Silver lining

As we walked anxiously around the maternity ward at the hospital the other night, I realized that I was quite prepared to be there, but less prepared to actually bring our baby home! Well, since we were able to come back home, I've better prepped. Dresser is moved & full, bassinet is in our room, diapers are bought, pantry is more stocked, & much better full-term picture of my baby belly is taken. Hooray! NOW we're ready. Come on, little one...

Choo choo

Thank you to Uncle Fr. Jon for breaking me out of my no-news-yet funk this morning with a fun adventure. We (they) enjoyed a train ride at the zoo, (courtesy of the summer reading program)

browsing in the gift shop... okay actually playing in the gift shop,& a slow peaceful stroll down to the fountains. What a beautiful day to be outside in God's creation!

Fishin' in the dark

We met out at Darren's parents' pond last weekend for a little reunion. Look at that crazy group... growing all the time!
Thanks for the tasty food, amusing fishing, paddleboat & hayrack rides... but especially to Green Grandpa for building the "portapotty". ; )

Love you all! Can't wait to add another grandbaby to that photo. (Still working on that modesty thing with Rebecca.)

How are you feeling today?

Happy Birthday to Sr. Edith Marie!

Thank you for your amazing friendship & love. I'm so blest to have you in my life. May God smile upon you in a special way today! (Anyone get the title reference???)

Trial Run

A huge THANK YOU

to my little sister Cara for being part of what turned out to be a trial run last night. She graciously drove over in the middle of the night...again (she was our go-to for Rebecca as well). After laboring for 7 hours & being so anxious about who would be with the kids/getting there in time, we gave in & went to the hospital. It was not without progress, but stalled out around 4:00 a.m. Now this little one is just rejoicing to not be squeezed anymore by doing some crazy break dancing in there. So, here we are, very pleased at how smoothly our trial run went...just wishing it had been the real thing. Please, say a prayer that we can each find time to rest today & that baby Sprinkle is a healthy baby...

whenever we may meet.

Advice?

Anyone able to explain to this baby what 'fetal position' is supposed to look like?

Creative Construction

Today was all about construction at our house. First they built a castle, then a "hunting trip" (inspired by Red Grandpa's latest adventure), then this pick-up Andrew is driving below. He insisted on keeping it all together until Darren got home... after I explained that wouldn't be for 6 hours he let me take a picture instead. Ah, the joys of digital cameras! One of Rebecca's new chores is putting away the silverware out of the dishwasher. She usually does really well, though sometimes mixes together the big & little forks. Apparently, it's not exciting enough for her anymore just to be doing a "big kid" job. This is what I found her doing instead. Fun times in the kitchen!

A fit of nesting

In a fit of nesting, I realized both Andrew & Rebecca had hair that looked too scraggly for Baptism photos... in about a month. So I gave in & trimmed them up. Andrew was an angel the whole time ... very uncommon for him. Rebecca didn't know what to think. I've only ever trimmed her bangs before. Her hair was so uneven & getting caught in everything, so I guess it was time. Darren keeps reassuring me that it will grow back. She just looks so much older to me! Where's my baby girl? Andrew was intrigued by the fact that I saved a big bunch of her locks & put them in a bag for her scrapbook.
"Why is she doing that, Daddy?"
"I don't know, buddy. It's just something mommies do."

I know why. Do you?

It's official

I've been thinking it for a few days...

but the doctor affirmed it this morning; baby has dropped! It's SO much easier to breathe. Hallelujah! (Although I'm convinced my bladder is now the size of one of Rebecca's little tea cups.) I'm hoping it doesn't mean much more than that for now. Another 2 weeks at least would be best... especially since Darren will be gone to Minnesota 2 days next week.

Please, keep up those prayers!

