Orthodox Epsilons

Three

2011-10-04T21:57:00.001-04:00

I'm so glad Teddy is no longer two. The melting, the whining, the yell-crying... they are mostly starting to recede, and we're getting a somewhat familiar little boy who can do all kinds of astonishing things.

He can run and jump and stand on one leg.
He can say the Lord's Prayer and sing responses in church without prompting.
He can make the sign of the Cross without prompting.
He helps with the laundry and the dishes.
He asks for permission before leaving the table.
He makes his sister laugh on purpose.

He knows the alphabet, the long vowel sounds, and the short vowel sounds.
He can sing on pitch. In fact, he can sing all the time. Did you know that the alphabet song, "Baa baa, black sheep," and "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" all use the same melody?
He can hold his ukulele properly and strum and sing along. (The two don't necessarily have anything to do with each other yet, but it's still pretty darn cute, especially when he sings to his sister.)
He pretends to be Raffi, and encourages us, using his "microphone," to sing with him.
He can count at least up through 20 on his own without getting confused; he can even count backwards (although this includes "zero" and "go!" and a race: obviously necessary).
He can write his name.
He just loves numbers and letters.

He can dress himself, including socks (if they're not too long) and shoes (without laces: with laces are hard to find these days).
He's getting more consistent about using the potty ... unless he's preoccupied with something more interesting, but he can clean up his messes with a little prompting.
He can put blocks together to make shapes.

He can do real puzzles (real big puzzles) all by himself. He can even (easily) do the camel puzzle (which gives Mommy trouble; those pieces do not cooperate).

He knows when it's time for bed.
He can match pictures, especially in the middle of a book when he sees the same picture inside as what's on the cover.
He can put his toys and clothes away.
He can buckle himself into his own car seat.
He can (usually) close the car door after he gets out.
He can pause and restart a DVD using the remote control.
He can pretend, and tell us about it.
He's interested in reading (even if it's not necessarily the words on the page when he reads by himself).

He's just started to learn Irish dancing, and is showing quite a bit of grit, getting through his frustration at not already knowing how to do things. (It is hard to figure out right-and-left in English, although he's got it down cold in Romanian... if only Mommy could remember which is which in Romanian when we're facing each other).
He loves the Hokey-Pokey.
He can throw or kick a ball.
Of course, he can swim, but now he can retrieve one or two items and swim back to his start.
When he wakes up thirsty at night, he can get his own milk out of the fridge, drink it, and put himself back to bed. Sometimes he even turns off the light again.
He can say: Please; no, thank you; yes, ma'am; no, sir; you're welcome. (These are used rather effectively, because he does them so well.)
He can brush his teeth by himself.
He can climb a tree (a little ways; it's a little tree).
He can put away the flatware in the right places.
He can almost color in the lines (mostly red, mostly Lightning McQueen).

I do wish, however, that the phase of insisting that everyone in the family be a character from Cars (the movie) be over soon: Daddy is Doc, Mommy is Mac (I did carry him), Teddy, of course, is Lightning McQueen, and Lucia is Mater (at Mommy's suggestion, because if she has to be Mac, then Lucia wasn't going to be left out, and who else should she be other than Lightning's best friend?). It's pretty cute when he tells her he's going into the cactus. I have to help her pull him out, and then he says, "Thank you!"

He really is getting to be someone who is fun to have around. Thank you, God, for your ready gift.

Thank you, Raffi

2011-10-03T13:01:00.003-04:00

Teddy: Baa baa, brown cow, have you any milk for me? Yes, sir. Yes, sir, three bags full. One for my master, one for my dame, one for the little boy who walks down the dame.

***

Teddy: Cluck cluck, red hen, have you any eggs for me? Yes, sir. Yes, sir, three bags full.

Daddy: Cluck cluck, red hen, have you any eggs? Yes, sir. Yes sir, as many as your...

Teddy: Lunch.

***

Teddy: Cluck cluck, red hen, have you any eggs for me?

Daddy: Yes, sir...

Mommy: Yes, sir...

Teddy: As many eggs for me.

God's Water

2011-09-30T19:17:00.002-04:00

We're working with Teddy on asking permission. We practice most often on food and drink. He must ask and receive permission before eating something we have or drinking what we have.

Usually, he wants my water:
"Mommy, may I please have your water?"
"Yes, you may."
"Thank you!"
"You're welcome!"

But today he didn't see that I had poured the water. (I'd gone to nurse his sister in the nursery.) So Daddy overheard this:

"This is God's water.
"God, may I please have your water?
"Okay! Thank you!"

It's cute, right? But shouldn't that be my prayer for anything crossing my lips? It's all God's water. It's all God's everything. And thank God that Teddy shows me in between times of being maddening.

Geography Lesson

2011-09-23T11:48:00.003-04:00

I pointed out some things on the floor of Teddy's room, and he dutifully trooped around, answering what they were and putting them away. The last item was the letters bag from Matushka Anna. He asked where it was from (meaning who gave it to him), and I told him. Then he asked, "Where's Matushka Anna?" I told him the name of the state.

Then I got out the globe. (Who doesn't love a globe?) We looked at where we live and where Mat. Anna lives. I pointed out Texas: "Who lives here?" And he knew: his grandmother! I pointed out Georgia: "Who lives here?" And he knew: his aunt! I pointed out Minnesota: "Who lives here?" And he knew: his (other) aunt! Then we talked about where his godfather now lives (who recently moved to the same state we're in from the snowy north). I reviewed the continents, and he seemed to be bored, so we went and had a snack.

Later in the morning, I got out the road atlas to see the United States a little bigger. We opened to Florida and talked about the people we knew who live in other towns, and I pointed those out. When we paused, Teddy looked thoughtful, obviously trying to think of another person. Then he asked: "Where's John the Baptist?" So we got out the Bible and looked at the maps in the back. Then he asked, "Where are the saints?" There are icons in the Orthodox Study Bible, so I turned to one of them, and he said, "Oh, I need to kiss them!" and proceeded to do so.

