the LIFE and TIMES of TJ and LUCAS

Welcome Lucas Edward!

2009-10-15T15:09:00.004-04:00

LUCAS EDWARD

October 9, 2009

7 lbs, 3 oz

21 inches

Our precious new addition, Lucas Edward, arrived October 9, 2009 at 3:12 am. By God's grace, it was a fantastic (and super-fast) labor and delivery. Almost three weeks early, Lucas made his entrance after we spent the evening touring the local fire station with TJ for fire prevention week. We had no idea when we put TJ to bed that he would wake up with a new little brother. We are so thrilled to be a family of four! And we are so excited to introduce you to Lucas!

Lucas after his first bath...

A Proud Daddy - Tim and the boys watching the President's Cup in the hospital room. He's starting them early...

TJ meeting his brother for the first time - what an incredible moment!

They're already BEST buddies!

Welcome home Lucas!

We are truly blessed beyond measure. We are so thankful for all that God has done in our little family, and we look forward to all He has for us in the future. We deeply appreciate your prayers as we adjust to our new life, and we are so thankful to share our joy with you.

TJ is TWO!

2009-10-01T20:50:00.005-04:00

TJ turned 2 on September 23rd, and we celebrated in grand toddler style. TJ had so much fun with his friends, his moon bounce, and his surprise John Deere Gator from Uncle Eddie, Aunt Dana, Aunt Leah, and Uncle Chris. It was a great day! Our birthday boy is so worthy of celebration.

Tim's Father's Day gift this year was a family trip to the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster. We avoided the summer heat and picked a beautiful fall day, which also just so happened to be Thomas weekend. We nearly missed the Thomas mayhem, and the boys had a fantastic time riding the train!

Happy fall!

Summer is Here and Gone...

2009-09-28T23:06:00.007-04:00

Keeping up with this blog is not my strong suit. I understand that I'm completely overdue. We've had a busy summer, and it is impossible to believe the first of October is right around the corner. Much time has passed, and we have made so many wonderful memories as a family in the past few months. Here are a few highlights...

We had a great time with the Schultz and Sharp families in Congerville, IL (real farm country)...

TJ and his cousins LOVED the John Deere dealership!
We spent a ton of time in Cape May and at the bungalow with some of our favorite people, the Lags and the Kanes...

TJ couldn't get enough of the beach, the sand, the water, and his Mickey hat. He still asks everyday if we're going to the beach. Sadly, I have to say no.

TJ and PopPop riding the fire truck on the boardwalk...

The famous (and infamous) Cape May 4th of July Parade...

We had a WONDERFUL summer! It's so hard to believe it's already over, and it's even harder to believe TJ just turned 2! He is growing up so quickly, talking our ears off, and ready to be a big brother. Stay tuned for pictures from his 2nd birthday and in the coming weeks, our newest edition, Baby Lucas! We're so thankful and blessed.

Much love to you all!

It's finally Spring!

2009-05-05T14:03:00.006-04:00

This Easter was the coldest Easter in the last 100 years, which made for a quick egg hunt even with a winter jacket. We had a great time, but we missed Tim... We missed him much more than he missed us.

It's a LaGuardia family tradition to take family pictures when we're all gussied up on Easter Sunday. Here is our 2009 family portrait. You may not be able to see Tim, but he is definitely on the big screen at the Masters in Augusta, Georgia!

When Tim came home from the Masters, both boys were thrilled with their new prizes! TJ wears his hat, or as he calls it, his "prize," all the time.

We skipped over Spring entirely and went from winter coats to bathing suits. It hit 90 degrees a few days last week, and we were loving the sunshine after a very long winter!
Here is a glimpse into typical Tim and TJ antics before bath time. I heard the screaming laughter from downstairs and couldn't help but try to catch the moment on video.

Our little boy is growing up so fast, and he is very excited to be a big brother in October!

San Juan and Snow...

