Kristine and Jonathan

Kian Joshua Ross

2008-11-13T13:39:00.002+01:00

Okay,

If you got the email, then you got the biggest news. I want to get back to the hospital to be with Kristine, so I'm not going to go over board on details.

- Kian Joshua Ross
- 12th of November, 2008
- 1 am
- 3.6 Kilos
- 52 cm long

Not a crier, sorry for all you ill-willed people who wished us such a child after the wonderful experience with Jamie, but he just isn't a crier. ;-)

Kristine is doing terrific but it's always better when the hubby is around, (well not always but you know what I mean) so that's why I'm cutting this short.

Here's some pics!

Kian Joshua

A Quicky

2008-07-11T22:56:00.002+02:00

It's time to go to bed. Just wanted to touch base with everyone reading this blog and let you know that we are still very much alive. Jamie, is becoming more and more of a terror. His little sibling is a wild one as well. We don't know what it's going to be like yet really, but if his movements in the tummy are any indication of his personality the he's not going to be less of a terror than his brother. We love 'em both.

To be living with yourself

2008-05-25T22:28:00.002+02:00

Over and over I'm overcome with the greatness of getting to know myself through my boy. I really can think of no better way of honing ones character, than having a child. If the stress alone does not teach you a lesson in personal management, the looks and responses to your authority will make you realize what you're bringing to the table every time you have to exert it.

By far God's most wonderful creation... "Creation", i.e. My Boy!

First time at the zoo

2008-05-25T22:16:00.002+02:00

We were out and about with Jamie for the first time at the zoo last week. We had a good time just being out with our parents. It was a cold day thought, and Jamie is really too young to hold out the whole 3 hours it takes to get through the whole thing.

Nevertheless it was good. Some more pictures here.

In the ark

2008-05-01T22:09:00.001+02:00

Last week we picked Kristine up from a teacher's conference, some distance from where we live. After the long drive, we got out and there was this great playground there. They even had a little Ark there to play in. Jamie was happy.

May-Day

2008-05-01T21:40:00.003+02:00

Today, we were at our parents place (Paul and Larissa's) for the day. It was a good time. Gerald's girlfriend's Parents were invited for the first time. The two families had never really met each other. They are really nice people, whom we will probably be seeing more of in the future.

Got to run around and play with Jamie today as well of course. We were out back and cleaned up the walkway. What else did we do...? Oh yeah! Jamie got his hair cut. Aunt Olli did a great job making it look like she did nothing. That's the key to a good haircut right? And she managed to get it done rather quickly.

The funniest part though, has to be when Jamie is standing in the center of the room, (naturally as the center of attention), and starts doing something. Today it was the cell phone and dancing. I didn't start filming until the really good stuff was over. He tried calling uncle Edgar (opening the phone and yelling loudly: "Uncle Edgar!". Of course it didn't work, but it was hilarious. Here a video of at least some of the good stuff.

Changing Space

2008-04-29T22:12:00.002+02:00

Don't ask. Maybe it's just because I don't like staying in one spot very long, and in real life I don't get to move around that often. Maybe it's because I'm not always at my computer whenever I want to write something. Whatever the reason, we're back at blogger for a while.

Went to the baby doctor the other day and got our second set of pictures. I just keep forgetting to take them to the office to get them scanned. Someday soon though, they'll be up. Our little growing baby is around 42 cm long. Every two weeks doubling in size. We're happy!

New Site!!

2006-11-01T00:42:00.000+01:00

I have a new Website I'm trying out. Click here to see it. I think you guys'll love it. Much more info and pics and sound (to come) that is a lot easier to do than with blogger. Enjoy!

Toofers

2006-10-29T20:43:00.000+01:00

Our boy's got his first toofer! That's right: we're the proud parents of a little boy with a tooth that just broke through the surface this evening as we were visiting our parents. The lower left toofer is ready to dig into all that comes his way. (His left of course). Now we're just worried about his mommy. Not too sure if she's as excited about the tooth as I am. The only thing he's biting on my body (to this point) has been my finger.(The Above picture is absolutely terrible. Tried to get a picture of his toofer.)

