Moving Update

Because I know you are all wondering (& so we don't have to repeat ourselves 500 times)...

We found a house! It was the first one we looked at, of course. We will be renting the parsonage of the local UMC church.  It's a beautiful rancher with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 family rooms, a dining room, kitchen with all appliances (including laundry), a full dry basement, and it's on a corner lot just 3 minutes from the church and within walking distance of the middle school. WE ARE BLESSED.  Moving day won't be until mid-January due to Ryan not starting until January 15th. Stay tuned for the actual date on my Facebook.

Here it is! It looks tiny, but looks are deceiving...

The Big Switch

It has been a crazy past couple of months, hence no posts since July. Ryan has been working on getting an Associate Pastor position at a church just an hour away from our current location in Cleveland. It has been a long 6 months (at least for me).  Well, after many chats with the pastor, a day of visiting the church, and a weekend of ministry with the church (candidating: breakfast with entire church, Youth Group event, preaching, potluck lunch, and questioning)... we have made the decision to make the move.  Ryan got voted in at 92% from the members, so how could we say no?! Starting January 1, Ryan will be the Family Life Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Massillon, OH. I'm beyond proud to call him my husband.  He will fit in this position like a puzzle piece.

The past couple months I was working on getting a promotion to a management position in the Learning Care Center than I am currently teaching in. After a month of applying, someone else with more experience was chosen. I was heartbroken, but I knew God had something better. I would've had to travel over an hour to work every day due to moving to Massillon. Now I am able to transfer to a Center in Akron to be a Lead Teacher as well as the Team Lead (a small promotion).  So Ryan and I will both have a job in the New Year.

As for Titus, He has passed the 5 month mark and so many milestones!  He current favorite toy is his jumper, he is eating baby food & rice cereal, he is (so far) allergic to apples and peaches, he talks/ sings all the time, sleeps through the night, he is working on getting his first tooth, has experienced his first snow, and is almost rolling over on his own. He is also wearing 9 month clothes already! I love seeing him reach these milestones!

How you can pray for us: 

Moving: we will be making the move to Massillon sometime between now and January 1. A date will be set once we find a place.

New Jobs: that Ryan & I will be able to mesh well with our new coworkers as well as the people of the church.

Travels: We will be travelling to New Jersey around Christmas time to visit my parents.

Titus: to continue to be a healthy, growing Little Man.

A Month of Adventures

July was full of adventures for us.  Having Titus has not slowed us down but gave us an excuse to go on these adventures.  Lizz's parents were here during the first week of July spoiling our little one even more than his mommy already does.  We were able to go to the Cleveland Zoo &  host a 4th of July BBQ during that week. Ryan's birthday was on the tenth which we celebrated by going downtown to watch the Indians play.  Titus was the popular one in our section!  We also took a trip to the campground to visit Ryan's family.

On Wednesday, July 16th we began our trek to Florida by stopping in Kentucky to see some dear friends and visiting the Creation Museum.  That Friday we finished with a 13 hour trip to Florida for a vacation with Lizz's family.  While in Florida Titus met his great grandparents, went swimming in the pool, turned one month old, went to Downtown Disney where he got his first Duffy the Disney Bear, and visited Sea World.  On Friday we left at 5am to make the long trip back to Ohio. What was supposed to take 16 hours turned into a 23 hour trip due to accidents including one that completely shut down both sides of the highway all the way through Virginia.

After returning home at 4 in the morning, Titus slept in his crib for the first time. Yay! This past Monday Titus had his one month check up which showed he gained 2lbs and grew 1in during all these adventures! Our little man is now 8lbs 12oz and is 20 3/4 in! Mommy also got a clean bill of health from the doctor on Tuesday.

At one month Titus enjoys mustache kisses from his Poppy, kisses from Milo, playing with hands, and smiling back at you.

Lizz will be returning to work on Monday.  This past Monday she called in to find out her schedule to find out some terrific & surprising news: she got promoted! She is now the Lead Teacher of the 2 year olds.  This means she will have set hours (no more closing until 7pm), she will be in just one classroom instead of being moved around, a pay raise, and some benefits.  This was such a nice surprise to go back to work to! For those of you who didn't know, Titus will be in the room right next to Lizz so she can keep an eye on him.

