They Just Keep Coming

I'm a little late in posting this great news, but I feel better when I realize Pete hasn't even posted this to his own blog yet:
I have another neice or nephew on the way!!! My sister Amber and her husband Pete are expecting baby #2 in October. For those of you doing the math...yes, Elijah and his little brother or sister will only be 13 months apart! Yikes! Amber & Pete weren't planning on having their kids so close together, but praise God, a baby is still a blessing and God's timing is always perfect!
I'm super excited. I think it's a girl. At least I kind of hope it's a girl - that way Rae won't be totally outnumbered. :) But it would also be fun for Elijah to have a brother so close in age to himself.
This is the cute picture they took to share the news with Pete's family.

Welcome sweet baby!!! Your Auntie can't wait to meet you!

Two and a Half Weeks

A few more pictures

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted. Everything is going great and I can't believe how big Israel is getting already. She now has a double chin and is filling out the clothes that would have drowned her two weeks ago. She is awake longer during the day now and continues to sleep very well.
Here are a few more pictures!

Social Butterfly

Israel made her first social calls today, first to visit my friend Jenn at Target Corp. downtown, and then across the street to meet the gang at WCCO-TV, including Uncle Bill Carlson. :)

Smile or Gas?

You decide. :)

Not Much New

We are still doing great and having fun getting to know our baby girl. Yesterday she took her first big outing to the Camping & RV Show at the Convention Center. :)
Here are some pictures from her first family dinner with the Harpels. Thanks to Grandma Harpel for getting some pics of me with my girl - I've been behind the camera so much that I didn't have any with her other than in the hospital!



I love this one...

Doctor, doctor, give me the news

Today Israel had her first doctor's appointment. She is healthy and strong, and has gained back all of her birth weight plus one ounce. Thank you Jesus for a healthy little girl. We were concerned about a hint of jaundice, but Dr. Spencer says she looks great.
We had a bit of a scare today, though. When I was filling out Rae's paperwork for being a new patient, we found out that her health insurance does not contract with our clinic! I am covered there on my insurance through WCCO, but JP and Israel are on Minnesota Care's Metropolitan Health Plan, and the clinic doesn't work with that plan. I nearly started crying because I was so upset that she wouldn't get to see Dr. Spencer. And since I will soon be on Minnesota Care too, I would not be able to have Dr. Spencer deliver our future children. After finding such an amazing doctor, I was so upset.
But HALLELUJAH - I called MN Care as soon as I got home and requested to switch onto a different health plan that would include the clinic in our network. At first the guy told me we couldn't switch until next fall (so we'd still need to find a new doctor for Rae), but then he put me on hold and did some checking around. Turns out the law changed just recently and we were able to switch to Medica. That was a huge relief to both me & JP. (Have we mentioned how much we love this doctor?) :)
So anyhow - that's the doctor update. I also had good news - I have already lost nearly all of my pregnancy weight. Guess I was all baby, and I'm sure nursing has a ton to do with it.
That's what's new for today!

Gift of Peace

JP and I have both been amazed at how peaceful of a little girl we have. She is every mother's dream baby. She eats full feedings when it's time to eat. She is awake, alert, and cute during her "awake" times. She goes down for her naps without crying and sleeps peacefully the whole time. The only times she ever cries is when she's either cold (like during diaper changes) or gassy.
God ministered to us yesterday that she is our gift of peace in a time of storm. Normally, newborn babies are associated with sleepless nights, red eyes, and extreme fatigue. Things have been rather stressful for JP at work, and the last thing he needed was a stressful home situation right now. So God blessed us with a peaceful baby. JP is able to pick her up and forget about all of the weights he's carrying. She brings peace to our home instead of fatigue.
We thank God for this special, amazing gift.

Bath Time

Today I gave Israel her first bath (well, other than the one they gave her at the hospital). I didn't have anyone there to take pictures of her during it - but it was cute. She never screamed, just moaned and wimpered. She was very happy to be wrapped up in her towel once it was all over!

More Pics

I'll just keep them coming...

Look Alikes

The top picture is of JP when he was a newborn, the other two are of Rae.
Check out the nose, lips, eyes - she is 100% Charlebois!

