I know I am a bit overdue on this post, but I wanted to say a big "Thank You" to Noree' and Marita for coming down last weekend and helping get the baby's room organized!! It was a pretty big task, considering how generous everyone has been with baby gifts, but we got his drawers all set, and I just washed his clothes this past weekend--now I just have to put them back in the drawers : (
At first I thought it was something that would be nice to have help on, but could be done by myself without a problem...but after a few hours of sorting, folding, removing tags, etc...it was SO SO nice to have all that help. Not only because it helped make a big task not as big, but especially because the company was great and hanging out made the time so fun.
So thanks for all your help!!
--Kim.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Quick Update on Baby Joseph
I just wanted to update you on the baby I asked everyone to pray for....I haven't heard from his dad directly, but he just posted photos on his Facebook, and so far it looks like that little guy is hanging in there and continuing to grow.
At least according to the pictures, he was still pretty connected to some tubes and things, even after 1 month, but he looks like he's doing well on the road to getting bigger and stronger!
Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray for his and his family....your prayers are certainly having a positive effect!
At least according to the pictures, he was still pretty connected to some tubes and things, even after 1 month, but he looks like he's doing well on the road to getting bigger and stronger!
Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray for his and his family....your prayers are certainly having a positive effect!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
First Mother's day
Today was my first Mother's Day.....and Michael has spoiled me today (although he spoils me everyday....so it's hard for him to keep up with himself, I think :)
It was a relaxing day...we went to Mass, I had RCIA and after that I went home and took a nap while Michael got some work done.
Then he brought home some lunch and he gave me a beautiful watch with lots of sparklies around it, a mother of pearl background and a battery that never dies, we ate and then watched some Voyager for a while and then we went for a walk. After that, we had some dinner (Buca di Beppos take-out!) and have just enjoyed a relaxing evening together.
During this relaxing time, I have gotten some time to reflect on being a mom, especially since it is just beginning, and this is now a role I will play that will continue to define the rest of our lives.
In the course of this pregnancy, it's funny to think that being a parent is welcoming a new person into our lives. A person who didn't exist before, but now he exists. He has his own personality, his own look, his own temperment, which may be like one of us or the other, or a never-before-seen mixture of both. He also has his own vocation in life. His own mission. God wanted him to exist because He's got a purpose for him.
Michael Patrick Barber Jr. will see the inner life of the San Diego Barber family. He'll see what no one else (aside from other siblings!) will see. He'll be *in* on our ways...he'll know our inside jokes, and undoubtedly be the cause of some of them. He's a little person that is neither Michael or myself, but is a unique combination of the two, and then something extra that can't be traced directly to either of us, but only to the creative work of God.
He'll impact every aspect of our lives. Since we realized he existed over 7 months ago...he has already altered our lives radically. So much of these past 7.5 months have been oriented towards his coming.
He came into existence and immediately prompted a response of love. We didn't have to get to know him, he didn't have to introduce himself. But just his very existence means we love another person and would turn our lives around for him.
He stole my heart much like his father....one day he wasn't in my life, and then the next day, he was, and the only response was love (However, unlike his daddy who in the first few months of knowing him helped me deal with getting sick, this little one was an accomplice in my getting sick...he's got some learning to do :) )
And little Michael exists because of love. It's so amazing! Just like me and Michael who exist because of the love of our parents--that is the primary cause of our being--baby Michael exists because of our love.
And to our love as a married couple, this baby, and other siblings that, God willing, will join our family, gives our love a certain immortality. When we made our wedding vows, we vowed that we would be joined together as long as we both shall live. Marriage lasts "until death do us part." Yet, in our children, we are now joined together as long as they shall live, and their children should live (unless they are called to priestly or religious life :) ). Because of our being parents, that which is Michael and that which is Kim can't be separated even by our own death, because it has been given a life of its own in our child.
What a blessing it is that God allows us to participate in His creative powers, so that we can again reflect on our own origins: life-giving love!!
I love the anticipation of meeting this little guy! I love having another Michael in my life...another little guy who has already stolen my heart. A mirror to reflect all the reasons why I love his Daddy so much, and the incarnation of the love we have!
When crying, and sleeplessness and diaper changing wears on me, I hope I never forget: It's great to be a mother!
It was a relaxing day...we went to Mass, I had RCIA and after that I went home and took a nap while Michael got some work done.
