I decided to officially write down all Jaelle has done this past week so I don't forget. It's been amazing how she went from just sitting on the floor to crawling, pulling herself up and then standing without help.
Sunday the 15th she ate her first graham cracker. Tuesday the 17th she started crawling (forward!) She actually was scooting backwards to get around at first :) Then Thursday the 19th she pulled herself up to stand along the couch. Sunday the 22nd she was standing without help and balancing good for about 5 seconds. I can only imagine that she will be walking within a month or two. Abby and Becca were walking at 9 months so lets see if Jaelle keeps to the family tradition.
Her napping and eating patterns changed a bit this week too. About Friday she was fighting her 3rd nap. I found out this weekend that she did fine with 2 good long naps (one nap from 10-noon) and then the 2nd nap from 3-5pm. She went to bed at 8pm. Before we were just feeding her solids at lunch and supper but now she does each meal.
Oh my precious baby...time goes so fast and it just seems so miraculous to see this little thing creeping and crawling along.
And finally, one of the nicest things she is doing too is reaching /perferring me instead of daddy! She's at that stage when she notices when I don't have her or if someone else is holding her. She recognizes Abby and Becca and reaches for them to hold her when she wants them too. It makes them feel so good.
Life is good in the Bornman home these days.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
So it begins
My Jaelle is not only crawling but she is pulling herself up to standing position!
Last night when I put Jaelle to bed, she decided that standing up in her crib and peering over the edge and almost toppling over headfirst would be fun....it about gave me a heart attack! My dad came over and lowered the mattress while the girls and I sat by the fireplace eating popcorn and Jaelle eating her graham cracker while I read Charlotte's Web. It was like a fireside picnic! Anyway, we have definitely entered a new chapter in life with Jaelle on the move.
With that all said, it also made me realize how quickly time goes. I remember the exact spot where I was when I told my dad "I can't wait until I grow up!" Our family was in the car riding back from church and it was late. The sky was full of stars and we were on Crystal Rd., almost home. I told dad that I felt like time went so slow and that I couldn't wait to grow up. He told me that when I got older and his age that I would wish I could slow time down and that it would pass so quickly. At that time it just didn't seem possible. But now....oh yeah, it totally makes sense. How I wish I could freeze time and enjoy things more or not take friends or family for granted. With Grandpa passing on December 14,2011 it just seems like I didn't spend enough time with him to know all there was to know about him. And so I think about life and how time is just so precious and time is so beyond our world. God's timing is perfect. I can trust that He has my timeline and the time of my children and spouse on His heart and on His mind. That when I stay connected to him, that He will take care of all the details that I worry about. I worry that I don't do enough or that I don't spend enough time with the girls or that I don't spend enough time alone with Cornelius. I worry about the time I give at church and if I put that before family. Oh worrying and time....I can't control time. But I can control my worry. I can surrender that worry to God and trust.
Trusting is difficult sometimes but God is able and His Spirit is strong in me. And I love the quote my friend Teresa DeVries gave me "He makes all things beautiful in His Time." And I want to apply that beautiful saying in my life- that all things are and will be beautiful in my life and in my family's life, IN HIS TIME.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
A new chapter begins!
Jaelle is crawling! Can you believe it? How can it be that my baby is already crawling? Sunday night she ate her first graham cracker and then 2 days later she is crawling? Oh wow....so a new chapter begins. With a crawling child comes the responsibility of making sure the house is safe. But more than that, taking the time to start teaching her "no" and a firm spank to the hand if necessary when she reaches for things she shouldn't touch. I've had some people tell me that she's too young for that but we did that with Abby and Becca and they were so pleasant to be around because they knew what they shouldn't touch at home and when we went out too. They understood the word no and obeyed. It was so nice. I never had to put up my nice things. They both crawled at 6-7 months so I'm not sure why I'm so surprised that Jaelle is crawling at 7 months and 2 weeks.