2009-02-10T11:16:00.004-05:00

We had the AMAZING opportunity to travel with our family to Puerto Rico a few weeks ago. TJ is a fantastic traveler! He loved the plane, the beach, the pool (or the "big bath" as he called it), and we had so much fun creating new family memories. We are richly blessed!

TJ loves his aunt and uncles!

He loved playing in the pool, and he managed to draw the crowds...

He adjusted well to "vacation mode"...

And he loved playing with daddy in the fountains at the baby pool.

As usual, he loves being one of the big boys.

This is one of my favorite memories. If we ever get back to PR, TJ will be way too big to sleep like this.

A brutal welcome back to our winter reality. On Monday, we were sitting on the beach, and on Tuesday, we were playing in the snow... Come on Spring!

We were sad to say goodbye to the beauty of Puerto Rico, but at the same time, we are so grateful for an unbelievably blessed life here in PA.

An exciting new year...

2009-01-27T15:21:00.006-05:00

It's been a very long time, months, since I posted a picture or anecdote about our little spitfire. The world certainly did not stop turning. Life is busy with a 16 month old. And quite honestly, I've grown disillusioned with blogging about motherhood. I didn't realize that sharing the daily grind of life at home would cause me to answer so many questions from others about myself, which is not at all the point of sharing our stories. The bottom line is this: even in the most difficult days, I absolutely love my son with all that I am and I cherish every moment I have as his mom. Because I already know who I am, where I am, and whose I am, I'm thankful to be in a place where I don't feel the need to share my daily reflections with the cyber-world anymore. And therefore, back to the basics of blogging - pictures, cute stories, and updates on TJ. He is the most incredible little boy, and he's definitely well worth the read... Enjoy!

Here are some of our favorite memories this winter...

Pudding painting Christmas pictures for the fridge.

TJ's first trip downtown to see the light show and Christmas displays - a LaG family tradition...

First, the train ride. Then the light show at Macy's.
Intently reading the menu - TJ's first experience in Chinatown.

Christmas with the family...

All the cousins in PA for Schultz Christmas at Grandma's house.

Stay tuned for more adventures!

Fall is here...

2008-10-12T21:50:00.004-04:00

Life has settled down this fall. The engaged couples are now happily married, the distant family members and friends are now closer after sweet travels and time together, and our beautiful and very full summer has come to a close. The quiet family time with "just the three of us" is a welcome addition to our new normal, and I'm amazed at how quickly we seem to sacrifice it when our schedule fills up with other things. Just like everything else about our new world as a family of three, we're learning to adjust, and with that comes learning how to protect our sweet family time and make memories of our own. This weekend we did just that...

TJ and Mom at the pumpkin patch!

Peddler's Village and TJ's first merry-go-round ride!

We are so thankful for our little family, for busy schedules that we share with people we love deeply, and for the quiet moments when we make memories all our own.

Feeling a little crazy...

2008-10-07T12:17:00.004-04:00

Is it just me, or is it extremely difficult to position a safety gate while a highly unbalanced one-year-old stands at the same gate shaking it and trying to get past you and the gate to the exact area you are trying to close off? This seems to be a recurring event in the life and times of TJ. When I pick him up and carry him away from the gate, he kicks his legs and screams in rebellion before crawling back to the gate again and attempting to thwart my best efforts to protect him. I am certain there is a spiritual parallel here the Lord is trying to gently teach me despite my frustration. I just can't figure out what it is... Any ideas?

I'm still feeling unarmed against the developing temper and unprepared for the subsequent discipline that should follow these kinds of episodes. How do I instruct when he just doesn't get it? One thing I know for sure - I am falling on my knees more often, which may be the whole point.