In some ways it's kind of sad. No more putting my fingers into his little "gummy" mouth. From here on out, there's always going to be something that pokes. And eventually it's just plain going to hurt. On top of that... His mouth is going to start stinking like everybody elses on the planet. On the other hand, I'm so excited to watch him grow into a little boy. I don't want to miss a single moment of his life and by no means to I want to keep him small. Kristine and I agree... we want Jamie to grow up, but we want to have little babies to carry around as well. So we're just going to have a lot more. ;-)

Here are some pics from our new camera. The whole month of September we couldn't take any pictures cause the camera was broken. Okay, I know: lame excuse. We could have borrowed a camera or bought one of those disposables. We didn't do either so we're the only ones to blame. Enjoy the couple pics here. If you want more there's loads.

By the way: Fall began here a couple weeks ago. Almost all the leaves have fallen off the trees. Yesterday, we set the clocks back an hour. Wow!

Passion for my family

2006-09-14T23:49:00.000+02:00

I got to hold Jamie today for quite awhile. We even fell asleep together! In the last couple days I've felt a great closeness to my family. Keep watching Jamie get bigger and bigger. I watch my wife as she goes through the process of becoming a teacher. (It really is a process). I'm excited for her.

What all is she going to experience? She's already the head of the English department at her school and people are amazed at her composure: so young and not even nervous about the first day of classes. I think she's going to amaze people. God has made her one of a kind. She's the genuine deal and that comes across to the people she's around. I just hope she doesn't let some old bitter teacher steal her passion. I know she's in Good Hands though. Our Daddy is watching out for her and is ready to carry her through everything. I'm glad I get to be God's instrument in her life sometimes.

My thoughts about Jamie are similar. I realize that there is so much we can put into each other that bends and molds our view of our world around us, either for the better or for the worse. I know I do both. I could never do enough good to outweigh the bad. (None of us could). I just hope that Jamie grows up with a mommy and a daddy, who never stop forgiving each other because they know of the forgiveness they received.

I love you Kristine. Thanks for journeying with me!

We're back

2006-08-30T18:09:00.000+02:00

The North Sea was absolutely wonderful. Not so much for the great beach or big waves; more just because we were finally able to get away and be more or less alone. We haven't had a vacation together for five years. It was much needed time.

Jamie is such an easy baby. He doesn't cry much and he smiles all the time. It's funny...we're able to go out to a half-way romantic dinner together, take Jamie with us and he sleeps the whole time at the table, on two chairs next to us. (Evidence right)

We went to an American Harbor in a city called Cuxhaven. There we visited a museum dedicated to all the people who began immigrating to America and Canada starting around 1867. Cuxhaven was one of the major ports from which transcontinental liners would set sail. They would start in Hamburg go to Cuxhaven and then on to London before touching down in Ellis Island, or as with some better-known vessels, in the middle of the Atlantic.

There's so much going on. God is really blessing the youth group. The young people are learning a lot about prayer on their own. The Holy Spirit is really moving through them. I'm thankful.

Good to be home looking at my wife across the room in our own living room.

Bodensee

2006-08-20T23:27:00.000+02:00

So we were at Lake Constance. It was a great time with Andy and Moni
Föhl. Hope to have some pics to post in about a week or so. It was
kind of unfortunate. I was so excited about taking a bunch of
pictures so I could post them on the blog and when we got there I
realized I had forgotten the camera. ;-) Andy took some pics though,
so as soon as we're back from the North Sea I'll post pics of both
excursions.

Really noticing how Jamie is growing. He talks all the time and at
night he sleeps a lot more. Other than that he's also starting to get
pretty decent at drooling...

Hope to check mail and post some stuff from the North Sea but you
never know. It's more my priority to get away from computers while
we're there. Not like I post here very regularly.

Kristine and I just had a good visit with a young woman who I believe
God is going to use mightily and already does. It's a shame to see
though, how much the opinion of other people can shape and change a
life so much and often so wrongly. Often the hidden treasure that God
has placed within never gets discovered, because of our inability to
see what God sees in us.

Jaden Paul Schüle and the North Sea

2006-08-18T08:03:00.000+02:00

Well, it is my pleasure to be able to pass on to you some pictures of the second child of some really good friends of ours. Siggi and Elina Schüle just had their little baby boy, Jaden Paul Schüle. He's a cutie. Of course there will always be the one who is cuter...sorry Siggi but you know where my heart is. ;-)

We're packing up our things this morning and getting ready to go to Bodensee (Lake Constance) for the weekend with some friends. We're excited. We haven't done anything that even looks like vacation for 5 years. Looking forward to relaxing.

On Sunday we're coming home and then we're leaving Monday Morning bright and early again to drive to the other pole of Germany to the North Sea. Both Lake Constance and the North Sea are huge. Of course the North Sea is considerably larger. If you want more pics ask Google. Looking forward to getting out with Jamie. Hope the weather starts to improve. It's been raining almost this whole month. I don't really mind until I start thinking of the long months till next Spring.