Here are a few pictures of Jaelle from these past few weeks. She is a pure joy. So loving, giggly, cuddly, interactive. She gives wide open wet kisses too....oh, she is just so sweet! And did I mention she's thumb sucker? Yep. Abby was all about her pacifier and Becca didn't have any security item. But Jaelle loves that thumb and uses it to fall asleep. Not sure how you take a thumb away from a kid or break that habbit but we'll deal with that when it comes. :)
I'm totally loving this new chapter in my life as a new mom at age 34. I took a pregnancy test tonight hoping that I was pregnant. But I'm not....and I was disappointed and relieved at the same time. Cornelius has said that if we aren't pregnant that maybe I should "get fixed". But it seems so final. I told him that I'd like to wait to get fixed until Jaelle is 1 years old and if I'm not pregnant by then, then I'll do it. Anyway, wondering if I should only have 3 children. Praying God will show me what is best for our family and that I will be obedient..
Here are a few pictures of Jaelle from these past few weeks. She is a pure joy. So loving, giggly, cuddly, interactive. She gives wide open wet kisses too....oh, she is just so sweet! And did I mention she's thumb sucker? Yep. Abby was all about her pacifier and Becca didn't have any security item. But Jaelle loves that thumb and uses it to fall asleep. Not sure how you take a thumb away from a kid or break that habbit but we'll deal with that when it comes. :)
I'm totally loving this new chapter in my life as a new mom at age 34. I took a pregnancy test tonight hoping that I was pregnant. But I'm not....and I was disappointed and relieved at the same time. Cornelius has said that if we aren't pregnant that maybe I should "get fixed". But it seems so final. I told him that I'd like to wait to get fixed until Jaelle is 1 years old and if I'm not pregnant by then, then I'll do it. Anyway, wondering if I should only have 3 children. Praying God will show me what is best for our family and that I will be obedient..
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Becca's 8th birthday
My Rebecca Diane turned 8 years old January 14th. We had a special birthday party for her with my parents and her best friend Bria, on Sunday the 8th before my mom left for Honduras. But then we did another fun birthday on Saturday the 14th with my sister and her family. It was a fun weekend and we concluded the weekend today with a Chili cook off at our church today. (Which we raised over $1000 for our church food pantry with this cook off event!)
Thinking about what I want to write about my Becca- she is remarkably intelligent and whitty. I remember that when I was pregnant with her, I thought for sure I was going to have a boy. We didn't do an ultrasound to find out the sex of the boy. So I had like 3 boy names picked out. But I knew for sure that if it was "by chance" a girl, I would call her Rebecca Diane. Diane is my Aunts name and Rebecca, well, I think it is a beautiful name with so much meaning. Rebecca was beautiful in the Bible and wise. I wanted my daughter's name to be a blessing over her life. And seeing her grow into a young lady, I see so much potential for such talent and strength in God.
Becca is extremely intelligent- she tests at a 4rth grade reading level at the beginning of 2nd grade. She is in a gifted class and is an excellent writer. She has a knack for story telling in her writing and loves to create in her writing. She started piano when she was 3 years old and I have a music video of her playing a Christmas duet, Jingle Bells, with me when she was 3. Now at 8 years old I have to fight her to practice. And if she would only practice, she would do circles around what I did because she has such a natural ability. But she's stubborn and gets frustrated when she doesn't learn it on the first try.
Becca has a strong exterior but on the inside, she is caring and sensitive. Her feelings can get hurt but she doesn't tell one and she often keeps her deepest treasures to herself. Just a few months ago she gave her heart to the Lord at Bible Release. She didn't want to just talk about it at the supper table when we brought it up. But when we have our talks before bed, she has deep thought provoking questions and answers. Her faith is maturing and I see a very solid faith developing. Becca loves to read God's Word and has a gift for memorizing it.
This past summer she helped me lead all the worship songs at our Vacation Bible School. She was amazing! She stood up front, sang and did the actions and hand motions to the songs. I couldn't have done it without her. It was such a motivation to me to have her particpate and learn the songs with me. I think about her gift of music not only in singing and playing the piano, but in leading people in worship. When she was a baby, I prayed that gift over her.
