Harvest

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

FOUR

Jackson Lane is FOUR!!

As we celebrate this sweet boy today I am overwhelmed that God has entrusted Trip and me with a child like Jackson. This past year has taught us so much about him. We have caught a glimpse of so many things that have yet to come and we are humbled and thrilled to be the ones to guide him.

Jackson Lane, oh how we love you. 
Happy Birthday to you! 
We are eager to see what this next year holds for you!
Christmas 2012
Spring 2013
April 2013 ~ A Preschool First!
July 2013 ~ Muddin' in Ohio
July 2013 ~ Jamestown Settlement
Summer 2013
~ The summer of RAIN ~
....and lots and LOTS of baseball.

*********************
Favorites:
~Anything related to a fire truck, car, 
plane or construction vehicle

 ~Hummus, cheese, any fruit, yogurt, pancakes,
 peas, cucumber and broccoli, fish sticks, Fro Yo!

~Baseball, playing in the pool or sandbox, 
climbing his fort and sliding down his fireman's pole

~Bob the Builder, Thomas, Fireman Sam, Clifford, and
any documentary about firetrucks or trains

~BOOKS!
Jackson set a goal at the library this summer to read 100 books.
He met that goal...and then some.
We are truly grateful he is a child who loves to read.


~ 4 ~
Happy Birthday, Jackson!


Monday, June 10, 2013

Henry {ONE Year}

Oh Henry. 
Happy Birthday to you, sweet boy.
This year has flown by and you have been an absolute joy. You fulfilled a promise that I clung to during my pregnancy. God proved, once again, to be faithful to us as a family. And I am so glad that He gave us YOU at the very time He knew would be perfect.
This final month before you turned ONE you experienced lots of fun "firsts". Your first trip to the zoo, first carousel ride, first pair of shoes, and your first grilled cheese are just a few of the fun things you did to celebrate your last month as my baby.
You are on the cusp of walking. You have a fierce determination to do it independently and that determination, coupled with your desire to keep up with Jackson, tells me your days of crawling are numbered.
TEETH!!! I must note that your bottom teeth must have truly been a pain to cut since you barely flinched while cutting the next SIX. Within a matter of two weeks you went from two bottom teeth to 4 upper teeth and two more bottom teeth. Let the food adventures begin!

Dear Henry,
At one year you are 31in tall and 21.5lb.Your favorite foods are any veggie or fruit, oatmeal, eggs, toast, and grilled cheese. You love to climb in the fort, slide down the slide, swing and play with any truck in your reach. You love your books, particularly Brown Bear, Brown Bear. You love to be sung to and hum along, particularly to "Amazing Grace". You have a very funny personality and a flair for the dramatics at times. {I have no idea where you get that from...ahem.} While you don't say much more than "Dada" right now, you understand us all perfectly and love "chiming in" when it suits you.

Sweet Henry, you are such a blessing to us. We celebrate this first birthday with such joy and thank God daily that you are a part of our family.

I love you so much.
~ Mama

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Henry {11 months}

ELEVEN.

One more month and there will be a candle on a cake.

But before I start freaking out about what is yet to come, I'll look back and savor this past month. This month was such a fun month for Henry.
 
He is a funny kid with a temperament that we have all fallen in love with. And he's tough. His big brother has yet to master the term "gentle", but Henry doesn't care. Whatever Jackson has typically done invites giggles from Henry. And as he attempts to cruise, Henry has learned that falling is no fun. But he rarely cries. He simply looks for confirmation from one of us: "yes, I bet that did hurt, but oh! you're such a big boy!" and gets back up.

He is truly learning to play. I noticed at the beginning of this month that he loves to drive the cars around the playroom. He goes from one side of the room to the other just driving whichever car grabbed his interest. There is also a Thomas set that has mesmerized him. He has finally learned how to place Thomas on the mountain so that the train car moves down the track. And he plays with that toy over and over and over....
The biggest change for Henry this month was his HAIR. Sweet baby had an old man combover. It was a mess.

Trip kept teasing me:
"Don't you love him? I mean, look at him...he looks like we don't know what a barber is for..."

Oh for the love. 

It wasn't that I didn't know the direct route to the boys' barber, it's just that...well...I knew I'd be a mess cutting my not-even-one-year-old's hair. I knew the minute that combover was gone he would look older. I mean the days of him being my baby are passing too quickly. Now I'm going to fast forward the process by having his hair cut?!

But I did it. I cried.

But in the end....He looked so. much. better.

Sigh....

Happy Eleven Months Henry!




Sunday, April 7, 2013

The Sunday Funnies

Two videos captured recently to show 
some of the silliness in the Radtke House.

