2 Months Old

Hello All!

I hope this finds you all well. I am doing great! I am now two months old. I've noticed the people around me refer to my age in months more often than weeks. My Nana played dress up with me again the other day, and this is the result. Aren't I cute? My hairdo is definitely one of a kind, no fuss, no muss. Just wash and BOING! It sure is an attention getter. I can't go anywhere without people gooing over me and my hair! You'd think they've never seen this style before. I guess they forgot about Kramer, Kim Jung Il (North Korean Dictator) and Don King. But I guess they've never seen it on a girly girl before!

My uncles came home this weekend, but everyone was so busy going here and there, Nana is distressed she didn't get everyone together again for another photo op. Michael had the weekend off from football and just had to come home to see me. Because he was home, Brian had to come see him.

Daddy has been working morning watch for two weeks (that's 11pm - 7am), and in honor of his working nights, I've been on morning watch also. I figure if he's awake all night, I might as well be also. Of course, this makes it hard on Mommy, but we all manage to sleep during the day. Daddy had a hard time waking up this weekend, so he didn't spend much time with the uncles.

You can see that even though Mommy and Daddy are wide awake, I have to get my sleep, even though they try to keep me awake during the day. Nana tries to play with me when she gets home and on the weekends, but she just doesn't understand how tiring morning watch can be. Thank goodness Daddy goes on evening watch this week (3pm - 11pm). Hopefully we'll all get on the same schedule. It's too much work trying to keep everyone going.





Well, just between us, I've got these people wrapped around my little finger. Even Uncle Brian was gooing at me this weekend. However, he won't hold me. He says it has something to do with me throwing up on him the last time he was home. I didn't mean to, it just happened. Nana got just as much on her as Uncle Brian and she still holds me! Uncle Michael held me until I started fussing. He held me close, but when I started licking his shoulder, he passed me back to Nana. I just wanted to test him out. Doesn't he remember tasting everything when he was my age? Don't these people know anything?? He goes back to Virginia today and I probably won't see him again until Thanksgiving. He won't know me by then. Uncle Brian starts playing baseball this week, so I probably won't see him much for a while either. He told Nana some coaches are calling him wanting him to play for them next year. I don't understand all that, but as soon as Nana finds out the details, I'm sure she'll share them with you.
I'm tired now, so I think this is all I have to say. Mommy is going to feed me, because I refuse to put that piece of rubber in my mouth and drink from that. Then, I will go to sleep. I know everyone hopes I'll sleep tonight, and since Daddy will be home, I think I will. God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy, God bless Papa and Nana, God bless Uncle Michael and Brian, and everyone else I love.

Good night everyone! Love, Makaila

p.s. Check out my link makailali.shutterfly.com to see new pics of me

My How Time Flies

I can't believe time has gone so quickly. A lot has happened in the past 3 weeks. Brian has gone back to school and is now settled in. He loves his new dorm, he now has a living room and a bedroom and they are huge! We're still working on the interior decorations, but this is a huge improvement from last year! He has one roommate, Martin who is from Germany and plays on the baseball team with him. Brian is an RA this year, so he's working hard on keeping his room clean, especially since he has to monitor everyone else!!

Joseph will be sworn in this week and be an official Atlanta Police Officer. We will take pictures in his full uniform and I'll post them later this week. Please pray for God's protection as he goes out on the streets, and as his daddy says, "pray for the people on the streets because they don't have a clue what they're in for!" He's very proud of Joseph as am I, and we know he'll make a great officer.

Michael is continuing with football practice and his apprenticeship. He's working on a special project involving the nuclear reactor on the submarine. He's welding the hole that will close up the reactor in its chamber. This is a very special process and he had to pass a difficult test to be able to work on it. There are only 2 people working on this and it has to be perfect. If there are any defects in the weld, it could cost millions of dollars to repair. Every inch of the 40 foot diameter hole has to be ultra sound tested to insure it's perfect. Pray for him as he does this and continues to play football.