Becca is stubborn and strong. Hmm? I wonder who she gets that from? Let me tell you about a story that happened a few years ago. I made scrambled eggs for breakfast. Becca hates eggs. She does like a boiled egg but never scrambled or fried. Well, I'm all about learning and aquiring new tastes so I told her that she would have to eat her eggs before she left the table. Abby devored her eggs and was long gone before Becca even took one bite. She sat at the table and mumbled and grumbled. I set the timer and told Becca "You have 15 minutes to eat those eggs or I am going to spank you." So I sent the timer and kept on my business cleaning up the kitchen. Becca just dawdled and mumbled and didn't take one bite. Now only 5 minutes remained and I told Becca that she only had 5 minutes left and proceded to go to the drawer and shake around the contents of the drawer so she knew I was getting the spatula to spank her with. Becca then boldly announces "Mom, you better just spank me because I'm not going to eat these eggs." So I went in there and gave her 3 hard spanks on the bottom with the spatula. She then went to her room and covered her cries under her pillow. AND she held those tears and cries until she was in her room. She did not want to give me the satisfaction that I hurt her or upset her.....oh my. That girl is something else.
Becca is a daddy's girl. My mother-n-law told me that I shouldn't say that or say daddy's girl. But the truth is, Becca has a very special relationship with her daddy. And I think it is perfectly healthy and beautiful. A father is so special to a daughter. He builds her self esteem and teaches her how a man should treat a girl. Cornelius can do no wrong in her eyes. Except when he does punish her. Then its like the world has fallen and she is terribly heart broken. During journal time or any time when you have to write about a hero or someone special, well, she always writes about her daddy. :)
So I think that I have journaled enough about Becca today. But since I'm celebrating her birthday, I want to celebrate memories and treasure this time in her life. She is one special lady and I only enjoy seeing her develop more and more into a beautiful woman.
Thinking about what I want to write about my Becca- she is remarkably intelligent and whitty. I remember that when I was pregnant with her, I thought for sure I was going to have a boy. We didn't do an ultrasound to find out the sex of the boy. So I had like 3 boy names picked out. But I knew for sure that if it was "by chance" a girl, I would call her Rebecca Diane. Diane is my Aunts name and Rebecca, well, I think it is a beautiful name with so much meaning. Rebecca was beautiful in the Bible and wise. I wanted my daughter's name to be a blessing over her life. And seeing her grow into a young lady, I see so much potential for such talent and strength in God.
Becca is extremely intelligent- she tests at a 4rth grade reading level at the beginning of 2nd grade. She is in a gifted class and is an excellent writer. She has a knack for story telling in her writing and loves to create in her writing. She started piano when she was 3 years old and I have a music video of her playing a Christmas duet, Jingle Bells, with me when she was 3. Now at 8 years old I have to fight her to practice. And if she would only practice, she would do circles around what I did because she has such a natural ability. But she's stubborn and gets frustrated when she doesn't learn it on the first try.
Becca has a strong exterior but on the inside, she is caring and sensitive. Her feelings can get hurt but she doesn't tell one and she often keeps her deepest treasures to herself. Just a few months ago she gave her heart to the Lord at Bible Release. She didn't want to just talk about it at the supper table when we brought it up. But when we have our talks before bed, she has deep thought provoking questions and answers. Her faith is maturing and I see a very solid faith developing. Becca loves to read God's Word and has a gift for memorizing it.
This past summer she helped me lead all the worship songs at our Vacation Bible School. She was amazing! She stood up front, sang and did the actions and hand motions to the songs. I couldn't have done it without her. It was such a motivation to me to have her particpate and learn the songs with me. I think about her gift of music not only in singing and playing the piano, but in leading people in worship. When she was a baby, I prayed that gift over her.
Becca is stubborn and strong. Hmm? I wonder who she gets that from? Let me tell you about a story that happened a few years ago. I made scrambled eggs for breakfast. Becca hates eggs. She does like a boiled egg but never scrambled or fried. Well, I'm all about learning and aquiring new tastes so I told her that she would have to eat her eggs before she left the table. Abby devored her eggs and was long gone before Becca even took one bite. She sat at the table and mumbled and grumbled. I set the timer and told Becca "You have 15 minutes to eat those eggs or I am going to spank you." So I sent the timer and kept on my business cleaning up the kitchen. Becca just dawdled and mumbled and didn't take one bite. Now only 5 minutes remained and I told Becca that she only had 5 minutes left and proceded to go to the drawer and shake around the contents of the drawer so she knew I was getting the spatula to spank her with. Becca then boldly announces "Mom, you better just spank me because I'm not going to eat these eggs." So I went in there and gave her 3 hard spanks on the bottom with the spatula. She then went to her room and covered her cries under her pillow. AND she held those tears and cries until she was in her room. She did not want to give me the satisfaction that I hurt her or upset her.....oh my. That girl is something else.
