6 weeks old and growing strong! Every day this little boy is growing and changing! He had his first flying experience when we went up to the North Island and he did awesome! The first flight he slept the whole entire way and the ride home he just needed a quick feed and then fell right asleep till we got to our house! Yay Pax! This little guy means so much to us, and we feel so blessed to have him in our lives!!!! Each day is such a gift and we are so thankful for him!!!

Updates at 5 weeks:
-he weighed in yesterday at 10lbs 6 oz! wowzers this boy is growing!!!! I checked on my chart and that means he's in the 75th percentile for weight and the 90th for height (seriously..is this my child?)
-he started following things with his eyes more consistently--for instance I'll move a toy around and he'll follow it, or he will follow my voice around the room (it's really cute) 
-his little baby acne is starting to go away
-he officially had the largest poopey of his life this morning--he was quite satisfied....lovely
-he's still cluster feeding at night then will go for 4 hours of sleeping, then 3 hours after that 
-loves staring at his dad and giving him the "mr. serious" face
-loves being read to, listening to music, and going through the alphabet cards that his Auntie Katie sent him
-still loves sleeping on his side in his cot--but yesterday randomly fell asleep on the floor during lunch...cool! 
-last sunday during church Paul was holding him while I was singing, and he spit up all over him---it's hard to focus when you see that happening :) haha
-I had a dream that I went to his cot to pick him up and I said "Good Morning my Big boy!!" and he smiled back at me and said "Good Morning!!" so don't be surprised if he's talking by the time we get back to the states! 

Wow! I know that every Mom says this when their child turns one month old, but wow, where did the time go?? Some days feel like they drag on and on, but then all of the sudden, it's been a week, then another, and another, and BOOM!!! --we have a one month old! I'm sure these next couple of months will probably fly by as well--oh my oh my! 
Well, "down on the farm" here everything has been going pretty swell--I know Paul's been meaning to update but hasn't quite had the chance. Things have slowed down a lot, and they are milking some cows only once a day and a bunch are going to the slaughter house (sad day) but that means milking times are quicker! Also--irrigation is hopefully done for the season, seeing that it's been really rainy and getting colder. (please don't rub it in that back home has been in the 70's this week--we know.....thanks) This gives the guys lots of time to get lots of other things done that haven't gotten done, and for Paul to learn more and more. We have also been preparing for our trip to Auckland, which we'll leave for next friday! For those of you who don't know, Paxton is kindof an "alien" right now, he doesn't have U.S. citizenship or citizenship from New Zealand--poor kiddo. So we are traveling to the Consulate office in Auckland to get this kid some good ole' American citizenship!!! (hopefully--please pray that the process goes well!!) I don't think we should have a problem, it's just a lot of paperwork, and getting things together, which if you know me--I'm not the organized type and trying to pass on citizenship to your child, and then getting them a passport (figuring out how to take a passport photo of a baby??? lol) and a social security number can be a task that requires some melancholy traits--which I don't have, so hopefully all goes well!!! Thankfully Pax's birth certificate came in yesterday so we don't have to worry about that!! Praise God! 
Now for the update on my little bugaboo Pax. This kid is long!! We tried to measure him yesterday--which was a difficult task, but we came up with 23 (and a little more) inches! That would mean he grew almost 3 inches since he was born---does that seem like a lot to anyone else???? is that normal??  He fits into 3 month pajamas already because he's so long, and a lot of his 3 month shirts fit him perfectly in the arms---if he keeps growing like this, it's a good thing we'll be heading into short sleeve weather back home! He is as cute as ever and is smiling soo much! I love going to pick him up in his little bassinet (or cot as they call them here) and he's got a big smile on his face :) it just melts my heart :) (I'm in love...can you tell???) Let's see, what else is new...our average is about 2 outfits a day and then Pj's at night, which sometimes we go through 2 of those too...so my washing is always going, and I constantly have poopey clothes soaking in my sink--oh joy :) Paul actually "babysat" (do you call it that when it's the dad???) him last night for a couple hours while I went to singing practice at church--this was the first time I had ever really "left"  him at home--which I was weirdly really nervous about because he tends to want to feed a lot at night and is a rather cranky chappy---but--Praise the Lord everything went well. Paul said Pax pretty much stared at him for about an hour, then went to sleep---ahhhhhmmmazing! I should leave more often!! He's always cranky when I'm home at night!!! (just kidding) 
Well, this turned into a rather long babbling post, so kudos to you if you read it all! We send our love to you all, and would really appreciate your prayers as we head up to Auckland! Specifically for the flight, the appointment at the Consular, and the traveling around that we hope to do while we are there. Hugs and Kisses!!! 

