Our Sobia

A sobia is a fuel-burning stove that heats the room. We moved into an apartment that was "ready" for a sobia in the living room and in Joshua's room, meaning that there were already holes in the walls and pipes outside the house to carry the smoke away. I had no idea what a blessing this was until several weeks ago when we finally broke down and purchased one for our living room. It only took a couple of days for us to realize it was totally worth it to purchase one for Joshua's room as well. Ever since we got these wonderful sources of heat that do not require electricity, I have enjoyed winter so much more! Today it is back in the 40s, and I am actually enjoying the cold. During Joshua's nap, I sat in the living room next to the stove and felt thankful that we don't have central heating here. David recently pointed out that in many ways, where we are now is a lot like we imagine America might have been 60 years ago.

Pediatric Protocol

Joshua has been sick for about a week out of every month since he was born. I am not sure if this is normal, but what seems even less normal is what we do when he is sick:

1. call the pediatrician


2. tell him symptoms


3. start giving Joshua medicine


4. if he doesn't get better, THEN the doctor will see him!

He has always gotten better before a visit, but my maternal preference would be for the doctor to check him before prescribing medicine!

Electicity Adventures

So you may or may not know that we have 8-12 hours of electricity during each 24-hour period. That sounds terrible, but we also have a huge battery that will power lights and fans for the hours in between. We have a gas oven and stove, so we have just learned how to plan showers, laundry, and microwave use... oh, and making coffee!! Anyway, we have been really blessed the last couple of days to have power during most of the day. Our theory is that it is because the weather has been very mild for winter, and they are using power tools downstairs at the store. We have heard that you can request extra power for special occasions, but I am not sure how that works! It has been nice to have extra electricity, but the lights blink constantly with the pulsing of the tools downstairs. Oh well!

Sick Baby!:-(

Joshua finally caught David's terrible cough; I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. People can be pitiful when they are sick, but it is absolutely terrible to be around a sick baby. It makes it worse when I can tell Joshua is trying to be happy, but he can hardly stop coughing! He is a sweet little boy, whether he is sick or well.

We went to visit some friends and their new baby yesterday, and I felt like we had never had a newborn baby! Joshua was nearly 3 pounds heavier than this little bitty cutie, and his head must have been twice as large! I have such a deeper revelation and appreciation for the miracle of life, healthy pregnancy and delivery. Praise God who is the author and giver of such abundant life!

Inspired to blog

I never thought I would be interested in blogging. Who would really want to read what I type about life? I have recently been inspired as I have enjoyed reading the blogs of a few friends. So we will give this a try for those friends and family that we never get to see!