Family Pictures

We were able to get some professional pictures taken while still in the hospital with Julia.  They turned out beautifuly!  Here are some of our favorite shots. 

Meet Julia!

"Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above..." James 1:17a

Julia Thérèse

Born August 13, 2012

10:55 am

7 lbs. 3 oz.

19.29 in.

Everything went beautifully. The hospital staff was great and recovery seems to be easier this time around.

Julia is a quiet, sleepy, calm and cuddly baby - in other words, the opposite of baby Philip (except he loved to be held too). Big brother has been taking everything exceptionally well.

For our Catholic friends, yes, there is a Saint Julia! We didn't name our little girl specifically after her, but she will be a great model for Julia as she grows up. Her middle name is after St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Last night before going to the hospital

Meeting Julia for the first time.  She was crying when they brought her to me,

but stopped as soon as she heard my voice. What a gift!

In recovery

Sleeping beauty

No more pictures please!

We brought her home on my birthday!

Leaving the hospital

Thank you for all of the prayers. 

Continuing to lift up my recovery for many special situations going on right now. 

Baby Due!

Me and Philip at one week.    I love this picture - we are both glowing!

It is hard to believe, but our little girl will be arriving on Monday!  Although things are going well, my doctors all agree that baby needs to be delivered this week, which means I'll be having a repeat c-section.  I was hoping to avoid a c-section because of the recovery period, but put it in God's hands.  Luckily I am not one to get too hung up on how my babies are delivered - I just want them safe in my arms.  Still, I would appreciate any prayers you are able to offer for a smooth delivery and recovery.

I am amazed that this pregnancy, which we found out about in early December, is drawing to a close.  Other than the first trimester, it has gone beautifully.   Although there are aches and pains, I am in much better shape then I was with my pregnancy with Philip.  I even still have ankles and can wear my wedding ring in August!  I thank Philip for that - I think that chasing him around instead of sitting at a desk all day is what has made the difference. 

The last few weeks have been bittersweet.  Although this baby is so loved and desired, I truly treasure my time alone with my little boy...and Andy of course!  I have been trying to take in all the little moments.  It is hard to know that our special time together will be ending soon and I worry most about how Philip will handle the transition.  I know our hearts are all about to expand this week and God will give us the grace we need.  If you are able, please remember us in your prayers this week.  I will be offering up my pain and anxiety for those desiring the gift of a child.

{this moment} Ten Years Ago

{this moment} – A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

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Backyard Makeover Stage 2

I wanted to post a little update on how our backyard is looking this summer. 

This is what we started with:

Imagine lots of pea gravel buried in dirt beneath the leaves

And here is where we were at last fall.

This is earlier today:

View from the deck

Ground level

Here is a before shot of the area right outside our sliding glass door:

Yikes!

And here is the after:

Take a look at the beauty of a shed that we inherited:

If sheds didn't cost so much, we would have asked the previous owner to get it out of here.  Instead, we settled on some creative upgrades.  Last summer my Dad helped clean off the dirt and painted it a less stark color.  This summer I had Andy cut out some beadboard that I then painted and had Andy hang on the doors.

And I added these great pieces:

Over on the side of the shed that is in our yard, we planted a couple Camellias that should eventually grow tall and wide enough to cover the shed.  For now I found this piece to help dress it up.

It is so peaceful and serene back there now.  I feel like I have my own secret garden.