Here is little Pax at 3 weeks. Our appointment was canceled so we'll have to post later on what he weighs, I'm definitely thinking he's over the 9lb mark. (UPDATE: Pax weighed in at a whopping 9lbs 8oz....we have a large kiddo on our hands!) 
Here are some things about Pax at 3 weeks:
-he wakes up at about 3 hours every night, but right back to sleep-which mommy is VERY thankful for
-he loves the moby wrap, and falls right asleep in it
-he likes going for walks with his big brother Tarzan the lamb
-he loves listening to music-really he LOVES it--especially hope college worship team and Casting Crowns :)
-laying on his daddy's belly is probably his favorite spot
-he loves baths...as of now
-he's a big grunter, he grunts and grunts and grunts.....mainly because  he's working on something...but still--I'll have to get it on video, it's pretty cute
-He's a big fan of his pipey--or "dummy" as they call it here
-I'm pretty sure he smiled at me multiple times this week :) REAL smiles! despite what Paul thinks...

I'm sure there is much more, but thats all for now!!!! Check for more growth updates and pictures soon!  Love you all!!! 

We took my mom to the airport yesterday and what a sad sad day that was!! My mom was such a blessing to us all while she was here. She helped us out with sooo much!! From changing diapers, to cleaning my house, scrubbing poopies out of Pax's clothes, cooking yummy meals, picking up our messes, helping me bath Pax, encouraging me--which I really needed, letting me get some sleep while she entertained Paxton, helping me shop, to just being there and keeping us company while Paul was working to so so so SOO much more! We miss her SO VERY VERY much already! I was so glad that Pax was able to be with his Nana for these past couple weeks, when we talked on skype today for a little bit he recognized her voice and turned his head towards the computer!!! I could go on forever about how much it meant to me that my mom was able to be here for us, but I'll probably start to cry so I'll just end this by saying...WE MISS YOU MOM!!! 
I know these next couple months will go by fast, It seems crazy that we've been here for 10 months--but right now it seems like the end of May will take forever to get to. We have enjoyed our time in New Zealand SO MUCH but now with a little baby, this lady's a little anxious to get back to Michigan! I'll try to keep you all updated on pictures of Paxton as he grows, it seems like he has grown so much in just these past couple weeks!!! Last week at his 2 week appointment he weighed 8lbs 12 oz, which is 6 oz over his birth weight!! WOO HOO, Go little buddy! I have another appointment on friday so we'll keep you updated on how he is growing! 
Thanks so much for all your prayers, emails and notes on facebook, they are all so much appreciated!!!! 

Finally, little Paxton Michael decided to join us in the outside world :) He is happy and healthy and really really cute! We were so blessed to have a great delivery and a healthy baby and also to have my Mom here to help me!!! Everything worked out perfect, all in God's timing. Here are some "one week" photos of my little Pax just so you can all enjoy his loveable cuteness as much as we do over here. (Hopefully we can post some longer updates later) Thanks for all the prayers, and all the support! We love you all! 

Well we've officially arrived at my due date here in New Zealand--and still no baby!! Thankfully, I'm still feeling good so we'll just keep on chuggin' on until this little bun decides it's done baking! Here is the most cutest picture Katie sent me of my adorable nephew Linc--they are so sweet! Thanks Katie for making my day!! And I'll let ya know when baby arrives!!!!! 