I think I'm doing okay on the teaching thing, even without a plan. I mean, he's not even three yet. Most of the things he doesn't seem interested in while I'm explaining them (or at least that's how I interpret certain little-boy wiggliness), but he obviously remembers where family members live from previous sessions with the globe.

May 9, 2011

2011-05-09T19:35:00.002-04:00

We put together a bookcase to serve as a dedicated icon corner with more accessible icons. It's hard to find wall space on an east wall in our house. Teddy helped hand us screws and even turned the screwdriver a couple of times.

Teddy put the "Rory" doll next to Lucia, saying, "It's Lucia's turn!"

Lucia Catherine

2011-04-21T19:04:00.005-04:00

Rejoice with us!

Lucia Catherine was born on April 12, weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and measuring 20 inches long.
Our daughter's birth was much easier than big brother's. She came one day early so as to be born on Daddy's day off. She only took two hours and two minutes of labor. Also, she was born at home, just half an hour after the midwife came. (The student midwife was literally coming in the door as Lucia was born.) Again, all natural and no tearing. Glory to God!

Teddy is intrigued by his little sister, but we are still working on defining "gentle."

She is named for both her grandmothers (who were both named after their mothers), with the first name using the Romanian pronunciation, similar to the Italian, but with the emphasis on the first syllable: "LOO-chee-ah."

I only realized today that her name means "Pure light." It is hard to be at home throughout Holy Week. Sometimes Teddy goes to church with his father (but not for all the services), and we who stay at home are fortunate to virtually visit St. Nektarios and hear Fr. Seraphim (Dedes) and his excellent choirs singing the Holy Week services. Lucia seems to relax when she hears the chanting, and I know it makes me feel calm, especially when Teddy delights me by participating in little bits of the service.

When I see her, I can't help but think of two little ones who now dwell with the angels: Innocent and Lucia, pray for us. "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward" (John 13:36).

Sunday Snippets

2011-02-28T23:14:00.004-05:00

Driving to church:
"Look, Teddy, there are cows."
"They are eating. They are hungry. They're supposed to sit!" (Well, he is.)

***
Teddy, after being censed at the Doxology, started strumming his invisible guitar. I leaned in to hear what he was whispering: "When the Spirit says, 'sing,' sing..."

***
Fr. Peter came out of the Royal Gates bearing the consecrated Gifts: "With the fear of God, with faith and love, draw near!"
"Communion!" Teddy waved both hands in the air. "Communion! Yay! Communion!"

Adventures in... nudity?

2011-01-25T09:21:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, as I was at the office, my wife sent me a message. It said something along the lines of "Your son did not take a nap today. Eventually, I told him he could come out. He said, 'It's cold outside. It's cold outside. Naked!'" She went in and, sure enough, he was wrapped in his blanket with no clothes on.

Fast forward to the evening. We put Teddy to bed and, as usual, late in the evening, Magda went to look at him. I was about ready to go to sleep, but she came, pulled me out of bed and said, "You have to go see your son." He was fast asleep. And naked. We put his clothes back on and went to sleep ourselves.

Fast forward to about 3am. Teddy must have had some sort of a nightmare, because he woke up and started crying. I went to see what was wrong. He was, you guessed it, naked. I comforted him a bit, put his clothes back on him, and got him to relax and go to sleep again. About forty minutes later, there's another cry. I go to see what is going on and Teddy is standing in the hallway with only his shirt on. My first reaction was to get a bit upset, since I had told him not to take his clothes off. Then I noticed that the diaper and pants were in the bathroom. Sure enough, he had picked 3:45 in the morning to work on potty training himself. The diaper was dry, the potty was full.

What can I say? That's my son.

The bishop and the PK

2011-01-07T19:58:00.002-05:00

Last year, we adopted a family motto: "It seemed like a good idea at the time." In keeping with this motto, presvytera and Teddy are almost everywhere there is a church-related activity. This means that Wednesday they were in church for the vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil and the great blessing of the waters. Then, they were at the archbishop's luncheon in Clearwater. Then, they were at the trisagion for Fr. George Pappas in Fr. Myers. Except for the liturgy, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta was also everywhere we were.

Thursday, they were in Tarpon Springs for the Theophany celebration (all five hours of it), then they were in Tampa for hierarchical vespers at the church of St. John the Baptist. Metropolitan Alexios was also in both places.

Today, they were at St. John again, as was Metropolitan Alexios. So, in addition to having seen him a few times previously, Teddy got to be around His Eminence quite a bit over the last few days. This is important because, at the end of the service today, Teddy and I were walking around the grounds at St. John as Metropolitan Alexios was coming out of the community center there. We exchanged a few words, then he and Teddy had a little conversation, after which His Eminence extended his hand to Teddy and said, "Let's go." Teddy grabbed a finger and they started walking (and, as I was to find out later, chatting).

I got ready to follow, but Metropolitan Alexios was curious about something. He said, "Wait here, let's see what happens." I have to admit that, by this point, I was curious, too. They walked through the parking lot... They got out of the parking lot... They turned the corner... and kept walking. The bishop and the PK were having a grand old time and, for my part, I think I will enjoy for a long time the memory of Teddy just walking along with Metropolitan Alexios, holding on to his index finger and pointing out cars and colors.

At the Neighborhood Pool

2010-07-31T08:37:00.003-04:00

Teddy will usually swim to a parent, but the steps are lots of fun to play on.

So sometimes we have to go and get him! (And eat him up.)

Mama likes Teddy to try different water toys to see what he does with them. In this circle, he can spin around and around!

Dada tells Teddy how long he'll stay on his back (count of five or count of eight, usually), and also tells him not to kick.

Then Dada lets go!

The tricky part with teaching Teddy to float is that he can already swim.

Our little fishy loves swimming with Dada!(These pictures pre-date the two previous posts.)

Post-script

2010-07-30T21:18:00.002-04:00

With a whole lot more confidence, Teddy kept jumping in the pool, swimming around, until he decided he was going to try and get to me even though I was a long way away. He made it about half-way and decided to go back. As he was turning, he ran out of air, came up, took a breath and kept going. Half-way back, he ran out of air again, took a second breath and made it back to the steps from where he had left. Needless to say that put a smile on my face. He's not completely water-safe yet, but he sure is getting there.

