Pondering the Incarnation

I haven’t done a pondersome post for a while, so here it comes.

Being a dad, again, and being near Christmas has turned my thoughts toward the Incarnation of Christ. The whole process of pregnancy, birth, and taking care of a new baby is hard and messy – and I’m just the dad! Something I had forgotten is how helpless a new baby is. Lydia didn’t know how to eat or fall asleep, and the only message she could send was to cry. She’s started smiling every now and then, so that’s nice, but they don’t start out that way. They also don’t sleep 5.5 hours straight at night (which she is now – yay!).

It should utterly amaze us that Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, the second person of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, would enter the world like all other humans. On top of that, He was born in a barn! A far cry from that nice hospital room we had with nurses a button push away, not to mention the epidural. Jesus had dirty diapers. Jesus woke Mary up every 2 hours or so.

Why? Why come in such a way?

So He could be our great high priest, who knows us and our weaknesses firsthand. So He could truly live the perfect, full, human life. So He could be tempted in every way we are, including our childhood temptations. So He could die in the place of all His chosen people.

Remember that our God is great AND humble. And have a Merry Christmas y’all.

Lydia at 1 month

Earlier this week, I took Lydia for her checkup. After all the concern from doctors with her weight loss and slow gaining (early on), she was 10 lbs 4oz and 23.25 in. That is a pretty big jump in her percentiles! The only concerns were some vomiting (it has gotten less - probably over-eating) and her left hip has a click - a symptom of a dislocated hip.
Two days later we had an ultrasound done of her hips. It felt strange being in an ultrasound room with a baby outside of me! The two technicians who looked at her said that the joint looks fine (but also heard the click), but I haven't heard the "official" report. I'm glad we go back at 2 months so we can follow up.

It is so cute to watch her with Stephen. Lydia's expression when Stephen's playing with her is great - I wonder what she's thinking... We're still teaching him how gentle he has to be, but once we teach him with specific actions (how to hug, pat, etc), he's pretty good to remember. He does enjoy loving on her and he is good help (usually). I didn't know how fun it would be watching their relationship develop!

New set of Lydia Pictures

New Lydia Pictures thanks again to Shutterfly.

Yet more Lydia Pictures

Some new Lydia pictures, courtesy of Shutterfly.

Exchange with Stephen

In homage to Kierstyn Krajca, here's a funny exchange I had with Stephen this evening. Note that we had finished the Bedtime Routine and lights were off.

Me (calling up the stairs): Stephen, are you in bed?

Sound effects: thump-thump-thump-thump-thump-thump-thump-thump-thump-thump

Stephen: Yes!

I went up stairs and found him standing on his bed holding his plastic rifle.

I may be slow, but I think I figured that one out.

(A funny one for the 100th post on this blog!)

Rescue Rangers…Away!

Anyone out there remember the old cartoon Chip N’ Dale Rescue Rangers? It came out in 1989 so was a bit after my time. It was part of a Disney afternoon of cartoons – I vaguely remember the Duck Tales and TailSpin being on – and were a part of that lineup.

Anyway, we were visiting my in-laws some time ago and they had saved one Rescue Ranger episode and Stephen LOVED it. He insisted on watching “chipmunks” several times – which got old since they only recorded one episode. When we got back home, I was curious and found that someone has uploaded some full episodes on YouTube. So, Stephen and I watched a few and found he was hooked. I then discovered that Disney has released them on DVD (volumes 1 and 2 with a 3rd on the way). So, that was part of Stephen’s birthday.

Why am I bothering to share? To tell you that this is a very good series. As opposed to cartoons today, it didn’t feel the need to be explicitly educational. It also doesn’t have 1.4 kadrillion product tie-ins to tempt the kids. And, once you get over the improbable stuff, it’s fun for an adult (or at least me) to watch. The 5 rescue rangers have their distinct personalities that work very well together and the gags are funny even when you see them coming. Think of a less spooky “Scooby-Doo” where the crime solvers have real personalities and a little MacGyver thrown in. One more mark in its favor is that it deals with some serious themes at times. For example, choosing loyalty to friends over the threat of harm to yourself, joining a “cult” to belong to a group (a silly and good episode), and perseverance in your integrity. I recommend the DVD’s to my fellow parents out there. Note that some episodes are a bit scary. I haven't seen them in stores, but they are on Amazon:


One last note on the series: there’s still a serious fan following out there. They have their own Wiki. Also, the best fan fiction I’ve ever seen is for the Rescue Rangers. Yes, I confess I’ve read a bit of fan fiction, mostly Harry Potter, and it’s nearly all utter dreck by fans who can’t write. However, this one is done by someone who is a genuine creative artist. Thus, the first (and likely only) fan fiction I will recommend is Of Mice and Mayhem. This is definitely PG and will make more sense if you know the characters.