Adding to the Fun...

Today I am 14 weeks pregnant. And I'm thanking God for this new little miracle growing inside me. Isn't motherhood the funniest thing? We can have the most challenging of days with our kids, feel pushed and tested, frustrated and discouraged, yet hearing the heartbeat of new life - another baby to add to the craziness - is the best sound in the entire world. Where is the rationale in that? How can we love so fiercly, so unconditionally, so recklessly? Yet I thank God that we do - and that we can recognize His children for exactly what they are...abundant blessings from Him. We are THRILLED to be expecting another baby. In some ways, I feel like it's my first all over again. Maybe it's because I had more of a break between Bekah Jane and this one and had longer to get the "baby bug." Or maybe because we weren't sure if we would be able to have another baby after our last misacrriage. Either way, I am all giddy and daydreamy about this baby...and absolutely cannot wait to hold that little newborn body. The kids have been so incredibly sweet about "their baby" so that just adds to the fun. I am honestly surprised by how much they "get it" and how often they refer to the baby. The other day Bekah Jane spontaneously pulled up my shirt and kissed my belly. And Ezekiel is always asking questions, "Mom, does the baby have two eys?" "Mom, can I see the baby now?" What a joy it is to share this experience with them!

We found out we were expecting a baby the day we moved into our new house. What a fun celebration that was - a new house, a new baby, and a new beginning after a whole lot of waiting. God's timing is rarely our own, but His plans are always so much better than what we conjure up.

February 24th - the day before I turn the big 3-0 - we should find out if we're having a boy or a girl! I CAN'T WAIT! The curiousity is killing me! And, honestly, I don't care either way. The best way I can put it is, I want both! So I'm bound to be happy with one or the other, right?

A word from Ezekiel

Quick story #1:

Ezekiel (Spontaneously throwing his arms around my neck): I love you mom!

Me: I love you too, bear. You are such a good boy.

Ezekiel: Yes. Exactly.


Quick Story #2:

Pulling up to the drive thru window last night, Kevan and I are talking when we hear Ezekiel saying, quite loudly, from his car seat:

UM, EXCUSE ME? Can I have a happy meal with chicken, hamburger, cheeseburger, and uhhhh...french fries?

We look back and he is turned toward the window trying to place his own order. Hahaha. Then he says "Dad, can you roll down my new car window please?"

So cute.

Things to remember...

Some of the cute stuff the kids are doing, that I don't want to forget!

• The last time we had rain, I found Bekah Jane out in our backyard. In just a diaper. Dancing on her tiptoes and twirling around with her hands in the air. Oh how I wish I had a picture, but I just stood there and stared at her instead, loving her ability to enjoy the simple things in life. Isn't that what we all should do in the rain?? I love that girl.
• Chris Rice's song "Come to Jesus" has been special to me since my grandparent's passed away. My cousin Andrea sang it at their service, and since then I've often sang it to the kids (thankfully they don't compare me to Andrea!). Anyway, Ezekiel seems to love it and has been asking for me to play the CD in the car. The other day he said "MOM, I NEED JESUS!" referring to his new favorite song. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Especially when he turned to his sister and said "You too, baby? You want Jesus?" Then, to me, "Yeah, mom, WE NEED JESUS!" Yes you do, son.
• The other day Bekah Jane woke up from her nap a little grumpy. She was crying over a toy that was "broken" and Ezekiel came up and patted her back saying "What's wrong, baby? It's broken? Oh, I'm sorry. I forgive you." That kid can be super sweet - and super funny - when he wants to be!
• One Sunday Bekah Jane wore a tutu to church. After the service all the kids ran around the plaza area and played. My daughter, of course, went traipsing through the bushes. She emerged with a stick stuck to the back of her tutu. So hilarious watching her run in circles in her pretty little outfit with this stick dragging behind her! Again, the dichotomy that is my daughter!
• I am loving watching Ezekiel learn right now. The other day we were driving to my mom's and he was looking out the window. At a stop light, he points to a tree and says "Mom, is that a conifer?" I couldn't believe he remembered that word but I said "Yeah, I think so!" He confirmed by saying "Yep, it's has cones!" How cool is it to see your kids "get it"??
• In related news, Ezekiel is completely potty trained and I am so very proud. For a mama who was basically clueless about how to go about this, I am so glad it ended up being a fun experience! After our not-so-successful potty-training-in-a-day experiment, we eased up and sort of just let him use the potty when it was convenient or when he asked. Then, after we got settled into our new place and it was very obvious that he understood what he was supposed to do, we went to undies 100%. And he has done great! Very few accidents and dry all night long. Yippee!
• Last night I let Bekah snuggle with me in bed while we waited for daddy to get home. She fell asleep whispering "mama" and with her hands on my cheeks. So, so sweet.

That's all for now. Hoping you all enjoy this wonderfully rainy day!