While We're Waiting

While we wait on our precious daughter from China,
Our family will grow by two additional feet …

Our next addition is due to arrive December 22nd, 2009.

That's right, we are expecting. Our hearts are warmed to announce this. We know that there is still uncertainty as to what the outcome of this pregnancy will be, but we know that God's will and plan will unfold. We also know that we must trust in Him. We are excited to anticipate another addition to our family and feel so blessed to anticipate another child as we also continue to pursue adoption.

We have had two ultrasounds, one at 8 weeks during which we could see this sweet baby's heartbeat and one at nearly 13 weeks when we could see the most beautifully shaped round little head ever. What a completely overwhelming gift to see that it looks like this baby will not have a neural tube disorder.

As I've mentioned before, I cannot post without a photo. So, here it is. This is our water cooler at work. I have two women on my team who are also expecting (both due in November), it appears to be an epidemic in our department. Thus, this is how I announced my pregnancy at work.

So grateful to all of you who have prayerfully lifted us up and have helped us journey to this point. Love you.

While I'm Waiting
John Fuller

I'm waiting ... I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful ... I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful ... But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident ...Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting ... I will serve You

While I'm waiting ... I will worship

While I'm waiting ... I will not faint

I'll be running the race ... Even while I wait

I'm waiting ... I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful ... I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it's not easy ... But faithfully, I will wait ... Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting ... I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting ... I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve you while I'm waiting ... I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Oh Nuts

We have a new addition to my purse and our medicine cupboard - an EpiPen. A little over a week ago Samuel suddenly became sick after eating a brownie and then again he became sick this past week after eating part of a scrumptious butterhorn that my sweet friend made. After he got sick, he felt better immediately. What did these two yummy foods have in common? Walnuts! Could it be an allergy?

Samuel was tested over the winter for environmental allergies. This is when we found out he is allergic to many grasses, trees, weeds, cats and cockroaches (yes, they test for that!). Knowing that he is sensitive and seems prone to allergies (we still haven't found a sunscreen that doesn't give him a rash!), we called the Allergy Doctor last week and reported our suspicion of a nut allergy. This resulted in a visit to the doctor today. I thought maybe we were overreacting and trying to self-diagnosis (with the help of Web MD, of course - and, seriously, what did we do before the internet?).

Our suspicion was confirmed. This little man has grown an allergy to tree nuts (walnuts, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, etc.). Unfortunately, nut allergies are not something typically outgrown. Samuel is not, however, allergic to peanuts or peanut butter (yet) ~ we are thankful for that!!!!

Thus, we begin a new season of carefully reading labels, educating ourselves, and keeping a strict eye on what Samuel eats.

And, because I just could not post without picture ... here he is, our nutty guy who will be kept away from tree nuts!

Happy Anniversary, My Love

After 17 years of knowing you and on our 10 year wedding anniversary, just needed to say ...

I love you …
I love how your heart beats for our Lord ….
I love how you show you love me ….
I love how you lead our family ...
I love the example you set for our boys …
I love your determination …
I love how you say you’re going to bike 60 miles and then bike over 100 …
I love your tenderness and sensitivity …
I love how your personality balances out mine ….
I love how we have grown together ...
I love your distinguished, changing hair color (couldn’t resist) …
I love the man you are ...

Happy Anniversary, My Love

Tall Oaks from Little Acorns Grow - Part II

Look at this little man! It’s the last day of 1st grade and as soon as that last bell rang, we knew we had a 2nd grader among us. What a year of growth it has been for Jack ~ physical, emotional, intellectual and social. It’s been a fun year and a memorable year, a year of stressing good choices, and a year that had some "interesting" moments. Should one be flattered or a little worried when their child’s 1st grade teacher comments that he may be the next Robin Williams???

Jack on His 1st Day of 1st Grade (September '08)

Jack in Action - Soccer (Fall '08 / Spring '09 Team)
Jack on His Last Day of 1st Grade (June '09)
A Last Day Filled with Fun (Field Day 2009) Jack and His Fabulous Teacher(Shhhh ... she was also my 1st grade teacher)

Silly, silly Jack, we are so proud of you!