"The Greatest of These Is LOVE"

1 Corinthians 13

[The Apostle, Paul's, letter addressed to the Church (a body, or group, of Followers of Christ) in the city of Corinth. Apparently, most of the Christians there were having difficulty separating themselves from their "old" self - the one once enslaved by sin. This letter was written to correct them.]


1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. it does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong-doing, but rejoices with the truth. love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never ends...

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Grand Velas '09

Anybody Want a Bib...Or Something Else From IKEA?

I'm having bib issues.

I had mentioned the Kiddopotamus Bib in an earlier post. I really loved this bib, but then Gwendolyn started eating more on her own and this bib is no longer a match for her! It's fine to get her naked and let her eat...but then I have to wipe off her whole body instead of just her hands and face. My "little controller" HATES being wiped off!

I thought this post from Passionate Homemaking, about IKEA’s Barnslig Rand Bibs sounded cool and I'm going to try the bibs. I had planned to be at IKEA within a week or two, anyway, so if anyone in Tucson wants me to pick something up for them, (provided it's not too large ;0) I'm game! Let me know!

I Want a Pure Heart

“Pure Christian humility is silent about the sins of others, or speaks of them with grief and pity. The spiritually proud person finds fault with other saints for their lack of progress in grace, while the humble Christian sees so much evil in his own heart, and is so concerned about it, that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts.

One under the influence of spiritual pride is more apt to instruct others than to ask questions. Such a person naturally puts on the airs of a master. The eminently humble Christian thinks he needs help from everybody, whereas the spiritually proud person thinks everybody needs his help. Christian humility entreats and beseeches, spiritual pride commands and warns with authority.”

~Jonathon Edwards

- Awesome Encouragement from Lyndsay at Passionate Homemaking.

I Got the ERGO!

So, I've always been a big fan of the baby sling. It was invaluable to me when my crazy baby was little. I had hoped to use it longer, but my shoulder is KILLING me! My almost 21-pound (not crawling) 9 month old is a little too much for the one shoulder, I guess.

I have secretly been wanting the ERGo for a while now...and when my husband's family told me that he NEVER crawled and neither did his father and father's siblings (and they all took FOREVER to walk) I was able to him of my "need" for the new beautiful carrier!

I don't know if Gwen will ever crawl. She just rolls all over the room...



And then, of course, there is the "thrusting"...

Anyway, I really like my Ergo and I feel all "cool" wearing it. I still feel it in my shoulders, though. It might just be my back issues. The Ergo is known for it's excellent support.

But, the real reason for this blog post is to show you pictures. All the babies I have ever seen in the ERGO have been so lovely, docile, happy, calm, sleepy and comfy-looking. Here is MY baby....



But, it's been a few days now that we've used it and she really seems to love it. I changed all the light-bulbs in the ceiling fans (up on the ladder) today with her in the Ergo and she LOVES being a part of everything!

"...Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

I was feeling very sad this morning as I scooped out yet another pitcher of formula for my baby. For me, I don't like giving her formula. The whole feeding thing with her has been an emotional and challenging process that has been very HARD for me, but has also opened up so much more opportunity for me to trust in the Lord's care for Gwendolyn and in His plan to bring me into a deeper relationship with him, by bringing me further away from MYSELF.

But, my feelings this morning were the work of the Enemy. The Lord is pleased with me. I can bring my sadness to him and "cast my care" on His mighty, powerful shoulders...and be ENCOURAGED!

So, I AM encouraged! I am excited about taking her off the formula in just a couple of months and about enjoying more and more nourishing food with her. She's getting so big! I love it!

And, of course, the Gwendolyn is ever the helpful one. Here she is reading the instructions for her new (gigantic) car seat...

Good Nap!

My baby just fell asleep snuggled in my arms and then I put her in her crib and she didn't scream. It's such a good day! Weird...but Great!

It's 5:40 AM...Do You Know Where Your Baby Is?

Mine is on the couch watching Shirley Temple in Heidi.

So cute...So early.

Fun With Papa, Grandma and Great-Grandma Bickerton!

Gwendolyn has a great time with her Daddy's side of the family! She just loves all the attention!

Her strategy is making everyone in that house do things for her...Great-Grandma's job was to just give Gwendolyn all her toys and sippy-cups at random.

Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful Dinner!

My Big Cousin Jonny

Gwendolyn, like all the rest of her cousins, is completely obsessed with Jonathan.

He is awesome with all his little cousins, in spite of the fact that they constantly stare at him, follow him around, pull on his limbs and clothes, and take all his toys from him.

He's the best Big Cousin a kid can have!

