Updating

I think I am going to stop with monthly updates on Roxy and just post as things happen or come to me. With that, as of today the most steps Roxy has taken is 17. She has about 13 teeth which is a lot for her age. She adorably babbles a lot and her latest phenomenon is pointing usually accompanied by "wuzat" which sounds like "what's that." Her eating habits are changing for the worst. She has been picky. Oh what a frustrating thing - trying to feed a hungry baby that gives a tight-lipped whine and turn of the head to something you try to feed her that she has enjoyed many times before. She is very passionate and I like that about her - except when she is passionate about doing things she shouldn't. Anyway, here are some good pictures from the past month.

Stroll in the park. Roxy and I both need to get our more. We enjoyed our outing.

She got herself in this predicament. So you don't think I am cruel, she was laughing when I starting taking the picture.

We do take good care of her, I promise.

Fire!

I almost burned the apartment down. I had a candle on my desk and was printing something. The paper flew off the printer onto the candle which caught fire and inflamed a folder on my desk. I was in the bedroom when our loud, trusty fire alarm went off. I ran to the scene and carried the flaming folder to the sink. After ventilating the alarm went off and we surveyed the damage: burnt head phones, charred spots on desk, melted printer cable, some paper, travel wallet melted, and lots of ash to vacuum. Pretty fortunate! My computer inches away is unscathed.

Where have we been?

The main reason that I haven’t posted in a while, besides being generally busy, is that we do not have internet at home anymore. We cancelled it in conjunction with our landline - saving money and cutting down on the distraction. I have internet access at school and Trish has it at work. Plus, there are wifi connections here and there. Right now I am at the library working on a research paper.

In regards to my last post, Roxy has recovered well and is back to being as active as ever. This week we started Roxy in daycare, http://www.eldc.org/, for one day a week to give her some interaction with more kids and structured “development” and give me some time to get school work done so that I don’t have to stay up so late and can have more time to spend with Trish when she is home instead of doing catching up on what I couldn’t get done during the day watching Roxy. Wow, that was an impressively long, grammatically correct sentence. Or is it not correct? I figured out that I was spending at least forty hours a week giving Roxy undivided attention or taking care of her in some way (laundry, making baby food, etc.). Although fulfilling, it still means I am “working” a full-time job and going to graduate school full-time (I actually take 2 more credit hours than full-time). Needless to say I have some stress in my life. Stress can be good and bad and so it is with me.

Poor Baby

Thursday night Roxy threw-up (Meredith, how is your bag smelling?). Friday it didn't stop so I took her to the clinic. She has an ear infection that was probably brought on by a cold. In combination or as a byproduct, she has a fever, diarrhea, soar throat, coughing, cold sores, runny nose, was still throwing-up, and popped a blood vessel in her eye. To top that off she has a couple of teeth coming in. We took her to the clinic yesterday and they prescribed suppositories. She hasn't thrown up since and seems to be doing better today. It was so sad this weekend holding our pathetically weak baby. She has been cuddly though for the first time. We like that but it sure isn't not worth it.

Cake Face

Here are the pictures I promised. Why do we ever stop doing this? Given everyone's fascination with watching the "baby's first cake eating extravaganza," I think (whether you'll admit it or not) that we all wish we could smear our birthday cakes all over us and people not think we're crazy or immature. I'll be the first to confess.
Thanks and a shout out to Meredith for the pictures.

Happy Video

I finally got around to figuring out how to get video on my blog. So if you want to see a 26 second clip of our genius baby click here:Video.

Partytime

For Roxy's First Birthday Party we had people over to our apartment clubhouse to celebrate. We had 23 adults and five babies join us. It was a lot of work to put on but was well worth it. I cooked all the food in an hour and half but only a third of the food was eaten. I couldn't believe how much was left over! Today was actually Trish's birthday so I got a Cold Stone Creamery cookie dough ice cream cake for her. It was a hit!
So Roxy's cake eating extravaganza didn't go over quite as expected. She didn't know what to do and then started crying when Trish put her hand into the cake. After a few minutes she caught on though and had it everywhere. Sorry the webcam did not work out for those who tried to tune in. A friend took pictures so I'll post some once I get them.
Trish's parents are in town and watched Roxy for us after her party while I had a surprise party for Trish at a local pub. She was surprised and very appreciative. What a day!

