Samuel and the Joys of Onomatopoeia

On August 22, 2023August 22, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General2 Comments

It’s commonly known that onomatopoeia refers to a word that phonetically imitates or suggests the source of the sound it describes. For example:

The snake hissed in the grass.

The fallen leaves rustled in the wind.

The bees buzzed around the flower.

The students murmured their dissatisfaction about the upcoming quiz.

The rooster’s cock-a-doodle-do announced the arrival of a new day.

“Chitty bang-bang. Chitty-chitty bang-bang.” (Ian Fleming)

“Plop, plop, fizz, fizz. Oh what a relief it is.” (Paul Margulies & Tom Dawes)

The Scriptures contain examples of onomatopoeia, too, though it doesn’t always come through in English. For example:

“Then thundered the horses’ hoofs—galloping, galloping go his mighty steeds” (Judges 5:22). Hebrew: daharoth, daharoth (cf. English: The Lone Ranger: darrrunt, darrrunt).

“Be silent before the Sovereign LORD . . .” (Zephaniah 1:7a). Hebrew: hass (cf. English: hush).

“Your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac” (Genesis 17:19b). Hebrew: Yitzhak (cf. English: yuk yuk).

“Go and buy a clay jar from a potter” (Jeremiah 19:1b). Hebrew: baqbuq (cf. English: glub glub).

“And some began to spit on him . . .” (Mark 14:65a). Greek: ptuo (cf. English: spit).

It’s a fun linguistic phenomenon.

Anyway, Samuel discovered its joys recently when he started imitating the siren of a little firetruck we recently bought him.

“Eee-ooo-eee-ooo-eee-ooo!”

He also displays a bit of rhythm, too, with the bopping head. This little munckin always makes my heart smile.

Some Bonus Snaps

The World’s Most Impressive Fall Color Destinations

On August 19, 2023August 21, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

“As the hot, sticky hug of summer yields to the crisp embrace of autumn, nature embarks on a colorful and captivating transformation. Fall is our favorite.” So write the editors at the captivating Moss and Fog website, and I wholeheartedly concur. Fall is magical. I’ll be linking below to their August 17 post titled, “Exploring the World’s Most Impressive Fall Color Destinations.” First a few snaps and clips of my cherubs.

Levi cooing to Mama.

Samuel enjoying the special seat I got him for his new wagon.

Someone learned how to use the remote to our patio lights.

He pushes a button and then announces the color.

Bubby always gets worn out after a day of playing with Papa.

O.k., here’s the link to that Moss and Fog post.

Little Ones to Him Belong

On August 14, 2023August 14, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

Samuel is only 19½ month old, but yesterday he joined his mama on the chorus of “Jesus Loves Me” at bedtime, and it took my breath away. His singing is beyond adorable, and my heart may have melted into a big fat puddle of Papa-love when I heard it. The video clip was shot after the lights went off, so there’s nothing to see. But there’s plenty to hear—pure praise “out of the mouth of babes.” Could there be any sweeter or more important message than:

Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.

💙 🙌💙 🙌💙 🙌💙 🙌💙 🙌

Nothing to see but plenty to hear.

Samuel picked up all his toys, so he was allowed to watch a little TV.

Levi is laser focused on those who came to see him.

Two Little Dino-Mites

On August 12, 2023August 12, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

Samuel likes being a big brother to Levi. We had them over to our place a couple times this week, which is always a sheer delight. The last time they were here, they had on matching dinosaur shirts. Of course, I had to get the camera. 😊 Levi had a procedure at CHOP this week, and all went well. He seems rather peaceful, with no lingering effects.

This time of year is always thick with course and syllabus preparation, which also comes with added tasks and responsibilities in the digital age. Still, it’s a labor of love, as is the dissertation, which is still in motion. Next month always feels like a changeover at church, too, so the pile is doubly high these days. All the more reason to throw in some silly memes for a few lighthearted moments before getting back to the grind.

Enjoy. And have a fantastic weekend.

This is never more true than when I try to swim or play softball.