Little swimmer boy

2010-07-29T19:54:00.002-04:00

As quite a number of pictures can attest, spending time at the pool with Teddy is one of our favorite activities. It is fun watching Teddy grow more comfortable in the water and develop his own little games. Recently he started "freezing" as he swims. He just stops moving and drifts along for a couple of seconds. Occasionally he does that when he is close enough to me to look me in the eyes (from below the water) and there seems to be a glint in there as he begins to move again and grabs on to my neck.

Today, though, took the cake. We played around a bit, and he swam more than I expected him to. He was a sport and even when he got a bit caught up in the ladder going down to the pool, it didn't phase him much. Eventually, I decided it was time to leave. He was already out of the pool, playing with an inflatable toy. When I said we were leaving, I started heading for the corner of the pool with the steps. Teddy was on the other side (width-wise) of the pool and at that point decided he hadn't quite had enough. He came, sat down on the edge of the pool and plopped himself down into the pool.

At this time, the following should be mentioned:

1. The pool is over three feet deep. Teddy isn't.

2. By just jumping into the water, he had no horizontal momentum.

3. The distance from him to me was a bit more than 5 meters (approx. 17 feet) by my estimation.

That being said, Teddy has made it about twenty feet in the water when pushing off or getting a good horizontal momentum going. Still, he had none of that going for him. Also, because he jumped in the water after I'd said we were going home, I decided I was not going to help him get to me until he'd gotten to the limit of where he could go.

It took him a while to get going forward, so by the time he got to within about a meter of me, he ran out of air. The expected turn of events here is that he tries in a panicky manner to take a breath, goes under the water and I pick a somewhat distressed boy up. The actual turn of events is that he rather calmly got his nose above the water surface, took a quick breath, finished coming to me, and, when picked up, proclaimed in a slightly winded but triumphant voice: "Swimming!"

Good job, little boy!

Give the boy what he wants.

2010-07-02T18:05:00.001-04:00

My husband just reported to me:

"Ce vrei, Teddy?" (What do you want?)
"More 'kokos! Kiss!" (More Theotokos! Kiss!)

Try Again

2010-07-01T12:31:00.003-04:00

Today, Teddy was trying to get his new Sesame Street chair (and fold-out bed) onto the sofa without much success.

He begged me, "Help youuu," as usual, but, worried that I was "helping" a little more often than necessary, declined. (Okay, and went back to my book.) So I half-watched him struggle to make a fort (as I made for him yesterday) or just put the chair onto the sofa to play with. And I heard him muttering. Along with "Help youuu" ... there was a "Try again." (All this, of course, interspersed with a lying on the floor and writhing and moaning bit which was almost a tantrum, as he realized I wouldn't help.)

What a lovely thing my son has learned: things can be frustrating, but, even if you give up, you try again. As Teddy says so cutely: "Awesome!"

Altar and Aquatic Adventures

2010-04-09T18:59:00.003-04:00

Today, it was just Teddy and me for the Liturgy. This meant that I took him in the altar as I was helping Fr. James with the service (on weekday Liturgies one of us serves and the other helps in the altar). I was surprised. Granted, Teddy has grown up in church, but he is only eighteen months old and he occasionally will get a bit restless or talkative. Not so much today.

As we were getting ready for the service I took him around, told him about the candles and the censer, lit the charcoal in front of him and explained that it was "hot, hot." Then we put incense in and I had him smell as the smoke began to rise. We went to get cut-up bread to be blessed and, as I was putting that in a bowl, Teddy went and looked at some of the flowers that decorate the church in this Paschal season. I went to get him just as he was getting to the chanters and smiling at them.

The Liturgy started and I realized that I had forgotten to check on the water in the kettle. We went and checked that, then returned to the altar, where I sang softly along with the chanters to keep Teddy interested. As the small entrance came, we added a little more incense to the censer. Then, I turned on one of the electric candles and, with it in one hand and Teddy in the other, went out to accompany the Gospel book. We came back in, handed the censer to Fr. James, then took it back when he was done censing. Teddy took this in quite attentively.

I continued to point out what Fr. James was doing and shortly it was time for the Gospel reading. I had Teddy help me turn on the candle and we went out together to stand by the side as the gospel for the day was read. I turned the candle off (again with Teddy's help) and then it was time to prepare the censer again, so I put Teddy down again, took a couple of pellets of incense and put them on the charcoal. A parishioner came in to help with the great entrance and, as Teddy was beginning to get a little vocal, we went to look at a couple of icons, crosses, and flowers.

Very shortly thereafter, we came back in and, with me pointing out what was going on, we got through to the consecration. We prepared the censer again and went to get the water ready. I asked Teddy to help me turn the kettle on, which he did. As the water was getting warm, I pointed out the steam to Teddy and reminded him: "hot." I asked him to wait for me in the vestry, where the kettle was, while I took the hot water container to Fr. James. He did and I was quickly back with the empty container. As it was getting close to communion, we went back in the altar, took the cut bread out, and waited until Fr. James had received communion. Then we went up together and he received as he usually does - quietly and attentively.

At that point I gave him a couple of pieces of bread (which he very much appreciated) and the service was soon over. There were a couple of requests for "down" after which he climbed to sit or stand on a bench on the side of the altar and a couple of attempts to say 'hi' to Fr. James, but in an hour that is all there was. I cannot complain about that and I enjoyed spending that time with Teddy in the altar. Yes, I know he's a little young for an altar boy, but he was less distracting than some of them :)

In other news, today he decided that he will dive into the pool. Caught me by surprise. He'd only recently started lunging in from a seated position. I guess he needed extra excitement, because after the first dive, from the side of the pool, he did it again, from the first step as you walk into the pool. He was also quite amusing as he imitated a lady who would put her head under water for a few seconds, then come up for air. He was standing on my knees and holding on to my hands when he started putting his head under water, then coming up for air every five seconds or so. Finally, his complaints at being put on his back and dragged along (while, occasionally, being left to float for short periods of time) were minimal.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. God bless and thank God for this little boy.

