above all, we just pray for the Lord's will to be done as far as timing goes.

We'll keep you posted!

39 Weeks and "Mr. Bishop"

Yesterday we were officially 39 weeks! Supposedly one more to go. Another fun thing is that I started having contractions, but they seem to have either stopped or lessened substantially. It's exciting to know that our little boy will be here before we know it!

Also, today is Ryan's first day to be known as "Mr. Bishop." He starts teaching at Dorothy Sayers today (a private school here in Louisville) and will be teaching 7th and 8th grade Writing and Literature, as well as Senior Thesis. He looked so handsome when he left, and I wish I could be there to hear those sweet little voices call him, "Mr. Bishop." Too cute!

Nursery Pictures

...finally. I was finally able to download some pictures I've taken, but as you can tell, there's still nothing on the walls. That likely won't be rectified until after the little guy gets here. Somehow, I don't think he'll mind. :)

By the way, at our doctor's appointment last Wednesday, we were 1cm and 50% thinned. We don't go back until this Friday, so we'll see if we've made any progress. We're due in one week, but this guy seems pretty comfy where he is for now. We'll keep you posted, though!

Oh My Goodness!

I am just sitting here overwhelmed at the blessings in my life. My sweet, sweet husband is laying right beside me. Our precious dog, Wally (with his new haircut), is laying against Ryan. I have a laundry basket of little boy clothes that I recently bought at a consignment sale waiting to be folded. I pulled out a tiny little newborn onesie and laid it right next to Ryan, so I'm able to envision what it will be like to see my 3 boys all laying together.

Pregnancy stuff is going well. Energy-wise I'm doing well, with no pain or real discomfort. We are due a week from Monday (on Labor Day), and I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. The last 9 months have been so crazy busy with the internship, settling back into life in Louisville, new church, 3 new jobs for Ryan (associate pastor, teaching at a private school and serving as a grader for one of his professors at Southern). Because of this busyness, it hasn't really hit me that we're even pregnant. Not to mention that any day now we will Lord-willing have a baby boy to care for. Anyway, I'm just wondering when it's all going to sink in for me. Maybe when we get to the hospital??

Random ramblings, I know, but I just wanted to take a few minutes to publicly count my blessings for I know it's something I don't do nearly enough.

It reminds me of a song we sing at church called The Revelation Song. I've been struck today by the lyrics, so I've included both below. Worship and enjoy!

Kenwood Baby Shower

I was truly humbled by the love shown to us by the women at Kenwood Baptist Church. I have only known most of these women for less than two months, yet they cared for us as if it had been two years. Praise God for the love and common bond that we have in Christ!

The shower was held in the nursery at the church and was decorated in such a cute way. They even used one of the baby cribs to hold all of the gifts! The food was delicious, the games were fun, but best of all was time with these beautiful women of God. It was so special to experience the excitement that the ladies from each generation had for our son.

Thank you so much to all of you!

Louisville Baby Shower

I was so blessed and humbled shown by the love of some of our dear Louisville friends. Kedra, Jen and Andi, three beautiful women of God, threw us a baby shower a couple weeks ago. The details were amazing--from the monkey rice krispie treats to the baby pictures sent up secretly from Texas to the games. These girls are so creative and thoughtful!

It was so wonderful to spend time with ladies who mean so much to me. Thank you to everyone who could make it! I treasure your friendship.

Texas Baby Shower

In July, Ryan and I flew back to Arlington for our first baby shower. It was good to be home and see so many sweet family and friends again. I was humbled by the love that was shown us, including friends driving in from as far as Amarillo to see us for just a few hours!

Our moms hosted the shower and did an AMAZING job! There were lots of small details that made it all so special. I am so thankful for our time there and for how blessed our sweet baby boy already is to have so many people who love and care for him.

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special!

Full Term!

37 weeks












As of Monday, we are officially full term in this pregnancy--YEA!! The last 37 weeks have absolutely flown by. We technically have a little less than 3 weeks left, but I can't believe this sweet little boy could be here any day. It's so hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that one day soon we will leave the house as 2 and come back as 3. WOW!

Please keep us in your prayers for a smooth and healthy delivery. We can't wait to meet our son!

One More Thing...

I forgot to mention in my last post that Ryan's ordination service was on the ten year anniversary (to the day) of the day Ryan accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.

I can't think of a sweeter way to celebrate the Lord's kindness on his life!

Jonathan Leeman's pastoral charge to Ryan was unfortunately not recorded, but you can go here to read the script of his amazing and humbling message.

Ryan's New Job!

Ryan was voted in last Sunday as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Evangelism at Kenwood Baptist Church here in Louisville, Kentucky. Praise the Lord for His goodness in providing Ryan with this wonderful opportunity! We have been so incredibly blessed to get to know the members of this church over the last 8 weeks. Ryan preached in view of this call on Sunday, August 2, was voted in last Sunday, August 9 and was ordained yesterday, August 16. It's been a whirlwind around here lately, but we're so excited about what God has been doing in our lives.

Ryan's ordination service was amazing! Jonathan Leeman, a dear friend of ours, even flew in from Washington D.C. to speak at the service, along with our pastor, Jim Hamilton. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get a single picture of the day. You can go here to listen to both Ryan and Jim's sermons, though.

I hope to update our blog with recent baby showers and nursery pictures, but unfortunately, I don't have enough storage space on my computer right now to download any pictures. That issue should be resolved in the next couple days, so stay tuned. :)

Pregnancy Pics

So, I've been really bad about blogging lately, but for those who have been asking, here are some more recent pregnancy pics. We're at 35 weeks now, so I'll try and get some more up-to-date pics posted. This little boy is growing like a weed! The doctor says he's right on track and is likely about 5.5lbs!

*By the way, please excuse the mess in the background of these pictures. We were in the process of moving and getting settled back into our house.


25 Weeks


32 Weeks

We're Missing Y'all!

Here are a few pictures of some of our DC friends. Praise the Lord for our five precious months with these men and women of God!

Our Ministry wives Bible study (led by Connie Dever and Adrienne Lawrence)

A few of the Spring 2009 CHBC Interns: Garrett, Ryan and Nik









Mark and Ryan









Ryan, Josh, Matt and Garrett