Stick Shifts and Safety Belts...

How do you know when you're begining to fit in your minority neighborhood?

2011-08-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, one of my 11 year old neighbors caught me off guard. He's American born, of African descent and raised in the city.

J: Where you from?
Me: Hershey, near Harrisburg.
J: [blank stare]
Me: Know the chocolate bar? I lived in the town where they're made.
J: [recognition] Oh. [pause] What language do you speak?
Me: [blank stare] huh?
J: What do you speak?
Me: As in language?
J: Yeah.
Me: [Suppressing Smile] English.
J: Do you speak Latin?
Me: [Pause. Blank Stare. More Pause.] No.
J: [Confused look] Oh, cause you talk funny when you're mad. Like this [uses nasely impersonation]
Me: [surprise at his reference to my anger, and recognition of his line of questioning] Oh, I have an accent. Right. Didn't know that.

The white man accent, nasal included. And so transition happily continues…

The Story of (an)Other: Urban Faith and An Education

2011-06-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Suburban Beginnings

I grew up in a suburban community in South Central PA where I attended school in a township with one of the highest tax brackets in the state. My dad was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he invited us into his joy of the dance with nature, the hunter and hunted. Likewise, my socio-demographic background was made up of folk very much like myself: German, Austrian (often culturally Mennonite) or Anglo; diversity was limited to infrequent trips to the closest urban geography. Harrisburg is not that big, but culturally, was nearly 100% more diverse than my home town: African descent, Latin descent, Asian descent, etc., whereas less than 1% of my suburban home-town was non-white.

Urban Life With Others, 101

About 2 months ago, we attended church at Valley View Presbyterian Church in Garfield, Pittsburgh. Our family just moved into the East Liberty neighborhood, and had just begun the search for a community to commit to. (Since this story, we've begun attending regularly.) A friend of ours is pastor there, while another has just finished interning here for his Masters of Divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS). It was one of about four churches we attended. We happened to be there during a month long conversation about gun violence, gun control, and its effects on the neighborhood, residents, and parishioners of the East End. The church, when regular attenders are all there at the same time, is a beautiful picture of diversity of mostly Black and White folk. Our new commitment has yet to give us the opportunity to enjoy this, but we look forward to seeing it.

During the service, Chad invited those present to share the names of those affected by gun violence. That is, to honor and remember those who had been killed by a gun. It was a hotter Sunday morning, and there were about 50 people in the sanctuary. At Chad's invitation, one by one people began to share of sons, cousins, close friends, popular or respected members of local neighborhoods, etc. Quietly, but with firmness, they shared: To be remembered. Some were sad, but most spoke with a matter of fact-ness that I found hard to process. These fallen ones were almost all youth, and many were the innocent victims of cross fire. Unintended victims of others use of firearms. Out of those 50 present, about 12 people spoke in memory of around 15 loved ones lost.

Someone Else's Story

I had so much difficulty during this service. I wanted it to stop; I couldn't believe so many kept sharing. It was surreal. I was in denial at times, the delivery the victims stories were shared in every day parlance. I wanted it to stop; it was easier being naive or ignorant to the pain I was experiencing, listening to. Never in my life had I ever been subject to the loss of loved ones like this, nor had I ever imagined it for others. This is not my story! I reeled. I was becoming responsible with information I wasn't sure I was ready to hear. Part of my denial, although individual, was carried by the guilt that I have for so long been unable to understand someone with such a different story, one that as a white male, I'm both ignorant of and perpetuate. Part of the systemic racism, I am.

I too, struggled to hold back deep, deep sorrow. Where am I, that these beautiful people live in a place that 30% of those present have lost someone to this utter violence? Where have I lived, that my brothers and sisters, folks with whom I share the commonality of fathers, mothers, children, extended family and friends have been subject to a story of brutality? To mourn the loss of so many, particularly the young, is unfathomable to me.

Living in Someone Else's Story

In the end, this is why we chose this church, and the East End of Pittsburgh. After growing up and living in very homogenous, white places, Megan and I could no longer imagine ourselves in a culture of similarity, of sameness. Our time in Los Angeles fueled this burning in our bellies. We wanted to be in a place to hear other stories, to know more than our own ancestry. Its important for us for our children to know others as well. I don't intend this words for a right to brag, or sound self-important or romantic. In fact, it's hard for me to be here. Culture shock courses daily through my veins. It is our conviction of truth: our family is being killed in the streets, and we don't know the story. We remain ignorant to their culture, their lives. Of course, it's not all death. But with this Sunday came the reality of personal myopia: This is not my story. I need to hear others' stories to be more faithful in my pursuit of loving YHWH, of loving others.

I must listen. And in order to have an ear, I must live in that place where my other family struggles, suffers. They could be my sons, and I want to learn to care for them as I do my boys.

The Wages of Inconsistency

2011-05-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hold Tight Only to Compassion

It has been said by experts, "You must be consistent, or your children will be confused."
Nonsense.
Who among us is consistent?
Circumstances are always changing.

Children become confused when parents become rigid,
holding rules above love.
Be consistently flexible.
Hold tight only to compassion.

~from The Parent's Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents

This quote was on the top of my Facebook News Feed this afternoon. It's something I struggle with on a daily basis: how often I parent from the place of "this is what we've done before, so the answer is NO!" or something to that effect.

Compassion, as it feeds our ability for empathy, is the foundation parenting principle of the Echo Center. Current research with children reveals that emotional intelligence is tantamount for brain development. Further, it offers that connecting with children and recognizing their emotions in the moment (i.e. the flailing little girl at the store, or the suddenly sad and "acting-out" little boy over leaving home for that appointment) provides for more whole, compassionate people when the child is older. My kneejerk response is to correct out of an (understandable) frustration towards the desired behavior of said child. This quote and the Echo Center paradigm runs counter (and counter-cultural) with the current philosophy of parenting: discipline towards compliance. "Good" boys and girls, via proper behavior, is the parenting goal for many of us.

Myself included: I often fall into disciplining for compliance, despite my time and effort with the Echo Center and desire for an empathetic connection to my boys. My real struggle is this walking the line of compliance and parenthood, vs. connecting my children in their emotions. Directing or disciplining that doesn't fall into that "command and control" mentality is a hard road to walk for me.

How do I love my kids, and allow them to be children? How do I teach them compassion, when my own experience has been compliance? Further, how does one do this well, without being overly permissive as parents, instilling a sense of respect and proper posture between parent and child?

What are your thoughts?

Remembering Nan

2010-11-13T12:31:00.000-08:00

Nan, my maternal grandmother, passed on a couple of weeks ago. She had Alzheimers for years, and the last 6 or so have been increasingly difficult as the disease slowly stole her away from us. My dad had heard her utter the last words she would initiate on her own 6 months ago, and even these were reading speed limit signs on a road trip to see family. I had mourned her a great deal before her death, through the years as I both saw her at visits and during conversations with my mom about her decline. The day she passed and over the weekend were also hard, as I mourned the woman who was a mere shell of a vibrant, welcoming host with an easy, tittering laugh. I realized I was also mourning the chance to mourn; the disease likewise quietly and insidiously took her away so slowly that it stunted an opportunity for remembering and honoring her as she was. As I looked at her for the last time, there was a quiet rejoicing at the deep peace for Nan, who joined Pap, my grandfather, in rest.

Saying goodbye on Thurs. morning at the funeral may have been the hardest. After everyone else had their last opportunity to say goodbye at the viewing, I was the last to release Nan from our family, next to my brother and his little boy. The four of us looked on, my brother quietly weeping. I was holding Owen, our oldest, who looked on unaware of who this woman was. He was quiet and curious, his gaze intent on her.

He asked me (as is his habit lately): Who's that?
Me: That's Nan. That's dada's grandma.
O: I wanna see her.
Me: There she is. She's sleeping. She's gonna be asleep for a long time.
O: I wanna touch her.
Me: That would be good, wouldn't it? I know you do, but we'll wake her.
Me: Can you say 'Love you Nan?'
O: Love you Nan.
Me: [I start weeping] Can you say 'I'll miss you Nan?'
O: Miss you Nan.
Me: Can you tell her 'bye-bye'?
O: Bye-bye.
We stood for a moment longer, just being present with Nan, something I hadn't been able to do in over 6 years, and the only opportunity for Owen.

That was hard. Still is; I'm crying now. Something about holding Owen in his innocent wonder and curiosity, wanting to spend time with Nan who was sleeping, was powerful and touched something deep. Perhaps I was saying goodbye through Owen, somehow unaware in the moment that I never really had the chance. Perhaps I'll know, perhaps not. I'm learning to grieve; to not over-analyze, and to rest with who I am in the moment. Damn, its hard to do that. Perhaps its the gift of death from those who proceed us to learn to live more in wholly.

Even since then, while both in Hershey and a few days after our return he said "I wanna see Nan" or "Can I play with Nan?" Our little one seems to love people, even when he hasn't yet met them.

Nan, you were loved by the great-grandchildren you were never given the opportunity to know even in life. Rest in Peace; you waited too long for this opportunity that was taken from you. Sleep deep...

Politically UNcorrect Fable Characters

2010-10-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

Soooo, I had my first experience with our eldest saying "the wrong thing at the wrong time." It was embarrassing, flabbergasting, disarming, I'm sure extremely uncomfortable with the man in the bike shop, and yet I haven't been able to stop my shameful laughter when I think about it.

O and I walked in shop together and enjoyed the "hundreds" of bikes around us, while another man - who was rather obese - entered the shop behind us. O didn't see him then, but was enjoying the tire pumps while I kept an eye on him and labored over tire decisions. After this gentlemen made his transactions he walked through the area of the shop where O and I were when my firstborn finally noticed him. He smiled with a touch of wonder on his cheerful toddler face, stopped inflating imaginary tires, looked up at the man, pointed, and said

"Look dada, it's Humpty Dumpty."

I could've been in space in the two seconds that followed. I struggled to breathe in the vacuum, and to know how to respond. This man heard: no doubt. Our proximity allowed for nothing else with O's little voice and volume. O wanted me to know I was seeing a celebrity, so he repeated

"It's Humpty Dumpty Dada."

I quietly affirmed his sighting, and redirected him to the counter at the bike shop to check out. (The owner didn't hear; we were too far. Thank GOD.) Although I felt extremely embarrassed, for I'm sure the man felt TERRIBLE/ashamed/embarrassed, I also had trouble not laughing. (And still do. Having trouble containing it as I type this. I know, I'm probably going to hell.) It wasn't like O isn't familiar with any other childhood characters: he didn't pick the Farmer in the Dell or Old MacDonald, he picked Humpty.

For the record, I'm not angry with our starstruck little one, nor did I reprimand him. He was a pre-schooler identifying what he experienced in his life. It wasn't his fault, nor do I hold him to that.

But what do I do in this place? Any parents have any feedback from their own experiences?

The "Have I Already Ruined My Son For Life??!?!?" Moment Of the Day

2010-08-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

Setting
Having just been changed after playing outside in water, I'm (Brian) trying to convince a tired O to put on his shirt.

Dialogue
O: I don't like my penis.

[Dada: Oh $h%^! What have I done to my son at so young an age?!?!?? Does he want to have a sex change already?!?!? Am I not affirming his masculinity?!??]

O: I don't like my penis.
D [apprehensively, with internal panic, guilt, shame, etc]: Oh? Why not?
O [think Rainman]: Yeah. I don't like my penis.
D [maintain internal emotional control, he's 2.5 years old]: You don't like your penis? Can you tell dada why?
O [still rainman]: yeah. I don't like my penis.
D [try same tack, something's gotta give, right?] Ok. Can you tell dada why?
O [still rainman]: yeah. I don't like my penis.
D [confusion, reasoning isn't working] Ooooook... You don't like your penis?
O [rolling around a bit, fidgeting]. Yeah. I don't like my penis.
D [silence] ????
O [absent-mindedly kicking at dada] I don't like my shirt.
D [heart rate drops from hummingbird speed, sweat dissipates, embarrassment sets in] Right O. That's good, neither does dada.

Longest 30 seconds of my week. Eeesh.

We're Still Here!

2009-12-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I begin every post with, "it's been such a long time since I've updated our blog!" So I suppose this time I'll spare you! We have a friend who has a blog and hadn't updated it for a LONG time and when she did she said, "I could've had a baby in the time since I've updated!" We have two babies (technically a toddler and a baby- although Elias is going to borrow the car next week- more on this later) and it's only been 5 months since I've updated, so I'm still good, right???!! :)

Thanks for your patience! What has been happening in the Shope home since July? Quite a bit- rest assured I've composed thousands of blog posts in my head since then - maybe my New Year's resolution should be to keep this updated! The funny thing is we never have time to update it - unless I use my lunch time at work. Oh well!

