Jeannette Update!

Thank you all for your prayers. There is not too much to say other Jeannette is in somewhat stable condition, for which we are grateful. She was on an extremely high dose of steroids which kept the doctors from being able to run necessary test to discover why Jeannette experienced such terrible side effects after pregnancy. They are in the process of weaning her slowly back from almost 200 ml. to 30 ml. in order to do tests. Lord willing, those tests once done will shed some light on the situation. She is just resting at this point while my sister, Rachel, graciously agreed to take baby Samuel and breastfeed him with the intention of gradually teaching him to take a bottle. Rob and Jeannette hope to pick up Samuel early next week if all goes as planned, and my sister, Martha, will be going up to SC for a couple of months to assist. We are all doing whatever is possible to be of assistance, but we must primarily wait on God to do His perfect will. Thank you all again for your prayers and thoughts!!!

Need for Prayer

Please find below a prayer request from my brother-in-law, Rob in regard to my oldest sister Jeannette. The family would deeply appreciate this request being passed on in your churches:

Dear Congregation,

We would appreciate your prayers for Jeannette today. She was experiencing some difficulties last night, which became more severe this morning. The symptoms seem to indicate that she is having an Addisonian crisis, which means her adrenals are crashing after coming down from the high doses of IV soluble cortef before and after surgery. She has blurred vision, difficulty breathing, nausea, acute weakness and a list of other symptoms. We have been on and off the phone today trying to reach the right doctors. Jeannette's baby doctor is actually out-of-town at present. We finally got a referral to an endocrinologist, but they are unwilling to see her right away. Consequently, we are having to go to the emergency room to get treatment, which may result in the same endocrinologist seeing Jeannette in the ER. Little Samuel appears to be doing fine. Jeannette's parents were here today, and her dad is staying with the other children at our house. We would appreciate your prayers for Jeannette and the doctors who will be seeing her.

Warm Regards,
Pastor Rob McCurley


P.S. They did go to the ER, and by the time they arrived Jeannette was unconscious. Thankfully, they were able to reverse some of the symptoms and pumped her full of steroids which will hopefully serve her through the night and until she is able to go to a doctor tomorrow!

Funny Moments

Ok... So, I began to post a few pictures of Charis and then discovered that the supposed photos just become streams of letters and numbers. So... I thought that I might, until I get the dilemma sorted out, just post a few funny incidents that have occurred in the last couple of weeks. Nothing over the top, but simply amusing to me personally. If you do do not find them to be so. Please, by all means, do not feel obliged to read or comment! :)

1) So, I went to the bank today and decided rather than going in and seeing how long our credit union can take to deposit funds that I might see if things progressed more quickly outside. Sean was with me as we went just prior to a family outing, and He was awed by the chutes outside into which one can pull out the canister, slide open the top, place in the desired paper, push the button, and "bingo" ... the transaction is complete with a little help from the lady who pops up on the screen to the right of the the chute to answer any questions and to complete the transaction. Sean's comment was something like he felt as if he had stepped into the future like on the "Jetsons" show." I had to laugh! He really was impressed and never even knew that such outside banking existed!?!

2) Ok.... so I LOVE cooking with herbs, especially fresh herbs... Sean came in rather upset because the parsley had died the other day and had the whole plant in his hand which he had just pulled up. Thus, I consequently decided that dried parley would have to suffice until Sean came inside the from the garden again a couple of days later to state that the parsley must have spread seeds because it was now sprouting up all the way across the garden. I was delighted and then began to chop up the new "parsley" without ado or consideration. The moment I dropped it into my pan Sean pipes up, "I do not think it is parsley." He then asked me a very important question before which he had already discovered the answer. What looks like parsley just a little bit and could possibly be ready to spring up "all over the garden?" My answer was after some thought was... CARROTS!!! So... at least some of our carrots will serve as fertilizer since the tops which indicate their position is missing and we... well,... I am most likely the first to use carrot tops as herbs in my food! :)

