4 Month Photo Shoot

Photos shot outside,
So this was a quicky!

Eden wondering how she
can get these in her mouth

Here again we see a perfect example of how child #1 is treated far differently than all other proceeding children. Baby two and three should consider themselves lucky if they get 6 month photo shoots, and as for baby number 4 (baring any gap of 4 or more years between children) should be happy if her first birthday is celebrated with the same vigor that Eden now receives every month on the 12th!

Mark pinning her 4 month sticker on

Here in the Worth household we choose to celebrate and embrace this natural inequality.  Join with us and enjoy these photos taken by the talented Katie Worth of our daughter on her 4 month day.

Mark is ever trying to teach
Eden how to walk

One of our favorite pictures of Eden already

One of the only smiley pictures we could get of her on the day

Eden gave daddy the hearts on sticks

Every month at her photo shoot Eden has a different E that are in some of her shots
The creative and wonderful Kaitlyn Worth selects and/or creates these Es!

God Worked in Our Lives

We did not happen to walk on Lake Michigan, and we have not yet been able to feed the hungry in West Michigan with the little food God has given us.  The IRS has not fled before our face, and Eden did not pick up her play mat and walk... but God did work in our lives this week.

All went well with the move to Michigan: we got packed up, I was able to work up until the day of the move, I didn’t fall asleep at the wheel on my overnight drive, and Katie successfully chaperoned Eden on her first flights.  But one thing was missing, a job to provide for our needs here in Michigan.  I began to get discouraged when every place called would not hire me with my exemption from training (which legally allows me to work for 4 months before I get my full certification).  

After a week I had one place, only one place, that would even take my application: Lake Woods Nursing Home.  So on Monday I picked up an application, returned it Tuesday, interviewed on Wednesday, and accepted the job 4 hours after my interview!  And so, God worked in a great way to answer our prayers this week.

