Songs for Joshua - Week 8

If I had to put my feelings about Christmas time into song lyrics, I'd choose "it's the most wonderful time of the year" without hesitation. I LOVE Christmas. I love sending cards and packages, baking cookies, eating cookies & candy & all the other yummy food. I love seeing decorations and lights on houses and Christmas trees peeking out from front windows. I love all the traditions and celebration. What really warms my heart, however, is the music. At no other time of year will you hear Christ's name on the radio and tv as much as you will this month.

This year, the music is really touching my heart. I think it's because this year, I'm a mother. And even more than that, I'm the mother of a little boy. As I hear all the lyrics celebrating Christ's birth, I think about Mary. I wonder if she really knew what it meant to be the mother of the Savior. I'm sure she watched him sleep and brushed the curls around his ears like I do while Josh is falling asleep. I'm sure when she held him she felt like her body was just too small to contain all the love she was feeling. I'm sure that she looked at him and hoped for his future. But did she know how hated He would be in the future? Did she know how He would suffer and die? I don't think I could bear it if I knew that someday Joshua would be reviled and die in such a way. Did Mary and Joseph understand why Jesus was born just to die? There are many people in my life who I would sacrifice myself for. But there is no one on earth who I would sacrifice my son for. And yet isn't that what we are really celebrating at Christmas? We're celebrating the birth of Christ, who was born specifically so that He could be the sacrifice for us! And that, my friends, is the ironic beauty of this season. Both Ben and I hope that as Josh grows up, he will understand that we aren't celebrating presents or "getting" at Christmas. We are celebrating the love and hope and mercy and justice that was embodied in Jesus Christ.

I *love* the song I chose for this week. I love it because it starts out quiet and then builds and builds until it fills your ears with truth. I love truth and honesty in songs. The kind that when you're done listening, you can understand what the characters or the author is feeling. When I heard this song, I came away thinking that yes, a baby does change everything! Our baby changed everything for Ben and I. Our priorities, our hopes, our fears...everything. And Joshua will change the world simply by being in it. But no baby in history changed everything the way Jesus did.

Merry Christmas, everyone. We love you.

ps...if you don't normally actually listen to the song each week, I'd really encourage you to take the time to listen to these two. Two? Yep. Two. Call the second one a Christmas bonus. :) As always, if the player doesn't show up, press the 'pop-out' button and actually listen to these songs. They are so beautiful.

"A Baby Changes Everything" - Faith Hill

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what’s to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she’s never touched
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries, oh she cries

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can’t stay
A baby changes everything

She can feel it’s coming soon
There’s no place, there’s no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
And she cries and she cries, oh she cries

Shepherds all gather round
Up above a star shines down
A baby changes everything

Choir of Angels say
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything, everything, everything, everything
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

My whole life is turned around
I was lost and now I’m found
A baby changes everything


"Welcome To Our World" - Chris Rice

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home

Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world

A Reminder To Myself...

There are days when I see other children and want to cry. I see children Joshua's age crawling all over, getting into everything. They are pulling up to stand, some are even taking steps and walking. And then I look at my son. My perfect, beautiful son. And he's so behind other children his age. It hurts to know that people will wonder what is wrong with him. It bothers me that he won't be able to keep up with other children. And if I think about those things too long, I start to get sad. But then he gives me that smile! That charming smile that he got from his daddy and I can't help but be thankful for him regardless of what he can or can't do.

Someone sent me this today and I couldn't not share it. Now, I'm not saying that I'm a saint, or even that I'm cut out for this job. I just like the idea that God thought that I am strong enough to handle a special needs child.

The Special Mother by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit.

This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."

"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."

Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. He has to make her live in his world and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'". She will never consider a "step" ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!"

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".

"And what about her Patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."

Songs for Joshua - Week 7

I didn't like this song the first time I heard it. Maybe it was because Joshua wasn't here yet or maybe it was because I just didn't understand how sweet putting my baby to bed could be. Now that Josh is here and I've heard the song again, I love it. I've tried to make this song part of his bedtime routine. I'll sit in the living room and sing this to him as we rock in the chair. Then we go upstairs and I lay him down. I love the moment right before I lay him down in his crib when he snuggles into my neck and sighs that contented sigh. My favorite line of this song is "God bless mommy and matchbox cars". I just love how mommy ranks right up there with the cars. :)

"Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)" - Dixie Chicks

Dragon tales and the "water is wide"
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed, sweet dreams

The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon will find the mouse
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed, sweet dreams

God bless mommy and matchbox cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love you
Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed, godspeed, godspeed, sweet dreams

Songs for Joshua - Week 6

This week's song is an Oscar nominated lullaby from Dumbo. Let's set the scene...poor Mrs. Jumbo was all locked up in the railroad car because they thought she went mad. When in reality, all she was doing was defending her little one from that stupid red-headed boy. (Truthfully, every time I watch it, I silently cheer her on when she hangs him over the wire and spanks him.) Dumbo is all upset and missing his mommy, so Timothy the mouse brings him to her cage and she rocks him in her trunk while this song plays. Oh, it makes me cry just thinking about it! Tissue anyone? :)

"Baby Mine" - Alison Krauss

Baby mine, don't you cry.
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my heart,
never to part,
baby of mine.