3)Lastly but not least... I was traveling home from a conference last weekend when Sean and I, ever on the lookout for the cheapest gas prices, stopped at this little hole-in-between-two-mountains place at which the gas attendant didn't even have a cash register but gave me the correct return amount out of the wad of bills in his pocket!?! Anyhow, it was one of those mostly auto shops, so I overlooked this oddity, especially as we where in West Virginia and then proceeded to the bathroom in the back to wash out Charis' bottle the best I could while holding her in my arms. As the juggling act was not working I went to drop her off with Sean who was inside getting directions from the gentleman with the "wad of bills in his pocket." As I hand Charis off and prepare to go back to wash the not-very-clean bottle again... I turn around to see an old friend from UGA, who I knew that I knew quite well but absolutely couldn't remember a thing about him. Next thing I know, he had swept me into quick hug while my brain was racing through past history trying to reacquaint myself. During all of this, my innocent husband, the bystander, apparently exclaimed in mid-sentence the first thing that came to his mind when his wife exclaims in disbelief and hugs the first guy she comes to in the gas station... " that's weird!!!" This statement from Sean, as I after discovered sent the "guy with the wad of cash" to whom Sean had been talking racing into the repair half of the shop to tell all of the other guys about Sean's rather shocked response as he couldn't hold himself together. Anyhow, I did get a first name to this post UGA grad and previous friend. His name was Terry! We weren't great friends all throughout my undergrad but mostly during my last semester at UGA, and I have not seen him in over 5 or 6 yrs. Yikes! Even then, I would only call us good acquaintances... and then to see him in some random gas station at which most people wouldn't choose to go in WV???
Too odd! (Hey Jen... I know that you knew the guy to! I think he played a wind instrument and was getting his masters at the point I was getting my undergrad... he may have even been the orchestra manager at one point... Just can't remember a last name or anything. Anyhow, Terry had just finished his PhD and was head to Indy to teach... let me know if you come up with anything)

Well, that's it. I am headed bed!!!

Newest Addition in the Family

Well, as some or most of you know, my sister Jeannette was pregnant with her fifth. We have been very excited for her as well as concerned for both her and the baby due to Jeannette's health concerns. However, I am pleased to announce after some rather nerve-racking events (inducement, emergency c-section, etc.)Mr. Samuel Rutherford McCurley and Mommy are doing fine! He was a little tike compared the the usual McCurley babies but appears to be quite healthy. I do not have his measurements, but he was about 6 lbs. 8 oz. So far, he is just sleeping and enjoying not having the usual cone head and blotchy face. :) Thank you all for your prayers during this time!!!

Lovely Carrier!!!

You guys just have to check this carrier out if you have not already done so via Kelley's website. I just loved the color schemes available as well as the certain attributes specific to this carrier: waist support, color schemes, back or front wearing,and especially, the ability to pass the baby without completely taking the baby out of the apparatus!!!


http://www.alongfortheride.biz/Win-a-Free-Beco-Butterfly-and-
-Beco-Toy-Carrier-s/49.htm

Thank you Kelley for sharing!!! I will most definitely keep my eyes open in regard to this possibility for another child or... We'll see!

Charis' Newest Antics.. first time ever!

Funny Motherly Instincts!

Ok... So this will be brief, but it is a situation that Sean and I found quite amusing, despite the fact that I woke him from a sound sleep. If it had been a reverse role... Yikes! He probably would have had a bloody nose, or at least be hurting somewhere still. Anyhow, due to traveling and messing Charis' sleeping schedule up, my Sunday morning began quite early, and Charis decided that she had to eat much more often and sooner than normal. After her second feeding at only 7:30 am, I decided to go back to bed. I wake up suddenly to see/feel something rolling, from my perspective "off" the bed, and I lurched rather urgently to grab (to Sean's chagrin) and keep Sean from rolling over in his sleep. Of course, the last thing I remember was feeding Charis, and I awoke quickly thinking that it was her who had fallen asleep beside me and that she was about to land on the floor. Sean, thankfully, responded with only, "What are you doing???" There were no other repercussions, surprisingly. I, of course, got into a giggling fit and could not stop for some time. BUT... to end this story, Charis was safely in her bed downstairs, and I was able to sleep for a bit longer. :) Has this happened to anyone else?

