It’s been a while since I posted on how Imanuel’s been doing (as far as growth and development).  My friends keep asking me if he’s walking yet.  Trust me, if he was, the whole world would know.  That’s been the biggest challenge for now…

The exciting news is that Imanuel has really taken a liking to signing.  It all started way back, when he learned how to open and close his fists (by imitation).  Then, we decided to attach meaning to that, so Imanuel learned that to be “come please”.  He used to start crying when he wanted us to come get him from his crib or playard, but once he learned that if he did that sign, we would come, he started doing that instead of crying.  Then, we noticed that Imanuel was starting to get very impatient with the pace of food going into his mouth.  This was a few months back when I wasn’t giving him as much finger food.  So, we taught him the sign for “more”.  Then he learned that if he wants more food, all he has to do is sign it.  He also knows that if he cries, he doesn’t get more food. 

I remember when I was pregnant, reading about the hype of “baby sign”.  At first I thought I wanted to do it all the way, more or less as an experiment.  Then, I read that baby sign could delay a child’s verbal speaking.  Then, I thought that maybe I could keep up with his signs so Imanuel would grow up and ASL could be his second (or third, or fourth) language!  Then, I realized that I don’t have the time & energy to teach him.  Anyhow, I think I’ve found a happy medium.  I’ve decided to only teach Imanuel signs that help him communicate things he wants/needs replacing crying/screaming to get his way.  I also want him to learn polite words to help him learn proper manners.  It’s really been a hit.  I think he just loves the novelty of signing as a form of communication.  It has also amazing relieved a lot of frustration on his end. 

Here are the words he knows in the order he learned them:
– come
– more
– hi/bye
– give to me
– food/eat (it’s the same sign)
– thank you
– all done
– please

Currently, I’m trying to teach him:
– drink
– sleep/sleepy
– I’m sorry (because he’s taken a liking to pulling out Aroe’s fur AND occassionaly hitting Bentley- for fun)
– and something for messy diaper

We made up a couple of the signs (simplified for baby), but for the rest of the words, Imanuel actually learned the words in ASL (American Sign Language).  We didn’t buy a “baby sign” kit.  I use this great website in case I don’t know how to sign the word: 
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/Sites/aslweb/browser.htm

It’s been really amazing to see him eventually initiate communication using his new “language”.  If he gets hungry, he’ll look at one of us and sign “eat” and “more”.   Or most recently, if he’ll be playing and if he needs help, he’ll do the sign for “please” and “more”.  “More” basically goes in every sentence.  Whereas, “thank you” and “please” are the ones I need to remind him the most to say.  I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

Over all, though, I’m really understanding the challenge of making sure there is “harmonious development of every faculty”- mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual – in Imanuel’s young life.  It seems like along with the success of his signs, his temper starts flaming, or when he’s gotten over a sickness, he suddenly gets super-attached to me.  It’s a juggling act trying to build up every area, especially the weak points.  But, that’s our seemingly impossible job.  My only consolation is that God is able and willing to help us succeed.  As a parent, that means so much.  Well, I’m going to end here.  Good night.         

This year’s C.A.M.P.U.S. missionaries – Jose, Sikhu, Esther, Valmy, Hanna, Louise, and Nasi – and Justin, the program director came up to our place after the winter retreat at Camp Au Sable.  Israel taught them a class for the week.  Our house was PACKED to say the least.  Jose and Valmy stayed in our guest room, Jen and I stayed in our room, (yes, Jen was there as a result of the most ridiculous thing Israel’s ever done in his whole life and never ever will do again…), Imanuel got to stay in his room by himself , Justin K. and Israel stayed in the living room, and the rest of the girls stayed in the basement and guest room in the basement.  A total of 12 people, 1 dog, 2 cats, and our fish.  It really was a lot of fun!  Jen, Justin, the baby and  I left on Wednesday morning, so I can’t really speak on the rest of the week, but for the time I was there, it was great.   Israel taught the class in the basement every morning and afternoon and for the rest of the time, we did some “team-building” activities such as building an official snow shelter, making pasties (they’ve become honorary yoopers), going shopping at Walmart, and preparing and participating in “Iron Chef” competitions during the week, and sledding. 

(IR is writing now)

Part of the course dealt with integrating public campus ministry into the local church.  The missionaries did a great job at helping our churches out.  We started our prayer meeting service at the L’Anse church, hosted a dinner for Greenland and L’Anse, and had the Church services.

Valmy and Jose were the preachers.  Sikhu, Louise, and Hana did Sabbath School.  The rest also helped out.

