Hand-Me-Downs

We have been the lucky recipients of some fabulous hand-me-downs. When a box from cousin Micah comes full of clothes for Sam, he can't wait to see what's inside. A striped shirt? Rubber boots? A bucket hat? If I'm having trouble getting him to decide on something to wear in the morning, I can tell him, "How about this shirt? This used to be Christian's!" and he'll snap to attention and say, "Really? OK."

When Sam outgrows the clothes, they go in a crate marked with their size and wait in a closet for Levi. It's fun to tell Sam, "Look, you used to wear this shirt!" It's even more fun when we have a picture of him in a particular shirt that Levi now fits into.

Hand-me-downs are great. Cousins and friends lived life in these clothes and were thoughtful enough to pass them along to us. To me they are reminders of our loved ones. I'm sure at some point Sam will refuse to wear hand-me-downs, but for now he thinks they're pretty cool, too.

I have to admit, my favorite hand-me-downs have been those for Nate. I saved a handful of my favorite things from Sam and Levi's babyhoods. But since he was a winter baby and the other two were born in warmer months, we needed a few things. Some contributions from new friends in the neighborhood, and these meant a lot because of what they represented: physical proof of new friendships.

But a whole lot of other items were given by my friend Megan. Meg was my best friend in high school, but we also attended elementary school together. She was my maid-of-honor, and as adults we have found ourselves living in the same city, 6 hours from where we grew up. She now has 3 boys as well, her youngest is about 8 months older than Nate.

So last November, when I went out to breakfast with Meg and another childhood friend, Brenda, she gave me 3 large bags full of baby boy clothes.

Now, Brenda, who I went to preschool with and who was also a best friend and a bridesmaid in my wedding and also moved to the area after college, is pregnant with her first. She is due in June with a boy. So when I saw her today, I gave her the first bag of Nate's hand-me-downs.

If you had told us in high school that our children would share clothing, we would have laughed at you. It's so good to have life-long friends.

And now, just for fun, can you tell who's who?

Nate is on the top, Sam in on the bottom!

And another...

Sam's on the top, Levi on the bottom.

Nurturing

"...our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants..."

Psalm 144:12

Things in the Godzwa household are still a little chaotic. They would be in yours too, if you hadn't done any sort of filing or organizing since before Christmas, and you had 2 little munchkins running around the house disorganizing things every day since then. I'm still in my "fourth trimester", those 3 months post-partum when baby is not exactly on a schedule and mom's body is still adjusting from the experience of pregnancy and childbirth, so I'm giving myself a break.

A friend gave me a framed piece of artwork that contains the above verse. I was thinking about it today, and it's true. Although our home is a bit of a mess right now, my sons are well-nurtured. They are all well-fed (yes, even Levi!), clothed, and loved. They are growing, healthy, and sweet as can be (most of the time).

But my plants... well, let's just say they can't compare. I decided last spring to add a few plants to my living room to soften things up, and bravely chose something other than philodendron (the only houseplant I've been able to keep alive for any length of time). My problem is that I water my plants when they look like they need it... yeah, that's usually when it's too late. I had been doing well, though - only one of five bit the dust about two months ago.

But now that I have another human mouth to feed (and bathe, and put to sleep...), my plants have been neglected a few too many times. I'm glad they don't have feelings, or they'd all end up in counseling! We'll see how long they can hold out.

On a different note, Levi and Sam are both sporting war wounds this week. (Are they really being well-nurtured, you ask?) Levi took a tumble down some concrete steps when we were on campus this past weekend. He literally did a summersalt and planted his face! Oh, his tears and my panic! But within two minutes he was fine and so was I.

And Sam had a toussle with his friend who was over yesterday. There was something about them both wanting to play with the guitar and whose turn it was, and then suddenly Sam's cheek was bleeding. This happened within the first 10 minutes of the playdate! But for the next 3 hours the boys played happily together.

But their wounds make me feel oddly proud - I have boys! They are sweet and wonderful, but they also have tons of energy which I sometimes despise, only because I am sleep deprived and don't have a back yard to send them to. A friend asked me the other day if I've come to terms with having 3 boys. The truth is, I don't know what it's like to have a child who wants to do crafts, sit and read books or put together puzzles. Sure, my kids will do these things, but only when I initiate it, and not for very long. Usually I am trying to keep them from jumping on the couch or "playing the drums" too loudly.

And now, just for fun, a few more pictures:

Sam can't stop saying, "Nate is soooo cute!"