Then he brought home some lunch and he gave me a beautiful watch with lots of sparklies around it, a mother of pearl background and a battery that never dies, we ate and then watched some Voyager for a while and then we went for a walk. After that, we had some dinner (Buca di Beppos take-out!) and have just enjoyed a relaxing evening together.
During this relaxing time, I have gotten some time to reflect on being a mom, especially since it is just beginning, and this is now a role I will play that will continue to define the rest of our lives.
In the course of this pregnancy, it's funny to think that being a parent is welcoming a new person into our lives. A person who didn't exist before, but now he exists. He has his own personality, his own look, his own temperment, which may be like one of us or the other, or a never-before-seen mixture of both. He also has his own vocation in life. His own mission. God wanted him to exist because He's got a purpose for him.
Michael Patrick Barber Jr. will see the inner life of the San Diego Barber family. He'll see what no one else (aside from other siblings!) will see. He'll be *in* on our ways...he'll know our inside jokes, and undoubtedly be the cause of some of them. He's a little person that is neither Michael or myself, but is a unique combination of the two, and then something extra that can't be traced directly to either of us, but only to the creative work of God.
He'll impact every aspect of our lives. Since we realized he existed over 7 months ago...he has already altered our lives radically. So much of these past 7.5 months have been oriented towards his coming.
He came into existence and immediately prompted a response of love. We didn't have to get to know him, he didn't have to introduce himself. But just his very existence means we love another person and would turn our lives around for him.
He stole my heart much like his father....one day he wasn't in my life, and then the next day, he was, and the only response was love (However, unlike his daddy who in the first few months of knowing him helped me deal with getting sick, this little one was an accomplice in my getting sick...he's got some learning to do :) )
And little Michael exists because of love. It's so amazing! Just like me and Michael who exist because of the love of our parents--that is the primary cause of our being--baby Michael exists because of our love.
And to our love as a married couple, this baby, and other siblings that, God willing, will join our family, gives our love a certain immortality. When we made our wedding vows, we vowed that we would be joined together as long as we both shall live. Marriage lasts "until death do us part." Yet, in our children, we are now joined together as long as they shall live, and their children should live (unless they are called to priestly or religious life :) ). Because of our being parents, that which is Michael and that which is Kim can't be separated even by our own death, because it has been given a life of its own in our child.
What a blessing it is that God allows us to participate in His creative powers, so that we can again reflect on our own origins: life-giving love!!
I love the anticipation of meeting this little guy! I love having another Michael in my life...another little guy who has already stolen my heart. A mirror to reflect all the reasons why I love his Daddy so much, and the incarnation of the love we have!
When crying, and sleeplessness and diaper changing wears on me, I hope I never forget: It's great to be a mother!
Friday, May 9, 2008
Happy Birthday Jack!!
Another day to celebrate a special little man!!
It's Jack's 4th birthday today!! Kathy posted a wonderful post about him here.
Jack is such a little man and so eager to grow up! Half the things he says I am just astonished he said because they are so grown-up sounding. It's like he knows he's shorter than the adults around them, but there are many times when in his mind, that's the only difference, and he likes to talk and contribute just like everyone else.
Jack has been such a joy and blessing to me these past 4 years. His laughter, his silliness, his creativity, and his determination is so much fun to witness and be a part of. I'm so honored to be his Aunt Wheetah!!
Happy Birthday, Jack! I love you!!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Happy Birthday Thomas!
Little Thomas turns two today!!
I remember being at Fuller Seminary, waiting anxiously to hear how Kathy was doing as she was just about to give birth to Thomas. I came out of my class, called my mom and found out that my newest little nephew had been born!
Kathy posted a really beautiful post about Thomas' personality here, and there's nothing I can add to that except hearty agreement with everything she said!
Thomas is a happy-go-lucky little guy with a smile that can brighten up a whole room! I love being a recipient of Thomas hugs and kisses, his "hellos" and "bye's" as well as his "I yuv you" (to quote Kathy). I love it (especially when I was more able to wrestle with Jack and Thomas before I was pregnant) when he comes up with his eyes bright and a big smile, waiting to get wrestled, tickled and plopped on the couch.
Love you Tom-Tom!!!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
He Ate My Lunch!
Just a quick funny story...
I came home for lunch and fixed myself a sandwich...In fact, I fixed myself two sandwiches and was quite full when I finished.
So full that I needed to lay down for a few minutes and let lunch digest.