The Terrible Horrible...Not so Bad Flight

Many of you know that Eden and I had our own little flying adventure last week. However, it did not go exactly as planned. In some ways it was much worse, and in others it couldn't have been any better. Flying sure can have it's challenges and set backs. Delays, missed flights, and disgruntled passengers can be enough to put you in a funk. Traveling with an infant can make all of the things listed above 10x worse!
It all started in Philadelphia International Airport on Monday January 30th. Eden and I were due to take off around 4:15pm. Like any wise person would assume, it would be fitting to arrive about 2 hours before take off. That of course was the plan. A few minor set backs changed that plan: The desire for pacifiers, difficulty finding a parking spot, and a broken elevator...just to name a few :).
I finally was handed my tickets (they were ordered in advance, online) at the time my flight was boarding! YIKES! We still had to make it through security and to my gate. Going through security with an infant ALONE is quite the task! 2 bags, a stroller, and a baby. It was terrible! Obviously if I had more time, I wouldn't have rushed so much. I felt as if people were not very helpful unfortunately.  I put Eden in her stroller quickly after going through the meddle detector. Sadly, in my haste, I pinched her finger on the stroller buckle/strap. Oh my word! What came next was a break your heart kind of scream! Boy did I feel like the worst Mom on the planet! I know, I know...everyone pinches their child's finger at least once when their young, but the knowledge of that did not make the feeling of sadness in my heart go away.
So there I am trying to gather my things with a screaming infant, and make it my gate. I practically ran through the airport! Eden's blanket was falling off and getting stuck in the stroller wheels, while I was trying to hold onto my bag, and grab my sweatshirt that was falling off my shoulder. Can you picture it? Funny to explain, but in the moment it was one of the most stressful moments in my life haha.
But, by God's grace we made it to the gate! I carried a crying baby and 2 bags onto the plane. Eden and I were the last 2 on board! As we walked down the very narrow isle, I must have hit everyone with my bag. Goodness! Getting on board late really stinks when you have a window seat. Finally, I made it to my row, sat down, and immediately began feeding a very upset Eden Grace. My whole body was burning up. I was finally able to catch my breath! Now to survive the flight. I was already beat!
The first 40 minutes or so were relatively uneventful. Then it happened. Why here? Why now? Eden pooped up the back and out her diaper, all over her clothes. Where in the world was I going to change her!? I got out of my seat, feeling awful that the two ladies next to me had to move. The flight attendants told me there were changing stations located in the restrooms. They pointed me in the direction of the bigger one. Changing a baby on a plane, standing up in a very tiny bathroom, is challenging! Eden did ok, and only fussed a little. Where was I to go after? There was no way Eden would let me just sit down. Thankfully the flight attendants let me hang in the back with them. How cool. They even gave Eden her first set of wings since it was her first flight. God was sure watching over us. We didn't need to return to our seats until about 20 min. before landing. I began feeding Eden after I returned to my seat, and she fell fast asleep soon after. We then landed safely in Chicago :).
As the flight ended,God blessed me with a very helpful middle aged woman. She happened to be the person at the end of my row. This lady helped me with my bags and with little Eden. She went to get my stroller, stayed with me to help me find my terminal, and even allowed me to go to the bathroom and grab some food. Where would I have been without her!? She said she remembered traveling with her young kids and wished that someone would have helped her. Yes, I must say I was a little skeptical leaving Eden with the woman for a few minutes but she assured me she wouldn't know what to do with her anyway :). What a God send!
It was nice to be at my gate early for a change :). I was able to board my second flight in plenty of time, and it made me feel better knowing I had the same flight attendants as my previous flight. They new my story, and would understand if I had to stand in the back again.There was also a nice gentlemen across from my row who offered to help me with my carry on luggage. So far, so good. I had a window seat, but who would be the ones to join me? My heart was overjoyed when a middle aged couple who were "Want to be Grandparents" showed up in my row. They were excited to sit next to a baby. Are you kidding? How did I get so lucky! They were also Christians, and extremely helpful. The couple was so sweet, and I chatted with them most of the flight. The woman, (I'll call her Wendy) was so nice! She carried both my bags off the plane, so all I had to do was push the stroller.Then she stayed with me till Mark and my Sister-in-Law, Casey arrived.
So although the journey started off terribly, it ended with Eden and I safely arriving in Michigan. We are thankful for God's protection over us. I am especially thankful for the "Angels" God sent my way to help carry the burden of traveling alone. The trip would have ended up very differently if it weren't for those who stepped out and lent a helping hand.
I am glad that my next flight experience with Eden will not be for a couple more months. Eden will be older, I WILL arrive at the airport earlier, and I'll think through everything I have to do a bit more! Here's to      happy and uneventful flights in the future!

2012 Goals Update

With the start of 2012 Katie and I set 5 measurable goals in place of a resolution. We figured having a measurable goal may give us some hope of following through with them as opposed to the typical ambiguous resolution (ie be a happier person, or be healthier) which is forgotten inside of two months.

In honor of making our goals measurable, we decided to post an update of where we stand on our 5 goals on the first of each month, and in doing so we will ironically get half way to our goal of posting on this blog at least twice a month.

So here is a quick update on how we are doing with our goals:

1. We have identified 1 of the two parenting books we would like to read: “Shepherding a Child’s Heart”. I suppose that is a start. Maybe by next month we will have purchased the book.
1. Estimated percent of goal completed: 1%
2. Although it is the dead of winter and jogging is harder than any other time of the year, we have yet to exercise at all together this year. So the goal of finishing a 5k together without walking is yet to be started.
1. Estimated percent of goal completed: 0%
3. We intended to get a calendar to track our nightly prayer times on... and we still intend to do that. Still, in spite of not tracking the prayers, done pretty well with this goal. It has been a huge blessing spending most nights in prayer with my wife.
1. Estimated percent of goal completed: 8.34%
4. We have been in Michigan for less than a week now, there is very little work we could have done towards taking on an active ministry role in a church in Michigan yet. We have, however, been praying for that oppertunity and we know it is the will of the Lord that we be involved. I would consider that a fine start. Plus, Mark is the guest speaker at Bethel’s winter youth retreat.
1. Estimated percent of goal completed: 5%
5. As for updating the blog twice a month, this is our third post of 2012, so we are right on track. Katie and I are really enjoying the blog as we now call three states home and our hearts long to stay connected in all of them. I anticipate exceeding this goal by the time the year is over.
1. Estimated percent of goal completed: 12.5%

