Our thoughts about our "news".

A few of you wanted to know if we were happy with our news, so here goes:

Yes! Of course!

A lot of different emotions come across, especially at first, but simply reflecting on my pregnancy with Kira helped me get a handle on this. I had a hard time emotionally when I was pregnant with her - it happened after a difficult time in our lives, and I did not want to be pregnant. But - when she was born, we #1 were delighted she was a girl - our first girl, and #2, she has brought so much joy into our lives, we couldn't love her more.

During child rearing, I often am amazed at how much enjoyment kids can bring, to me. No one else is around most of the time that they are being so sweet, interesting and funny - it's truely like a gift personally for me to enjoy. That of course is on a good day, right?

Realistically there will challenges, but we know that we will love the little squirt.

Stu and I couldn't think of any reasons we wouldn't be happy to be pregnant again, except for selfish reasons - (vacations will be harder to take, more work at home, etc.) So besides those selfish wishes, we are happy - surprised, but happy.

Our "news"!

Last night Serena very embarressedly commented on my stomach, saying, "sometimes when I look at your tummy, I think you might be having another baby!" Although I let it "hang out" more at home, I'm thinking soon the world will know our news too, so we decided to tell them. They were all having a slumber party, watching a movie, and I paused the movie and told them we have a surprise for them. They started to guess, "popcorn, etc" and when we told them it was something that would be with us forever, Damien guessed, "a baby?" When I said yes, the response was so sweet. Kira kicked her legs and squirmed with the most pleased expression. Garret asked, "why, did you look?" (look at what?) Serena was amazed and said, "I've never ever in my life got to see any baby come out of it's mother before!" (I went on to explain she probably wouldn't get to see this baby come out of it's mother either, usually we get a babysitter to watch the kid's at home.) And Damien surprised us by saying, "Oh, now the pieces are coming together! That's why there was a pregnancy test in your garbage a few months ago!" (he pondered that all this time?)
For the facts, we are due late January. That puts me already past the 1rst trimester. That will be 6 kids - (4th pregnancy)! Thank goodness for my wonderful husband - he knows how to help and loves to play with kids. I couldn't do it without him! (of course I wouldn't be in this situation without him either!)
:)
15 wks. Our growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple).

Damien diving for rings.

Dad's birthday

Damien made his cake - and gave him the Callaway golf ball on top - got to save that one for when there's no danger of hitting in the water! Dad got rollerblades for his birthday - and can her ever cruise! It wears me out trying to keep up with him on my bike!

kid's fighting over chair in "church" (museum)

On Sunday, we thought we'd have a little "service" in the church museum at the park. I don't think the kids got much from it.

our kids playing at the beach

The cry of my heart.

1. If you've read any of my testimony recorded here, or know me at all, you know something of our history. We are "withdrawn from" a certain religious group, which includes 9 of my brothers and sisters and my mother. (my only remaining parent) We left the group 7 yrs. ago and in doing so, our relationships have been severed.
   
   We know we couldn't continue in that group, and we know we will never return, and we've been blessed by God in our decision. But that doesn't stop the pain. There is nothing like your own family. Just thinking of them being there going on with their lives, and longing to share with them parts of our lives, and not being able to do so, hurts. I miss the camaraderie of my sisters, the support of my brothers, and the wisdom of my mom. We've had our adopted kids for 15 months now, and they've never seen them, or expressed interest, in spite of our trying to keep them informed.
   
   Although computers weren't allowed when we were there, if that has changed, and any of you read this, know that I love you, miss you, and would love to hear from you!
   
   I pray every night for you, and my hope in the verse in Joel 2:25 "I will repay you for (restore) the years the locusts have eaten - "
   
   I know God isn't done with us yet!
   
   xxoo

Lemonade!! Granola bars!! 25 cents each!!!!