After two days apart, we were all delighted when I came home from SC. I was so excited to fly back to TX that I woke up early Saturday morning, and even though I was tired, I didn’t sleep a wink on the plane. I could not wait to be back with Josh and Becca. Josh did a wonderful job taking care of Becca and managing our home so I didn’t have a lot of work to do to prepare for Sunday. He even made Becca’s weekly batch of sweet potatoes. We celebrated my return by taking a trip to the park.

My time in SC went well. I was able to attend BJU’s opera with Mom J and Rebekah Pringle. I was also able to see many friends at the surprise post-defense party my family planned for me. It was good to see many people who have been with me on this journey for the past 5+ years. The highlight of my trip was having breakfast with Mrs. Burch. It was wonderful to sit and talk with a godly older woman whose friendship I cherish.

In case you haven’t heard, I successfully defended my dissertation. We are thanking the Lord for answering so many prayers these past two years, as I’ve finished my classes and worked on my research. I was on the verge of tears all Friday night and Saturday, because it is such a relief to be finished. Lord willing, I’ll be walking in graduation with my youngest brother Joey (BA in Accounting) and sister-in-law Ashleigh (MBA). It will be exciting time for my family.

If you’re wondering what I’m doing with all my free-time . . . I haven’t noticed yet that I have “extra time.” Becca is keeping me busy with all sorts of activities and I have a list of things I need to do. Right now I’m enjoying my family and not having the pressure of dissertation deadlines. There has been talk of submitting a version of my research to a journal, but I’m waiting a little while before I start working on that.

Saturday Becca turns 16 months old. It’s hard to believe it’s been 69 weeks since her birth. She loves going outside. Josh is back teaching and working on his research. I’m very blessed to have both Josh and Becca as my family!

This morning I’m flying to SC for my dissertation defense (scheduled for tomorrow). Normally Friday afternoons are when Becca and I go to the park; in fact, when we were there last week, I realized that in exactly a week I would be in a very different setting (defending a dissertation is a bit different than playing at the park!). But you know what I’m going to do the Friday after my defense? Go to the park and play with Becca.

Defending (and, Lord willing, completing) my research are not going to make me a different person. There will be no noticeable change in me, accept the fact that I won’t have school work to do in my spare time. I’ll be delighted to be done and delighted to get back to taking care of my precious family. I appreciate your prayers for me as I defend Friday afternoon. The Lord has been so faithful in helping me work on my research.

This week, Josh is on spring break! We’ve enjoyed the extra time with him without the pressure of his having to prepare for and teach class. Tuesday afternoon we took Becca to the zoo. The zoo was packed with children on spring break. Becca really enjoyed seeing the animals, at least the ones she could see up close. (She wasn’t too impressed by the roaring lions — guess they weren’t close enough.) She was certainly worn out by her day at the zoo.

It’s been amazing to watch Becca progress in her walking ability. She is fast! It’s hard to believe that she’s only been walking a month. On Sunday she was walking all over the church building and didn’t seem to be concerned where she left her parents.

One of the things I’m trying to teach Becca is to have a happy, thankful heart. From the pictures on our blog, people might assume that Becca is always happy, and though she is a very happy baby, she still has her unhappy “gimmie” moments. Typically, when Becca is crying about not getting her own way I remind her to say thank you. It’s always neat to watch her stop and say “thank you,”  even when she’s still displeased about something. So in a little way, we’re planting the seed in Becca to be thankful and happy when things aren’t going her way.  A phrase that I’m saying a lot these days is “do you have a happy/thankful heart?” It’s also a phrase that I need to ask myself throughout the day.

Friday night we had dinner with René, Yani, and Amaris Rodriguez. We’re very thankful for René and Yani’s friendship. Yani took the girls down to the pond and Becca absolutely loved the ducks and swan. If it weren’t for the metal bars, Becca would have jumped in with the ducks. She wasn’t even afraid when the swan was nipping at her.