And so concludes our first 2012 goals update! You can anticipate a blog post in the near future chronicling Katie’s decorating project for the upstairs of our new living area, a recap of our trip out to MI, plus an update on Mark’s job hunt!

PS. Leave us a comment and let us know how you are doing with your 2012 goals/resolutions!

The End of a Chapter

Just as Autum fought hard to hold off the inevitable reality of winter, weather’s proverbial death, so Katie and I have been trying to suck the life out of our remaining moments here in PA.  The greater Scranton area has been our home for most of five and a half years now.  But just like Autum, we have finally succumb to death.  Our apartment now resembles something closer to a disaster area than a living space.  When we are not feeding, burping, changing, or comforting the baby we spend our moments frantically combing the apartment for what other unneeded item we might pack.  And so, life here in PA no longer resembles life in PA.  Outside of a couple more dates with friends, the curtian is closing, snow begins to fall, the fat lady is singing doe rae me... it is almost over.

Such a sad truth causes Katie and I to reflect, and in so doing we have become very thankful!  We are thankful for Summit Baptist Bible Church where Katie began attending when she was a freshman and I soon joined her once we were dating.  Summit became a great growth point for us, with members who loved and encouraged us, as well as giving us an opportunity to do ministry.
We are thankful for the Baptist Bible College, where not only did Katie and I graduate, but we fell in love there!  Last January I began working at BBC where the people have been a great encouragement and blessing.
We are thankful for the two bedroom apartment that God provided us with, which at the time we had not intended the second bedroom to be a nursery, but God had.  We are also thankful for such a wonderful landlady as Carol!
We are thankful for Abington Manor, the nursing home that provided the money for our wedding and also held a job for me at the end of our summer at camp.  I cannot even number the ways that Abington Manor employees have helped me out, whether giving me rides home after work or switching shifts with me to make my schedule work, it has truly been a blessing working there.
We are thankful for our precious gift Eden Grace!  We rejoice that she was born healthy and IN the hospital (especially since we were less than 20 minutes out of the car at her arrival).  We praise God for Dr. Green who delivered her safely for us!
We are thankful for Abington Heights School District for how organized they are with their subbing system.  Also, for the employees whom have helped make Katie’s subbing experience a very positive one.
But most of all, we are thankful for relationships, for individuals, who took their time and energy to get to know us, to love us, to encourage us towards Christ and help mold us into better individuals than we were without them!  My heart desires to list these individuals but this post would be nearly endless.  Still, you know who you are, and you are very very appreciated!

Our time is not over yet, we still have ten days, and like a fish out of water we will still try to suck the air of out the rest of our time, even if it seems impossible.  Thank you everyone in PA for helping us write the first chapter in Katie and I’s story, we love you!

New Year 2012

5 Great things that happened in 2011

1. Starting new jobs.  In January of 2011 Katie began subbing and Mark started with BBC’s IT department.  For Mark there was a steep learning curve and some very interesting twists and turns along the way.  Katie, however, was a natural from the beginning!
2. Katie told me we were pregnant by coming to my work to meet with me at lunch at BBC.  She said had an “early valentines gift” for me.  It turned out to be clues that told me that she was pregnant.
3. NYC for our 1st anniversary!  Though we ended up getting out of the city way later than we expected, we had a blast!  By the time we got to our hotel we had walked way too much for a pregnant women, and it was past hours for any nice restaurants.  So we had Taco Bell for our anniversary dinner!  We did enjoy an upgraded room, very modern looking!
4. Birth of Eden!  Though the story was a bit crazier than we would have preferred, it ended with us holding our beautiful baby girl!
5. Mark completed running 280 miles between the last week of July and the 11th of October.  To complete the goal Mark had to hold himself hostage by restricting himself from drinking Pop until he finished the running.  Completing this goal has led to further goal setting, and therefore bettering of his self.

