Rosenberger Reflections

What's in a Name?

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of David and our good friend Dave, randomly matching! Although we did not name our David after Dave, we liked his name. Read below to find out why.

Our journey to pick our first baby's name began at least a year before we were even expecting. Thankfully, Luke and I have very similar tastes in names. What we found was the most difficult to arrive on was a girl name that we both loved. But we had a boy instead!

Why the name David? Well, several reasons. One of the most obvious ones is the Biblical person of David. He was characterized as a passionate worshiper and a man after God's own heart. We also really like that the name David means "Beloved". It is also a family name on Luke's side. David is the middle name of Luke's grandpa, brother (Paul), and nephew (Elijah).

Another perk of the name is that it has the same spelling in Spanish and is easily pronounced. My mom's reaction to the name David was this: "Oh good, I will be able to find a keychain in a store with this name on it!"

David's second name is Luke. Other than being named after his father, we liked that the name Luke means "bringer of light". Our prayer has been and continues to be that our little boy who is so beloved to us will be a bringer of light, Christ's light, to many.

My, how he's changed!

2011-10-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

David is 3 months old today! He has changed so much since those first hours of life.

When he was first born, David had us mesmerized by the look in his eyes (so serious!), his dependency on us and the miracle of life wrapped up in his little tiny bundle of a body. David didn't do much in those first few days and weeks -- mostly eat and sleep. He didn't move around a lot and we could take him anywhere and he would be fast asleep (even in the loudest of thunderstorms). And when he cried it was this tiny little baby cat sounding cry!

Now, 3 months later, David moves his arms and legs around a lot. He can hold his head up quite well. He has started to grab things like blankets, burp cloths and his momma's hair. David loves to make fists (his dad thinks he might be a boxer someday). He likes to push off with his legs and is very strong. He can do a U-turn in his crib. And yesterday we found him in his crib and he had rolled over!

In the last few weeks we have been loving hearing David's little voice. Having been through the colicky, almost non-stop screaming weeks with this little baby, his smiles and cooing are extra special blessings! What fun to hear him and interact with him! David loves to "talk" and he loves it when someone talks back to him. He seems so concentrated, like he really wants you to understand what he is saying!

Happy 3 months, little baby boy! We are blessed to be your parents!

David meets his Nica Family

2011-09-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we took David to meet the Gomez family. I lived with them for one year while teaching at NCA, before Luke and I were married. In many senses they became like a family to me. I loved living with them and experiencing many aspects of Nica life with them. Gabrielito was in my first preschool class! Not pictured above are Guadalupe and eldest daughter, Wendy, who attends Dordt College in Iowa.

"La Nana" holding baby David.

Ivania is one proud Nica abuela.

Even Ruben held David!

Preschool Teacher Vs. Newborn Mom

2011-09-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

It has been 8 weeks since David was born and I am still adjusting to being a new mom. While I am glad to be home and caring for my baby boy, it has not come without lots of change and emotions.

Sometimes the change seems overwhelming but I am thankful for the ways my God encourages me and helps me through people, my husband, prayer, His Word, journaling, etc. I know that in every change He remains faithful.

One of the biggest changes has been going from a preschool teacher to a full-time stay at home mom. Here are some similarities and differences I've found between the two:

Similarities
- Both require: patience, prayer, and lots of energy

- Smiles melt my heart

- The job seems never ending

- It's fun to see them grow and change

- The benefits are priceless

- You learn something new each day

- Tears are to be expected

- I love my student(s)

Differences

- I don't have a dress code to follow anymore

- My attention is not divided among 14+ little bodies...yet it seems that 1 little body is demanding enough attention :)

- I never know the date anymore

- My schedule, at least for right now, is very unpredictable

- I don't have a full-time assistant

- I can give my preschoolers back to their parents at the end of the day

- I didn't receive a degree in "mommyhood"

A Surprise Visitor

2011-09-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

One morning a few weeks ago, Luke walked into our bathroom and this is what he saw! Yes, a boa constrictor just camping out on the bars outside the window.

Thankfully Carlos, the guard/gardener on our property, took care of it. Luke tried to minimize the commotion so I wouldn't find out about it, being that I am terrified of snakes. However, the dogs were way too interested in the thing and so I peaked out the window to see what all the noise was about.

Oh man. Carlos said he has never seen a boa constrictor on our property before. Snakes, yes, but not a boa constrictor. I guess that is comforting...

Pictures with Daddy

2011-08-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

Day 1

Day 40

David loves his Daddy...enough said. :)

Grandpa and Grandma's Visit

2011-08-09T19:31:00.001-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma Rosenberger came to meet their 7th grandson! (There are no granddaughters yet on the Rosenberger side...) David loved seeing his other set of grandparents. It was fun to spend time with them in Nicaragua, where they know many people from the time they used to live here.