Through Thick and Thin

2006-08-16T17:26:00.000+02:00

Recently we were coming home from taking our Grandma to see our Grandpa in the hospital. (He's been having strokes). On the way in our apartment we ran into our neighbor outside in front of our garage. She looked at Jamie and was just really excited to see him. I made a comment that he is the best. Then I corrected myself and said, my wife is the best. Jamie is second best. She just said really dryly..."That'll change".

Now you have to understand. She is currently either in the middle of a divorce or she's already divorced. Nevertheless, it drove a stake deep in our hearts. We are experiencing a great time with each other right now. We are getting to know each other all over again and really enjoying it. The time with Jamie hasn't been as terrible as everyone said it was going to be. We're really happy together.

I held Jamie last night and prayed to God that He would take my life as a sacrifice to Him, that I would lead my family in His truth for as long as I should live. That means that for me and my family there can be no separation. I'm not worried about saying these words. I know that the future holds a lot of surprises. But my house and me are going to serve the Lord.

God's Spirit must be our identity, otherwise the beauty of marriage cannot truly be unlocked or grasped.

Once a month

2006-08-12T11:38:00.000+02:00

Well, so much for regular blogging. I think it's actually a great idea. To be able to post messages to the www, keeping people who are interested in you, up-to-date on what's going on in your life. To bad I don't ever use it like that. I've always had this inner necessity to write alot or nothing at all. I really need to work on that.

Here a recap over the last four weeks or so. My mom was here in Germany visitting us. Good times. Jamie really enjoyed being held by her...so much so that we had to reaquaint him with reality after she was gone. Not to say that we don't love the guy like crazy. We just weren't able to put him down afterward.

And now he's just smilling all the time. I've never seen such a small baby be so happy. ... Truth is...I've been rubbing his libs with rum twice a day. Works wonders for the temper. And everybody was wondering why Jamie is such an easy-going baby. Daddies do know best. ;-)

Going to see the Fisies (sic)

2006-07-09T21:01:00.000+02:00

Today we went with our little family to see the fisies. Don't worry I meant to spell it like that. We were trying to imagine how Jamie is going to say the word Fishy, as soon as he's old enough to speak. Considering most children have trouble with sounds like "sh" and "ch" we figured: why should Jamie be any different. So we replaced the "sh" shound in Fi(sh)y with just a single "s". We came across Fisies. Which most parents have probably heard their child say. We amused ourselves for a couple minutes with the precious thought of Jamie speaking such words. (That means daddy (me) went around saying: "Look Jamie, more Fisies..." and "Fisies with Rainbow stripes" etc...

We're so excited to be a family and are looking forward to the days to come. I think I will throw caution to the wind and say...hah, whoever said parenting was difficult? ;-) I think I'm allowed to make this joke as the bags under my eyes are starting to form. Nevertheless, it truly is much easier and harder than I ever imagined. Maybe I'll explain more of what I mean in a later post. For now, I'm content just loving my family and loving being part of my family.

The little spud is on his way to never never land now. Kristine and I are going to finish watching L.A. Confidential (never seen it) and then we're hitting it too.

God and the world

2006-06-29T14:24:00.000+02:00

Just wanted to say that such blogs like the last one I'm going to be posting to my other blogsite from now on. It's more a blog designed for Jon's ranting and raving anyway. So if you want to follow the conversation on churches and what not go to the other site.

I'd like to keep this blog a family one, with pictures of Jamie and his lovely mother. I know...it's not very post-modern (separating everything in easy to understand segments). What can I say? I guess I'm so "post-modern" that I can have a good conscience even while using a little bit of the modern. That is after all post-modern.

You follow? Good. You're not supposed to. Go to the other site. ;-)

If you haven's figured out how to get there, just click on this sentence.

church

2006-06-28T19:08:00.000+02:00

Everyone's talking about church. I'm thinking about church a lot too. My generation and those coming after me find themselves in a black hole of sorts when it comes to church. They really don't know where they fit in. We're just sure that we don't fit in where we're at. (I know...there are exceptions).

Myself and some other young pastors over here are thinking about starting something new. Something Emergent Church style. A church that everyone can associate with but no one can really describe. Something I've been thinking a lot about over the last 3-4 years.