On Saturday night, there was a surprise “party” for me.  It was a couple of days before my b-day so I was actually surprised!  Louise cooked some of my favorite Korean food and my favorite dessert: cheesecake!  Alanna rented a snowmobile for me (I think others participated in that too…thanks guys!)
 

The road to the shelters.  Props to Valmy who actually worked on them till the task was finished!  (Everyone else stopped!)

This is our North Face advertisment…”Never stop exploring”

Nasi is the architect, Jose is experiencing the affects of a womanistic society.

Jose got mad and reversed the roles.  We’re still wondering if Hana can see with the hat covering her eyes.

No commentoes

Since they didn’t finish, Valmy, Pastor Ilko from Marquette, and I went to finish them up (We’re covering up the entrance to keep the heat in).  Why is Jen there?  She came at the end for the pic, I guess.
(Although she was part of the first shelter team: Jen, Joey (boyscout from Houghton church), and Ironman…I mean Israel)

The original shelter…more than six feet tall.

Justin trying to get in
If you put a candle and a couple of people, the inside temp can get up to 70

Valmy looking at his work well done

Hana about to feed Manu

Iron Chefs Nasi and Jose (beat Iron Chef Justin and Sikhu)

Rice was the secret ingredient–(from left around the circle: Rice stuffed tomatoes, Rice flour tempura veggies, Rice balls, Brown rice, Rice stuffed Cabbage, Rice I don’t know what, more Rice I don’t know what, and sweet sticky rice with mango.)

Judges: Valmy, Moo-Moo, and guest star Pastor Ilko

Iron Chef Battle TOFU (sponsored by Meijer Clear Plastic Food Wrap)

Judges: Judge Judy, Justin Kim, Nasi, IR is the chairman

Iron Chef spectators watching the judges taste the food

And now it’s just us.

IR celebrating b-day gift snowmobiling with Daniel Mendez (Photo by Daniel Mendez) <—Have to put that down to avoid legal charges from these photographers

I just read from Al’s xanga that there has been a major pet food recall!

http://www.menufoods.com/recall/

Here’s the story: 
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/17/petfood.recall.ap/index.html

I’m somewhat relieved because although we give our pets (cats & dog) Iams AND we do purchase them at Walmart, we only give them dry food.  The recall is on cans & pouches of wet food.  Please take note pet owners!  It can be fatal!  (Maybe all those rumors about Proctor & Gamble ARE true…)

This week, I’ve been reading the book Child Guidance where the author, Ellen White, talks about teaching children reverence for the things of God.  It’s been very convicting because I realize that in order for me to teach Imanuel how to be reverent, I have to be reverent.  There are several things that she mentions we should teach our children to reverence – God’s name, God’s Word, God’s day – but the two that struck me the most were:
1.  God’s ministers (and I doubt this excludes if you’re married to one) and
2.  God’s house (or any physical building/room where He is worshipped)

1.  “They [children] are seldom instructed that the minister is God’s ambassador, that the message he brings is one of God’s appointed agencies in the salvation of souls, and that to all who have the privilege brought within their reach, it will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death.”
“Parents, be careful what example and what ideas you give your children….  In regard to the service of the sanctuary, if the speaker has a blemish, be afraid to mention it.  Talk only of the good work he is doing, of the good ideas he presented, which you should heed as coming through God’s agent.  It may be readily seen why children are so little impressed with the ministry of the Word, and why they have so little reverence for the house of God.”

2.  “Parents, elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children;  …teach them to have the highest reverence for the house of God and to understand that when they enter the Lord’s house, it should be with hearts that are softened and subdued by such thoughts as these: “God is here; this is His house.  I must have pure thoughts and the holiest motives.  I must have no pride, envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, or deception in my heart; for I am coming into the presence of the holy God.  This is the place where God meets with and blesses His people.  The high and holy One who inhabiteth eternity looks upon me, searches my heart, and reads the most secret thoughts and acts of my life.”

I pray that this will be my experience starting from tomorrow’s worship service – that I will give God the highest reverence for His appointed ministers, for His house, and teach my children to do the same.

   
[Thanks, Daniel for the pics!]

Imanuel had a small birthday party with his little friends in Ann Arbor before we drove up back home.  Israel was in Lansing for a New in Ministry meeting, but he and Uncle David drove over for the evening.  It was quite last-minute, but we decided it would be nice for Imanuel to spend SOME time with his buddies since any chance he gets to play with kids his age is rare.  (We also wanted to see his buddies’ parents too!)  We had the get-together at the Mendezes’ house.  Grandma and Grandpa Namm sponsored this get-together by helping prepare the food and buying everything needed for the party.  Thank you!  The theme was Korean-Mexican with Qdoba burritos, chips & salsa, kim-bop, mandoo, fresh fruit, and cake!  It was yummy…

Imanuel’s Grandpa made the sign with his name!  It’s so special that we’re planning on using it for his birthdays to come. 

the birthday boy ready to eat!