It's crazy to believe that tomorrow will be the first day of February! (well here at least, not back home....and weirdly, not according to the date on this blog...but it is!) Wow! There are so many things to look forward to this month, I'm sooo ready for it to begin!!! The big obvious one is that this will be the month we get to meet our little bubby!!! (whew! It's about time!) Everything has been going really well and I feel that God has really blessed me with an easy pregnancy! (...If I forget that whole first trimester-which seems so long ago anyway) Thank you Thank you Lord!!!!! I'v always been a bit nervous because they don't do as many tests here or scans as we would back home--so I was always wondering if bubby was "all right", but God gave me an active little inhabitant that moves around all the time to let me know he/she is doing fine! Hopefully the next post on this blog will have a picture of the little bubs! 
Second thing to look forward to this month is my Mom (or "Mum" as they call them here) coming here!!!!! YAY! I'm so excited to just have my mom here to help, keep me and bubs company, and to travel a little bit!! We are going to do some traveling at the end of the month, if everything is going all right with the baby, and I can't wait!!!! I'll think we'll go down to Queenstown and Wanaka, then over to the West Coast and up around the top of the South Island.

 January has seem to have flown by! I can't believe it was almost 2 weeks ago that Sue arrived! Wowzers! On the day that Stacy came in, Sue and I braved the trip into Christchurch to see some of the city, and get their rental car before we headed to the airport. I say "braved" because I'm not the most confident driver on the other sided of the road, and in Christchurch there are so many roundabouts, tons of traffic, and of course all the construction from earthquake damage---all which made me very nervous. However, the trip was awesome and I'm now way more confident of my "city" driving ability--amazing what can happen when you actually face your fears! :) We specifically wanted to see the "container malls" (which sounds strange, but let me explain). Due to all the damage of the earthquake pretty much all of the "city center"  is shut down, you can't walk around in there expect on a specific time during the weekend. There is so much damage, and so many office buildings, hotels, retail centers, restaurants are completely closed and out of business (It's devastating to see). So, right outside the city center gate--they set up a little oudoor "mall" area with retail stores that had been damaged, a couple of restaurants, they even have toilet facilities-- all made out of  containers. (a train box car) It's really neat!! Here are some pictures so you can understand what I'm trying to explain. 

On other things, Sue and her friend Stacy are still here traveling around the Island. I've heard a bit from them and they seem to be having a good time and getting in all the big sights that the South Island has to offer, however there was a major bump in their road, and the reason I wanted to share was to have a wider prayer network for them for the rest of their travels. Sue found out on Saturday that her Father had passed away unexpectedly--Even though I never met him I've heard a great many of good things about him--he was a great man and an avid follower of Christ and very wise in the scriptures. His loss to his family will be great I'm sure, but at least we can have joy that he is finally  to his eternal home with our Savior Jesus Christ. Please pray for her and her family during this difficult  time as they adjust to life without their dad, and traveling mercies for Sue and Stacey and other members of Sue's family as they all travel back home this weekend. 


God Bless!

Yay! This past Tuesday I was able to pick up my friend Sue from the airport!!! Our first visitor from the States!!! Sue will be here this whole week and her friend Stacey is coming out on Monday and they will be off traveling the world of New Zealand for a couple weeks! I'm so happy and thankful that she was able to squeeze New Zealand into her trip!!!! (She came here after visiting her sister in the Philippines!!! Talk about a busy gal!) 
 What have we been up to you ask? Well, we went plumb picking right away the next morning....because apparently I need plumbs constantly (hey-it's a healthy food right?!?) then we headed to their pool for some laying out and reading and swimming in the 80 degree weather! Thursday we headed into the "metropolis" of Ashburton to see some of the local town....and because I had a midwife appt....(sorry Sue). We walked around town a wee bit, did some window shopping, took Sue into the supermarket here to get her acquainted with some of the differences here. Then she got to drive for her first time on the other side of the road/vehicle. She did wonderfully :) All this was done while trying not to be blown away by the fierce Canterbury wind. 
Today we went to Akaroa which is a beautiful city on the water--it's located on the Banks Peninsula and is just an absolutely stunning city and area. Paul wasn't able to come with us, but he had been here before in 08..it was weird not being on a trip with him here, and where I was the one driving! (AHH!) Sue got some more practice on the way home as well. Because of my current state of physical endurance we couldn't do too much hiking, but we ended up finding a great trail where we could drive up a ways, park our car and hike from there. It was beautiful and the perfect weather as well...although we did get slightly burnt...oh dear. We went back down to the city, enjoyed some yummy lunch at a fish n' chips shop where Sue had her first Kiwi burger! Next we wandered around the town along the harbor and into many of the cute shops and the little craft market they had. It was a really fun day!!!
 Not so sure what the weekend holds yet, but I'm just glad there is someone else here!!! 