In this vein I'm thinking of giving up my studies. I've had a small feeling ever since I started studying again that I was really only doing it, because I wanted to be comfortable. I've felt guilty about it almost everyday since. I really enjoy what I'm studying but I feel a calling in my heart to launch full into the work that I'm currently only doing half-time. I want to make myself available, to show people that this work, this new idea of church, is something to take seriously. God is moving here. We don't know what He's doing. But He's at work.

Shout out to God for us as I will be making some serious decisions in the next couple days.

The Good Life

2006-06-22T22:55:00.000+02:00

I'm sitting here enjoying a glass of wine, while behind me the best and most beautiful woman is sitting with our small son nursing.

I can tell you...there's nothing sweeter than writting a blog to the sounds of squeeky door noises and monstrous farting from the creature my wife and I have been blessed with.

Ernest & Julio...You never tasted so good.

Walking...

2006-06-08T15:29:00.000+02:00

We went for our first walk yesterday. I should say our first walk without any real goal. We stopped by some friends and then came home.

Today, we went shopping together as a family. I have to say: there is something about looking at Jamie, which constantly makes my heart either want to cry or shout for joy. Not looking forward to going back to school and work next week.

A Father's Joy

2006-06-04T20:59:00.000+02:00

Is there a greater joy for a father's heart than just to "be" with his child?!
In these moments Abba, Elohim, Adonai, the great cosmic Daddy is closer and more tangible than ever.

Thanks to The Daddy of all daddies!

Sex matters

2006-06-04T20:13:00.000+02:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that...

Jamie Nathanael Ross is a boy.

If there are any uncertainties please see picture below.

More manly pictures to follow.

The Ross's are back

2006-06-03T17:09:00.000+02:00

Well we're home and have started a new life together with our little (big) Jamie Nathanael.

We're stinken excited and hope that you enjoy these pictures as much as we enjoy living with this little guy.

Here ya go... More to come later.

Jamie Nathanael Ross

2006-06-01T12:45:00.000+02:00

At 5:04 on Wednesday the 31st German time, Jamie Nathanael Ross came into our world and threw us off our rocker.
Thanks for all the messages and phone calls! We feel supported and loved.

We'll be in the hospital till Friday afternoon. Till then we wont be calling anyone. It's just family time for the next two days and no one belongs to that family except: Jonathan, Kristine and Jamie Ross. ;-) So if you're not in the "in" crowd get out da pictcha foo'.

A new Ross family is born. Please pray for us in every way. I am aware that this statement can be understood in a many different ways. We thank God for this new life and trust Him to give Wisdom and Humility in every aspect of raising it. We know that this child belongs to God. Thats why He gave it to us. In order to love it with all we are that it may see the face of God in us. Pray that we would do this.

I'm going to get back to the hospital now. Sorry no pics, I forgot to bring the camera with me to load the photos onto the computer. You'll just have to wait.

Here's the specs (you'll have to be smart enough or google savy enough to convert if you're up on the metric system):
- 52 cm long
- 3,790 grams

We love you Jamie!

We're back...

2006-05-30T06:07:00.001+02:00

And as all you experienced folk can imagine...without a baby. Yeah, it was good we went to the hospital. Funny though. By the time we got to the birthing room there were no more contractions. They started coming again later but then iregularly.

We had a good visit with the doctor on duty though. She said it really could start any time now.

We'll keep you posted. For right now, we're going to get some shut eye.

Okay I think we're leaving now

2006-05-30T03:47:00.000+02:00

Contractions are under 5 Minutes apart. Although it's not very dramatic (no screaming and stuff) I think I'm going to make the rational decision to drive to the hospital. At least be on the safe side.

More to come...

7 Minutes Apart

2006-05-30T02:22:00.000+02:00

It's 2:20 in the AM. Got to get back to Kristine. Just getting a bite to eat. Around 5 Minutes apart we're going to the hospital. An exciting time.

Maybe it'll stop and they'll send us home. But the contractions have been getting more frequent for the last 6-8 hours.

I'll let you know.

Still no sign...

2006-05-29T14:51:00.000+02:00

Well, as you may have guessed...we're still waiting. Thanks for the comments and the eMails. We are perhaps more informed than it may seem by reading the blog. I tend to not mention the most personal information here as it would be a little too much info.

It could very well go on like this till at least the 6th of June. That's the baby's second due date. Of course we are hoping that it wont be another week. Everyday there's a little bit of something that's new that happens. We're happy to go through these new experiences together and are excited to receive this gift of God to us.