Jesus Spotter

2009-10-01T10:22:00.003-04:00

Teddy has regained his earlier interest in icons, and his fourth and fifth words were "Jesus" and "cross" (well, okay, "-oss").

Today I let him help me empty the dishwasher. (So I carried him around and let him hold onto the dishes.) When we were putting the glasses away, however, he started saying, "Jesus." I was a little confused.

I saw Snoopy.
I saw Grumpy Bear.
I saw the Norman Rockwell glasses.

Then, after a few repetitions of "Jesus," I looked more closely.

Yep. That's Jesus in our kitchen cabinet, on the mug from the Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy-Laity.

Swimming

2009-09-04T19:03:00.003-04:00

I need to do a proper post on Teddy's swimming, but we were really blown away by his efforts this week, and especially today.

He's not water-safe, but he's definitely swimming. He went from Daddy's arms (no pushing) to the wall, of his own volition ... and the wall was at least four and a half feet away. Daddy measured.

And this wasn't the first time.

Often, Teddy will hold onto something (wall or parent), gauge whether or not he can get to his destination, then let go and sink. When the top of his head pops up (not anything useful, like his nose or mouth), he'll kick and kick until he gets where he's going. (Sometimes where he's going arrives to help him, because there's only so much suspense we can take.)

And all this is without us pushing him. Unless, of course, bringing him to the pool five times a week is pushing.This photo was taken on February 10. He's outgrown the swimsuit, but not the happiness. (I know, I know, but who wants to take pictures in the pool instead of playing with Teddy!?)

Applesauce, by the Andro-Muppets

2009-09-02T17:03:00.004-04:00

In the great tradition of Mahnahmahnah (however you may spell it), here is today's performance of snacktime.

Applesauce! (doot-doo dee do-doot ...)

Applesauce!
It comes from apples,
And apples grow on trees,
And trees live in an orchard,
And it all comes down to bees!

Applesauce! (doot-doo dee do-doot ...)

Teeth!

2009-09-02T17:00:00.005-04:00

My husband noticed that Teddy's next two teeth have come in. We tried to get some pictures, but that can be difficult.

Our new camera rocks, however, and with the large picture, you can see them, on either side of the two lower middle incisors.Not realizing that we'd gotten a good enough picture to show off his "dinți," we went with our usual method of laying him across a lap and making him laugh, which is just plain fun for everybody.

South Bend

2009-09-01T15:08:00.004-04:00

While Tudor (paternal grandfather) and Valentin (uncle) visited from Romania, we all went to South Bend via Chicago.

Teddy enjoyed meeting his relatives for the first time, playing with Uncle Valentin's "toys" ...... visiting the dunes of Lake Michigan ...
... and meeting Mommy and Daddy's kombaroi with their little boy.Mommy forgot to take pictures of meeting the priest who married Mommy and Daddy, with his family, and of Mommy's nouna and her family. Teddy and Mommy napped while Daddy took Tudor and Valentin on the campus tour of Notre Dame. We also didn't take any pictures with our hosts, alas, who fed us with tastiness and housed us with love and companionship. Also, their dog was a trooper for putting up with Teddy's attentions.

Hristos a înviat!

2009-04-19T10:37:00.003-04:00

My dear little son,
     Last year at the Resurrection service I felt you kick for the first time, like a heartbeat. This year I cannot imagine a greater joy than holding you in my arms at the Resurrection service and sharing you and the joy you bring with the entire parish. You are still my heartbeat.
  Love,
     Mommy

Teddy's Baptism

2009-03-07T16:15:00.019-05:00

Due to the events taking place around Tampa Bay during the beginning of January (Theophany celebration in Tarpon Springs, patronal feast of St. John the Baptist in Tampa), we delayed Teddy's baptism to Thursday, January 8. On Monday night, our parish hosted its annual Archbishop Luncheon (except it was a dinner).

His Eminence Alexios and Fr. Peter were seated close enough to each other for the following conversation to take place:

Metr. Alexios: So... when are you having the baptism?
Fr. Peter: Thursday.
Metr. Alexios: Wednesday?
Fr. Peter: Thursday.
Metr. Alexios: Why Thursday?
Fr. Peter: Well, because tomorrow is Theophany, Wednesday is the feastday of St. John the Baptist ... so we thought Thursday we'd have some time.
Metr. Alexios: Okay... In the morning?
Fr. Peter: 11:30.
Metr. Alexios: Can you make it 11?
Fr. Peter: Well, we already put it in the monthly newsletter.
Metr. Alexios: Okay... 11:30... I think I can make it.

So our clergy count for the baptism was one bishop and three priests. Additionally, we invited the parish (but, being a Thursday, not many were able to attend), and my mother came, and one of Fr. Peter's classmates was in town, invited for the GOYA Winter Event which would start the next day.

Fr. Ioan (John) Bociu read the exorcism prayers, Teddy beamed, Paul Lundberg ... godfathered, and Thanasi Pantazelos chanted. Then we undressed the baby while the clergy and gentlemen did their thing.


Thanasi and Fr. Ioan chanted. Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos	Paul, Fr. James, Fr. Peter, and Metr. Alexios prayed. Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos

Teddy was oiled... Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos
... dunked ... Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos
... tonsured ...
... and communed. Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos

Metropolitan Alexios heard there was cake—Fr. Ioan Bociu makes an awesome cake, by the way—so he stayed for the reception.
At the reception, Teddy woke up and was the happiest baby ever.

My husband and mother have a disagreement about which is the cutest baby picture of Teddy so far, so you are invited to weigh in, or at least have more baby pictures to admire. (Okay, this may just be my own addiction.)

Before.

After. Photo credit: Lisa Vlahos

Florida State Fair

2009-03-07T12:02:00.005-05:00

On Friday, February 13, we all went to the State Fair. Unfortunately, we did not do enough research. We did go on "Irish/Scottish Day," but found out that the next day was "Honey Day."

