An early vacation for the Lee's...

We took an early vacation this year since the summer is shaping to be super busy.  We were able to spend time with family, our sweet Evelyn and Christopher became reacquainted as cousins.

We then spent some time in Destin, Florida as it was Andrew's first time at the Gulf of Mexico...the soft white sand, blue water, and the fun family resort was too hard to leave.

Then we visited friends in Atlanta, Georgia and visited the Georgia Aquarium. It was such a fun, relaxing time for us. 

There's always time to play peek a boo with mommy!

Christopher Turns One!

We celebrated Christopher turning one years old a few weeks ago, what a great celebration with family and friends!  We were so blessed by the turn out, the weekend of Valentine's Day is a tough time to have a birthday party.  Christopher was a trooper that night, with three costume changes, lots of stimulation, and not much time to just play with his toys. 

Andrew and I are sad to see him grow up so fast, already he is a toddler and on the brink of walking on his own.  What a joy he is to us! 

2011, our best year yet!

Dear Friends and Family,
We hope you had a wonderful start of the new year!  2011...am I the only one who thought we'd be flying our cars in the sky by now?  Anyway, Andrew and I just returned from our visit to see my family in Arkansas.  We are now somewhat settled and excited to start this year off right.  As you know we have transitioned into the directorship role here in the Chester site of World Impact.  Was it smooth? I think that depends on the day, but overall, I'd say it went well by the grace of God.  We are excited about the new potential this year brings with some excited additions and changes in sight.  We are always so thankful for your prayers and support to our family and calling here in Chester.  

Christopher is now crawling like his life depends on it, taking a few steps forward with support, and just enjoying figuring out life as he knows it.  I've recently been enjoying watching him dance and sing duets with me (I know he's probably just screaming coincidently, but just let me think he's singing).  Andrew LOVES playing ball and playing with Christopher's toys.  We are enjoying him, and everyone was right...his first year is going by WAY too fast.  His first year birthday is coming up and the plans are underway.

This year we hope our family will experience joy, the expected and unexpected in our quiet times together, in serving in ministry or work, and a refreshing season in our times with our Lord.  We recently looked back at the many changes in our 2 year and 3 month marriage, it was overwhelming to list it out, but we are thankful for the Lord's provision and faithfulness in our marriage, ministry, and now as parents to Christopher. 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:12

Transition

Hello Friends,
Time is flying!  These transition months have been full of long days but not void of blessings and joy.  We are grateful for our co-laborers for their love, support, understanding, and patience.  We are still enjoying Christopher little mobile ways, just witnessed him crawling just yesterday.  What a blessing he is! Fall is here already, looking forward to the holidays!

Director

Dear Friends,
We wanted  to share with you that Andrew was asked to become the Chester City Director of WI, starting on August 16th.  We confirmed this was the Lord's leading with much prayer and counsel.  We ask for prayer during this time of transition for our family and missionary family.  Thank you for your love and prayer all these years!  We are so grateful to you!

Hello Toesies!.AVI

Finally, We Meet!

One of the most wonderful blessings with our pregnancy, was going through this life-changing process with my sister and brother-in-law.  Long story short, we found out they were pregnant 5 days after we found out we were pregnant ourselves!  The Lord is good!

We finally saw one another since 11 months ago when we were both 3 months pregnant, and Christopher and Evelyn met finally!  What a joy it was for those 3 days that went by way too quickly.  We spent some time in Philadelphia and scheduled a studio session to chronicle this special time. 

Isn't Evelyn beautiful?  She's all girl while Christopher is all boy...they are best buds already!

Christopher's First Hayride

First of many, I am sure...

100th day celebration

"Making the decision to have a child — it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."   Elizabeth Stone

Baby Dedication

Christopher's Baby Dedication was this past Saturday.  What a privilege it was to present him before our church body and the Lord.  The following words we pledged to were not taken lightly.  

Have you brought your children here before God, your family and friends, to dedicate them without reservation to the Lord, Jesus Christ?

Do you now commit yourselves, to live lives characterized by integrity, grace, commitment, discipline and love in order that your children will see the Lord in you and desire to follow him?

While it is honorable and godly for you to dedicate your children to the Lord, do you understand that God has no grandchildren?  And that just because you have brought them here does not mean that they are Christians? Each person must receive Christ as Lord and Savior for him/herself.Do you therefore commit not only to living well before them, but also to explaining the gospel to them yourselves, and hopefully leading them into a personal relationship with Jesus?

And lastly, do you commit to bringing your children up within the Christian community; helping them be active members of the church—each contributing what God has given him or her for the common good

Gym mat FUN!

Friendships

Andrew and I had so much fun with Neha's visit to see Chris. So what if Andrew and Neha made fun of me the whole time. It didn't surprise me one bit.



