Baby Landon Getting Bigger

Landon weights about 12 pounds and is about 23 inches long (according to Mama's measuring tape). This coming Friday he will be two months old and getting his first shot.

Some things I have been enjoying:

Late night feeding times. About 3 or 4am he has his first morning snack and he and I get to hang out. The best part is, after his belly is full he falls right back to sleep.

Baby noises are precious. It is hard to describe for a blog, but baby noises are amazing.

Changing a diaper is tricky. You have to be very careful when opening a little boys diaper; I am happy to report he has only shot me twice (Whew!).

Dressing someone else (Landon) is hard. Maybe it is because I am trying to be careful with him, but I move to slow when it comes to putting clothes on him.

When Landon smiles he melts his daddy's heart.

I hope everyone is doing well. God Bless and keep it tuned to Insert Title Here.

Photoshoot w/ Cordsen Photography

These are just a few of the many pictures that were taken by our friends Rod and Dana. Check out www.cordsenphotography.com for his work. He does some great stuff. More to come.

"Pop the Chutes"

At the end of the day my boss will usually say, "Pop the Chutes." That is how I feel as Saturday approaches. Saturday officially marks the end of summer for Highland Lakes Camp; which means summer staff goes home, PR slows down and Retreat Season begins. The transition has already begun: Milam dorm has been converted back into a meeting space, bunk beds were pulled from the hotel and extra tables were moved from the dining hall. These are just a few of the retreat season changes being made.

Kari, Landon and I have been blessed by volunteers Rod and Dana Cordsen with baby and family photos. Rod is a professional photographer and has been volunteering for the PR staff for the last two weeks. It has been a pleasure getting to know him and his wife through work, fellowship and a photoshoot. They own a company called Story Studios and have a guarantee that I have never seen before, check out his websites Story Studios and Cordsen Photography.

Landon continues to amaze me everyday. He is starting to make new sounds and he is beginning to follow objects with his eyes and head. I watched as he scooted to the position that he found most comfortable before he fell asleep; so he maybe a little picky. He enjoys music, but most of all he loves being with his mommy. Kari's presence alone calms him.

I hope and pray each of you is doing well. Take care and tune in next time for more from Insert Title Here.

One Month and One Day (Plus some)

I might have said it before, but Kari and I are having a blast. I do confess, Kari is sleeping less than I am, but we are finding a good balance. Last night, we went to bed at midnight and he slept till 4:55am. After about a 20 to 30 minute snack, he went back to sleep until 7:15am. We are praying he repeats this routine tonight.

He continues to get bigger and bigger. I am amazed daily at how quickly he is growing, even though I heard "they grow up fast."

We are coming to the close of Summer 2009: Children's Camp and Pre-Teen Three are all that is left on the calendar. I am continuing to enjoy my job/ministry here at Highland Lakes Camp. Each day brings something new and God is do amazing things here. Please keep us in your prayers as we wrap up the summer.

God Bless.

Landon Makes Faces

Reflections on Fatherhood: Part Two

"The newness of fatherhood continues to strike me with wonder and amazement."

Little girls dream about their wedding, how many kids they will have and what house they will live in. Boys think about dirt, tearing things up and food. I don't recall every imagining what it would be like to be a father; I don't believe I could have imagined it correctly anyway.

Sitting up at four in the morning, just Landon and I, in the living room hanging out is priceless. As I watch his facial expressions, listen to his sounds, I wonder, "what is he thinking?" I have resolved that when he is dreaming he is seeing colors and shapes, similar to fireworks, but I am just guessing. I enjoy watching his faces so much I have caught myself just filming his face; crying and whining and all.

Landon is getting so much bigger and so quickly. People always say, "they grow up fast." They aren't kidding. He is now 20 inches long and weights 7 lbs and 10 ounces. We went to the doctor and he seems to be doing great. The doctor said he has a strong neck and he is doing well.

Kari went to see Mama yesterday. I got a phone call and Kari said he rolled over. Are you kidding me? I am not sure how old kids are supposed to be when they roll over, but if he is rolling over already I guess that means we will have to keep a closer watch on him so he doesn't roll off things. (wonderful!)