Elias is now 6 and 1/2 months old (these pics are from 4 mos)! I'm really not sure how this happened, as he was born two weeks ago. The boy does not stop moving- even when sleeping, which he abhorrs and I have the dark circles under my eyes to prove it! He is always on the move running after big brother. He started crawling the Monday before Thanksgiving and pulled himself up two days later. I often find myself telling him, "Elias! Mama said sit down, son! You're supposed to be the little one!!" We recently started solid foods and it's going ok- he much prefers mama milk, but we're working on it.

Owen is now 22 mos. and doing great- he's so busy and talking more and more. His favorite words are currently, "bussssh" this is his word for "bus", which we see drive by our house multiple times a day. He says, "it's ssslllouud" for "it's loud" and "swatch" for "watch me". He is also climbing everywhere and loves to build a tower of blocks and then knock them down while laughing with glee. He is Mr. curious and wants everything that Mama and Dada have- including coffee, which is a constant battle, "this is a mama and dada drink, O." :) He wants to do everything himself and loves trucks and his new nativity set from Nanny and Grandpa. He's still a huge dancer and drummer and he actually has quite a bit of skill. A lot of his time is now taken up hoarding toys in his lap so his now mobile little brother can't get to them. Hmm. Progress, not perfection, right?? :)

Brian is doing well- just finished this quarter at Fuller after a grueling week of papers and group projects. He wears the Daddy hat so well and loves playing with the boys. He's been with them M-Th 8-1 since Sept. and they have a good time walking Maggie and going to the park.

I am back to work part-time until March when it will be full-time. :( I love my afternoons with the boys and have been making a lot of new vegetarian recipes, which has been tons of fun. Work is pretty good - I love teaching our classes. I've been busy preparing for our families to come for Christmas- my parents, Brian's parents, and his brother and their family will all be here, so it should be fun.

I've been telling everyone that it can't be Christmas, I feel like it was just Halloween, so in that vein, here are the boys in their Halloween costumes! Maybe by April I'll have the current pics downloaded and posted. :)

Enjoy!

Elias Evers!

2009-07-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

It's much, much too late to start a new blog post, but I am trying so hard to get caught up so I can keep everyone updated on the new and exciting happenings in our lives- things like a new kiddie pool, Owen pooping on the kitchen floor, Elias holding his head up, sleeping all day and only 2 hr. stretches at night (what's up with that??!!), and the car ride this weekend when I told Owen, "son, don't lick the bottom of your shoe!" Only the beginning of "things I never thought I'd say- life with 2 boys 15 months apart!!" :) Fun stuff!

So for those of you who would like to know how we finally named our 2nd son, here goes...

We didn't have a boy name chosen before we went into labor- this was the same for Owen as well. However, we thought we had time to discuss our short list during labor, as we did last time. Wrong! The fastest birth ever (in under 4 hours) did not allow for any discussion of names- we almost didn't make it to the hospital (see previous post for gory details!). Our doula and friend, Amanda, will insist at our next birth that we sleep at the hospital the night before to avoid having her deliver a baby! :) Of course, us fertile Shope's are really, really hoping to wait and welcome baby #3 on the East coast. :) Anyway...

Elias was born and we had no name, so we called him baby Shope for the first day of his life. He also earned the nickname "little bug" rather quickly because of his "glow worm- like" appearance when he was swaddled with his baby hat on (see below).

Little bug

Our family was clamoring for a name and we were hoping to be able to tell Owen the name of his baby brother before we brought him home from the hospital. The day after Elias was born (Wed. May 27th) Owen spent the day with friends and Brian joined Elias and I at the hospital. Brian and I went over and over the names we had on our list- we felt (feel) strongly about the importance and gravity of naming a child- speaking into their life this name that will be a part of him/her for the rest of his/her life- hence the lack of a decision (I think we felt strongly about making sure we went through this process allowing enough time to give it the time it's due, and never had that kind of time while chasing Owen and working full-time/going to school). So on the day after Elias was born we finally decided that he would forevermore be "Elias Evers Shope". It was really a special time- just the three of us- talking and discussing various options and combinations. It seems funny to think about it now- he is totally Elias Evers!

Elias (Eh-lie-us) is a family name on Brian's side and a form of Elijah meaning "the Lord is my God" and Evers is the last name of Medgar and Myrlie Evers, heroes of Brian and I. Medgar Evers was a civil rights attorney and activist who was assassinated on June 12, 1963 for his commitment to equal rights for blacks in Mississippi and across the nation

Brian and I took our college students at WVU to Mississippi in May of 2006 for a trip working with John Perkins and his family at the Jonh M. Perkins Center for Reconciliation and Development in Jackson, MS. It was a formative week in our lives, and one of the highlights was a tour of Jackson, MS including Medgar and Myrlie Evers home. Brian and I were both moved to tears to be in this space, and continued to learn about the Evers and their commitment to justice and peace throughout their lives. After reading a biography of Myrlie Evers I remember telling Brian "Evers" would be a name I would like for one of our children, hoping that he/she would seek to care for the poor and oppressed in much the same way that Medgar and Myrlie did (no pressure, Elias!).

And so, Elias Evers was the name we chose for our beautiful son. After we decided on this name for our child, Brian held Elias and told him his name for the first time, blessing and praying over him. It was a special time for all of us and a moment I won't ever forget; to see this man that I love casting vision for our son as he heard his name for the first time. This is why we don't tell people the names we're thinking of beforehand - this is an African tradition that we like to uphold- the child hears his/her name first - from the father. So, if you asked us what names we were thinking of, you received a vague answer for this reason. :)

It fits him, we love it, and can't wait to see how his personality continues to unfold!

Introducing Elias Evers Shope...

Baby Shope is born!

2009-07-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

My first day of maternity, Tuesday May 26th, I woke up feeling a bit crampy, but nothing major. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I woke up Brian and told him I was having some contractions, but nothing major and I was going to take a bath and see if they subsided (this was at 6:45am). I couldn't get comfortable in the bath and got out and Brian and I talked about how we would spend what we thought was pre-labor, which can last for hours/days. At about that point Owen was up and Brian started to get him breakfast and make me some toast w/peanut butter. He really wanted to be sure I ate enough- with Owen I didn't eat very much and was so very tired by the end. So Brian, the dutiful husband, was feeding Owen breakfast, getting him dressed, and insisting that I eat. I was really trying, but feeling a bit nauseous at that point and the contractions were really intense. I could really feel the baby moving down and I was nervous that if it was this painful at what I thought was 3/4 cm, what would it be like at 10???!!

Owen was so early and this baby much bigger, so I was a bit nervous. Brian called our doula, Amanda, and Audrey and Nick to come and get Owen. It was about 9am at this point. Nick came to get Owen, who I was actually trying to avoid b/c I was sounding out the contractions (think whale-like sounds as you breathe out! :) and didn't want to scare him. I was telling him, "it's ok, O, Mommy's just being silly!" but he wasn't so sure. He kept coming into the bathroom where I was rocking over the vanity to see what I was doing in there. :) Nick came to pick him up and I was so relieved that he would be taken care of and not upset by seeing me in pain. I had worked so hard to make sure everyone who took care of him would know the drill and his likes/dislikes so there were instructions, but his bag wasn't packed. Brian was quickly getting the diaper bag together and I am yelling out from the bathroom, "don't forget the sheet for the pack n' play" between contractions. :)

In the meantime I had called my parents and Janine to tell them I was in labor and to pray, pray, pray! I think I scared my poor Dad; I had to put the phone down during a contraction and after I got back on he said you guys better get to the hospital quick! :)

Once Owen left Brian was gathering up my stuff and helping me breathe and move. I was actually a bit frustrated with myself because I wasn't moving as much as I did with Owen and I thought that would help, but I just couldn't move out of the position that I was in (which was leaning over the ottoman with my head down and my belly in the air or on all fours rocking back and forth). Our doula Amanda came in and I couldn't even look up. I moaned a greeting and she immediately started timing my contractions (did I mention Brian had also called our dr. at this point). Only a few minutes after she arrived she was telling Brian, "we need to go NOW! they're 2 min apart!" I was not wanting to move, let alone get in the car, and I was pleading with her, "I have to be at at least 5-6 cm, right? since they're this intense? right Amanda???!!!" They finally got me in the car and Brian drove like a maniac to the hospital, which is about 10 min. away. I was aware of what was going on, but very much turned into myself, concentrating, and pulling in. It was different that I was with Owen, and I don't really know how to explain it. I was hearing them talking, but kind of far away at the same time.

At this point my water still hadn't broken, and we arrived at the hospital and were met by a Fuller student who's a chaplain there. She wheeled us to labor & delivery and Brian and Amanda began answering questions of the staff. When they brought me into the delivery room the nurse who helped us with Owen, Nicole, was there. I said, "I can't believe you're here!!! I told our friends I wanted you to be here for this brth!" and she laughed and actually switched patients so she could be with us. She said, "weren't you guys just here! wow!" yeah, pretty much! :)She remembered Owen and asked how he was doing with his lip- it was so cool, so much a God-thing and I had an overwhelming sense at that point that I was ok, things were being taken care of, and although I was overwhelmed with the speed at which this was happening to my body (it seemed to just take over and have a mind of its own) I was going to be able to do this. It was 10:30am at this point.

There wasn't time for any monitoring or anything (my water still hadn't broken). We had everything prepared and packed this time- cold soda cans to roll on my back, a playlist on itunes, the birth ball, lights for ambience, my lavender lotion, and there wasn't time for any of it!! I didn't even get to wear the long tank I wore for Owen's birth- I didn't have time to change out of my pajama pants and t-shirt (that morning I had originally planned to paint my toenails and put in my contacts, but as the contractions mounted with every passing second those plans flew out the window!!!). Ha!

Nicole checked me, said I was probably at 8cm, but she felt a bulge (which she originally thought was the umbilical cord) which scared us a bit, but then another nurse, Susan, checked me and found it was the water bag and I was at 10 cm. Hallelujah!! They moved very, very quickly at that point getting the mirror in position, the baby warmer, and all the other gear. Our dr. still wasn't here at this point, but I didn't care! I was fine with the nurses catching the baby. :) He arrived a few moments later and broke my water, Brian got behind me to help support me while pushing and after 3-4 pushes, at 10:58am, we had our little boy! I think we were both in shock, it happened so fast. I saw that he was a boy before the doctor, as he was holding him up, and laughed that everyone that he was a girl.

We admired our new addition and explained that he didn't yet have a name ( we only had definite girl names chosen, but the list hadn't been narrowed for the boy names). Then we began the calls to our families to share our new little miracle and sat back and marveled in all that you can accomplish in 4 and 1/2 hours!! (no that's not a typo!) :)

Look at our beautiful boy...all 7lbs. 14.6 oz. and 19 in. of him...

God is so good! We are thrilled with our new little bug and excited to continue our adventure in parenthood with 2 boys...speaking of 2 boys...

Owen met his new little brother that very night and was quite excited, and then he saw the straw in my water pitcher and started walking around our hospital room pushing the tray table. Fun stuff! If only he knew how much his life had just changed!! :)

Much more to say, but I didn't get a nap today and the 3.5 hr. stretches of sleep (if we're lucky) don't leave much brain function to be had at 11pm! :) Stay tuned for more on how we named our new baby boy and the 1st 7 weeks with two littles.

Toddles, Waddles & Pop

2009-07-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well...yes, it's true. Our newest son is 7 weeks old and one day when he asks me why it took me 7 weeks to post about his birth on our blog I will have to explain that he won't understand until he's the Daddy of two littles himself!! :) Hmmm...some excuse! "Poor Elias" you may be thinking. I bet that kid won't even have any pictures in his baby book. Not a chance, though, our computer is full of pics of Owen, and now Elias and the two boys. I can't guarantee when any of them will get off of the computer and make it into the baby book, but here's hoping it's before his 1st birthday! :) In all seriousness, we are thrilled with our newest son and delight in his 7 week old coos and new abilities- he is holding his head up like a champ and eating nonstop! Sleep remains elusive, unless it's the middle of the day. His witching hours are between 9pm and 12am and he and Mommy are enjoying some quality time most nights at 12:30am when he wants to coo and look around - very peaceful, but AWAKE! :) Well, he was spending this time screaming until we broke down and got a binky, so I suppose I can't complain.

Look at that sweetie!

But before I impress you with more accomplishments and the full birth story, let me catch you up on the last months of pregnancy for the Shope family...

In April we all went on a roadtrip to San Jose for the California WIC Association conference for my job. It was held the last week of April and we were at 35 weeks- the same time when Owen made his debut, so we were a bit nervous about having our new baby in San Jose, but all went well and I had just a few contractions while we were there. Owen enjoyed his first stay in a fancy hotel and he and Brian hung out while I was in various sessions and then we also had some time to play together in the evenings. It was a fun adventure just the 3 of us before the 4th arrived.

Following our trip to San Jose we had a fabulous visit with Owen's godmother, Janine, and her now fiance, David. Janine is one of my very best friends in all the world and is living her passion working with an incredible non-profit, Nuru, working in Kenya living among communities while teaching them how to keep themselves and their families healthy using her stellar public health skills, and even more importantly, her passionate spirit and contagious energy. I love this girl!

