Visitors!

No, we don't have termites, though my husband's uncle just found out, through installing new windows, that he has those "fancy ants with wings".

We have live human relatives from the south here to visit! We never have relatives to visit, usually. They think it's very wet and cold. And they are right. But still, I say the PNW is the biggest kept secret around. And let it stay that way.

Ahem. Back to our visitors! My Grandma and Auntie, from Missouri and Texas, respectively, have come for Dad's 50th birthday celebration. I'd like to say they came to see me and the new baby specifically. But that's just a bonus.

So, we will be busy this week chatting to catch up and having way too much coffee. Brilla has already received the cutest little duckie as an early Easter gift from Auntie. I think Katie has some fans already, so she better make her appearance soon!

I have struggled with depression a bit this last week. Amazing how our emotions can bog us down, isn't it? When Brilla was born, she arrived early into our lives, 9 days to be exact. But this has been different. I have been waiting forever it seems to hold my baby. But I have resolved that I will not let it get me down! I have been worshiping the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness, asking Him for the strength to wait a bit longer. His timing is best and always for my good. Besides, Easter is coming. Is it just me, or is this not the most awesome holiday ever! Jesus is alive!!!

Things That Make Me Smile

...in no particular order of importance.

• A clean house, then internet browsing
• Fresh-from-the-dryer clothing
• Sweet things created for my daughter, like an Easter basket
• Homemade wall decor
• A good read
• Hot chai tea
• Caramel macchiato
• Pink purse
• Candles
• The smell of lavender
• Having my hair done
• " " nails done
• " " toes done
• Listening to classical music while working on a project
• Getting something checked off my list
• Having family come to visit - like my Grandma Louise from Missouri on the 30th!!
• Free samples
• Totally unexpected gifts
• Having hubby home
• Foot massages
• Crackling fire
• Carousels
• Caramel apples
• Apple crisp
• Peach cobbler
• Mothering magazines
• Products on www.mom4life.com
• Playing the piano
• Selling an item on craigslist
• Shopping
• Specifically, shopping at kiddy stores
• Wearing a new outfit
• Wearing makeup
• Snuggles with my daughter
• Kisses from husband
• Hearing my unborn daughter's heartbeat
• Looking at old photos
• Being invited to dinner
• Making a meal my husband says is "Great"
• Basking in the sunshine
• Picnics on the lawn
• Painting my daughter's toes and nails
• Girl's night out
• Dinner out with my family...anywhere
• A vacuumed car
• Red shoes
• An organized file cabinet
• Beef jerky
• Jane Austen movies
• Watching television while on the couch with my husband
• Clean sheets on the bed
• New calligraphy pens
• Scrap booking
• Journaling
• Hearing from an old friend
• Going on vacation to warm places
• Browsing furniture stores which are beyond my pocket book :)
• Soccer - Go Sounders!
• Football season
• Hearing my husband laugh
• Listening to a challenging sermon
• Getting a stain out

So many others...but I don't want to bore you....

Happy Monday!

Tiredly Typing

My body is tired; my brain is tired. Vegging on the couch is the activity of choice.

This morning, B and I hung out with my parents. They recently returned from Hawaii (Oahu) and we hadn't seen them in a while. We went out to Marie Callendar's for breakfast. I ordered the Denver omelet and buttermilk pancakes. Yum.

Then, we headed over to the mall. My dear dad watched B play on the toys while Mom and I hung out at the spa! I got a manicure in pretty pink. I never get my nails done, so this was going out on a limb. Seems whenever I paint my nails, they get ruined in record time. Maybe I need to invest in some gloves for dish-washing, or just never cook and clean again. Sounds great, huh? :P At least this Mama's nails look snazzy for when Katie arrives.

After that, we headed to Starbucks for coffee and B got an ICEE from the Target cafe. Felt so good to sit down for a while. There's nothing like sitting after a long trek through the mall when you're 9 months pregnant.

I saw the cutest newborn outfit in Hallmark today! It was decently priced for being so cute. It was a pink tutu over a black onesie, with matching foofy booties. If it weren't for all the sweet stuff Katie has yet to wear, I would have snatched it up in a heartbeat.

After the mall adventures, we headed home. Definitely B's nap time, as she was voluntarily climbing in my lap to lay her head on my shoulder. She fell fast asleep after a single rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle.

While my parents and I were chatting over tacos, Mike came home. I think the highlight of my every day is when Mike gets home from work! Dad showed us nearly all 750 photos - whoa!- and by the end of that, we were all pooped from a long day together.

