We're having a...

.....little BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



He seems to be growing perfectly, is healthy and super active, and has a cute little face! Unfortunately, our small hospital doesn't provide digital ultrasound images, so I can't share them.

Todd and I both had a few tears watching our little son swim around. We don't take for granted hearing the words "everything looks great"! I must confess that I was very surprised to be having another son -- somehow I was SURE this one was a girl! As my sister-in-law said, Eljiah must have been praying for a brother. We are so happy -- thrilled -- to have a boy, though! Just like we would have been thrilled to have a girl.

Thank You, Lord!!!!!!

twenty weeks!

This picture is from two weeks ago (Easter). I was so happy to find instructions for making the maternity skirt I'm wearing here at See Mommy Sew (who is also a friend I know in real life). Thanks, Kristin!

The hardest part of the skirt was figuring out the pattern. The book "Sew What: Skirts" was recommended for that part, so thanks to the book and Todd, we (ok, I mean mostly Todd!) made a pattern. If I make another, I will use cheaper fabric and make the lined version that the tutorial suggests. (I bought heavier fabric that didn't need to be lined, but it was also quite expensive.)

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It is hard for me to put into words the hope that this little child I'm carrying brings to my heart. JOY is probably the biggest emotion I feel. I look forward to experiencing the sweet days of 'newborn-ness' with our baby...this time without the overwhelming grief, utter exhaustion, and emotional/physical stress that came with Elijah's birth.

I also look forward to little things. Things I used to take for granted before I was blessed with my sweet Elijah boy. The little babbles of a happy baby that slowly turn into words and eventually sentences; the squirms and wiggles that somehow transform into crawling and then walking, running; laughter; expression-filled faces and all the exploration, discovery, and wonder that childhood holds.

My heart could burst thinking of all the fun we'll have (Lord willing)! The joy is delicious and full, but a small piece of me aches still. For all that this unborn baby will do in the world, there is a big brother who will wait for those things until heaven. And a momma who will wait with him.

Lord, You alone hold the world together...give us life and breath...and number our days. I can't help but say a million 'thank-yous' for our precious little baby! And ask You to help me TRUST on the days when all the joy makes earthly limitations and brokenness a little more evident.

PS - Check back in Friday to find out whether we'll be having a GIRL or a BOY!!! The ultrasound is Thursday - yay!

flyin' high

Todd has started flying again recently. He is trying to get his Flight Instructor certificate current. So we've gotten to go with him a few times. Todd looks quite serious in this picture, and I think it's funny. He's in the co-pilot seat so he can practice "instructor mode"...I was just enjoying the ride in the left seat.




Elijah sits behind us and seems to enjoy himself! It is really pretty amazing how happy he is back there. I'm so glad we can enjoy doing this together as a family!




We love our daddy and husband! :)