Becca’s new toy is our recycle bin. She fits perfectly in it and loves being zoomed around the floor in her own little vehicle. It’s cute to hear her squeal as we race through our rooms with it. Oh and if you haven’t noticed, Becca had her first little haircut this weekend. I cut her bangs back so she doesn’t have to deal with hair getting into her eyes.

On Friday, Josh presented a poster at the 18th Annual University of Texas at Arlington Student Conference in Linguistics and TESOL. His poster presentation won an award. Josh also participated on the grants panel. Speaking of grants, Josh just found out that he’s been awarded an NSF Dissertation Improvement Grant for his project entitled “Doctoral Dissertation Research: Clauses and Clause Types in Jarai.” The money from the grant will help pay Josh’s Jarai consultants and other research expenses. Becca and I are very proud of Josh, and we’re very thankful for the Lord provision for Josh’s research.

I continue to prepare for my defense next week. I haven’t had a lot of time, since Becca has decided to take really short naps this week. She must know that her mommy is leaving her next week and wants to cash in on extra time with me! I’m looking forward to being finished and not having my research hanging over my head.

Four years ago today, my precious husband asked me to officially date him. I was wild with excitement to be Joshua Jensen’s girlfriend — what could be better than that?! I’ll tell you what’s better…being Joshua Jensen’s wife. I love being married to my darling man. Thank you so much, Josh, for asking me to date you and for continuing to date me into marriage. I adore you!

(If you’re looking for pictures of Becca, see today’s first post.)

A few weeks ago I was introduced to a song by Andrew Peterson, Planting Trees, in which he compares raising children to the process of planting a tree.

We chose the spot, we dug the hole
We laid the maples in the ground to have and hold
As Autumn falls to Winters sleep
We pray that somehow in the Spring
The roots grow deep

And many years from now
Long after we are gone
These trees will spread their branches out
And bless the dawn

At 15 months, we are in the very early stages of planting our sweet little tree. Even in this early stage when cultivation may not seem as important, we still want the ways we interact with Becca to provide her a lifelong pattern of loving Jesus. I’ll admit, as a mom, I worry about being a Christ-like example for Becca with my words, actions, and attitudes. I desire her to see Christ in me and don’t want my sin to be a stumbling block to her.

My prayer is that I will continue to grow in Christ, so I can show Becca Christ in my life.You might wonder, how can a 15-month-old see Christ in her mommy? Here’s just a few ways I’ve come up with: the ways I interact with Josh, the ways I consistently enforce the expectations we have for Becca, the ways I praise Becca for doing good, the ways I show patience toward Becca, and the ways I speak to Becca. It is my prayer that we will be faithful in planting our little tree so she grow to bless others with the love of Christ.

Of course, trees grow in stature. Becca had a great doctor’s appointment this week (see previous blog post for stats). Though she eats a lot (evidenced by how much food I make and freeze for her every week), she is our cute petite girl. She fits into a set of 3-month Carter onesies her Aunt Ashleigh just sent her, and she’s getting good use out of all her 6-month clothing.

We’ve been enjoying the weather. Becca and I usually go outside for about an hour each day. Becca’s new favorite outside activity is throwing things into the little creek that runs near our apartments. She is very eager to pick up sticks, leaves, tennis balls, etc and then “run” down to the creek to throw them in. When we’re inside, Becca enjoys discovering new things in our little home.

Becca started using her potty this week. I thought we would just practice sitting on it, but Becca knows exactly what to do. Though we’re not officially potty-training yet, we’re having fun using the potty multiple times a day. And it saves me from cleaning up messy diapers.

Two weeks from tomorrow I defend my research. I appreciate your prayers as I prepare for my defense.

Becca had her 15 month check-up today. Except for being small for her real (15 months) and adjusted (12 months) ages, the doctor gave Becca a glowing report on developmental progress! Just thought we’d share Becca’s current stats. (I’m giving the percentiles for 12 months, since her weight and height are nonexistent in the charts for a 15 month old.)

