Kyrie Elise Ann, 9lbs., 1oz., 21 inches, October 10, 10:30p.m. Kyrie, eleison. Christe, eleison. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Kyrie The words Kyrie, eleison, a transliteration of the Greek Κύριε, ἐλέησον, translated “Lord, have mercy” have been a part of church liturgy for centuries. We chose this theme as a whole for our daughter’s name if she was a girl, with Kyrie Elise Ann as normal-ish names, but sounding and looking much like Kyrie eleison.
Read More13 Months {Justus}
Justus celebrated his first month of being one in Ecuador! He turned 13 months just a few days before we left the country. {We are now back in the land of higher speed Internet, and I don’t need to worry as much about taking up bandwidth that Daniel needs for his work. Lots of catching up to do. I could use FB and Instagram on my phone, but this blog and e-mail where a little more challenging.}
Read MoreEcuador, Volume 1: The Journey

Our little family is now safely nestled in the mountain town of Cotacachi, Ecuador. And by nestled, we are sort of stuck right in between some volcanoes, one on either side of our house. The home has no heating or air (only fireplaces for chilly nights), and it’s so quiet right now. In the distance, I hear dogs barking, cattle lowing, and an occasional large horn honk in the distance. But it’s 8p.m. as I write this, and this little town will all be saying goodnight early. In the morning, some roosters that mix of sounds.
Read MoreJustus is One!
It never ceases to amaze how just one year’s time can transform a ruddy, floppy, birth-scented newborn into a walking, talking, baby with a definite sense of humor and vibrant personality. We praise God for our joy-filled year with Justus Daniel Shalom, and pray for many more years together. Happy first birthday to our beloved son! We celebrate his life and those who have played a special part in his life so far. May God make His face shine on you, and may you grow into a man, who, in keeping with your name, seeks justice, yearns for and promotes true shalom, and who lives with the thought that “God [alone] is judge,” as we seek to nurture and tenderly shepherd you as you become the person you were created to be. Justus at 12 Months
Read More9 Months! {Justus}
Hitting nine months of babyhood is kind of cool, because now baby has spent nine months in, and nine months out, give or take a little (a little more on the “inside” end with my babies :)). This past week, Justus turned 9 months! Hard to believe! At the time he turned 9 months, Justus: is 20lbs., 10oz., and 30 inches long. grew 2 new teeth: his top two teeth. It was hardly noticeable this time around–could it be that his amber teething necklace really did help? He did nurse a little more frequently a couple of nights, but nothing kept him awake or fussy. The teeth are still making their way down a little more ever day. had his first fever when the whole family got sick; he was pretty miserable with the sickness (respiratory), but thankfully is all back to his happy self! can stand by himself for a few seconds at a time. loves cruising around the living room using the couch and tables to get around. says “Mama, “Dada,” “Bee-ba-boo,” and I think I caught him saying “Na-na” for Hana Kate. 🙂 Mostly “Mama” and “Dada” get said at random, though. “Bee-ba-boo” is said when he wants to play Peekaboo! 🙂 Can play the toy drum. Loves following his sisters around, but can also play by himself for a good while. Seems to sometimes understand the meaning of “no,” or at least is starting to get a vague idea of the concept in specific concepts. Gives kisses (I think we have his friend Evangelyn to thank for this–at least, her kisses and her mommy have reminded me to say “kiss” when we give them, and now Justus often gives kisses when we ask for one, and sometimes even when we don’t.) Is showing an affectionate side: besides giving kisses, he will sometimes crawl over and lay his head on one of us. He even did this to Hana Kate the other day, and they both loved it. Sometimes will wave for “goodbye.” takes two naps: around 10a.m. and 2:30p.m. If for some reason he has missed his afternoon nap, or he has a short one, he gets really hyper and it’s quite funny! (Though it’s tempting, we don’t keep him up just for the fun of it! :)) Can drink from a sippy cup, and some from an open lid cup. Has been trying lots of…
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