— his friends from birth–

Juan, 20 months

Judy, 4 years

Justine, 15 months

AND, “Israelita” (as Israel likes to call her), -7 months…she’s still baking in Kerri’s oven.

Uncle Justin agreed to help with security and decorations.  He got Uncle John to help him after bribbing him with the free food.  Thank you for coming guys!  We’re glad you didn’t have to break up any fights.

His birthday “cake”!  vegan strawberry cupcakes

Uncle Daniel practicing for the near future…

Kleinsters, us, and Juan (our host)

a head elder and two pastors 

Juan “laying hands” on Imanuel.  They’re playing church. 

— at home (in Novi) —

Snoop,
my parents’ cat (that used to be my sister’s cat).  He ate one of
Imanuel’s friends (a bunny rabbit) while we were at home.  That just
happens to be Imanuel’s favorite song too -“…Hop, Hop, Hop, Goes the
Bunny Rabbit…”.  He loves dancing to it.

My parents bought Imanuel a fancy little potty seat for his birthday.  My dad made the potty seat so fun that Imanuel actually loves sitting on it!

He claps and laughs every time he sits on it.  (He still does now!)  They also took hours to design and sew a potty seat cover so it wouldn’t be so hard when Imanuel sits on it bare-bottom.  Imanuel says, “Thank you!  I can’t wait to be potty-trained!”  (Okay, maybe we put those words in his mouth…)

This vacation Imanuel got to spend so much time with both sets of grandparents.  What a blessing!

We just got home this past Thursday after coming back from Mexico for a week and then spending a few days at my parents’ while Israel had New in Ministry meetings in Lansing.  We went on a vacation with Israel’s parents to Cancun from Israel’s birthday (Feb. 26) until the day after Imanuel’s birthday (Mar. 4).  (We didn’t have Internet or phone access so we weren’t able to wish Kelly a happy birthday on the 2nd!)  It was the first vacation (not including visiting family/friends) that we had taken as a family and it was our first international one too.  A new law was passed stating that from January 2007, babies would need to have a passport to travel internationally (-Thanks, Melinda for the tip!!!) so thankfully we got Imanuel his passport on time so we could actually go!  The weather was beautiful, the view was breath-taking, and the time spent was very relaxing…except for when Imanuel got sick.  It’s a long story, so I won’t go into any more details.  The food there was great.  Fruit there was particularly delicious.  It was a nice time…but we are also very glad to be home.  We’re realizing that when you have a baby, there’s no place like home! 

Anyhow, here are some pics from our memorable trip.  The best part was that Imanuel was able to spend so much time with “La La” (Abuela), and “Ito” (Abuelito)!

the view of the ocean from our hotel balcony

no comment

hanging out with Abuelo

walking along the beach

taking a swim in the swimming pool!  IA’s first!

Imanuel loved splashing in the water the most.

— Our Trip to Tulum & Xel-Ha —

Mayan Ruins (and can you spot the camouflaged iguana?)

Iguanas were all over Cancun!

getting Sabbath rest at the beach

eating yummy mangoes!  another IA first and he loved them!

Abuelo shaved his mustache just so it wouldn’t scratch Imanuel’s face when he gave him kisses.  That was very sweet. 

— Imanuel’s Birthday! —

after one of many sunscreen applications…he’s ready to go swimming!

brunch at the poolside

right after he smeared his birthday flan

his first taste of flan!

and he did not like it!  he actually gagged.

taking a swim with Abuelo

a picture on the balcony

Ramos men in the hotel lobby

Imanuel’s Abuelo and Abuela!

“Thank you for making my birthday so memorable!”

Today is Imanuel’s first birthday!  He is one year old.  Wow, it is very hard to believe how quickly time can fly by.  Below we’ve posted a few sneak-peak pics of what we did to celebrate.  Can you guess where we are right now?    The full post will come soon.

It’s been a while since we’ve updated, but so many fun and exciting things have happened since winter carnival!  We want to blog our many adventures so hopefully within the next couple weeks, we will find time to do that.