There is a stark contrast between these daily interactions and public events where TJ is on his absolute best behavior. He is so good, and everyone reminds me of that when we move and shake through life. I'm grateful for the moments when people tell me how wonderful he is because I certainly agree. I relish that feeling of love and admiration for my beautiful baby boy, a feeling that seems fleeting when we spend so much time in the daily grind together. Just last weekend, TJ was the life of the party at Ang and Nate's wedding. It was a beautiful day! Everything was simply perfect, and I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful bride than Ang, except Leah. How do the two most beautiful brides in the world happen to be my two sisters? :) Stunning, but I digress. As I was saying, a perfect day, and TJ added to the perfection. As weddings typically go, the day was a long one, and TJ was far from his routine - a new place, a million new people all wanting to hold him, limited attention from his mom who was doubling as matron of honor, and much of the time spent in a silent ceremony or listening to booming music on the dance floor, environments not conducive to life as a toddler. TJ was incredible! He skipped naps, but no one noticed because he was so pleasant. Strange relatives passed him back and forth, but he tolerated it and didn't start clinging to me until the very end of the day. And after hours of no sleep, there he was in the middle of the dance floor with his Pop Pop, and all eyes were on him as he pointed and "danced" along with the crowd. Everyone commented about his wonderful demeanor and behavior, and I heaved a very deep sigh of relief. He conquered the day and slept well in the car on the way home.

I tell this story more for my own reflection. He is such a good boy! I struggle to remember that when we're at home alone for long stretches, when he tries my patience, or when I feel just plain crazy with a one-year-old companion. Of course I'll be the one to see the challenging side of TJ; I'm with him most of the time. Thankfully, I'll also be the one to be witness his pleasant demeanor and sweet personality develop daily. I am so grateful for the challenge and the sweetness of being TJ's mom, and I'm excited to learn (by God's grace) how to instruct this little person as he grows from a baby into a boy.

Help!!!

2008-09-26T15:52:00.008-04:00

I feel so unprepared for my charge. After the first year of motherhood, I thought I had adjusted well enough to roll with the childrearing punches. Naive, I know. Of course I've learned humility and flexibility beyond what I knew in my pre-TJ days, but today reminded me yet again how much I need to forget about "getting into a groove" as a mom and rely fully, completely, and entirely on God's wisdom, understanding, and grace in my attempt to parent.

TJ bit and pinched me multiple times today in the middle of a temper tantrum. When I told Tim, he asked, "Where did he learn that?" I have no idea! And in the moment, I had no idea how to respond. I immediately went into survival mode - I raised my voice, grabbed his hand, and told him NO! He's one. He didn't get it. And the whole interchange made him more angry because it delayed him getting what he wanted, so he pinched me again, this time clawing at my skin. We officially entered a battle of wills at that point, and he proved he was equally as unwilling to relent as I was. The whole thing shocked me, and I felt utterly unprepared to handle it.

I know my child is not perfect, I know he needs discipline, and I know part of my charge as his mom is to shape his behavior. I take my charge seriously, but today I compassionately began to understand how and why so many children take advantage of their parents. My heart ached for those same parents I've glared at condescendingly in Target. There is so much about parenting that sneaks up on me, and I bet I'm not the only one. I'm so excited that TJ is in this new stage! He's interactive, he's learning how to communicate, he's learning how to move. We have the best time together! And as much as I love those wonderful parts about being his mom, I'm overwhelmed by my role because I know those not-so-fun parts - discipline, behavior modification, training - are essential to his well being and growth in every aspect. I am so humbled. I'm an amateur, and I really felt it today.

I'm reading Parenting: From Surviving to Thriving by Chuck Swindoll, and he explains that in order for children to understand how to submit to an unseen God in love and obedience, they must first understand how to submit to the authorities they can see in love and obedience. For this reason, discipline and training are essential. The most important aspect of our charge as parents is to share our faith and reveal to our children who the Lord Jesus is (by His grace of course). But in order for TJ to learn how to be an obedient follower of Jesus, he must first understand obedience and submission. As his parents, it's our job to teach him that. Easier said than done...

