Christmas in October

As the due date of our son approaches (30 days now),  I have been calmly readying myself for the day of his birth.   As I have mentioned, my sense of anxious expectation has waned, blessedly,  this time around.  I'm just trying to rest in the day, in the gifts of the present  and to not skip ahead, which I have a weakness for doing.    God, in his grace, has allowed for a special window of time for us to bond with Karolina before our family changes again.    This past year and this pregnancy, have been so remarkably different, and I thank God for the cross of infertility that has miraculously led to this point.   I was finally at peace with the thought of no longer being able to carry and birth a child.    Yet, here we are.   


And I may not pass this way again.


So, every sleepless night I've been experiencing, every hiccup and elbow-poke,  I've been trying to etch into my heart for safe keeping.    I've also been very much enjoying listening to the soundtrack of the Nativity Story.   The album is normally tucked away in our stack of Christmas music, but our own nativity is quickly approaching and it's offered much to contemplate as I am reminded over, and over again that the  Author of Life is gifting us with a holy soul, just as He did with Karolina, Gabriel, Grant and Garrett.    I intend to listen to this music during labor.  To pray, to praise God for the gift of pain, birth, and new life.  

Even in the deliberate breathing of labor, God is there.  I recently ran across this quote: 

 "Biblical scholars realize the name of God, the letters YHWH sounds like the sound of our breathing-aspirated consonants.   God Himself names himself....and he names himself that which is the sound of our own breathing.  "   

This is true from our very first breath, to our last.   It's in these places we encounter God.   

 I continue to pray for all those struggling with infertility and know that even without physical life inside a womb, that God can bring souls into our family if there is an openness to His call.     The definition of labor is:  "work hard, make great effort."  I think that defines life in general.  And in day-to-day struggles we walk in sobriety and chronic growing pains as we die to self and give birth to Christ in us.  So, that is my mindset going in to these last weeks,  and the impending pain and challenge of childbirth.   I pray it will truly be a "Labor of Love" and worth every minute.  

Pumpkins

It's time for the orange gourds to make their debut and as you can see, I'm getting quite into the season!:)    I realize I look perfectly goofy in this shirt, but the kids enjoy it and I couldn't resist.    I probably won't be taking the kids out to trick or treat this year, so it's a bit of an early celebration.   30 days from now, our own little "treat" is due!!    I'm just turning 36 weeks.   He is estimated to weigh about 6lbs and 18 1/2 inches in length, our little man is getting big!

On another pumpkin theme, today we made our favorite "Pumpkin Butterscotch Drop Cookies."  In the past we've added marshmallows on top, but these were just as good.   Here is the recipe:



Pumpkin Butterscotch Drop Cookies

3/4 cup butter (room temp.)
1 cup brown sugar
1 Large egg (beaten well)
1 cup canned pumpkin
1tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups of flour
1tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1tsp cinnamon
1 bag of butterscotch chips

*Lightly grease baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.

The boys were wonderful helpers!    It was a nice change to have them in the kitchen baking with me on a rainy day.   In addition, I ran across some new recipes in this article:  "15 Cookies for Fall."    Let me know if you make any of them, I would be curious to know the "best of" on that list. 


And, last but not least.  I had to share a few photos of my beautiful pumpkin Karolina from our shopping trip last Friday.    We have been incredibly blessed with bins of clothes from friends who have daughter's who have outgrown items, or friends who have allowed us to borrow clothes in the sizes Karolina needs.   It's been a tremendous gift, however I have been secretly excited for the moment we could shop together...mom and daughter and buy a few new things for her wardrobe.   So, I was ELATED when we received a gift card that would allow us to do just that.    So, Friday night we had a "girls night out" and got a few cute items.   Here we are hat shopping.  She is shocked by the selection!   Ha ha ha

Look at those cheeks and those beautiful eyes!    Heaven. :)   

35 Weeks

Week 35!   Last Friday we had Cleveland Clinic pediatrician,   Dr. So on the show for his monthly segment.  He pointed out that 37 weeks is full term.   I thought it was 38 weeks, but either way we are getting close!    I'm not expecting to go early, hoping baby boy comes right at 40 weeks but it's such a blessing and relief to know our little guy is going strong.    He's getting big.....

Civil War in Zoar

 Union and liberty!    Those were just a few words uttered today during our walk back into history.  Two years ago we attended this event and we all loved it.   So, despite our jam-packed weekend, this was something we had to make room for.   Over 1,000 soldiers and civilians participate in one of the largest Civil War reenactments ever in Ohio, and it is fantastic!    Very impressive to see the Calvary, cannons, choreographed battle and fifes and drums.   Even Abe was there!

Here are the Union soldiers preparing to march into battle

 There they go...

 Karolina was decked out in her period bonnet!:)

 The fight is on.  Casualties mounting on both sides...

 Confederates win this time.  Taps is played.

 Browsing the encampment and checking out the authentic items used on the field.

I would've  struck a silly pose here, but I was afraid to move my head when I saw the price tag of this hat was $150!!   

In other news, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my mom and her friend Cheryl.  The boys had a scout camping weekend and the ladies came over to help me organize the nursery for Karolina and the baby.  It was a BIG job (I was reminded how fast babies grow and change sizes and the need to be well-stocked with everything).   We started working at 9:30am, and I didn't go to bed until nearly 1am.   I didn't work all that time, since Karolina and Garrett were also home, but I would say I put nearly 12-13 hours into organizing, sorting, and cleaning the nursery and Grant and Garrett's room.   I was wiped out, but it was a great feeling to accomplish such a big task.   It seems the "nesting" stage has begun!    I'm hoping to post a few photos of the nursery later this week.  So, THANK YOU MOM for helping make an otherwise insurmountable task achievable,  and even pleasant.  Here comes another week, enjoy the weather and beautiful fall temps!

