We just returned from a wonderful week in Maryland and DC.   We first visited with Aunt Chris, Grandpa Lib, Cousins Lauren and Earl, and Grandma Clara.   Chris and Lib graciously hosted us, and treated us to a fabulous feast of Maryland crabs, dusted in Old Bay seasoning (for crabs ONLY!).  

We then went to DC where we were graciously hosted by Isaac and Andrea in their lovely townhouse currently on the market.   Andrea cooked wonderful meals, and toured us around DC like a pro.  Isaac made sure the beverages never ran out .  

We were joined by Matt and Nicole and little Lucie, who drove all the way from Chicago!

I especially enjoyed the Portrait Gallery and the Roosevelt and Lincoln Memorials.  We made some great memories and it was hard to say goodby!

Jonas is becoming quite the social guy, he’s very smiley and always enjoys watching whoever happens to be around him. This video captures a few of those moments from the last few weeks.

A short little video featuring Jonas with his grandpas’ and a brief cameo of Grandma Rogers.

music credit: old school weezer.

I feel like we have a lot of challenges going for us right now.  The stress of returning to work (I know it’s only two days a week).  The medical problems Jonas has had, his 20% chance of having his hernia return and his 50% chance that he will loose one of his testes (we’ll know for sure in early June).  The medical bills that continue to roll in from my leg, labor and delivery, and eventually from the surgery this weekend; and my feeling that if I’m working outside the home it should be more in-line with what I specifically feel called to do -actual 1:1 therapy.

Despite all of this I generally feel pretty optimistic about life.  I am reminded that God has provided for us throughout our life together and it’s my job to trust that God knows what we need and will provide it, not to tell him what we need.  His provision has been generous.  We have never wanted for the basics, food, shelter, transportation.  And we have been given many of the desires of our hearts; traveling, living in Alaska, working and living at Cascades, a Masters degree for me, a sense of peace and a desire to grow and always learn more, close relationships with our families, wonderful friends and of course, Jonas.

I’ll try my best to remember all his gifts to us as I head back to work tomorrow.  For as much as I want to stay home, I know that a job and a second income is one of his greatest provisions to our family right now.

Jonas’ first smile post-surgery (it took a couple of days to return); and our curious cutie!

We won’t know for sure the long term effects of the potential complications Lydia mentioned last night, we’ve got a followup appointment in about 2 weeks where the doctor should be able to tell more clearly how things are healing.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers over the last 24 hours. I know that in the last 6 months I’ve learned far too much the medical system. Talk about drama. Both Lydia and I have gone from almost never having been in a hospital in our lives to having spent way too many hours as “guests”.

We’re hoping for another nice long “hospital absence” after we leave today.

In the recovery room following surgery:

In his room today after getting disconnected from all the machines:

Be praying for Jonas, we had to bring him into the ER for his hernia. We’ve been here for a few hours.

We just finished a ultrasound and consult with the surgon… They’re doing surgery tonight but still aren’t quite sure what’s going on.

Susan was already at our house and followed us in to Tacoma, my parents are on their way down.

Thanks

-Josh