Day 302- Glorious riches= Strength and power

I needed this verse this morning. I've been on Caleb duty all weekend, and Alan has been working 12 hour shifts. I took Caleb to church this morning to go to a girls' Bible study during the Sunday school hour. No one else was able to come, so I decided to spend some time alone with God. I got a call a few minutes later asking me to pick Caleb up because he had a runny nose. He had a cold earlier in the week, but was feeling better and I thought he was well enough to attend Sunday school. Needless to say, I was disappointed to lose my focused time with God, as well as fellowship at church (I wasn't weary so much of taking care of Caleb, but of the social isolation of the weekend). After reading this verse and having a good cry (thank you preggo hormones), I decided to take Caleb back to church during the service time and see how long he could last with me in big church. We made it the whole service, though he was a bit restless. Anyway, this verse is what I'm drawing strength from today and I hope that it is encouraging for anyone who reads it as well.

Ephesians 3:14-19
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Day 300- 4 months to go and 65 days til the New Year

I can't believe that it is almost November!!!!  Well, the weather changed yesterday and at least it feels like late October now (instead of the 80's we'd had for a the last week).  Yesterday marked the 4 month countdown til baby's due date/my 29th birthday.  In many ways it seems like forever away, but it is also coming so quickly.  I have a feeling that with the holidays coming up, things will really fly.  I'm excited to started getting the nursery ready and reading up on labor/newborn care to refresh myself.  Caleb is learning how to be a big boy in anticipation of the baby as well.  He now sleeps in a big boy bed, has started beginning potty training, and is practicing climbing in and out of his booster seat/car seat.

I also can't believe that there are only 65 days til 2013!  This year has absolutely flown by.  I don't know if it is because of getting older, having a kiddo, Alan being in school, or all of the above.  I can't complain though, because while I don't want to wish the next year and a half away... I am looking forward to Alan graduating, getting a job, and being able to settle where ever God leads us. 

We've been extremely blessed to be accepted into community with friends from church who are in the same phase of life and who are lots of fun.  I want to live intentionally over the upcoming months, whether deepening relationships, serving others more, delighting in my children and husband, resting, living more simply, or engaging my mind with my work. 

Day 295- *easy* Chicken and rice soup

Alan has a cold, so this morning I hodge-podged a super-easy chicken and rice soup. It turned out pretty good, so I thought I would share.

Chicken and Rice Soup
9 c. Chicken broth= 4 cans (I used 6 c. Homemade chicken stock and 3 c. Water)
5 or 6 carrots, sliced
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 c. Brown rice (makes it super ricey- use less if you want it more brothy)
1 package mixed frozen veggies
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together and let cook until carrots and rice are tender and chicken is cooked through. About 30-45 minutes.

Enjoy!

Day 293- Louisburg Cider Mill!

We spent the morning/early afternoon at the Louisburg Cider Mill today! It was the perfect fall day to enjoy cider, cider doughnuts, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, and more. We enjoyed seeing the Sheltons, Grabers, and running into the Menards just before we left. Here's some pics!

Day 291- 21 weeks!

It's ridiculous how long it's been since my last update!

Pregnancy Highlights

How far along: 21 weeks
Size of baby: 10.5 inches long, 3/4 of a pound, long as a carrot
Weight gain: about 15 lbs
Maternity clothes: pretty much all maternity besides a few shirts and my workout pants
Gender: Boy!
Food cravings: carbs, grilled cheese (I have it several times a week)
What I miss: energy!
Sleep: I'm not sleeping very soundly lately, but I've been trying to go to bed earlier and take naps when I can.
Symptoms: a headache here and there, tiredness, not much else
Best moment of the week: Alan feeling the baby from the outside
What I'm looking forward to: getting the nursery ready and hearing the heartbeat at my appt next week.