Makaila and Sai are doing great! She weighed 9 1/2 pounds last week at 1 month. That's a gain of almost 3 pounds in the first month! Isn't she adorable? She mesmerizes you, you just can't quit staring at her. Her papa says she should be a baby model. We're not prejudiced at all! Sai is a great mom! She works really hard and does a great job. The lactation specialist praised her for doing such a great job nursing and how rich her milk is. Makaila, however, does have a bit of colic and it takes all of us to get her through her fussy times, but she's well worth it. Every evening when Joseph comes home, she smiles at him. It is the most precious thing I've ever seen! Sai says when she wakes up in the morning and sees her, she smiles also. I get a smile occasionally, but she save most of them for her mommy and daddy!

I'll keep you posted, and please keep us in your prayers during this time of transition!

Good night and God bless!

Yeah, I'm Cute!

Hi! My name is Makaila Li York and I am two weeks old. Let me tell you, I have everyone in my house wrapped around my little finger! If I squeek, someone is there to make sure I'm ok! I get fed when I want, bathed, changed, rocked, held. You name it, these people do it for me. Even my uncle Brian goo goos at me and thinks I'm special, even if he doesn't admit it out loud. My Nana and Papa can't believe how much they love me and dote over me. Of course my Mommy and Daddy are beside themselves. I have them waking up all through the night just to check on me and give me more food. Imagine that! Room service whenever I want! My Daddy changes my diapers, gives me baths and jumps when I call.Even my Uncle Michael calls from Virginia to check on me. It's hard to believe how much I've managed to change lives in two weeks time. Oh, the power I possess!

They watch me sleep and take pictures! My Nana has gone camera crazy! She takes more pictures of me than at Brian's baseball games. Ha!Ha! Brian, move over, Makaila's in town and is now the top dog! Yep, Papa even makes Sassie go to her cage if she starts to bother me. Can you imagine what it's going to be like around here when I start walking and talking? Papa told me the other night he'd give me M&M's whenever I want, even if Daddy said no. Nana told me she'd take me shopping and play dress up with me. We practiced on Saturday when Mommy and Daddy were at the store. She even took me shopping and bought me some pretty white satin Mary Janes.

You can see in these pictures some of my cute outfits. However, I did have an accident in one of them and Nana had to find something else for me to wear, but we didn't mind. It was an excuse to try on something else and take another picture! I can't wait to start getting out of the house, going to church and seeing people. I wonder if I'll have the same affect on them, or if it's just the silly people I live with. I have noticed there have been a lot of visitors and they all want to hold me and goo over me. So, I imagine when I get out, it will be more of the same. I'll try hard not to take advantage of the situation, but I'm sure there will be times when I'll have to turn the charm on to get what I want. It sure will be fun and you can be sure I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, ya'll take care and come see me when you can! Bye now!

SHE"S HERE!!!!

Introducing Makaila Li York, weighing in at 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 20 1/2" long, born 7-7-07 at 5:28 pm. Proud parents are Joseph & Sai York. And yes, I am proud Nana. She is the most beautiful little girl in the world and a precious gift from God.












Joseph and Sai are doing great. The delivery room nurse came to see Sai at the end of her shift and thanked her and said, "This has been so much fun!" Joseph, Sai, myself and great grandmas Jones and York were in the room for the labor and delivery. Let me tell you, Sai laughed and smiled the entire 13 hours or so. It was a beautiful sight and a joy to be a part of the event.

Makaila is such a good baby. Joseph even says she has a cute cry! Just wait a few days when she really wakes up and we'll see if he still says that! But seriously, when you hold her and look at her, the only description that comes to mind is "peaceful". I'm not the only one who thinks that. Most people who have come to the hospital to see her have said the same thing. She just mesmerizes you. You just don't want to take your eyes off her because you feel so much love. I'm not smitten or anything, and I'm not biased either:)

Proud Grandpa said the minute he held her, "I'm already in love with you!" This little girl already has everyone around her wrapped around her little finger, and she's barely 24 hours old.















