The Hunger Strike

Apparently I gave birth to a budding little activist. I did watch Gandhi while nursing him in September, but at 1 month old, I really didn't think he was paying attention.

I was wrong.

Noah's on a hunger strike.

I should have seen the signs in November when he first started refusing a bottle, or in January when he stopped nursing if anyone else was in the room. But now we're in February, and he has my attention. Two weeks ago, he stopped eating cereal (rice or oatmeal) or taking any bottles (breastmilk or formula, hot or cold). That fact alone is sort-of sweet and sort-of difficult when I'm home with him. But it is downright troubling when it means he goes all day at daycare without any sustenance.

Originally, I thought we'd push through it. A 30-year-old woman should be able to win a battle of the wills with a 6-month-old. Right?

Again, I was wrong.

The strike has worked. The boss has caved. I'll be working from home from now on so that 1) his periods in daycare are shorter, or 2) I can visit him there to nurse him. I just can't handle my little baby going hungry all day long when I don't actually think he's old enough to realize what he's doing.

I'll keep experimenting with tricks to get him eating. Apple juice. An open cup. Different formula. Different childcare. And I'll let you know if something works.

In the meantime, I can't help wondering if this particular trait comes from his father, who often forgets to eat lunch and would rather talk than eat anyday. Wish I could say that for his mother...

Noah's Baptism

Last weekend was a little crazy but a lot of special. Friday, Noah came down with his first ear infection (just in time for Grandma and Grandpa to arrive from Florida). Saturday, we toured houses for sale (fun) and then I got food poisoning (not so fun). Sunday, Noah was baptised, and we celebrated afterward at our house with friends and family.

I discovered a couple of things through the experience:

1. I'm glad we baptise babies in our church. When Josh and I first joined, we weren't familiar with the practice and weren't sure we would embrace it. After several conversations, some reading, and a good 6 month Sunday school study, we decided to make it part of our family. Now, I really appreciate it. At least in my mind, it made this day particularly special. The invitations, the gown, the cake, the pictures, the flowers - it all pointed to the fact that this is a big deal. Someday, we'll tell Noah about his baptism, about what it means to be a part of God's covenant with his people, and about how many people he has supporting him as he grows, learns, and walks with God.

2. I honestly did not know how often we would be sick once Noah entered our lives. Flu season has a whole new meaning (even if we haven't gotten the flu). If we're not sharing a cold, we're passing around a stomach bug or low-grade fever. It is so tempting to get bogged down in the illness - to let it control our lives. This weekend, I think God was reminding me that while we do need to respect and take care of our bodies, we can trust him with the details. My parents stayed with us for 4 days and Mom held Noah for most of that time. She has an autoimmune disease, yet God (and constant hand-washing) protected her from the bugs we were passing around. Furthermore, I got sick on Saturday but had recovered within 12 hours so we were able to move forward with the baptism - no small miracle. Finally, it was really sweet to see how my family gathered round to fill in the gaps and make it a beautiful event.

Precious Moments

1. Watching the movie, Cars, with our nephews. Notice Noah's orientation? He's already a fan.

2. A favorite position. After all, don't you prefer to keep your hands close but your feet closer?

3. Like my new high chair? It sits well, tastes good, and looks like a space ship. Cool.

4. I am SO ready for this. Who needs nipples, man?

5. In the big-boy bath tub, because I'm such a big boy now! Six months next Wednesday!

6. Rolling? Crawling? Eating? Bring it on - I'm ready for anything!

Remember the Alamo!

(i.e., the big rock wall we're standing in front of)
Josh and Noah went with me on a business trip to San Antonio this past weekend. Not only was it Noah's first time in Texas, it was also his first time in an arena full of 15,000 women. I must say, he did great during his visit to the National Women of Faith conference (where I imagine he felt right at home around lots of mommies). And thank the Lord for his daddy, who cared for him the rest of the time. Josh looked a little shell-shocked when I got back from the conference Thursday night, but then who wouldn't after 5 hours in a dark room with an infant that does not want to go to bed?

The Wandering Hand

I love nursing. I'm not a nursing nazi. I'm not saying everyone has to nurse. I just happen to really enjoy it. I love having regular time set aside every day when I get to be alone with Noah to look at him, pray over him, and think while he eats. I love feeling his sweet little body against mine, feeling my milk come in, and getting that restful sensation that I'm providing what he needs.

When he's nursing, Noah has the habit of waving his outside hand around -- straight up in the air, through my hair, around my chin, in my mouth, over his face -- pretty much anywhere... There's something so precious about seeing that adorable little hand with the dimple nuckles and supersoft skin touching me.

Daddies

Gentle, thoughtful, playful, curious, strong -- these characteristics have always made Josh a wonderful husband. Now, they are proving daily that he's a wonderful father as well. I keep bumping into books and radio programs that echo the importance of a father in a child's life. I cannot express how thankful I am that God gave Josh and me such amazing fathers and that he is now giving my child one as well.

And the winner, by a bumper, is...

Well, the final counts are in. Those of you who know me (Josh) well may be able to predict what this post is about (and if you are still lost, the title gives a clue ;)). This was to be the year that Toyota overtook GM after 76 years as the number one auto company in the world (which, I might add, is longer than the average male life expectancy). Several weeks ago, Toyota released preliminary numbers: they were projecting annual sales of 9.37 million vehicles. GM was projecting 9.3 million. Early articles touted that mighty GM had fallen. The race was on...

As they reached the back stretch and crossed the finish line, the real totals were: GM 9.369 million, Toyota 9.366 million. GM was the victor by 3,000 cars worldwide - a mere 0.03%. (Both automakers grew from the previous year but Toyota grew faster.) In the US, it is still more lopsided, 24% to 16%. Ford, however, bit the dust as #2 in the US in December and January as it has continued to cut fleet sales (rentals, etc) and tries to make money. So far, however, GM retained its title in January 2008, though the good money would be on Toyota for this year due to strong growth in China (where it just recently entered the market) and continued US growth.

The first time GM took the lead their most popular car cost $545 (the chevy 9AE). It's been a while...