Happy Birthday to...

We recently took a trip over to my brother's home to enjoy some family time as well as celebrate their oldest daughter's birthday. Sean had to stay at home and work, but the rest of us had a good time anyway. Here are just a few, and I mean a few, of the many, many pictures taken... Enjoy!

I just couldn't get over their wild roses outside!

What is a party without presents!

Grammy fixing the birthday girl's hair!

Just thought I would have some fun with some
different angles: looking into the mirror, through
the presents and...

Ren picked some flowers for the center piece! Did someone mention Dora???

With all of the rest of us working, Lauren thought that she might just kick back for all of us combined! :)

Presents, paper, smiles, and CAKE!

Last but not least... the smallest member preparing for bed from her hard day's labor by taking a nice warm bath! Can anyone guess with that loving, happy little face at whom Lauren might be looking?

Family Fun

Well, I have not much to say yet again. However, I thought that I would just share with you these impromptu poses of our little family. We were having fun and appreciated having my sister, Martha, here to snap some shots. So Enjoy!...

Having a good time!

A little more serious!

Goofing around but still... this was the only photo that Charis actually looked at the camera.

Beware of the hair pulling baby!

Notice the beautiful color scheme of greens and blues... OK so, I should have cleaned up a bit first. Sorry! AND whoever thought of calling it bath tissue. Why not just good old toilet paper? Because that is what it is. Of course, bath tissue does sound a bit more stately and refined. However, I am sorry, but the purpose for which bath tissue is used is certainly not... I will say no more. Just one more thing... Perhaps, the name generates from the fact that is just a generic brand??? :)

So, who does Charis look like?

Movies !!!

I do not have much to write as not much has happened here. However, I did want to mention to all of you moms or aunts or... out there that the Baby Einstein videos are amazing. Well, at least the particular one I have is quite worth while. I do not appreciate the attempt to teach different languages at such an early age, however, the musicality and brain activities they do employ seem to be perfect for Charis and those other babies or young children around her age. Charis sings, laughs, claps, waves, and interacts with every scene that comes up. Of course, she does seem to have her favorite puppets that engage her interest more than others. Anyhow, I thought I would just mention the movies to those who might be interested. Does anyone else have any favorites? I am really not into the merely "silly" things that contain no means of education, or even worse, emphasize behaviors or beliefs to which I do not hold.

Bath Time

My Dear Charis finally received her first bath since we arrived in MI. We have just been sticking to showers, but today (with all of this extra time on my hands :), we dug out her old bath tub and had a good old time! Charis was a little hesitant and instantly wanted to be picked up when I first put her in, but she quickly decided splashing wasn't too bad. Despite the pools of water everywhere which were caused by her recently acquired ability to scoot around on her backside -- honestly, she sort of sings and "dances" in such a bouncy, sitting manner that she moves! This caused quite a few near calamities and ruined our soapy, bubble head shot, but here are some of the rest that were not upset. Prepare for the photo onslaught! I was not very decisive. :)

Bath time might be fun after all!

WATER!!!

Hey can I get some more water in my cup?

Wow! This wash cloth is difficult to handle!

Shown to the right is the art of scooting on one's backside!

Time to towel off while looking cute!

Hey I could stand a little coverage, Mum!

Adults, Dogs, and Babies

So, I could post a few posts or just one and cover the desired info. So, I will choose the lazy route. Before the pics though, I just thought that I would share some tearfully happy news. I am now officially done teaching in Dayton!!! I will miss my students dreadfully, but I am so glad to be done with that long, weekly trip to and from OH. I will also miss the time spent with some friends of mine who were so incredibly gracious and continually opened there home to me 3 days out of the week, every week! Wow!