A Week in Pictures

After much forgetting, we finally remembered to snap a shot of my baby belly on the way to the ultrasound last Thursday. It's by no means my favorite photo, but I haven't seen so many of you for so long . . . nobody believes me when I say I feel like a whale . . . I thought you deserved a little extra proof. ; )

I don't remember what superhero he was supposed to be . . . I'm still just amazed at his dress-up combinations! (Maybe I should title it: 101 Ways to Wear Underwear on Your Head)

We celebrated the birthday of Our Blessed Mother on Tuesday. This dessert was . . . interesting but delicious. The blue pools of frosting weren't exactly my original intent.

Rebecca has boycotted her nap for 6 days in a row now. I even "gave in" & slept in Andrew's bed the other day in hopes that she would take a rest. Instead, I awoke from my 3rd trimester stupor to this train she made out of books at my feet. At least she was quiet!
Andrew took his first single professional photos ever at preschool this week. I've never been big into posed shots at a studio; I figure if I just take a bunch wherever we are, we'll eventually have some good ones. Well, he was fascinated by the photographer. He built this camera out of Tinkertoys, set up his studio, & photographed Rebecca with assorted stuffed animals. My favorite part is the blue cloth napkins for the backdrop.

Rebecca was rather amused by the whole ordeal as well & inspired to take some pictures herself . . . too bad the camera was backwards!

Prayer for today

Dear Lord,

On this Labor Day I want to thank you with a grateful heart for Darren's job. Thank you for it's stability. Thank you that he enjoys working there. Thank you that he's good at it. Thank you that his hard work allows me to stay home to be with our children. Help us to truly appreciate it as a gift.

I pray for all those who are unemployed. Help them find work that will provide what they need to live. Help them find work that is stable, enjoyable, & fitting for their talents. Help them turn to you for guidance & confidence in their search. Help us to be supportive, generous, & compassionate as they seek out Your Will for them. Amen.

St. Joseph the worker, pray for us!

She's right, I guess.

Three times now in the last 24 hours

I have in some way called Rebecca "Baby Girl" or "Baby" & she has adamantly corrected me,

"I not 'baby', I'm Becca!"

Even though this new little one has been on-board for a full eight months, it's still hard for me to remember that Rebecca's not my baby anymore. I'm sure that will be much easier in a few short weeks!

***

On a similar note, my not-so-baby Rebecca has been dry for 4 days in a row! There is something about potty-training that really makes them feel & seem more grown-up. This has been a cake-walk compared to training her brother. If I didn't know better, I would wonder if they were even related!

Is baby hiding?

My dear Sprinkle,

It was such a gift to see you this morning.

Thank you for all of the kicking, stretching, & scooting that made it possible! You're a beautiful baby. At 35 weeks they say you are just over 5 pounds. It already seems clear that you have Daddy's chin & Mommy's nose just like your big brother & sister. We can't wait to meet you face to face!

Rebecca was sure we were going to meet today, but not yet. She thought it was funny that you were swimming & playing hide-and-seek with us. Andrew could recognize many of your little features. You are so loved! I'm going to try my best to appreciate every moment we get together even before you are born.

I love you so much! See you soon!
Love,
Mommy

Innovative Kindness

Always remember...

when your little sister wants to ride your tractor but her feet barely reach the pedals, you can just hop on the front & pedal it backwards for her while she hangs on for dear life! She'll love it!

Join in the fun...

We took advantage of Saturday's beautiful weather & ventured out to the Nebraska State Fair.We saw Melissa's three oldest march with their school's band. Good work, kiddos!
Rebecca enjoyed a ride on a "princess horsie".
Andrew opted for the motorcyles . . .
& this insanely high helicopter ride!
Rebecca started crying about half-way through. I thought she was scared for him (I was) but she just said, "Becca want ride, too!" They must get their thrill-seeking side from their Daddy.

The exotic petting zoo was a riot. I don't think Liz much cared for the camel, though.

Overall, it was an excellent time spent with some fun family! I'm glad we were able to go!

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

How about you, you, you?
You (could've) come too, too, too...

Thanks for joining in the fun Auntie Cara & not-so-baby-anymore Jonathan!