Gwendolyn's Response to Anything Involving Bed or Nap Time

"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." -- Dylan Thomas



I will introduce you to screams like you have never heard before. I will be like the whistle of a freight train or the scrapes of chalk on a chalk board. I will choke on my own saliva. I will NOT "go gently into that good night!"

I will fight until my mommy lets me get up and watch Baby Einstein.

The Many Faces of Gwendolyn

Party Girl

Gwendolyn has never been one to go to bed easily, but Friday night was extreme. We would put her to bed (a couple of times) and she would just scream, as if out of devastation. It just seemed clear that she wanted to stay up and party with Mommy and Daddy. You can probably tell by the upside-down sippy cup and erratic behavior that she was totally delirious...but she had a great time and we had so much fun watching her. When we finally put her back down at 9pm...she went right to bed without a sound. It was lovely.

To Grandpa Rehrmann...I've Been Practicing!

The Not-So-Fluffy Truth About Cloth-Diapering

Okay, I would like to begin by saying that I am happy with the choice to cloth-diaper, and it is working out for my particular family.

However, I am also a person who has been known to hate it when the decisions or choices I make don't turn out to be completely perfect in every way. But, since I'm on a real growing spree (spiritually, mentally, emotionally), as of late...I've been, more often, interested in sharing the details of those everything-I-do-is-not-perfect moments. Needless to say...my friends already know this ;)!

I was talking to a friend the other day who has weighed the option of cloth-diapering, and for many good and valuable reasons...has decided she must pass on it, for her family. She was disappointed and I though she, and maybe others, might be interested in the following...You’ve heard of the advantages of Cloth-Diapering…but here’s what your friends haven’t told you!

• The laundry is, LITERALLY, never done!


• The inserts may only take 10 minutes to stuff into the pockets, but it is, seriously, the most annoying part of my day.


• Yeah, the big cloth-diaper-butt can be cute…but my 8 month old can’t fit into 12-18 month pants and I’ve had to make many extra trips to the mall (with a crying baby) to return the bottoms I was sure were big enough to fit!


• I’ve recently discovered that what they say about cloth diapers and rash creams not mixing, is actually TRUE. Stripping (not a naked dance) your diapers takes time and it is just one more thing to do in a mommy-day that probably doesn’t need extra things in it.


• There’s always the POOP. Truth be told…this winds up not being that big of a deal…but it is still POOP!


• I thought by diaper bag was full before…these things don’t hold a candle to the flat, skinny profile of a disposable.


• Inevitably, once you begin down that cloth diaper route, you will wind up turning into some crazy woman who not only obsesses about her cloth diapers, but feels the need to always be talking to others about them!!!

So, here’s to Cloth-Diapering…and also to those of us who are NOT doing it!

The BIG FAMILY Dilemma

Now, normally I would say I LOVE my many brothers and sisters and, not only are they an incredible blessing, but they are one of most important aspects of my life. However, there is a problem.

Inevitably, once you think you have a good picture (or even just a picture) of the whole fam, you realize...oh wait! Jacob is missing...or Rosie. And, of course, you can't post the picture because it's just not everyone.

Then, when the rare occasion happens that you actually DO have everyone in the picture...NOT everyone looking at the camera or smiling...just everyone physically in the picture.......this is when someone (Stephanie) decides to give birth to yet another one of us, thus making the picture obsolete...once again!

I have added one such picture, anyway. And, to be fair...our newest addition, Levi Anthony Rehrmann (pictures coming soon!), IS in the picture...he's just really, really small and hidden inside of his mother.

left to right: (top row) brother eddie, me, gwendolyn, sister beka, beka's son jonny, tim's son hunter, brother tim, david's wife laura, david's daughter lila, brother david, david's son jacob, (bottom row) my husband jon(bic), sister rosie, tim's wife stephanie, pete's wife jenná, brother pete

GWENDOLYN

My wonderful friend, Kelly, posted about baby names and invited people to share how they came up with their kids' names.

Of course, any time someone asks you to talk about your kid...it's a welcome request. I mean, usually I just talk about Gwen, uninvited, and hope someone will listen!!! What can I say...she is awesome, and people should know about it!

Anyway, at the beginning, Bic and I were pretty into having a boy. I really wanted one...until about after the first trimester...then, my desire to have a girl became increasingly stronger to the point that, when we went for the 19week ultrasound...I REALLY wanted a girl! God is good!

But, we had easily picked out three boys names...

Augustine Mark (Auggie)

Maximus David (Max)

Charlemagne (Charley...well, I like this one...husband is not so sure)

Anyway, I didn't want to give up my desire for an epic, out-of-the ordinary name, just because we were having a girl. Although, I'm also a sucker for strong, grounded names like Rebekah and Elizabeth.

