Dani the Sleeping Ninja

My brother was the fussy sleeper when we were growing up. He would talk and walk in his sleep! Joey would pick fights and start conversations with me in the middle of the night. Up to this day, according to his wife, Vicky, he still does it. Thats one thing about my brother that is so him!

With Dani at 2 years, 2 months, its another pattern to watch out for. 

We successfully broke her pacifier habit a few days ago. But she still whines, pouts and grumbles. She gets very restless when she's about to doze off. She is all over the place! Lies on my head, my chest, my tummy (ouch!). And she continued to do so in her sleep. Her movements are quick and lands her just about anywhere. 

We woke up this morning of her whimpering because when I pulled my blanket to cover myself better, she was apparently covered! Bryan and I both looked and found her next to our feet and her head was inches away from Bryan's bum! 

Right now she is on a horizontal position. She apparently refuses to sleep in the normal position unless her father holds her tight, which she hates after a while. 

Sigh! Danielle, you are an adventure even in slumber. 

Bye bye pacifier

Today is the 2nd day of breaking off Dani's dependency on her pacifier. Its definitely harder than taking a candy from a baby.
She's about 2 years and 2 months old and based on the research I've made, 2 is the best time to break this habit.
"While parents worry that binkies may harm baby's teeth, they typically have no affect on a child under 2. "From a dental-health perspective, it's best to limit the pacifier when a child is 2 and stop it entirely by the time a child is 4," says John Stritikus, DDS, a pediatric dentist in Dickson, Tennessee. Past age 4, pacifiers can cause an overbite, open bite, or crossbite -- problems that affect chewing, speech, and appearance, and often require orthodontics to correct, notes Dr. Stritikus. Unfortunately, so-called orthodontic pacifiers don't make a difference. What matters is the frequency and intensity of the sucking habit."
-http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/behavioral/bye-bye-binky-ending-the-pacifier-habit/
Like they say, its your child's first "addiction". It has been her comfort and ally. She started off with her fingers. But with our pediatrician's advise we gave her her pacifier. Its more sanitary to say the least.
We prayed and talked to her about it before. But its only been this week that we decided its now or never. Bryan's been quietly pulling her pacifier out in the middle of the night. Sometimes she didn't feel it. Sometimes she does and starts her whimpering.
But it surprised me how well she has handled herself. Dani actually exceeded my expectations. I was expecting tantrums, kicks and screams. But the 30+ mins of whimpering last night was not so bad. This afternoon she asked for it twice in a very calm manner. I answered no. Then she let it go.
This morning I gave her a lot of praises and high fives saying how she has been such a good girl. How grown up she has become. She laughed and I could see she was pretty happy with it, too.
Tonight expecting anything but so far so good.
We've been praying God give her the strength and peace to this challenge. Its a foretaste of more things she will have to go through someday. So far, she is making me very proud. Thank you, Lord!
- Cris Syching


- Cris Syching

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. - 1 Cor 10:12-13

Life only gets harder as the years go by. If you do decide to care for people, the enemy will always find a way to hurt you the most.

On our own capacity, it will not only be painful but it will also be a battle we can never win. Thats the honest truth.

The Bible is filled with promises of endurance and God not letting us go. Yes, we will have to brave through the storms. Storms that can hurt us physically, emotionally, mentally. Storms that will shake us to the core. But God has been true to His end of the promise. He is there with us. The hand to hold. The One to hold on to. The One who will help us pick up the pieces and make us whole again. It only gets harder when we fight it.

The world may shun Him. Try to prove He is no longer relevant. It will try to imitate the work He has made. But the day will come when all will fall short.

I thank the Lord for getting us through the hardest climbs. But I am also grateful that our Father has been there even through the smallest of trips, scratches and tear.

It can be done. Not alone.


- Cris Syching

Direction

Psalms 32:7-8
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.


- Cris Syching

Scriptures to remember

Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to their death.

Proverbs 19:20-21
Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord ’s purpose that prevails.


- Cris Syching

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read,
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent YOUR dash?
Copyright Linda Ellis
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

A quick trip to Manila

At 4 months, that gives us about 5 more months to prepare and condition the whole house for our new plus 1.
This trip was intended not only for a break but also as a chance to show Dani some alone time when it is just the 3 of us still. Trips together are few and far between with work and everything else. So we really tried to make this happen.
We also planned meet ups with family from both sides and friends. About time Dani got to meet them after just seeing each other online.
We are blessed with a goid mix of people in our lives. It is a learning experience for Dani and see how she interacts and adapts.

Despite the quick flights between Iloilo and Manila (about an hour), Dani still has to get used to the landings. Air sickness bags were on standby. Despite the incoming storm, Maring, God blessed us with good flying weather, good pilot and little air pockets.

Meeting the Go's and Elian for the first time. Just confirms what we already know about Dani. She loves kids younger than her. She was all over Elian at the end of our dinner at Azuthai.