Becca is a daddy's girl. My mother-n-law told me that I shouldn't say that or say daddy's girl. But the truth is, Becca has a very special relationship with her daddy. And I think it is perfectly healthy and beautiful. A father is so special to a daughter. He builds her self esteem and teaches her how a man should treat a girl. Cornelius can do no wrong in her eyes. Except when he does punish her. Then its like the world has fallen and she is terribly heart broken. During journal time or any time when you have to write about a hero or someone special, well, she always writes about her daddy. :)
So I think that I have journaled enough about Becca today. But since I'm celebrating her birthday, I want to celebrate memories and treasure this time in her life. She is one special lady and I only enjoy seeing her develop more and more into a beautiful woman.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Growing up
So last night Cornelius was telling me about his conversation with Abby before bed. He was tucking her and Becca in and saying goodnight and prayers when Abby says,
“Dad, mom says I have a hormone on my face. What’s that?” Cornelius is pretty good about keeping his cool and figured I had talked to her about hormones. So he says “You don’t have it on your face. It’s in your body and it’s what makes a woman a woman and a guy a guy.” She says “well, mom says I have hormones on my face.” She precedes to show her little pimple by her nose. He tells her that she’s growing up and that her body is changing. She asks “Is that when you get hair on your privates?” Cornelius says “Well, that and in your armpits and….” Abby interrupts him “What?! Mom doesn’t have hair in her pits!” He tells her,”That’s because she shaves them.” She tells him “But dad, that tickles!”
I can’t remember the rest of what Cornelius told her but they ended it with it being a good thing when our body is changing and developing and that she is becoming a young woman. She said “mom calls me a tweeny.” Cornelius says to her, “No, its called becoming a young lady and you need to talk to mom about this kind of stuff in the future….but I’m glad you were ok telling me too.”
This is so hilarious!! I'm hoping that Abby won't mind that I blogged about this...but it was just too precious to forget and not write about. I LOVE YOU ABBY! You are such a joy in my life.
Monday, January 9, 2012
God is always moving...
So Friday January 6th I left work so discouraged. Work has been the pits. Then I get home to my sweet family who greets me with love and kisses and I get all overwhelmed. I told myself I wasn't going to cry. I'm a big girl and work is tough but so many others deal with it too. I went into the bathroom when I got home and cried...when you are treated so harshly at work and then you come home to such overwhelming love and God's peace- well, it was overwhelming. Even though I was so exhausted, I had to prepare for Small Group. I love our small group but I just didn't feel I was up to having almost 20 people in our home. Cornelius was all excited about it, he had prepared a great lesson and was looking forward to sharing it and being with our friends. Of course I put on game face but inside I just felt deflated. When group started and Cornelius prayed, I felt the walls coming down and my Spirit within me strengthening with each word and scripture. When you are surrounded by so much pain and ugliness at work, its easy to lose focus and to lose the fact that I'm strong because of Christ. That I am more than a conquerer! That I can have joy because of what Christ did for me and that nothing is too difficult for Him. After Cornelius' teaching, I felt led to have Cornelius and I lay hands on each couple and pray. God gave me a specific word/prayer for each couple. It was powerful! These kind of moments makes me realize how God desires to be intimately involved in each of our lives if we would only seek "His presence, His Power and His annointing" in our lives. That was the focus of the worship songs that I picked this week. Which perfectly coincided with Pastor Stephen's message! God is so faithful, so constant and always amazes me in how He's always there to encourage me and empower me through Him.
At the close of small group, everyone laid hands on us and prayed for us. Some of the words of those prayers come to mind now:
1. Don't be afraid to walk where God is leading you. It might not be easy but trust God and follow where He leads.
2. You guys are part of God's elite workforce.
3. God is the centerpiece of your family and the cornerstone of your marriage.
These words have been echoing in my mind since that night. I feel that they might be the theme of our family this year.
My challenge is to "Pray without ceasing." I Thessalonians 5:17 for my family, my Small group, my marriage and all those needy people that I serve at work. Will you hold me accountable to this?