We reminisced about high school, bored Chris to sleep with our long talks with topics ranging from socialism vs capitalism to future technological gadgets, and (of course) shopping. Who would've thought we would still be friends after all of this time? We sure didn't, but boy am I glad we are.

Oh!

Andrew thoroughly enjoyed his time with the 75 delegates at the TUMI Summit, returning with exciting ideas and vision for TUMI Chester and the East coast. But he missed this little guy...




I was fortunate enough to have my friend Alice come lend a hand with Chris while Andrew was gone. It was so great to have her with us, so blessed by her servant heart and enjoyed laughter, long walks, and loads of coffee! She was gracious enough to take pictures of Christopher during her time here.

Alice Park Photography

I am just amazed at how our friendship has grown since we started out as pen pals our senior year in high school. It definitely had a unique start and continues to be a blessing to me. Love you girl!

Caterpillars versus Butterflies

Last night there was a moment with Christopher when I just thought..."He has no idea how precious we think he is, how loved he is already." My thoughts immediately turned to how our Lord loved us and thought we were precious enough to save us from ourselves before we had a clue. How much time was wasted just rolling in the dirt like caterpillars when we were meant to be butterflies flying around- beautiful and in the light.

Today my friend Alice Park is coming to help me while Andrew flys out to Wichita, KS for a TUMI summit. I am so thankful for her friendship that compels her to think "Watching a 1 month old and helping out an old friend for a few days is worth it!" I know Andrew is looking forward to attending this conference especially with Bob (Stevenson, director) and Rick (Horne, TUMI mentor)...I am looking forward to hear how the Lord is moving through TUMI satellites around the world.

We are looking forward to April 19th, the World Impact Banquet. It is just a fun time of fellowship as we sit with so many volunteers and supporters of what God's doing in Chester. The Frederick Douglass Christian School students will have a performance, the President of WI Keith Phillips will also speak, along with a great dinner. Please let me know if you would like an invitation, seats are available!

Rise and Shine

Christopher James Sukyul Lee

He missed the worst winter storm in Philadelphia history, arriving on February 13, 2010 at 4:12pm. He also missed being born on Valentine's day which made Andrew so very happy! He was 7lbs 10oz, 21 inches long, and hungry!

This picture was taken moments after birth.

Andrew and Christopher bonding


One of my favorites of him all scrunched up with his Irresistable onesie.


Christopher fighting to wake up, but surrendering to sleep. He loves to sleep with his arms in this position.

Christopher is getting the hang of opening both eyes at the same time, Andrew soaking in every moment!

Andrew and I are simply enjoying him thoroughly. It is fun even when it is difficult with the sleepless nights, diaper changes (Chris is a very good pooper!), etc. We are so thankful for his health after a brief admission into the NICU for jaundice, and despite his high levels of bilirubin, he was active and spunky. We praise God for allowing us to catch it in time before it reached a dangerously toxic level.

We will continue to update about our new addition to the family, so be prepared for many pictures...especially for the grandparents!!

Andrew is continuing to be blessed by the TUMI ministry in the SCI prison, in the midst of zoning hearings for the dental clinic, and seeking mentors, students, and supporters for TUMI. He is looking forward to the TUMI summit in Wichita, KS in a few weeks. While Andrew is at the conference, my good friend Alice will be visiting me, helping me out with Christopher. I'm looking forward to her visit!

Now we anxiously await the birth of our niece, Evelyn! We think Christopher and Evelyn will be great buddies!

Any day now...

It's hard to believe as I'm typing, that instead of feeling little Christopher stretch inside of me, I will witness it very soon. His hiccups, kicks, turning from side to side won't be this odd sensation inside, but I can watch his facial expressions as he does it. We are now at 38 weeks, bags are packed, nursery is almost at completion, and now we wait.

I have made it no surprise that I am ready to let go of the aches and pains the third trimester brought (Mother's Day is a huge day in my mind now). This morning God reminded me of a time in my life when I had to patiently wait for Him to finally bring Andrew and I together into a season of dating and engagement. He reminded me of how difficult it was, but looking back...would I change anything? (Maybe a few details here and there, if I'm honest) But for the most part "No."

Maybe God's challenging me again. Wait Karen. You know he's coming. Just wait on Me. I've designated that perfect time when he's ready. Throw your timetable out the window.

Lately, I find myself thinking about my friend Jill. As she anticipated being a mom for so long, finally having a beautiful baby boy, then she was tragically killed in a car accident only 2 months later...it brings a perspective of cherishing each moment, to not be so quick to take the next step (as I am all to eager to do too often), and simply give thanks. I do believe God works all things for good, so as He works on my grumbling spirit when each step is painful, hips and back aches, sleep deprivation (I will stop now), I will be meditating on that truth.

All I can say is when Christopher is finally in our arms, Andrew and I will give all glory and thanks to God.

I'll let you guys know who cries more: Andrew, Christopher, or me.