A Bug

Pardon the lack of blogging.  A bug has infiltrated our home.  Sweet Eliana Faith was diagnosed with RSV today.  Poor thing.  She’s been hacking up a lung and feeling pretty crummy.  It breaks my heart to see tears in her eyes when she coughs because it hurts.  I’d give anything to take it from her.  Even in the midst of being sick, Eliana remains the sweetest little girl, still having a precious disposition and flashing us a smile between coughs.  So again, please pardon the blogging lapse.  I’ll update more often once she’s feeling better.  Until then, please pray for a quick recovery for our sweet girl.  Thanks!

Thanks for the post suggestions, everyone!  You’ll definitely be seeing your ideas in upcoming posts.  We’re feeling a tad under the weather in the Leino household, so this is it for today’s blogging.  Here’s a new pic of our sweet girl to hold you over until tomorrow.

This one’s for the readers!  I’m gathering ideas and inspirations for upcoming posts and thought to bring you in on the process.  What topics/areas would you like to see featured or discussed on LeinoLife?  Leave your ideas and questions in the comment section.  Who knows…you just might see it in an upcoming post.

Just One…

Just one of the million reasons why I adore this man.

The Voice

This past Wednesday, I came across a passage in the Psalms that has stuck with me.  It is a passage about the voice of God that has left me in awe.  1 Kings 19.11-12 tells that the voice of the Lord can be a gentle whisper, but the Psalms show how truly majestic it is as well.  I can’t get this strong imagery out of my mind.

³ The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

⁴ The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.

⁵ The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

⁶ He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.

⁷ The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.

⁸ The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

⁹ The voice of the LORD twists the oaks.
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

This awesome God, Whose voice splits cedars and makes the earth quake, He is the One who calls me by name and numbers the very hairs of my head.  He created me and knows all the days before me.   This voice spoke creation into existence and sustains every living thing.  He is mighty.  He is holy.  He is most worthy of all our praise.  May we all be awestruck by His splendor and in the presence of His voice cry, “Glory!”

Apples

The era of eating puréed foods has begun! We gave Eliana her first taste of apples this past week. Let’s just say that she was not entirely enthused about it.  Poor thing even shivered after every bite!  Not so much fun for her, but hilarious for us!  Oh well.  We’ll just have to try Honey Crisp apples next time. Can’t go wrong with those.  Sorry, honey!  Its good for you, I promise!

Happy Little Lady

UNC Recap

To those who prayed for us as we returned to UNC last week, thank you!  It was an incredible day.  From the moment I walked into the Children’s Hospital, a total peace washed over me.  Strange as it may sound, I felt like I had returned to my home away from home.  Walking in to the conference room, I saw familiar faces – doctors and nurses who had cared for Isaac.  In many ways, it didn’t feel like two and a half years has passed since last seeing them, but rather just a few weeks.  We caught up on our lives, shared stories, and reminisced on the 5 months we spent on the PICU.

All levels of staff involving PICU care were represented – from attendings (docs who run the unit) and nursing staff to patient relations and infectious disease docs.  As I sat among these caregivers, I quickly remembered something I always enjoyed about UNC’s PICU staff – their commitment for excellence in their treatment of critically ill children and their constant desire for growth.  I witnessed a true team effort.  Not once did I ever see anyone pull rank in discussion or demean anyone in the conversation.  UNC’s PICU team truly works together for the good of their patients.  Their passion for these kids came through in everything they discussed.

Through the course of the meeting, I was able to interject thoughts about family care and getting parents more involved in the medical care process, particularly participating in morning rounds.  Their genuine interest in my thoughts simply blessed me.  To think that our experiences in ‘07 could benefit other families with critically ill children overwhelmed me at times.

