A Cup Overflowing

I'm still here, and I'm still pregnant! I really thought I'd have my baby girl here by now, but she's sitting tight. My doctor had said because I had Christian 2 weeks early, that the chances of going as early with this little one is greater than 95%. So - we've all been planning on a January baby all along, though my true due date is February 9th. With about one week left in January, I am feeling anxious and finally ready for her to come already! I've had my baby shower (which was beautiful and I need to get some pics from my girlfriends to be able to share - but really, these girls make Martha Stewart look bad! That's how good they are!), I've gotten my hair cut and colored, I went and got a pedicure, I've washed all of the cute pink, purple and girly things and have carefully put each thing away neatly. Now I'm just waiting.. I've used my spare time to sit at Borders and read with a mocha and NO KIDS (boy, was that blissful!) - I've cleaned my house from top to bottom several times - I've gone to breakfast with my girlfriends and to the park with my boys and I am seriously running out of ideas..if that's possible! I think if I haven't popped by tomorrow, I may go and use a massage gift certificate that I've had for awhile but haven't taken the chance to use. If you're wondering how I have time to do this with a 10 year old and a 2 year old - well, the 10 year old is in school and the 2 year old is in a preschool class just two days a week for 4 hours at a time. We considered taking him out but decided that he loves the social interaction so much and it will give me and the baby some alone time while providing him more of an outlet for all of that toddler energy! So until little miss arrives, I have two mornings a week to myself. I can't even believe it. It's like a dream. Haha :)

While I wait, I am still counting my blessings - thankful for each and every moment ... and trying to look at the good in situations where it can be difficult to see beyond the momentary frustrations (i.e. - toddler temper tantrums,  and 85 lb "puppy" accidents in the house..I digress) Those moments are honing my patience, that's for sure! :)

Today, I am grateful for..

Quiet moments alone to think, pray, read and just plain rest!
Extra time and energy to clean my house - and thankful to even have a house to clean, for that matter!
My beautiful friends and their efforts to make my baby shower so special for me
Warm bubble baths
New friendships
The joy of seeing the world through the eyes of my children
Foot massages
Whispers in the dark
A nursery in waiting
Holding my brand new nephew and reveling in the wonder of new life. Is there any greater joy on this earth than a new baby? I truly do not think so.
Sunshine in January - 60 degrees and short sleeved shirts
The dog who tests my patience daily - but makes me laugh when I re-tell his puppy stories to my friends
My wonderful husband and his tenacity and passion in all that he does. 
My step father who is building a home in Kenya for a local pastor right now - and how his faith challenges my own. Click here for more information.