Rae Rae

This picture is the one that I think most clearly illustrates what little Israel looks like. C'mon people - you can't tell me she's not gorgeous!!!
We had an AMAZING night last night! Israel did not cry more than just a peep here and there, and I was able to sleep all night long other than getting up to feed her. I probably got between 6-8 hours of sleep between 8:00pm and 7:00am. It was such an answer to prayer! She has been going down for her naps NO SWEAT! I think the secret (other than God's goodness) is the baby papasan. She hated sleeping in her crib, so we put her down in the chair and she has been doing awesome.

Daddy's Girl

Israel is SUCH a daddy's girl. Not only is she the spitting image of him (check back tomorrow for the comparison photo of JP as a baby and Israel), she also adores being with him. These pictures are reflective of her favorite part of the day - daddy cuddle time.
Daddy, in return, is reduced to a pile of mush every time he gets to hold her like this.

Back Home

Hi Everybody!
This is Audra typing again (Thanks, Dad, for filling in!). We are home tonight, Sunday. The doctor said we could stay till tomorrow or come home now and we opted to come on home.
We are so, so excited about our little baby Israel. She is the most beautiful, amazing thing I've ever laid my eyes on.
I am exhausted and will write more about the whole experience tomorrow or sometime soon. Right now I need to take a nap.
Here are some pictures from our camera. She looks so different today than she did yesterday now that her face isn't quite so swollen anymore.
Love to all of you - thanks for your support and prayers!

Proud Mom And Dad

One more picture this morning. Here is the proud Mom and Dad holding Israel in their arms. "We are family"

Two More Pictures

Here are two more good pictures of Israel thanks to grandma Gail. This will have to be enough for today as I have not slept since Friday noon. Enjoy.

Israel Is Here

Israel arrived today at 4 PM She was beautiful. She looked like her Dad. She had the most beautiful ruby red lips I have ever seen. Her hair is dark. She does not cry much. Both mother and baby are doing well.

The labor went along well at first, however it was slow. It took some time for Audra to finally get to 4 cm dilated. At that point they finally could give her an epidural. Her spirits picked back up and she was even able to rest and take a relaxing bath.

The work of labor took place without pain but then they added pitosin. This is a drug designed to speed up labor and it has its effect. Audra began to shake and tremble. Labor continued to 9 cm dilated and then the transition began. Soon the nurses gave Audra permission to push at about 1:45 PM. At 3:51 officially, Israel entered this world to her huge awaiting family.

The Harpels, Charlebois, and many others filled the waiting room and spilled out into the halls. It is a good thing that it was a quiet night in maternity. There was no room for anybody else in the room. Brothers, sisters, moms, dads, nieces, nephews, were all blessed to hear that everything went well.

Israel was 7 lbs 12 oz and 21 inches long. And everything was perfect. Finally it was time to sleep 12 hours after the first call. Glory !

I am sorry I was not able to blog all day due to the fact that blogger was down for routine maintenance. Better late than never. Amen?

Live Birth Blogging Update 2

We are here at the hospital. JP just stepped out for food. Audra is resting at about 2 CM New revised estimate. We may be here until noon. Everything is fine. Mama and baby are doing well.

It's Baby Time! WOO HOO!!

It's 4:23 am and we are about to head to the hospital!
My water broke at around 3:00 am this morning. Right away the contractions were about 5-5.5 minutes apart. I called the hospital and they said come on in!
My dad will be updating this blog with news and pictures as things progress. Please be praying for us!!!!!

Love,
Audra

Live Birth Blogging

Hey everybody,
This is not Audra typing this. This is her Dad. Audra asked me to take over the blogging responsibilities while she has the baby. And she is having the baby.
We are not at the hospital yet. It is 4 AM and she just called and said that her water has broken and she will be at the hospital at 4:30 AM The contractions are moving from the 5 minute range into the 4 min range. I figure Israel will be here at about sun up.

Well, better pack up here and head for the hospital myself. Thank you Jesus.