Mike had to finally admit defeat on a dresser we recently bought off craigslist. Honestly, when I saw that thing come through my front door for the first time, I knew it was a loser. But my husband had hope, so I thought, "Okay". Well, looks like it's not okay and we have wasted a few bucks. But you win some and lose some. Oh well. I'm just glad that thing won't be taking up residence in my bedroom :) Tomorrow we embark on an estate sale furniture hunt for another dresser. It will be interesting.

I'm also looking forward to an awesome sermon at church! The new church we've been visiting is great. The pastor is so deep and speaks with such conviction, not to mention he's spot on with the Word. The praise and worship is amazing, too. I have left each time so full of admiration and deeper love for my Jesus.

It has been such a non-scheduled day, we are just heading out for dinner now. So it's ta-ta until next time. Happy weekend!

While I'm Waiting...

I am getting cabin fever with waiting for Baby Katie to come. You are probably tired of hearing me say this, but days seems to be creeping by. Even Mike agreed these have been the longest last two weeks ever.

Well, I've decided not to drag my feet, but take advantage of this time in the "waiting room". There will be plenty of moaning and groaning during labor, so might as well enjoy these pre-two-children moments.

This weekend, we got so much done! I have been waiting forever for this certain bookcase to come around and it finally made its appearance in the AS-IS section of IKEA:

Only difference, ours goes horizontal, not vertical. Mike bolstered it up nice and secure. It looks smashing, and it totally opens up the floor space in Baby Katie's room.

We also finally donated some clothing, old piano music, etc to Salvation Army. It had been sitting in the back of our car forever. After getting those things out of the way, I was able to then vacuum the entire Camry and clean it out. Looks lovely now! I also took it for a nice drive in the car wash. I don't wash my car myself anymore. Takes too much time and effort. And for $6, you can't go wrong. Also put in Bri's new booster seat and Baby's infant seat - you never know!

I went in search of lavender smelling salts for when I have Baby. They worked wonders last time I was in labor. I crept into Bath and Body, but they had nothing. Then I remembered Marshall's has such a vast selection of those kind of things! I found exactly what I was looking for...and more!...for about the fraction of the price. Ended up with a wonderful candle, lotion, soap and hair protecting gel - all in lavender. Like I said, a little carried away :)

Sunday service at (hoping new church) was excellent. So inspiring. So Biblical. So challenging and convicting. It was on the last bit of 1 John, 5:18-21, about the 3 "We Knows":

"We know that whoever is born of God sins not; but he that is born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."

I was reminded how important it is to know the Scripture, to know Who I believe in, to know Jesus Christ. There are those out there who know so much about religion, head knowledge, but it's not made a personal impact on their lives, their hearts. I was also challenged to change; repent of my sin, and be conformed to Christ. As we took communion, I was once again in awe of the sacrifice Jesus paid on my behalf. The fact that He took on the sin of the whole world. And suffered the cruelest death, for all the sins He never committed. Wow. What a humble, powerful God we love.

After church, we ate lunch at Costco. We also went shopping, and came away with quite the stock of food. Grapefruit cups, berries, granola bars, Vitamin Water, and other stuff for *when* Baby comes, hopefully this week! We all had naps, then we got out of the house to Alki Beach in West Seattle. It was a bit blustery, but the ocean was blue as ever. We ate at a place called Sun Fish and had fish n chips, garden salad and clam chowder. Yum! I wish we could have walked more. I love walking when I'm pregnant. But it was just too cold. We had not been prepared for the wind!

Though I'm antsy for Katie to come, I'm treasuring these days alone with Brilla. Today we are getting some errands done. But no piano or Bible Study for the week!

Reflection

"Remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul, therefore will I hope in him." Lamentations 3:20-24

As I read another's blog this evening, my heart was pricked. They lost their precious son as an infant (SIDS) 2 years ago. It made me miss my Amelia. But this verse so encouraged me I had to share it with you all. It applies to ANY situation which causes us deep sorrow. What an amazing promise to know that the grass (and life) fades, but God and His Word last forever. His love, His faithfulness, mercy, and grace last FOREVER. I can bask in that, knowing that our Amelia is in the care of the One who is eternal and never changes.