We looked at the exhibits in the Expo Hall, and said hello to the Orthodox booth set up by a nearby OCA parish.

Teddy watched Scottish dancers, Scottish pipers, and Irish dancers for the first time.

We very much enjoyed the bearded collies!

And we did get some honey (because we got lost on the way out).

Nap-time adventures

2009-02-15T17:00:00.002-05:00

This afternoon (after Teddy skipped his noontime nap due to Liturgy and post-liturgical events - namely, the oratorical festival), his next nap followed the following step-wise pattern.

1. Unhappily search for mouth with right hand.
2. Insert thumb in mouth. Be soothed.
3. Continue grasping various things, in an upward motion, with the left hand.
4. Reach blanket above or around the head.
5. Enter "Must pull blanket phase" for the left arm. Pull blanket over (most of) face.
6. Start to panic, while still sucking on thumb.
7. Enter "Must pull blanket phase" for right arm. Take thumb out of mouth, become unhappy and tug on blanket until at least one eye can see around the edge of the blanket.
8. Release blanket with both arms. Relax and bring left arm down.
9. Start again from step 1.

This happened about ten times in a row, with decreasing intensity for the "panic" phase, leading, eventually, to a nap.

Grapefruit

2009-02-10T17:23:00.002-05:00

Evidently, he likes grapefruit, too. This is rather unexpected for the two of us, who were amused at the experience.

After his five-o'clock feeding, he was fussy, and Daddy was eating a test grapefruit. (To see whether we should pick more from the tree in our yard yet.) I thought that a new experience might de-fuss him, so I suggested it. The grapefruit duly came around into Teddy's mouth ... and was heartily sucked on. His hand came up to hold Daddy's hand holding the grapefruit, and he looked so interested that we gave him a few more tastes, each of which met with approval.

According to Daddy, his facial expression indicated that he was very focused on the grapefruit.

Four-month check-up

2009-02-03T11:24:00.002-05:00

Today, Teddy had his four-month check-up, very early in the morning (6;45). First, we found out that he takes after his father in being rather long (27.5 in, 97% percentile) and rather thin (15lb. 3oz, 50% percentile). Second came the physical exam, where the doctor tried to see if he would sit on his own for a second or so and said, "You think you're a six-month old, don't you?" Finally, there were the shots. I wasn't paying too much attention to the first couple, but the last one went something like this:

1. The nurse inserted the needle.
2. Teddy startled.
3. Teddy looked around confused for about two seconds.
4. Teddy realized that something wasn't quite right and he needed to do something about it: cry.
5. Ten seconds later, Teddy realized that the "not quite right thing" had gone away and he could go back to being his usual, charming self.

After the doctor's visit, we went to the pool, where Teddy had a grand old time and charmed everyone who dared come close to him. Now, he's a little tired and unhappy, but overall, he's been a great little trooper.

Attempts at food

2009-01-20T18:54:00.004-05:00

OK, so we haven't started feeding Teddy anything other than breast milk yet (although we did have a mostly unsuccessful try at giving him a bottle today). However, while we cook, we have taken to putting various things at his mouth and giving him a taste. The carrot and the banana were interesting (or, at least, that's how we interpreted his look). The tomato... that was pretty good and he kept licking it for a while. The pear, now that was very good. So good, that in addition to licking it profusely, he took his hand and pressed mine (holding the pear) so he could get more. More to come as we keep playing with his taste buds.

Forty-Day Blessing

2008-11-29T21:54:00.009-05:00

On the fortieth day of Theodore Gregory's birth, we all went to church for the forty-day blessing or "churching." Prayers were said in the narthex for me, for him, and for his future godfather. (There may have been other prayers, but then he started to fuss a bit and I lost concentration.) Then Fr. Peter took Teddy in his arms and walked up the main aisle of the church. Teddy was intently looking at the Pantokrator in the dome. They went into the altar and around the altar table. I followed up the aisle and waited for them on the solea. More prayers were said, and that was about it.

We had invited the priests and presvyteres of our parish to come celebrate this with us, as something of a preview, since we predicted everything would be hectic on the first Sunday. So they came as they were able. Fr. Constantine took pictures and Fr. James helped me figure out what I needed to be doing, and Fr. Petros just beamed. Afterwards we had a little snack with muffins and koulourakia and coffee in the hall lobby.

Eighth Day Blessing

2008-10-09T21:30:00.003-04:00

On the eighth day of the child's life, the service of naming is prayed over the child.

"O Lord our God, we pray to you and beseech you let the light of your countenance shine upon your servant Theodore Gregory and let the Cross of your only-begotten Son be sealed in his heart and in his thoughts, so as to escape the vanity of the world and every evil plot of the enemy and follow your commandments. And grant, O Lord, that your holy name shall remain indelible upon him, so that at the proper time he will be attached to your Church and be perfected by the awesome mysteries of your Christ; so that having lived in accordance with your commandments, and having kept the seal inviolate, he may achieve the blessedness of your chosen ones in your kingdom." —Service on the Giving a Name to the Child on the Eighth Day

Overdrive...

2008-10-07T21:49:00.002-04:00

Watching Teddy after a feeding, I couldn't help exclaiming, "It looks like he's half hiccuping, half burping, and half throwing up." To which Magda had to reply, "Yeah, I think this one-and-a-half thing is really agitating him."

Komboskini

2008-10-05T18:22:00.004-04:00

I had been having some trouble breastfeeding. In short, Teddy was startling himself awake, and then chewing on his fists and fussing. I had learned to interpret this as, "Oh, the baby's hungry. I must feed him." Except that he wasn't hungry. Clever Daddy figured this out and swaddled him. Since then, we've been working on expanding the two-hour spacing for feedings. Mommy and Teddy both get more rest and are happier.

But during the five hours of struggling to get the little one to eat (as opposed to fuss and stick his mittened fists in his mouth), while maintaining good posture and relaxed shoulders (especially tricky with no contacts in so you can't see the baby without hunching over), I developed a pattern of chanting: the Jesus Prayer for nursing and "Παναγία Δέσπινα" for burping, both from the CD Panagia With Us All. Now I'm addicted to my system for the most part.