She and David were awesome- coming not to sight see in LA, but to really care well for us as we prepared for our newest one. I was on empty at this point- Brian had just had the flu and I was exhausted. They came and loved us well doing dishes, playing with Owen, and sharing in the excitement and anticipation of another Shope. It was a great visit and really significant that they both came to be with us when she only had a short time back in the states before leaving once again for Africa. Thanks you guys- we love you!

Owen especially enjoyed time with his Auntie and soon to be Uncle David...

The beginning of May (May 8th to be exact) marked 5 years of marriage for Brian and I and we celebrated this milestone with Owen and the belly at the beach (an appropriate place to be, as we were married on the beach on the NC coast) followed by an amazing dinner just the two of us in Old Town Pasadena- it was a special day and we all enjoyed it immensely.

This was the first time Owen had been to the beach since he could walk (he was there several times as a baby). He loved the sand and the waves, pointing and grunting in excitement. We laughed that he is definitely our son, as we both love the beach.

As you can see the belly was pretty big at that point and I was slow and uncomfortable (hence the "waddles" in the title of this post!). I had never experienced the last month of pregnancy and I spent most of it trying to catch my breath and stay cool in the soCal heat.

At this point we were anticipating a baby any day since Owen was so early and trying to mark things off of our "list". I always have a list of things I want to accomplish before they're born and it's always much too long! We spent the last few weeks of May savoring the last bit of time as a family of three, trying to get organized, and finishing up school work for Brian and the last days of work for me before maternity leave.

I made it to my last day of work, May 21st and we were so thankful. I was really having trouble getting around with any speed at that point and was excited to get things in order (aka: continue nesting). The health dept was closed on Friday and Monday was Memorial Day, so we spent a long weekend playing with Owen, enjoying the farmers' market, cleaning, running errands, and had our good friends Nick, Audrey, and their baby Jonah over for an impromptu cook out Monday night.

At this point I was having contractions every day, but they always stopped when I rested and I was losing some of my mucus plug each day. Every day we woke up and said, "will today be THE day??!!" but I was hoping for a bit more time to cross things off the list, or not. :)

Monday night we grilled hot dogs and had picnic fare with the Read-Brown's and enjoyed the boys playing together. My Mom called and when she heard we were having hot dogs she called me back with glee and left a message to be careful, the baby must be coming soon (a significant event in my own birth story is the fact that my Mom stayed home the day I was born from school (she's a teacher) and cleaned while my grandma brought her hot dogs and onion rings, and then I popped out! three weeks early). We laughed about this with our friends and talked about the new one's debut- Nick and Audrey were at the top of the "care for Owen list" for folks who would come in the middle of the night to be with O once we went into labor- good friends are priceless!

I told Nick and Audrey I wanted to call the hospital and ask when Nicole, the labor and delivery nurse who helped us deliver Owen, would be working before I would have the baby. She was phenomenal; totally understanding and supporting our desire for a natural birth and I was so grateful for her presence with O. Brian and I talked scheduling for a bit after our friends left- we were planning on spending the days before our due date (Thursday May 28th) preparing and Brian was also hoping to get a bit of reading done for school before the little little made his/her debut. I also talked to my Grandma that evening, and she told me how she hadn't started the blanket yet, but she was pretty confident that the pink material she planned to use wouldn't go to waste (everyone! I mean, everyone!, except me and my college roommate, Eve, thought I was having a girl :).

We went to bed tired, but excited for the upcoming week, and I only got up once during the night (looking back it was my last full night, well, sort of full night of sleep for the next ???? how many months, Elias???).

I woke up Tuesday, May 26th, and.....

Owen's 1st Birthday!

2009-02-24T14:15:00.000-08:00

How did we get from this precious little bundle...

...to this monkey who loves to dance and bang on the drum (and everything else for that matter!) :)

Owen turned a year old on February 12th! How did that happen? The time has gone sooooo quickly and he has changed sooooo much- we really can't believe it! It's been a really good year for us and a really hard year at the same time with many difficult things coming up, yet, through it all this little boy has brought us so much joy and love that we just can't even begin to put it into words. He is too much- oozing personality and winning over everyone in the room. Our little monkey is quite a trip and we laugh daily at his antics.

I am finally posting some of his birthday pics- hopefully I'll be able to put up a video later this week, but this will give you at least a taste of the celebrations we had together for Owen. The day of his birthday we had a special breakfast just the 3 of us and sang to him and had him "blow" (or spit on, really) the #1 candle that we decided would probably be best to not be lit. Sometimes we do make wise decisions. :)

We picked up the various grandparents throughout the day- hitting 3 different SoCal airports by 2pm! My Mom and Dave and Brian's Mom and Dad flew all the way across the country to celebrate their gradnson and we had a great time visting with them and enjoying Owen together. Friday we celebrated Brian's Mom's birthday, the same day as Owen's- Feb. 12th and Saturday was the safari party for O. We had planned to have it at the park, but the SoCal sun failed to show and it was rainy and cool all weekend, so we ended up at one of the houses on Fuller's campus- how many 1 yr. olds can say they had their birthday party at seminary?? He is a very lucky boy! :)

We had a few of O's friends and our family and it was a lot of fun. We colored safari pictures, decorated frames, and spent a lot of time playing with safari beach balls that Nanny brought for everyone. Everything looked so very cute and our son had a fabulous time. He even (sort of) shared his new lion with his friends, however, he was not happy to see Mommy holding one of his friends while he was eating. I guess we have more work to do with fake baby (see Jan 08 entries for more on fake baby!).

The birthday boy and his new lion from Nanny & Grandpa...

The party!

We went with a safari theme, since we call O our little monkey!

A bit of healthy food before the sugar fest...

The anticipation mounts...

He was fascinated by the candle...

The monkey cake Mommy and Daddy made (we started a tradition of making all the birthday cakes for the littles)- this was our first effort

It started like this...

And this was the end result- not too bad! :)

Hmmm- what is this?

The fun begins...

This was O's first taste of refined sugar. As you can see, he was ready for more, but we cut him off at one cupcake. :)

My Mom cut off Bri's head in this pic, but the other ones were blurry. Sorry, babe.

Since O's birthday we've also celebrated my 30th and Brian's birthday!
We're busy getting things ready for the new babe, hopefully this one will stay in the belly a little longer than Owen!! We've been trying to think of names, searching for a new car seat on Craig's list for Owen, and generally trying to be more organized.

Here are a few fun pics of the bundle from this month...

Bath time fun!

I love to play with cars!

O and his music table form Grandpa & Grandma

Reading some books in my stylin hat

A Christmas Surprise!

2008-12-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

I always seem to start my posts with, "Wow! It's been a long time since we last posted!" or "A lot has happened since we last posted," and this time is no exception. Geez! Well, ahyway. In lieu of Christmas cards this year we thought it would be fun to post some pics of our amazing and very talented dancing/smiling/squealing/teething boy, Owen Benjamin!

What did we do before he came into our lives? We sat around and talked about how cute Maggie was, and of course, we slept. I guess he's worth the sleep deprivation, which is actually much. much better now- the first of the update items...

1.) Owen is sleeping through the night (and has now for about 3-4 weeks)!!!! Of course, as soon as I write this he will be up all night tonight, or something. :) This is a huge accomplishment in our family and Mommy and Daddy are quite thankful for this new development!!!

2.) Mommy has a new job (still with the Pasadena Public Health Dept.), but this position is full-time WITH BENEFITS!! Finally, after a year of working with the immunization program, a great position that I really miss, I interviewed and was accepted for a full-time position with WIC- Women, Infants and Children. WIC is a fabulous program that provides nutrition, breastfeeding, and healthy choices education to pregnant Moms and parents with children under 5. We also provide food vouchers to low-income families. It is federally funded -one of the few Pasadena Public Health Department Programs that isn't totally crunched for funding this year. It is a huge blessing for our family and includes a nice promotion to management for me and a salary increase. I started on December 8th and my position includes working with the local store owners and staff to prepare them for the upcoming food package changes (less juice and dairy and more fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, etc.-- YEA!) as well as writing and teaching the education classes that we provide for our clients. It is a good fit and I work with great people-we are incredibly grateful (and the icing on the cake is it's 2 blocks from our apt. so I can walk to and from work and home for lunch to see my boys)!

3.) Brian finished his 5th quarter at Fuller quite successfully after a very busy time of full-time classes (he also received a scholarship!!!), TAing for one of the professors whose work was a huge draw for us moving here, and caring for Owen almost full-time while I work. He's amazing, and did I mention he also cooks and does laundry??? Brian deserves major kudos for his amazing care for us- this quarter was full of many days of time with Owen, interspersed with classes, and then back to the library after fixing dinner with the wife for a long evening of reading/writing. I am quite proud of our Daddy and couldn't ask for a better partner in all of the adventures we encounter!

4.) We got to have a date in December! This is something that's been really difficult for us, as childcare is hard to come by when you live so far away from all of your family. We, fortuately, are surrounded by a great community through our church, Fuller, and the Fuller wives. Our friends Jeff & Sara were so kind as to allow us the opportunity to see Over The Rhine, one of our favorite bands, in concert earlier this month. We had an amazing time.

5.) My Dad, who has multiple myeloma and is in kidney failure, is having a bone marrow transplant. We have traveled extensively this fall with 2 trips back East in December alone to see my Dad before his chemo and the harvesting of his bone marrow. We were fortunate that he had a window of time before this process began the 1st week of December when he had a break from chemo and Owen and his germs weren't a threat (this coincided with the end of my previous position and I was able to take some time before I started my new position so we flew just the 2 of us). It was great for my Dad and Neal to get to spend some quality time with O- we actually stayed with them for multiple days and they were able to glimpse the boy in action- squealing, dancing, and pulling himself up on EVERYTHING!!

The 3 of us just went back last week for a quick trip to spend some time with my Mom and Dave, and Brian and I were able to see my Dad, but Owen was a risk, so we took pictures for him. His bone marrow has now been harvested and he will go back to the James Cancer Center at Ohio State University next week for the transplant, chemo, and hospital stay (which is estimated to be about 3 weeks).

6.) I should have 10 updates, really, to be official- our top 10 of the last few months, but our life really isn't that exciting. Well, we think it's exciting, but we also love to sit around and video our son head banging to Brian playing the guitar- I definitely need to put that video on here!

The greatest Christmas surprise of the last few months has been the news that we will have another little Shope bundle in May! YES- we are pregnant (for the 2nd Christmas in a row)!!! This was certianly not planned, and we were originally quite shocked and concerned given the difficult pregnancy that I had with Owen. But- things are going very well- the baby is healthy and thriving (I haven't had any spotting or placenta problems like I did with O) at 17 weeks and will arrive sometime around May 28th! Our lives are certainly not dull!! We are excited to receive this new gift, and thankful for all the many blessings God has provided our growing family this season and always.

Enjoy some pictures of the first bundle below and know we love and miss you all!

Owen loves his dancing machine from Nanny & Grandpa!

The only snow he's ever seen!

We could've skipped the gifts- he just likes the paper and boxes!

Our own little St. Nicholas with a gleam in his eye!

I love this one- it captures his personality perfectly!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all the Shope's!!

2008-10-31T16:50:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Where has the time gone?

2008-10-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

Wow- a lot has happened since the last time I posted- July 29th. I'm an embarrassment to bloggers everywhere! Life is quite full with an eight month old, a husband in seminary full-time, and a 30hr. work week. Sleep is high on the list when I have a free moment, blogging is somewhat down the list. :) I do apologize for my negligence.

The summer was full of time with family- we took an August trip to Parkersburg, Morgantown, Hershey, and Harrisburg to see family. It was great to spend time with everyone- we are too far away! Owen loved meeting cousins, seeing his great-grandmas again and generally being the center of attention for all of the grandparents. Brian and I could've sent him on his own and they wouldn't have minded. :) Here are a few highlights...

Meeting Uncle Adam for the first time...

Playing with cousin Nate...
Lookin too cute!

Playing with cousins Kayla, Brad, Morgan, and Zach at Nanny & Grandpa's house...

Remembering his roots :)
Playing with Nanny...

Hanging out with Pap and Papaw Neal...

Riding his first Harley with Great Uncle Bruce...Visiting the Rengers and Carpenter'sHangin with Auntie Janine...
Meeting our friend Eli and his Momma, Alyson

Catching up with good friends...The Shope men...Dedication Day with Auntie Janine (Owen's godmother), Kirk, Mommy & Daddy

Photo shoot with Nanny & Grandpa...
and Grandma & Grandpa Shope!

Meeting Great Grandma Nan

Lunch with Auntie Eve...
A picnic at the petting zoo with Grandma & Grandpa Shope

A visit to Titi Taryn & Uncle Todd's house
A little snack...
First solid foods...or "What the heck kind of milk is this??!!"

Avocado is yummy (it's actually his favorite now)!Labor Day at Uncle Dave & Aunt Traci's House!

The brothers and their sons...

