Playing catch-up

If I thought life was moving quickly a year ago, it now feels like we defy the speed of light in our house. Paige is less than a month away from completing Kindergarten, Nate has become such a young man overnight, we are within three months of welcoming our little flower...and that's just kid-focused.
In work related news...I am nearing the end of interviews to hire a new pregnancy counselor, which will bring much needed relief to my work-load, as well as regular time at home. As stressful as the past few months have been, I have found a new joy in my job. There is no way to truly explain knowing I am doing what God wants me to do and being able to find delight in it. I love getting to know my families and playing a small part in their family journey. I have enjoyed working with birth families again and meeting them at some of thier darkest moments. I spent last week in Grand Rapids at our National Leadership Conference. How refreshing to start each and every morning in worship with my colleagues and to exchange vision statements for the next 5 years, focusing on our foundation in Christ. I left even more confident of where He has brought me. Not to mention I was able to spend a night with some "old" college friends! Thanks for making the effort, ladies! Although I do have to acknowledge that it was FREEZING on Friday, and I was quickly reminded of the biggest pro to living South...no snow in May!

In baby news, there is not a whole lot of news. They will do another ultrasound at 36 weeks to determine if she has flipped, and if, in fact, she is a she. We have opted to accept she is a girl and continue to play the name game. WOW! We struggled the first time, but this round has been rough. I continue to joke that the nurse who delivers her will be given the honor of naming her. Let's hope we agree on something before then. I am continually reminded of how annoying it is to interact with people who have no verbal filters. I am annoyed already (with at least 13 weeks remaining) by people who say, "Wow...you're HUGE!" Or..."are you sure you aren't having twins?" Or..."that baby is ready to pop!" Seriously...13 more weeks! I don't need people to lie and make up comments about how I look, but could they be a little more subtle about their shock at the shear size of me? We grow 'em big in this family. No doubt about that! Our little flower is, by far, the most active of any child I have carried. I think she hears her siblings and is gearing up to keep pace with them.

I was 23 weeks along here...imagine what 3 weeks can do!

In house news, there is not a whole lot of news. Our realtor warned us when we made the offer on this house that purchasing a forclosure is not for the faint of heart. We had no idea! After a month of waiting for a closing date, we learned the lending bank was closing it's doors...meaning we were back to square one. The house was re-listed and we wondered if it was truly meant to be. We re-submitted an offer on April 28. It has been accepted and we are, again, waiting for a closing date. We have been told it will be this week, but we have stopped holding our breath. We love the house and if it is meant to be, it will happen. I will keep you posted!

We are alive and well...in case any of you were worried!