Bathtime is such a fun close to our day. 
Henry loves popping his lips and enjoys it even more 
when big brother adds in his "pop" too.




With all the recent talk about Jack's brain, 
have you ever wondered where it actually is?
Three words Jack:
Location!
 Location! 
Location!


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Henry {10 months...and a few days}

April 2 marked ten months for Henry.
This was not missed in our house.

But truth be told this past week messed with me big time.

It started with Easter. I love Easter. I am emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed each year as I set aside time personally, and now with my sons, to consider exactly what Christ did for me. When I contemplate the truth that if I had been the only one on earth, regardless of my sin, He would have still followed through with His plan - I'm just wrecked. God loves me that much. He loves you that much

Then on Wednesday the boys and I had to say goodbye to our BSF family. In light of all that we have been learning about Jackson and his mind, it had become apparent that the BSF environment was no longer the right fit for him. Please don't misunderstand, the BSF children's ministry is an incredible program. But for a child with sensory processing disorder, it was too much. Everyone we knew was praying for Jackson to triumph and finish the year. But God's plans proved to be different for him. And since I am confident that God's ways are perfect, we said our goodbyes and walked away knowing that decision was the best for our family.

Finally, Trip read this article and passed it to me. I cried as I read through the post and then shared it on my Facebook page. I wanted others to be encouraged by this man's honest words. His insight gave me pause to think about where Jackson is now and where God will take him...in His time. Most importantly I want Jackson to be able to say when he is older, "My parents taught me the meaning of unconditional love and fought for me every single day of my life. I learned about hope and redemption from watching the journey they’ve been on themselves and couldn’t be prouder to be their son."

And in the midst of it all...there was Henry. 
Sweet Baby Henry.
God knew exactly what He was doing when He placed Henry second in our family. When I was pregnant with Henry God told me:

"Kristin, you will give birth to joy.
I, the Lord your God, 
knew what you & Trip would walk through between
this child's conception and birth...
and I choose to give you JOY."

And what a joy he is. He knew that we would need a baby during this season of our family that has an incredible temperament. Because, let's be honest, not just any kid would sit in a stroller for hour-long occupational therapy appointments...without making a peep.

And so, I close this post celebrating Henry's tenth month and thanking God for all that He is walking us through right now.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Henry {9 months}

Saturday marked Henry turning 9 months. While that day celebrated another month with our sweet boy, it also celebrated a dear friend's heavenly homecoming. Henry and I were able to attend the memorial service. It was truly surreal to sit in a packed church sanctuary among so many friends and family while holding your nine month old baby. I was so glad that I made the trip and had the chance to celebrate an awesome woman of God with Henry. {And he brought lots of smiles to the faces around him - I mean, hello...it's not hard when you're a flirt adorable.}


Dear Henry,

Eight days after you turned EIGHT months you crawled. And not a leisurely, I'll see how this crawling things works out. OH NO. You crawled like you were on a mission. A mission to keep up with that big brother of yours. {Good luck with that, by the way.} 
This month, after weeks of teething pain, a front tooth finally emerged. I have to admit though, for all the drama I was really hoping that you would have cut both your bottom front teeth. But no...just o n e. That's okay. Those chompers mean even more yummy food adventures in your future. So, we'll take it...gulp...one. tooth. at. a. time.
A sweet moment for our family this month was dedicating you and your brother. It was a special day for us to publicly give you and Jackson back to the Lord. Your Daddy and I are so very grateful that we have been entrusted with each of you. Your presence in our lives helps us depend upon Jesus at an entirely new level. A intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father is what we pray for you every day.
Speaking of relationships, the relationship with your big brother continues to grow. You honestly think every single thing he does is either fascinating or a hoot. It makes me laugh just to watch you watch him. One of the things that we prayed in the dedication for you both is that you would take care of each other and always, always, think the best of each of other, first. I will pray passionately for your friendship beyond brotherhood. I think God gave you an incredible friend in your brother.
 
 

Finally, Henry, at 9months you are 28.5in long and 18lb 11oz. I am so grateful for onesie extenders because, without them, you would literally have nothing left to wear for the winter. All of your one piece clothing is "capri-like" and your sleeves have a 3/4 length thing going on. But with spring literally around the corner, you'll have a fancy "new to you" wardrobe as soon as this winter is gone.

I love you, Henry!
~Mama

Thursday, February 14, 2013

My Funny Valentine

Three...and a HALF.