Despite my overwhelmed and very emotional state right now, I know God chose me to be TJ's mom as part of His perfect plan for me and for TJ. And God has proven that He never sets us up for failure. Today reflects even more deeply His intricate design in my neverending sanctification process. As I struggle and feel overwhelmed as a mom to my son, I run to the Lord, relying on Him in ways I never have before and pouring out my heart in absolute helplessness. Isn't that the point?! This is exactly what God wants. It is in these moments of human weakness and incapability that the Lord showcases His magnificent strength, strength that brings us to a place of deep worship. And that is what I need the next time TJ bites me.

Wondering what to write...

2008-09-22T15:39:00.002-04:00

I admit there are days when I find a moment to post, but then stare at the screen at a loss for what to write on a normal day such as this. I usually close the window after about 30 seconds of wondering and go back to the mundane life I lead... Today, however, gratitude for the mundane is hitting me like a flatbed truck carrying a ton of bricks.

It's true. My life is slow, maybe even boring to some. I don't have much to report when family, friends, or perfect strangers say, "I'm great. Life is so busy. How are you?" These conversations end shortly thereafter, and if I'm completely honest with myself, I typically feel like crap when they do. My perspective is flawed at best. I see a world where everyone else is busy living life while I'm at home thinking about our next trip to the pediatrician and scanning the circular for the best deals on produce this week. My days are full, but not the full that I'm used to. My mundane life seems unimportant most days, and it certainly doesn't leave me with compelling anecdotes about setting the world on fire to blog about, even though I thoroughly believe motherhood to be a profession that does set the world on fire.

I guess the realization I face today is a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty through my mundane existence. I'm at home... a lot... with a beautiful little boy who's learning how to walk and talk. I'm overwhelmed - his first birthday is tomorrow. I find it so hard to believe that this collection of mundane days has already added up to one full year. Although it seemed to drag in the moments of sleep deprivation and struggling to shower regularly, the year truly passed in the blink of an eye. Where did the time go? And why did it seem to move so slowly when it really was passing too quickly? It doesn't make any sense.

I find my sweet consolation in this gloriously joyful and relentlessly mundane journey as I read Jeremiah 6. "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls." This has been my meditation in the most mundane of days. We stand in a world with an infinite number of "ways" to walk through life. We've all picked one, and because we travel in a world that ticks through minutes, hours, years, and decades, we're in constant motion, always traveling. Knowing this, I've asked the Lord over and over to show me His way and give me grace enough to walk in it; I know it is the good way. Today, I see it - I'm walking it, even though it doesn't feel flashy, and the God of the good way has been transforming my character and refining the genuiness of my faith as I travel this quiet and mundane road. It may not leave me with many stories to tell about my great accomplishments at the end of the day, and that's okay. I am so grateful to be exactly where I am. I am learning quietly about joy inexpressible...

Scaling new heights...

2008-09-16T14:57:00.007-04:00

A paintbrush and an iron will propelled TJ up two entire flights of stairs today. Our townhome is not for the faint of heart when it comes to stair-climbing. Thus far in TJ's short life, I've been the one getting all the exercise. I climb the stairs what seems to be hundreds of times per day, usually with a very cute 20lb bag of potatoes on my hip. Today was a turning point. TJ conquered the steps.

It all started when he wanted to play with a paintbrush mistakenly left on the landing. I didn't want him to play with the paintbrush. Mean mom, right? Can you blame me?! It's covered in latex paint residue made up of various chemical names I can't even pronounce, and knowing my son the way I do, I predicted he would put the unpronouncable chemical covered bristles directly into his mouth. I therefore moved it a few steps up the flight. Instead of turning around and playing with the millions of other toys he has, he pursued the paintbrush, and he didn't seem to realize that as he climbed I strategically moved the paintbrush out of reach. I moved it, he followed, and before we both knew, he successfully climbed 28 steps with a very proud mom closely spotting behind.

Despite the pride filled Rocky-esque moment, I held my ground - no paintbrush! We sang Eye of the Tiger in celebration and continued playing with toys. What an accomplishment! I have a strange feeling I opened a can of worms today. I doubt this will be the last time we encounter the stairs as a team.