ONE Year Old

Can anyone else not believe it? I want to give a quick update and I plan on posting some reflections when I have more time.
Roxy still prefers crawling so she hasn't made any progress since her three steps a couple of weeks ago. She is TOOTHY! Other parents we talk to can't believe how many teeth she has her 10th tooth just came through and second molar. Hopefully that is why she has been crabby. We've had some stressful days lately. She has a few more syllables in her vocab and has recently starting doing a "g" sound which is cute but also resembles a clearing of the throat. One of the cutest things she has been doing is coming up to us and laying her head on us. We love it! She is afraid (cries) of the vacuum cleaner but she faces her fear and follows it around. Strange! She still doesn't realize the danger of falling from things (like bed), or maybe she is just that fearless? She picks things off the ground with her mouth. Separation anxiety has set in. When she sees us when we're with other people she cries until we pick her up. It makes us feel special, but it makes things more difficult.
That is all I can remember right now. Oh, the picture is of Roxy's toy chest we got her for her birthday. It's actually a pine blanket-chest but it works perfect. Thanks for tuning in!

Day in the Park

A front passed by, as you can see from our balcony, and left some lovely weather for us. On Saturday we took advantage of this and took a family trip to the park. Not that exciting but some good pictures.

So Roxy does not like the swing!

She hasn't walked on her own again since the first time nine days ago.

This is classic Roxy as of late. Always reaching out and make a "ahhhooouuu" sound like she is amazed.

Kiva

Thanks to Josh Sandoz I ran across an awesome idea at Kiva. For those socially responsible types, check it out. I realize some may be sceptical, but there isn't much risk. Kiva is the first microlending Web site designed to provide individuals with the ability to connect with and make personal loans ($25-175) to small businesses in developing countries.

Microlending is a great strategy for helping the poor.

The ONE Campaign

Do you ever feel like you want to do more for the suffering poor, I do. Something simple, quick, and easy we can do is sign petitions for things we believe in. Elected officials seem to care what people want. At least they should. Anyway, here (The ONE Campaign) is a sign-on letter at the ONE site asking the leaders of the House and Senate Budget Committees to fund President's Bush's full budget request for International Affairs. If you've never heard of the ONE campaign, check out there site. They are doing good things.

A Million Voices for Darfur

Here is another one. If you do not know what is going on in Darfur Region of Sudan, please check it out at savedarfur.com. Also, please sign this petition, A Million Voices for Darfur.

Firsts

So we have some firsts to report: two induced, one contrived. Firstly, we couldn't wait for one year to give her cow's milk (that is when you are supposed to make the switch from formula). So two weeks early (oh, how rebellious) we decided to start introducing organic whole milk. She likes it.

We also have held off on giving her meat, UNTIL NOW! So our little vegetarian tried some chicken. She didn't like it. Also of note, the spoon was a gift from my grandparents that they used to feed my mom. How cool!

So now the big news. Roxy WALKED! For the whole story, when Nathan was here she took a step, but didn't land it. So I will leave it up to you if you think that counts. Also, Nathan was the first to hold only one of Roxy's hand as she walked. So tonight at the Dancause's home, where Roxy took her first crawl, she took her first step (and remained standing). Thanks Meredith for all of your motivation. Of course, we couldn't stop there. So after several more attempts (probably too many), she made it to three steps. Roxy walks.

Nanny ain't movin'

Click on this article: to read about my great-grandmother in the Orlando newspaper. I'm so proud of her.

Na Na

Na Na was in town! I have known Nathan Powell since birth. Our fathers were and are friends and so we grew up together. Through the years we have spent varied amounts of time together in different seasons of our lives. We can relate well with each other since we come from very similar upbringing. That is one of the joys of our friendship. I am so appreciative that Na Na made the effort to come see me, Trish for only the second time, and meet Roxy.