I hope that everyone is doing well. Keep it tuned to Insert Title Here. God Bless.

Landon Getting Bigger

Here Big Momma: New Pics of Landon

Reflections on Fatherhood: Part One

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

At this point, the summer of 2009 has been huge when compared to previous summers in my life. As most of you know, I lost my grandfather on Sunday, June 28th and six days later Kari and I had our baby, Landon.

In just a short period of time, myself and my family experienced a loss and welcomed a new life into this world. As the verse states, the Lord is faithful through it all. God has taught me a ton in a very short period of time.

As I watched my Mama express her everlasting love to my dying grandfather she stated, "I'll sell everything I have in order to get Papa home and comfortable." WOW! Short of dying for him, which I am sure she would do, she would give it all up for her spouse. This everlasting love for her spouse is one I hope to give my wife and son. This also is just a glimpse of how our father in heaven loves us, "For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies" (Psalm 57:10).

This theme of love continued on July 4th. As Kari cried, groaned and expressed her labor pains we rushed to the hospital, time stood still; several hours later we became Mommy and Daddy to Landon. Once I laid eyes on our precious gift I was in love. I used to say, "There are no pretty newborns." People would insist, when its your own it doesn't matter. Those people who said it doesn't matter when its your own, were right; he swept me off my feet by his presence and cry.

The amazing responsibility and trust that is bestowed upon someone who has a baby is beyond description. A father is supposed by responsible to take care of his child, but yet he has to trust that God will protect his child whenever his earthly father can't be there for him. Many people said, "Your life is about to change." This is true, but an understatement. We attempt to pray daily for him and myself to trust that in the good times and in the bad times, "His love never fails."

Love of your spouse; love of your child; (love for everyone) and love for God should be everlasting and unconditional, even if he grows up to be a football player or a book worm.

More to come, Reflections on Fatherhood: Part Two.

God Bless.

New Pictures

Landon Jeremy and Family

A Little Background on the July 4th Birth

Originally back in October the doctor estimated that we would have Landon in early July. After several other appointments and various tests it was determined he would be due on July 20th. Therefore we scheduled a c-section for July 14th.

On Friday, July 3rd, Kari began experiencing contractions. We called the doctor several times to figure out how we would know when the best time to go to the hospital would be. We were told to write down how long in between contractions and how long each one lasted. Once they reached 5 minutes apart and lasting for about a minute for an hour, than we should go to the hospital.

The contractions continued through the night. With one phone call to the doctors office and several to my mother in law, Ruth, at approximately 6:00am we decided it was time to go to the hospital. We hurriedly made preparations; packed our bag and gathered cameras, etc. (since he was 10 days early we had not already done these things). I remembered that I left my camera at the office so before leaving campus I ran into the office to get the cameras, just in case (still believing we weren't having the baby).

Our hour drive allowed for a perfect time to see what the contractions were doing. She had been contracting for almost 24 hours, but there was no pattern. The pattern formed on the way to Round Rock. As we watched the clock the contractions were hitting 5 minutes apart and lasting for one minute. We found out our doctor was on call and we arrived at 7:30am.

We were quickly taken upstairs to labor and delivery where the nurses monitored and reported to our doctor for about 30 to 45 minutes. Before the doctor came to see us one last nurse measured her cervix; Kari was already sitting at 4cm. Now it is not uncommon for someone to be 4cm and not deliver immediately, but our doctor came in and advised we have him on July 4th. Without hesitation because of the pain and because we were ready to meet our bundle of joy, we advised the doctor to proceed.

At about 9:15am they wheeled Kari back to the ER and I waited patiently in the room for a nurse to come and get me. I had some trouble getting all my gear on and even tore one for the shoe covers (they should put arrows on those things or at least have someone help you put them on). We went back to the ER and the doctor was ready to go.

9:53am Landon Jeremy was delivered. I watched as the doctor removed him from my wife's belly. She proudly showed him off to Kari and I. I witnessed the cleaning and first diaper; in addition the weighting and measuring. The pediatrician showed Landon to Kari than handed him to me. We waited with Mommy behind the sheet as the doctor finished the procedure. Mommy immediately showered him with kisses and glowed with happiness at the sight of our baby boy.

