Elder Ordination

Ryan was recently ordained as an "Elder" in our church (Christ the King Presbyterian Church). We are very excited that Ryan was asked to become an elder. He had to go through a quite a process of both an extensive written exam and oral interview. (Finally, his Religion/Government major may have paid off!) What does an Elder do one might ask? In the Presbyterian denomination the Elders are part of the "Session" which is the ruling body of the church. The Session helps make decisions for the church, for example: budget, missions, outreach, facility and worship.

We feel it is quite a privilege to serve our church in this way and look forward to seeing how the Lord is going to work in our lives through this opportunity.

(Lucas asked to wear a tie like papa for the big day!)

Jonah Frederick-8 months

Little Jonah at eight months. He is definitely not an infant anymore. We are doing a little better sleeping through the night and taking naps during the day. I also just noticed yesterday that he is cutting his first tooth. (Maybe that explains a little of his general fussy behavior? Who knows??) My, my how quickly the time goes by!!

Movie Matinee

Lucas and I enjoyed our first "Mother-Son" date to the movies on Saturday.(We had taken our very first "Mother-Son" date a few weeks ago to the Mad Potter to paint some pottery and then to ice cream!) Since it has been incredibly hot in Houston these days we decided it might be a great time to sit in an air conditioned movie theater. I had really wanted to take Lucas to see the movie and Ryan said it would gladly stay home while Jonah napped to get some work done... or watch U2 concert footage (they just started their new 360 tour in Europe.)

The movie was wonderful and did not disappoint! I am not sure how much Lucas actually understood or if he really enjoyed the movie. He was very quite during the film and just sat on my lap watching. (Yes, my almost 4 year old sat on my lap the entire movie... how wonderful was that!) When I asked him several times if he was o.k. he would respond, "yes, mama." However, when Ryan asked him about the movie when we got home he didn't have a lot to say and his favorite part was when the police and ambulance came (not exactly the highlights of the movie.)

Nevertheless, we enjoyed spending time together eating popcorn and I got a little cuddle time with my big boy!!

Cooling Off

This is one way to cool off in the Houston Summer Heat! It has not dropped below 95* during the day for weeks. I think we have had one of the hottest June's on record. Forunately, as you can tell the heat has not stopped Lucas from enjoying himself! The boys (Lucas and Hayden) were pretty clever making the slide a "waterslide." They enjoyed themselves for hours yesterday... oh, our water bill!

Una Visita de los Abuelos-A Visit from Abuelos

We had a wonderful visit the last couple of weeks with Abuelo y Abuela. They came to Houston to keep the boys and I company while Ryan headed out of town for his annual college guys reunion. It was great to have an extra set of hands around and I definitely took advantage. I got my haircut, my teeth cleaned (I know very exciting), and finally scheduled my post-natal massage (a Christmas gift... it was glorious!)

Lucas thoroughly enjoyed constructing ("Lucas the Builder") a "caja de arena" (sandbox) with Abuelo. They had a great time going to Lowe's to pick out the wood. They then cut, sanded, painted (Lucas picked the specific green and blue he wanted) and nailed everything together. He couldn't wait to show Ryan what he and Abuelo had built. He is very proud (as much as an almost four year old can express) of his "caja de arena."

Jonah LOVED being held and attended to by his Abuelos, especially his Abuela. She took good care of him and I think he wondered on Thursday where everyone had gone? It took him a couple of days to "recover" from Abuela withdrawal.

(Look at me... I am sitting up now--7 months)

(The boys watching Curious George)

Lucas had a great time playing with Abuelo y Abuela in his new fireman's outfit (a gift from Abuela). He is very much into firemen and fire engines lately, so this was the perfect gift. I don't think he took the jacket off for the first three days they were here. We had to bribe him to take it off outside because it was 95+ degrees. Even Abuela got to play "firewoman" in the "park" one morning. She told Lucas that was as far as she could go... any further and we might really have to call the fireman to come!

(Lucas and yes... that is Abuela in "The Park")

Despite the record breaking hot weather, I don't think it dropped below 95* the two weeks they were here (they just missed the 105* degree days ... did I mention I am moving to Iceland!), we also enjoyed some outside water play in a new fireman sprinkler set. Lucas and good friends, Emarie and Hayden loved running around and spraying each other with the fireman's hose. It was a great way to cool off. We will be using that a set a lot this summer. Jonah and his little friend, Gavin, also enjoyed splashing around in the baby pool. It took Jonah awhile to get use to the pool and water, but once he did he was splashing all around and loving it!

Before bed Abuelo read Lucas and Emarie a few fun stories... in his great reading voice!

Also, a very big THANK YOU to Abuelo for helping me plant my new garden (pictures to come). It has not been the most opportune time to plant a new garden given the heat, but I was inspired by my friend Sol (who was extremely generous with her time and expertise and went with me to the Houston Garden Center to pick out plants.) I still have a little left to do, but we are getting there. Hopefully, everything will not die on me in the next few weeks...cross your fingers.

THANK YOU Abuelos for a wonderful visit. We cannot wait to see you again soon!

The Land of the Living

Where or where have the Dolibois been?? It has been forever since my last post. What have we been up to for the past month+? Let 's see...

We purchased a new car. The "Red Saturn," as Ryan so affectionately called it, finally died at the end of April. So the Dolibois went car shopping. Ryan did most...really ALL... of the car searching. We were blessed to have some dear friends that loaned us their car while they were out of town so we could have the time to truly search for a good fit. Two weeks later we finally found "el coche rapido" (the "fast car") as Lucas likes to call it... a good old Nissan Altima 2007.

Jonah decided to start waking up two+ times a night and not really take any good naps during the day... thus making mama a little tired. (We later come to find out he was probably going through and growth spurt.)

Ryan's Grandmother Dolibois (Boma-as Lucas called her), Winnie Dolibois, passed away at the end of April. We all flew back to Ohio for the service and to introduce little Jonah, another Dolibois, to Bopa (Grandpa Dolibois). It was a beautiful and lovely service and a true celebration and testimony to her amazing life.

Lucas completed his first "preschool" year at Westbury Methodist Day School. He had a couple "end of year" parties which mama helped out with and sadly said good-bye to his two teachers and the Caterpillar Class.

Lucas and his friend, Isabella, started swim class at the Houston Swim Club. They both love it and are doing great at floating and putting their head under water as they learn to "swim."

There are probably a few other activities thrown in there as well that I have forgotten. Hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of summer. Houston summer has definitely arrived... time for the pool!

"Baby Jonah Frederick" at Six Months

Jonah is definitely turning into a baby... no more infant. He is rolling over in both directions, reaches for objects, likes to eat his toes, gets angry when the toy he is playing with falls to the ground (or gets taken away), babbles, and recently yells, and has started eating solid food... which is loves! He is also starting to sleep a little better at night and during the day which is a huge blessing for mama!

Here are his latest stats. The doctor said at his six month check that he is doing great!

Height: 27 1/2" (80%)(Definitely taking after his Abuelo... and namesake)

Weight: 16.9 pounds
Head Circumference: 17 3/4"