As for keeping ourselves entertained, we went to a Jet City Improv show on Friday night which was different than what I expected, but there were a few laughs. The main event was snowboarding on a beautiful, sunny day. It was a little icy, but the mountain not being crowded and the view made it worth it.
On Sunday, we went to the 270 foot Snoqualmie Falls and then to China Town in downtown Seattle. Good times, but now back to the books. I have lots of reading...

Artistic?

11 Month Update

In another month of life Roxy proves to be quite the handful. She is active as ever, but still not walking. She can stand just fine, but she chooses not to. We have to trick her into standing. She Two days ago she got her first molar. It looks so painful, just think about a molar pushing its way through your gums. Ouch! That's her ninth tooth and first one to come through in a couple months. In other firsts, she projectile vomited. Trish was the recipient of that fine present. Pretty gross, and they didn't manufacture the car seat very well for cleaning. We are still in awe of how she is developing. I predict she will be passionate, talkative, inquisitive, rowdy, pouty [she already throws tantrums (thrashing on the floor, quite funny right now)oh, and I wasn't trying to rhyme], and demanding. She's is going to be fun (I don't mean that sarcastically - in case you got that impression from my prediction).

No Rain

Seattle had twice as much rainfall as usual in January. I really didn't mind it, but today is the second day of lovely weather and I do prefer that. I took Roxy in the jogging stroller yesterday. It puts her in this zone: no movement, no sound. It's a nice change. Besides that, I've been staying more busy than I'd like with school and taking care of Roxy. I'm getting a lot out of it, but I wish I had more time to hang out with friends, communicate with my geographically distant friends and family, exercise, experience the NW, brush my teeth, etc.

Haiti

I received the following email from a missionary friend in Haiti. Ask me sometime to tell you about this amazing women.
"Well my friend fasten your seatbelts!
Today at hospital General a person was brought in who woke up! after laying in the morturary for 3 days pronounced dead! The family is so poor they were trying to borrow money for the internment so the body laid untouched on ice.
A man from this area 15 days ago died , also woke up in the funeral home.This man wrote and sang "The Risen Christ. sadly he was killed by the guard who thought he was a ghost or worse .The people were so outraged they burnt the funeral place down.
Hundreds of people flocked to the hospital today declaring this to be signs from God ,that He has not abandoned this country and He is Faithful!
I will tell you I am right with them, hands raised and declaring also that my God is a God of Miracles!
Our election is Feb.7 and here in the south the candidate is a Baptist pastor well known Chavanne Jeunne( not Joel Juenne seen on TBN) for his many years of service.
Today it does not matter if democracy comes because people are so excited and thankful that God is with us! God is not a stranger and He is in control of our lives!
I am so excited to be here in this country and as you know I aint!!!! gonna miss God.I truly wish you were here with me .Shalom Judy"

Lounging

Yes, Roxy is watching TV (Baby Einstein). As for me, not much lounging going on. I have half an intensive class this Friday and Saturday and only had eight days to read about 350 pages and write 12 for just this class. I'm loving the material though.

Right now I am baby sitting Jocie Lee (Friend). It is going to be a regular thing Weds 9:45 - 12:15 while her dad is at class. We like having a playmate for Roxy. Luckily, Jocie is a lot easier to handle.

Espresso

I think I need to make the intuitive decision not to drink coffee in the evening. Well, I'm up so I thought I'd post instead of lay in bed. Just a thought and then a couple of good pictures.

I am really looking forward to my classes this trimester: Marriage & Family (which Trish will be attending with me), Counseling Practicum II (anxious but excited about this one, I have to actually do peer reviewed counseling), Theological Mosaic II (the topics strike my interest more than last semester), Essential Community (basically engaging a diversity of people and forming authentic community), and Mission in Global Context (my heart's desire).



This black and white one was taken by our good friend Meredith Dancause.

My Mom

My mom visited me this past week. I tried to give her a taste of Seattle and I think she enjoyed my efforts. In the process, I became a lot more familiar with Seattle. This picture is at a park by my house for a sample of the beautiful outdoors.