The family...

and new baby Ethan

Cousin McKayla wanted to make sure Owen had enough toys to play with :)
The elder Shope men make cheese pie- a family favorite!

The little family (minus Maggie)...
Relaxing back at home...
As you can see (if you made it this far!) we've had quite a busy summer and fall. We've actually traveled back to Morgantown since these pics for our good friend Trina's wedding and spent some great time with Grandma Betty and friends there.

Since our travels Owen is crawling with lightning speed and always seems to aim for the exact object/location that we are sure he cannot/will not reach. First time parents, geez! He's also pulling himself up and loves to climb over a mound of pillows and fall back onto the bed with glee.

Stay tuned for Halloween pics- before the end of Oct. - I promise!!! :)

It's official- we're definitely CA residents now!

2008-07-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

An eventful Tuesday in SoCal! After almost a year in Pasadena, we just experienced our first earthquake! We are all fine- Owen was with our friend and babysitter, Kim since Brian was in class, but he is totally fine. I don't think he even knew anything was happening! Kim said he was in the swing hanging out and his eyes got really wide, but he didn't cry. Kim's daughter Zoe slept through the whole thing (she's 7 mos. old). I was at work and Bri at class. We got under our desks here, but nothing fell. Brian was in class where they also made a move under the desks. It felt like the building swayed for about 10 -15 sec, but it actually wasn't too bad. Our immediate concern was of course Owen. The adventures of a 5 month old in southern CA!! :) Maggie probably fared the worst since she was home alone. :( Poor doggie. Brian said she was slinky and scared and so happy to see him when he got home. A few things fell off of our shelves, but nothing was broken.

They're reporting it initially as 5.8, but we've heard here that they've revised that reading to a 2.3. CNN has a story up if you want more details. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/29/earthquake.ca/

Here's the USGS map- we are just 11 miles north of LA in Pasadena.

A month of firsts

2008-07-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

I guess really every month the first year is a month of firsts, but this past month Owen has enjoyed many new things, which we love to chronicle with dozens of pictures! It has been over a month since we have posted here- a month that has been full of celebration and thanksgiving over O's successful surgery and recovery and the birth of our new nephew, Ethan Chase (to Brian's brother Dave, his wife Traci, and daughter McKayla), and also of trepidation and stress over the health of my Dad, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (which is cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow) and renal failure (he is currently on dialysis and chemo) the day after O's surgery. Geez- it's been a lot.

However, in the midst of all of the stuff of life we continue to enjoy our son and marvel at his amazing feats each day- he is now rolling over and laughing all of the time. He loves to play and is trying really hard to sit up on his own. Brian calls me at work with the latest report and I rush home to watch him "perform", which he continues to remind us, he does not do on command. :) The kid can be laughing for 10 minutes straight and as soon as I try to catch it on film, he frowns.

We have posted a few pics of the last 6 wks. below- enjoy!

This one is post-surgery (you can see a little bit of dried blood around his nose).

It was so amazing that he didn't even have ANY visible stitches and recovered in no time! It was great that Brian and I were both off from work and school and could spend time just caring for him. We also had a visit from our friend Ange from the CCO who was in town for a wedding and our friend Francis from Morgantown who now lives in CO. We were able to have dinner with Francis and really enjoyed seeing him after several years (I lived with his family in Morgantown before Brian and I were married).

The worst part of recovery was really the nose stints- aka Owen's nose ring (see pic below). We ended up cutting them out (with the surgeon's permission) the day Owen and I flew unexpectedly to the East coast to see my Dad just following his hospitalization and diagnosis of cancer. It was a crazy trip- there and back in less than four days and a baby who had surgery just 10 days before. He was AWESOME on the plane- it was his first flight and he did so well and we shlepped all of his stuff through the airport- O in the baby bjorn and Mommy shuffling through by herself (Brian stayed here in CA - he's in the middle of summer classes). We were so grateful for all of you who prayed for us during this adventure together- it was quite a feat, but went amazingly well and it was great to see my Dad and for him to see Owen.

This picture was taken at Nanny and Grandpa's house on that trip- my Mom and Dave (aka Nanny and Grandpa) helped so much and kept Owen for me so I could go to chemo with my Dad. Owen was also able to meet his two Great-Grandma's, Great Uncles, Great Aunt, Aunt, Uncle and cousins, and many friends while we were there. It was his first trip back East and his first time staying at Nanny and Grandpa's house! He had a lot of fun!

Earlier this month we celebrated the 4th (another first for O) with friends from Morgantown (Tyler and Jenny and their two adorable boys) who are here in Pasadena for the summer. Tyler is doing research here at the Huntington Library and they graciously offered for us to go and hang out with them and swim in the pool at the house they are renting for the summer. We had a lot of fun catching up and it was Owen's first time swimming. He wasn't too sure what to think at first. but eventually Daddy convinced him it was ok.

More smiles every day!
Look at those baby blues! He turns heads everywhere he goes and we are thinking we MIGHT let him start dating when he's 35.

We are now preparing for another trip back East for all of us to see both families and friends. We are looking forward to our time in Parkersburg, Morgantown, and Hershey and can't wait for Owen to meet many people who are so important in our lives. Look for more trip pics in the next few weeks. Until then...

Post-Op

2008-06-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

To all who visit our West Coast forum here, I wanted to let you know on behalf of Megan, Owen, and myself, Owen came through the surgery with success. He is doing well in his own room, and we are actually staying overnight with him. The change in plans came about as a result of the anesthesiologist expressing the practice to keep any infant in overnight for observation under 60 weeks (Owen came in at 53). There was no surgical need to detain him, just the unlikely and highly infrequent heart/respiratory issues that little ones like him may suffer from.

He has now a joined cleft lip, and a stitch in his right nostril that was collapsed due to the previous dysjoined muscle tissue. The notch in his gum will wait until he's older, and there seems to be no outward signs of soft palatial cleft, although the jury is out until he gets into his higher vocal communicatory ages, around kindergarten and first grade.

Sorry if this seems direct and somber; its been a tough day - I think moreso for me than Megan! We both wept when they took him, and I had trouble when he came out while Meg did a little better seeing the glass as half full. You'd think I'd be elated when we knew he was okay, but his screams and sobs will never leave my mind, which in turn made me sob. I couldn't contain myself and wanted to rescue my son from all the pain and struggle. From time to time I weep at the memory (like now), and pray that this is the worst he'll ever endure in life. And to think that others have struggled well beyond a child with a cleft lip, like the woman we met in the waiting room whose son was Owen's age with a heart transplant. This being a daddy thing is much more painful than I've ever thought. . .

For those of you who have prayed and thought of us, we cannot thank you enough. We have been aware of the work of God in our lives over this weekend and today, through your spoken and thought concerns to him on our behalf. Please continue to pray and think of us, his recovery has just begun.

More soon, perhaps when one of us isn't so raw from the experience!

Owen's surgery!

2008-06-15T22:53:00.001-07:00

Wow- it's been so long since our last post (it's becoming a theme!)- life has been really busy lately! We are well- Brian just finished his spring quarter Friday at 5pm and we are very happy to have our Daddy back! We have been passing like ships in the night lately, passing Owen to each other on our way out the door, which has been difficult. We spent Father's Day relaxing and spending time together, which was great! I am trying to make this really quick, as we have to be up at 4:30am to leave for the hospital at 5am. Tomorrow June 16th is Owen's surgery for his cleft lip at Children's Hospital here in LA. We have been preparing for this day since his birth, and yet, several times today Brian and I have joking said, "let's just skip it!- he's perfect just the way he is!" :) Tomorrow morning at 7:30am PT Dr. Hammoudeh, the craniofacial surgeon, and his team will repair Owen's cleft lip and determine if there is a soft palate cleft (there is not a hard palate cleft, which is great news!). We would appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers as we experience this together. The staff at Children's is great and the craniofacial team is world renowned, but he is soooooo very little and he is our baby! It will probably be the longest 3.5 hours of our lives as parents, but we are trying to trust in the Lord's faithfulness and focus on caring well for Owen.

We will post an update with more details once we're home tomorrow night (Monday). Thanks is advance for your thoughts and prayers! In the meantime, here are some recent pics! Enjoy--- he is just the cutest ever!

This pic is a bit older, but we don't have many of the three of us- this was taken Easter morning .

Four months and cute as cake! He's always moving his hands and feet, which makes taking a clear picture a challenge! :)
At the Farmer's market with Mom

Happy 1st Father's Day, Daddy!
Look at that face! He's cutting teeth now, which means drool, drool, and more drool! :)
Our smiley boy- O smiles and laughs all the time now, is beginning to make other sounds, and also "talks" to us.

The 3 S's - sleep, sucking, and smiles!

2008-05-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

WOW- it's been a LONG time since we've posted! Such is life with a newborn I suppose- except that he's now just a few days shy of 12 weeks old!!! How did that happen???!!! There's so much to say- where to start?

We ended seven weeks of maternity with visits from our family- my Mom and step-Dad, Brian's Mom, Brian's brother, his family, and my Dad. We loved having our family visit and spend time with Owen- it was such a big help to have them all here and Brian and I both really enjoyed the raw joy that our parents exhibit over pretty much everything Owen does! He is a very fortunate boy to have so many people who love him so very much!

Nanny & Grandpa (this was O's first trip to the beach- as you can see it was cold, but we still had fun!)

Grandma Shope and Great Aunt Millie with Owen at Uncle Dave and Aunt Traci's house. Grandma Shope watched Owen the first week Mommy went back to work and Daddy was finishing his last week of work! They had such a good time!

Uncle Dave, Aunt Traci (baby Shope in the belly) & cousin McKayla

Visiting Huntington Botanical Gardens with Pap

We have learned so much about our son over the last three months-
1.) his loves his binky and needs to suck (often babies with acid reflux, which he has, are soothed by sucking)

2.) he sleeps best in his swing- a record 5.5 hrs. last night- Hallelujah!
3.) he is best cared for when he is being rather "passionate" (we prefer "passionate" to "colicky" :) by being tightly swaddled, bouncing on the ball, while running the hair dryer for white noise- binky in its proper place
4.) he has explosive poop- ask Nanny and Grandpa about that! :)
5.) his face lights up when he smiles and he has a right dimple that he'll showcase when smiling if you're lucky
6.) he LOVES to eat- very specifically from the boob- although he does take the bottle from Daddy while Mommy is at work
7.) he loves to be tightly swaddled with a receiving blanket and then with a soft, cuddly blanket
8.) he can be cold at the beach when it's 95 degrees

9.) he loves to watch himself and others in the mirror
10.) he can melt our hearts in about 0.5 seconds! :)
We LOVE our son!

We are well- Owen is growing like crazy- he was 10 lbs. 8oz. at our last pediatrician appt. in April (he was 5lbs. 12 oz. at birth). Everyone who didn't see him at birth says how tiny he is and Brian and I laugh and say "well, he's basically a chunk now." :) I did go back to work April 2nd and Brian has been watching O full-time- except for M,W for 2 hrs. while he has class (he also has a night class and I'm home with O while he's at class).

Going back was hard- I never thought I would want to stay home with my children- I love my work and vocation and have worked very hard to find positions that really fit well with my passions. Yet, I would quit in a second to be home with my son, although that's not possible for us right now. I am so very thankful that we really have an amazing situation- Daddy w/O full-time, I come home for lunch and nurse on M,W and on T, TH Daddy brings him to my office so I can feed him. My boss and co-workers are amazing- love it when Owen visits and were really, really flexible with me the first weeks when it was really hard to get out of the house on time for work. :) It really helps knowing he is with Brian most of the time and seeing him at lunch every day! We also have new friends, Kim and Chris who take really good care of him while Brian is at class on M, W. They have a daughter Zoe, and we are already talking marriage. Kim and Chris take such good care of Owen - we are so grateful for the way in which God provided them! Chris and Brian go to Fuller together and Kim was recommended by another friend, Becca, who goes to the Fuller wives group with me.

The last few weeks have been quite challenging though with the new routine and schedule. Owen was struggling with colic at the end of March and we were trying to cope as best we could with the help of our visiting parents. We have determined we do in fact have a baby who needs the comfort and familiarity of the womb during his "4th trimester"- evenings were rough and he cried for about 3 hours from 7-10, 8-11 or 9-12 - he's so precise! :) The first few weeks of this were very rough and then we read the Happiest Baby on the Block- a lifesaver!!! We went to visit Brian's brother and his family in AZ the first weekend of April and I was talking to a friend there who had her baby a few weeks after O and explained we were struggling in the evenings (unable to do anything except bounce on the side of the bed, give our screaming son gripe water and colic tablets, and hope he would eventually fall asleep). She asked if I had read the Happiest Baby and I explained we had heard about it, but hadn't read it yet. She went home and got me her copy and I read it in the car cover to cover as we drove back to Pasadena.