Lots more to come from this past week…

Today was the first official day of the 2007 Winter Carnival here in Houghton, MI and we braved the cold to see the snow masterpieces.  The students (mainly fraternities/sororities) at Michigan Tech University (MTU) form teams to compete in this annual contest to create the best snow sculpture using only snow and water.  This year’s theme was “Ancient Times” and the sculptures were AMAZING.  Now we understand why people come from all over to see them!

One of a few renditions of the Trojan Horse – it seemed to be a popular theme.

I think this guy was either supposed to be sleeping or injured…next to the Trojan Horse.

Israel and Imanuel trying to get warm inside one of the Tech buildings.

The Sphinx

Even the letters written have to be made of ice (except they can color them).

Cold baby

Ancient Babylon – We all think this one was the winner.  It was beautiful!

 
 The left side of the temple – (pictures don’t do it justice!)

A picture of the little bridge out in front

A small Japanese river (I think this was done by the Asian frat.)

There were some crazy frat boys who were running through campus in
their boxers.  I guess this is how they celebrate winter carnival up
here…so I took pictures.

Mayan building

In the ice pillars on top, they actually put lights inside so they shine at night.

Alanna & Imanuel walking the streets of Houghton

Nordic soldiers at war.  We thought this one was second best.

Their boat with ice oars.

All of their swords were made of ice too!

Just for Israel – This is what the hispanic students at Tech made.  HAHA!   Alanna, Idaliza and Andy helped with this one so I probably shouldn’t laugh…but I’m sure after giving up, they were laughing too.  Imanuel definitely identified with his Korean side at this site. 


Some frozen fruit.  Smoothies, anyone? 


A mini Atlas

One of the few sculptures that was Imanuel’s size

We dropped Israel off early go to the airport (E-com retreat in CA) so he wasn’t able to see all of them.  Actually, we didn’t either because the baby started getting really fussy.  Alanna told me that there’s a really nice chinese sculpture that she saw over in Hancock where she lives.  We may go again to see the rest of them.  Hopefully it’ll stay cold enough for the sculptures to stay for at least a couple weeks so that the missionaries can see them when they come up!  It’s quite a display of art.

Imanuel Alexander Ramos is 11 months old!  We can’t believe it…

On January 4th, 2005, a small puppy was born to a proud mom.  Unfortunately, only a few weeks later, that small puppy was taken away from his mother and was shipped to a pet store.  The good news was that the pet store happened to be located in Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, MI.  The even better news was that my little brother, Justin, happened to work at that mall (Surf City Squeeze) where he made smoothies and other yummy drinks.  On an uneventful evening, Israel and I decided to go visit Justin while he was working and have dinner with him.  (He was still in high school – a big, bad senior wildcat.)  Little did I know that within those few hours that we would spend at the mall, we would visit the pet store, Israel would see a puppy that he wanted, he would beg me to buy it as his birthday present (-even though his birthday had already past a couple weeks earlier and I already got him a present), AND I’D AGREE.  I won’t go into any more detail (because I want to preserve my marriage), but just like that, we came home that self-same day with an adorable, cuddly, needy 2-lb Jack Russell Terrier named Odie.  (The next morning, Israel told me he wanted to change his name, so by that evening, we had changed it to Bentley.)  He was very cute.  (I would post a picture of baby Bentley here, but I’m too lazy to go dig them out.)  But, he kinda looked like these pups:

 
(Now do you see why I couldn’t resist?!)

Well, just last month, Bentley has celebrated his 2nd birthday.  He has grown (~18 lbs more) and matured so much.  He’s learned to potty in the right place, managed to win the trust of 2 cats, and our love and appreciation for him has grown so much since his arrival.  We’d agree that he’s a perfect fit for our family. 
I was trying to think of a nice entry I could write on him.  The first thing that came to mind was Bentley’s tricks.  I taught him a series of tricks and it always amazed me at how brilliant this dog is.  He is a very hyper-active dog, but with a treat in hand, he could literally learn a trick within minutes.  Israel always makes fun of me because whenever people come over for the first time and our attention is focused on the dog, I ask them if they want to see him do his tricks.  (BTW, if any of you have any ideas for tricks, please let me know!  I need help thinking of more things to teach him.)  So anyway, for those of you who have never come over and experienced Bentley’s tricks, here are some pictures (that Israel graciously agreed to take) of Bentley doing his tricks:
       

“Sit”

“Down”

“Shake”

“Stand Up”

“Roll Over”

“High Five”


“Go Home”

“Dance” (more like a twirl)

“Dead Dog”

“Go to your bed”

And I really need to go to bed.  Happy (belated) Birthday to Bentley!  We hope he lives a long, happy life (and then joins us in heaven!  )