After the meeting, Heather (one of Isaac’s nurses who was at the conference and recently got engaged!!  Congratulations!!) watched Eliana in the lobby so that Jordan & I could go up to visit the PICU.  It was wonderfully strange to be back in the unit again.  They have added 4 new rooms but it still felt just the same.  Seeing the children and parents on the unit reminded us what life was like and how grateful we are to now have a healthy child.

Overall, it was an incredible experience.  The conference itself was both fascinating and invigorating.  I just love the medical environment!  We enjoyed seeing familiar faces and catching up with some of the staff.  In the months ahead, Patient Relations hopes to develop a focus group and eventually an advisory board to continue improving parent involvement and family care on the PICU.  I’m deeply grateful to have been part of Wednesday’s meeting and look forward to contributing more in the future.

The Gift of 24 Weeks

Today is a day I’ve long wondered about, curious what it would be like.  It has been peculiar indeed.  Peculiar and delightful.  Today, Eliana Faith turned 24 weeks old.  She woke with a smile that never left her face until she lay down to dream tonight.  She laughed with her daddy more than she ever has and sat herself upright for long lengths of time.  Not a sniffle in sight, Eliana is in perfect health.  Her development is right on track and even ahead in some areas.  She’s sweet, strong, and smart.  She’s more than everything we ever hoped she would be at this age.  We truly are blessed to have our Answer To Prayer.

And yet today has been strange.  Today Eliana is the same age Isaac was when he went home to heaven.  I remember that day so vividly.  It was a day of strong emotions, last moments, and goodbyes.  But not today.  Not this 24th week.  No, today was a day of laughter, joy, and blessings.  As I held my perfectly healthy, beautiful daughter, I felt overwhelmed.  She’s made it.  She’s with us and growing more each day.  There have been times since Eliana’s birth when the fear of loss would come knocking at my heart, whispering lies and trepidation over me.  It would come suddenly, speaking “what ifs” and doubts over the future.  Would she make it to the 24th week?  To her first birthday?  What awful surprises lay just around the corner?

I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m growing in trust and knowledge of the One who holds my future.  God surrounded me with grace to walk through Isaac’s early homecoming and His faithfulness is ever before me today in the form of Eliana.  To many, today is just another day of a parent with their child.  But to me, it is and will always be so much more.  Today, Eliana turned 24 weeks old.  It is a sweeter gift than words could ever say.  As the old children’s song goes, “God is so good.  He’s so good to me.”

Haiti Relief

Not a moment goes by without the thought of Haiti close to mind.  As I sit here – typing on a laptop in a warm, comfortable apartment, with sounds of laughter coming from my daughter in the next room- I struggle to wrap my mind around the ongoing crisis just a few thousand miles south of us.  Questions of why flood the mind and I’m reduced to a state of wonder.  Why is it that I was born here rather than Haiti?  Such tragedy could happen to any of us.  Why them?  Why not me?  Why?

In light of the devastation in Haiti, we who are elsewhere have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to rise up and respond.  Now is the time for action, for compassion, for sacrifice and steadfast prayer.  James 1.27 states that religion pleasing to our God is to look after widows and orphans in their distress.  Join me in partnering with the following organizations that are on the ground in Haiti, meeting the need.

May we be found faithful in this hour by swift response and vigilant prayer on behalf of those who are suffering.

Back To Chapel Hill

Tomorrow we’re traveling back to Chapel Hill.  More specifically, UNC Children’s Hospital.

A few months back, we received a call from their Patient Relations department.  They were working on forming a small advisory group of families who had previous experience with their Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for the purpose of improving family care on the unit.  We were both surprised and humbled to have been nominated by the medical staff for this group.

As most of you know, we spent nearly 5 months living on the PICU back in ‘07 with our son, Isaac.  We were very involved in his care, often working alongside the medical staff as decisions were made and issues discussed.  He received excellent medical care from UNC as did our whole family on a personal level.