Valentine's Day is a sweet day around here and 
a halfway point for a certain little boy. 
Dear Jackson,
In the past six months there has been a lot going on for you. Shortly after you turned three we sent you to preschool for the first time. You have loved every single day. You leap out of the car each morning, excitedly grab the hand of the teacher who greets you, and practically drag her to the building to get your day started. You have learned many things in these first six months of school. And you have taught us many things in return.

One of the biggest lessons we have learned since sending you to school is how your brain works. We always knew you were "quick", but apparently you are "exceptionally intelligent". {Translation: Our fears were confirmed. You're smarter than both of your parents.} This intelligence, however, has a "catch". We have learned that you have sensory processing issues. At first this scared us not knowing how to help you navigate your little world. Your voracious ability to learn can also overwhelm you. But our fears have been conquered because we love a God who is bigger than any of our inadequacies and He has placed you in exactly the right school, in exactly the right classroom and equipped each of those teachers with the gifts to teach you and help you. They have given us endless resources to read and use with you at home. I have been reminded many times regarding this new understanding of you:
~Genesis 50.19-20 ~
Do not be afraid...You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...

And for His good it will be. And not just for you, Jackson, but for your Mama. You are a living opportunity for my sanctification. I am grateful for you in so many ways. But the my deepest gratitude reflects my daily surrender to not rely upon my own understanding. I want to glorify God in my parenting of you. And with His help I will. {Isaiah 42.16}
Some things in the last six months have remained the same.

You are still a great eater. Between your third birthday and November you had a growth spurt and grew 2.5in. In those weeks before the growth spurt I got a glimpse of how you'll be as a teenager eating me out of house and home.

You still love everything about firetrucks and firefighters. You "play fireman" every day. Every. Day. And if I would let you, you would watch "Lots & Lots of Firetrucks" several times a day.
You love to play outside. This rainy winter has driven you {& your Mama} crazy. You have begged me several times on a rainy day to let you go out. I'm looking forward to the warmer - and dryer - days ahead.

Finally, Jackson you are learning to be a great big brother. Thank you for loving Henry and "teaching" him all the fun things to do. He is so blessed to have you as his big brother.

I love you sweet boy.
Mama

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Family Picture

Today was a special day in our family as we celebrated the boys' dedication at church. Following the dedication our dear friend, Jeremy Harwell, took a family photo to celebrate this special day in the lives of our boys.


Note: The outfit that Henry is wearing was once worn by Trip.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Henry {8 months}

Oh Henry...

Eight months! You are at such a fun age. No longer just a lump, you're reacting and responding to the world around you. Your personality is shining through more and more each day.
 
You continue to eat well. Finger foods are a new adventure and you are quite insistent on feeding yourself. You're not so sure about the high chair. You usually look as though you're trying to conquer it rather than use it to achieve the solution to hunger. We may move you to the booster seat much sooner than we did with your big brother.
Speaking of your brother, you LOVE to play alongside him. You look at him and his toys with such great interest. Every now and again he even takes the time to explain how a few things work. I think he likes "teaching" you and enjoys your interaction.
 
 
This winter has been a wonky one. One day it's 70 the next 30. But as much as possible we take you outdoors to see the sun and play. You like your swing and you enjoy going for walks as we wear out your brother. {Your turn is coming mister!}
Crawling is coming soon. You have all the mechanics, you're just trying to figure out how to go forward. While I'm excited for you to figure it out, I'm savoring the days that I'm only chasing after your brother. I know that very soon I'll be chasing you BOTH.

~ Happy 8 Months, Henry. We love you! ~

Monday, January 7, 2013

2012 Recap

Last year I did a fun recap post of 2011. So, I thought I would make it a tradition and do it again for 2012.

1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before? 
Became the Mama to TWO boys.

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year I said that my resolution was to give birth to Henry because 
otherwise the Lord and I were going to have a serious conversation 
if I was still pregnant today. I'm happy to say I kept that resolution..ha!

3. Did anyone close to you die?

Well, while I never got to meet Carter, I felt close to he and his family as we passionately prayed for the Lord to heal him. We even led Jackson nightly in prayers for that precious family. However, that was not God's plan for him. In August he went to be with Jesus. Tears still well up in my eyes as I think about him not being with his family here on earth. Cancer, particularly childhood cancer, sucks.

4. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
Balance. 
Figuring out how to juggle each of my roles and to do each one graciously.

5. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 16 
- the date of the ultrasound that confirmed that our second baby was a BOY
March 13 
- watching Trip get wheeled back to the OR to have his neck surgery
June 2 
- giving birth to Henry
August 16 
- Jack's first day of preschool

6. Compared to this time last year, are you:
    ~Happier or sadder?
Happier! While this season is crazy busy in our family, we have such joy in Henry's added presence and Trip's healing.