And we're back...

2008-09-05T12:09:00.016-04:00

It has been entirely too long since my last post. TJ has grown so much in the past four months. He almost seems like a little boy now rather than a baby. I'm finding it hard to believe that he's coming up on his first birthday already! (Note to self: start planning a party...) People typically ask what he's up to these days, so let me fill you in. He' still army crawling around, and it seems that he doesn't have time (or patience) to get up on all fours. He'll get in position, rock back and forth, but then he bumps back down to his belly and peels out across the floor. However, he is venturing forth into new domains. He pulls himself up to stand, but he's not all that brave... yet. He loves to play, to swing on the swings, to kiss and hug his Curious George, and to watch his buddies (especially Riley) run around. He is certainly starting to reveal his personality. He loves to be in the middle of the action, which has made sleeping this summer quite a challenge in our travels. He is quite observant and bright-eyed as he watches the world around him - he takes everything in. And, amazingly (time has truly flown), we realize we're approaching the toddler years. He seems to be easily frustrated and a bit impatient. It's exciting and so challenging to see those elements of his human nature appear, especially when he doesn't understand boundaries and we are amateur parents. Parenting is the most joyful and humbling road we've ever traveled. Despite our stumbling and bumbling along the way, we are beyond grateful to have the most amazing and beautiful baby boy.

On to the most exciting new news from the world of TJ. Allow me to set the premise. In July I resigned from my position as an English teacher to stay at home full time, and as I emotionally packed up my classroom, I wondered if I would ever return to the profession I love. I quickly realized that although I am no longer collecting a paycheck as a teacher, I am still teaching language skills and literature daily. Oddly enough, it's not all that different - books, vocabulary, speaking, more books, listening, lots of patience, and more books... At the same time, it is very different. The love that I have for TJ is so much deeper (please understand, I really love my high school students too), and that makes this teaching experience unbelievably rewarding because I watch my own son learn daily. It is incredible...I find myself at a loss for words to describe my feelings as I witness his growth. TJ, on the other hand, is not at a loss for words. He currently has three words, and many more are on the way. He has an understanding of language that I literally watch develop in him everyday. It's AMAZING to watch the earliest stages of literacy and language unfold! And yes, I know I'm a huge nerd. So far, he says ball, mama, and up. And not only that, he understands much more when I talk to him. It really is incredible to watch, and I am so grateful that I can be here to see it happen. I can't help but be in awe of our Creator who masterfully crafted the human mind as I watch my son learn his language.

I promise to update more frequently. The summer disappeared before our very eyes. Here is a quick recap of our adventures...

TJ's first trip to Grandma Sharp's farm in Illinois...

All dressed up for Aunt Leah and Uncle Chris' wedding in June...

The best place in the world, Cape May...

For more pictures, take a look at our facebook albums...

http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007523&id=1043787887

Down the shore...

2008-04-28T14:47:00.009-04:00

Tim needed a reprieve from work for a few days, so we headed to the best place in the world - the shore. The "shore" could, in theory, encompass any geographic location where the surf meets the sand. However, in reality, "the shore" only denotes one place in the world - Cape May, NJ. It's the only place I lose track of time, stop thinking about what's next, and don't ever want to leave. It's the place where I take the deepest breaths. What an overwhelming joy it was to introduce TJ to the Jersey Shore for the first time! Lord willing, he will grow up there too, just like his mom did. Here are some pics of our trip...

The Promenade and the Rusty Nail Beach - the ONLY true beach

TJ's first celebration dinner at the bungalow

TJ's first bath in the kitchen sink

Cape May County Zoo - Don't laugh, it's a REAL zoo... And please take note of his souvenir ball cap!