5 measurable goals for 2012

1. Read 2 parenting books
2. Run a 5k together
3. Pray together before bed 5 nights a week
4. Take on an active ministry role in a local Church in Michigan
5. Update our family blog at least twice every month

We would welcome any comments about our 2011 year, or any tips towards meeting our 2012 goals!

Eden's Arrival

  Eden came exactly when she was supposed to; On her due date J.  Although that date was stuck in our minds for the past 8 months, somehow when the time finally came, we weren’t totally ready. In short, we almost didn’t make it the hospital in time for her arrival. So here is the chaotic story of how Eden Grace Worth entered our world, and became part of TEAM WORTH. We are so in love with this ADORABLE blessing from the Lord! (Eden maybe one day you will read this and it will put a smile on your face).

   It all started a little over 9 months ago...j/k…we won’t be sharing that part of the story. So I’ll start here: Tuesday Oct 11^th, 2011 became a monumental day , for that is officially when labor began. I was substitute teaching that afternoon. That morning I had some contractions, and felt a little funny, but nothing earth shattering. So I decided why not at least work a half day. So I did. Around 2:30 or so I thought my water was beginning to break (Not like the movies…they make it seem so dramatic). In the end it wasn't, but I did leave school a little early that day. Contractions began to be more consistent around 4:30/5:00pm. They were painful, but looking back definitely nothing like the ones that were coming my way that evening. So I waited for Mark to finish work, and to do some more of his running. (For those of you who were following his goal of running 250 miles, he finished the night before Eden arrived!)

  Mark was a wonderful help! After work he was determined to help get US ready for the hospital, and to leave our apartment clean. We went out that evening, grabbed a bite to eat, and Mark even bought me Gertrude Hawk chocolate for pre and post labor/delivery. I actually had a handful of painful contractions in the store trying to pick out my chocolate haha. That evening the contractions started picking up, becoming more painful and closer together. Mark helped me breathe through many of them! What a great coach! Around 11pm we loaded our 100 bags and 10 pillows into the car….(j/k  but really we had a lot of things! ). The contractions were especially painful as we headed to the hospital. I had heard of back labor, but was not aware that your hips could feel like they were on FIRE during a contraction. Your hips can actually separate in preparation for labor. Upon arrival, I was less than thrilled with the nurse who told me not to breathe so heavy, and to just RELAX.  Yes, that was exactly what I wanted to do! (NOT!) I was devastated when I was discharged around 12:45am at only 2 CM. The doctor said I could be 6-48 hours away from delivering!! My parents arrived at the hospital just as we were being discharged. Although I love my parents dearly, the prospect of laboring at home and knowing they were going to be there was frustrating. I didn’t want to be around anyone but Mark.

  We arrived home and I had already decided I wanted to take a very HOT shower. Anything  to find relief! So after throwing up my dinner ( yes lovely I know), I took a shower. The shower was so hot that the steam made it hard to breathe, so Mark brought in a fan for me. Who asks for a fan to be blowing on them, while in the shower?  A pregnant woman, desperate for relief!! I stayed in that shower/ bath for about an hour. Although Mark thought it was probably too hot, he didn’t say a word because he could see that I was finally relaxing, and talking to him againJ. Yes communication is important, even during labor.(It was during my shower that  I decided I was getting an epidural when I returned to the hospital!)  Finally Mark encouraged me to get out. No one will ever know how much progress I made in there, but It wouldn’t surprise me if I dilated 3-4 cm during that time!! Needless to say, the shower moved things along! The baby was probably thinking ( WOOAH IT’S HOT  IN HERE…time to get out! )haha.