How can you pray for us? Ryan is in the process of filling out a questionnaire from a perspective church. It is for an Associate Pastoral position (just what he is looking for). Soon we will be taking a trip out to visit the church.   Lizz as she returns to work with her new position. Titus' continued growth and health.

A happy baby at the zoo.

Downtown Disney

first night in the crib

Indians game

Titus with Duffy the Disney Bear

kisses from Milo

Creation Museum

the most content baby you'll ever meet

meeting his great grandmother

first time in the pool

{Titus 3:4-8}

The Newest Adventure

It all began on Tuesday, June 17th.  I was having BH contractions all day, like for 15 hours all day, spaced apart at 5 minutes. They were stronger than usual but not as strong as a real contraction. I thought for sure that would be the day we checked into the hospital. I had Susan by my side in case I had to run to the hospital (an hour away) and kept Ryan, my mom and dad updated all day. Nothing changed come 3, so I visited the doctor just to be told that nothing had changed. By 10 I crawled into bed and woke the next day with no sign of labor. So I spent the day walking, sitting on the yoga ball, you name it! Again I went to bed and the contractions began (which usually happened when I laid down). I started keeping track of them on my phone and warned Ryan when he came to bed. Needless to say, I got no sleep that night because they were real contractions this time! I got out of bed around midnight and went downstairs. I paced the floor, sat on the yoga ball, did everything I could when a contraction hit. Come 4:30am I couldn't handle them anymore and they were 5 minutes apart for an hour. I called the doctor, who told me to wait (because it could be a recurrence of Tuesday). Instead, I went upstairs to wake up Ryan and we headed for the hospital. Pouring down rain with no one on the road allowed us to get to the hospital by 5:15.

We got checked in, hooked up to monitors, and checked by the doctor. By 6am I was already 5 cm. Come 9am I was 9 cm and they broke my water. During those 3 hours I had been sitting up on the bed but once they broke my water I was laying down on my side. I was in a ton of pain and ready to push.  By 10am the doctor had me begin pushing. 19 minutes later our little miracle was born. On Thursday June 19, 2014 at 10:19am, 19 inches long and 6lb 3.5oz our Titus Charles ("strong man") was born. Baby was doing just great and me as well. We were able to leave the following evening.

During the past week that we have been home Titus has been on a schedule. The best baby that anyone could pray for! Sleeping (or just chilling) for 2-3 hours, then eating and pooping in between sleeps. Waking only to eat during the night. I'm getting more sleep now than when I was pregnant! I don't return to work until August 4th and Titus will be joining me at the daycare. So what will we be doing until then? Well this past week my mom and niece have joined us and my dad will be coming on Sunday. for the week. Near the end of July we will be heading to Florida for a week of vacation. The lovely ladies in our church have been providing us with more than enough food that we won;t have to cook until I return to work.

How can you pray for us? Continue to pray for Titus, as he is growing physically also pray for him spiritually and mentally. Also pray for Ryan and I as we are new parents and have been blessed with raising this child. Ryan, Titus, and I will be going down to a perspective church for a chance for them to meet me. Pray for guidance in that decision on both the church's and our parts.

First time holding him after being all checked out and cleaned up.

A first family photo.

yawns

His going home outfit complete with a cape.

Proud parents going home after 38 hours in the hospital.

6 days old already!

{Titus 3:4-8}

May Update

A lot has happened during the past month! Ryan has had two more churches reach out and tell us that they are interested.  This Wednesday he will be meeting with the pastor of a church that is looking for an associate pastor (exactly what Ryan is looking for). He will also be getting in some more preaching on Sunday mornings during the next couple of months while our pastor is on his sabbatical. Just after the last update I also had my bike stolen, along with another attendant's bike. Someone had broken the back door to our apartment building, cut the locks and stole them. Mine had flat tires, so I can't imagine that they got too far. We had two baby showers: one in Cleveland and one in New Jersey where we got more than enough items to spoil Titus with (along with other items given to us by dear friends!).