Here we are at the Freemont Troll under a bridge. That is a VW Bug under his left hand.

In our explorations, we found a fabulous beach park. I can't wait to go in the summer.

Steven's Pass

Today Trish and went snowboarding at Steven's Pass. As per my previous post (we're on 26 days), there was lots of snow at the resort 3000 feet up and an hour and a half drive away. The visibility was bad most of the day, but overall a fun experience. I am just glad we had the opportunity to go, but we probably won't go too much as it is a bit expensive.

Talking Rain

SEATTLE, Washington (AP) -- After 22 consecutive days of measurable rain, Seattle is closing in on a record so dismal even forecasters in this city famous for its gray skies are complaining.
With more wet weather predicted over the next several days, Seattle may soon break a record set in 1953. The city saw 33 consecutive days of measurable precipitation then -- the most since the National Weather Service office there started tracking rainfall in 1931.
Though Seattle is famous for its rain, the city's average annual rainfall from 1970 to 2000 was 37.07 inches, compared to 49.71 inches for New York City.

10 Month Update

Wow, Roxy is active. She has become quite the handful. When she is awake, she is constantly moving. On the plus side, I think she wears herself out and sleeps eleven hours a night and takes about three naps. I can't think of any big firsts this month. She only stands for a split second. I don't think she will be walking anytime soon. Have I ever mentioned she is loud... piercing.

Reflections on First Trimester

I've been wanting to post this for a while. The following are a few thoughts concerning my first trimester at MHGS:

• I had high expectations for my time here and they have been met.
• I thought my views, theological understanding, doctrinal beliefs, etc. had been pretty much deconstructed before I came to the school. Man, was I wrong! I had and have a lot more deconstruction to go. I echo Meister Eckhart; "I pray God to rid me of God." That is take away my blinders, destroy the box I've put You in, and continually transform Your image.
• God is mysterious and I love that. It makes me want to seek God and not reason out the mystery.
• How I hold (metaphorically) the Bible has changed so much that I dare not start to write how because it would take too much explanation for this post.
• My conviction of the importance of community has been strengthened. Relationships are what the world is all about.
• I feel like my vision has broadened much as I've realized that God can be seen in everything; all of creation and even in evil and suffering.
• I've realized that I want to live my life in solidarity with all of humanity as Christ lives in solidarity with us. He is part of our rejoicing and He is part of our suffering.
• I just realized that this post could take more time than I have and not do justice to what I sense stirring and changing in my heart. However, here are some buzz words that you can bring up in conversation with me sometime if you want to hear more: postmodernity, tradition, narrative, feminist theology, liberation theology, I-Thou, dialogue, story, encounter, contextualization, contradiction, mutual surrender, authenticity, presence, and incarnational. There is more, but I'll stop there.

Currt Dawg

We had the supreme privilege of having the one and only Curtis W. Sutton visit us the last few days. We met Currt Dawg when we arrived in Japan and he has become a great and true friend. He met us at the airport on the first and spent the last four nights with us.Together we visited Canada for the first time ever and spent Monday in Vancouver, BC. It is about two hour drive from here. Trish had to work the last three days so we ate lunch with her downtown and Curtis, Roxy, and I spent two afternoons downtown shopping, drinking coffee, walking around, and visited the Experience Music Project. Last night we met up with Steve and Meredith who we are quite fond of and had some good ole fashion fellowship.

St. Louis and Beyond

Trish's hometown is actually St. Charles, a suburb of St. Louis.

Anyway, besides the aforementioned funeral and all that goes along with that, we had an enjoyable holiday time.
All we did was eat and during the breaks: we visited friends (including the Weber family), traveled to Springfield with Jen (Trish's eldest sister) and stayed two nights with Sheila (Trish's middle sister) and her family and visited Silver Dollar City in Branson where the Christmas lights were amazing, watched Narnia and King Kong, visited the St Louis Art Museum which had an exhibit from the "Tombs of Ur", did some shopping, and spent New Year's at "First Night" in downtown.