   ~Thinner or fatter?
My weight loss date of 06/02/12 worked well for me in that area.
{See photo below.}

7. What song will always remind you of 2012?
Matt Redman's "Never Once". 
The lyrics: "Standing on this mountaintop, looking just how far we've come, knowing that for every step you were with us" will forever be a testimony to our family of ALL that the Lord did on our behalf in 2012.

8. What were your favorite books of the year?
I did two bible studies in 2012 that rocked my world. James, by Beth Moore and Nehemiah by Kelly Minter.

9. What was your favorite TV show?
Parenthood is still my absolute favorite show, but a new one that I picked up in the fall was Elementary. It's a modern spin on Sherlock Holmes. It's fantastic.

10. What is a valuable lesson you learned in 2012?
It's hard to pick one lesson that the Lord revealed to me since every day He was teaching me so much in what our family experienced. But, one lesson that I will never forget is to be generous in whatever ways you can to others. I was blown away by the generosity of friends who came alongside our family and gave time, energy, money, food, etc to us following Trip's recovery and then the birth of Henry. There were days I would just weep in gratitude. That season of incredible need has passed on our family and I am continually asking the Lord to show me where I can be generous in His name. I cannot imagine being the recipient of so many blessings and not earnestly seeking to respond similarly to others.
If only all our weight loss projects could be so cute...
~ Happy 2013 Everyone! ~

Friday, January 4, 2013

Friday Funnies

For anyone who has met Jackson, you know he is an active little boy. The boy is ALWAYS on the move. We play outside every day. Unless it is pouring, we are outside. We have a great backyard for boys. We have fort, sandbox, soccer goal, etc. But what we lack is yardage. I have spent many an afternoon "racing" Jack fence to fence just so that kid can burn some energy.

Lately, with the weather being so weepy, playing outside for hours has been limited. Even if it's not raining, the ground is too soaked to play. So, I have had to get creative so that Jackson will burn off that energy and go to sleep at night.

I had thought while pregnant that I would be able to push both of my guys in a stroller, but Jackson is just too tall for any stroller. His legs were dangling off the front and in danger of getting caught in the front wheel or dragging the ground. {And to be honest, it just looks weird to push a kid whose 41.5in tall.} But what I have discovered is that Jackson would much prefer to run alongside me while I push Henry in the stroller.

We got him some sweet kicks and we run. A lot.

We have several parks nearby that have great trails for running. So, we go and that kid just runs wild and free and then sleeps HARD that night.

The funny for today is Jackson's conversation with a sweet elderly couple yesterday.

One trail that we run regularly has 1/10mi markers. Since his greatest joy is to be faster than me, I let him run ahead to each marker and then stop and wait for me. While waiting for me to catch up the elderly couple stopped to talk to him. I wasn't but a few feet from him but this is what I heard:

Couple: Well, hello young man!
Jackson: Hi!
Couple: Have you been running this entire trail?
Jackson: Yes. I love running. I'm really fast. But my Mama likes to take me here, because it wears me out.

BUSTED.

As I approached them, I lowered my sunglasses and said: "Guilty as charged." They just couldn't stop laughing. "Keep on Mama, Keep on."

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Henry {7 months}

Today Henry celebrated turning 7 months by hearing our favorite pediatrician say: "Both ears are clear!" Thank goodness. The past two weeks of ear infections and a sneaky cold have been sad for Henry. Saaad.
This past month allowed Henry to celebrate his first Christmas and learn to sit all by himself. He is quite excited about this new way of sitting. However, while sitting upright is fun, it has not stopped his efforts to learn to crawl. He has gotten up on his knees many times while playing and just rocked back and forth. I can just hear his brain, "Alright...now what?! There just has to be more!"
I love the back of his head.
 
I love his big eyes. I think they are going to stay brown. {Yay!}
 
This is how I find Henry most mornings. Do not ask me how he does it, but if the sleeper has snaps, he will find a way to get his leg{s} out of it by morning. We keep the boys rooms cool since it promotes great sleep. But apparently it's not cool enough for this little boy.
Farmer Henry! 
A special new toy for Henry. However, big brother 
thinks he should have plenty of playtime with it too!
Baby Mum Mums!! Henry is a big fan.
Seeing Dr. Silverman today and getting the good news about his ears.
And this is Henry's new way of telling me that 
the monthly photo sessions are over.
"Yes, dear."

Henry, you are such a joy to our family. We were so excited to celebrate your first Christmas in our family. What we pray each day is that they Savior whose birth we celebrated would become the central part of your life even as a little boy. You are loved, sweet boy. Happy 7 months!