Our biggest blessing and announcement is that we will be moving! No more 4th floor walk-up apartment at a busy part of town.  We are moving 3 minutes down the road into a 3 bedroom house that we will be renting until Ryan gets an official pastoral position. We have from now until June 30th to move out of our apartment, so plenty of time.

Concerning Titus: bags are all packed for the hospital (all 5 of them), car seat is installed, we toured the hospital, we've had 2 ultrasounds in the past month with one more planned for Wednesday just to make sure he is continuing to grow (he is tiny... no surprise there!), and doctor's visits every week for the next month.  As of his last appointment, he "scored" an 8/8 for health and "weighed" about 5 1/2 lbs. I am eager for this Little Man to come!

How are you feeling? Perfectly fine! I have been blessed with being able to sleep through most of the night. I have also been blessed (sorta) with working 40 hours the past 3 weeks, which I had barely worked 30 during the weeks leading up to that. That helps with sleeping! I plan on working right up until Titus comes, since I feel like I can keep up with the kiddos. I'm hungry all the time but I can never tell when I'm full. Strange. Lastly, I'm super excited to finally set up the nursery! All of Titus's belongings have been sitting in their boxes or in bins waiting to be displayed.

What food cravings do you have? Deep dish pizza, summer fruits, Skittles, and Sweet Tea.

What food aversions do you have? Eggs, except for egg salad. Again, this was like my meat aversion where I think I'm going to catch some strange disease.

How can you pray for us? Well, we got a new place! So just pray that moving goes smoothly and gets done before Titus comes. That Ryan's meeting for this associate pastoral role will go well & that directions would be clear whether to take this opportunity if offered.  Pray that we would be "prepared" for our new little. Lastly, pray for our doctor and nurse who will be taking care of us while at the hospital (I've heard nothing but fantastic things about the whole experience!).

a rough picture but he had one hand & one foot covering his face on the
left side, his nose in the middle, and eyes on the right side.

clearly showing now!

all bags are packed & ready for a trip to the hospital!

{Titus 3:4-8}

April Update

This seems to be turning into a once-a-month update. It always seems like nothing is happening with our little family, when in reality quite a lot is going on! This past month Ryan got his bike stolen from our building, someone graciously gave him another one, Ryan got a inquiry about a church just outside of Cincinnati (woo!), He also had the opportunity to preach at our Good Friday service (and did a fantastic job), his dad is having hip replacement surgery today, his mom is staying with us for the next few days, I got to hear Titus' heartbeat once again yesterday (everything's still great!) I opened my own Etsy shop, and the next 2 weekends will involve friends coming to visit, a trip to the zoo, 2 baby showers, and a final trip home to NJ before Titus comes. I'm sure I missed a few things in there as well.

Concerning Ryan: He received some information this week about a perspective church who is looking for a pastor. Although this is the first and only option we have received so far, it's still an option! We are both very excited. His father had hip replacement surgery early this morning, which just so happens to be right down the road from us, so mom is staying with us so she has easier access to visit him. This past Friday night at our church's Good Friday service he preached about the three hanging on the crosses. He doesn't get very many times to preach, but when he does, he DOES! (If you know what I mean!)

Like I said in the last post, I would be opening an Etsy shop. Well my dreams have become reality! Here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MiloAndTitus. Currently I am making and selling custom ordered burp clothes, bibdanas, and baby booties. Hopefully this will keep me busy in my "free time".

Titus is still doing fantastic and growing more than ever. I'm at the point where strangers ask me questions (and luckily it hasn't been to touch my stomach yet!) I was underweight when I first got pregnant and am gaining weight normally, but my doctor is still requiring me to get an ultrasound next Tuesday to check and make sure Titus is growing great. I'm not complaining because I haven't seem him since we found out his gender 3 months ago! It's time for some new pictures!

How has Titus been growing in the past month? He is about 17 inches long and weighs about 4 pounds. He can produce tears. He is getting fat on his tiny body. All of his organs are fully functioning except for his lungs, which are still developing.

What food cravings do you have? Chocolate cake and donuts (although I've always loved donuts!)

What food aversions do you have? Weirdly enough (& frankly not healthy) meat. I think I'm just afraid that I'm going to catch some disease if it's not cooked all the way.