I am currently contemplating what avenue to travel next, musically speaking. There are two areas of interest: an artists diploma at Univ. of MI or auditioning for the Detroit SO. I believe that I will pursue the latter as the audition dates are the end of July. Whether or not I get in... Well, I am just not sure about the required time if I get in and then there are issues with my refusal to work on the Sabbath. So, I am fairly positive if God wants me there, that it will be very clear with so many doors that must be opened. In the mean time, I am not holding my breath and would be shocked if I actually made it to the second round. Primarily, I just want to make sure that my music will not intrude on the necessary time I spend with Charis. Our situation is somewhat different from most, however, as Sean works from home and has very flexible hours. So... all in good time!

Well, here are the pictures... Enjoy!

My favorite and most recent picture of Charis

Serious photo time over... time to play!!!

OK... guys control the baby!

(For those concerned mothers... I did wash her hands. :)

Just resting...

What a look of adoration!

I am rather bummed that there are not more pictures of the time spent with my brother and his family, especially of their newest... Lauren as she is such sweet, petite, tiny little thing... but... She must have been sleeping during photo time. As for the rest of us, we had just gotten up, and well, just use your imagination! :)

Speaking of imagination... Meghan thought it might be a good idea to use my potpourri for a "doggy tail." Cute huh? (Actually, I think it might have been her Daddy's idea!)

Have a GREAT day!!!

Sunsets and Travels

Well, I have been quite busy of late. I know that I am not as busy as those of you who have more than one child, but still... I cannot wait for the time two weeks from now when I will no longer be traveling to and from OH. It is not that I don't like being there, but the 8-hour round trip is becoming so tedious. I do love teaching those students in OH, though, and will be much saddened at the thought of leaving them.

I want to share a story which might inspire some of you not to follow my example. I had just finished a full day of work on Saturday and was just starting my drive home when I decided to stop at my favorite and cheapest place for gas. Charis was sleeping, and as I was staying with the car and not going in I thought I would just leave her be. This would have been fine except that after pumping the gas, I decided to place my keys on the seat in the car while washing the window. I did have a small inner voice that said, "This may not be a wise thing as your car likes to lock randomly." However, I continued blindly ahead thinking that all of the doors were unlocked and surely... As I placed the washer in its assigned location after finishing a 30 sec. ordeal, the car locked right before I reached for the door handle. 45 minutes later along with a soaking wet baby due to tears and perspiration, the locksmith finally arrived and opened the doors. I felt sooooo horrible!!! Two things learned... Do not trust your car to behave in a rational manner, and listen to that inner urge. :) Thankfully, it was not an overly warm day, and other than hurt feelings because "Mummy" would not pick her up, Charis is fine.

Side note: I am not entirely sure that babies should not get somewhat of a choice in the whole birthing matter. Some parents... :)

I was somewhat soothed by the following sunset that urged me to the side of the road:

How can one wonder if there is a God when they see such a glorious creation! Every time it is different and every time just as marvelous and enjoyable.

Wonders of Creation

Well, I have been a rather negligent "poster" as of recent. However, I was looking back at slightly older photos seeing what events I forgot to mention and these photos in particular stood out to me. For those of you who do not like reptiles (can you tell which sex took the majority of photos?... although I actually really do like reptiles, just not spiders!), there are a few pics of other types of animals and one human! Enjoy!

Charis really just appreciated the human variety found roaming the zoo!

I just love the various colors of green

throughout this post! I love spring!

Ok... So, no wonder I am gaining weight from eating lettuce. I always had a sneaky suspicion that one couldn't stay thin from eating the stuff! Just look at the reptile to the left below! My suspicions are confirmed!

The healthiest turtle's salad actually looks better than my fare at times. :)

A lesson to mother's everywhere! Watch how this mother croc watches her young. Ain't nobody messin with her youngsters!!!

Almost 7 months!

I cannot believe how time flies. I am immensely enjoying watching Charis grow but then I have to remind myself that this also means I am doing the same, not exactly growing (hopefully) but getting older. Everyone I meet tells me to treasure these days. There are always words of advice about how it gets more difficult,... the terrible two's, the terrible three's, etc. How is it that that "terrible" list seems to keep getting longer!?! I, however, am looking forward to these ages. With careful, biblical training these ages only become more fun and interesting because one's child is now able to understand and respond in a loving manner. Anyhow, enough of my soap box speech! :) I just wanted to in this post tell you a little bit about my ever-maturing daughter.

