I guess I don't really have a lot to say tonight but just feel like writing. We have kept busy this past week. Last weekend was my birthday, easter, and my little girl turned 2. Hard to believe how fast the years are passing. Next I get to look forward to my son turning 7. Lift just keeps on rolling along whether or not we are paying attention. I have been trying to be more attentive to the little moments that all add up to mark time's passage but it is not always easy.

I had a wonderful opportunity to do that this past Friday. My mom, who usually watched the kids, left early for a weekend away with dad so I took the day off and spent it with my kids. We got lots done, namely a huge shopping trip to Wal-mart, but in the midst of it I did remember to take my time and just enjoy being with them. We spent the afternoon going for a walk/bike ride and just relaxed. It was wonderful. My in-laws were later getting home so we had the house to ourselves for supper when hubby got home. Although I did not cook it felt nice to put a meal together for my family. Oh, and I also got all our laundry done which was really nice going into the weekend to not have to worry about.

This morning I had another chance to soak up the moment when I took little girl to the mall for a free live show of Ms Spider that was put on at center court. Even though it was crowded and I had to hold her for the entire show so she could see, it was worth it to stop and spend a few minutes just her and I. After lunch and naps, the kids and I went for a walk to a nearby playground and just enjoyed being loud and silly. I did learn one other important lesson at the park today, don't try to give your nearly 70lb child and underduck when you are 8 months pregant, it was not a pleasant feeling on the lower muscles but we had fun.

I think that I will look back on this time with fond memories because of how I was able to just slow down and be with the kids and hope I will still remember to do this when I am on leave before baby comes.

Speaking of baby, we have chosen a name - Kiarra Jezzamyn. Little girl is getting better at saying it and it just makes me smile every time she does. This new little person is feeling more real as of late and we can't wait for her to join our family.

Well, I guess that is all I will ramble on about tonight. Till next time...

Visualizing

With so many wonderfully exciting events to look forward to, I can't help but try and picture what they will look like.

First, being an at home mom. This is something that I have felt strongly drawn towards and although it did not work out for me to stay home after our last little one it looks like God may just have plans for us to be able to achieve this dream this time around. I find this interesting as the more I turn over to Him the more richly He blesses our lives. I feel free now to picture my days filled with loving on my children and raising them in His word. Changing diapers, kissing owies, playing with the shadows at bed time and not having to think beyond those moments. I know I have a big job ahead of me raising three little ones but I have seen God at work in all of our lives already and know that He has good things in store for us. The other half of this is that I will be able to be an at home wife. I believe this is a role God will grow me in as I learn to be a helpmeet to my husband and bring him honor in all I do.

Second, is envisioning our new house. Where will our things go? What will it look like when we have it all fixed up? What does that snow covered yard really look like? Is there a garden plot already? How many pots can I fit on the deck and what vegetables can I grow in them to help nourish my family? Will the work that has to be done immediately take away from my summer with the children? These are some of the things I think about but try not to dwell on as many of them do not have answers yet.

Third, our precious new baby. We finally had a discussion about baby names this past weekend and everyone contributed. It was fun to hear some of the ideas and some were just silly. Right now we are trying out one that we all mostly agree on. Since we have already found out and shared gender, I think we will try to keep the name quiet for a bit longer but it is really pretty and her daddy likes it.

Speaking of daddy, our other little girl is getting spoiled by her daddy for her birthday this weekend. He asked me if he could take care of ordering her a cake so I said sure. Well, turns out he has requested a custom order that she is sure to love but I can't imagine how we are going to eat all that cake. I will be sure to snap some pictures to share though because it sounds lovely.

Alright, I am off to knit a few more rows onto baby's blanket and then it is time for bed. This momma is tired.

Countdowns

Some events you look forward to with anticipation and joy and others with trepidation and worry but either way, you are likely counting down to the event. Thoughout my life, there have been many events I remember counting down to: birthdays, holidays, family visits, end of summer vacation, exams, graduation, my wedding. Right now, I am counting again; however, this time, there are several things happening within what feels like a shorter amount of time with each passing day.

Last time I wrote, I used the title Starting in the middle of things. Those things have come to a close today and now we are at a new begining. We passed on possesion of our previous house at noon today and thus marks the begining of our wait for the next several life events we will encounter.

I have given my notice at work and as of today have 6 weeks until I am done (count down item number 1). Today also marks 8 weeks until we get possession of our new house (item number 2) and as of tomorrow, I will be at the 30 week marker of this pregnancy (count down item number 3) making it 10 weeks until baby is due to arrive. There are moments where these events seem so distant and unobtainable and then there are others when it feels like they will all come crashing down on me any moment. There are work things to finish up and house planning to do and when your accomodations are temporary, it is hard to feel like you can prepare for a baby.

We are very blessed to have plenty of wonderful family close at hand who are willing to help us every step of the way. We are living with my in-laws while we are with out house and my mom was busy scrubbing my toilets this week to help clean the house we moved out of. Last week when we were out of town for a hockey tournament my sister drove in from out of town to be with us and give me an extra set of hands, my parents came to and I ended up having a rather relaxing weekend. My brother in-laws helped with the lifting and moving which I am so very greatful for.

Here we stand poised on the edge of all things new so, let the countdown begin!

Getting started in the middle of things

Just a really quick first post to get this blog going. I will fill in the details as I go but for now just wanted to get set up. I am smack dab in the middle of making this transition from working mom of 2 to stay at home mom of 3. I am expecting this third little blessing around June 13, my last day of work will be May 15. We have recently sold our townhouse condo and will be moving out by April 3; however, we do not get possession of our new house (nice 2 story walk out) until May 31. For the interm, we will be living with my in-laws but the money we will be able to save over those two months will make it worth while.

Well, that is the jist of things as I begin this journal to chronical the events of our ever changing lives. I will get to putting togther my profile and will likely be playing with the formating for a while until I get things just right, so please bear with me.