My little mischief-maker

The littlest man, 9 weeks old

Misunderstandings

As I mentioned in a previous entry, Sam has entered a whole new stage of understanding and logic, and it has made for some great conversations between us. It also makes for frequent misunderstandings.

For example, the other day Sam was doing something that he would soon need my help with. I knew Levi and Nate would be waking up from their naps momentarily, so in an effort to hurry Sam along I told him, "in a few moments I'm going to be occupied with two babies. Are you ready for my help yet?"

A few minutes later, as predicted, Levi woke up. I was in the middle of changing his diaper when Sam called in from another room, "Mommy, what's an octopi?"

"It is more than one octopus. Where did you hear it used?"

"You said you would be octopi with two babies."

Last week we were all in the car when I saw lights from emergency vehicles ahead. I mentioned it to Sam, thinking he would be interested in seeing police and firemen at work. As we got closer, I said, "I think there has been an accident." Sam responded, "Was it a pee pee accident?"

Then there are the larger issues, the life lessons that are so hard to comprehend. In school, Sam's class is learning about counting. They have been learning nubers up to 100 and practice counting as a class. So out of the blue the other day he asked me, "What is the last number?" I had no idea what he meant, but after talking about it a bit ("Is it 10? Is the last number 100? I think it is.") I explained that there is no last number, but that you could go on counting forever. This was unsatisfactory. Ah, the beginning of wrestling with the concept of eternity.

And speaking of eternity, there is that whole thing about death which he asks very pointed questions about since our fish, Yellow Fred was found belly-up. He has asked what happens when you die, and we've explained that if you are a friend of Jesus you will go to heaven. So the other day he said, "If you got eaten by a bear and died, how would you get to heaven? Would someone have to cut open the bear?" Good question. Do I really want to introduce him to the concept of a spirit vs. body, which I know will bring with it a whole slew of more hard questions? Whew, it's like Pandora's box!

Along a similar vein, we've talked a lot about how God makes each person. With Nate's arrival we've also talked about how a baby grows inside a mommy's tummy until it is born. So his question was, "How did God get inside your tummy to make me?"

Probably most 4 year olds ask similar questions, but I have to admit that his curiosity and effort to understand these grown-up concepts make me proud. I am challenged by it, yet I find the effort it takes me to answer his questions in ways that are helpful to him is a fantastic way to exercize my brain, which sometimes feels like it has lain dormant inside my head for the past few years.

Godzwa Look-alike Meter

Just having a little fun after the kiddos are in bed. I should be there myself!

These are from Myheritage.com. Upload your picture to the "morph" section and it'll tell you what celebrities you look like. Mike and I had a good laugh doing ours!

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free family tree - Family pictures

Godzwa Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Godzwa Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celeb - Collage - Morph

Amazing Grace

It's a little surreal having 3 kids. There aren't very many families with 3 young children in the city. I get all kinds of comments from strangers: "Wow, you've got your hands full!" "Oh wow, how do you do it?" And my personal favorite: "How many kids do you have?" (All comments I've received in elevators, haha!)

We are doing well, by God's grace, and I'm completely serious about that.

The past week has been pretty crazy. Sam starting coming down with something on Monday evening. Tuesday he stayed home from school, and Wednesday morning a trip to the doctor informed us that he had strep throat. He also had a cold/flu virus, which Levi caught on Thursday.

Amazingly and, again, by God's grace Levi didn't get strep! He is, however, still in the middle of a pretty nasty virus, complete with runny nose and fever. Mike helped when he could, but he had a very busy week, and was gone several evenings. I was on my own with the kids for most of my waking and sleeping hours from Monday to Saturday.

But before you feel sorry for me (am I too late?) I have to tell you that God is teaching me so much about grace, service, contentment and dependence on Him. I was able to keep my cool when there were particularly challenging times (try taking your sick 21 month old to get a strep culture with a crying infant whose only consolation is to be held). And thanks to the amazing properties of breast milk, Nate has stayed completely healthy throughout the whole ordeal.

Do you know that I haven't had to cook since his birth? My freezer is full and meals have been delivered by church and neighbor friends up through this week! From the food that we put in our mouths to my attitude, we are covered in God's grace, and life is good.

And now for an update on the kids...

Nate is growing by leaps and bounds. He is starting to smile and coo - so rewarding after 5 weeks of life. He does this thing that I think every newborn does where, when he wakes up he stretches his arms over his head with little fists - I love it because you can see how short a newborn's arms are, or how big their heads are! His wrists only reach the top of his head - too cute! But I digress.