Little one when you play,
don't you mind what they say.
Let those eyes sparkle and shine,
never a tear,
baby of mine.

If they knew sweet little you
they'd end up loving you too.
All of those people who scold you,
what they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your head down to your toes,
you're not much, goodness knows.
But you're so precious to me,
sweet as can be,
baby of mine.

If they knew sweet little you,
they'd end up loving you too.
All those same people who scold you,
what they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your head down to your toes
you're not much, goodness knows.
But you're so precious to me,
sweet as can be,
baby of mine.
Baby of mine

Joshua's Newest Cousin

Gina and David named their little girl Elise. Isn't that a beautiful name?! It seems to suit her. :) My mom says that she has beautiful reddish blonde hair with curls and she is very sweet. I'm heartbroken that I can't hold her yet! Hopefully I'll get to meet her soon and smother her in kisses!

Elise's first bath. My favorite part is the hovering parents. :) Elise today. Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?!?! Just as a comparison, this is Gina at one week old...

And Now For Something Completely Different...

All together now...oooohhhhh, aaaaahhhhh!! It's a blog facelift for Christmas! We'll go back to your regularly scheduled Joshua blog look after Christmas is over. :)

Button and Bean

Last night was the umpteenth annual Nodine Men "Shopping" Night. All the Nodine guys get together and go "shopping". What "shopping" usually consists of is wandering around the mall for a few minutes and then going out for dinner & a movie. :) So while the guys were out, the Nodine ladies got together here and we played with the babies and snacked on yummy junk food. While we were together, the youngest Nodine men bonded.

Joshua and Timothy from Jamie Nodine on Vimeo.

Timothy (grandma calls him 'Button') and Joshua ('Bean') love being together. Timmy is always really gentle with Joshua and loves to touch him. Joshua loves being the center of Timmy's attention. I think these two are going to be wonderful friends. :)

Shake Your Groove Thing!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness...I can't stop laughing!

Joshua's EEG

Joshua had an EEG today to check for seizure activity. He hasn't had any seizures that we're aware of, but the neurologist just wanted to make sure there haven't been any and that he's not having any now. So we went to the EEG lab and got Joshua all hooked up.

Things started out well! I was able to distract Josh for a little bit while the tech was marking where to put the electrodes...

Then things started to go down hill. Quickly.

After all the spots were marked, we got him calmed down and she started putting the electrodes on. Joshua complained a little bit, but he didn't make a huge fuss.

She wrapped his head in a bandage to keep everything in place and started the test. Josh was monitored while he slept (all that crying wore him out!) and then we woke him up to shine a bright strobe light in his eyes. :( Poor Joshua. Even though he LOVES lights, the flashing light was sometimes too much for even him. Then it was all done! She pulled the bandage and all the electrodes off and what was left was a pretty pathetic sight! Poor Joshua had goop caked in his hair, on his cheek & on his forehead.

If there is anything to be concerned about, we'll find out right away, but I don't anticipate hearing anything. So don't worry...he's just fine. :)

Songs for Joshua - Week 5

Before Josh was a twinkle in his daddy's eye, I knew I'd sing this song to my baby. I even wanted to put "Dream Big, Little One!" over the crib. Now that Joshua is here, I realize how much I want him to dream big. I want him to dream of being an astronaut, a doctor, a fireman, a soldier, an HVAC guy. Whether he ends up being any of those things is beside the point, it's the dreaming that's important. I also just love the message of the song. That pain doesn't last, but laughter does. It's important to see beauty all around you and be strong. It's just a good song all around. :)

"Dream Big" - Ryan Schupe & the Rubber Band

When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes,
'Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile, be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride,
And don't show the hurt inside,
Because the pain will soon be gone.

And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
When you dream, dream big.

And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself,
And it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to help to carry on,
But when the troubles come your way.

And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
When you dream, dream big.

When you cry be sure to dry your eyes,
'Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you laugh be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all
around and in yourself, and it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to
help to carry on when the troubles come your way.

And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
When you dream, dream big.

Tears All Around!

I told you that we had a photo session on my birthday and I couldn't wait to see the pictures. Remember? So today, I got to see them. And I burst into tears. Then I called Auntie Jodi in N.C. and showed her. And she burst into tears. Then I called Nana in California and showed her. And she cried like it was going out of style! Seriously, people, these are some seriously perfect pictures. Of course, it helps that we have a seriously adorable baby. :) These are just a few of the pictures!

Ohmygoodness...I'm so in love with these pictures! So, needless to say, if you're looking for pictures of your family or baby or whatever here in Rochester, I would highly recommend Amanda Slakes Photography! :)

Happy Birthday To Me!