Happy Apples

Happy fall!   Well, almost. :)  Last year we had so much fun at a local apple orchard that we knew it would be an annual event.   This is still early in the season, so yesterday's bounty only included McIntosh and Paulared's, but that was fine with us!   I suspect we'll be making another trip back in a few weeks.

It was a great time to go!   No crowds and a beautiful evening.   YUM!

Karolina's first time picking apples!   She will be eating them soon enough with all those teeth coming in!:)

I'm looking forward to trying some of these tasty apple recipes.  I definitely have to make this again too.

God of My Everything

Bebo Norman is a gifted singer/songwriter with a powerful new song.   The story behind it is equally as moving.  Here he is explaining the beauty of redemption and his personal story behind the song: 

Romans 8:38-39

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord"

Getting Prepared

This weeks marks #34 on the pregnancy calendar!    Hard to believe I'll be considered full term in 4 weeks.    I'm hoping our little bundle arrives right on time though,  which would allow me to be on maternity leave up to Christmas.   That leaves 6 more weeks to go until my due date (Oct. 25th).    Still, I realize that at this point, anything can happen and over the weekend I realized I really need to kick it in gear with preparations.   We still haven't bought any newborn diapers (save for a small bag my neighbor Jayme just brought over...thankfully).   I still haven't sorted through the baby boy clothing, and I only have one sleeper set to go so far.    I know I still have time, but it will be a several-hour long project to divide the closet and dressers between our little guy and Karolina.   They will share a room, eventually.


The other thing I need to get squared away is the all-important hospital bag.  Since it's been over 5 years since I've done it last, I decided to Google "must-haves."   I ran across a website called:  Hospitalbag.org  with a printable list.  Some good suggestions, but mostly common sense.   Although, I was surprised to see "ear plugs" listed to tune out crying babies.  Seriously?   Sheesh.  My own list is pretty basic:


Tech. items (camera, iPad, cell phone, Flip)
Rosary for praying during labor
Bible, and a good book to read
Birthing ball
PJ's (I usually get a new pair to wear in the hospital after baby comes, just as a pick-me-up)
Slippers, robe
Nursing bra
Boppy
Bathroom items, toiletries
Going-home-from-the-hospital outfit for our little guy


I downloaded an iPad app called "Labor Mate" that times contractions.  I also just installed the Babycenter Birth Class.  It's a virtual birth class on preparing for labor and delivery.  So neat!    These are some of the top apps for pregnancy and beyond. I'm going to download the "Milk  Maid" app for nursing moms next.     I'm telling you, the iPad was one of the best investments we've made in recent memory.  I use it for everything.    Daily scripture readings, recipes, listening to our radio station (95.5The Fish) and as a GPS.   Technology can be a great thing (if I could just figure it out half the time). :)


 In addition, I've been trying to collect tips and suggestions for labor that will help and print them out so they are handy when I'm in agony.  Ha.  One of them is compiling a list of scriptures to help draw strength from.  This website has some good ones.


So, as you can tell, things have been busy here!   It's Gabriel's birthday on Wednesday too, our baby is going to turn double digits!   The big 1-0. :)   Enjoy the beautiful weather and warm temps while they last!:)

He Restoreth My Strength

About 7 years ago, my husband salvaged this little bonsai tree.  He was working at Home Depot and they were about to throw it out because it was "beyond help."   Jim intervened, took the bonsai home and nursed it back to vibrant life.    It's been going strong ever since.  That is, until I got my hands on it.    While he was in Poland, I was in charge of holding down the fort and one of my duties included watering the bonsai.    Needless to say, I neglected the poor tree and it completely died.   When Jim got home, he was crushed (and rightly so) but decided he would see if he could work a miracle for the second time.    So, with his consistent care, watering, and gentle way, his little bonsai-that-could is slowly coming back to life.

It's been a good visual reminder to see something that was given up for lost, slowly be revived and blossom.    It's also been a humbling lesson to realize how quickly I can make a mess of something or ruin a once good thing.   Yet the truth is, God can turn anything we damage into beauty, and redeem it all for good.   I needed that reminder this week as I was laid up with bronchitis, feeling helpless in knowing how to help one of my son's,  and worrying that I might not be doing enough to help my daughter grow.   Psalm 23 is such a comfort in these times:

 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.  In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name. Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage. You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

He is our refuge and assurance!    It's comforting to have that promise that though I may flounder in my efforts, and second-guess myself often, that the Lord is my Shepard and will aid and restore strength.
I ran across this prayer for moms and thought it would be a nice one to share.   For the mothers struggling to hold it together, we unite in prayer, giving our hopes and hurts to God, who transfigures all to beauty.

 Lord, need your help today.
I want to care
for those you've sent into my life,
to help them develop the special gifts
you've given them.

But I also want to free them
to follow their own paths
and to bring their loving wisdom
to the world.

Help me
to embrace them without clutching,
to support them without suffocating,
to correct them without crushing.

And help me
to live joyfully and playfully, myself,
so they can see your life in me
and find their way to you.
Amen.