I dozed off for a few minutes (ok...about 45)...woke up and realized: "I'm starving!!!"
I think, during my little nap, the baby ate my lunch! This actually wasn't the first time this has happened. This had, in fact, occurred before that I had to the point of being super full, took a short nap and then woke up like I hadn't eat for hours and hours!
Crazy baby... :)
I came home for lunch and fixed myself a sandwich...In fact, I fixed myself two sandwiches and was quite full when I finished.
So full that I needed to lay down for a few minutes and let lunch digest.
I dozed off for a few minutes (ok...about 45)...woke up and realized: "I'm starving!!!"
I think, during my little nap, the baby ate my lunch! This actually wasn't the first time this has happened. This had, in fact, occurred before that I had to the point of being super full, took a short nap and then woke up like I hadn't eat for hours and hours!
Crazy baby... :)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Everything is Getting Bigger
I can't believe this week we hit 30 weeks!! I can't believe it has been a month since all the craziness and worry of early labor. Now, those fears seem to be a pretty distant memory. While I still get contractions, they are not scaring me because they are easy to manage by laying down, and all in all, everything has been going well.
Baby Michael is as squirmy as ever, and it just makes us want to see him more and more! He is still good about being still at night, but it is taking him a little longer to settle down than before. Michael noticed that usually a few minutes after the lights are out and I am laying down, he'll start on a routine of kicking and rolling. Michael thinks it's because the baby checks on me in the same way I check on him. If he doesn't feel me moving as much because I'm laying down, he squirms to get my attention to make sure I'm ok...just like if he goes too long without moving, I'll poke at him and talk to him to wake him up to make sure he's ok. I like that theory...it's cute.
Meanwhile, I'm noticing even maternity clothes have their limits. My maternity pants are now having a hard time staying up over the baby, so they are typically not where they belong, but way lower....
In addition, my rings are no longer comfortable enough to wear, so I go most of the time without them on. I don't like doing it because I can't exactly hide the belly, and I don't want people to think I am not married, but....what can be done? It's good because it certainly is a reminder not to judge people who are pregnant with no wedding rings!!
Other than that, I am trying to be good about my diet, but am not always successful. It is a little easier on me that my stomach just doesn't feel like having heavy, greasy foods in them...I mean, French Fries, which is my all time biggest weakness, have not sounded appealing to me in a long time. I mean, I'll eat them because my brain says I like them, but I always, always regret it by the time my stomach gets involved. So, I guess that is making it a little easier. But sometimes my brain says, "Eat this....it won't bother you." But it always does.
All in all, I am doing well, though slowing down significantly. Michael is taking such good care of me! I am so spoiled!! He is such a good husband and daddy!! I can't wait to raise a little boy that is hopefully just like him!!
Baby Michael is as squirmy as ever, and it just makes us want to see him more and more! He is still good about being still at night, but it is taking him a little longer to settle down than before. Michael noticed that usually a few minutes after the lights are out and I am laying down, he'll start on a routine of kicking and rolling. Michael thinks it's because the baby checks on me in the same way I check on him. If he doesn't feel me moving as much because I'm laying down, he squirms to get my attention to make sure I'm ok...just like if he goes too long without moving, I'll poke at him and talk to him to wake him up to make sure he's ok. I like that theory...it's cute.
Meanwhile, I'm noticing even maternity clothes have their limits. My maternity pants are now having a hard time staying up over the baby, so they are typically not where they belong, but way lower....
In addition, my rings are no longer comfortable enough to wear, so I go most of the time without them on. I don't like doing it because I can't exactly hide the belly, and I don't want people to think I am not married, but....what can be done? It's good because it certainly is a reminder not to judge people who are pregnant with no wedding rings!!
Other than that, I am trying to be good about my diet, but am not always successful. It is a little easier on me that my stomach just doesn't feel like having heavy, greasy foods in them...I mean, French Fries, which is my all time biggest weakness, have not sounded appealing to me in a long time. I mean, I'll eat them because my brain says I like them, but I always, always regret it by the time my stomach gets involved. So, I guess that is making it a little easier. But sometimes my brain says, "Eat this....it won't bother you." But it always does.
All in all, I am doing well, though slowing down significantly. Michael is taking such good care of me! I am so spoiled!! He is such a good husband and daddy!! I can't wait to raise a little boy that is hopefully just like him!!
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