We here from a lot of people that we should enjoy the time together. And the nights. But to be honest, we can't wait to hold him in our hands. Of course we'll be dead tired and wish we could put him back in just as soon as he's out. But that's normal. We can't get around that. So we're enjoying being excited, expecting him.

It's nice to get tips from people. I know that way that people are thinking about us. Just don't feel offended, if we act like we've already heard your tip. Chances are...we have. But don't let that hold you back from saying it too. It's just hard to always put on the smile ;-) and make it look like it's the first time we've heard it. That doesn't mean we're ungrateful for it.

Other than that. I'm here at the University and am having a horrible time at concentrating. I keep waiting for a phone call even though I know it might take another week. I think I'm the most excited, anticipating father to be that ever was. Okay, with that I am expecting to hear some "father to be" stories. How was it for you as you were awaiting your first child? Fathers...

The comment boards are open.

Hours feel like days

2006-05-26T19:47:00.000+02:00

So everything is still the way it was before. We hope tonight will be the big night. Kristine has been having the "Senkwehen" (contractions moving the baby down) for the last three days or so. But no "real" contractions yet. It's especially bothersome or difficult for her. She's always wondering, "when is it going to start?" Nevertheless, we're enjoying these precious moments together.

Still contracting...;-)

2006-05-25T12:47:00.000+02:00

As of yet we are still waiting for the little sucker to move his fanny. On the other hand, we're happy that he feels so comfortable that he doesn't want to come out.

Yesterday the dialation had already began, but as everyone knows...that doesn't mean much. Kristine is enjoying being home and has begun cleaning like something else. I think about what it's going to be like to hold that little guy soon and I already get light headed. (Well at least I'll be in the hospital already. Just in case I hit the floor.)

Contractions

2006-05-24T19:57:00.000+02:00

Well the first contractions have set in. They're still irregular but the doctor says the baby should be here between now and this weekend.

I'll keep you posted. Sorry no pics.

"Good Friday"

2006-04-15T12:37:00.000+02:00

As opposed to "Bad Friday". No but really, it was a great Friday. Being together with Family and friends of all ages was a great relaxing way to spend good Friday. And to think. I talked so bad about all the stress surrounding religious ceremonies during holidays. Okay, the religious ceremonial part did have a bit of a forced feeling. But the family relaxing with one another was a great thing.

We went for a walk with Mom (Larissa) our brothers (Gerald and Edgar) as well as Grandpa (Alfred). It was really a great time. Aside from the constant querling between the two brothers, which even provides a bit of humor, it was a great walk in the a mid-April "shower".

Our Grandpa recently had a few strokes. Those he's not lamed in any physical way really, we do notice that he can't get around like he used to. He's not longer as sure of himself or of the situations he finds himself in. We don't mind though. We love him all the same and try and let him know that he is loved and cared for just the way he is. It's hard for Grandma though, because she's always had a husband who's done alot for her and with her. It's a precious thing to walk with the elderly as they get close to the door of eternity. Looking forward to the days to come.

Our apartment is becoming more and more a home for us. It's funny how prepairing for a child will do that. I look around at all then things we are no drilling into the walls and new Furniture we're setting up in the baby room and I'm amazed at how happy I am here in these walls. God has really blessed us, and we take the blessing gladly. Of course we'll probably have to move again. At the latest, whenever another child comes. But till then, this is our home.

After family left yesterday some friends of ours came over. Siggi, Elina and their daughter Joela. (Sorry no picture) That was just great. My heart was touched to be able to enjoy their company. We draw so much from our friendships here. It is a wonderful community.

After those three left we had some more friends come over. Maggi and Makai. Makai is an American Armie Idiot. He's been stationed in Afghanistan the last year and has lots of stories to tell. Needless to say, he's not very impressed with the US way of dealing with the sitaution over there. Interesting guy. He's dating our cousin and they are a sweet pair.

It's a good life. I'm learning at this stage as if for the first time, what it means to lose myself and all that I have, in order to gain that which I could never lose. It's interesting how this process is never once and for all learned and then locked away. Pride and Self-Righteousness are of such a character that they always seep through in each new aspect of ones life. Before I know it, there I stand all alone with only myself, my pride and my hopelessness. God then shows me once again that it truly is necessary to lose all, even the things I hold most dear (family, friends, etc.), to which end I might gain everything.

By that I mean that God shows me how these things, which are so important to me, are meant to be enjoyed and lived out. He makes all things new, well and perfect. And He does it in such an unconventional way.

So, this ones for all the short people. Short people out there...hit the comment button or else...