Weight: 18.5lbs. (12% for 12 months)

Length: 27.5in.(7% for 12 months)

Head Circumference: 47cm. (95% for 12 months)

Wednesday morning, 5AM — the cries of Becca-Bear bring me to consciousness. It’s too early for her to be awake, besides the fact that I haven’t slept well all night. Maybe she’ll go back to sleep…wait…wait…wait…I don’t think so. I get out of bed and rescue Becca from her “prison”; perhaps she’ll fall back to sleep. She does, but only in my arms and certainly not when I lie her back in her bed.

I pick Becca up again and take her to our living room. For awhile she sleeps while I hold her on the couch. Then she refuses to sleep unless I’m standing. I’m tired, but as I hold our little girl, I reflect that these are precious moments that are fleeting. Before I know it, little Becca-Bear will be too big to hold and too old to need her mommy in the night. All precious moments — even the tiring ones — need to be enjoyed and savored before they’re only a distant memory.

On Friday, February 18th, Becca took her first steps, and since then she’s been progressing in her walking. She is very proud of herself and appears to think running is far better than walking. I’m very thankful we have carpet, since Becca has fallen several times and smacked her head on the floor. But when she falls, she gets back up and tries again.

Becca has her first official “help-mommy” job. She has been doing a excellent job taking her dry diapers out of the dryer for me. It’s so cute to watch her “help.” Speaking of help, in January we received a neat gift from Uncle Jon and Aunt Ashleigh — a diaper sprayer. It hooks up to the toilet and works really well cleaning Becca’s messy diapers. I highly suggest it for anyone who is using cloth diapers!

Becca got a special box from Uncle Jon and Aunt Ashleigh on Tuesday. Aunt Ashleigh sent us all sorts of treats she found at Greenville’s Switcheroos’ Consignment Sale. Becca loves her new book and bugs and we’re looking forward to getting lots of use out of the clothes and shoes. Mommy even got some new clothes. Thanks, J&A!

Josh continues to work on his research. He gathers data twice a week. On Fridays he Skypes with a consultant Lubbock, TX, and on Saturdays he drives about 20 minutes away to meet with another consultant. We’ve very thankful the Lord has provided these two men for Josh to work with. I continue to have a blast watching Becca, and I work on my dissertation when she’s sleeping. Being a mommy is the second best thing in the world, just after to being Josh’s wife. I’ve very thankful for the roles God has given me, and I’m enjoying the precious moments I have with Josh and Becca.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my #1 Valentine! Thank you so much for loving me and for being such a  wonderful, loving husband. Thank you for the delicious Valentine’s Day meal you made me yesterday. You are so sweet! I am blessed every day by you! I love you with all my heart!

Happy Valentine’s Day to our #2 Valentine! Becca you are our sweet gift from God! We love you so much, Becca-bear!

Today marks one year since Becca came home from the hospital. She’s come a long way from those first days we had her home with us. Now instead of spending most of the day feeding Becca and making sure she gets her medications on time, we fill our time with playing “where’s Flopsie?” and learning how to put markers back in their box.

Thursday night we were all awakened by the apartment fire alarm system. We stumbled out of bed and made our way outside and then sat in the car until the firemen said everyone could return to their apartments. It was a false alarm, apparently (or at least, no worse than someone overcooking their midnight snack). Becca slept through the first part of the alarm, and once she came out of a daze, she was quite happy to enjoy the excitement.We had enough snow on Friday to take Becca out sledding. She enjoyed her rides down the little hill, and we enjoyed our time outside in the snow. Saturday Becca was sick all day with a fever. It was very similar to her one-day fever during the Christmas holidays. It turns out that she has another tooth popping through, and I think I can safely say that both fevers were related to teething.

Looking over the past year, it’s been neat to remember the many ways the Lord has answered our prayers concerning Becca. Thank you so much for praying for our little girl. She is truly God’s gift to us, and each day with her is a treasure.