A legitimate observation, despite the typo.

I guess this qualifies as a generation gap.

Passed the test at school. Flunked the test at home.

Yes, I am an INTJ, but my N is moving in the F direction these days. In fact, I tend to extrovert my F, which is why I could never be a good poker player.

A New Red Wagon for the Boys

On August 7, 2023August 7, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

Last week I got a new red wagon for the boys that I can hook up to my lawn tractor. It’s our own little Knoebel’s ride—with no tickets necessary (though my next door neighbor offered me two bucks for a ride. Unfortunately, he couldn’t fit)!

Samuel likes the wagon, though he doesn’t really like the noise that comes from the tractor. We did several laps around the yard, and then I dropped him off at the garden, where he loves to help us pick the ripe stuff. As we love to say around here, “He’s the best Bubby ever.”

Levi is becoming more alert and used to our voices. It was fun to feed him for the first time last week and sing him to sleep. He is so precious, and Samuel is (mostly) gentle with him.

Bouns

Identity Theft

On July 29, 2023July 29, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

We’re thinking that Levi (aka, “Nugget”) bears a striking resemblance to Andrew (aka, “Uncle Tino”). My history in pictures doesn’t begin until I was 13 months old, so we’ll have to wait for those comparisons. All the same, he’s a cutie pie, and I was able to give him a bottle for the first time today. Last night Samuel stayed overnight at our house, and we had a blast. I’m so thrilled he loves coming to our place. We love having him!

Andrew is on the left. Levi is on the right. I think.

Samuel loves to pick the vegetables out of our garden.

Bonus:

I did a double take when I saw this in the grocery store. I once had a demon-possessed Pomeranian.

‘When Are the Boys Coming Over?’

On July 27, 2023July 27, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

I just got back from church camp where I had the privilege of sharing five evening messages with a responsive and appreciative crowd. Their favorite, by far, was a sermon called “It Is Finished” from John 19:28-30, where Jesus says, “Tetelestai!” from the cross. It’s the gospel in a single word, and I got a bit exuberant preaching it!

While I was away, Samuel and Levi kept being cute, and I missed them greatly. I gathered up a few snaps and clips upon my return, and now I have some new ones to share. I may have shown a few of their previous pictures via PowerPoint during one of my sermons. 🙂 Do you remember that picture of Bubby washing the car? And the one where he’s holding a sponge, covered in suds? The camp folks are now smitten, too!

Here’s something I’ve been eager to say for the past nine months, and now I can say it: “When are the boys coming over?” Haha! Actually, Samuel was here yesterday (and it was SO good to see him). He’s coming tomorrow, too, so I’m super spoiled. I’m thinking it’s time to establish a Friday night pizza tradition at our house, with them staying overnight and having pancakes for breakfast on Saturday morning.

Enjoy a few glimpses of my cherubs. And a song that may send your spirit soaring.

💙 🩵 💚 💙 💚 🩵 💙 💚 🩵 💙 💚 🩵 💙 💚 🩵

Tetelestai

Bonus

I made a reference to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in one of my camp messages: “Barely even friends, then somebody bends unexpectedly.”

More on Our Little Nugget

On July 18, 2023July 18, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General4 Comments

Joy abounds as we get to spend more time with Levi. Micah revealed his first nickname: “Nugget.” So, now we have Bubby and Nuggy. 😊 Samuel is learning what it means to be a big brother, and his interactions with Levi have been charming. Mommy and daddy have been working hard to make Samuel feel special despite all the attention his baby brother needs right now. So, there are some snaps of him below, too. He’s in “Sudsy Bubby” mode. Enjoy!