The events surrounding her birth were definitely orchestrated by God. Her due date was 7-10. My mom and dad were coming over from Alabama for the weekend because Michael and my dad were going car shopping. Michael came down Thursday night for his last visit before football season starts. I know we were all praying for this baby to come in God's perfect timing, but asking Him if He would work it out in his plan for Sai to have the baby before Michael had to go back to Virginia so he could see her. Well, God is so gracious and loving, at 3:45 Saturday morning, Joseph woke me up, told me Sai's water broke and it was time to go to the hospital. So, Michael and my parents got to be in town for the birth. You can see my dad is mesmerized with her, he even had to go buy her a doll this morning! No, they didn't get a car, but God used that circumstance to get everyone in place for the birth! He is such an amazing God, I can't even begin to praise Him enough.

Michael is smitten with her as well.




As you can see, she has a head full of dark hair, and looks like a perfect blend of mom and dad! Joseph is so excited, he said, "I have my girl with Chinese eyes", Sai wanted her to have American eyes. I think she has a beautiful blend of both!





Great
Grandma and Grandpa York are both very excited and proud also!








Uncle Brian had to come to the hospital after his ball games to see her. He's not quite sure what to do with a baby, but I predict he will learn very quickly!


I believe I have rambled and bragged enough for now. She comes home tomorrow and I need to get a good night's sleep. Our lives will be forever changed by this tiny little baby girl. We aren't sure what to do with girls at our house, but I predict the sports equipment will soon be replaced with dolls, bows and frills. And I don't think anyone will complain at all.

God loves us so much to give us such a gift, and to work it out so that everyone could be here for her birth. Everyone comments that she was born on the luckiest day of the century, 7-7-07. I was told once that lucky means "the Lord uses circumstances to keep you". He certainly does. God is good all the time!!! Thank you Lord for your blessings and love.

P.S. Check out the link to the right, Makaila Li to see more photos. I will be posting new photos there regularly for your viewing pleasure!

Impatiently Waiting

The nursery is ready, Joseph & Sai are ready, we're all ready, but I'm not sure Makaila is ready! Tomorrow, Sai goes to the Dr. and is hoping he will say, "Let's have a baby", but I think he will say, "See you next week!" God has his perfect timing, but we are all getting anxious for this precious gift to appear.

As you can see, she has everything she needs, including a closet full of clothes! The only thing lacking is diapers, and I don't know if you can ever get enough of those. Mama is warming up the rocker, practicing for many hours of cuddling and loving!

I'll keep you posted. Michael and Brian are doing well. Michael has been chosen to be on the Tiger Team which is a traveling welding team from the school. This is a huge honor for him and they will work around his football schedule. Brian is playing American Legion Baseball this summer and doing well. He is recovering from a week long virus and hasn't played for a week, but I think he's ready to get back in there .

David has been diagnosed with diabetes, which is a new challenge for us, but we're trying to adjust. It's a learning experience for all of us and we're all having to work together to keep him on his diet. Pray for us and for him. Continue to remember Joseph, Sai and Makaila as they await the birth of their precious child. God bless you all.

Baby Shower

Joseph & Sai had their baby shower this past weekend, and were they ever showered with love and gifts! Sai is getting very anxious to get the room ready and everything together. The nesting factor has kicked in full force! I told her I understand totally, but even if it's not all done when the baby comes, it will be ok. Joseph will be painting and cleaning carpets this week and getting everything set up. She said her mother believes the baby will be here in the next two weeks. Sai said she is ready. From the looks of her, I think she is too! We are all getting very excited.

Michael was here this weekend for a visit. He is doing well and gearing up for football in a few weeks. Brian is doing well, playing American Legion baseball this summer and teaching baseball camps to young boys.

On a sad note, Debby, my sister-in-law was hosting the baby shower Saturday and her father-in-law, Ros Bell, passed away Friday night. He was 91 years old and lived a good life. He was a good and kind man. In David's Dad's words at the shower on Saturday, the Lord taketh and the Lord giveth. He took Ros, but we have a new life on the way! God is good all the time!

I'll keep you posted!

Graduation

My niece Lauren Jones graduated this weekend from Hiram High School. We are so proud of her! She will be going to Gordon College this Fall. Yes, the same Gordon College as Brian! He will be looking out for her, making sure all boyfriend prospects pass his approval first! Mom and Dad came for the festivities as did my sister Karen and her family.