Nate is 7 weeks old today, and you parents out there might recall Dr. Weissbluth, who in his book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child claims that fussiness in newborns increases until 7 weeks of age, when it then begins to taper off. I'm hoping that's true because the increase has surely happened. But I really can't complain, considering overall he is quite mild mannered and takes some stellar naps during the day. And hey, just look at that smile.

Levi is adjusting to big brotherhood, and as most adjustments go, its had its ups and downs. He has come to the realization that he has to share Mommy and Daddy with his new brother and sometimes shows his disdain. There has been a bit of mischief (sometimes involving toilet paper) but we've had most of our trouble in the area of eating. I've read that sometimes toddlers realize that a great way to get their parents' unbroken attention is to stop eating. Combine that with sickness, and he has the appetite of a small bird.

Thankfully, though, he doesn't seem to take out any frustration on Nate. Just the opposite - he is constantly trying to kiss and cuddle with him. Sam and Levi are regular playmates now. Last week while Sam was home from school, each day when I announced Levi's nap time Sam would say, "but then I'm not going to have anyone to play with!"

And Sam is doing great. He's becoming more responsible and loves it when we give him jobs around the house. He's come into an age where he's asking more questions and able to think more abstractly about people and events in life, and even things like death and God. Although it's a little intimidating, I thoroughly enjoy these conversations with him.

Don't get me wrong; Levi's mischief has given Sam the liberty to do some of the things that he never did as a toddler because we watched him too closely (you know, first-kid syndrome). Instead of keeping Levi from committing harmless acts of messiness, he joins right in. But as much as it aggravates me, I can hardly blame him - I'm sure I'd do the same thing if I was four.

So there you have it. I started this entry at 10am; it's now 6:49, and I'm about to put the kids to bed. All in a day!

The Newest Godzwa: Nathanael James

I'd like to introduce you to our new son, Nathanael James! He was born a month ago today, December 11, 2007. Forgive me for the short post, but he is laying on my lap as I type. For all the details (yes, even more than you may be interested in) take a look at some of Mike's recent blog entries.

I'm happy to indulge you with some pictures, though!




First, the final belly picture taken the day before Nate's arrival. I was amazed at how big my belly actually got (as was just about everyone else)!






We chose the name Nathanael because it means "Gift of God". We weren't expecting him, but God was and knew he would be a blessing to us and to others. His middle name, James, is in honor of my dad.



He was 9 lbs., 22 inches long at birth!

What did you get for Christmas? We got a baby.

Nate loves his daddy!

Sam and Levi love "Baby Nate", and cover him with kisses every chance they get. Sam's most common phrase is "I love my baby brother", complete with a little pouty face. So sweet! I don't have any pictures of Levi with Nate, since I'm usually trying to make sure he doesn't sit on him, (we're still working on the meaning of "gentle").

Fun times at Nana and PawPaw's house for Christmas!

Sam, the happy Elf

And finally, taken today at one month old. At his 3 week checkup he was already over 10 lbs and has outgrown several sleepers. He's even starting to coo and smile!

Stay tuned for more details... I promise I'll post more often. :)

36 weeks

Here's the latest belly picture. I always reach this point in pregnancy and just wonder, is it really possible that this belly could expand any more? But the possibility exists. I'm feeling good, though, much more comfortable than I expected at this point. As long as I get enough sleep and can put my feet up a couple of times a day life is good...

Only about a month to go! Now this little one just needs a name before he decides to come out. Any suggestions?

The Latest on Levi

I always thought that the best thing about having more than one child would be watching their personalities develop. I'm realizing as Levi is approaching 18 months old how different he is from Sam.

Levi really likes cars. Sounds pretty normal for a little boy, right? But Sam never got into them. Levi will play for 20 minutes at time driving them around the apartment. He also likes dogs, something that Sam has NEVER liked.

Levi loves to draw. We have a magna-doodle and an aqua-doodle, both modern-day versions of a slate and chalk, and he can entertain himself with these for long periods of time.


He is also very friendly to strangers. Lately any time we are in public he waves with animation at strangers and gives a loud and sing-songy "Hi!" (which sounds like he has a southern accent - "Ha!"). Talk about getting some positive attention!