💙 🩵💙 🩵💙 🩵💙 🩵💙 🩵

Bubby Bonus:

Levi Has My Genes

On July 15, 2023July 15, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General3 Comments

Levi is home now, settling into family life. It’s been quite an emotional week watching it all unfold. Since I’m an adoptee with no connection to my biological family, Levi is just the fourth blood relative I’ve been able to meet (after Andrew, Bethany, and Samuel). So, Levi has my genes! According to his paternal grandpa, he also has my mouth. Speculation is growing already that he’s going to be a preacher. 😊

As is our custom, I read Psalm 139 over him when he got home. Cue the waterworks.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Before any of us had a place in this world, we had a place in God’s heart. And Levi now has a place in our hearts, too. He is precious and perfect, and all of us savoring this wonderful gift the Lord has entrusted to us.

I promised some pictures, so here goes:

Bethany was amazing throughout the whole process of labor and delivery.

Welcome to the world, Levi. We have loved you for nine months already.

Micah and Bethany are so thrilled with their new bundle of joy. They are wonderful parents.

Yes, here is news worth broadcasting! Also, Levi is the first in our family to have a July birthday. 💙

Sleep in heavenly peace, dear one. Your family back home is eager to meet you.

The precious cargo is strapped in and ready to come home for the first time.

Samuel loves being with his gaga and papa, but he really missed his mama and dada.

Mama and dada really missed Samuel, too. ❤️

Samuel’s first look at his baby brother.

Samuel seemed to sense that this was a special moment.

Oh, the fun these two are going to have together. 🙂

We are smitten. And we’re grateful for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

We’re working hard to let Samuel know is is still important to us.

If little boys grow up to become bigger boys, is the same true for buses?

Welcome to the World, Dear One

On July 13, 2023July 15, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General3 Comments

Samuel’s brother Levi Timothy was born today at 5:35 a.m., checking in at 8 lbs., 8 oz., and 20 inches long. He is so precious—ruddier, chunkier, and hairier than his brother, who he was born nineteen months ago. Maybe they should have named him Esau. 😊

I’m told Bethany did well. She was accompanied by her husband, mother, and mother-in-law, who is a nurse. After about 9 hours of labor, she needed only four pushes when the time came.

I wasn’t able to blog through the night like last time because I was babysitting Samuel—which is always an utter delight—but I was keeping up with all the action by phone. And, of course, when I heard Levi’s strong and healthy first cry, I melted into a puddle of tears. Again.

Samuel saw pictures of his baby brother this morning, and he was able to say, “Levi”! I will share some pictures later. For now, here’s a hymn that is meaningful to me this week in light of both the tragedy of premature death (a good family friend) and the beauty of newborn life (Levi Timothy).

The song is in desperate need of an update, but the message is timeless and true: God is always there. In good times and bad.

Three Weeks from Today

On June 20, 2023June 22, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

Levi Timothy is supposed to arrive three weeks from today. It’s quite possible, though, that he’ll come early. I’m told his head is down, and he is in just the right position to come at any time. We’ll just have to wait to see what happens. We’re all so excited to meet him!

Meanwhile, Samuel continues to charm. He’s speaking full sentences now—a third of which is usually discernible to us. The rest makes sense only to him. He’s a happy little boy, and he loves coming to our house. That’s good because we love having him! 💙

We’ll have to work doubly hard to make sure he still feels special when his brother comes along. I think we might be up to the task. 🙂

He loves the water. I’m thinking that might be genetic.

“I like the slide, too.”

Bonus:

Samuel has places to go in his new car. In fact, his mommy has a birthday four days from now, and she may have a new car, too. Shhhh!!!

Et cetera

I forgot to share with y’all that I’m the sheriff this week at our church’s Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School. I even have my own personalized badge. 🙂 Haha! I learned my very first Bible verse at a VBS many years ago as a child: “God is love” (1 John 4:8b). Not a bad place to start, eh? We’re having a blast with all these munchkins.

The Flowering of New Life

On March 30, 2023March 31, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

Between proffing, pastoring, dissertating, and Holy Week-ing, I’ve been really bad at posting lately. I’m massively behind on sermon uploads, too. My apologies! As somebody once said, the faster I go, the behinder I get. 😊 The pile has been high lately. (When has it ever not been high?) And then there are various birthday events this week. (I’m still not sure if I was born on the 30^th, the 31^st, or the 1^st. My adoptive parents chose the 31^st because if it’s wrong, it’s the least wrong. Good call on their part.)

