I don't know how I can capture all of the sweet moments we've had in the last week or so...but here goes: 
Top 5 memories surrounding Elliott's birth:

1.  The Labor:  I was expecting it to be easier than Gabe's but it was really the best it could have been.  I knew Tuesday night I'd be going in on Wednesday.  My contractions had picked up a bit in intensity.  All night that night I dreamed about having contractions.  At 4:30am my water broke.  Jacob called his folks and we got around to go to the hospital.  10 minutes later, Jake's dad called and said they got stuck in a snow drift.  We tried to find someone to come sit at the house until they could get Gabe, but my contractions were picking up fast, and we had to take Gabe with us.  Got to the hospital at about 5:15am, and Elliott arrive at 6:32am.  My body just did what it was supposed to do, and I pushed him out!  It was amazing!  I got to see him as soon as he was out, and my body had minimal damage from the process.  The recovery has been quick!  Jacob and I were ecstatic at how well it all went.

2.  Gabe and Elliot meet:  I just watched the video of this again, and I look at myself, and I have never looked so happy.  Jacob said I was "radient".  I love my boys!

3.  Nursing:  Elliott is a champ at this.  I was really looking forward to doing this again, since it was kind of a stressful experience with Gabe.  Nursing is like giving Ell a big hug that last half an hour, several times a day. 

4.  Gabe's behavior:  At first, Gabe was away from us for awhile.  He was with grandparents during out hospital stay for 2 whole days, and then home for a couple of days, then with gramie again.  But when he was home, he was a different kid than before.  We have been hearing "no" a LOT.  This is typical for 2 years old, I know, but I can see his frustration.  When he is told no, or gets frustrated that a toy won't do what he wants, he claps his hands and spits.  This is brand new!  We are hugging and cuddling him a lot, but also keeping the boundaries in place.  He's had lots of spanks, too.
However, his potty training has taken off since Elliott has been here.  Go figure...

5.  Sleeping:  Aside from the first 2 or 3 days, this is going so well!  Elliott pretty much sleeps all night, except when he's eating.  I guess that is true of the day, too, now that I think about it.  =)  I miss him when he sleeps.

Well, I waiting too long to create this blog and I have already forgotten a lot.  I am really glad Ell is here!  Today has been my first day with both boys alone and it has gone very well, I think.  But I'm glad it's the last day Jake is gone for an away game.  I would prefer to have him home.  =)

Waiting

Great news!  I have dialated to 2 1/2!  I never did that with Gabe on my own.  The Lord is answering my prayers!

Baby could come anytime!  It's hard having to be so flexible with everything in my schedule..not committing to anything for sure right now.  And of course, it's hard physically to be almost 39 weeks prego. 

Labor is a bit scary...but worth it!  I'm ready to know if I have a son or a daughter and to start using their NAMES!!!

Gabe has been so easy lately.  Very obedient and easy to get along with.  His language is really developing, so I think it helps that he can tell us what he wants and understand what we want from him.

I am 37 weeks today, considered full term.  But no progress yet.  Not that that's not ok.  I'm starting to feel the weight of this on me.  I mean, physically.  Emotionally, I'm definitely expereincing some changes, to the challenge of my husband, I'm sure.  I can't say I've done my part in running to Jesus with those things.  But He has been gracious to me anyway.

We had a huge snow Monday and Tuesday, and it's been very cold, so it hasn't melted yet.  Gabe really likes it.  I hope he gets some time to play in it with Dado this weekend.

I guess what's on my mind is that I need to strive to achieve the balance of the things I know I need to do and allow myself the rest I know I need as well.

A time to learn...

I didn't write down my New Year's Resolutions anywhere...but I do have some things on my mind.
1.  To get better about my quiet time with Jesus everyday.  I go through seasons of faithfulness, and then nothing for months.  And recently, it has been months of nothing.  So...I printed off a checklist.  I know that we always say time with the Lord shouldn't be something to check off a list, but I LOVE lists.  And checking things off.  So, if this is what works for me...I say it's better than months of nothing.

2.  No more soda.  So far, so good.  Yet, I am still craving it.  Pregnancy might make this worse.

3.  After I have the baby and recover, I will start running again.  My goal is to do the 5K in town that is offered with the Eisenhower Marathan at the end of April.  Lofty goal...the sooner baby gets here, the sooner I can get started.

4.  Work on some skill building with Gabe.  For example, this week, we have been working on IDing the primary colors.  He's really good at purple, pink, brown, black, green, and white.  And most of the time, he gets blue.  Red and yellow are challenging him.  So I actually wrote out 2 or 3 activities every week day for us to do together.  This is way fun for me... like lesson planning!  And I am already seeing progress in that little learner.  How fun for us both!  It's also a great way for the two of us to spend some quality one on one time together.

OK, I'll stop there.  I don't want to take on too much, as I only have about a month before this new little one shows up.  Life is already very busy for a season:  Jake is coaching 7th grade basketball.  It's a short season, so he'll be done at the end of February.  But this means I only see him in the mornings before school, and then after 6 in the evenings.  This is probably the norm for most families, but it's an adjustment for ours.  Our weekends are precious! 
Halfway through this season, he will start on his master's degree, which will be one full evening a week.  He'll have more homework to do the other evenings, lesson planning, leading worship at church, and helping me take care of this little one.  I will need to take good care of him to help him through his busy season, too.  We'll look forward to seeing each activity go away:  Newness of the baby, basketball season, school year, and in two years, he'll have his masters. 
I will HAVE to be in the word every day to keep my heart in a place where I can happily welcome him home and take care of things around here on my own everyday.  My need for the Lord's presence and grace in my life is ever increasing, it seems.  I don't guess I'd want to need Him any less...

Whew!  Apparently, I have a lot on my mind! 

Gabe is still a joy!  We are still working on potty training, but not as hard as I probably should be.  Some things just have to take a back seat.  He is singing a lot.  He knows a couple of songs pretty well and will sing them on his own while he plays.  This makes me very happy.  His best number is "The Wheels on the Bus".  He's pretty obsessed with cows, tractors, sheep, and anything farm related.  He also loves dinosaurs and blocks.  He plays imaginatively often and does different voices for the different animals, usually related to their size (baby voice for the small ones, low, growly voices for the big ones).

Enough from me.  God's blessings on anyone reading.  =)

Don't feel ready...

Yesterday, my husband observed Gabe taking his baby reindeer to bed, cover him up, and then kneel by the bed and start saying prayers for him.  I love that little boy.  And I am so thankful that God is answering our prayers for a soft, teachable heart that loves Jesus. 

Gabe's little brother or sister's personality is starting to show, too!  I predict this one will be much more active, strong-willed, and less of a cuddler.  The Lord has used Gabe to teach me so much, and with another child who is so different, I am sure I am in for some very different lessons.  Am I up for this?

I am a bit nervous about labor and the weeks that follow.  But more than nervous, I am excited to hold this little one and kiss some soft little cheeks.  Maybe this is weird, but I am looking forward to breastfeeding and those night time feedings alone with this new child. 

I will be needing so much grace.  I'd better get out my knee pads and follow my son's example!