1) Charis just started to roll from back to front, something that she has done in her sleep which wakes her up, but never on the floor while awake. She has yet to discover that this is a form of mobilization. I assumed that rolling would be a relatively easy task for her since she rolled to her side consistently to sleep since day one. She has been rolling from her belly to her back since she was 6 weeks old.

2) The only direction that Charis seems to be able to move is either by pivoting around on her belly or by pushing with her arms back. Since backwards is never the direction she intends to move, she merely becomes very upset and insists that she must be picked up.

3) Charis has been sitting for about 3 weeks though still falls over occasionally. She has learned to tuck her head while also squeezing her eyes almost closed waiting for the inevitable bump on the head.

4) She has been eating little bits here and there and seems to love about anything we give her. As far as daily eating... I still have not been too scheduled with this because she only seems to demand food when watching us eat. While becoming very vocal if her wishes are not granted, Charis rarely seems to want food at other times. She gets a small portion of bananas and rice cereal every night, and I attempted to start butternut squash, but... She actually seems to like foods with a stronger taste.

5) She has learned to love her daddy after some early on issues (at about 3 wks.) of being quite upset when he took her. Last night, Charis actually cried whenever he left the room.

6) Charis is quite the well-traveled baby. She goes back and forth with me from OH to MI weekly and enjoys watching me teach to a certain extent. She does get upset if the student does not sound good or if the music is minor or too dramatic. She prefers the happy, upbeat variety of music. Though she does well with most people, unfortunately, she has taken a distinct dislike to one of the fathers who at times accompanies his daughter to lessons. Thankfully, he is not usually able to stay in lessons. I say this not because he is not nice, for he is a very kind, gentle man, but because Charis now screams every time she sees him. She smiled and "waved" at him when
he first came until the point when he went to touch her. From that point on, she now refuses to even look at him, and last time, she actually hid her face on my shoulder while sobbing, though eventually calmed enough to peak back around to see if he was still there. When she realized that he was, she burst into genuine tears again. This process repeated itself numerous times.

8) Thankfully, Charis has become quite the easy baby at bedtime. We have no set ritual other than I pray with her at night. However, I made a point of putting her to bed whenever she became fussy sometime back, and she now goes down without a peep as long as she has her pacifier and her bear. What a blessing! There are the moments when she cries or needs to be soothed while in her bed, but otherwise, if I hang around at all after I put her down, she just looks at me as if to say, "Why are you still here?"

9) Charis has said different words repeatedly at different points. Right now, her only words are "da-da," "nu-nu" (which means tired or hungry), and sometimes, "ma-ma." She did say "hello, hi, and woof." She recognizes certain things and will actually look around for them if you mention them -- clock, fan, light, dog, etc.

10) Charis' new favorite "games" besides reading or chewing on her books is having Daddy chase her or kissing herself in the mirror. She does occasionally see fit to give others kisses too, but she without fail always leans forward to give herself a peck. :)


Finally, there is not much more to say! I am sure that all of you, whether having watched your own children in time past, whether watching friends' or relatives' children at present, or if you have your own, can appreciate the little things babies/children do, that bring such joy to others around them. What lessons we all can learn from such small, dependent happy children!

Fun in the Sun

I was down in KY and TN recently and enjoyed the chance to see Rachel and her family again! We had a lovely day just sitting outside and enjoying the sun, cool breeze, and... Below are some pics of the fam -- mostly just the babies and Rachel. I couldn't pass posting the cousin pics though as the colors turned out so vivid and cheery!

Luke loves the outdoors but not the grass, hence the right elbow being held as high above the grass as possible. :)

Aunty Rachel and youngsters (I did mention it was breezy didn't I? Of course Luke and Charis seem to have somewhat of a benefit from such short hair styles... not a hair out of place.)

Aren't they a beautiful/handsome pair?

Come on Luke, Charis isn't that heavy.... or maybe it is the toes!?! Sort of hard to have a picture taken with some one's toes in your face!



The smallest of the cousins enjoying their time together.