We were watching, for the second time, The Importance of Being Earnest (a play by Oscar Wilde, turned into a movie). One of the character's names is Gwendolyn (well, Gwendolen). It sounded interesting, so we stuck it in our cap. Then I looked it up and there are a lot of similarities between the Jennifer and Gwendolyn names. They are Welsh. They mean something having to do with white (I don't remember, the meaning was pretty meaningless). Also, the Jennifer comes from Guinevere...anyway, they are close in origin and meaning...and that's fun!

It's kind of a name with attitude...and we think it fits our little Angel very well!

Great Bib for Baby

I always look into product reviews...I like to know what people have to say before I buy...and usually I just want to find the thing that works best (or better than most).

And, since I clearly think my opinion is pretty valuable ;), I thought I would pass along my own review... I really like this bib. At first I didn't buy it because it seemed a little bulky and expensive, so I left it in the store...but later (when we really got into the baby food) I ran back to get something that would work well, be durable, portable, easy to clean and help contain the mess as much as possible. I love this Kiddopotamus one! It's awesome! I can even roll it up and put it in the diaper bag and it's extremely durable (and BPA-free, in case that's something you look for in a bib).

Yes, I DO Know the Muffin Man...for Goodness Sake!

Yeah, so the Muffin Man is just fine... as are all those black birds that were baked in some pie. But Gwendolyn and I need a little JESUS around here!!! I think my 8 month old is a little bored with Derek Webb and Rich Mullins!

I'm looking for some fun, baby and kid Jesus music, and I know there are a ton of you out there who probably have some great suggestions! Just help point me in the right direction, if you will!

Also, if anyone knows of a kids album of Hymns...that would be awesome!

THIS is the Day That the Lord Has Made!

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." 2 Peter 3:10

I often have trouble with the "taking one day at a time" thing. I do not enjoy the ultimate time-line of ONE day. One day is short and the next, uncertain, day follows so closely behind it...and you have to start all over again.

I could go on to examine why I might be someone who doesn't like this...but, inevitably, that would just leave us unraveling the less healthy side to me and concluding that the Lord will surely continue to change me into someone who more closely resembles Himself. So, we'll move on...

Gwendolyn and I (and Dave The Dog) went on a walk this morning. It was 7:30am, which would normally be unbearable this time of year in Tucson. But, it was really over-cast this morning and there was no fiery sun to cook us today. I was loving it and really enjoying the time and thinking, "I wish it could be like this every morning so that I don't have to try and get out at 6am" (which I've been very unsuccessful at).

That's when these words in 2 Peter came to me...these words and the words of the song: This Is the Day That the Lord Has Made (which I sing to Gwendolyn when she is being really whiney).

We don't even know if we have tomorrow. For all I know, THIS is the last day on earth that I have, or the last day I have with my husband or child.

Now, I know that Jesus Christ died and was raised again, so that what waits for me at the end of this world is more wonderful than anything I will ever experience...but I want to enjoy my life while I am in it and live like there is a perfect God in charge of it.

THIS is the day that the Lord has Made! His blessings are abundant TODAY! I would be wise to gobble them up and Enjoy them...for today!

My Baby Is Annoying Me

I don't FEEL like being a mom right now. I FEEL like getting in the car and going to the grocery store by myself and leaving her to wine, alone. I'm pretty upset that she had a terrible nap at the very time I needed her to have a good nap so that we could have a good day doing what we need to do. We have no milk, meat, eggs, tomatoes and laundry detergent (amongst other things) and I need to go to the store. I just want to cry thinking about her little, obstinate body all contorted and arched as I try and put her in her car seat. SO annoying. I should have left her in that crib to cry all by herself. She needed more sleep. I'm always regretful at the decision to go get her. ALWAYS! Seriously, I'm not sure if I feel any love for her right now. I'm going to feed her and put her back to bed. I am going to shut her door and let her cry until she falls asleep. I wish I had purchased ear plugs.

LOTS of pictures of Us and our Crazy Angel

Organic??????

• As I continue in my search to find out more about what I am feeding my family and WHY I would choose one thing over the other, I am continually coming across more information.




• I'll pass things along and you can read or NOT read, as you wish!
  The following article is titled:
  
  
  

  "Major Confusion Between Organic and Healthy"

  and comes from the MERCOLA.com website (thanks mom!). I am not necessarily endorsing this website or their many products, because I don't know enough about them...and they do sell an awful lot of stuff...which makes me hesitant. I am also not suggesting that this particular article is the best one on its topic.