We’ve enjoyed a variety of weather this week. Over the weekend it was sunny and warm. We enjoyed the extra time being outside. Becca didn’t like walking in the grass, but she did enjoy crawling on the sidewalk. She was a little hesitant about the stones, but they didn’t stop her from moving right along.

Then, on Tuesday morning we woke up to an icy world. There was a dusting of snow on top of the ice, and it was great for sliding and slipping on. Since Tuesday the temperatures have been in the teens and twenties, so the ice hasn’t had a chance to melt. The UTA campus has been shut down, and had rolling blackouts on Wednesday.

Becca continues to be lots of fun. She now consistently says two words: “d-yes” which means “yes”; “gen – gen” which means “again.”  It’s really cute to hear her ask for something “gen-gen!” Becca also has started kissing us; she opens she mouth wide and presses it against our cheeks. She also kisses pictures in her books. It’s funny to watch her head go down multiple times as she kisses certain pictures.

Becca’s newest skill is picking out and bringing books to me so I can read them to her. We spend a lot of time each day reading books. And now that she knows how to say “gen- gen,” we read some books multiple times in a row!

As you can see from the picture, Josh and I continue to work diligently on our degrees! We appreciate your prayers as I work toward meeting my major deadline. I have to defend by April 1 in order to graduate this May.

In case you think we’ve stopped counting Becca’s week birthdays, we haven’t! Today we’re celebrating Becca’s 61-week birthday. Last year at this time Becca celebrated her 9-week birthday by moving from of her plastic bin to a real crib. Now Becca celebrates by climbing in and out of bins, emptying bins, and putting things in bins.

This week we decided to give Becca her Christmas present. I know Christmas was two months ago, but Becca had many new things her occupied without adding another gift. Becca is now enjoying her Noah’s ark with all the animals. Grandpa and Grandma J bought her some extra animals for the ark.

Friday night Becca went to her first little girls’ birthday party. We celebrated Amaris’ 1st birthday with some families from our church. Becca enjoyed being with the other kids, and she loved the chocolate cake. In preparation for the part, Becca drew some art on our homemade birthday card.

Speaking of birthday parties, Yani (Amaris’ mom) planned a little surprise party for Becca’ 1st birthday at a church fellowship back in November.  I didn’t have our camera with me, but I was able to get some pictures from Yani (see pictures on the left).

Happy Birthday to our most faithful blog reader and commenter. We love you!

At the beginning of this week, Josh and I enjoyed our 3rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day getaway. We had decided to skip the hotel this year and just do something at home. What Josh didn’t know is that I was planning a surprise getaway. In December, my sister-in-law Ashleigh offered us a night in a hotel, and that’s when I decided to surprise Josh. (She told me about it, but not him.)

So, without Josh knowing, I packed up everything, loaded the car, and then escorted him to the car. I love surprising Josh, but it’s hard to do, especially when I’m dying to tell him what the surprise is. The surprise was a success! The hotel was perfect. Our room was a King Suite, so Becca got her own room (which was a big plus). We enjoyed playing with Becca and eating pizza — compliments of Caroline and David — for supper (Becca loved the pizza!).

Our stay included a special breakfast that was great, and since we didn’t have to checkout until noon, we were able to enjoy the indoor pool as well. Becca wasn’t sure about the pool at first, but once she decided it was safe, she loved it! We had a great time, and it was so nice to get away and relax.

Josh’s semester started on Tuesday. He’s teaching one class — Grammar and Morphology — and working as the web/lab assistant, and he’ll be collecting data and writing for his dissertation. I continue to work on my paper and wait for my committee to get back to me. Right now, the progress of my paper is in the hands of my committee members.

Becca continues to grow, learn, and explore. She has learned a hand sign for “please.” It’s so cute to see her use it when I ask her if she wants something. Becca has four top teeth coming in, and has also made good progress in walking with a baby stroller and standing on her own. She’ll be walking on her own very soon.