Be Free

2006-04-14T00:08:00.000+02:00

Tonight was youth group. We talked about Galatians 4 and what it means to be free to live out your faith in the way God has called you to do. Whether or not your faith ends up looking like the faith of the contemporary church or not. Christ does some crazy non-conventional stuff with people who are willing to step outside the doors of their churches to do ministry.

In my opinion it was a great evening. Though I am biased: I'm the one who leads it. I thought Martin (the guy on guitar) did an excellent job leading praise and worship. I've really been getting a kick out of seeing God reveal gifts in people in the last few months. It's hard because, believe it or not, some people don't want to allow themselves to do the thing they are really good at. Kind of like: if I'm having fun it can't be godly. Nevertheless, this group of young people is kicking some serious booty and takin' names for Christ in big ways. I'll post some pics of us helping out with the children's play mobil some other time.

I wish I had taken some before and after pics of our apartment, because the last two days have brought about a serious makeover inside our 4-walls. We've been moving stuff around and building new shelves for the "little sire". Yep, he's gonna have it good. Just hope he can stop kicking mommy long enough to let her breathe regularly. I need her behind the oven. ;-)

Kristine is doing really well with the pregnancy. She's been helping me with the youth group alot as well. Tonight she wasn't able to come. Tomorrow is Easter Friday and we've got family coming over. She did an all out cleaning operation with her mother this evening at our place. They were getting our apartment ready for the people to come over tomorrow. It's really not that many. Grandparents, parents, 2-brothers, Kristine and myself. Don't worry though. That's enough for our apartment.

I'll post ya'll some pictures tomorrow night of the festivities. We have a church service tomorrow morning from 10am to about 12pm. I'm not up on the whole, "lets squeeze in a church service on every big holiday of the year" thing. Why not relax and just eat together and have a good time. Why always the extra church service? (Easter, Christmas, New Years...)

Goodnight! My wife just called and she's wondering why I am. It's already 12:37am here.

Ikea

2006-04-12T23:25:00.000+02:00

Yes that's right. Today we made the bi-yearly pilgrimage to the place of homage, known to singles looking for a good deal and young post-modern families looking for consumer cosmopolitan design in vogue. Otherwise known as "Ikea".

It was a great day. Although it did get off to a rocky start, as a result of my constant need to find a contradiction in most everything Kristine said. No it's true. I know you all can't believe it but I am someone who seems to always find confrontation. Although it may sound funny it really gets on my nerves and I'm seriously working with Kristine on communicating better. See...People can change. You all can think about me and ask every now and then if you like how it's going. I definitely don't want to be an old pain in the ass when I die. I feel God really pulling at my heart and all that is dear to me with this issue. He’s really humbling me and making me aware of my pride.

So, by the time we got to Ikea (about 45 min. later) we had worked at jons' morning confrontation. It was great walking around together, picking up a few last things for the baby. He's almost here now! Just about one more month to go. Here's what Kristine is looking like these days. It's hard to get a picture of her that she will let me post. But this one is really nice. Because of the scarf though, it's hard to make out her belly. But you get the idea.

Tomorrow is youth group. Easter church service is on Friday and we've still got to get some furniture moved around and built. I need to get some studying done for a history test I failed last semester and...I'm tired.

The Hit

2006-04-10T00:01:00.000+02:00

In the blog world they say you can judge the quality of your blog based on your readers. Well I would certainly like to say that our blog belongs to the ranks of those emphasis blogs of ol’ that have long ago gone down in blog history as being…well how should I say it…a hit.

Well, for now we’ll just have to pretend that the reader counter is up in the hundreds and the comments are flooding in like wombats. We would like to thank all the people, who despite our consistent neglect to maintain this blog, have held to being our true readers. With this post we would like to say…well…thank You! (tear jerk).

Was a good day today. We practiced what it is going to be like having our own one and a half year old. Two couples today, who have graciously paved the way for our yet unknown baby future, were at our place just kickin’ it. You have to understand though. With a young child you’re never “just kickin’ it”. Because we are mature and ourselves prepared for parenthood, we were aware of this fact.;-) Nevertheless, the total exhaustion after they were gone is only describable to those who themselves either have children or work in a Kindergarten/Daycare or insane asylum.

So here we are. We survived. Hope you like the pics. For those of you who stopped sending money as a result one of my previous blogs, you are more than welcome to begin sending the double amount of what you were sending before. Kristine and I are in need of a vacation after today. In fact we are looking for a place to live after the birth of our child. There’s no way we can think up enough believable excuses, to tell our parents why we never pick up our kid at the end of the day. For this reason we thought it would be better to buy a house somewhere off the cost of south France.