As I nurse little Teddy, the part of his anatomy most visible to me is his ear, and I feel like I am pouring goodness into his body and soul.

It also helps me relax my shoulders and sit up straight, so caring for my baby is nourishing my body and soul as well.

"Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control" (I Timothy 2:15, from Teddy's Orthodox Study Bible).

He eats a lot...

2008-10-03T13:46:00.003-04:00

Today we went to the first-week check-up at the pediatrician's office. The doctor looked at the notes.

"Hmm. He's at 9 lbs., 14 oz., and his birth weight was 9 lbs., 10 oz. So he's gained 4 ounces over a week. Usually we like to see babies gain about an ounce a day ..."

My husband pointed out that when we had come in for the 24-hour visit on Saturday, the baby weighed 9 lbs., 3 oz., so he'd gained 11 ounces, not three.

"Oh!" Eyebrows went up. "Well, I'd say he's doing pretty well, then."

More Fatherhood Fun

2008-10-01T22:24:00.002-04:00

M: "Thank you for cutting up the banana bread for me, and for making me banana bread"
P (interrupting): Oh, no. My wife is banana bread.
M: What?
T gurgles
P: Yes, he got the joke. (to Teddy) Didn't you?
T smiles momentarily
M: You're supposed to wait until he can at least understand speech! [ed.n. co-opting Teddy into poking fun at her]

M. note: "This is what I get for sharing the childhood story of 'Make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.' 'Poof! You're a peanut butter and jelly sandwich' ... which was not appreciated then, either."

New Pictures

2008-09-28T22:28:00.000-04:00

Here

Surprises of Fatherhood

2008-09-27T20:00:00.003-04:00

It is quite an amazing feeling to find out that your less-than-one-day-old son likes to stay on his side because you put him down on his back and watched as he turned his head around, then the rest of his body and came to what seemed to be a very satisfying conclusion for him, on his side. :)

Happy birthday

2008-09-26T21:55:00.004-04:00

After 35 hours of natural labor, our Theodore Gregory was born on September 26 at 2:39 pm. At birth, he weighed 9 pounds, 10 ounces, measured 23 inches long, and had a head circumference of 14 inches (and I didn't even tear). He has dark hair, and his grandmother pronounced him quite handsome. He is not supposed to be able to pick up his head and look at things, but he obviously hasn't read up on his abilities.

Since we decided to give birth to him at a birthing center rather than a hospital, after he was born, he had his newborn exam and his vitals checked several times. I had my vitals checked several times, ate a healthy meal, drank a bottle of an electrolyte drink, took a shower, and went to the bathroom, after which we did some paperwork and went home.

Pictures to follow.

Dreaming of Baby

2008-08-27T18:06:00.003-04:00

As you may have surmised, not much to write about has been happening with Bunny. There are no new pictures, new tricks learned, no toes to goggle over (although they do pack quite a punch, it's really only for me).

However, I had an interesting experience doing a guided relaxation exercise with our Bradley Method teacher. She turned on some soothing music and had us close our eyes. She told us to imagine that we were floating on the ocean, drifting to a far shore. I don't remember more precisely what she said to direct our relaxation, but I vividly remember what I was visualizing.

I was trying to figure out whether or not I was pregnant, and ended up seeing the baby as a boy at different ages. We were floating with Peterbird on a blue cloak which the Theotokos was holding open for us. The far shore we came to was Mt. Athos, where we were greeted by Fr. Seraphim and Fr. Christodoulos, whose faces were shining with joy. Fr. Christodoulos greeted Bunny, and Bunny was going to stay there. I was a little sad to leave him, but very happy that Bunny could stay with Fr. Christodoulos in such a happy place.

Considering that the Bradley teacher is not Orthodox, and I hadn't been reading anything especially spiritual at the time, I thought it was especially interesting to have thought instinctively of all these things. I don't think I will rely on it as a True Vision or anything, but I know that I have a cloud of witnesses who love and care for me and my family even though I cannot see most of them.

Pentecost

2008-06-15T17:37:00.003-04:00

Today my husband commented that it was just like me to get stretch marks in time for Pentecost. It took me a little while to get this (I can only see them in the mirror, as they are below the visibility mark, like my feet) and realize that they are shaped like tongues of fire. So we've got the "current nursery" decorations down, at least.

Bunny and I are interacting more these days. He kicks (or orples, or does something in there to attract my attention) and I pat back. If I've been paying proper attention, he wakes up and moves around about every two hours or so, and does move more when we dialogue. It reminds me of the petition for "captives" even more, since it's like two prisoners on either side of a wall, trying to communicate. "Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face-to-face."

And Fr. Peter has finally felt Bunny kick. He doesn't seem all that interested in putting his hand there, but he'll keep it there for a while if I put it on my tummy. For whatever reason, Bunny usually stops kicking when his father's hand is there, but when he does kick big enough to be felt outside (as opposed to my viscera—thanks, kiddo), his father's face lights up and delights me.

The Earth Offers a Cave

2008-05-02T12:11:00.003-04:00

We now have pictures of the 20-week ultrasounds. It really struck me that the little one looks like he's in a cave, which brought to mind the kontakion of the Nativity by St. Romanos the Melodist.

I love going to the doctors' office. Everyone is kind, and laughs at my jokes (and attempts at jokes). The ultrasound technician says things like, "The umbilical cord is perfect" and "The spine is wonderful." (I am quickly learning to be fond of people who say nice things about my baby.) Also, the doctors answer my questions (mostly with things meaning, "Yes, it's weird, but you're just pregnant. Get over it.") rather than the usual instance, where everyone asks me questions and I have to answer them.

A wonderful woman (now due with her seventh!) had talked to me about the topic of "finding out the sex of the baby." She said that in her Lamaze class, the people who found out were much more impatient the rest of the pregnancy, compared with the people who waited. I figure, I'm already so impatient for the pregnancy to end—especially with the pictures of the wee one whom I just want to cuddle in my arms—that I should choose to wait. It has been getting fun thwarting the people who ask, "Is it a boy or a girl?" (Answer: "I certainly hope so!") or "Are you going to find out?" (Answer: "Yes, within a year, we hope to have things figured out."). I don't mean to be snarky, but I like to think that my father would be laughing, since this is the kind of answer I grew up with.