The suggestions Dr. Karp makes are not rocket science- and we were doing the very things he suggests, but not in the same sequence and not layering them all together. So, all of that to say as Owen begins to struggle in the evening and needs our constant attention we swaddle him tightly (with his arms in), bounce on the edge of our bed or the exercise ball, give him his pacifier (the kid LOVES to suck!!! and the boob just wasn't cutting it in relation to his sucking needs :) and turn on the hairdryer. If we do all of these things at once he quiets down almost immed. and goes to sleep within about 15 min. (we then put him in his swing on high). If it's a horrible night and he's really struggling it may take a bit longer and we may have to hold him before we put him in the swing for sleeping, but evenings are so much better! Gone are the nights of trying to figure out what to do while we cry with him. I really believe all new parents, even those with less "passionate" babies- should read this book - the info is so great- I really loved the integration of info on other cultures and their practices in baby rearing. We will buy it for every pregnant woman we know! Are we having fun yet?

After a respite of a few weeks with the Happiest Baby info coming to our aid, O is now really struggling with acid reflux, which we think is exacerbated by the nipples we use on his bottles, so we are working to find the best combo for him when the boob is at work. ;) Brian has been such a trooper- it is really difficult to take care of a baby who screams in pain after every feeding all day long! I am so thankful for his commitment to our family in this way and my heart is always warmed when my husband speaks of his desire to care well for our son and be more patient with his cries (I am about the least patient person I know and have had a few nights when I really would have just liked to have given him away- Owen, not Brian!). It has been difficult, but our love and care for him persist in spite of our impatience some nights- God is gracious and for that we are thankful! We laugh that just as we were getting to the end of our rope he began to smile and all of the hard nights faded away! It is just so difficult to see your son in pain and not be able to do much to comfort him. Thankfully the last 2 nights have been better- we have been doing a lot of reading and research, are keeping him upright for much longer after his feedings, and are letting him sleep in the swing, which he did from 12am to 5:30am this morning!!! Yea!!

He is really the most precious boy with a very sweet disposition when his stomach acid is not burning his esophagus (who wouldn't cry?!)! Here are some more recent pics...

He loves to stretch and is ALWAYS moving his arms and legs!
So sweet- he loves the bath water
Tiny toes!

It's very tiring being this cute!

Our favorite Saturday morning tradition- tamales at the Farmer's Market

O loves Moe the monkey!
Owen will have the surgery to repair his cleft lip June 16th- we'll keep everyone updated on the details as we get closer!

Meeting Maggie & life at home with baby Owen

2008-02-29T20:56:00.000-08:00

We actually came home from the hospital on Valentine's day after 2 nights there. We didn't have anything ready and our apt. was in chaos, as we had been moving the crib around trying to find a good spot where it didn't take up too much room. Brian was so awesome and went home really late Wed. night after being with us all day in the hospital and put our apt. back together so I wouldn't walk into such a mess. I know, he's amazing, and I am spoiled! :)

Here are some pics of us leaving the hospital...

Owen was not so happy about his car seat, as you can see...

His fuzzy froggy blanket made it just bearable.

We actually didn't even have a car seat- our doula Amanda was going to loan us her family's infant car seat until we could get one since they weren't using it. She went to borrow a hose from her neighbor to wash it off and their neighbor said they don't need their infant car seat anymore- their youngest child outgrew it recently, so we could just have it! Awesome (we have never met these people!). It just goes to show what great community there is here at Fuller- we have been so blessed by so many meals, calls, and offers for folks to come and do our laundry, grocery shop for us- it's been really encouraging and all of this after only living here for 5 months. :) THANKS everyone!

So, now the million dollar question- how is Maggie adjusting to Owen????

Maggie is actually doing very well with Owen! The first day was interesting- she couldn't figure out why we were so concerned with the thing in the small seat- she was very curious- especially when Owen started making noises far more extensive than "fake baby's" repertoire. :)

The first few days she wanted to be right with us anytime we were doing anything with Owen- see the nursing shot below with Maggie's head on the pillow! Now she loves him - esp. sniffing him, which we allow as long as it isn't on his face. She also will come and get our attention if he is crying, "can somebody please help him??!!" She often sleeps in front of his pack n play (although he sleeps in bed with us) and enjoys taking part in diaper changes and midnight feedings.

Overall we are all doing very well- we are slowly adjusting to the great sleep deprivation- poor Brian has to get up and go to work and class. Owen and I are marveling at how quickly my maternity leave is going- I just can't believe he'll be 3 wks. old tomorrow! He is growing very quickly and you can see the difference in pics from his first few days of life and those more recent. Here are a few of my favorites below--- for the complete Owen collection go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/shopeclan/

As you will see we spend most of our time gazing at him and/or gazing at him and then taking his picture! We love our son!!!

SURPRISE- Baby Owen makes his debut--- 4 WKS EARLY!

2008-02-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Well...when I last posted on Feb. 11th little did we know my back pain was not sciatica, but LABOR!! The days before Owen was born were filled with activity for the Shope's - Brian had a conference on organic church planting and I was busy here at home organizing and cleaning (nesting). We were moving things around - testing out the crib in different areas- and I had a list of things that needed to be done- cleaning out the refrigerator, etc. We spent Sunday walking Maggie, talking about Brian's conference and enjoying milkshakes from Rick's. I guess we should've known something was up when later that day I was cleaning the bathroom and began vacuuming the walls. Hmm...

Monday I went to work as usual and didn't feel well- I hadn't slept much Sunday night due to back pain. Monday I came home from work and Brian took care of getting me as comfortable as possible. I took a bath, layed on the futon, and watched old episodes of Grey's Anatomy. I was still having a lot of back pain and couldn't get comfortable, but we had no conception that this could be labor- we still had 4 wks.

My discomfort continued Monday night and after 2 more baths and countless tries with the warm heating pad I still couldn't sleep and began searching the baby books for info on pre-term labor. We know that the baby would be ok at this point- we were 36 wks., but I wasn't totally sure that I was having contractions. Then I started having more and more pain that was wrapping around my belly from my back and I woke up Brian- this is at 4am. We discussed possibilities and I eventually convinced him that this was labor- even if it was false labor and we needed to start counting the contractions. He blew up the birth ball and I rocked back and forth on all fours to try and get some relief. We called our amazing childbirth educator at 6am (if you are interested in natural childbirth in Pasadena Kathy is the way to go and we can get you her info- her classes were invaluable to us and will be so in future births as well!!!). She listened to my breathing at this point and told Brian I was in labor and gave him a quick lesson on pushing to be passed along to me- we hadn't had that class yet. :)

We labored at home until 8:30am when I called my dr. and told them we wouldn't be in for the appt. we had schedule at 9:30am because I was in labor. They told us to go ahead and get to the hospital and we also called our doula Amanda to give her the heads up.

When we arrived at the hospital (after missing the exit- Amanda had called Brian's cell right as we were coming upon the hospital exit and we missed it because we were too far over in the left lanes (we have seven lane highways here, remember) and ended up getting off the 210 further down and Brian had to try and back track without any directions. Our lives are so crazy! :)

Once we arrived at the hospital they checked me and found I was 3 cm dilated and we began the work before us. Brian and Amanda were amazing!!!!Brian was incredible- we had no pain
meds and I NEVER could have done that without him- he put almost constant counterpressure on my back which was the best relief ever! Amanda was our doula- she's a Fuller student- and she was so encouraging and helpful. She really helped Brian better care for me and offered
great advocacy for all of us and friendship in the most intimate of moments.

The hospital staff was great- esp. our L&D nurse, Nicole. Our dr. knew we wanted as few interventions as possible and they allowed me to stay in my own clothes, walk around, get on the birth ball, eat and drink, and only have intermittent monitoring for 20 min. every 1-2 hrs. I didn't have an IV and I was free to totally move around- we had music and danced and swayed and I breathed and sounded out the contractions. It was intense work and I still can't really believe I did it- but it was totally amazing- even the parts when I started to feel like I couldn't go any further. I really believe it was such a great experience because of Brian firstly, Amanda's help, and the plethora of family and friends we had praying for us as we labored throughout the day.

At noon I was 6 cm. and moving right along! Yeah! At 3pm I was 7.5/8 and I stayed there for a while. This was a bit discouraging, but we worked to break my water naturally through movement and exercise. When my water still hadn't broken at 5pm we decided to go ahead and have the dr. break it. This felt amazing, but really intensified the contractions and I had no break in between. This was the hardest hour from 5-6pm - I was totally exhausted from lack of sleep for several nights and little food (I had thrown everything up- fun. fun :)). Right about the point when I was crying to Brian and Amanda, "I just need this to be over now, ok???!!! (think of a most pathetic voice) "I just really need to meet our baby!" Amanda smiled and said- I think you're at 10 cm now and sure enough, we were!!

Pushing began around 6pm with the dr. on his dinner break. They told me to wait, wait for the dr. and I told Nicole our nurse that she could just catch the baby- I was fine with that. Brian sat behind me and supported me through the pushing and I collapsed back on him in between contractions.

Owen Benjamin entered the world at 6:21pm Tuesday February 12th at 5 lbs. 12 oz. and 18 in long. His Daddy cut the cord and gave him his first bath and changed the first diaper. : ) We were immediately in love, which continues to grow each day for Owen and each other after experiencing this miracle together! We are both so incredibly thankful to be participants in this life and have been thanking God daily for each other as partners in this work to care for our son. WOW!

Owen is very healthy - he saw the pediatrician Tues. and has alreadu surpassed his birth weight! Yea!! He was born with a cleft lip, which is purely cosmetic and will be fixed with surgery at 2mo. old. I am recovering nicely- a little sore, but feeling very well. He is latching well and so far nursing has been good-they were a bit concerned at first with his ability to solely nurse due
to his lip. We are enjoying every moment as we meet our son in this new outside the womb
environment- Brian and I are enthralled by his every movement and have spent the days since his birth giving thanks for this precious gift ( and trying to carve out as much time for sleep as possible!!!)!

Here are the first of many, many pics- we have taken over 250 pictures and he's only just over a week old!!!! Check back for frequent updates- we will also be putting several pics on flickr as soon as I get everything together in the next few days.

Thanks so much to everyone who has sent meals, packages, phone calls, and prayers!! We are so thankful for our community all across the country who have celebrated and continue to celebrate with us! Owen is a very lucky boy to have so many amazing people in his life - we love you all!

Four weeks to go- Jan. highlights, more baby prep, and Maggie's sit-in...

2008-02-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since we've posted- life has been hectic with several work projects for me and an intensive 2 wk. class for Brian as well as his normal schedule and PT work in the SIS office. It has been a difficult month for my family on the east coast as well, but everyone seems to be on the up and up now.

The time until March 13th is passing rather quickly now and still things are not ready. I am beginning to come to terms with the fact that the baby will be fine whether or not the refrigerator has been cleaned out before he/she arrives- Brian assures me this is the case! My body is tired after an 8 hr. work day and my gracious husband affords me the rest I need in the evenings and all other commitments are flexible due to the pregnancy card- and soon the infant card.

Poor "fake baby" has spent a lot of time in the crib without much attention, which is fine with Maggie. We have graciously received many beautiful baby things from friends and family across the country and are so grateful for everyone's generosity.

A few highlights of the last month include an overdue Christmas trip to Santa Barbara for Brian and I. This was our Christmas gift to one another- a night away before the baby and we were so thankful to get a night's stay at the Bath House bed & breakfast- we highly recommend it! Ask Brian about our midnight cake run. We walked on the beach, took many pictures, had dinner at an old historic stagecoach stop, and laughed and laughed together. It was a really special time of focusing on each other and reminiscing about the last year, giving thanks for the good and the difficult, and offering this new year up to God while praying together on the beach. It was holy time and we came back rejuvenated and refreshed even after just one night.

Here are some pics of our time there...(notice the belly was present too) :)

This one looks fake, but it's real...

The Bath House Inn where we stayed...
Only in CA can you sit on the beach in Jan. in short sleeves...

One of the other special surprises in Jan. was a shower for me thrown by the Fuller wives- a group of us get together each Thursday night for a book study and catching up. They have been so sweet to us throughout this pregnancy and held a shower for me on Jan. 26th. I was so touched- our friends and family have gone to great lengths to provide showers even though we're far away and I so appreciate their efforts- Traci, Cheryl, and Connie! :) Yet, it was really fun to able to participate in person! Here are a few pics...

The shower was held at Leah's house- who is also pregnant- there are actually about 7 of us in the group of 20 who are pregnant! It's contagious! Check out my nifty baby sling...

More of the girls...Leah Beth, me, Jessica, and Meredith

Opening gifts...

Leah Beth and the too cute diaper centerpiece she crafted...now that's skill!

The hostesses with the mommy and the belly...

It was a really fun afternoon and Brian and I were so grateful for everyone's thoughtfulness!

We thought we had everything arranged for the baby and then decided over the last week that the crib was really too close to the heater, which we've used about 2 times since we've been here. But, who wants to take a chance. The new plan is to take down the crib temporarily and use the Pack N' Play as a crib until June when our lease is up.

This was where the crib was originally...