Roxy's First Christmas Presents

The opening of presents happened on Christmas Eve night at the Bundy household with Trish's siblings and their family. Roxy and Michael played the part ripping open presents (with a little help). Roxy got some bath toys, books, shoes, lambchop puppet, more toys, and clothes.

Christmas Time

We're in St. Louis for Roxy's first Christmas. It has been a busy time hence the non-posting. I will post pictures upon our return to WA. Today was Trish's grandfather's funeral and so sadly buried was her last living grandparent (father's father). He passed on Dec. 22 at 7:07 pm. Yesterday was the visitation. Besides that we have just been doing the usuual hanging out and eating lots. I've enjoyed meeting a lot of people I haven't before. One of the highlights of this trip is having Roxy and her 4-day-younger cousin together.

Still awake

Wednesday was last day of school for my first trimester of school. It ended with an all-nighter (literally no sleep) to finish my last paper. I recovered well though. This picture is the sunrise from our balcony that my studious, slight-procrastination-but-more-closely-busyness gifted me.

Lankertime

Mark Lanker is in town. His friend flew him out here to be the photographer at his wedding and I had the benefit of spending a couple of days with Mark before the big day. What a privilege to spend some quality time with a life-long friend. I've known Mark for about thirteen years and the last several have rendered too few contacts. However, it is great to realize that we have both grown in similar areas, ways, values. Our conversations were so exciting in seeing what God is doing in our lives and hearts. Good times! Good friends!

Restoration

Last night we were treated to dinner and a play by Trish's boss, Bev. Now that Trish is in the corporate world, life may be a little different. Bennies! (that's benefits) So Prudential sponsors the Seattle Repertory Theatre and we watched a production called Restoration Comedy as part of a business function where they had prospective clients come to a cocktail party before the show. The show was amusing and something enjoyably different to do. Before hand we were treated to a scrumptious meal at a fancy Thai restaurant downtown called Racha. I had a dished called Fruity Fruity Yum. Yummy! And, the whole night was free for us.

9 Month Update

If you've been keeping up with the life of Roxy via the blog, you will notice it's not the usual formal pose. We'll get that tomorrow. I think this picture is much more enjoyable anyway. Any ideas for a caption?
Not much new to report. Only thing I can think of is that she is imitating. She will clap and shake her head side-to-side. It is soooo cute. Lot of growth and development. She is in the 95 percentile for size at 29.5 inches and 22 lbs. She pulls herself up on anything she can, including our legs. She is of course in to everything. If there is ever anything new to her that ends up on the floor, she bolts for it. She likes: getting her teeth brushed, when the bath tub drains, cords, paper, door stoppers (the mounted spring-type), our sliding glass door, peek-a-boo, photos, balls, being outside, mouths, tosses in the air, and Gerber veggie puffs. She does not like: getting her hair rinsed or finger nails clipped, dressing, her face wiped off, being left alone, cuddled unless she is tired, and taking away something she was playing with.
Sorry if that was boring for you, but we like to record it for history sake.

What a Face

Don't you wish you could look rub food all over your face and still look this cute.She smelled like maple cookie even after a bath.
New hairdo!

I'm not sure what she is looking for???

Flick

Michael Flickinger, now departing! Flick is getting out of the Navy, and so we had the another opportunity to spend some time with a friend passing through. He is out-processing here as we did. He spent two nights with us last weekend and then we spent today with him today in downtown Seattle. He is going back home to Minnesota to finish school. I hope to see him again soon and in the future.

Our Cars

These are our vehicles. We bought a new Mazda 3 a couple weeks ago. Since Trish is starting work Monday (her start date has been held up because it took a while to get a back ground check done), we needed a second car. I still like the benefits of a minivan, but it sure is nice to drive a small, excellent-performance-driven car.

Snow Day

As I remember, most people told us that it doesn't snow in the city of Seattle but in the surrounding mountains. And, I've told any of you who've asked the same. Well I was wrong. I don't know if this is unusual, but as you can see it does snow. I think we had at least two inches yesterday. I like it! The pic is from our balcony.