Day 288- 10 year high school reunion

So, we had a professional photographer take pics at our reunion and free access, so here are random pics from the reunion. While I'm glad I went, last weekend wasn't necessarily the time of my life. :) Yes, I did enjoy seeing a few people and finding out what they are up to. However, I think Facebook takes some of the anticipation out of the small talk, because I was already caught up with most people's lives. I had a wonderful high school experience, but it was just that- my high school experience. I think that I have changed so much and made so many deep friendships in college and lived in so many places that high school is just part of my past. People kept saying..."I can't believe it's been 10 years! It feels like just yesterday!" I pretty much feel like it was 20 years ago. While it may have mostly been awkward conversations sprinkled with a few truly meaningful reconnections, I'm glad I was able to be present and process through what my high school experience means to me.

Day 285- countdown

Is it bad that I already have a countdown of how many days of work til the baby comes? I mainly did it because it helps me power through days like today... When I'm just not feeling it. Anyway, happy 56 work days til baby! I have a feeling once Thanksgiving is here, it's gonna completely fly by. I am trying to enjoy my time as a mom of a singlet for now. Caleb is so precious. Sorry baby brother, but you have some big shoes to fill :).

Ps- I'm sure when I'm up at 1, 3, 5, and 7 am, I'll be wishing I was at work instead!!!!

Day 277- 24 month letter

Dear Caleb,
You are so big! I can't believe you are already 2 years old! We went to the doctor today and you were almost 27 pounds (30th percentile) and 35 1/2 inches tall (75th percentile). You've been following pretty much the same pattern since you we're born.

You are wearing mostly 24 month-2T clothes and size 5 diapers. You've recently started using the potty a little, and we are hoping you show signs of being ready to potty train before little brother makes an entrance into this world. You transitioned nicely to a big boy bed recently and sleep pretty well (though sometime it takes a little longer for you to fall asleep. Thankfully, most nights you sleep from 8pm-8am and take a 2-3 hour nap.

You are saying lots and lots of words and combining 2 and 3 words consistently. Sometimes you try for more than that, but we can't quite understand what you are trying to say. You have great motor skills and use a fork and spoon pretty well now. You are starting to learn how to take off your clothes to get ready for a bath or to put on pajamas. You identify all the main colors and letters A-D. You try to count, but its more like, "1,2,3,2,1,3,2". You've recently become interested at pointing at the words while I read a book.

Caleb, you love to play with anything transportation, balls, make believe (kitchen, dress up), read books, or imitate big people chores. You love watching Toy Story or Cat in the Hat recently. You are a little genius when it comes to technology.

Dear little Caleb, you are so precious to me and make me smile all day long. You have such a wonderful temperament (most of the time). Your quiet, sweet, boyish ways amaze me daily. I love you and hope that you know how loved you are by mama, daddy, family, and your God.
Love,
Mama

Day 276- 2 years!!!!

2 Year Birthday Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

So thankful my family could come out to celebrate!  Caleb had a blast.  Although he didn't really know what what going on for his birthday, now if he hears someone say birthday, he asks for cake or his crown (he got at school).  It's so fun to experience the childlike joy of a birthday party!

Day 275- Updated playroom

I recently decided to get some shelving and update the playroom a little to make it more functional for Caleb and to get it ready for making room for a nursing momma and new baby.  Here's a pic of the old design.  All the toys were on the floor in crates.

Here's a few pics of the new design.  I picked up a shelving unit from Target and made my own bunting with scrapbook paper and string.  It was actually pretty easy.  The size I used for each piece (only one-sided) was 7 inches wide x 12 inches long.  Just measure the first one out with a ruler and trace the rest!  For Caleb's birthday, my mom also made some awesome framed art of vintage Smokey the Bear nature posters that she rescued at her school.  They work perfectly in the room.  I still need to put in curtains and a small table for crafts/etc, but I'm waiting til I can find someone to pick up a few things for me at IKEA.  Finally, I put in an arm chair so that I can spend time holding the baby and still be in the same room while Caleb plays.  We like the new design a lot!