I’m very excited for this opportunity to go back to the Children’s Hospital.  I’ll be sitting in on multidisciplinary rounds for the PICU to give my observations and feedback on how they can better involve parents in their child’s medical care.  The hope and goal is to optimize the experience for future PICU families.  Patient Relations plans to develop a focus group in the months ahead for continued improvement of family care on the unit.  I’m deeply grateful that we were suggested for this process, knowing that our experiences in Chapel Hill with Isaac will be used to improve care for future families of critically ill children.

We appreciate your prayers tomorrow as we return to Chapel Hill.  I’m greatly looking forward to this opportunity, but also realize I may experience unexpected emotions on seeing familiar faces while returning to the place we lived with our son.  Our prayer is God would use our journey for the betterment of others, to be His voice of encouragement and insight to the medical staff, and above all that the love of Jesus would flow out of us to everyone we encounter on the unit.

All That Glitters

Recently I was introduced to the All That Glitters project.  More than your average CD, its a journey to find where true worth lies.  We’ve all heard the expression “all that glitters isn’t gold”.  This project, through song and spoken word, reveals the state of man and the sovereign, unfailing love of the Savior.  I’ve had the songs “Yours Alone” and “In His Hands” playing over and again this morning.  All That Glitters has been a blessing to me.  Perhaps it will be for you as well.

23 Weeks

Eliana Faith is 23 weeks old today.  We are crazy in love with this little girl!  She has the sweetest disposition and is curious about everything.  Eliana can now hold herself upright while sitting and has mastered the art of rolling over.  Her favorite activities these days are jumping, putting everything possible in her mouth and throwing whatever she can get her hands on.  She’s also become quite the chatterbox.  She’s constantly trying to communicate with laughs, blowing bubbles, and happy squeals.

Lately she’s developed a game of ooo’s.  She purses her lips into the tiniest “oo” until you do the same.  Then she smiles, laughs and the game begins again.  It’s hilarious!  Of course, we’re always happy to oblige in playing along.

We are truly fortunate to have Eliana.  Not a day goes by without our marveling at the precious, beautiful gift God has given us in her.   We treasure her life, her health, and her happy spirit.  She’s growing up quickly before our eyes.  May we be found faithful with this gift who God has entrusted to us.  Thank You, Lord, for the past 23 weeks.  Every day has been a blessing.

Carried

For the past several weeks, I’ve been going through Radically Obedient: A Study of Joshua.   This week brought me across Deuteronomy 1:29-31.  Verse 31 jumped out at me.  Moses is talking to the nation of Israel.  “Then I said to you, ‘Do not be shocked, nor fear them.  The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight on your behalf, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, just as a man carries his son.’”

What a powerful image!  Israel wandered through the wilderness for 40 years.  The Lord led them in cloud by day and in fire by night.  He provided in supernatural ways to meet all their needs.  But He not only provided and led them.  He intimately cared for them and carried Israel as a father carries his child.  Think about that!

I’ve seen the way Jordan carries Eliana.  His arms are strong, holding her fast.  His hands are gentle, making her feel loved and secure while allowing her the flexibility to move and explore.  He never crushes her but comforts her.  When Eliana is in his arms, she’s able to get to places she would otherwise not be able to go.  Sometimes Eliana is crying as babies often do.  But her dismal state does not alter the strength of the arms around her.  Even when she’s furious, Jordan still carries her with grace and love.

This is the image Moses gave to explain God’s carrying arms.  The Lord carried them with strength and tenderness.  His arms mighty to shield from harm and danger.  His hands gentle enough not to crush them, but make them secure and comforted.  Wow.

Wherever you are today – whether rejoicing or caught in despair – know that the Lord of all creation loves you and is carrying you.  His arms are ever strong.  His might never fails.  He is not only by your side but holding you close.  Rest in His arms today.  What a wonderful God.