Yesterday was my birthday. It was an amazing day! In the morning, Ben took Joshua and let me sleep all the way until 6am! Woohoo! After I got up, Ben made me a cup of tea and gave me my presents. Woohoo again! :) First, I want to give a little shout out to Ben for his wrapping job. Just look at how beautiful my presents were! Ok, back to the gifts. From my mom I got a pair of winter boots (you know you're a real grown up when you get excited over winter boots!), and from Ben I got a BEAUTIFUL necklace! I have been wanting a piece of aquamarine (Joshua's birthstone) jewelery that I could wear everyday. This was so much nicer than I had thought I'd get! :) After presents, we went over to our new house and did a few things and then it was time to get ready for pictures!!! I found a photographer on craigslist (LOVE that place) that was doing mini photo sessions for an extremely reasonable price so I signed us up and ohmygosh am I glad I did! Amanda was so much fun and she got some amazing shots of Joshua and the three of us. We did some pictures of Josh and mommy, some of Josh and daddy, some of the three of us, but the majority of them were of Joshua and he ate it up. He's a total ham when he sees the camera. As soon as it appears, he smiles. What a nut! So for the whole 45 minutes, Joshua smiled and laughed and captivated everyone. It was awesome. As soon as we get our proofs, I'll share them with you. I CAN'T WAIT!!!! After pictures, we grabbed a bite to eat and then came home to put our jammies on and snuggle. It was a wonderful birthday. But then again, how could it have been anything but wonderful with this face to look at all day long?!


Hmmm...I know I'm forgetting something.....oh yeah, I got another present today..........

A NIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gina & David had a little girl! Mom is out in California basking in the glow of becoming a nana again and she called right after the baby was born so we could hear her first cries. Mom sent a picture a few hours after she arrived and she is perfect and unbelievably beautiful!! As of right now (7:30am 11/30) I don't know weight, length or any other vitals but I'm sure going to find out today! This little miracle also didn't have a name last I had heard. But I'm sure Gina and David are going to find a beautiful name for her and I can't wait to know what my niece's name is. :) I can't wait to meet her in person and kiss her little cheeks!


See? It was the best birthday EVER.

Songs for Joshua - Week 4

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day is filled with food, family & love and reasons to be thankful. The amount of things that I have to be thankful for today is so overwhelming it brings me to tears. To name just a few, I have a wonderful & devoted husband, family that supports us, a warm place to sleep and plenty to eat. I have freedoms that others don't have because of the country that I was born in and because of the people willing to defend us (we love you Jay!). I have hope for the future and beyond because of Jesus. But I think it's pretty obvious what's on top of my Things To Be Thankful For list...I have a beautiful, smart, healthy (well, mostly...he's getting over his first cold!) little miracle named Joshua.

This week's song is one that just makes my heart smile. Every word resonates with me. I tried to find a favorite phrase or line from the song, but I can't! Although, when it gets to "I hope your tears are few and fast..." I usually burst into tears. Go ahead. Listen to this song and see if it doesn't bring you to tears as well!

"Amazing" - Janelle

The morning cold and raining
Dark before the dawn could come
How long in twilight waiting
Longing for the rising sun

You came like crashing thunder
Breaking through these walls of stone
You came with wide eyed wonder
Into all this great unknown

Hush now don’t you be afraid
I promise you I’ll always stay
I’ll never be that far away
I’m right here with you

You’re so amazing
You shine like the stars
You’re so amazing
The beauty you are
You came blazing
Right into my heart
You’re so amazing
You are, You are

You came from Heaven shining
Breath of God still fresh on you
The beating heart inside me
Crumbled at this one so new

No matter where, how far you wander
For a thousand years or longer
I will always be there for you
Right here with you

You’re so amazing
You shine like the stars
You’re so amazing
The beauty you are
You came blazing
Right into my heart
You’re so amazing
You are

I hope your tears are few and fast
I hope your dreams come true at last
I hope you find love that goes on and on and on and on and on
I hope you wish on every star
I hope you never fall too far
I hope this world can see how wonderful you are

You’re so amazing
You shine like the stars
You’re so amazing
The beauty you are
You came blazing
Right into my heart
You’re so amazing
You are, you are

Can I Have Your Attention Please...

I just wanted to let you all know...

WE'RE CLOSING ON OUR HOUSE TOMORROW AT 3PM!!!!!

That's all. :)

Ho, Ho, Ho!

I'm so excited about all the Christmas traditions we get to carry on and all the new traditions we'll start with Joshua. One thing that I'm sure will be a tradition will be a visit to Santa each year. This year, Joshua seemed to enjoy it. Of course, it may have been the three girls behind the camera trying to get his attention! :) Here's our little flirt in action.

So ladies and gentlemen...it's time to turn on the Christmas music, get your Santa hats out, and let the countdown begin!