Together we enjoyed doing things like: going to Granada, helping Luke and other teachers at NCA, going to the beach for a special church service, swimming at Lago Xiloa, and eating quesillos out of a bag. David got to go to his one month check-up with Grandma. He also went to his first movie with her.

Grandma got to ride on the motorcycle with Daddy to school.

Getting to Know David

2011-08-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

David is 6 weeks old today! We are enjoying every moment with this little one and learning more about him every day. He is constantly changing but here are some things we've learned about David over these last 6 weeks.

He LIKES....

... car rides on bumpy roads

... swinging in the hammock (and being held by Daddy)

- sleeping with his hands up by his face ("touchdown")

Other Likes: sleeping, eating, Bella, his swing and bouncy seat, music, going on walks in his stroller (again on bumpy roads), baths, and more sleeping and more eating.

He does not like: when the car is turned off, waiting to eat, not being in constant motion.

More Newborn Pics

2011-08-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

Newborn Pictures

2011-08-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

These newborn pictures were taken by our friend, Bethany Bracht. She had already blessed us by taking pregnancy pictures two weeks before these.

In these pictures David is only 3 days old! Bethany had so much fun taking pictures of little David...she said that babies are the best to take pictures of when they are only days old because they are so easy to manouver into positions for great shots. Thanks again, Bethany, for these beautiful pictures!

Passport Pictures

2011-07-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

We needed to take passport size pictures of David in order to get his birth certificate. The hospital had named him "Bebe 1 (Uno) Rosenberger". Now he is officially David Luke Rosenberger. The regulations for the passport pictures are: eyes open, looking at camera, white background. We gave David a bath so he would be really alert and then did a photo shoot. Here are some of the "outtakes".

Grammie and GrandDad's Visit

2011-07-21T14:48:00.001-07:00

While David is the 7th grandchild (make that grandson!) on the Rosenberger side, he has made my parents, Glenn and Judy Stewart, first-time grandparents. Grammie and GrandDad came when David was four days old. They spent 10 days with us and loved every minute with their grandson.

We had a great time together, spending our days enjoying little David, resting at home, going to Doctor's appointments, trying out a new restaurant, playing games, going to the beach, and taking lots and lots of pictures of the baby. It was great having my parents around also because they helped so much with washing dishes, changing diapers, giving David baths, etc. This allowed me to rest a lot and for Luke and I to have some time together as well.

David loved being held by his Grammie and GrandDad. They would often call friends and relatives up on Skype so that they could see little David.

GrandDad giving David his first try of the Pacific Ocean.

David and his favorite sleeping position on Grammie!

Home from the Hospital

2011-07-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

We came home from the hospital the day after David was born. I loved our house before, but now that we have a baby it really feels like a HOME. :)

David had many visitors in the first few days at home (and also at the hospital). Some that are not pictured here were: Terri & Kellan, Chase & Julie, Thomas & Amanda, Anthony, Erika, Woughter's, VanderWees', Bethany, and Nelly.

Although we are missing our families at this joyous time, we are so thankful for the Nica Family that God has blessed us with here. Little David has many people around him that love him already!

Welcome to the World, David Luke!

2011-07-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

IT'S A BOY! Our son, David Luke Rosenberger, arrived on July 13 at 6:34 pm. He came 11 days early and we are thrilled he is here! He is a healthy and precious little boy! We praise God for a safe and quick delivery. We were at the hospital for four hours before he was born.

David weighed in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces and he is 19 inches long. He has blonde hair and looks very much like his Daddy. We did not find out if we were having a boy or a girl, so when the doctor said "Varoncito!" and Luke said “It’s a boy!” my immediate reaction was "Of course it's a boy!" At least 95% of people who made predictions said it would be a boy. David joins his 6 other boy cousins (still no girls yet on Luke's side!)

Here we are with our wonderful doctor -- Dr. Juan Carlos Avilez. We are so grateful for him!

Just wait, David...Daddy will make a football player out of you some day!

We love our little guy and are so thankful for his precious life. We can hardly believe he is here and we are just taking in every moment! I guess that papaya worked (or something did) and we are so glad for the timing of everything -- how awesome that Luke can soak up some great time with his son before going back to teaching in a few weeks! We are so excited and are thanking the Lord for this great blessing in our life!

More Belly Pics

2011-07-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Pictures

2011-07-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

Recently we had a photo session with one of our friends here in Nicaragua, Bethany Bracht. It was so much fun to take some pregnancy shots out in our backyard. Thanks, Bethany, for these beautiful pictures!

Waiting on baby...

2011-07-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

Now that we are getting closer and closer to the due date, Luke has been more anxious to meet his son or daughter. He's been researching about how to encourage the baby to come. One of the supposed tricks is eating lots of papaya (and other tropical fruit). So, the other day he bought this papaya and spent at least half an hour cutting it up! He's been making me papaya, banana, and pineapple smoothies every day! We'll see....

