a much needed update.....

OK.....it's true. I'm not the best blogger. I more just enjoy reading about others' lives. As for an update, though, I'm now 33 weeks pregnant and beyond thankful to be at this point. While I still have fears that something could go wrong, I continually pray that God would protect our precious boy and that we would get to meet him soon.

It's been a good pregnancy, I think. Normal stuff, like heartburn, not enough sleep, etc. have plagued this time, but all in all, I've enjoyed it. I absolutely LOVE feeling him (and seeing him) move around in my belly. It is utter joy. I don't remember A being as active while in the womb, so I've really taken huge pleasure in this part of the pregnancy.

I think A is excited to have a baby brother, but I also think she knows that things are about to change - drastically. It kind of saddens me to one degree, because we've had four plus wonderful years with it being just us. And she's at such a fantastic age right now. I love to just watch her and sit and talk with her. She makes me laugh so much, almost daily. While she is definitely not the perfect child, she is delightful more often than not. We are constantly reminding her of what the Bible says about how we should treat our friends and especially about obeying your parents and to some degree, I think it is sinking in. But we definitely have our days...our not so good days. And I wouldn't trade them for anything. I love being A's mommy. I can't imagine another profession that I would enjoy more - even on the hardest of days.

Doug is doing well - a bit busy with work, but well. I must give him huge kudos for taking care of himself so well this year. He's been diligent to work out as much as he can and also to watch what he eats. And it's really paying off! While I'm over here with my big ol' belly, he's losing weight - and looking GREAT! I keep telling him he's skinny, but he doesn't believe me. As for his job as a professor, well, this is a big year for him/us. He has this summer to complete more papers to be submitted for publishing and then has to present his case for tenure in the fall! It's a bit overwhelming for him, I think. I have no idea what will happen, but I am trusting God that His plans for us are perfect and good.

It is my prayer (and has been all along) that he would get tenure (and personally, I don't doubt that he will), but I honestly don't know what God has in store for us. I've come to love where we live and have been blessed with friends beyond measure in this neck of the woods. It would be kind of tragic if we had to move for whatever reason. Not that I wouldn't be willing (to move). I love change and adventure. But now that I have a family and my 'not so shy' daughter has many friends, it would be hard to leave this place.

Anyway....I'm rambling. I am well, too. My life has generally been centered around this pregnancy for the last 8 months or so, but I have enjoyed rich time with friends, a great study of Isaiah, a wonderful, thriving relationship with my husband (most of the time), and immense joy with our sweet daughter.

Speaking of A, she started playing soccer back in March. I wish I could say it's been the best experience, but..... When we went to her first practice, she went out on that field with gusto....seemingly happy to be playing. But at her first game, she totally changed. She didn't want to play and when (or if) she got out on the field, she'd curl up like a turtle in its shell. It could be that she is afraid of it to some degree, but I'm not sure. I'm hoping she's coming out of her shell, though. At her last practice (Monday), she actually got out on the field and was trying to get the ball in the goal! Her coach (who is great, by the way) told me that it was his goal this season for her to make a goal by the end of the season! Not so sure it will happen, but it's nice to know that he thinks she can do it. And the crazy thing is - she really can! When we're not at practice or a game, she can cook around our backyard with her ball! And she has a blast. So, we'll see what happens!!

We did also switch A's room earlier this year and it's the prettiest pink you've ever seen! I love it and I think she does too. She transitioned quite easily from her old room and a toddler bed, to a new room with a big girl bed! And baby boy's room was just painted this week and I LOVE it! It's blue and it's perfect. I can't wait to wash all his bedding and set it up! He'll be here before we know it! I honestly can't wait to meet this little guy! I think we're pretty close to picking out a name for him. It's taken quite a while to figure it out, but I'm pretty certain we have one!

Well....enough rambling from me for now. I'll try to post some pictures next time...whenever that will be!