Baby Update

Today I left the doctor's office with a big smile on my face for the first time in weeks!
The report is that I am 1 cm dialated and 50-60% effaced. Dr. Spencer said this is good - the fact that I'm already dialating (and I didn't even know it) probably means that when I DO go into labor, things will move along rather quickly.
So here's the plan (sorry if this is gross to anybody): if the baby hasn't come by next Wednesday, they are going to send me to St. John's for a Non-stress test (to make sure the baby is okay) and they will administer this gel that is supposed to help ripen my cervix. If nothing happens, I'll go back on Thursday and get the gel again. If that still doesn't work, they will induce me on Friday. That's only one week away! The end is in sight!
Of course, anything and everything could happen between now and Wednesday, as well.
Oh, and I gained one more pound this week, putting me at 27 pounds total so far. Not bad!
I am so encouraged. I totally thought that I would have come out of the office today thinking no progress had been made and that this baby was still 2 weeks away from arriving. Thank you Jesus for this encouraging news right when I needed it most!

Urine Meth Labs

This is so disturbing.
In the news: Meth addicts are turning to urine to get high. Some people drink the meth-tainted urine to get high, while others filter the drug back out through the cooking process.
You can read the whole story here. Yuck.
It's amazing what addictions will lead people to do. The lust, the desire is so strong, they'd be willing to drink urine for the buzz.

14.5 POUND BABY!!!

Have you guys seen this in the news yet?
a 14.5 pound baby was born in Cancun, Mexico on Monday. His name is Antonio, and he drinks five ounces of milk every three hours, and is 22 inches long. Antonio's mom delivered an 11 pound baby girl seven years ago.
The biggest baby ever born was a 22 pound, 8 ounce boy born in Italy in 1955. CAN YOU IMAGINE???? Yikes!
Of course, these babies are born via C-section.

Here is Antionio compared to a "normal" sized newborn:

Overdue

Today I am officially "overdue."
January 31st came and went with no sign of baby, so I guess we're having a February girl after all!
Please continue to pray for me, JP and baby Israel. I am battling frustration that we still haven't gotten to meet her yet. But I know that "He makes all things beautiful IN HIS TIME," so I'm doing my best to both "hope and quietly wait." :)
I believe that God is using every extra day in the womb to fine tune her digestive, immune and respiratory systems so that she will be born healthy and without any of daddy's allergies, asthma, or stomach issues.
Then again, maybe she is more than ready to go and God is just trying to teach me patience!
We love you, Rae, and we can't wait to meet you!!!

It Could Be Worse...

Forgiveness & Mercy

We all want it, but are we willing to give it?

Matthew 18:23-35
Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.
Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'
The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.
When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.
Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.


We have been forgiven a HUGE debt. For us to NOT forgive someone else is to say we are better than God. If He who is PERFECT can forgive us, how much more should we (in our miserable imperfection) forgive others?


Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Failure to forgive leads to bitterness, anger and hardness of heart. At least that's what it does in me. If I feel as though I have been wronged by somebody...and even though they repent, they keep on doing it over and over again...I am not likely to truly forgive that person. But that's exactly what this verse tells me to do.
Then maybe I will THINK I have forgiven that person, only to figure out later that I really never did. I'm still hanging onto his or her mistakes as a sort of "blackmail" or "ammunition" to bring up later. I never truly forgave the person.
How do you REALLY, TRULY forgive AND forget? Is it even possible for people to do? Or will those past mistakes always linger and haunt? It MUST be possible or God wouldn't have commanded it.

Dr. Spencer

I would like to thank God for my doctor, Paul Spencer, D.O.
When we first found out we were pregnant, I searched diligently within my insurance network for a Christian, pro-life doctor to deliver our baby girl. I did more than a few weeks of searching, and found Dr. Spencer at AALFA Family Clinic in White Bear Lake. It's kind of a hike to his office, but it's worth it.
Dr. Spencer is one heck of a guy. He's a devout, spirit-filled Catholic man with five kids (one biological, 4 adopted) plus one in heaven, and he has a passion for the sanctity of the miracle of life. He is very kind and encouraging, very practical, and doesn't give in to "scare tactics" commonly associated with pregnancy.
But what blesses me the most about him are these two things:
1.) He guarantees delivery, unless there is some huge reason he can't be there. So I know that my baby girl will enter the world under the supervision of a man of God who sees her life as precious and holy...vs some other "on call" doctor I've never met with blood on his or her hands from abortions or whatever else.
and...
2.) I found out today that he prays for me, JP and our baby EVERY DAY.
That is a special doctor.
I am so thankful for him.

34 Years of Genocide

In loving memory of the millions of children who have lost their lives in the name of "choice" since Roe v. Wade.

