Well, this is the last post before baby comes.  The next post will likely be pictures and information about who this little one is. 

I think I'll just share an exert from a recent journal.  Not sure what else I would say in these moments.  I look forward to sharing soon about this new life.

So here are the questions in mind and the peace that I'm reminding myself of and am thankful for. 

"Baby is coming.  Nightly feedings, people around.

Will this little one be healthy?  Will it be easy or hard?  Will it be a boy or a girl?  What will it's name be?  Does Evee really understand what is coming?  Will I make it through surgery?  Will it hurt a lot?  Will I enjoy breastfeeding again?  Will my job/work carry on and function smoothly while I'm gone?  Will I be able to enjoy the process of it all?  Or will I be so tired I can think straight? 

Many things to consider.  BUT my soul is at rest.  My hope is in God.  He is my peace.  He is my help.  He is our wisdom, our strength, our guide.

So I will not be put to shame and I will not concern myself with matters to great for me.  My soul will be still and quiet in the Lord."

Sleep begets sleep

When we were in the first weeks of postpartum with Evee I remember getting scared at times that she was sleeping too much in the day and wouldn’t sleep well at night.

One night we were at a friend’s house and a woman there, who’d recently had her second kid said, “Sleep begets sleep.”  She went on to explain that she was a strong believer that sleep led to more sleep for little ones.  That good sleep during the day led to better sleep at night as well.

There were many times throughout those first few months were I’d remind myself of this as Evee slept heartily throughout the day.  I found the statement to be true.

Recently I’ve been reminded of this again.  In the midst of summer nights and the lagging sunlight, Evee was going to bed later for a few nights in a row.  And then getting up earlier than normal (by an hour or more).

I started putting her to bed earlier thinking that she may wake up at the same time, but would be getting more sleep.  Turned out, though, that she is now sleeping even later.  For us, an earlier bedtime = sleeping later in the morning.

I am thankful for this reminder right before #2 comes along…for Evee’s sake, the new baby’s routine and especially for my own sanity.  I’d kind of forgotten about it, but I’m sure I’ll be quoting it to myself many times soon once again.

A little night time gardening (and a huge zucchini!)

Rainy days

Am I really posting this little?  Sorry friends!
{This post was written two Saturdays ago}

Today it is raining…perfect for our garden and perfect for relaxing.

We started the morning with a breakfast of pancakes, fruit, and homemade whipping cream.That was after a solid time of lying in bed with Evee, chatting to each other, talking on the phone with Clint and sending text messages to him from Evee.

Went to an indoor farmer’s market with friends after that. Enjoyed getting donuts, fruit, and veggies.

As I write this, I’ve just been lying in bed (yes again). I have the most beautiful girl lying beside me – reading books, taking pictures of things (blankets, books, me…)and cuddled in her blanket.  I’ve got a little one inside me that is still such a mystery.  And we are greatly anticipating the arrival of having Clint tomorrow. 

Life is really a gift…such a beautiful one.

I just think, this is so good. Life is such a blessing.

In the unknown of the next month – ushering a new life into the world, the lack of sleep, endless discovering – I am thankful for these moments now.I know there were be much to be grateful for and moments of peace in the weeks ahead, but it will be so in a different kind of way.

Today I am thankful for these moments...this moment.

From Evee's perspective

The Farmer's Market - We went with some friends that are staying around and others that are leaving this week...

Quiet afternoon reading in bed

And a little looking-down-at-the-belly shot

The Pool

Our internet has been down this week and last due to seminary construction/development.  It’s had its advantages, but is also an inconvenience.  Needless to say, I’m online a lot less (thus no blog posts last week).  I did, however write up a few things about our week

This week, in our 100 degree weather, Evee started swimming lessons at the YMCA pool that the seminary owns and is an easy walk from our apartment.  We enjoy the pool regularly already, so having the additional lessons is only a great bonus. 

Tonight we picked up goggles so that she will feel more comfortable putting her head in the water.  We gave them a try during bath time and she let me snap some pictures.  I’m also adding a picture that my friend took weeks ago when she and her daughter were out for a wonderful visit.

The town

The bus, the library, the downtown farmer's market, the ice cream shop.  These are some of our favorites and from them have come great joy the last couple of weeks. 

The summer has been great...still some structure, but with a lot greater flexibility.  Freedom to spend the days as we desire...a few afternoon naps, cook outs and lots of fruit for dinners, time in the pool, pink ice cream, hanging around home, a trip to a friend.  Very nice moments indeed. 

It's nice to be settled this summer in one place...enjoying the lazier days while anticipating the new little life coming (3 weeks now!).