Though I'm bubbling over with utter joy at our Katie's soon birth, reality reminds me of our previous loss. I feel that only the Christian can truly have live in these contrasting states of joy and sorrow because we know Who holds the future. We're able to go on with life, but we're also able to remember a love lost. Well, because we're children of God, but we're still human.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today is St. Patrick's Day! A happy one to you! My husband is the one with the red hair, yet I am the one who is one-quarter Irish. My granddad is full-blooded Irish (McDivitt). Of course, I am half-Filipino, so the Irish in me is quite unrecognizable! But we are celebrating tonight at McCormick & Schmick's, our truly favorite restaurant. We are taking the little one along. Hopefully, we can get a date night to ourselves before Baby comes, but I wanted B to come along this time.

I am so restless. Tomorrow Katie will be 39 weeks along and counting...according to my original due date, March 25th. After the ultrasound check-up, my date was moved back to April 1st. So who knows, April might be more accurate.

They moved back Brilla's original due date as well, and she arrived 9 days early!! Goes to show, only God knows when Baby Katie will come.

Meanwhile, as I mentioned, I am restless. I am finishing up Katie's room, and still buying a few things I need/want for her here and there. It's a satisfying feeling to know I'm a bit more prepared this time.

I have been trying to walk and move as much as possible. Anything to get this Baby movin'! On Monday, we went to Target, a local park, and another consignment store. On Tuesday, we went to Issaquah for our friend, Caden's, birthday party! What a fun time playing and eating! Then after that, we did a bit of shopping...found B some rain boots and the aforementioned swaddling blankets, at yet another consignment shoppe.

Today we hope to go downtown and look around at the different storefronts. Another favorite consignment is that way. Can you tell we're addicted to these places? We may even visit another park. Any way we can get the visiting sun to seep into our bodies.

Meanwhile, my cooking itch has come back. Monday night, I made some delicious oven-baked cod with homemade fries and steamed carrots. Then I hope to make a hearty casserole tomorrow.

I'm been reading my "Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn" book all over again to re-prepare myself on the whole labor and delivery process. One thing for sure, it's a long, painful road. Even if my first birth was only 8 hrs from first contraction to arrival, it seemed like an eternity. I'm sure this will be none the different! I do "enjoy" natural births, in a sense. My mid-wife specializes in getting Baby out quickly. I think this is helped by such a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. I am also bringing my lavender aromatherapy, as well as my Chris Rice CD. Afterward, both B and I were very alert, and ready to go home after a couple of hours. Back to our own bed and bathroom. Some moms enjoy the hospital stay, and can't say I blame them. Often in our homes, we're tempted to get right back in the swing of things. Thankfully, I have a husband who is very sweet and takes over for a while. So being back home so soon is very relaxing.

Some of the activities my book encourages during the "latent phase" of labor is visiting with friends, listening to music, watching a movie, dancing (yeah, right) or playing cards or other games. Others they mention are working on a hobby, preparing some one-dish meals to freeze and enjoy after birth, or baking bread or a birthday cake. Anything fun, calming or distracting, but not exhausting. I just have one question: Why would a woman want to cook while in labor, if it's hard enough while prego? You can count me out of that one. Well, who knows. Women in labor do strange things.

Friday Randomness

It is pouring, and I mean, pouring rain outside. Our weather is hilarious. For a solid week, we had nothing but sunshine and warmth, while it was snowing down in Florida. Then, we had a bout of snow...the first all year...the first week of March. Now we're back to the Spring rain! Welcome to Western Washington.

We have finally picked a name! Katie Claire. We just love the sound of it for Baby Girl. Mike likes Katie and I've always adored Claire. Now I can finally get going on her wall decor...

I've been struggling with wall decor. Now I've sprung the cutest idea. Instead of spending quite a few bucks, and buying wooden letters to paint and decorate (as I did with my first daughter's), I will be taking five small 4x6 frames and creating letters K-A-T-I-E inside them, each decorated differently. Hung on different levels, it should be quite pretty. I will have to post when I'm finished.

I am also going to the Supermall today. I believe that place is my new Friday hangout. Hey, coffee and shopping, go figure! Bed, Bath and Beyond is having a sale on 640-thread count sheets. Normally $60, they are 40% off, plus that little dandy coupon they usually send in the mail. My husband and I are big fans of high-thread count sheets; we've seen the difference at how long they last and feel compared to lower counts.