Moved In

Leino Studios is officially moved in to its new location!  Jordan worked diligently for three days getting his new office ready for lessons while Eliana and I came to offer moral encouragement.   From the new carpet to the wall paint to some new decor, Leino Studios is ready for action!  My personal favorite is the metal artwork.  It’s masculine, artistic, and shows some of the instruments Jordan plays.  We’re thrilled with how it has all come together and deeply grateful to God for providing this new space at the perfect time.   Let the lessons begin!

Leaves

Leaves by Slatkin & Co has become my new favorite home fragrance.  Its everything wonderful about autumn wrapped up in a candle.

Absolutely scrumptous!

The Proposal

Five years ago, Jordan asked me to be his wife. I’m still amazed and humbled that he wanted me as his bride. He’s an amazing man and its my joy to walk through life by his side. Here’s the story:

Days before New Years – the day of the historic Tsunami to be exact – I flew home to the States after spending 15 days doing missions work in northern India.  Jordan picked me up at RDU and drove us to Annapolis to spend a belated Christmas with my family.  I had gotten very sick while in India, so the first few days at home were mostly comprised of R&R.  By New Years Eve, I had regained my health.  Jordan had given me a Mikimoto pearl necklace before leaving for India and had promised two more gifts upon my return.  My health returned, he now gave me the remaining gifts.

Jordan had completely restored my very slow, very die-ing laptop – Gift #2.  As I opened my newly functional computer, I saw an invitation.  Gift #3 – New Years Day in Washington D.C.  I was so excited!  New Years Day could not have been more beautiful.  Clear blue skies with cool winter breezes.  We took an early morning Metro ride into the city and spent the entire day in our nation’s capitol.  We took in the sites, walking from monument to monument.  It felt as though we had the whole city to ourselves as we barely saw other people out and about.  That afternoon, we ventured over to Georgetown – my favorite part of D.C. – to walk the streets and peruse the unique shops.  It was a blissful day indeed.  Perfect weather.  Beautiful sites.  Time with my best friend.  Perfect.  Riding the  Metro home that night, I told Jordan that the day could not have been more perfect.  He simply smiled and held me close.  Little did I know the day’s best was yet to come.

As we pulled into Mom’s driveway in Annapolis, Jordan told me my Christmas present was officially over.  Anything from that point on that night was simply just because he loved me.  Mom and Corinne met us at the door as whisked me upstairs.  “Get her ready for our evening, ladies.  We’ll need to be leaving in 20 minutes,” Jordan said.  You see, Jordan had brought me home straight from the airport upon returning from India, so I only had casual clothes with me and most of them still smelled of curry.  20 minutes later, I was stressed in a black sequined outfit, ready for a night on the town.  Walking to the top of the stairs, I saw my Jordan – waiting for me at the bottom,  handsomely sporting a suit & tie.  I had never seen him so dressed up and grew even more curious of what he had in store.

“Since you just got back from several weeks in India, I just wanted to take you out for a classy evening before we head back to Lynchburg.  How does The Melting Pot sound?”  What a delightful surprise!  Of course, Jordan was always doing sweet things for me, so I wasn’t suspicious of anything.  He had a certain table set aside of us with roses waiting.  We spent the next two hours in conversation over delicious fondue, talking about everything from India to our day in D.C. to the future.  I couldn’t help but keep saying, “This has been the perfect day!”

Once dinner was over, Jordan suggested we head to downtown Annapolis to walk around.  Downtown is one of my favorite places on the planet, especially during the Christmas season.  All the historic buildings are decorated in their Christmas finest with beautiful lights illuminating the docks.  A huge Christmas tree filled the roundabout circle by the water and white lights lit the sails of the boats in the bay.   How I love Annapolis!  We parked down by the docks to walk around a bit.  Now if you’ve known Jordan for any amount of time, you’ll know that the man rarely gets cold and even when he does, a light jacket suits him just fine.  Polar opposite of myself!  Well that night was rather cold, so he had brought a wool coat along just in case.  As we got out of the truck, I was already quite cold and asked him if I could wear his coat on top of mine.  Much to my surprise, he said no!  (to this day, this is still the only time he’s ever declined this chivalrous act)  “No.  No, I’m going to wear it.  Let’s go in to Starbucks to get you some hot tea.”