Overall, I am feeling better these days. I get housework done, and revel in the happiness of a clean house. (Or at least one which is working towards cleanness.)

The "mommies of the parish" have deluged me with kindness in the form of gift cards. I took Fr. Peter shopping with me, and there is something to be said (not only for clothing which fits properly, but also) for bright, happy colors. I had not realized how Bostonian and bland my closet had become—not completely, but compared to the sunny Floridian colors. So I got a bright pink top (Emily would be so proud) and a bright turquoise top amongst the first round of using up the gift cards. (It didn't hurt that even the doctor yesterday commented that I looked well. She meant my coloring, but I was happy that I'd picked a color that looks good on me.) God bless now-Fr. Evangelos (then-Angelo) and his future presvyteres retreat about how to dress.

Wee Cozonac

2008-04-29T22:02:00.002-04:00

This is the twenty-first cozonac of this year's batch, in my husband's hand. He is a dedicated baker, who kept baking on Holy Saturday even when Dr. Tim and I went to the beach. Maybe next year he will have a helper in making messes in the kitchen. (I did separate most of the 50 eggs required this year. Before ditching him.)

First Pascha

2008-04-28T18:53:00.000-04:00

After the church was darkened at midnight, the candle of Pascha raised by my husband, singing, "Come receive the unwaning Light!" and we all went in a joyous procession outside, each candle burning brightly in exultation, we went into church to hold the festal Divine Liturgy. After the singing of the first set of the Paschal hymn: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Death by death, and on those in the tombs bestowing Life," a chanter began another hymn: "This is the day of Resurrection..." which ends in the Paschal hymn. After that hymn's pronouncement of "Christ is risen!" I felt the baby move for the first time.

Names: January

2008-04-17T00:35:00.002-04:00

Because my sister thought "Peter Gregory" was horrifyingly strange, I am enjoying going through the synaxarion on hand and further horrifying her with the thought that I might name my child after one of these saints. (For her reaction to "Peter Gregory"—which is a darn sight more normal than "Crispin Jarlath" (cool, but I don't think I would do that to a child)—this sister is disqualified from having her opinion count on naming any of my children. She also thinks pretty much any Greek name is weird. Her children's names, naturally, are "normal"—except to anyone besides her, which makes the whole thing funnier.)

However, as I was going through the pages, making fun of the "weird" names, I realized that these were people who were probably praying for me right now. Also, some of the "weirder" ones started to grow on me (in bold).

Fulgentius Theopemptos Abelard Onouphrios Phosterios Sais Agathon Shemaiah Abo Polyefktos Dometianos Galacteon Remigius Pansophios Perodzhavra * Pevsippos, Elasippos, Mesippos, and Neonilla Danax Leobardus Thyrsos Babylas	Lupicinus Barsimaeus Bretanion Medula Auxentios Xenophon Paladios Hyperechius Abibus Paregorius Sarbelos Bebaia Mucius Ashot Pitirim Acepsimas Aphrates Hippolytus Adelgonda** Tryphaenes
* still unable to pronounce this one at all, or pretty much any Georgian name, except Khahaber, thanks to knowing Fr. Khahaber
** extra fun teasing my sister with this one, which she managed to take seriously for quite a long while

I had so much pleasure going through just January, I thought I should stop and savor them rather than rushing through the entire year. Yes, I could just look at September, but there's no reason to have a shared birthday/nameday, is there? Although September 19 does have Dorymedon, Seguanos, and Yaroslav, and babies are notoriously on schedule.

Psalm 139 (LXX, 138): 13-16

2008-03-11T13:33:00.002-04:00

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

New Doctor

2008-03-04T16:41:00.003-05:00

I am so much happier with the new doctor's office. At today's appointment I was told that today I am 11 weeks, 3 days, with a due date for September 19 (a birthday of one of my nephews).

Today I feel more pregnant than I have so far. Rounder, or something. A little less scared. We have an appointment next week for an ultrasound and a discussion with the doctor about the results of tests and whatnot.

Oh, and they gave me a goodie bag, complete with BOOK, prenatal vitamins, and an appointment book. I haven't even finished going through the bag yet. Also, everyone was super nice. I am very happy to have switched doctors. (Peterbird says, "Yeah. Me, too. ... The whole atmosphere seems more professional.")

Greek Festival

2008-03-01T14:46:00.000-05:00

We're in the middle of the Greek Festival here at Holy Trinity. I haven't been able to keep my mouth shut to certain people, so I have been receiving congratulations at various decibel levels, from the hand-on-the-shoulder whispered one, to the shrieking, jumping-up-and-down, and hugging one.

Several of the clergy couples have pointed out to me and Fr. Peter that, with the assistant priest usually staying only a few years here (it's currently something of a "training parish"), the birth of a "priest's kid" or PK is relatively rare. I hadn't thought about that, considering that I was in a building at seminary where people started asking what was in the water.

I've switched doctor's offices since last time, since (1) I made an appointment for everything, which turned out to be a $35 OTC pregnancy test, and (2) they waited until I asked them to tell me that what I had been told was a molar pregnancy last year was actually an "abnormal pregnancy," i.e., a miscarriage. So I got a recommendation from another parishioner, and after looking online, I realize that the new doctor's office has the highest ratinigs and best reviews of OB/GYNs in the area. When I mention the name to other women parishioners, they recognize the doctor's name and agree that that's a good office. I sure could use all the prayers I can get, though.

Miscarriage

2007-07-07T19:47:00.000-04:00

The doctor found the placenta; everything except the baby. "No sign of fetal development."

The ultrasound was just a dark circle of where the baby should have been.

It's a little lonely being just me again.

I don't know where my baby is. Never baptized, but brought to church. I don't know when or how he slipped away.