How can you pray for us? Ryan with this pastoral opportunity, a healthy and growing Titus, these next couple months where we're in this "awkward stage" of staying or moving, jobs, newborn, etc. Although my doctor says I'm not stressed at all, deep down I really am. I guess it's that peace that God will point it out to us with bright lights when the time comes.

Hannah is a good friend from church who just had her little one
a couple weeks ago. I cannot wait to photograph their little family!

{Titus 3:4-8}

Tis the Season

Not Christmas...
Tis the season for Titus to make his appearance!
He is due to arrive on the last day of Spring.

As you know, I have been sick for the past 5 weeks and could not figure out what to do to get rid of it.  I was feeling okay enough to go to work on most days but every once in a while I did not want to get out of bed. I thought I was over it on Wednesday, but then got home from work and it "hit me". Like literally "hit me", in such a way that I cannot explain it to anyone except my doctor. I went in to work late Thursday, not feeling quite well. This morning I got a call telling me to not come into work. Such a blessing from the Lord! I am feeling alright, but I don't want to push myself. Tomorrow will also be my final day at the Swim School. I was only working Saturdays from 9-1, but it was rushing my Saturdays and I'm getting worn out. I thought I could be that super-mom, but not right now.

Maybe this sickness will finally go away??

Ryan is still working at the church and as a carpenter. He was able to travel down to Cedarville with our pastor to help him work on his grandmother's basement. Her basement was flooded a couple of weeks ago when all the snow melted and we got a lot of rain. I love that Ryan is able to use the skills that he has developed over the years to be able to help others, even if that means not having him at home for a couple of days.

I have been thinking about what I will be doing while on maternity leave, assuming I will have a tiny bit of free time where I'm not falling asleep while changing a diaper. I have decided to open my own Etsy shop. If you don't know what Etsy is, look up the website, it'll change your life! I'm hoping to make baby items such as burp clothes, fancy onesies, hats, etc. Cute baby stuff that I would be proud to show off in public with Titus, you know what I mean?! If it is successful, I am hoping to be able to cut back on hours so that I can be home with Titus as much as possible. Be on the lookout for a link to the site in the next few weeks!

How has Titus been growing the past couple of weeks? He is 27 weeks today!! We have made it to the third trimester! Hearing is now complete and his retinas have formed. He is about 15 inches long and 2 1/4 pounds. He is able to see more light and hear more sounds. The eyelids are opening now and he is starting to blink! He is kicking, punching, and hiccupping like crazy!

What food cravings do you have? Homemade chocolate chip cookies, pears, yogurt, and bananas with peanut butter.

What food aversions do you have? still chocolate (thank goodness!)

How can you pray for us? Please pray that with these couple days off that I can finally kick this sickness (idk what to even call it!). Pray that we would be able to enjoy the time that we have together, now that I am feeling better and have some more free time. I did not pass my first glucose test on Monday (which I blame on the sickness), so I have to spend 3 hours Monday morning taking another one at the Health Center. Pray that I pass! Ryan and I are both ready for our vacation to Florida this July! Ready for a little break, sunshine, clean air, and showing off Titus :)

{Titus 3:4-8}

Our Sick Month

It has been quite the busy past couple of weeks. I have been sick with a cold that led to a sinus infection. I gave in and called the doctor this past Thursday and got an antibiotic. I am pretty much all cleared up now, but Ryan has caught it. This post is to brag about my wonderful husband during the past couple of weeks. While I was sick I was still working 6 days a week.  The first week of getting sick, Ryan made dinner every night. During the second week he kept up with cleaning the apartment and we went to create baby registries. This past Friday began the third trimester (and I had a pretty terrible week at work on top of being sick). Ryan surprised me by picking me up from work to go for dinner, he also had Godiva chocolate truffles, planned on dessert trip but we were full.  We got our first baby items for Titus this past weekend, so we decided to clean out the apartment and make room in the nursery. It is starting to sink in that Titus will be here in just 3 months! On a side note, Milo (our puppy) turns one next Monday! To celebrate, we're taking him to the vet then to get his hair cut. He's excited, like always.