Once I had some delicious hot tea in hand, we walked down to the docks.  What a beautiful night it was.  A full moon shone brightly in the clear night sky, reflecting on the calm Severn River below.  Sailboats and yachts bobbed up and down in the water while the lights of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge could be seen in the distance.  Not a soul was in sight.  Just me and my Jordan on that cold New Years night.  Arriving at the water’s edge, Jordan pulled a letter from his coat pocket.  He proceeded to read me his heartfelt words, professing his love and all that he adored in me.  His letter spoke of our relationship and our journey to that point.  He spoke of all he saw in me now and in the future.  He wrote of the wife and mother he knew I would be one day.  As he read the two pages, I was overwhelmed.  This amazing man loved me.  Me!  Even to this day, I’m still amazed by it.  As I held my hot tea, his words washed over me and all I could feel was grateful and blessed.  But still not suspicious at all.  Quite clueless actually.  Jordan had written me many beautiful letters before so I simply thought, “How lovely! A New Years letter!”  He finished the letter and held me close.  “I love you, Patience.”  “I love you too, Jordan.”  And with that, I took another warming sip of my tea.  Clueless.

As soon as I had lowered my cup, my heart stopped.  There before me was the man I loved, down on one knee with a box in his hand.  With a nervous smile and love in his eyes, Jordan Leino asked me to be his wife!  He had pulled the ring from his coat pocket when I sipped my tea. (No wonder he wouldn’t let me wear it!)  I quickly said yes and he rose to wrap his strong arms around me.  Burying my head in his chest, I was in utter shock!  He had completely taken me by surprise.  A few moments later, Jordan held up the little box.  “Um…I’ve got a ring too if you’d like to see it.”  I had been so overwhelmed by his proposal that I’d completely forgotten about the ring.  And what a ring!  He slipped the platinum and diamonds on to my finger and my shock grew all the more.  It was gorgeous!  We stayed on the docks for a while, Jordan beaming from ear to ear and me still in a state of amazement.   The man of my dreams – a man who far exceeded any hope I’d ever had – he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.  All of his plans and detailed work had culminated in the perfect proposal.  When we both were too cold to stay outside any longer, we left downtown and headed back to my mom’s house to announce our engagement.  What a night it was.  It had truly been the perfect day.

So there you have it.  Nine months after the proposal, Jordan and I wed on a beautiful fall day in Maryland.  We have been married for over 4 years now.  They have been the greatest, most adventure-filled years of my life.  I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my days as Jordan’s wife.  The best is yet to come.

Reflections of 2009

Here it is again: December 31st.  As 2009 quickly comes to a close, my mind fills with reflections on the past year.  What a year it has been!  Never did I imagine 365 days could hold so much.  Were I to sum up 2009, it would be one simple word: change.  Everything has changed.

One year ago, Jordan and I were filled with the sense that ‘09 would be a defining year and a year of change.  We never dreamed that in a year’s time, every area of our lives would be different.  In 2009, we:

• finished flipping our first home
• sold our house
• moved into a beautiful rental home
• thought we’d be building a house by years’ end (God had other plans)
• I transitioned from nannying to being a full-time homemaker
• Eliana Faith was born (perfectly healthy!)
• Jordan resigned from C3
• Leino Studios was launched in our home
• moved into an apartment
• transitioned from C3 to attend Journey Church
• leased our first office space for Leino Studios

2009 stretched us in ways we didn’t know were possible.  To look back on all that has changed, it overwhelms me at times.  We knew change was coming.  We didn’t know that God intended to flip our world upside down by changing everything.  It has been challenging, exciting, mind-boggling, frightening, surprising, and crazy.  In the midst of the whirlwind, He gave us a precious little girl who reminds us of His love every day.  Eliana Faith’s name memorializes His answer to our prayer for a healthy child.  Little did we know, her name would also become a reminder of all the prayers He answered through this year and for us to continue trusting Him in the unknown of tomorrow.