To help us reach this goal, please continue sending money!

And if you are just joining us feel free to browse this blog without paying. If though you wish to become a regular attender, we will take your decision to the board of trustees and vote on approval.

Dumb in the head

2006-04-05T20:17:00.000+02:00

Currently Reading:
I‘ve been sitting here in my church office for the last two days trying to finish a paper for school, which is already almost two months overdue. My History prof is angry with me and my mind is drawing blanks. Well things could be worse. I could be living in Uganda trying to flee military service.

It‘s kind of hard to have to face up to the reality that I definitely loaded too much onto my plate last semester. Working one half-time job and another 8-hour a week job, while studying over full-time, was really stupid. I now know that I at least have to write two tests again and may have to write a third over as well.

But really...nothing can get me down right now. School is not all that my life is made up of anymore. I think if I were 18 it would be a much bigger deal for me. As much as I want to be done as quickly as possible, I know it wont kill me to have to go another semester longer than I thought. What has jon learned from the whole experience? Do less and enjoy life more. With the baby on the way that has really become my priority. I‘m never home, we never go on vacation and as a couple we hardly ever do anything romantic or such. I‘m only 26 and I sound like I‘ve missed out on all the good stuff.

That‘s my goal really. In spite of all there is to do, to take time to pause with my girl and sip a cappuccino in a shamelessly priced café in downtown Pforzheim, Germany, or in some other beautiful black forest village.

I didn‘t see Kristine today. She was out doing her Proverbs 31 duties. I believe she performs them well. At least when I drive into the city the mayor always waves. (Or maybe that‘s the blue smoke that comes from driving a Honda.;-) Na, but really. Kristine is still tutoring kids in english and german. She works hard for her money! So you better...

And on top of all that she made this roast today that is just...uh yeah baby! Proverbs 31 here I come. Enough BS. It tasted damn good! I really love that woman. I‘m amazed with her. Today she had her birthing course. She just told me that I get to come to the last three appointments! I‘m excited about that. Finally the heavy-breathing thing.

OK. Because too many people have been commenting on the last few blogs I am going to restrict access to commenting on this blog to all the fat people out there. OK. All the fat people. You know who you are, and I love you ya so come on out with it. Skinny good-looking people just shut your faces, you guys always get to talk!

Golgotha

2006-04-04T23:04:00.000+02:00

This is the hospital we may be bringing our boy to the world in. But because we're capitalistic consumers, we do have the choice. We'll send pictures after the visit to the next hospital as well.

No worries! We weren't there for anything serious. Just a "preview the hospital" appointment. We sat in a group of about 30 other couples listening to the head doctor talk about the day of reckoning. By the time he got done I think most of the women were thinking: "Am I doing the right thing here?" "How do I get my money back?" "Where's the ticket taker?"

Then you remind yourself that this sterile place with lovingly painted warm yellow walls is where you are going to soon be going, come hell or high water, in just a few short weeks. Then you just suddenly don't want to be you anymore. Forget the refund! Give me a new life!

At least that's they way I kind of second-hand experienced it. I wanted to assure Kristine that it would "all be good". Those kinds of statements don't even have the smell of truth. Let alone carry any substance. No, your lovely wife with the big belly is going to come to this Golgotha and be humiliated beyond belief and be beaten seemingly beyond repair. Then the most amazing thing happens. So the story goes. They put this unbelievably small and helpless life that you have been a part of creating, onto your breast and life begins anew.

To imagine, that something so beautiful can come of something so bestial is paradox and breathtaking. It's right!

pacify

2006-04-03T22:05:00.000+02:00

Ok, this is to pacify all you faithful blog readers. Hah. lol.
Just got back from a weekend with the youth group. We took part in a seminar (designed especially for us) from the city youth league. We asked them about two months ago if we could help them out in any way.
We're now getting prepared to dive into Children's Street Work and hopefully some youth work in the youth houses of the city.
This is really cool because none of it has to do with church! We're just helping people in the city. It's actually the city youth league for which I used to work about a year and a half ago.

I need to take this moment to say: Nobody does it like Kristy. She's the best cook in the world. I'm trying to learn from her but the problem is she doesn't use a book. Maybe I can google a US-Spy satellite and get infrared pictures of Kristine doing her stuff. Then I could write down ingredients and what not that way I would have it later in book form. I think I could even eBay the book after it was down. Of course I would produce and publish it myself. I could make millions. Now...I need to find that satellite.