How has Titus been growing the past few weeks?  He begins dreaming (of what, I wonder?).  He has wrinkled skin.  His eyelashes and eyebrows are noticeable.  His brain is growing quickly and his taste buds are developing. He is able to hear completely. He is about 13 1/2 inches long and weights about 1 1/2 lbs. His nostrils are beginning to open.

What food craving do you have?  Oranges, orange juice, broccoli salad, and Skittles.

What food aversions do you have? Chocolate (I know, strange).

How can you pray for us? Me with working with small children and all the bending over that I do. I'm finding out quickly that I am limited in how far I can bend over to pick items or children up. Ryan would be able to defeat this sickness and that we won't catch it again during the next couple of months. Continuing healthy growth of our Little Man.

We are planning a trip to Orlando this summer with
my parents and 7 y/o niece. Lots of photos to be
taken in this cute hate and bibdana I found at H&M!

I look huge in these pictures, but some people still
can't tell that I'm pregnant! I feel HUGE!

{Titus 3:4-8}

I Get To Be The One

This week was the first full week "on the clock" at my new job. The first couple of days were painful, literally, because of my back still bothering me. The pain had greatly decreased by Sunday but flared up again on Tuesday from me continually lifting the children. Come Wednesday morning, I decided to get back into my stretching routine. (If you knew me in college, you would know that I worked out every day and yoga was a huge part of that. It was such a stress reliever!) After 5 months of hardly doing a thing as far as "working out", I pulled out my yoga mat. I found a series of stretches on Pinterest that were supposed to ease back pain, so I figured I would give them a try. What a difference they have made! I do them three times a day: when I first wake up, right before I leave for work, and right before bed. Here they are if you're interested:

One other item that has been on my mind a lot this week goes along with the song posted below. It's called 'I Get To Be The One' by JJ Heller, one of my favorite artists. Her music is soothing and most of it is written for her two daughters. This song talks about how special she felt as a soon-to-be-mom again. How she gets to be the one that is privileged to be the mother. It brings tears to my eyes no matter how many times I listen to it. I get to be the one for Titus.  

How has Titus been growing this week? He is about 11 1/2 inches long and weights just over 3/4 lb. His facial characteristics are more apparent now. Tooth buds have formed under the gums. He is a lot more active and I am beginning to seem and feel his kicks.

What food cravings do you have? Pita chips and kettle popcorn.

What food aversions do you have? Has not changed since last week.

How can you pray for us? Continue to pray that my pain may subside. Since my job requires a lot of bending over and picking up small children, it is a great day when there is no pain. For Ryan to find a pastoral position. Continuing great health and growth for our Little Man. And that Ryan and I would find some time for each other, since right now that consists of tired nights and Sunday evenings.

{Titus 3:4-8}

Meet Titus!

IT'S A BOY! On Monday we had our "big" ultrasound to find out the gender of our Little One as well as make sure he is developing "normally".  The appointment was an hour and a half of checking out our Little One.  The first thing we found out was that we are going to have a Little Man, which we are more than ecstatic about! We had wanted an older brother to look after any other ones that we may be blessed with in the future. Our Little Man was hiding his handsome face the entire appointment. So they sent us out and brought us back in after 10 minutes to see if he would stop playing hide-and-seek with us. Of all the pictures that were taken, we got three picture of his detailed face.

How did we choose Titus as the name? Ryan and I had wanted a name that was not typical, but was still easy for anyone to spell. We had already chosen 2 names for a boy or girl and the middle names were chosen based on our parent's middle names (which just so happened to be the same!).  We also wanted a manly sounding name. Once we found out we were having a Little Man, Ryan decided to go with Titus. Titus means "title of honor" and Charles means "manly". Doesn't get much more manly than that! The ironic thing about the name chosen is that I was reading through Titus during the month that I had gotten pregnant but still didn't know. I was looking back on my journal and found this out. What were the chances! The book of Titus is such a great reminder of God's redemption for us through His righteousness. Now I can personally be daily reminded of this with our own Titus.