Through every change, God opened my eyes to see how much I placed my security in worldly circumstances and provisions.  As each “sure thing” was removed from my life, I felt Him calling me to His heart.  God alone wants to be my Security, my Provider, my Refuge, and my Peace.  Deuteronomy 31.8 has become my mantra: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  His Word is living and active, applicable in all situations.

The course of this year has brought out such strength in Jordan – I’m so grateful for his love and leadership in my life.  He is a man of wisdom, integrity, courage, discernment and grace.  Joy fills me every time I see him with our daughter, knowing she will grow with a godly man to look up to and a father who will love her like Jesus.

2009 was a year of change.  As 2010 begins in a mere few hours, my mind races with wonder of all that awaits us in tomorrow.  In the midst of its uncertainty, I rest in knowing God remains ever-faithful and sovereign.   He has led us thus far and will continue to lay the path before us in the days ahead. 

Thanks to our families for loving us every step of the way, for walking beside us through every change of this past year with optimism and steadfast prayer.  We are so fortunate to have each one of you in our lives.  Thanks to all our friends, near and far. We love doing life with you in all of life’s seasons. Thank you, C3, for the past 4 years of ministry and memories.  We’re praying 2010 draws you close to God’s heart and that His hands work through you to show Jesus to this community.  Thanks to Matt and Martha Fry for your investment into our lives during our time on staff, for supporting us in all the changes this year and for encouraging us to follow God’s leading, even when it meant a different direction.  Thanks to Jimmy and Beverly Carroll, and those at Journey Church for pouring into us over the past few months as we’ve made transitions in our family.

Above all, thanks to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He who has redeemed us has been faithful in every season of our lives.  His love continues to mend and compel us.  His Word molds and guides us.  He will never change.  He never fails.  He is our Rock and our Source.

Goodbye, 2009.  Hello, 2010!  What adventures do you hold in store for us…

A November Wedding

We traveled up to Lynchburg, VA, last month for my sister’s wedding.  On November 6th, Corinne married Brad McGowan.

Their lovestory is absolutely beautiful – one of prayer, patience, and joy.  We are thrilled to now have Brad in our family.  Its clear they are God’s best for each other.

It was certainly a wedding to remember.  The evening began with worship and prayer.  The reception went late into the night with music and dancing.  Every moment between was saturated in joy and celebration for the newlyweds.  Here are a few pics from the night (courtesy of Sam Stroud Photography)

Congratulations, McGowans!!  We love you both!

Twenty Weeks of Bliss

Our sweet Answer is now 20 weeks old.  In a blink, Eliana has grown from a tiny, cuddly newborn to a delightful, curious and energetic infant (still cuddly).  We are madly in love with our little girl and thankful for each new day we have with her.  She’s mastered rolling over and can now (when balanced) hold herself in the seated position for long periods of time.

Eliana loves jumping!  Dear friends loaned us their jumperoo seat a few weeks ago and Eliana can’t get enough of it.  She laughs every time she’s in it, jumping herself clear off the ground.  Strengthening those little legs!  Perhaps ballet is in her future?

We’ve officially entered the put-everything-possible-within-reach-in-your-mouth phase.  Toys, socks, blankets, your arm.  Anything!  Eliana is all about chewing and drooling these days.  Of course, we can’t help but smile…even when she drools all over us.  She’s just so darn cute!

The past 20 weeks with our little sweetheart have been such an incredible gift.  Eliana Faith continues to embody her name as we see God’s answer to countless prayers lived out in her life.  We are so grateful that the Lord entrusted her to us and eagerly look forward to the days, months, and years ahead with our precious little girl.