Lauren's dad, my brother Larry, had a cookout for her on Sunday. It was a great weekend for a graduation as well as a family get together. Next year we go to Charlotte for Karen's daughter, Natalie's graduation. But I'm sure we'll all be together before then.

This is Lauren, her brothers Daniel and Patrick and dad, Larry. They are all proud of her, and they should be. She has worked hard and I know she will go far in life. She is strong willed, and it serves her well. She has a level head on her shoulder, knows what she wants from life and isn't afraid to go after it. You go girl! Congratulations, and good luck.

(check out the Yahoo photo link to the right for more pictures!)

New Generation of Ball Players

Saturday, I went to a double header, and it wasn't Brian's! My niece and nephew, Juliann and Jeremy are playing Upward baseball for our church. I haven't been able to go to any of their games because I'm always at Brian's. This weekend, I was free, and am I ever glad. I had a great time taking pictures and rooting them on. I even got upset with some of the calls, and then had to remember where I was! As you can see from the pictures, the kids had a great time also. Jeremy played outfield, pitcher and catcher. All I can say is, thank goodness for protective equipment! Juliann is running as hard as she can for home, her helmet is coming off and if you look closely, her cleats are on the wrong feet! Ya gotta love it. I have never seen pink baseball helmets before. But that's not all, she has a pink and blue glove and they use pink bats!

Juliann waited patiently for the ball to roll into her glove, while Jeremy is going to attack it as it's lying still in the grass! One thing they have in common with their Aunt Pam, they can't do anything without using their mouths! Obviously you've never seen me putting on mascara.

I'm not sure Juliann can see the ball when she's batting, but she's determined. Aunt Pam closes her eyes when she hits the ball too, so I guess it's in the genes. Thank goodness Brian didn't get that one from me! The look of pure joy on Jeremy's face is worth it all. I don't know if anyone knows who won or lost, or how many runs were scored, or how many errors there were. All that matters is that they were playing ball and showing off for Aunt Pam and her camera. I was running late and Juliann made her daddy call me to make sure I was coming. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Jerry was actually Juliann's coach this year. How sweet to see him congratulate her on her hit as he coaches first base. Brother and sister forever, baseball players for a season. God bless!!

GJCAA CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND

DOUBLE PLAY FROM LEFT FIELD!

What a weekend! The boys from Gordon came in second place in Region 17. They played five games this weekend winning two in extra innings, one 13 and one 11. They fought hard until the very end and never hung their heads in defeat. They played their hearts out! They won their first game on Friday against Middle Georgia. Wanda went to Douglas, GA with me on Saturday morning. It is a four hour ride. The first game was at 3:00 against Young Harris (they lost) and we didn't leave the field until 11:00 pm after the second game which went 13 innings against Andrew. (they won) Sunday they played in the championship, taking the first game from Young Harris in 11 innings, but lost the final game. Not only did the boys have to compete against the other teams, at times they had to compete against the umpires also! After one of the games, Brian's coach said he'd never won a game against the umpires before :), We left the field at 10:00 pm Sunday after being there since 2:00 and got home around 2:00 am. I then had to go to Gordon Monday to move Brian home. It was a very exciting weekend!

I love the fact that before every game the boys huddle up an pray. No one tells them to, no one stops them. It is an awesome sight to see them join together this way, and an awesome sound to hear their quiet utterances to the Lord.

This has been a great first year of college for Brian. He made many good friends, has a 3.55 GPA after his first year, and we found out yesterday he got offered the Resident Assistant position at school next year! This will cover his housing expenses and part of his meals. What a huge answer to prayer! He will also get to room with his friend, Martin, who is from Germany. I'm known as "Mama York" to Martin and am excited he and Brian will room together.

This summer, Brian will be working at Diamond Starz Academy, teaching 7-12 year olds at baseball camps! He will do a great job and is looking forward to it. He came home Monday and started American Legion practice on Tuesday! I think their season starts Memorial Day weekend. A couple of weeks off for Mom, and here we go again!