Painting the Baby Room

2011-07-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Since we are not finding out early whether our baby is a boy or a girl, we decided to go with neutral colors for the baby room: Dandelion Green, Happy Day Yellow, and Dandy Brown. It was fun working on it together and we were so thankful for the help of several friends as well.

Luke on top of the closet taping things up and getting ready for painting.

Our friend, Kate, was a huge help painting the baby room!

The tree was painted by our friend, Jennifer.

The before picture.

The after picture.

As Luke was setting up the crib he said "Wow, I've never owned such a nice piece of furniture! And it's in our baby room!" Ha ha! :) This baby is so blessed. Virtually everything in our baby room has been a gift from someone or a group of people or it has been purchased with "baby money" that we have been given. We are so thankful for a clean and homey space to welcome our baby.

Baby, we are all ready for you! You can come anytime now! :)

Getting Ready for Baby

2011-07-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Luke and I have been enjoying these weeks of being out of school but still at home in Nicaragua. We are thankful for the time to spend together and to prepare for the arrival of our baby! In the past few weeks we have accomplished a lot! From painting the baby room to making our final baby purchases (like: crib mattress, high chair, bath tub, mosquito net, etc) to organizing and cleaning our house. It feels good to be ready!

My Grandmommy and Granddaddy gave us money to buy a high chair for the baby!

Here is the beautiful crib that the parents of my preschool class SURPRISED us with at our baby shower in May! This baby is so blessed!

So excited to use this jogging stroller to get out on the less than smooth roads around here! :) Thanks Maggie, Jason, Judy and Dan for the money that paid for this stroller and car seat combo. Car seat is not pictured but Luke has already installed it in the car - he is ready!

More pictures to follow of the baby room...

Mark and Christine's Visit

2011-07-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

Luke's youngest two siblings, Mark and Christine, came to Nicaragua with their youth group from Radiant Christian Life. It was neat to see them serving along with other youth and adults that we knew on the trip. Luke was able to join the team at their worksite a few days and we both enjoyed eating some meals with the team and hanging out where they were staying.

After the group from Radiant returned to Indiana, Mark and Christine stayed with us for three more days. We enjoyed doing things like: visiting the Managua zoo (a first for Luke too!), going to the beach with Bella, swimming in a crater lake called Laguna de Apoyo, watching Transformers in 3D, going to Mercado Huembes again for Mark to buy even more soccer jerseys, eating beans and tortillas, and layering on aloe vera (ok, that part was not enjoyed!) It was really fun to have them stay with us at our house and to spend some more time with them.
We were also so thankful the Mark and Christine could bring down a stroller for us along with some other baby items and yummy food from the states. Thanks, Mark and Christine!

Our Dog Bella

2011-07-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

So, I figured that since this blog will soon be filled with pictures of our baby, I should post something about our dog, Bella. Luke and I love having a dog! We got Bella, a Weimaraner, when she was almost 1 year old. Now she is a little over 2 years old and in many ways still acts like a puppy. She is playful, energetic, affectionate, and actually does get separation anxiety if we leave her for too long!

Bella is a close proximity dog; she loves to be close to you or follow close behind you wherever you go. She likes giving kisses and getting her belly rubbed.

Even though she can't speak, Bella says plenty with her body language and eyes. She is a great companion. Bella loves to go on walks and runs. She is super interested in birds, small animals and insects, and babies/little kids. She absolutely loves the beach! It has been so much fun having her part of our family (or pack, according to how she views it as a dog!)

Recently, we have been preparing her for the new addition in our family. She knows not to go in the baby room. She has smelled all of the baby things that have been coming into the house. And Luke has been playing sounds of baby cries for her! We are looking forward to having our kid grow up with a dog around.

New Life

2011-07-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Nicaragua really only has two seasons: rainy and dry. After living here for six years now and growing up in Bolivia, I am used to not experiencing Fall and seeing leaves turn colors and fall from the trees.

However, a few months ago we noticed that one of the trees in our backyard lost all of its leaves! It was a strange sight!

It has been beautiful to see the tree slowly come to life again, starting with little buds and coming into full bloom.

Watching this tree sprout new leaves has made me think about the beauty of new life that we have in Christ. He has changed the old life into new, abundant life!

"O praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead."

It also reminds me of the new life that has been forming in me these last 8 plus months. God is so creative and so awesome in His power to form new life. How intricately we are made!

Preschool Memories

2011-06-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Smile!

All dressed up for Nicaraguan Independence Day

"Baby Rose" is very loved!

My class and their parents surprised me with a Baby Shower!

What we want to be when we grow up

Last Days in Preschool

2011-06-29T16:45:00.001-07:00

I have absolutely loved teaching preschool for the past three years. Although I am looking forward to being a mom, it was bitter sweet to say goodbye to my preschool class this year.

Some things I will miss:

.... listening to silly comments and questions

.... watching kids grow and mature

.... reading and singing with the students

.... seeing kids explore and learn

.... receiving daily hugs, smiles, and tummy rubs for "baby Rose"