I cut my daughter's hair the other day! I promised her a hair cut thinking there was bound to be a salon in the area that cut toddler hair for around $8 or so. Wrong. At the end of the day, I finally found a place that only cut for $10, but they had no openings left. So, armed with my haircutting tools (I do cut my husband's hair!) and a Shirley Temple movie, Brilla's beautifully long hair was trimmed. And I must say, doesn't look half bad :D It's shorter than I originally planned, but both Daddy and I really like the length. Makes our girl look older. ::Sniff::

Went in for my 38th week check-up yesterday! Baby is very healthy and kicking my ribs! She's running out of room and really should come out soon. But I think she'll figure that out. B said the other day, "Mama, you need to push that baby OUT!" Yes, dear. My mid-wife said that if I haven't gone into labor by next week, she's going to do a nonstress test. Being that I lost Amelia at 28 weeks, she just wants to double-check and be safe. Not that this is top priority, but I've gained a total of 26 lbs with Katie. That is the healthiest pregnancy weight gain yet. It also helps that the cool weather of Winter has reduced swelling and miserableness. Summer pregnancies are so difficult! As for the nonstress test and not having delivered Katie yet, I am not worried. Brilla came 9 days early, and I am still 2 weeks away from my due date. Not to mention, I want her to develop as much as needed while inside! I just want my Baby Girl healthy!

This was my last week for teaching my 2s class. It was bittersweet. Bitter because I won't see my 2s again, and I've really grown to love them. Sweet because I am soon meeting our third daughter, which is a completely wonderful reason to step out of leadership! I am still planning on teaching piano next week, but it will be my last week. I will have to figure out a new schedule for my students, with a second child in the mix. I can't very well nurse while teaching!! All in good time.

I'm currently looking for a file cabinet and dresser off Craigslist. Off course, we may just end up buying something from the "scratch and dent" at Old Cannery. Since Katie will take over what used to be our office, we have moved the office into the garage, and Mike will have to store his clothes in a dresser in our room (currently the nursery closet is where they are). My clothes take up our entire bedroom closet. Mind you, our bedroom closet is very tiny. And a very strange storage design.

Well, that's it for Friday randomocity. Sounds like the down-pour has paused momentarily. Time to get out of my robe and onto my day!

Thoughts on John 16

I am currently reading John 16. Jesus is giving His disciples some last minute instructions, reiterating the coming of the Holy Spirit, and warning of hard times. Here are some insights I've gleaned:

Would I rather have Jesus with me today, as He was with the disciples? Or would I have Jesus as I do today, in Spirit? It would definitely be beyond awesome to see my Lord face to face. As I think deeper though, I realize if He did not go to heaven, the Spirit could not dwell within us. If the Spirit did not dwell in us, we would be like the disciples were - limited in our understanding of spiritual things, powerless to preach the Gospel to everyone. Also, the disciples didn't instantly have the Holy Spirit. They had to wait until Jesus returned to His Father. Today, the moment we believe upon Jesus in saving faith, we instantly have the Holy Spirit. The Helper who guides us into all understanding about Jesus. I don't have to understand all at once, though. I just need to walk in His truth and I see the next step I need to take in obedience to Him. I feel like never having seen the Lord Jesus, my perception of Him is not limited. To me, I serve a HUGE God.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

I was thinking of a recent time when I felt Jesus' presence in a hard spot, even though He wasn't physically with me. It was last year, and work for the company was low. Totally unexpectedly, Mike threw his back out. He was literally crawling on the floor to get around the house, and laying flat on his back most of the time. He had meetings to be at, projects to oversee and was obviously limited. I had to pick up the slack. Not only that, but I was trying to handle the rigors as a Bible study leader, being pregnant, teaching piano and caring for my daughter. I just remember one day feeling completely overwhelmed. I sat in the hallway, cried my eyes out, and surrendered to Jesus. I think I prayed, "Lord, I can't do this on my own. I am tired. I'm exhausted. Please help me!!" In about 2 minutes, I had a piano student, so didn't have time to wallow in self-pity. All I know is, Jesus answered my prayer and gave me the peace and strength I needed. It was miraculous. I often wonder what moms do without knowing the strength and peace Jesus gives. How do they survive?

I know others have had much more trying circumstances. But we all are on the exact path God wants to take us. Even though physically we must endure tribulation and trouble, those who love Jesus having nothing to fear. All is well with our soul. Our world around us may seem to crumble and collapse, but our faith cannot be taken away.

Going on to another subject, I think it's important not to forget God's showing Himself real to me in the past. Yet, at the same time, I can't live on yesterday's manna. We need to have that daily fellowship with Jesus. So, I've been challenging myself to see how God's worked in my life recently. Not last year, but right now. It's fine to give our testimony of how we first came to Jesus, but what has much happened since then? Do we have any answered prayers? Fulfilled promises from His Word?