...well google didn't help, but maybe more time at home would. ;-)

Kristine's tummy is really huge! Again no photos. You'll just have to pull out that old apparatus from the closet called "imagination"! Use it before you lose it baby! Kristine thinks all the kicking is abnormal. Can someone tell her that it's normal? Even if it's not, it will really make my life a heck of a lot easier. You don't know how much will power it takes to say: "Yes dear, of course. That's how much all babies kick." To be honest: how in the world am I supposed to know if that's normal?! What is she asking me for?! I mean...come on. Dangit!

Well, all is well here. The homeless shelter here is closing but the government has granted us space in a new housing complex. You can stop sending money.

On a lighter note: School is going well. It's vacation time for another three and a half weeks.

Recovered

2006-03-08T14:05:00.000+01:00

Well I guess I have somewhat recovered from the stress of last month. Just looked at the last entry I made and realised it was more than a month ago. How time flies by.
I always say to myself that I will have more time when I am done with this or that. When will I ever learn?
After my test at the University, I dove right in to youth work again at the church. God is really doing amazing things in the group! It's wonderful to be a part of what's going on in their lives. I think I'm more busy now than I was before. Or maybe I just take longer to get going in the morning and that's why it feels like I have less time.

Kristine and I went to the baby doctor again last week and got some new photos. None that are worth posting though. The baby is now so big that you can't see it all in one shot. Nevertheless, it was of course a most exhilirating experience.
Our boy is punching and kicking all the time now. I really mean all the time. It seems like he never stops. We're hoping he's not going to be hyperactive. Although in our society I feel like any activity at all should be considered hyper. ;-)

Kristine has an interview at a school soon. She's hoping to get a a half-time job starting the end of September. It's a Christian School and she would really like to work there. Pray for that!

Ok, I'll try and find more interesting things to talk about soon. And some pics.

Doctor Visit

2006-02-02T22:42:00.000+01:00

Today we were at the baby doctor! It's always the best part of my month. I look forward to it with great anticipation. Today we got to hear the babie’s heartbeat, for the first time. No new pictures, but the heartbeat of our son! Wonderful.

His heart is beating healthy and Kristine isn't having any complications. We're getting more and more excited.

Kristine is having some success in her job search. Although she is pregnant she's looking for a job that would start in the fall of next year. We're hoping she gets one. Some things look good some bad. She's got some good talks going with some important people at a school. You can pray for that.

I have a test in history tomorrow. That's why I need to get going. Hope you all are doing well. Don't even know if anyone looks at this sight. Hope to be adding new pictures soon. In two weeks I'll be done with all my tests, so I hope to be getting out with my camera more.

The Student

2006-01-28T22:50:00.000+01:00

Well it’s time to hit the hay. Relatively early for us, just 10:40 pm. I’ve had enough with studyin’ though. I have some big tests starting Tuesday and I’m not sure if I’m going to pass. Tried taking a similar load of classes to the time I was at Warner. My life situation doesn’t allow for that kind of stupidity anymore. I’ve got too many other things going on. A beautiful pregnant wife, a job as a youth pastor and stuff I’m trying to do on the side to make more dough. I can’t keep all the stuff in my head. It’s okay though. Next semester I’ll know better.

The idea was to get as much done as possible before the baby came. I think it’s smarter to just stay the course and be a normal person for a change. I know Kristine will thank me.

Needless to say I’ve been looking more like this recently trying to keep my eyes open. Looking forward to the middle of February, when all the tests will be out of the way.

Kristine is of course doing enough work around the house and in the youth group for the both of us. She’s really helping me out. Making sure I get through these tests. I really appreciate her.

Sat tonight on the couch with Kristine and tried to see the baby kick. Kristine sees it already. I don’t think my eyes are adept enough to perceive quick movements. The words I’m used to reading have a tendency of not moving too much on the page – at least before 11 pm.

2006-01-27T15:33:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Kristine and Jonathan's blog!
This is for family and friends who really want to know what we're doing and what life looks like in Germany.
If you just want to make stupid comments, don't waste your time. Unless you're my dad. Then you can make as many stupid comments as you want. ;-)
We love you guys and hope to stay in touch this way.

Hope you like the pic of my hot wife and our young strapping lad.

The group pic is Kristine and I with our two brothers.

Left is Edgar and on the right is Gerald.

Check in here every couple days. We'll keep you posted.