In all these things, Levi is very different from his brother. But one similarity Sam and Levi share is their love for music. Levi has begun to sing! Sure, he doesn't get the words, but he sings the tunes of "London Bridges", "Twinkle Twinkle" and - amazingly - "Blessed be the Name". I've been trying my hardest to get it on video, but every time I try he gets distracted and stops singing!


I'm finding that at 18 months, Levi goes from being cute and endearing to exasperating on the turn of a dime. Life is hard when you have uncontrollable impulses that get you in trouble! Yet at the same time he is so funny - coming up with new words to try out each day, mimicking our activities, and experimenting with anything he can get his hands on. Life is a classroom, and everything is new to him. Watching this process is so incredible!

Third Trimester, Here I Come

Well, today I'm officially 29 weeks along, which is actually 2 weeks into the third and final trimester of this pregnancy. This is the latest belly pictures, taken at 28 weeks.

I find that, as a pregnant woman there are two things people say to me often:

1.) "How are you feeling?" This is a hard one for a couple of reasons. 50% of the time the most truthful answer is "lousy" or "big", but it's just not a great way to start a conversation, right? Although I do try to be honest. The other 50% of the time I truly feel great, and don't have much to say about it. At those times I feel more like I should be giving a more thorough report, haha! It's nice of people to ask, of course.

2.) "You're looking great!" (or some variation of this). Now, don't get me wrong, it's great to hear. But it's humorous and ironic to me that when I have gained many pounds over my usual weight and don't often feel like I look great, I'm told this almost daily. It is a blessing.

The Summer in Photos

Sam and Mike took in a National's game on July 4th

The second week in July we had a family vacation at the Massanutten resort near Harrisonburg VA. Unfortunately we all got the Norovirus and were pretty sick for a few of the days, but we did get to catch some sun at the pool (see above) and do a little fishing trip (see below), among other activities.

Above: Levi and I at our church picnic/baptism.

Below: Sam has become a little fish this summer! He loves the water, and no longer needs his "floaties" (water wings).

Sam and friend Symon are putting on a concert!

Baby update

I realize I've been slacking again with my blogging this summer, but I'm making up for it now that I have a little time on my hands. :) The big news about Baby Godzwa #3 is...





A BOY!





Yes, a third boy. And we couldn't be happier! Isn't he cute?





I/he have/has grown quite a bit in the past couple of months, too. Here are the belly picts:

At 20 weeks:

And at 25 weeks:

This shirt is not going to last me much longer!

His arrival should be sometime mid-December.

Snip, Snip

These two little words can mean many things: i.e. coupon collecting, a haircut, assurance that one can no longer have children (all of these will be applied to our lives sometime in the not-too-distant future)... But this week the sound of snipping is the cutting of apron strings. My little baby boy has started school. Sigh.

I know, I know, it was bound to happen. But I think I struggled with it a little more than usual. Sam just turned 4, and yesterday was his first day in Pre-kindergarten. Now, preschool is one thing, but this is all day, every day, in the DC public school system! Do you see why I'm having feelings of guilt/anxiety/sadness/fear?

If that in itself is not self-explanatory enough, I can elaborate. So many horrible things could happen at school. He could get ignored. He could get sick. He could feel rejected by me. He could choke on the grapes I packed in his lunch. He could get in trouble with the teacher and hold a grudge against organized education for the rest of his childhood. Shall I go on?

OK, I know these things are the crazy, normally unspoken (and probably better off left that way) thoughts of a stay-at home mom sending her first son to school. I have to admit, though, that each of these scenarios crossed my mind in the past 72 hours. And then I laughed at myself.

Yesterday was his first day, and it was great. There has been so much anticipation of Pre-K that Sam has been talking about it all summer. When he woke up yesterday and I told him that today was his first day, he just lit up and simply said, "really?" The whole family made the trip to school, and although the drop-off scene was pretty chaotic (picture 20 families trying to check in, drop off the things from their school supply lists, keep track of their nervous pre-k-er, and hold it together themselves), he was in his element. In fact, I found that I was the one with a lump in my throat, which I bravely gulped down as I smiled and hugged him goodbye.

Happily, he had a great day, and this morning as he was getting dressed he said, "I LOVE school!" (Lets hope that lasts for the next 12-16 years. :) Not only that, but wow, am I amazed at how quiet my days are. I get so much done! So now, instead of just feeling sad and worried, I waffle between that and relishing in the gift of time and space I've been given. I'm really relishing, too, because come December, life will bring it's new twists and blessings.

Life is a Bowlful of Cherries...

... and they are in season! Yum. I can't get enough.