After our Christmas in PA, we drove with my brother Jon and his wife, Ashleigh, to SC for our second Christmas. We are very thankful for their willingness to let us tag along with them for the trip. While down south we got together with both sides of Josh’s family. We also celebrated Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Jensen’s 60th Wedding Anniversary. It was great seeing everyone.

We visited my friend Mr. Leo West. It was good to see him and spend a little time together. While in SC, Becca had a sick day. She had a fever, took extra naps, and wanted to be held most of the day.

We enjoyed our time at Dad and Mom Jensen’s and Becca enjoyed meeting and playing with her cousin, Bella. On our way back to TX, we caught the beginning of the Martin Christmas gathering which was at Great Grandma Martin’s house. It was the first time for all three great granddaughters to be with their Great Grandma.

We arrived back in TX on New Year’s Eve and celebrated our 3rd Christmas at home in TX. Becca was very proud of the present she made for Josh. We’re now back into the swing of things. Josh went to Pittsburgh for 4 days to present a paper at the Linguistic Society of America, and I continue to work toward my dissertation deadlines.

On December 17th we left for a two-week trip to visit both our families in PA and SC. This week we’ll share some pictures from our trip to PA, and next week we’ll share some from SC. We had a wonderful time visiting my family in PA. It was the biggest Sutter gathering yet: the first time for both Dan’s wife Isabelle and Becca to be with the rest of the family (all at once).

Our schedule was packed full while in PA. With a house full of 13 people, there was lots of cooking to do and dishes to wash. We had family photos taken, went snow tubing, went bowling, celebrated Hanukkah, and visited Santa’s mother-in-law’s home. Among all the activities, we were able to squeeze a trip in to visit Grandma Sutter and Uncle John. It was great to be together and we enjoyed seeing my siblings and my sisters-in-laws.

A very happy New Year from Becca-Bear! When I asked Becca what’s been the best thing about 2010, she had one thing to say: “being at home with Daddy and Mommy!” We’ve had a wonderful year of watching our little girl grow from a  very tiny baby to a beautiful, very energetic one-year-old.

The best thing about 2010 for me has been having another year with my husband and being a mommy. I’m very thankful for my wonderful husband and for the blessing he is to me each day of the year. I’m blessed to be a mommy and to spend each day at home with my family.

We’re looking forward to 2011 and all the wonderful blessings God has in store for us. Happy New Year!

Today is Becca’s 56-week birthday! Saturday will be her second Christmas, but it will be her first Christmas to spend all day with Daddy and Mommy, instead of being at the hospital. We are so delighted with God’s gift of our daughter Becca. Josh is finished with his semester. Both Becca and I are glad to have some extra time with him during Christmas. (Becca was generous enough to proofread Josh’s final paper to help him finish up faster!)

We’ve been enjoying some of Arlington’s Christmas activities. One Friday afternoon, we took a trip to Home Depot and enjoyed looking around. Becca loved riding in the cart. Another Saturday evening, we enjoyed (and froze) watching the Arlington downtown Christmas parade. Becca enjoyed most of it.

Another evening we had dinner at Chick-Fil-A and then walked downtown and looked at some window displays. Becca did not like the moving Santa doll and was amazed by the giant nutcracker. We enjoyed the warm evening weather. A big change from the night of the parade.

I’m currently under a deadline with my dissertation. My prospectus was approved the week of Thanksgiving. And now I’m trying to get an entire draft of the paper written by January 15th. I would appreciate your prayers as I try to meet this deadline during a busy time of year.

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

In November, my sister Emily visited us for a week. It took a little while for Becca to warm up to her aunt, but they soon before good friends, and Becca enjoyed laughing at her crazy Aunt Emily. While Emily has here, we went to quite a few things in the area. I think I saw more of Dallas and Fort Worth in the week Emily was here than I have in our previous two-and-a-half years of living in Texas.