We told Maggie we would have to move the futon to make room for the crib (when we were still thinking we could fit the crib in this apt.). She decided she didn't want to do that and staged a sit-in...this is her "I've had enough!" face...

Stay tuned for more exploits of fake baby as we move from the crib to the Pack N' Play and set up the swing this week...Maggie just can't wait! She's trying to find her way back to WV since Brian and I won't allow her the white fluffy bear from Grandma Shope or Flopsie Bubkins from Trish. Life is oh so hard...

Baby, Baby!

2008-01-12T18:25:00.002-08:00

It's becoming a theme, isn't it???!! ;) We are almost exactly 2 months from our due date, tomorrow- the 13th- we'll be 32 weeks with only 8 to go! GEEZ!!! We are very excited, daily freak out, and are growing closer together as we prepare for this new one. Brian has been exhibiting sympathy pains and we both cry at times with abandon for no apparent reason- it's the hormones! :) It is all a bit overwhelming, but we are confident that God is faithful and we have much support here in CA and across the country! We love you all!!!!

We know you're dying to see our "baby" after Brian's story of Maggie last weekend, and have included some pics below. She (Maggie) continues to do very, very well. The "baby" resides in the crib now most of the time and we pick it up occasionally and walk around. She always jumps to attention and follows closely, sometimes whining for attention and to lick the "baby's" feet.

I have also included our registry info below-- it seems a bit strange to share this on the blog, but we have had several requests for this info to be posted. Please know we don't expect ANY gifts, and certainly hope we're not seeming to "secretly" communicate our need for presents by posting this! Rather, several family members have suggested this would be the easiest way to share this info, given our current distance so see below...

We are registered at 4 places (mostly due to the fact that we tried to include fair trade, organic items as much as possible and these sites are often smaller):

1.) Barefoot Herbs & Barefoot Kids www.barefoot-eco.com
This is a small store run by a husband and wife in IN who are committed to locally owned business, fair trade, and environmentally friendly products. They don't have an on-line registry, but have been so gracious as to help us do this in spite of that. They are having their 2nd baby 4 days after our baby is due! We are so happy to be able to support their small business from across the country, and hope you will too. Kudos to them for taking a risk and doing business for babies differently!! The list below is made up of items from their store that we would like for our baby and you can view them online at www.barefoot-eco.com

If you then call the store at 877-321-8155 they can tell you what is still unpurchased from our registry and you can order on the phone or on-line, either way. If you order on-line, Scott has requested that you please put a note in the message area of the check out so he will know it's for our registry and should be crossed off the list. Thanks!
They are listed under the same categories as on their website-

Baby Carriers and Slings
Ergo baby carrier- organic - chocolate w/caramel lining (1) $112.00

Organic Children's Clothes
Sckoon-babyblue-kimono- 3-6mo (1) $17.00
Sckoon-cloudshirt- 0-6mo (1) $19.50
Sckoon-monkeypants-navy- 0-6mo (1) $19.50
Sckoon-zen knot hat-navy (1) $12.00
Sckoon-monkeypants-brown 3-6mo (1) $19.50

Speesees-flockjumper- earth 0-3 mo (1) $28.00
Speesees-jeraf body-red 3-6 mo (1) $22.00
Speesees-yoga pant- red 0-3mo (1) $22.00
Speesees-raglan tee-grass infant (1) $14.00

ShooShoos
brown suede wrap (1) $22.00
blue giraffe (1) $22.00
beige horse (1) $22.00

Natural and Organic Soft Dolls & Toys
Under the nile-monkey

Tooth Paste, Diaper Creams, Bug Sprays, Sunscreen, Etc.
Weleda Baby Starter Kit

2.) Progressive Kid www.progressivekid.com
This site is also committed to fair trade, organic products and we love their cute earth-conscious clothes! They have an online registry- so all you have to do is go to the website, click on gift registry on the left side of the page and search for us by name.

3.) Cotton Babies www.cottonbabies.com
This is our cloth diaper site!!! Yes, we have decided to use cloth diapers (although we are using the 7th Generation disposable ones for the first 6 wks. to avoid the really tar-like ones (Brian has offered to change all of those ;) !!) Their website lists our needs by name as well. Go onto their website and click on "Registries" on the left sidebar and it will show you a list of names. Our registry is listed under Megan & Brian Shope. Please be sure to put our names in the comments upon check out. THANKS!

4.) Finally, we are also registered at Babies R Us- www.babiesrus.com for those items that we just couldn't find on a "green" site or store. Unfortunately some baby stuff is not yet very enviro friendly, and some items that are, are crazy expensive, so we've tried to supplement as best we can. You can access their website and search for us by name under baby registry.

Brian and the "baby"

Maggie keeps watch...

Maggie & Barbie

2008-01-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

This is a bit ironic, actually. After all this time, my intentions were to contribute to our blog as well as Megan. However, once school started and I had my own blog to upkeep for one of my classes, in addition the reading and workload of graduate school all my good intentions were out the window. The greater irony is that tomorrow is my first day back after our month long break, and I still waited for 4 weeks to sit down and begin my offerings as to our lives in spouses, new babies, and an aging dog.

Ok, so we really don't have a Barbie doll. We're not really into Barbie, even for our upcoming child. But the most incredible circumstances unfolded around us last night. After opening a baby registry at Babies R' Us (I think Megan has information about that forthcoming), we stopped at Target to pick a couple things up. One of the things we purchased was our baby training implement for Maggie, the wonder dog. Our equipment? A near life size baby doll, which says 'momma' or 'poppa', when squeezing her hand, laughs when you squeeze her tummy, and cries or coos when you squeeze one of her feet. The life-like sounds were a nice touch to the work before us. Based on recommendations from various expert sources (none of which I can name), one should acclimate a pet to the upcoming addition to the family- i.e., this is not your new squeak toy. The new parents are to carry around the doll as though a real child, setting safe boundaries if the dog shows too much interest, etc. They've even recommended walking the dog with the stroller and your 'baby' inside. I think you get the picture...

We weren't quit sure what to expect, but knew we had laid some groundwork that we might have to undo. Let me explain. From time to time we've gotten our first child (Maggie) a stuffed toy, usually in the shape of some animal, that contained the infamous and ever intriguing squeak inside. Her first experience in this was baby Herman. I think you can already see where we could've used different nomenclature. If that wasn't enough, we would raise Baby Herman the squeaking teddy bear to our shoulder as though burping him, and torment our dog. (She knew we were playing; no animals were harmed in the making of this story.)

Anyway, we walked into the house last night, and we both assumed that she might give us a perfunctory sniff, the "hey-what's-that-oh-it's-not-for-me" greeting, and we'd continue changing the environment around her gradually. But when Megan was holding our 'child' in a realistic manner, Maggie would not let her alone. She was trying to smell, taste (gently, Maggie gives everything a lick or two as an introduction to determine edibility), and generally get herself closer to this new thing we were carrying like Baby Herman. She whined, sat at attention when she wasn't trying to greet the baby, and actually barked at her desire to see our baby. She even tried climbing on top of the couch for a close look.

Then I took our child. Now, you should've seen all of this. We actually were doing our best to handle this baby as realistically as possible. So, Megan passes me the baby much like we would our newborn to come, while we box out our intensely curious dog. I sit down on our rocker, trying to simulate the late-night feeding sessions that are to come. Maggie begins performing many of the same behaviors for me that she has for Megan. Whining, sniffing, licking, barking, and at times we had to gently but firmly say 'no!' Then her behavior begins to reveal that if she can't have the baby, then baby is just receiving WAY too much attention, and that's what she exists for: our undying love and focus. She then begins to try and give me her paw, while I'm sitting with the baby in the rocking chair. Again, I'm not really giving Maggie my attention, because we want to simulate our behavior when our child is present. So, I'm cradling the baby in my arms, burping our child, etc. Every action brings Maggie to a new, higher level of attentiveness. She finally resorts to the tricks she knows: she tries to give me her paw. "Dad, look what I can do!" And not just one, but both at different times. Repeatedly. Then barking. Then trying to climb into my lap. All throughout this ordeal we are talking to her, Megan is petting her, and giving her treats for being "so good."

We pass one more time, back to Megan. I actually had to pinch Maggie between my legs as we passed our "child" while trying to lunge for a closer look. Well, Maggie visits with Megan sitting in the rocker, again sharing her excitement, desire for this possible new toy, and attention from mom that she's not receiving. After a brief moment of this, she comes back over to me and literally tries to climb into my lap. For those who may not know or forget, Maggie is borderline 80 lbs. and resembles a black lab. I'm sitting on the floor and she is all over me, gaining reassurance that her place is secure.

In the end, we were quite surprised at the intense emotion Maggie displayed. I may sound as though I'm giving her a bad rap, but she was really good. She is such a sweet creature, and we were so surprised that she would feel that attached to climb into my lap, and when that wasn't working because of her size, to bury herself into and under daddy's legs. (Yeah, she really did that.) All that to say, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, and have a dog, do some research and be sure that your canine baby is ready for the appropriate, albeit difficult for all, displacement.

Note the pics below of my lovely wife putting together the crib friends from our new church here in Pasadena passed along. Maggie looks slightly worried, but mostly trying to figure out how she can get the white teddy bear sitting in the crib - she has loved it since the day we opened the package from Grandma Shope, and would like the real baby to give it to her as a gift. Negotiation through the belly is somewhat difficult, however. The model 'baby' has not been introduced into the crib as of yet, we're trying to take it one step at a time, so for now the closet in the nook is home. Ah, the joys of things to come!! :) Look for more updates as we venture into the world of 10 weeks to go and counting. Actually, we're at 31 weeks today- WOW!

Meg putting the crib together...

Maggie's reaction...

And...a few pics of the 30 wk. old belly...

Christmas LA side

2007-12-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

Well...it's been a long time, friends! Due to some large life changes-- moving across the country, pregnancy, and new jobs for both of us- the Shope family decided to forgo a Christmas letter and/or cards this year- our apologizes! However, check out our current update, Christmas, and belly! pics below!

29 weeks and counting...

Can I really get much bigger???!!!

Where to begin...????
We had planned to come home to the East coast for Christmas visits to Parkersburg, Hershey, and Morgantown. However, I started my new job with the Pasadena Public Health Dept. as SPIIn Project Specialist and the time off just couldn't be taken with the upcoming maternity leave (esp. since my position is grant funded and part of my job is securing funds to implement our program!!). We considered changing the tickets to a shorter time period, but it was just too expensive. So...the new plan is to bring the baby home in early June and visit family and friends.

Plan B was enjoying a quiet Christmas here in Pasadena- the last one before our lives are turned upside down (and the first where it was just the 2 of us). We had many fun LA plans- a hike on Christmas Eve, time at our church, baking, a night away to Santa Barbara, and time with friends. Yet, our plans were changed yet again by a virus and fever for me and a nasty cold for Brian. So Christmas was spent in Apt. 4 on Madison Ave. resting and recooperating. Brian was an amazing nurse and I spent most of the last week in bed. :( After the low point of cold baths with water poured over me drinking ginger ale in the tub to avoid the impending visit to the hospital with a high fever(marriage at its finest!) we were up for watching movies and playing Rummikub in our bed with Maggie. She kept Mommy warm and loved throughout the sick season.

Christmas came to us through the USPS and we enjoyed decorating our tiny apt. with reminders of the coming of the King...

Christmas morning we weren't roused by the running of little feet (or a crying baby- that's next year! :) but...the black one...

Is there a rawhide under the tree?

Brian made us an amazing German apple pancake and we spent time opening presents from our families and talking to everyone on the phone...

This one's Maggie's favorite- hopefully our baby will be able to fit in it for more than an hour!!! :) We received so many cute baby things!

Instead of ham or turkey Maggie and Daddy enjoyed treats from WV while I feasted on ramen and chicken soup!

Mr. Bee's are a hometown favorite- shipped all the way across the country!! NICE!

All in all it was a good Christmas- albeit not what we planned. We are still in recovery mode, with each day bringing better health. We hope to see the Rose Parade floats New Year's Day here in Pasadena- a cultural must when you live in this city! :)

We didn't have any Christmas roses for our celebration, but our Christmas cactus loves the SoCal weather- we had 21 buds last week!

Brian will begin his second quarter at Fuller January 7th, as well as a new work study position in his department- Intercultural Studies. It will be his last quarter before the baby! WOW!! I am continuing to work and loving my job- my boss is great, the program I am working to develop a really great opportunity for under-represented high school students in health careers and the people I work with so caring and pleasant to be around.

We begin our first childbirth classes Jan. 6th and they will run until March 2nd. We are very excited to begin- we need all the info we can get!!!! We have chosen to learn about the Bradley method of childbirthing which emphasizes the husband as coach and teaches women to listen and cooperate with their bodies as they experience birth naturally. We'll see how it goes! :)

We turn 30 weeks tomorrow and continue to marvel at how the time is flying by! We are working to finish our registry (we will post some info here for that at the request of several folks very soon). We are trying to purchase environmentally friendly products as much as possible and this has taken a bit more research and time.

