"Let the Dust Bunnies Roll!"

The title of this post was the advice given to me by our kids' Nurse Practitioner, who also had three little girls. 

The last few weekends have been full of fun & family, with more family coming tomorrow (Uncle Petey & Aunt Sally!)  Here are some pictures.

Figgy Poppins floated in with her umbrella, duffels and an old flannel sleeping bag last Friday afternoon.  She promptly sent me upstairs with time to get a shower, and do my hair, and makeup, and quite honestly I felt like a real person again!  She stayed all weekend, until last Tuesday, cooking and cleaning and bringing lots of fun and snuggles to the girls.  Basically, she worked herself to the bone for 5 straight days.  As soon as Figgy left, Hannah started crying, Charis requested that she come back to stay another night, and Mommy sat down on the laundry room floor, called Mike, and sobbed.  I have since regained my sanity, and truly I've been floored by how Jesus makes me sufficient to do this impossible Mommy task alone during the day.  But we're SO grateful for the visit and all the hard work Figgy did to help us!  

"Braeby, if you don't go take a nap, I'm leaving!"

This past weekend, Granna & Grandaddy came to visit again!  They, like other courageous loved ones, braved our paltry guest accommodations and three runny-nosed girls to stay with us on Saturday night.  They came bearing a delicious dinner, handled our family's evening "crazy hour" with grace (4:30 pm - 7:30 pm every night), helped clean up our neglected landscaping, and even allowed time for me to go to the grocery store for the first time in over two weeks!  We begged them not to leave on Sunday evening, but to no avail. 

I just thought this was humorous.  Our mantle: a distinguished, elegant wedding photo  full of the hopes and dreams of  tomorrow, a lego tower that might be there forever (Daddy was admonished for trying to clean it up), and a bug box with dirt and an earthworm which was given to Mommy with love.  

The growing individuality is the best part about this age...

This is what "wake-time" looks like lately.

When they're fighting over a toy, they've both started yelling "SHARE!"  "SHARE!" which is a nice word, and we're working on learning how to implement that.  Above, the camera captured a sweeter  moment when Hannah half-way enjoyed Charis "reading" a book to her.  In the kitchen, I could hear occasional reprimands, "SIT IN MY LAP! SIT!"

Adjusting to life together... more pics to come!

A Friendly Meeting

Granna, Grandaddy and Mike brought Charis and Hannah to the hospital this morning to meet Bethany.  It was such a precious little time to see the girls meet each other.  Charis knew exactly what to expect.  She helped Hannah to be gentle, explaining to me that Hannah might feel "jealous".  Charis also mentioned that my belly is still very big, and she wondered if there's a baby brother waiting in there.

It's very quiet and restful here in the hospital, and I'm thankful for the great care, but I can't wait to go home tomorrow and all be together!

Lizzy was such a gentle, proud sister!

Sweet Hannie wasn't very happy or photogenic this morning, so unfortunately I didn't get enough pics of her!  She did, however, enjoy the hospital phone.

Announcement!

Joyfully announcing the birth of Bethany Michael!

October 5

7 lb, 8.5 oz

I went in for a routine prenatal check-up yesterday morning, and ended up being admitted to labor and delivery for an induction.  Bethany did great!  This was by far the fastest and easiest delivery we've had so far.

The Lord filled every need and concern I've had about giving birth to a baby in an unfamiliar hospital that's 30 minutes away from our house, with very few friends in our new community.  (Who will take care of the older girls?  Who'll drive me to the hospital and how will I make it there on time?  What if my recovery is really long and difficult, with friends and family so far away?)  Every need has been met, and even the timing couldn't be more perfect.  God is so good.  

Love you all!  Can't wait to introduce you to our newest little sweetheart.

Thank you so much to the Wassenberg Family and Granna & Grandaddy for taking good care of Charis and  Hannah on such short notice yesterday!

"Mommy, I love you bigger than a whale."

Charis has been telling me lately "I love you bigger than a whale!"  I'm wondering what this is supposed to imply, given my current proportions.  The only thing that makes me feel better about it is that she also apparently loves Hannah and Daddy "bigger than a whale".  We'll see if this sentiment (and the choice of words) continues after the baby comes.

The other day, Charis was playing with the horse-on-a-stick that Uncle Steve gave her, and she named him Caramel.  Then she told me, "Caramel got a mint in his nostril," and I heard her counseling him and blowing his nose.  The whole incident reminded me of a similar event about a year ago, involving Charis and an orange tic-tac in the back of the van on the way home from Walmart.

We are ready for this baby!!

Some Summer Pics

 Mommy's walking buddy

 It's rare to snap a shot of Hannie without movement.

 Fishing with Pop at Walkerton!

 Backyard fun with Daddy

 Over Labor Day weekend, Aunt Mitzy and Uncle Bill were so kind to get Hope and Webster out and let Charis ride Hope!  Figgy applied Charis' shimmery lip gloss for the photos. :)

 I think she looks so much like her Daddy's side of the fam!

First horseback ride from Aunt Mitzy!