Saturday night we went to a rodeo. I don’t think Josh or I will ever be tempted to enter into a rodeo event, even if we’re low on cash. The bull riding looked painful and the other events looked complicated. And you only get one chance at trying to rope the poor little (feisty) calf. Becca didn’t go to the rodeo, but she does enjoy playing with her nativity.

Emily was a great help while she was here. She helped make baby food, she babysat Becca twice when we had to go out, she helped clean Becca’s bed, she washed my kitchen floor (without being asked), she made Becca’s birthday cake, she helped us put up our Christmas decorations, she washed lots of dishes, and she did many other things. The last night she was here, she even scrubbed our bathtub – that was a nice surprise to step into. We’ll see if we can talk Emily into coming again next year. Thanks, Em!

Two more presents arrived for Becca after the official celebrations. My brother Joey sent her a “I <3 BJU” outfit. And my brother Sam and his wife sent her  a Yankee’s outfit and a Mets outfit. I’m not sure if she can wears those down here in Texas Ranger country.

Today is the 4-year anniversary of our first date. I was really excited when Josh asked me out and was hoping it would go well. When I got an email from him a few hours after our date, I decided that I hadn’t scared him away. I was thrilled when he asked me out again…and that he’s now my date for life. I love you, my sweet husband. Thanks so much for asking me out!

On another note, since my miscarriage we’ve received a lot of mail from Dover, Pa – thanks fam.

We had a wonderful time celebrating Becca’s 1st birthday. Becca now weighs 16lbs. and 5oz. and is 27 and 1/4 inches long. She’s come a long ways from her original weight of 2lbs 0.8oz!

During the afternoon of Becca’s birthday we went to see some sights in Dallas. We visited the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. They have a two-story model railroad. It was quite impressive. Next we visited the Pioneer Plaza Cattle Drive in downtown Dallas, featuring bronze bovines.

Our next stop was the State Fairgrounds. We didn’t stay for long, but it was neat to see the area. We got home in enough time for Becca to take a short nap so that she wouldn’t be too cranky for her birthday celebration. Josh and Emily decorated the room, while Becca and I waited in the bedroom. Becca and Mommy enjoyed all the decorations.

At first, Becca wasn’t too sure what to make of her birthday cake. After some tentative fingering, she enjoyed pulling the entire cupcake apart. And eventually she put some in her mouth. After she “finished” her cake, we gave her some homemade sweet potato pie, which she loves.

Becca also enjoyed playing with all her packages, in addition to the gifts themselves. A big hit was her magnetic letters. She loves pulling them off our front door and fridge and carrying them around the apartment. The other day she brought me the “O”. We’re all enjoying spelling words and making new words.

One of the highlights of Becca’s birthday was visiting the NICU. We kept Becca up late so we could see the nurses on night shift. We were very happy to see many of our nurses, and I think they were pleased to see Becca. We continue to thank God for His hand on Becca’s life. Thank you for all your prayers for her over this past year.

Since my photographer sister was here this past week, we have loads of pictures to share with you all. I’ve decided to do spread them out over the next few weeks. Today we’ll have pictures of Thanksgiving, next week we’ll showcase Becca’s birthday, and then maybe the next week we’ll showcase Emily’s visit.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving evening with Emily, and René, Yani, and Amaris Rodriguez. It was good to get together with them for the evening. We have so much to be thankful for. Becca especially enjoyed the sweet potato pie that Josh made.

On a somber note, our Thanksgiving did not turn out exactly as I had hoped. We spent Thanksgiving morning in the emergency room as my body began the process of miscarrying our second child. I was about 12 weeks pregnant, but the ultrasound at the emergency room showed a 6-week baby and no heartbeat was found. Yesterday, the doctor confirmed that my body is preparing to have a miscarriage. We appreciate your prayers for us. Children are a true gift from the Lord, and we are very grateful for His gift of our dear sweet Becca to us.