The sac on the ultrasound measured nine weeks, two days: the day my father died. It's a little comforting to think Papa will look out for my nameless child.

It was hard to drive to Savannah the day after finding out. Going to the ordination, mingled with the 100th anniversary. His Eminence kept emphasizing giving the richness of the past to the promise of the future. I felt that I'd dropped the baton. Whenever I stumbled, there would be a priest or a presbytera, a hand outstretched to whisper: "I've been there, too." It doesn't make it hurt any less, but it makes it possible.

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." — Ephesians 6:13

Fasting while Pregnant

2007-05-17T12:53:00.000-04:00

After reading up (some more) on the rules of what is allowed and what isn't allowed for pregnancy, it seemed to me that it was simply exchanging one set of eating rules for another.

I wasn't prepared for not being able to lick the bowl after making brownies. :( Maybe I'll make a lenten batch of brownies next time.

First Prenatal Visit

2007-05-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

Dn. Virgil and I went to the doctor this afternoon. I am, indeed, pregnant, so all the previous posts which had been drafted but as yet unpublished will be published today. Due date: January 14, 2008.

Oh, and due to the extent of the rods in my back, the doctor does not think I will be eligible for an epidural, but later on I should talk to an anesthesiologist about a patient-controlled anesthetic. I made Dn. Virgil take notes, although I find it difficult to read his handwriting (and he did it in purple). I weigh 138 pounds so far.

I really like this doctor: she passed the warm stethoscope test.

So the focus is on eating (yay!), sleeping, and exercising, in the pregnant part of things.

St. Isidore of Chios

2007-05-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

We went to Orthros this morning, and Dn. Virgil brought our icon of St. Isidore of Chios which had been given to us by our koumbara (who is from Chios).

We were helping Paul at the chant stand: Dn. Virgil on his right side, and (to outward appearances) myself and John Daly on his left side. Dn. Virgil leaned over to Paul: "Don't you think this is a little unbalanced? Three people on one side and one person on the other side." This was a little unfair to Paul who hadn't quite woken up yet. I could see him look on each side, and wonder why he should be counted on one side or another, since he was in the chair. I leaned over: "Paul, I'm plural." He nodded; obviously, we have inculcated him to our weirdnesses. Then he looked at Dn. Virgil's grin and did a double-take at me and his jaw completely dropped.

When Dn. Virgil asked permission to tell Paul, I had thought he was going to tell about the icon, since we had arrived after Paul. Sneaky husband.

Dn. Athanasios came by and congratulated us, and reminded us that "Athanasios" makes a good name. :)

St. Isidore of Chios, and you, dear reader, please pray for us.

P.S. I also find that the baby falls under the "captive" category in the petitions.

Mother's Day

2007-05-14T09:51:00.000-04:00

Well, now the word is out, somewhat. Although I had told one person a day for the first three days, I managed to resist after that. Until Sunday morning. I really wanted to tell, especially when I moved to be next to Dna. Vassi ... and then Georgia (and her six beautiful children) came on the other side. However, I figured it would be best to wait until after Liturgy.

As Fr. Nick Triantafilou was passing out the antidoron, someone reminded him that it was Mother's Day, so he stopped the post-Liturgical chanting to wish all the mothers a happy mother's day. So I turned to Dna. Vassi: "I have a secret." Her eyes got big, and I nodded, and then was engulfed in a hug.

I found Jenny outside, and told her that she had been right at the swap meet. She was confused, so I reminded her that when I was holding some baby things for Dna. Vassi, and she asked me was I pregnant, and I had said no ... I was wrong.

By then word had gotten around a bit, and I was being congratulated by Amelia, and Dna. Vassi came up looking worried: "Was I not supposed to tell?" I assured her that it's fine as long as the people getting the news are also requested to pray for us.

The whole Liturgy felt as though it came right after the first "Christ is Risen!" of the year.

Reason #357 why I love my wife

2007-05-14T09:48:00.000-04:00

She read that the baby's heart forms in the fifth week. So when she was reading the canon part of the pre-communion prayers and got to the verse "Create in me a clean heart of God" she stopped and said: Hey, I can pray this with two different meanings.

Typical

2007-05-12T20:40:00.000-04:00

I think the funniest thing about this whole beginning is that, a few days before we decided to take the test, Magda did, in fact, begin to have a craving for pickles...

Pray for us.

Pregnant

2007-05-12T11:02:00.000-04:00

After the first pregnancy test's "fairly sure" there were two lines, we decided to wait until this morning and try the second test. We have told a select few (or have been unable to restrain ourselves ... okay, just me) who have congratulated us and said that home pregnancy tests were reasonably accurate.

I am still a little scared, and will wait for the doctor's appointment before I believe. However, I would like to tell his mother and my mother ... and tomorrow is Mothers' Day. And I should get medical histories ...

Please keep the three of us in your prayers.

In the beginning

2007-05-09T15:27:00.000-04:00

It seems like everything is beginning.

Usually, I am pretty regular.

So when I didn't get my period yesterday, and 32 days had passed since I had started most recently (which had been the longest between-periods in the past 10 months), I considered buying a home pregnancy test. I wasn't ready to hear a "no," so I passed up the first opportunity.

However, I mentioned this to Dn. Virgil, and suggested that he go buy one. So after we went to the library, we went to the grocery store. He parked and started walking to the store, and I realized that, alone and in his anderi, he might get even more funny looks buying a pregnancy test than if I went with him. So I took my little chicken self and ran after him.

We came home, and he said, "Why not?" So I took the test. I went out and set the timer for three minutes, and made him go back in with me to see. There were two pink lines, although one was faint (the directions said it might be faint, and I have been drinking lots of water these days). So there might be three of us.

I got the card of Pres. Shyla's ob/gyn this morning at chapel (6:30 am Orthros & Divine Liturgy), and called this afternoon, getting an appointment with another doctor in the same office. I'll go in on Monday afternoon.

I am excited and fearful. I feel the way I do when I walk away from the chalice after communing. I am not quite ready to commit to saying, "I am pregnant," only: "I had a positive result to a pregnancy test."

Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us sinners.