This was a sedate introduction to the shore experience for TJ's first time. It is the preseason after all, and the bungalow was empty. We can't wait for the real thing - outside showers, sandwiches, Ed's summer mix '08, Tim burgers, the fire pit, muck boots, locking the windows, piling in the Suburban, boardwalk tickets, leaving the grill on, and making the best memories of all time. Hurry up Summer!

the library

2008-04-02T15:26:00.006-04:00

Spring has sprung, but it is entirely too windy (and chilly) to be outside today. After a gray winter, we certainly feel the urge to get outside and explore... on a budget. So we took our first trip to the Indian Valley Public Library. It brought back so many memories of walking to the neighborhood library in Phila with my mom. I practiced writing my name and address a thousand times because my mom promised that when I mastered it by myself, I could sign up for my own library card. I think I was 5 when my signature graced the back of my first card - one of a million examples of books in my blood. I was so excited to share this moment with TJ - to escort his 6 month old self into the world of borrowing books... We read everyday, and he gets into it. Today however, he resurrected the voices (and attitudes) of my 10th graders, "Books are boring Mrs. Schultz. I hate reading. I always fall asleep." Check out his face when I went to get him out of the car...

He lost the hat and the attitude and had a great time! (Yes, I am that crazy mom snapping shots in the library.)It's too early to tell if he's the next Rory Gilmore, but we're starting him early. We borrowed his first book today, but we used my card. He needs a little more practice on his name and address. Enough said...

the power of a good night's sleep

2008-04-01T11:57:00.010-04:00

After six crazy months, TJ is finally sleeping through the night! Throw in giggling fits and buddies, and we have truly crossed over the great divide from newborn to full-fledged bouncing baby boy. It's too much fun!

He's good at making friends. Here's TJ with his buddy JJ and his cousin Leo.

Now that he's sleeping more at night and falling asleep on his own, when he's quiet, I assume he's sleeping. Here's TJ "taking a nap" - he's a piece of work.

Saving the best for last... Nothing is better than hearing TJ crack up. It's rare that we can catch him on camera, so I apologize for the glare.

A few firsts...

2008-03-18T20:27:00.002-04:00

In his first six months, TJ has had so many firsts. Here are a few of our favorites...

First taste of rice cereal - He's part LaGuardia after all...

First time in the snow - Next year he'll be on skis.
First of many beach days - Check out the lobster board shorts!

TJ playing with his first Christmas present... He is too cute!

Better Late than Never

2008-03-17T15:17:00.000-04:00

We're notoriously late for EVERYTHING! It's only fitting that we would start our own TJ blog 6 months late. Although I'm learning quickly as a mother not to compare myself to other moms, my sister-in-law delivered Benjamin James on Friday and updated her blog yesterday. That's pretty impressive! Sadly, I'm still working on a post I started over a month ago.

Here goes nothing... That was then.

The night TJ was born, my own ginormous eyes stared back at me from his tiny six pound six ounce frame, and I fell in love. His eyes turned out to be blue (who would've guessed that one?), and such large eyes on such a little person combined to create this oddly bug-like characteristic. In thinking of a nickname early on, I couldn't help but call him "bug." Months have passed, months that have seemed eternal and yet months that have also flown by. The passing of time brings the adding of pounds, and now TJ no longer resembles the bug he once did. His cheeks and thighs help to make his eyes look proportionate - cheeks and thighs I know I'll miss as the months continue to pass - and perhaps as those same cheeks and thighs disappear, he'll look like a bug once again. Herein lies the reason for this blog... More for my own musing and reflection than anything else, this blog will attempt to capture one bug's life and the world around him, a world that somehow seems a lot less important now that he's here.

Things you need to know about TJ: He is the cutest baby in the whole world, seriously. He has his daddy's smile and his mommy's eyes, but somehow they're blue. He just started laughing - I mean really giggling, mostly at his hippo and rubber ducky in the tub. He does NOT sleep through the night, not even close. I think he's getting a tooth, but who knows when it will make its appearance. He just started rice cereal, and he likes it. His life consists of playing with his toys, eating, sleeping, pooping in pampers, and waking up in the middle of the night. He's healthy and adored by two amateur parents, enough said...

This is now!

Thanks for reading along. More to come...