Did you know that Norma McCorvey (The "Jane Roe" of "Roe v. Wade") has since changed her heart on the matter? She has started a ministry called Roe No More.

Spanking Ban?

All I have to say about the following article is that I am so thankful to God that my parents loved me enough to spank me.

Pro 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Pro 22:15 Foolishness [is] bound in the heart of a child; [but] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Pro 23:13-14 Withhold not correction from the child: for [if] thou punish him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt punish him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Pro 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.
Pro 20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so [do] stripes the inward parts of the belly.

_______________________________________________

(AP) SACRAMENTO, Calif. California parents could face jail and a fine for spanking their young children under legislation a state lawmaker has promised to introduce next week.

Democratic Assemblywoman Sally Lieber said such a law is needed because spanking victimizes helpless children and breeds violence in society.

"I think it's pretty hard to argue you need to beat a child," Lieber said. "Is it OK to whip a 1-year-old or a 6-month-old or a newborn?"

Lieber said her proposal would make spanking, hitting and slapping a child under 4 years old a misdemeanor. Adults could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Aides to the assemblywoman said they are still working on a definition for spanking.

Some Republican lawmakers called the idea ridiculous. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he may be receptive to it even though he has concerns about how the ban would be enforced.

The governor said he and his wife, Maria Shriver, did not spank their four children and used alternative methods for discipline. For example, Schwarzenegger said they found it more effective to threaten to take away their children's play time if they didn't do school work.

"They hate that much more than getting spanked," he told reporters Friday in Los Angeles.

California law permits spanking by parents unless the degree of force is excessive or not appropriate for the child's age.

Idol

A friend of mine's sister was on American Idol last night and made it to the next round! Her name is Rachel (Seward) Jenkins. I went to school with her brother, Stephen.
Rachel is 21 years old and her husband left 2 months after their wedding to serve in Iraq. She has since joined the Army Reserves (hence the fatigues) and works at the family business, an auto body shop. She sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow" for her audition song. She is such a sweetheart and I hope she goes all the way! Congrats Rachel!

Bill's Annoucement

For a long time now I've been asking for prayer for an unnamed dear friend of mine from work who is struggling through a second bout with cancer. Yesterday, Bill Carlson made the annoucement public. His prostate cancer is back and has spread to his liver. He is undergoing chemotherapy right now. He is 73 years old.
I have been standing with and praying for Bill since the day he found out. Up until just a few weeks ago, I sat next to him every day, hearing the latest from his doctors appointments and PET scans, watching his hair thin out, listening to his struggles, crying and praying with him when his mom died in the middle of it all. We have become very close through the whole thing, and my heart breaks when I think of that sweet, sweet man having to deal with this.
Bill is one heck of a guy, and his wife Nancy is the cherry on top. Both of them are so positive, so optimistic, never once flinching in the face of all that has come their way. They are two of the kindest, most generous people I know.
Please keep both Bill & Nancy in your prayers.

C.J. from the Star Tribune wrote a beautiful article on the whole thing. Click Here to read it.

How Long?

Today I was listening to a song and broke into tears. The song is called "How Long" by a worship band called Rend the Heavens.

"I can't help but raise my voice and cry: How long till You come back? We're waiting here."

For the past few weeks my constant thought has been "how long" till this baby comes. I'm dying to know when. I think about it all the time, from the time I get up till the time I go to bed. I have everything prepared for when the baby comes - her nursery is ready, the carseat is installed, our hospital bags are packed. And I spend all day thinking about what ELSE I could do to make everything just right for when our child comes. "How long?"
If only I had that same sort of passion and drive regarding Christ's return. Of course I look forward to and long for it, but I certainly don't think about it day in and day out. I'm ashamed to say that it would be nice to know when, but I'm not "dying to know." And while I'm ready for Him to come back at any time, I rarely ever think about what ELSE I could be doing between now and then.
I don't ever want my love for my children to be more intense than my love for Jesus. Holla if ya hear me.

Showered Part Deux & Another Baby Update

I guess I spoke too soon, because today the baby "dropped" into ready position. It is not comfortable by any means, but it must be a good indication that things are progressing and she should be here soon!
This weekend there were two more lovely showers thrown for baby Israel. The first was given by my friends at WCCO-TV - unfortunately I do not have any pictures from that because I forgot my camera. But my sister-in-law caught these photos from the weekend's second shower, thrown by JP's lovely aunts. A big thanks to everybody for absolutely everything!