Anyway, there are signs of life all over the place, and it’s so encouraging to the soul. It’s a nice diversion from the pain of social media and the latest school shooting. (The targeting of Christian children now by tranny-terrorists? And the corrupt mainstream media will never cover it accurately. Thank God for independent media.) But the new life to which I refer is, first of all, Levi. He’s due July 18, although they may revise that date. I’m banking on the 14^th to the 21^st, and the spoiling strategies have already begun! Below are some sonograms from his latest ultrasound. He’s smiling already!

The other new life is the explosion of color in our flower beds. The spring daffs and hyacinths have taken off, and the tulips are on their way. Best of all, our treatment plan on the cherry tree seems to have worked, at least in part. We finally have some characteristic pink flowering taking place. So, welcome to spring. But, please, dear season of newness, keep your allergies to yourself.

EDIT:

Oh, and it’s Opening Day, too. Heading to the store now to get some non-pareils. It’s a tradition! 🙂

Our First Look at Little Levi

On February 28, 2023February 28, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

Bethany had a regularly scheduled ultrasound today, and we got our first look at Levi Timothy. (Well, I guess this is technically our second look after the first ultrasound when he was the size of fingernail.) I love his profile in the first sonogram. His features seem to be similar to Samuel’s, though it’s hard to tell with all the shadows.

The second sonogram is harder to discern, but that’s because Levi raised his leg over his head at just the right time. I’m not sure if that’s because he’s going to run hurdles someday or if he’s just going to be a spazz over the course of his life. (Enya’s “Wild Child” comes to mind.) Either way, I love him to pieces already, and I can’t wait to meet him in person this July.

(From static shadows to a living reality—now, there’s a sermon illustration! Cf. Hebrews 10:1.)

💙 💚 💙 💚 💙 💚 💙 💚 💙 💚 💙 💚 💙 💚

Boy, Oh Boy!

On January 13, 2023January 14, 2023 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

On Mother’s Day 2021, Sonya was opening her gifts from her children. At one point she held up a gray T-shirt and started to cry. I was sitting on the other side of the room and couldn’t see what it said. I thought to myself, “I’m sure it’s a very nice T-shirt, but we don’t usually cry over T-shirts now, do we? So, what’s up with that?”

What’s up with that was the writing it featured on the front: “Best grandma ever.”

“Is this true?” she asked with a gasp.

It was. And after she turned the shirt around to where I could see it, I started to cry, too. Micah and Bethany were expecting their first child. As readers of This New Life well know, Samuel James White was born on December 1, 2021. I’ve been utterly smitten ever since.

Bethany always felt kind of bad that her mom got the news a split second before I did, so on Christmas Day 2022, I opened a similar gift. This one had a little red Christmas stocking in it with a piece of paper inside. “What in the world is this?” I thought. I was mystified—until I saw that the little paper was actually the sonogram of child number two.

I may have cried again once the news sank in, causing the others to wonder what was going on. It was my turn to be smug this time as Sonya was sitting across the room in confusion. Eventually everyone came to realize that Samuel was getting a sibling.

Last night was Micah’s birthday. We celebrated at Dogood’s Tavern here in Myerstown, and then we came back to our place to give him his gifts. To our surprise, he then gave us a gift. We had a hunch it might be some sort of gender reveal, much like they did for Samuel.

Sure enough, when we opened the box, a little white onesie greeted us with the joyful announcement:

Hello, my name is Levi Timothy.

Samuel has a brother, and that brother’s name will carry my own. Are you surprised that there may have been more tears? I’m still stunned. And I’m smitten with Levi already. This week he’s the size of a lemon.

We expect to meet Levi sometime around July 18, 2023. Until then, my prayer for him will be Luke 5:28: “And Levi got up, left everything, and followed [Jesus].” Come to think of it, that may be my lifelong prayer for him.

Until Levi makes an appearance, Samuel has the stage all to himself. So, here you go…