• In fact, this kind of article, with the same subject, is prevalent in the discussion of "whole foods". Enjoy!




• http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/03/26/organic-foods-part-one.aspx

Here's Something Fun...

So, I ran across this Great Cloth Diaper Hunt Competition starting on April 15th. Sounds totally cool with lots of prizes, and somebody's got to win! I never win anything...but I'm totally doing it anyway (I've got the time!). Just thought I'd pass it on!

Two More Days to VOTE for Aaron

• Just a quick reminder... there are two days left to vote!

• Thanks again!
• 1. Go to http://www.seethebestyoucansee.com
• 2. Enter your name and email address.
• 3. Click on ackelley video and VOTE.

Make sure you click on the little video selection that says ackelley. THANKS!

No Turning Back

Well, here you have it...It's all over. There is no way out for us. All 24 diapers are pre-washing at the very moment I am writing this blog...leaving me with no return ability. AHHHHHHHHHH! From now on, the Bickertons are Cloth Diaper-ers. Until death or potty training do us part! Good Grief!

The process of choosing and purchasing aforementioned cloth diapers and all the accessories has certainly been a long one. That's just because I obsessed over it like I do everything else. And, there are a lot of options and a lot of reasons for doing one thing or the other. Then, there are a lot of things you need to know about the products you do eventually settle on.

• Now, it doesn't have to be that difficult, of course. I've read a lot of comments and blogs from different people who have an array of different kinds of cloth diapers in their "stash" and are always trying new things. These same people are also trying different laundry detergents, accessories, diaper colors and washing methods until they find the one they like best.





• These are the same people who have been a wealth of information for me as I've gone about my diaper inquisition. But, I really didn't want to do it that way. It would totally stress me out. I just wanted to decide on something and call it a day.





• So, I thought I would jot down what I decided and, why, for those of you who have expressed interest or curiosity. For those of you who think I am totally crazy...well, you are absolutely right. But, I'm having a grand old time at it!




• Diaper Brand: OKAY...the BumGenius brand has a pretty good wrap (no leaking, convenient, ease of use, one size option, good fit, etc.) and a friend had already told me about them. I got one to test out and decided I agreed with the masses (although plenty of people love other brands, too).




• Diaper Style: There were three options that I was looking at: the one size pocket diaper , the all-in-one and the one-size organic. I had wanted organic, but there is some question as to whether or not they do well with leaking and the natural cotton keeps baby's skin pretty wet, while the synthetic keeps the wetness away from the skin. Also, I wouldn't be able to add any extra stuffing and I really think that Gwendolyn is a HEAVY peeing one.




• With the all-in-ones, it's really like you are using a disposable. It's just one piece and there is nothing you need to stuff into the diaper, though you do have an option to put extra padding in for night-time if you want. But, with the all-in-ones, you have to buy different sizes. Although the all-in-one would have been my first choice, I felt like i would have had to buy these diapers four different times. It wasn't worth it to me. Once I got further into this process I decided I was all IN. I want these diapers to last and I didn't want to spend any more money on them, until absolutely necessary.




• Ultimately, I wanted a diaper that worked VERY well and saved me tons of money. I guess, for me and Bic, these priorities just trumped the other desires like organic fibers and all-in-one ease. So, the one size pocket diaper won out.

• Cloth Diaper Accessories: I had recently stopped using Kirkland Baby Wipes because, apparently, they are among the most toxic. Also, Gwendolyn's diaper rash really got better after I stopped using them. I figured...while I've totally gone off the deep end...on the diaper end, why don't I keep going! I am going to use cloth wipes. I just put them in my empty baby wipe box and pour water over them. There are tons of cool wipe solution recipes out there...but, with these diapers, you are not supposed to use anything oily b/c it messes with the absorbency. Some people still use a drop or two of tea tree oil or something...but I think I'm going to keep waiting to get a non-oily, non-soapy recipe. I've been using water on her butt for a month now...and we are doing just fine. I figure if the cloth wipe thing gets to be a real problem...i can always go back to water and paper towels.




• I also am using the diaper sprayer. I need to hook it up tonight. some people scrape the poop into the toilet (when it's solid). I liked the idea of spraying it off, and many swear by this little gadget.




• Last, but certainly not least, is the detergent. It actually really does matter what you use. Detergents with any additives or brighteners can totally mess your absorbency up and you'll wind up having to do a lot of crap to get them back to where they work. I chose Allen's Naturally detergent because it's supposed to be one of the best for use with cloth diapers...and like I said, I'm not in the mood for trial and error.

