Chicago!!

5/28/2007
Travis and I took our last "offical" vacation free of strollers, diaper changes, or feedings. We went to Chicago for Memorial Day weekend and had a wonderful time seeing the sights and catching up with old friends. We feel so blessed to have had this time together but look forward to many stroller-filled vacations!!

We love you all!!

Lisa, Travis, and Caleb

31 Weeks!!

5.25.2007

Caleb joltted to the left the other day and I almost lost my balance! We can tell- he's going to be a bulldog!!! Here's me and my friend Jenn. I am ~ 31 weeks along! On Friday we will be having our 8 month check-up!

30 Weeks/ 7.5 Months!

5.17.2007

Family and Friends,

Today we had our 30 week check-up. Everything is looking good!

Heartbeat: 151

Babies estimated weight: 3 lbs

I have recently completed my breastfeeding class and am excited to begin this adventure! In Nancy Leigh DeMoss' Book, "A Place of Quiet Rest" she states....

"The word El Shaddai can be translated to mean "Almighty God" or the "All-Sufficient One." But the root for the word El Shaddai is the word shad, the Hebrew word for "breast." This name pictures God as the 'breasted One.' Much as a nursing mother pours herself out to satisfy the thirst of her infant, causing the fretful child to be calmed at the mother's breast, so El Shaddai pours Himself into believing lives and satisfies His children's thirsty, fretful hearts!"

Simply Amazing!!!

This past weekend, Travis and I traveled home to Cleveland to assist my sisters in hosting my parent's 30th Anniverary Party!! As I contemplate becoming a parent myself, I often reflect on the positive attributes of my own parents...

Things I hope to imitate as I become a parent:

1. My parents always had "Quiet Time" after supper as the girls did the dinner chores. We were not permitted in the "Quiet Time Area" unless we were bleeding. My parents used this time to re-connect to each other after a very busy day. They valued this time and we sensed it!

2. One thing that assisted my parents in raising three [wonderful :) ] girls was their prayer time together.

3. Family Vacations

4. My mother hosted our very own Vacation Bible School for the neighborhood children in our backyard. She pumped us with the Word!

5. My father was a very patient teacher/parent and forgave easily.

*Travis wants to add what he would like to imitate about his parents:

1. Bruce and Sheila made their kids a priority.

2. They empowered their kids to believe that they could be or do anything!!

3. Said, "I love You's" often!
4. Quality time together occured daily.

5. Their home was always filled with love and laughter!

We Love you all and appreciate your prayers!

Lisa, Travis, and Baby Caleb!

Cleveland Crew

5.6.2007

This past weekend, Travis and I hosted our friends from Cleveland, OH. We were able to catch up and just spend some long, overdue quality time together. The best news of the weekend was that one of our lovely friends- Liz is also expecting!!! Liz's baby is due on December 13th!!! Needless to say, there was much 'baby talk' this weekend!

Current Read Selection: "Brining Up Boys" by none other than my role model- Dr. James Dobson [this was a gift from Mama Paolone!]

28 Weeks!!!

Family and Friends

Travis and I had a Doctor's appointment on Friday. Caleb is doing well and measured a week ahead of schedule [so we could be meeting Caleb a little sooner than initially expected!! Yeahhh].

Heartbeat: 148
Measured at: 29 weeks

I had blood drawn so that I could be tested for gestational diabetes and for iron in my blood. Results came back fine and I will now begin seeing the Doctor bi-weekly.

Prayer for our Baby:
"How we value Your model to us as parents. Guide us to the best information. Help us to identify and sort out what w should apply to our approach to parenting and what we should regard with hesitation. Lead us, dear Lord. We are open to Your leading. We come to You with grateful hearts. Amen."

Current food craving: mustard

Caleb is active and moving. Travis has finally been able to feel him hiccup in my belly. I'm feeling great but a little tired.

Love you,
Lisa, Travis, and baby Caleb

27 Weeks!

4.29.07
The Taflinger Household is in the midst of some serious "nesting." With school done for the semester and Bridges Outreach slowing down slightly, we have started preparing our home for precious little Caleb! I have a sudden urge to organzie all drawers, dust hidden crevasses, and re-paint unseen areas of the house! We want it to be perfect for his arrival!

This week we have my 7 month [or 28 week] appointment. I am still feeling great but have noticed that our walks are becoming harder and harder due to my apparently 'pea size' bladder. Luckily we have a few friends along our route who have provided a place for my bathroom breaks. Travis is doing a wonderful job taking care of me and I think I could really get used to this! On Friday, my friends and I even treated ourselves to a pedicure- nothing wrong with a little pampering right!!

My dear friends at Indiana Wesleyan University had a baby shower for me last weekend and I was blessed with many items for Caleb and the nursery. Thank you so much!!

This verse is for my father who delights in his quiver being full! :)
"Don't you see that children are God's best gift?
The fruit of the womb His generous legacy?
Like a warrior's fistful of arrows
Are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
With your guivers full of children!!"
Ps. 127:4-5

Things I have noticed this month...

I often find myself bumping into things as I underestimate the size of my belly :)

My stomach will not stop itching!

Love you,

Lisa, Travis, and Caleb