By 10:30am we were back in our room with Landon. He doesn't cry much and loves to be wrapped tight in his blanket. He enjoys snuggling with his Mommy and we already treat him like our little prince. He makes several funny faces and even has this half smile face. There are two dimples, one on each side of his face and two little dimples under his bottom lip (which we have noticed that both my brothers have these dimples).

Kari's parents and siblings and my Pop, Donna and Brooke were in the waiting room ready to meet Landon. We took a few minutes and than Kari began vomiting. This last for about 4 hours, but she has not thrown up since. Many family and friends have already come to visit and welcome Landon to the family. Thanks to everyone who's dropped by, called us, sent us a text message, wall post or whatever other form of communication...Thanks to everyone for your love and support. We look forward to introducing each of you to Landon shortly and expect to be out of the hospital by Tuesday morning.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. This morning Landon gets a shot and circumcised. I am not looking forward to this painful experience, but believe it is necessary for our baby.

Stay tuned to Insert Title Here for more pictures and possibly some video. If you want to drop a comment, please feel free.

God Bless.

More Pictures of Landon and Family

Pictures of Landon and Family

Landon Jeremy Hellums is Here!

Born at 9:53am Central Standard Time, Landon Jeremy weighted in at 6lbs 14 ounces. He has a head of blonde hair. He is making the sweetest little sounds and seems to be hungry.

More pictures to come...

In About 45 min. Baby Hellums Will Be Here

We are at the hospital right now and the doctor just told Kari and I that we are having our baby boy today.

More updates to come...

Son, Brother, Father, but he was my Papa

J.W. Lueders was born on March 30, 1928 in Cistern, TX. On February 10, 1950, he married the love of his life, Muriel Byler. Together they raised two children, Deborah and Russell in the Muldoon area. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in February of this year.

He was known to many people in Bastrop as Jay. He served our country as a Navyman from 1946 to 1948. Jay started working for the U.S. Postal Service in Muldoon and later in 1974, Jay and Muriel moved to Bastrop,where he continued to work. After he retired from the U.S. Postal Service he spent time working as a subsitute teacher for Bastrop ISD. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course and working in his garden with his wife. Jay served as a deacon at Muldoon Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Bastrop for many years. He is survived by his loving wife Muriel; his children Deborah and Russell Lueders; grandchildren, Jeremy and Kari Hellums, Aaron and Katie Hellums, Randy and Penny Lueders, Dustin Lueders, Matt Hellums, Kaytlyn Lueders and Courtney Lueders; his brother and sisters, Jimmy and Patsy Lueders of Victoria, TX, Billie and Charlie Williams of Upton, TX and Betty and Max Keener of Pleasanton, TX.

He was proceded in death by his parents, Harry and Martha Lueders and his older brother, Harold Lueders.

Visitation will be Tuesday June 30, at Marrs, Jones-Newby Funeral Home and family visitation will be Tuesday night from 6-8 PM.

Funeral services will held at First Baptist Church of Bastrop on Wednesday, July 1, at 10:30 am. Graveside services will be at Pitman Cemetary in Muldoon, Texas at 1:30 pm.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Papa "Went to Heaven"

At approximately 1:45am on Sunday morning J. W. Lueders, my Papa, passed away at his home in Bastrop, TX.

My cousin, Dustin, called at 2:30am to tell me he, "went to heaven."

More to come. Please keep us in your prayers.

God Bless

Michael Jackson Died @ Age 50

Pray for my Papa

I got a text message from my mom today that asked if I was going to be coming to the hospital today. I replied, "What's going on?" She replied that my grandfather, Papa (pronounced Paw-paw), had not eaten or spoken since Sunday. I spoke to my assistant director and asked if I could leave for the day and she quickly said of course.

Kari met me at the hospital and we spent the afternoon with him, Mama, my mom and uncle Russ.

We are not sure what is going to happen, but please pray for my Papa.

God Bless.

PS: Kari and Baby are doing great.