How has Titus been growing this week? Up to this 20 week mark Titus has developed all his fingers and toes with fingernails. He is about 10 1/4 inches long and weighs about 3/4 lb (about the size of a banana). He is developing strong muscles and is punching and kicking like a little karate kid. His eyebrows and eyelashes have finished developing. His brain has developed to the point that he is able to have wake and sleep cycles.
What food aversions do you have? Still not the biggest fan of buttered popcorn and "uncovered meat" such as plain chicken thighs. Oh, and chocolate. Not too many aversions at this point, but I seem to always be drawn away from food that isn't good for you (which I will not complain about).

What food craving do you have? McDonald's french fries, that is the only "bad" food that I could eat all day, every day. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches is always a classic any time of day. Veggie and fruit trays with their accompanying dips (except for celery and pineapple). Homemade chocolate chip cookies. All things salty: kettle popcorn, pita chips, potato chips, pretzels, and the list goes on.

How can you pray for us? I don't usually do this but I'm asking for prayers for myself. I had an emergency trip to the doctor yesterday because I was in so much pain that I was crying curled up on a chair while at work (pathetic, I know!). I usually just fight through it but not this time! Titus, our Little Man, is just fine. However, I have to wait until Monday to find out what is wrong with me and if there is anything I can do to fix or manage the pain. Please pray that my back and side pains die down or even dissolve completely. It hurts to lay down, bend over, or turn my back in either direction. I work 6 days a week and cannot take time off, so it would be nice for some relief. That you in advance for your prayers! Continue to pray for Ryan as he sends out his resume to churches.

Meet Titus Charles Duffy!

Another Big Change for the Duffys!

It has truly been an interesting past ten days for me. Last Monday I was sitting at home doing the usual (nothing) when I applied to 5 jobs. I only work 8 hours a week at the swim school and I knew that would not be enough, especially with baby on the way. So I applied, assuming no replies would come. On Tuesday I get a phone call from one of the places I had applied and said they would like to interview me. On Wednesday I had a 2 hour interview, no exaggeration. I assumed that was a good thing, right?! At the end of the interview the one woman said that me getting this position would depend on how the second woman felt about working with me. Both had really good poker faces, so I had no idea if they did or didn't like me, but I would be just fine if I didn't get the position. Thursday was a waiting day. Friday I was supposed to get the call, but no call... until 5:30! They had offered me a position!

So NOW what are you doing?!: I am proudly working full time, Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:30, as a teacher's assistant in a 2 1/2-3 y/o classroom. Not only are we stoked that it's a full-time position, but after 90 days we get benefits (which we currently do not have and hospital bills are piling up already) BUT if Ryan and I stick around Cleveland after his internship is up in June, then I can bring Baby with me to work. So I can still work full time and have Baby in the room just across the hall! What blessings! On Saturdays I am still teaching swim classes in the morning because I had parents and children requesting me as their teacher. So glad the swim school decided to keep me! God has perfect timing for everything, we just have to be patient with it.

How are you feeling? The "morning" sickness has pretty much subsided. Its so nice to not have to worry about loosing the little amount of food I could eat when I went out in public.

What food aversions do you have? Meat, any kind of it unless it is fried chicken or chicken nuggets. Weird, I know, but I cannot stand the smell of it cooking or even to look at it raw. Garlic and popcorn still make my stomach and sinuses go bonkers, including the smell of it. And eggs, probably because I had a bad experience with them earlier in the pregnancy.

What food cravings do you have? Still stuck on fresh summer fruits, salads, carrots, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Eggo waffles, and plain spaghetti. Zebra Cakes is the one junky food that I could eat all day. That's pretty much all I have eaten the past 2 weeks.

How can you pray for us? Ryan has his resume all ready to send out to churches, so we are ready to see where God might have openings! We have still not heard from the state about paying our medical expenses, but I am far less worried now that God has proved me with a source of income to pay those expenses. That Baby continues to be healthy and active. Our Doctor's visit this past Monday showed a very active baby with a healthy heartbeat and moving arms and legs! Our big ultrasound is in just 10 days and we get to finally learn the gender! (A gender and name reveal will shortly follow.) Lastly, that I will have the energy to keep up with working, especially since I've worked 4 hours the past month. I am plenty well rested to begin working for a little bit.

This isn't a great picture but it shows the size of Baby.
We were able to see the tiny hands and long legs.

Baby is the size of a cantaloupe and so am I!