This is a Baby Update...

...Except for that there is nothing to report. Just thought I'd get that out there since everyone keeps on asking. :)
My due date is the 31st. I am in week 38 right now, so technically the baby is full term and could come at any time. Although I've been rooting for her to come early nearly the entire pregnancy, right now I have no reason to believe that she will.
I am feeling pretty good. I certainly cannot complain, as mine has been a relatively easy pregnancy. Sleeping is harder these days, but that's a given.
We continue to covet your prayers as we get closer and closer to the big day!

Just Say "No" to Kids

Check out this article on WCCO.COM today. I couldn't agree more. Can you believe parents spend 500 PERCENT MORE on their kids today than just one generation ago? Yikes.

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Say 'No' To Your Children, Local Expert Suggests

"N" and "O" are two letters that are not used nearly as often as they should be during children's development, according to a parenting expert. The word "no" is also the title Dr. David Walsh's new book.

Walsh, of the Institute on Media and the Family in Minneapolis, says children live in an area where they are bombarded with commercials, and as a result too many are being told "yes" too often.

It's a syndrome he calls "discipline deficit disorder."

In his new book "No: Why Kids -- of All Ages -- Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It," Walsh writes a generation of kids has not heard the word "no" enough.

"I think a lot of parents have literally developed an allergic reaction to their kids being unhappy or disappointed. Learning how to handle disappointment is an important life skill," said Walsh.

Walsh argues that "no" is not only one word, it is also a parenting strategy that can teach kids to delay immediate gratification and pursue long term goals.

Many parents find that children watch television and immediately want the items they see advertised in commercials.

"Everything he sees, he wants," said parent Lisa Heeringa.

Walsh says parents typically feel guilty, and then compound the problem by spending too much for their children.

"Kids today have 500 percent more money spent on them today than their parents did just one generation earlier, adjusted for inflation," said Walsh. "I have a whole chapter on taming the 'gimmes.'"

Walsh's book, which recently moved into the list of the top 100 bestsellers at Amazon, suggests parents spend less money on their children, and reinforce that cutback by making sure their discipline is consistent.

He adds it is natural for children to get upset when they don't get what they want, but it's important for parents to stand their ground for their children to grow into being successful adults.

The Next Chapter

On Saturday, JP and I had dinner with our dear friends, Scott & Nicole. Nicole gets the prize for being my longest running friend - since second grade! She found out she was pregnant just about a month after I did, and her little boy is due in March.
It has been so much fun "growing" with her, and I thank God for the special bond we have that has only been enriched as we walk through pregnancy together.

My New Niece, Kona

Micah & Missy adopted this sweetheart today. Her name is Kona. I looked it up, and it's Hawaiian for either "south" or "moonlight." (???)
Anyhow - ain't she cute? :)

"Will You Go Out Without Knowing?"

Today I was reading out of My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. He was looking into Hebrews 11:8 where it says "He went out, not knowing whither he went."
That's exactly how I feel these days. I'm about to "go out" on the adventure of being a full-time mom & homemaker. I don't know how it's all going to work out or even what I need to do. I'm just going out, "not knowing whither I go."
People ask what I'm going to do as a housewife. I have no idea. The only thing I know is that God knows what He is doing, and JP and I both believe this is what God has directed for our life as a family.
From the book:
"It is this attitude that keeps you in perpetual wonder -- you do not know what God is going to do next. Each morning you wake it is to be a 'going out,' building in confidence on God.
"Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is."
I am confident, yet scared to take this step. I want God to tell me exactly what is going to happen and what it's going to be like. Instead, He only shows me Who He is.
He is faithful. He is wise. He is a good Father. He is my help, my strength, my strong tower. He will be all I need.

I believe the Bible

Today we hit a record high of 41 degrees in the Twin Cities (tied actually, but hey). There are cherry trees in full blossom in Brooklyn right now. It's crazy warm. And that's setting off all of the global warming people. I am not one of them.
Today I read something in Genesis 8:22:

"As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
COLD AND HEAT,
SUMMER AND WINTER,
day and night
will never cease."

I'd say from a Biblical standpoint, that pretty much blows global warming out of the water, don't you think?