Friends that are true are such a blessing. People change so much over time. Sometimes it brings you different directions. Facts of life that we all have to realize more often than once in our lifetime.
I'm glad we got to meet up with my highschool friends, Ana Joy and Emeelou over a rainy Saturday lunch. Ana Joy brought her nephew, Anton and Emeelou with her husband brought Lucas.
The lunch at TGI Fridays then an afternoon at Manila Ocean Park was an experience to remember. Kids hit it off and it gave the parents a wonderful chance to interact and just share a moment of wonder and laughter with the whole family.


Lolo was also in Manila for his radiation treatment. We couldn't pass up the chance to see him.
In the past 6 years, our family has come to the path of faith, trust and always hoping for the best. Yes, we continue to pray for God's complete healing for my dad. But we have also made it a point to make every second count. Cancer or no cancer. Our time in the earth is like a whisper. God's name be praised in every moment given. Love never to be counted or taken for granted.
My dad has found a peace that so few have attained. I'm proud of how he has become and his ministry. As a mother I pray that I find the strength, wisdom and hope my dad has shared with us and has molded us.
People take each other for granted so easily. Time spent with family is one of the easiest things to set aside in the place of other empty things. Little things like spending quality over dinner just talking. Parents taking a pause when the child asks a question. Children turning off the tv and share a book instead with parents. Little things. Basic things. The ones that will make life meaningful.

Image - ODB

As God’s children, we’re not limited by our genetic makeup. We can surrender our flaws to Him and allow Him to fulfill the potential He had in mind when He created us as unique expressions of His love. The power of God’s Spirit and the life of God’s Son are at work in us, conforming us to His image (2 Cor. 3:18).


- Cris Syching

The Joy of Disappointment - ODB

Proverbs 3:1-12
Wisdom Bestows Well- Being
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
My son, do not despise the Lord ’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.

Many times we struggle with the reality that our Father knows what is best. We assume our way is right. But, as we rest in Him, His purposes always prove to be for our good and His praise. To be honest, that’s easy to see when the outcome is better than we had hoped, but difficult when we can’t see the good right now or maybe won’t till heaven.

As wise King Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).


- Cris Syching

Simplify

Don't simplify your life so you can do more. Simplify your life so you can focus on what matters. - whyte


- Cris Syching

Pride

“In God you come up against something which is in every respect immeasurably superior to yourself. . . . As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you” - CS LEWIS
Spiritual pride is the most arrogant of all kinds of pride.



- Cris Syching

18 weeks along!

Pregnancy has always been a roller coaster of sorts.  Being on my 2nd run, I can confidently say that no two pregnancies are alike.  Some new things have popped up in terms of health, emotional and circumstantial (long story).

During the first time with Dani it was like being pushed into a dark room without any warning.  But I was blessed to have some people who became my blessings during the time.  Even more so now.  I have more people to go to for inspiration and guidance.  People who urge me to be a better persona over all.  Its thrilling and the lessons keep on coming each day.  Its amazing!  Talk about the buddy system on steroids!

This second time around, I haven't really had the down time to really think deeply and absorb the whole process.  Danielle has been keeping me very occupied.  But I think that is a good thing.  Teaches me balance and better time management.  I had all the time in the world the first time to try weird or kooky ideas.  Some people definitely go overboard.  This time around I'm more realistic and wiser.  Thank God!

Changing my OBGYN last minute was also a big step.  But these are the times when we have to listen to our gut.  God has His ways.  Prayed and reflected about it and I am happy with how things have turned out.  Not only do you want a doctor who is competent and wise but also emotionally supporting.  What good is it to have a wonderful doctor who sees you as an extra paycheck in her bank account?  Rushing through everything and giving you anything.  One who is accommodating with the questions running through my mind and patient enough to know its just my nerves getting in the way from time to time.

Danielle has become more affectionate.  A bit attached to me, which is how I would like it to be anyway.  But she does need to learn to control her emotions.  She is as impatient as I was during the time, unfortunately.  Her temper gets the best of her, too.  She has to grow up a bit faster now.  When this new baby comes out, our lives are going to change in more ways than one and the world won't be revolving around her as more.

Its amazing how God expands the love that is within when this time comes.  I used to think the heart as a whole that is as big as it already is.  The more people come into our lives, the divisions get easily distributed somewhat, trying to make room for more.  But I guess God uses the moments in our lives to make our love stronger.  Develop more muscle so the bigger it gets.  The bigger it becomes, the more there is for new beginnings in life.  Our love for Danielle will never depreciate.  This new baby will have new room in our love.  Its amazingly profound.

Our midwife recently informed me that she plans to take her leave soon.  So that is a new speed bump that we didn't expect.  She has been with me from day -1.  Then again, thats how life is.  Some people come and go.  Its not always a permanent goodbye, but we must be on our different ways.  God will provide as He provided for us then.  So I choose not to be fearful and approach this with a steady heart and mind.  

As I wake up each morning with Bryan and Dani by my side, that is all of God's wonderful best in my life in one bed.  I am very blessed.