  The next 2 hours or so was probably the worst part of the whole thing. Contractions became unbearable. Mark was a wonderful help. When I would hit the peaks of contractions and start crying, tensing up, and giving in he would help pull me through them. At this point we had no idea how far I was. ( See we had already reached the 5-1-1 rule  ( contractions  that are 5 min apart, lasting 1 min, for at least 1 hour.) So the doctor said that when contractions became more “intense” we should come back in. News flash!! Contractions already seemed intense to me, how was I supposed to know when I should go back? Due to the fact that we were already sent home once, Mark wanted to make absolutely sure that I was far enough along to be admitted, before leaving for the hospital. So around 5:00am we started timing them again. They were 2-3 min apart, but Mark wanted to keep track for a whole hour, just to be certain. However, 35 min. into that hour, I urged him to call the doctor. I was starting to feel the urge to push!  This can begin to happen during the transitional stage of labor, so again, we didn’t know exactly how far along I was. The doctor definitely thought that we should head back to the hospital.

  What came next was the most intense car ride of our lives. Contractions seemed to be coming every minute. Mark tried to keep me focused on breathing and NOT pushing. He was breathing, blowing, and talking me through the contractions. So he wasn’t breathing enough himself. He began to feel faint. Very comical now to talk about, but it would have been awful  if he had passed out. Eden for sure would have been born in the car. To make matters worse, Mark went four blocks passed the hospital. I angrily and painfully said, MARK GET ME TO THE HOSPITAL, THIS BABY IS COMING!! At this point I was at the end of my rope. Blowing out air as if my life depended on it! Anything not to push! Mark was yelling and reminding me not to give in and push. I was yelling at him for NOT running a red light. I demanded that he park at the ER entrance, and turn on the flashers.

  Upon arrival, I practically ran in the hospital. When I realized Mark wasn’t with me, I rushed back out the door, and yelled at him to COME ON! In the mad dash to the door he grabbed only two things, completely forsaking our digital camera and birthing plan J.  The very nice maintenance man saw my very flustered self and offered a wheelchair. Thank goodness! I arrived on the labor/delivery floor huffing and puffing. The same nurse I had earlier told me to RELAX again, since I still had a long way to go. My goodness I could have punched her. All I wanted was pain meds. In triage I was repeatedly begging for them. However, Nurse Judy we will call her, realized that I was much further than anticipated.  She was surprised at my progress! WOW! 8 cm! She looked me right in the face after my 4^th or 5^th time asking for pain meds and said “honey, you’re not getting pain meds, you’re going to push!” My whole world came crashing down, I screamed, and started to cry. All the nurses thought it was awesome that I didn’t come in till I was ready to push. That was definitely not my view at the current time. They wheeled my bed from triage right into a delivery room. My doctor arrived soon after. He was about to check my progress, when the nurse said there was no need.  She informed him I was fully dilated and that she only told us we were 8cm so as not to scare us hahaha. I barely had time to think about what was happening. It was show time, and I had no choice but to deliver naturally. I pushed for 20 minutes or less, and Eden Grace entered the world! What an amazing and chaotic experience. Looking back I am glad that I went through labor and delivery naturally. Now I know when push comes to shove (literally and figuratively) I can do it! If I had arrived at the hospital an hour or two earlier, I would have given in, and asked for pain meds. There is nothing wrong with medication, but I am glad I was forced to do it without any. I quite often fail to push myself to my fullest potential. I know at least when it comes to labor, that I can accomplish a lot if I am encouraged, and determined.

  Trust me, labor/delivery was NOT a walk in the park. However, as I look at my story, I realize I am truly blessed. Labor and delivery, although a bit dramatic, went beautifully. Everything was text book. I didn't tare or have an episiotomy. Recovery has gone well. The biggest battle so far has been emotional with a side of fatigue J. So for now we are taking it one day at time!  I’m sure in the next  18 + years  there will be plenty more battles to face as we raise our precious Eden J.