For me personally, I have been working on anger/irritability. Not just watching my tongue, but watching my heart. I've noticed a change. I'm not angelic, but Jesus is working out His ways in me. Another area is loving my husband. I truly love my husband and am so incredibly blessed to have him in my life, but often my actions don't match up. I'm your average human woman with weaknesses. I think fear, worry, and selfishness get in the way so often. But they truly are cobwebs which fog up my lens of right spiritual growth and trust in the Lord. Needless to say, I'm still working on this, but instead of feeling like a failure, I know I can meet this challenge with Jesus' power. Though an average woman, I'm unmistakably a child of God with a new nature, wanting to please my Savior!

I love it that Jesus' promises His disciples joy. Not happiness, not a good feeling, but joy. God has given me my joy back. Losing Amelia made a big whole in my heart that only Jesus could fill. Well, Jesus has filled it and even though there's a scar, there's also a blossom of hope. I know He has even greater plans for my life. Especially with our soon to come Katie Claire, and many other things down the road. Life with Jesus is beautiful, even amidst the times of pain and aching.

God has answered our prayer about reaching out to our neighborhood. Before we bought our home, we asked God to lead us to the right area where we could be a light for Him. And as of right now, we have relationship with 6 different neighbors! Praise God! And quite a few of those neighbors have children, whom we've been able to share about Jesus with in our Bible club. Not only that, we are looking for a local church where we can invite those friends/neighbors to. There are some moms I have bonded with, and we're even pregnant at the same time! God is amazing in His timing. Just the fact that my Bible study group is about 10 minutes away is a blessing as well. I'm inviting the neighbor women to come. The awesome thing about Bible Study Fellowship is that they've opened up to "under-2s"! So many more young moms can attend!

If you don't know what Bible Study Fellowship is, I'll describe it in a nutshell. From the get-go, I have found its simplicity life-changing and rewarding. It's a Bible study based solely on the Bible. The first hour is spent in a small group with other women of similar age and Biblical understanding. The discussion surrounds a page of questions given to each woman the week before. The second hour, all the women from the groups gather together to worship and listen to a lecture on what was just discussed in small groups. These lectures are never boring. I always leave more in love with the Lord, and challenged in my faith. The awesome thing is, BSF provides childcare free of charge! And now they take from infant all the way to 5 years old (for day classes). They also have evening classes for women with children in grade school. In day class, your children aren't just in childcare. They are basically in preschool. The time is organized into Story/Bible Verse/Large Muscle/Snack/Quiet Time/Rhythm and even a Closing. So you get your time alone (with other women) studying God's word, knowing your child is getting it from their angle!

I didn't mean to get off the subject of my post, but Bible Study Fellowship has been an absolute blessing in my life. God has shown me so much through it!

Soak Up The Love

This last week, I have lost all motivation to cook. I am so tired in the evening, so heavy, just so pregnant. I'm not sleeping well, either, so I rather dread bedtime. I'm thinking I'll organize the nursery some more. Just something to shut my eyes immediately as my head hits the pillow. I'm also done with maternity clothes. My favorite outfit right now is sweats and a roomy shirt! We've also just been through the whirlwind that comes in early March when you own a business...taxes.

The Bible study ladies held the sweetest baby shower for me (and Brilla). I was incredibly blessed! They surrounded me and prayed for each member of our family. I felt so covered, so loved. Now I know why the Bible emphasizes the need for fellowship with other believers. Christ's love just flows through them to you. We received some cute stuff! I say we because those thoughtful ladies even gave Bri a few gifts. She is saving hers for after Baby comes...then she'll have new stuff to play with during those boring moments when I'm nursing :) The gal who teaches with me in my 2's class gave the best gift of all!

Prayer cards...

Cutie pie outfits....

Books for that smart Baby Girl of mine ::wink::....

Yay! First set of Babylegs....

Mom time. What you can't see is that the packet behind the Johnson lotion is actually a whole scrapbooking kit for the new princess! Won't that be fun....

And though we're doing cloth this time, I don't think some extra disposables will do any harm at all. Enough for an army of newborns!

And this wonderful bundle of advice, encouragement and love from the ladies...

I already said this, but truly these ladies have been a blessing. I think these last 2 years, I have seen my need to accept love, prayer and encouragement from other believers. Sometimes we give out so much and how little do we realize part of that is letting yourself soak it up when it bounces back. It may sound strange, but this has been hard for me to grasp, growing up in a family who was taught to do, do, do and serve, serve, serve. Nothing wrong with doing and serving. But sometimes we just need to be still and know God. Know His love through brothers and sisters who care for us. Thank you, Jesus, for your Church.