You'll see, below, that I've hung suspension rods (shower curtain rods) under the shelf in my laundry room. There are two (one behind the other). I've decided that my diapers, apart from the padding that goes in them, will be hung to dry. In Arizona, it's about a 5 hour (or less) process. It will extend the life of these diapers and that makes me happy.

• So, I started out trying to find something with a little less chemicals than the disposable diapers and now, even with choosing the synthetic cloth, I am totally pumped up about the life change. I'm excited to not buy anymore diaper products. I am excited to have comfy, cozy diapers that work awesome. I even really like the idea that I will have less garbage. Who knew?


• What's even cooler is the fact that my husband is totally into it too. I think he gets excited for all the same reasons. Without his interest and support, I'm sure this would be a no-go. Okay, I think I've gone on about as long as I possibly can...for now!
  

Hunter Needs Cool STUFF

PRECIOUS

• Okay, my awesome nephew, Hunter, is the coolest kid on the block and with his new baby brother, Levi, on the way...Hunter is in the market for some cool big-boy bunk beds and a bangin' futon.

COOL CAT

• Now, Hunter's got one HOT, crazy momma. After suffering defeat in the last Craigslist bunk-bed war, my sister-in-law found the address of her opponent and showed up threatening his first born child!
• Now, I may be a little off on the details, but let's just say that things are getting pretty serious. Last call I made to the house, my brother had been painting the new baby's nursery into the wee hours of the night and was not allowed to sleep until the job was done. Like I said...maybe I'm a little off on the details...but it goes something like that.
• So, I'm calling on all of you to help stop the madness. If ANYONE hears ANYTHING about someone in Tucson or Phoenix who is selling one such cool bunk-bed or bangin' futon...please let me know!!!!
• You can contact me or have them email me: mrsbic@comcast.net

Fun Help For A Friend!

• Hey EVERYONE...My friend is a finalist to get lasik eye surgery in a Phoenix Suns Fan Competition. The finalists will be selected based on fan voting! His name is Aaron and his very kind and wonderful wife is Jean. They are expecting a baby girl this summer.
• Will you follow these 3 easy steps and VOTE for him???!!!!!!
  
  
• 1. Go to http://www.nba.com/suns/fans/vision_challenge.html
  2. Enter your name and email address.
  3. Click on ackelley's video and VOTE.
  
  
• I think you can vote once EVERY DAY until April 10th.
  
  
• THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
  

She Was Bothering Me...

So I put her outside.

All is well!

...Perhaps I should put a padlock on the back gate.

Calling For Help!

• Okay, I realize that my post-baby body is going to be different. My hips have probably moved and my boobs could, very possibly, stay bigger than they were before. I also realize that my stomach muscles are probably even more lax than before baby...and they were pretty lax to begin with! However, what you see here is a beautiful woman, blessed with many wonderful features from the Lord, who is also sporting extra weight and unnecessary fat.
• March 2009
  

I do not expect to come up with long, lean legs (not in the genes!) and little perky breasts...that's what surgery is for :) !!!

• However, I know I can lose the extra weight and tone up. I need cut out the sugar, take my walks and do my Pilates at home...this is not intense training...I CAN do it!
  October 2007

• I realize that I will probably just be getting pregnant again at the end of the year...but with the next baby...I want the BEFORE picture of me in a bikini to be from May 2009 (not still from October 2007)!!!!

Who will ask me about my progress??? Accountability is Key for me. I don't like being embarrassed by my lack of discipline.

Gwendolyn's 6 Month Photo Shoot

Enjoy the fun photos of our beautiful little silly one...

Peas, Please!

Today was Gwendolyn's first taste of real food! I don't know if she actually swallowed any of the pureed peas her Daddy fed her...but it was fun, non-the-less.

And, nearly as important as this step in her baby-hood is MY culinary accomplishment. I am VERY proud of my peas! It's fun to make the food and I am excited to do more. I love the way it looks and it's cool that I know exactly what is going into the food. I have no idea how it tastes, because I HATE peas...but look how pretty!!!

It's a VERY easy process, but you wouldn't know it if you were in my kitchen this morning. I actually burned a whole pot...apparently I don't know how to use a simple steaming basket. I broke the Magic Bullet...but now I get to go shopping at Costco for another food processor!

I have a couple of mom friends, Mandy and Sarah, who each make their own baby food and have sworn by it's simplicity and their enjoyment of the process. They both love the Cooking for Baby cookbook from Williams-Sonoma...and now I know why. It's so pretty and nice and helpful...and fun! It's not necessarily an organic cookbook...but the purpose is to encourage wholesome, less processed cooking for baby.