Joseph is still doing well at the academy, passing all his tests with flying colors. Sai and the baby are doing well. She continues to grow and grow!
Michael is working hard at work and Spring football. I think he will be coming home next weekend for the holiday. That is also the weekend of my niece, Lauren's graduation. The whole family will be around, so there should be many photo ops! I can't wait.
Have a safe holiday and God bless you all! I will keep you posted on all the York family happenings!

We're Going to the Playoffs!

Gordon College has made it to the final four in Region 17! They will be playing next weekend, currently scheduled to play at So. Georgia Junior College in Douglas, GA. There is some talk of moving it to another location because of the forest fires nearby. This is the first time ever, I believe, they've made it to the final four. The boys won two games yesterday against Truett McConnell 5-4 and 5-4. Brian is very excited, to put it mildly. He said yesterday, "If we can win the next five games, we're going to Colorado!" That's where the Junior College World Series is played. If they can keep their momentum going, they just might make it.

This is the team. If you look dead center, in the back, you will see Brian. I do believe he's the tallest on the team! They are a great bunch of young men who constantly build each other up and encourage each other when in a slump. It's fun to watch them play together. There are no "superstars" on the team, everyone contributes.

This is a shot of their pre-game prayer. They start every game this way. It gives me goosebumps every time I see it. How great to know that God is being recognized by these young men.

This is a cool action shot I captured. That's our shortstop, Joe Wilson, getting ready to catch the ball as the TMC guy takes flight to try to beat the throw from Brian. You can see the ball right behind the runner, but the ball beat him, and he was tagged out! Go Brian & Joe!

I'm not sure if I'll be able to make the games next weekend, but I'm working on it. Even if I don't go, I'll give you an update on the outcome.

Also, there is a link I've added to a photo page that not only has photos from the baseball season, but some family photos as well. Feel free to take a look. I hope you enjoy these updates and the photos as well.

God bless!

Weightlifting Records

Michael maxxed out this week in his weightlifting. His power clean was 345lbs, bench press 485lbs, and squat 665lbs. This is the most he's ever lifted. Tuesday when he attempted 500lbs bench press, his right shoulder popped out of place. He had an MRI yesterday to make sure there wasn't any damage, and everything was fine. Football Spring workouts start next week.

Brian called today to say, "Well, mom, I officially finished my first year of college." He took his last final today. He doesn't get to come home until the baseball season is over. They play the first round of playoffs this weekend. They will play Truett McConnell and have to win 2/3. They've already beat them 2/3 earlier in the season, so we know they can. I'll be there on Saturday to watch the action and let you know the results.

All else is as normal as possible for us. Thanks for reading, and let me know what's going on with you!

God bless.

Mikey's Home!

The Big Boy is home for a short visit! He came home Thursday night and it has been so good to see him. As you can see, he's sporting some new artwork!

He is very proud of his heritage and faith and wants to share it with the world! That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Michael is and always has been his own person, and we are proud of who he has become. He never let's others influence him, and makes his own decisions. His work/school and football are all going well. He plans on setting a personal record in weight lifting this week. He says he will bench press over 500 pounds next week! I can't imagine.

Michael gave himself his new haircut. He used mirrors and clippers. While I'm not crazy about it, I have to admire it because he did such a good job. The lines are perfectly straight and even. He said welding with mirrors gave him the ability and he was bored one day and decided to cut it. One thing for sure, Michael is never boring!

Joseph and Sai got in on the photo opp! Aren't they cute! Joseph and Michael were sucking in their stomachs, but Sai couldn't! She is getting bigger and bigger all the time. Makaila is growing and moving and we're getting so excited! Brian couldn't be home this weekend because they are in South Georgia playing Andrew College. He just called and said they won both games today and will play one more tomorrow. Next weekend is the playoffs! I'll be going to Barnesville for the games and will let you know how they do.

We are proud of all of our boys! They remain true to themselves and who they were brought up to be. God is so good and blesses us beyond comprehension. Keep in touch, and God bless.