At the close of small group, everyone laid hands on us and prayed for us. Some of the words of those prayers come to mind now:
1. Don't be afraid to walk where God is leading you. It might not be easy but trust God and follow where He leads.
2. You guys are part of God's elite workforce.
3. God is the centerpiece of your family and the cornerstone of your marriage.
These words have been echoing in my mind since that night. I feel that they might be the theme of our family this year.
My challenge is to "Pray without ceasing." I Thessalonians 5:17 for my family, my Small group, my marriage and all those needy people that I serve at work. Will you hold me accountable to this?
Friday, January 6, 2012
Here Goes!
So here I am joining the Blogging world. I don't feel like I know what I'm doing, but I do know that I love to write and journel....especially about my life and family. So with that said, "HERE GOES!" I decided to start blogging because I haven't journaled in years and I want to have something that I can share with my girls when they get older. Something that shows the "Melody" of the Bornman family. We are making a beautiful "melody" in this world and I look forward to developing this melody into a great Masterpiece.
Looking at 2011, I see how I have had such huge blessings and challenges. Adding Jaelle to the family mix has been amazing. I didn't imagine that adding one more to the family dynmics would go so smoothly. Having a busy schedule with Abby and Becca in piano lessons and softball and then 2 parents on different work schedules and also fully involved at church, well, its all been God's grace and His hand upon us. Working full time as a mom has been so challenging and I have been discouraged and questioned if this is the best thing. But I realize more and more as I am here that God provided this job with excellent benefits and pay and I know that did this with a purpose in mind. I need to be faithful and see this through. Hearing God through all the noise of this world can be so hard. But I feel like I'm learning more and more each day to listen to that still voice and to respond to God's voice. And when I do, I see blessings and doors that open beyond my wildest dreams.
So this new year, I am taking the plunge. I am pursuing something that has been in the back of my mind and heart but has been hidden because I never thought I was good enough or that I had the ability to do it. I am going to make a CD, a recording of me singing and playing piano. I know that God has opened doors for me to take this step and go into the unknown. Friends and family have encouraged me and strangers have asked "Do you have a CD? Or why don't you make a music CD?" Because I thought I needed to be famous or that I needed to be better at making music. But then I realized that I'm not doing this to be famous or make money. I'm doing this to share my love for music, worship and for my daughters to see and hear me share my life song and that God is real and tangible. And most importantly, to be obedient to what I feel that God is leading me to this new year.
So HERE GOES! Let the music begin and my God continue to guide my steps and create music that speaks the Love of Christ and shares that He came that all might know Him and have life through Him. May He be glorified even more in my life this coming year in all that I do and say! Amen!
Looking at 2011, I see how I have had such huge blessings and challenges. Adding Jaelle to the family mix has been amazing. I didn't imagine that adding one more to the family dynmics would go so smoothly. Having a busy schedule with Abby and Becca in piano lessons and softball and then 2 parents on different work schedules and also fully involved at church, well, its all been God's grace and His hand upon us. Working full time as a mom has been so challenging and I have been discouraged and questioned if this is the best thing. But I realize more and more as I am here that God provided this job with excellent benefits and pay and I know that did this with a purpose in mind. I need to be faithful and see this through. Hearing God through all the noise of this world can be so hard. But I feel like I'm learning more and more each day to listen to that still voice and to respond to God's voice. And when I do, I see blessings and doors that open beyond my wildest dreams.
So this new year, I am taking the plunge. I am pursuing something that has been in the back of my mind and heart but has been hidden because I never thought I was good enough or that I had the ability to do it. I am going to make a CD, a recording of me singing and playing piano. I know that God has opened doors for me to take this step and go into the unknown. Friends and family have encouraged me and strangers have asked "Do you have a CD? Or why don't you make a music CD?" Because I thought I needed to be famous or that I needed to be better at making music. But then I realized that I'm not doing this to be famous or make money. I'm doing this to share my love for music, worship and for my daughters to see and hear me share my life song and that God is real and tangible. And most importantly, to be obedient to what I feel that God is leading me to this new year.
So HERE GOES! Let the music begin and my God continue to guide my steps and create music that speaks the Love of Christ and shares that He came that all might know Him and have life through Him. May He be glorified even more in my life this coming year in all that I do and say! Amen!
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