We are planning to set up the pack n'play for good very soon to allow Maggie some time to adjust. We also need to buy a baby doll to help her get used to us carrying a baby, having the stroller while with her, etc. We'll keep you updated on how it goes! The baby is doing very well- we can feel tons of movement. Kicks are heartier now and pack quite a punch.

We hope and pray this finds everyone well and enjoying the holiday with family and friends. Peace and much love in 2008...

Six months -- wow- look at that belly!

2007-11-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

For some reason the pictures of our 6 mo. old belly didn't upload correctly when I put them on last week, so I wanted to try again. Here ya go... :)

Baby Pics--- High Tech Ultrasound pics!

2007-11-19T15:52:00.001-08:00

We wanted to share with everyone the pics from the high tech ultrasound we had last Friday...it was pretty amazing! The ultrasound tech said the measurements of the baby look great and suggested "bubba" for a girl or a boy. I suppose if it's a girl she wouldn't get picked on at recess with a name like Bubba. Brian and I want to assure you, it's at the bottom of our list of names!! :)

Check out our precious one...

This is the baby's face (don't worry- we couldn't tell what everything was either- he had to tell us! )

Here's the baby's head and body...

And a very large foot, which the tech deemed "big foot"-- this one is a little hard to see- the foot is the white part between the faint x's -- later he assured us that the baby's foot is normal size! He was a crack up!

It was lots of fun and amazing to begin to see our baby. We are in awe and so thankful that everything is going well!! The dr. has given me the all clear as far as restrictions, so we are back to normal life. Also, I don't have to take the progesterone anymore since my placenta has grown up towards the top of my uterus away from the opening of my cervix (which is why the bleeding stopped)-- very, very good news!

November in SoCal

2007-11-16T16:07:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since we've updated our blog other than the apt. pics- since our last post many things have happened...

1.) I can now feel the baby several times a day- typically when I would like to be
sleeping!
2.) We have unpacked all of our boxes! A necessity, really, when you live in a studio
AND when your Mom is coming to visit! :)
3.) We had a great visit with my Mom over veteran's day weekend! More pics of that
visit to come ASAP.
4.) Brian left his personal training position at 24 hr. fitness due to the extreme
sales nature of the position that conflicted with his personal training
philosophy, and I was hired by the Pasadena Public Health Dept. to begin to
develop their new adolescent immunization program!!! Very exciting! :)
6.) And...we are celebrating with our good friend's the Harlan's- who now officially
own our house on 1199 Mineral! We closed yesterday and we are wishing them well
and so excited to see all of the changes they have and will make (the only
condition was they have to take us in when we visit Morgantown)! ;)

As you can see we have been busy! The end of the quarter is rapidly approaching and Brian is working diligently to complete his final papers as well as massive amounts of reading! He's such a good student!! :)

I am enjoying the last few days of "vacation" while I wait to start my job the week after Thanksgiving. I can't wait!!!! My position is a community services
rep position and I will be developing their new adolescent immunization
program for adolescents in Latino communities and developing ways/programs to encourage more non-white teens to pursue health professions. This fits very well w/my desire to work in the community with marginalized folks and I am very excited
about it! My boss is so great and really sensitive about the baby. We have spoken on the phone multiple times since I received the initial offer and she always asks how I am feeling and how things are going, which we both greatly appreciate!!! To read more about my position see the press release below...

"At the end of her keynote address, Diana M. Bonta, RN Ph.D,
Vice President, Public Affairs for Kaiser Permanente's Southern California Region, and former Director of Health Services for the State of California, made a surprise announcement: Pasadena Immunization Coalition (PIzC) was being awarded a grant of $50,000 to support the planning phase of the Scholastic Partnership for Immunization Initiatives (SPIIn). The large mock-up of the $50,000 check is a hallmark of the partnership that Kaiser Permanente initiated to assist the Pasadena Public
Health Department’s PIzC launch- an outreach initiative among adolescents which promotes understanding about the immunizations that protect them at this stage in their lives. SPIIn is a project with a tri-fold focus: establishment of a youth-led immunization work group; peer-to-peer immunization promotion; and an introduction to public health careers for a new generation."

We also had our "high-tech" ultrasound today and the baby looks great! The ultrasound tech knows the sex of the baby, but we still prefer to be surprised! :) He said the placenta has grown upward, away from the opening of my cervix, which means a return to normal activity and the ability to have a natural childbirth. He took many pics and I will try and scan them tomorrow on Fuller's scanner, but until then....here are some 6 month belly shots to get you through (we will be 24 weeks Sunday)!! WOW!

"What does your apt. look like???!!!" or "We can't believe you fit all of that stuff in there!"

2007-11-15T13:17:00.001-08:00

Yes, we did in fact fit most of our things into our apt- thanks mostly to the amazing wall to wall storage in the dressing nook, as well as creative use of shelves- many, many shelves!! :) Take a look...

This is our "dining room"- the first area you encounter when you walk through our front door- you can also see the "garage" to the side, where Brian keeps his bike.

Another view of the dining space- directly ahead of our dining space- you can see our lovely white heater (I want to name it b/c it's so big, but Brian won't let me). On the other side of our heater where we currently have our hamper is where the pack-n-play will go for the baby.

The rocker is just to the left of the dressing nook- you can see the shelves on the left- they make up the "wall" we designed to section off our bedroom space. :)

This is our living room space- just to the left of the kitchen.

More living room space...

To the left of the living room is Maggie's bed and the entrance into our bedroom.

Our bedroom...

Just look at all those beautiful shelves!!

This is Brian's masterpiece- it holds all of our books, games, our TV, filing box, our dressers are underneath, AND we still have baskets on shelves that are empty for baby supplies, etc. I watched in amazement at his spatial skills! :)

This is the entrance to the kitchen...notice all of our fun pics of friends and family!

We even have shelves in the kitchen- are you surprised??

This is our window over the kitchen counter and sink (a bit dark due to that CA sun shining in!)...

Our cabinets are white and we have about as much cabinet space as we did in Morgantown, actually.

Our fridge and stove...

And how could I almost forget...Maggie's favorite sunbathing spot- the nook!

Finally, through the nook...our bathroom- an important room for a pregnant lady who has to pee all the time... ;)

Well- there ya go- we hope you've enjoyed this tour of the Shope abode!
Peace...

Playing in SoCal

2007-10-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

Well--- most of you who saw the pics of the mess of a studio we moved into (as far as the amount of stuff we had to organize) probably believe we are spending every spare moment shoveling out! Thankfully, however, this is not the case, and we have become much more organized in our space!!! I promise to include some new apt. pics very soon!

But- we also wanted to show you some of the beauty of SoCal within which we have played as we rest and enjoy Sabbath on Saturdays (this is the day Brian has chosen to do no school work and we explore, nap, hang out with Maggie in new spots, etc.) So...here are some of the most recent adventures!

First, the Cobb Estate- we live in the foothills and can see the mountains pretty much all of the time- it's crazy! One of the first Saturdays we were here we drove to Altadena- just a few miles from our house to check out the Cobb Estate, which is an old hotel (now in ruins) where you can enjoy beautiful hiking overlooking Pasadena and LA. We are still adjusting to the colors here- greens and browns, tan and rust. I do miss the fall leaves quite a lot, but we love the warm temps and the fact that we are still wearing Chacos in late Oct.!!! Nice!

Yes, Maggie can drink from a CamelBack! A skill Brian will be teaching our baby as soon as possible as well! ;)

The pregnant lady can hike! ...just not too fast!

The smoggy city- we are very close to LA...even in the woods!

And then...our favorite place in the world-- East or West coast...the beach!

This is actually Ventura Beach- we were there one Sat. in the middle of Oct. with Brian's Dept. - students, faculty, and the Dean and his wife (who actually leads the wives group I attend, so it's fun that we are both connected to them). This beach is about an hour from us- what a change from Morgantown!! and is actually very similar to our East Coast beaches...

...a group of us spent time relaxing, enjoying the sand, playing soccer, eating fish and chips at the harbor nearby, and generally lounging. Some folks swam (I was not one of them- those of you who know how much I hate cold water are probably not surprised!).

It was a great day- now we have several more nearby beaches to explore- although I think we'll be avoiding Malibu for a while. Thankfully, the news here today looks like they have managed to contain several of the fires and are allowing residents that were evacuated back into their homes. The city of Pasadena has emphasized we are not in any danger (we are about an hour away from Malibu), but have restricted activities at local schools for outdoor sports due to the air quality. Today it is not too bad- yesterday we could see the ash in the air, and it has been very, very hot- in the 90s. We continue to pray for the displaced families and firefighters as well as a heavy, heavy rain.

Baby's first pic- 19 weeks!

2007-10-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not actually the first picture, since this baby has had its picture taken almost every week with the weirdo bleeding. But, it's really the first picture where you can tell that we are having a baby! :) This is the one the dr.'s gave us and then one a little closer- sorry about the quality- scanning isn't always the best, but thought everyone might like to see the little one nonetheless!

Today was our big 19 wk. appt. and Dr. Morrison said everything is going very well! Yea! The baby is doing well and all the measurements are perfect- nice! Movement is good and we could see the heart beating, but not the sex, which is good since we want to be surprised.

The really, really good news is I haven't had any spotting at all since last Wed. and the dr. said if I make it to Monday with no bleeding then I can begin looking for a job. This made me very happy!!! He still wants me to watch my activity and such, but said things are looking really, really good. He isn't sure if the progesterone has stopped the bleeding or if time itself has really made a greater impact, but as long as we aren't having any more bleeding life can resume a bit more normally.

He still is watching my placenta- it is just a bit close to the opening of my cervix, but he feels pretty confident this will take care of itself as the pregnancy progresses and the uterus expands. So--- needless to say we are thrilled!! and so very thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers- please keep praying!!!!

We also talked about the kind of labor and delivery we want- surprisingly here in CA they don't have many practices with both dr's and midwives, which is what we had in Morgantown. Midwives here mainly do home births, which I am not comfortable with in our 566 sq. ft. apt. :) Maggie is so relieved!!

He seems very open to what we want- I can move around during labor as much as I like and we can really direct the way this goes as long as there aren't any life threatening complications for me or the baby, of course. So, all in all very good news- we are getting excited and it is beginning to settle in that we are in fact having a baby- who will be here in March (or Feb- I was 3 wks. early, but the left coast Shope's are notoriously late, so we're banking on this baby being late- perhaps just in time for Brian's birthday on March 17th) or maybe early like its mama- maybe March 2nd on Sarka's birthday! Who knows?

We apologize for the lack of activity here lately- our internet at the apt. is having problems and makes it difficult to post pics from a public computer. I will try and get some up of the apt. as we progress- it looks much different from the first pics posted here. Thank God! ;)

All in all we are very well- Brian is enjoying classes and started his personal training job this week. Very exciting! I have an interview for an HIV/AIDS education/advocacy/case management position with the Pasadena Health Dept. on the 23rd and am looking forward to applying for other positions as well.

We love to hear from you- pls. feel free to post a comment or let us know how you're doing!!
Much love...
Megan for the Shope's

And two weeks later...

2007-10-03T10:39:00.001-07:00

We are much more organized, have taken advantage of the great nook storage, and can (almost) see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our kitchen is totally unpacked, our shelving unit has been constructed, and Maggie is still mad.

Brian's classes are going really well- he loves the material and is really engaged with his classmates and professors. I'm really proud of him! He works very hard to keep up with his reading, and I am actually also reading some of his books. :) Once a
student, always a student!

Our big news lately besides getting settled and into more of a routine is that I went to the doctor and the baby is doing well!! We had an ultrasound Sept. 26th (my Mom's birthday!) and the spotting that is continuing has not affected the health of the baby. He/She is comfy as ever and lookin' good. The dr. we're seeing here was recommended by another Fuller wife originally from PA who is due with her 3rd child any moment. Thanks, Heidi!!

Dr. Morrison is very efficient, but warm, and is concerned about the dark spotting that continues. They put me on the fetal monitor to determine if I was having any contractions that I couldn't feel, but I am not! The ultrasound showed my placenta may be a bit close to the opening of the cervix (low-lying placenta previa). So, at this point I am on light duty, not allowed to pursue looking for a job or seven sets of tennis, but not on bed rest. Yea!!! Additionally, when we were still in Morgantown any additional walking or movement/activity seemed to increase the bleeding and was incredibly frustrating. You should've seen me riding the motorized cart in Target shopping for Taryn and Todd's wedding gift the week before we moved. ;) Yet, at this point, I have been doing a bit more- walking to campus, going to the store, etc. and the bleeding has not increased. This is so helpful for my state of mind- it is really good to get outside and have a bit more freedom and control over my body.

Dr. Morrison also put me on progesterone to see if that would stop the bleeding and we will determine the next course of action at our next appt. on Oct. 16th, when I will (hopefully) be cleared for pursuing work and Brian and I will have another ultrasound pic to place on the frig.

The belly at this point is getting bigger!! Here are the much anticipated shots...