I'm so blessed to be married to Paul. I may say that often, but truly, I feel like the most blessed gal in the whole wide world. He works so hard!!!!! His last stretch of work before his 8 days off were busy and hard, but he didn't ever complain and was always smiling. However, he definitely needed a small vacation--or just a time to relax and recuperate! We decided to head down to Lake Tekapo and spend a night there, then make our way over to Mt. Cook the next day. Our friends from church have a cottage on Lake Pukaki (on the way to Mt. Cook) and they were going to be there for the New Year so we stopped in and had tea with them New Years Eve. 
Lake Tekapo was so beautiful: it usually is, but we were blessed to go and visit around a time when it was covered with Lupins!!!!!! (I LOVE Lupins) In some spots, there were lupins for miles and miles. They were all along the roadside, the Lake, the mountains, by houses, EVERYWHERE!!! It was so beautiful and so vibrantly colorful!!! We were there on a rather cold and cloudy day, so the Lupins definitely made the place majestic! I know I posted a couple of my favorite pictures in the previous post, but here are a couple more! 

We stayed at a place called the "Godly Resort".....and it's one of those places that....well if you have to give it a name like that, it probably doesn't live up to it. :) but we still enjoyed our time there anyway! 

Next we headed over to Mt. Cook. We were a little nervous that we wouldn't be able to see the top of it while we were there because it was so cloudy--however, it cleared up as we were walking on one of the trails and again, the sight was breathtaking! Side note: I cannot comprehend how some can look at the creation and not see that it was perfectly designed and made by a Creator. You would never look at a picture or a drawing and say, "Wow--I can't believe that this just appeared!" That would be absurd! There was obviously a painter or artist. When I see creation in all of it's beauty, and especially when I think about the miracle of life that is growing inside me--I think wow, what an impressive, wonderful and magnificent God we serve.   
We walked a couple of smaller trails that weren't very difficult but still beautiful. We saw the Tasman Glacier and a beautiful Valley named The Hooker Valley.  I'm so glad we were able to see the peaks. It was crazy to think that people climb these mountains, and kindof makes me want to be one of them...maybe in the future, but probably not when I'm 35 weeks pregnant. 

We finished our small trip at our friend's cottage on Lake Pukaki. Lake Pukaki is a massive glacial lake and at the very end of the Lake you can see Mt. Cook. It's beautiful. We spent the afternoon there having good talks, and dinner. We finished the night by playing one of my favorite games ever...BALDERDASH!!!!!!! I was so excited they had it!!!!!!! We spend the night laughing and laughing and laughing....as it usually goes while playing Balderdash.
Some funny moments in the game: (if you've played the game...you might possibly think these are funny...if not...just skip to the end) 
1. Movie Title: Hello down there!: Lindsay's answer: Movie about Incest and Abduction  (??????) 
2. Word: Hodad....correct answer:  a nonsurfer who spends time at beaches pretending to know how to surf 
3. Monica having to read them behind the couch because she couldn't stop laughing
4. David's turn to go--oh man...I don't think we stopped laughing because he would accidentally mess up everyone's answer, and then cover himself by saying..."well, he didn't write it clear!"
I don't know maybe they are just funny to me....(kindof one of those....ya had to be there things...) but I wanted to write about it so I don't forget the non stop laughing and the good time we had--we are so blessed to have such great friends! 
We headed out around 10:30 and celebrated the "turn of the year" in our car...woo hoo!!!!!! (New Zealand doesn't have the NYC ball drop!?!?!?! what??? haha) It was strange--but we were able to say hello to lots of family who were hanging out at our church back home--so we sortof had 2 New Years celebrations! 

Sorry that turned out to be such a long post....I tend to do that. I'll try to post more often so that they don't end up as long---I realize you have busy lives and probably don't actually read any of this---but thats ok too!! :) 
Happy New Year to you all! We love you and God Bless!