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!

Mama's Name?

I just asked Gabe what Mama's name is.  He said "Love You".

My sweet grandma is with Jesus.  I am so glad for her.  I had the BEST time seeing everyone at her funeral.  The whole experience what so positive for me.  Praise be to God.

Only about 2 more months and we'll have another little miracle to praise God for.  That is delightful!  We have been decorating and preparing for Christmas.  I really love this time of year.  I hope we can help Gabe understand the Father's great love for him, that while we were still sinners, Christ came to earth and died for us. 

We're off to Salina today for daipers, piano books and a Christmas present for my mom.  Most of my other shopping will be done online.  Easy!

Oh, and Gabe will be 2 in a week.  We got him this big tractor he can pedal himself.  He's going to FREAK OUT!  I am really pumped and most of Jake's fam will be there.  He'll love the attention.  He's such a happy and fun little boy.  I wonder how much his world will be rocked when we bring this other little one home...

Manners

Gabe is saying "Yes, Please" and "No, Thank You" all the time.  Even when he's not supposed to.  Like, I said, "Gabe, did you play with Missy today"
"Yes, Please."

Too cute!

He also says "Watch This!" and spins in circles until he falls down.
Tonight, I had him at the sink with me "helping" me wash dishes.  I let the water run at a trickle and he poured it out of cups and tried all different shapes of dishes and utencils under it to see what it would do.  And he brought his duck to swim in the water, too.  =)

Can't wait for this other baby to come out!  Can't wait for a tiny one!

He is listening...

Even when I am LOST in knowing what to do...
When I don't know what to pray, except "Lord, please intervene!"...
I may not feel like I have any answers...
No idea what will happen next...
Still exactly where we were six months ago, or even 20 years ago...
No glimmer of evidence that anything will every change...

Yet, I KNOW, without doubt, that He is listening.  And He knows.  And since there is nothing that He cannot do, there is nothing for me to worry about.

Pumpkin Delight!

Last day of October...space heater running, blanket covering up my legs, sitting by the window enjoying the sunshine, baby is kicking and I just ate a peanut butter bar with a tall glass of milk. 

Here are some last updates on my list:
1. See my grandma again.  They decided to bring in hospice for my grandma last week.  I probably won't see her again for a long time.  But my grandma is one of my relatives that has faithfully followed Jesus her entire life.  So I am confident I will see her in heaven.  And if she makes it...around Christmas.
3. Teach Gabe to ID the color orange. He knows Orange sometimes, yet he is getting really good at pink. 
5. Increase my prayer life.  This month, especially the last week or two, has been very challenging.  And yet, so sweet as I have been talking to Jesus more and more along the way.  He has been my refuge and strength.  He has also acted on my behalf in ways that can only have been Him.  There just aren't any other explanations.
7. See Shannon get married!  Last night was beautiful!  This makes me very happy.
9. Sell our house!?  We're waiting to see what the Lord is up to on this one.  =)
24. Get a cute haircut.   Well, our funds were a little tight, so I went and bought a fatter curling iron instead, which makes my hair look totally different.  I like it!
29. Cook an awesome breakfast on Sunday mornings.  I don't know about awesome.  But I'm at least making something hot for Jake these days.
30. Find the perfect birthday present for my dad.  I think I've got it.


I think I will make a list of November...but shorter.  Happy Halloween everyone!  The Lord is good!