More Pictures!!!

OK, I know that some of you may be getting tired of the pictures, but I just can't stop myself from posting them. He's just getting sooo big and I don't want any nanas or papas feeling like they are missing out. And you can really see just how BIG he is getting in the picture of Devon and his daddy. He's a little monster! Plus I realized that in most of my blog pictures Devon is in his diaper, which is ironic because most of the time he is clothed, but he is always sooo happy to be naked that I take most of the pictures then. So here are some CLOTHED pictures of baby Devon! See you guys soon!

Swimming with Mom & Dad

Josh and I decided to go swimming tonight to try to cool down. These pictures of Devon are just too cute not to share. Take a look at his funny facial expressions!!!

Happy 5 month birthday, Dear Devon...

I can hardly believe that Devon is 5 months old already. Five months ago I wasn't sure either of us would survive to make it to this day. Devon is definately teething. His gums are really swollen and he is only eating like 1 oz every few hours because of the pain. But he is in decent spirits for the most part. He loves to scream right now, but it's a happy scream if you watch his face. And though he isn't rolling over yet (sorry Mike), for the first time he is really starting to turn his upper body to see objects around him, so I know the rest of his body is sure to follow. I am sad to admit that he may be leaving the cuddly stage because for the past few days he would rather play with his toys than be held. He does still cuddle at bedtime though. He has even grabbed Mr. Studley's tail for the first time. I think the cat is keeping a close watch for any unused toys he can steal. Oh and everything goes into his mouth right now (well everything but solid foods-- he is still resisting those spoonfuls). Enjoy some pictures of Baby D-- Devon with his hands in his mouth, Devon with his crab in his mouth, Devon with a washcloth is his mouth-- you get the picture. We miss you tons and hope to see everyone soon!

Devon Pictures...

I thought that the nanas and papas might enjoy some updated pictures of our little man. As you can see, he is enjoying his solids, but his mom is a lousy aim. And I love these pictures of Devon in his baseball cap. I am including a before walk picture and an after walk picture where he is completely passed out.

He has been nicer to Katie which is good, but still pretty fussy. I think he may be getting one of his front teeth in, because our hungry hog is starting to refuse his long awaited bottles. Basically crying for one, and then crying 10 seconds after he gets it. We all know that when Devon turns away food, he is NOT his usual self.

Thanks for the continued prayers. We are still struggling with life in general, but we appreciate your prayers.

We miss you all more than you know! Please keep in touch. Love, Josh & Kari (and Baby D. of course!!!)

Prayer Requests...

OK, Josh and I are smart enough to recognize that we can't do it all on our own. We need HELP and GUIDANCE, and as much as we love our family, we need help and guidance from a more powerful being. So this blog entry is more of a prayer request. Josh and I are asking that our family and friends pray for us. Here are some of the areas that we are struggling:
1) Making time to actually focus on our spirituality. It's been really tough to set aside time to read the Bible or pray together. And our lack of spirituality is really beginning to affect our marriage and family life. So please pray for us.
2) Devon. Yesterday was the first day that our new nanny came to sit for Devon and apparently he didn't make it easy on her. He cried sooo much and sooo hard that she was afraid he was going to hyperventilate. She called her sister to pick up her own son because she was afraid to put Devon down to tend to Tyler (and the main reason that she is working as a nanny is to be able to spend time with her son while caring for one other child). Though she didn't admit it, I am pretty sure Devon made her cry. And that makes for one really tough first day. Josh and I adore Katie and really believe that she is the right person to help out with Devon. We love that she has a son Devon's age. We love that she has a Mommy instinct. I didn't even worry yesterday while I was at work because I trust her. So you can imagine that we don't want to lose her. So please pray for Devon: that he will adjust well to having a new person around and that he will be KIND to Katie and Tyler. And pray for Katie too.
3) That we make some friends down here. We've lived here two months now and we still don't have any friends or even acquiantances. We're lonely and we miss home. Plus it would be really nice to have someone to talk to on days like yesterday.
4) Thank God that he got me through my first week of work. I was really upset Tuesday because I didn't feel ready to go back to work. But I prayed and He got me through. God has answered many of our prayers and I am very thankful for that. He got us through our move to Livermore. He has helped Josh to adjust to his new job. He has helped us to find a church that I think will become our new church home. He has really been here with us and I am truly thankful for his continued presence in our life. I really do want to give Him credit for the ways He has been here with us.

There are sooo many more things that we need prayer for... but those are the BIGGIES. We would really appreciate any prayer and/or support right now. We miss everyone and we hope to see you all soon.

P.S. Are there any areas that we can pray for you?