Compare these to the 8 wk. shot - whoa! Seventeen weeks is quite a change!

Eight weeks and the non-maternity capris...

Seventeen weeks and the maternity skirt...

The baby can now hear us and we are reading and playing music. Favorites are Dr. Seuss (with Daddy's voices) and Jack Johnson CDs. We also read recently in the pregnancy book that the baby can also hear Maggie barking at this point and this will help he/she sleep through such disturbances upon arrival. Wow- it's pretty crazy all that's going on!

We are both learning a lot and are more and more excited the further we get- the 1st trimester was pretty stressful with all of the bleeding and scares, but now we are relaxing a bit and falling in love with our child.

I have ups and downs each day- I expected to be working and it is difficult to not know if I will be able to do that at all until the baby comes. I had actually already applied for several jobs before we went to the dr. and am now getting calls about interviews and openings. It makes it hard to be here all day in the studio, so I am planning outings and trying to get things organized. It's funny, I thought I had already dealt with these issues of identity and value, patience, etc. while in Philly- I supposed I have much more to learn!! Some days I am fed up with things not going according to my plan and weep and yell, "enough already, Lord!!"

I am slowly meeting people- Brian is really good about introducing me to his classmates on campus and at functions. I am also going to the weekly wives club meeting. I jokingly call it that, but it's actually a really great support network of spouses who have already been down this road and those of us who are currently navigating this process of settling in and making friends. I am thankful for their support and encouragement!

Brian also just accepted a job as a personal trainer at 24 hr. fitness- a gym very close to our apt.! He went for the interview yesterday and they offered him the position on the spot (I was not at all surprised)! He accepted it this morning and is really working so very hard to provide for our family in the midst of some of these unexpected adjustments (me not working) as well as his first few weeks of seminary. I am so thankful for him and can't tell him enough how much I appreciate him!

Well that's probably more than enough ramblings for now...I think we are finally caught up with the pics- more will be on the way as we finish organizing the apt.
Peace and much love...
the shope clan

Where are we going to put all of this stuff????!!!

2007-10-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

The afternoon of Monday Sept. 17th the truck arrived with all of our belongings. We had mixed feelings about this- we were excited to sleep in our real bed again, but unsure just how the space would work out. Brian had contacted Fuller about the possibility of getting some help moving since my lifting days are over until March, but it was the first day of orientation for many programs so schedules were quite full (his orientation didn't start until Tuesday). So...we proceeded on our own- I carried the light picture frames and bedding and small items. My husband, without one complaint, unloaded the rest! Thankfully there was a hand truck in the truck and he was able to load many boxes and wheel them over to our first floor place (we were thankful that we didn't have to go upstairs with everything!).

We were feeling pretty good at this point- things were going smoothly and I figured since we had this much in the apt., there couldn't be much left in the truck, right?

This is Maggie hiding in the nook trying to scheme a way back to WV to live with Nanny or Auntie Janine. :) She's not so excited about the studio- esp. after we started bringing in all of the stuff!!!

The spatial guru himself, the amazing Brian Shope! He really does have a knack for figuring out how to fit things in the least amount of space- the moving truck was packed really well and we actually only ended up using 7 of our allotted 12 ft.

Reality can be a kick in the gut, huh? After seeing what was left in the truck I proceeded straight to the bathroom to have a good cry. I did take a picture frame with me to unload and my kind husband, upon my return, says to me, "I know you were in the bathroom crying. It doesn't take that long to move a picture frame." Hmmm- the pitfalls of being married to your best friend who knows everything about you!! :) I am pregnant, which does entitle me to a good cry now and then-- even for reasons such as being overwhelmed with all that is in the studio and all that still had to go. :)

OK- now we're finally finished and Maggie is glaring at us in rage. We made rows to navigate to the kitchen and bathroom and headed to California Pizza Kitchen for much deserved cold beer (for Brian) and Chinese dumplings (for me- a strong craving lately). :)

Maggie decided maybe she'll stick it out for a week or two since we did bring her bed ,she gets to go on walks with her Daddy 3 times a day, AND there are many doggies here at which to bark. Woof!!

390 N. Madison Ave. Apt. 4

2007-10-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

After weeks of asking people how much square footage they had in their apts., our time was finally here to see it for ourselves- our wonderfully spacious 566 sq. feet!!! Right. We arrived at the apt. and got the keys just in time for me to burst into tears as soon as I walked in the room (yeah, it's pretty much a room). Well, we also have a kitchen and a "nook" for dressing with lots of storage, and a bathroom! Actually more than we need. I consoled myself (my husband is much better about these things than I) with thoughts of families in Tanzania living in much smaller spaces and prayed for contentment and grace. It IS a really nice apt. with beautiful trees and landscaping right outside our door. Take a look...just remember these are the "before" pics. :)

Our spacious living room/bedroom/dining room...

Our kitchen...

The dressing nook/closet/storage- yea for storage in a studio!

And our bathroom (picture the shower and tub on the left)...

Our humble abode...

The view outside of our door...

Our side of the complex...

We are so thankful for the green that we have access to every day! When I lived in Philly I mourned the loss of the color green so much that Brian planted grass seed in pots and mailed it to me for my birthday so I would have something green in the city. :) Every day I'm thankful for the beautiful plants and trees that are surrounding us just outside our door and down our street.

Our first meal in our new place Friday night consisted of a pizza from Pietro's- where we met a really nice family originally from Pasadena who welcomed us warmly. We spent the weekend sleeping on the futon (sorry, Maggie) and navigating around our new neighborhood and city.

Our first stop Sat. morning was the Corner Bakery Cafe for coffee and wireless to let our families know we arrived safely and made it through the first night. We were still suffering from a bit of car lag? :)

We did get some groceries and planned how we would arrange the space once our furniture arrived Monday. We also went to a dessert Sat. night for Fuller students and families, which was a lot of fun. We met some really nice folks and felt better after checking out the campus, which is 3 short blocks from our apt.!!

Most Fuller students and their families live in Fuller housing, however, since we have Maggie this is not an option. We are actually really happy about the way things turned out, though. We have met many of our neighbors and are excited to be in a place where we are close to the Fuller campus, but not totally isolated in the "bubble". Our neighbors are families, elder folks, singles- an eclectic mix of interesting people. Everyone on our side of the complex (there are actually 3 complexes) has a studio and we are humbled when we complain of the space to find that the family upstairs with a baby and six year old also functions in this space. Hmmm...sometimes a little perspective is all that's needed.

It's hard to believe we've been here just over 2 weeks now- I'm a bit slow in posting the pics- sorry about that. There are more to come- the moving process and the infamous belly pics that have been heartily requested by so many. :) Hopefully I'll get those up tomorrow. Until then...

California bound

2007-10-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

The drive from NM to AZ varied quite a bit. I told Brian after we left NM and were en route to AZ that I felt like we were in Maryland with all of the pine trees and hills .

I thought my theory about Maryland was pretty good...until we saw the saguaro and the brown mountains and the tumble weed. Oops!

We arrived in Pasadena without too much difficulty around 6pm Friday Sept. 14th. On the way we passed a huge wind farm, which Brian loves, so we took many pictures- we'll spare you the wind farm slide show. :)

The signs to Pasadena were welcome and we only thought we were lost once. Overall, the trip was really, really good- we really enjoyed our time together seeing everyone on the way and talking and reading Harry Potter #7 in the car. Fun stuff. I think we were both ready to finally arrive at our new place, though, and begin this adventure.

Last stop--- Arizona!

2007-10-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Our final stop before arriving in Pasadena was Queen Creek AZ to visit brother Dave, sister-in-law Traci, and our niece McKayla. It had been 9 months since we had seen them- the reunion was sweet! We spent time out of the car(!!),catching up, and playing with McKayla. We are really excited to be only 6 hrs. away from our family on this side of the country and will spend Thanksgiving in Phoenix for the first time.

New Mexico here we come!

2007-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

After our stay in TX, we traveled to beautiful Rehobeth, NM (near Gallup) to stay with my Mission Year teammate Tressa and her new husband Seth (they were married in June!). It was so great to see Tressa and meet Seth! They showed us around and took us to a Navajo restaurant, which was great! We also got to see Tressa's classroom (they are both teachers) and the school where they love their students.

It was great to see Tressa again- we hadn't seen each other since our time in Philly 6 years ago!! Brian and Seth endured much reminiscing and laughing about silly stories from our time there. I can't believe it's been 6 yrs.!

We loved the drive- it was amazing - the changes in landscape were much more dramatic and we loved seeing the different colors and plants. Maggie also enjoyed herself, as you can see! :)

OOOOOOOOOOklahoma...

2007-09-25T11:13:00.001-07:00

Following our jaunt in St. Louis we stayed in Broken Arrow, OK (near Tulsa) with our friends the Turley's. They used to attend Trinity and were (are) important folks in our lives!!! Briane Turley was the first person Brian Shope talked to about seminary when we were trying to figure out what was next, so it was quite fitting that we stayed with them as we traveled West. It was great to catch up and hear how they are doing in their new home and community!

This is a picture of Briane and Ann in front of their house (their son Christopher had already left for school). Thanks Briane, Ann, and Christopher for your warm hospitality and care for us!!!

After leaving Tulsa we traveled to Amarillo, TX where the way is flat and the waffles have character- see below. :)

Maggie wasn't too keen on the hotel we stayed in - we tried to break it to her gently that our apartment wouldn't be much bigger! ;)

The real thing

2007-09-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday we traveled from IL through St. Louis to Tulsa, OK. We stopped to visit the St. Louis Arch and had a great time! The arch itself was amazing and the surrounding area beautiful. We wished we had more time to spend there on the riverfront.

We ended up asking someone to take a picture of all of us and a young guy came up and offered to take our pic with his fish-eye lens and send it to us on email. We were thrilled!

The trip West!

2007-09-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

We began our great adventure traveling to Indianapolis en route to Bloomington, where our good friends, Brian and Heather Wilson and their family now reside. Brian was a groomsman at our wedding and we were so looking forward to our time together with them (as well as getting to meet all of their family- they had only one daughter, Kierra, when we were married)! We arrived in Bloomington late Friday evening and were incredibly blessed by their hospitality- they had a wonderful organic dinner waiting for us with home-made ice cream for dessert! What amazing friends we have! We spent time catching up and Saturday were able to stay most of the day to hang out with the kiddos, Kierra, Caleb, and Brogan, which was great fun! Maggie also enjoyed her time hanging out with the kids and running in their backyard. We unfortunately don't have a picture of our friends- chalk it up to sheer exhaustion. Sorry, Wilson's, we do love you!! :)

The car ride was fine- no baby problems! :) Maggie also enjoyed the futon mattress she slept on in the back seat, as you can see from this pic!

Our second night (Sat.) was spent in Vandalia, IL- hmmm- we found there wasn't much in Vandalia! We ended up staying at a Travelodge there and I had a bit more bleeding, which was concerning so we spent the evening resting and gearing up for the next leg of the trip.

These pics show me (Brian insists that I always take the pictures and am never in any of them) enjoying the Travelodge's own rendition of the St. Louis Arch. Fun.

And...we're off!

2007-09-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Our adventure begins...Friday morning- we plan to leave at 12pm and are out the door then...with only a few stops to make. :) Janine came over again to help with the last details- what would we do without her? She took these pics of us our last time locking up "our house". We stopped to see the shop- SO.ZO and said good-bye to our good friend, Sam. Brian was definitely in need of some good Fair Trade coffee for the drive to Indianapolis- our first stop Friday evening! :)

We also went to South Middle School to see our god-daughter Sarka and give one more hug! I cried as we got in the car- it is difficult to leave this place, but we are hoping to visit in December! Also went to see sister Dana, Sarka's Mom, at her GA position within the University. And after those most important stops, we were off!

Loading up and movin' out!

2007-09-21T11:32:00.001-07:00

OK Friends, we are finally posting after a week of life in sunny SoCal! These pics are of the night before we left- I was in the emergency room for unexplained bleeding, yet again, and we were pretty insane! Johanna was wonderful and supported me all the way! We were so fortunate to have many people come to offer help and support on our day of loading- Kirk, Sylvia and Adam, Trina, Nathan & Becky, Johanna, Meria, Ruth, Sarka, and Janine! Thanks so much to everyone- we wouldn't have made it without you!

Brian and Janine finished loading the truck and securing the bulkhead at 3:3o am! Geez! We sat in the dining room, our favorite room in the house, and laughed about crazy times around the table, parties, and impromptu meals with friends and strangers. We have had such an amazing experience beginning our married life together in Motown- and even before- I lived there almost 10 years and Brian 7. It is bittersweet to leave- we miss you all!!

Opening Pitch

2007-09-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Well everyone, here we are in Phoenix on the eve of our arrival in Pasadena. We're both a bit tired, and we've got more to do tonight before a 4am wake up call and 5am departure. We just set this up, and we'll be cataloging our trip west to Cali with pictures and stories over the next couple of days. Stay tuned...