Life These Days

I'm sitting here at the table trying to imagine what it's going to be like in a few short months. Not only will we have Eli, who is currently barking at our poor dog hiding out on the couch, but we will also have a newborn to keep us busy. Oh, but I'm so excited for the madness to begin!

Riley is safe on the back of the couch

Eli has been so good (this far), I can only hope Baby #2 takes after him. Eli is pretty independent when it comes to playing and keeping himself occupied, which makes me think it won't be such a hard transition for us when a new baby enters the picture. Hopefully Eli won't get too jealous, and I hope even more that we can make enough "just Eli time" so he won't feel neglected at all. It's the only thing really worrying me. How will Eli handle this change?

You can't see it, but he loved sledding!

Today's church sermon was on the sins of anxiety, fear and worry. Boy, was that just what I needed. I was reminded how important it is to place all my trust in God, weather it be for my family, health, finances, jobs, relationships, or raising my children. Lately, I've read a lot of blogs from parents who have tragically lost young children to various illnesses and diseases. It absolutely breaks my heart. I cannot imagine losing someone so close to me, let alone my child. I have been worrying constantly, thinking what would I do if that was me? Am I strong enough to handle something like that? Am I doing everything right? Am I doing everything in my power to make sure my family is safe? It's then that I know I desperately need to turn to God.

The truth is, it's not up to me. It's all about God and trusting Him in every situation, trusting that His Will be done. He loves us and cares for us more than we could ever understand, providing for us in every situation. All we have to do is trust Him and His plan for our lives and accept His grace. I've found a great sense of calm and peace through prayer and knowing no matter what happens, when everything seems to be out of my control, God is in control. Oh, the freeing feeling of peace from prayer.

Speaking of peace... and quiet. Well, there hasn't been much of it around here as Eli thinks it's his job to fill every bit of silence with his babbling and ranting. But I LOVE it! It's so cute. He's also started "cheesing out" with a big grin, wrinkled nose, and squinty eyes when he gets excited, which is a lot. I love that he's such a happy kid, it makes my heart happy. I think he takes after his daddy.

Adam has been great with Eli. He's been teaching Eli all about play, and since Adam has mastered that skill, he's just the guy for it. Adam pretty much gave up video games when we had Eli. Actually, I've never known him to play all that many video games since we've been together... but I've heard stories that Adam was addicted to them in college. I'm thankful he's turned that addiction to other things, much more meaningful, positive things. We have decided Eli's video gaming will be heavily limited. I can't wait to teach Eli how to play basketball (Adam says that one's up to me ;) and ride 4-wheelers, and Adam is excited for baseball, snowboarding, golf, wakeboarding, football, hockey, volleyball, softball, pool, darts, ping pong, tennis, and so on. I have a feeling my competitive edge could be a problem... but luckily Adam and I balance each other out quite well. Oh, I can't wait! On a side note, if our children want only to (...gulp...) be cheerleaders, play chess, and compete in spelling bees, that's okay, too. As long as they're happy :)

Adam "horsing around" with Eva and Avery

Play. That's a BIG reason I'm so thankful another boy is on the way. That and the fact that they will only be 16 months apart. Some of my best high school memories involve my sister and I playing on the same basketball, volleyball, softball, and track teams. It was a blast! I hope Eli and Baby #2 will be best friends. I know they will fight at times, but I want it to be a "throw a punch, hug it out, and get over it" kind of thing. I get so excited thinking about it, I can't wait to see the interactions between them (and their daddy!). 

Well, Eli just brought me his book and his blanket, so that means it's snuggle and story time. Did I mention how much I love this kid? He's the best!

love him!