In the midst of fall

Every week there is a new discovery. This past week I was feeling the baby move when ever I would sneeze or scream really loud, and then over this past weekend I started feeling it during yoga, or sitting in traffic or at other random times. But on Sunday, the kid was awake ALL day. No joke, I think it took 4 or so 10 minute naps and that was it! I'm sure that it gets crazier as little BUD gets bigger, but I have no doubt that this child is active and probably determined (why should I doubt when that is the mix in our genes). Every few minutes it was a "flutter, flutter, flutter" near my navel and followed intermittently by the less rhythmic "thud...thud, thud" a few inches away. Even Mark can feel it moving too. And I finally have a tiny "baby bump" to corroborate my claim to pregnancy.

We are also listening to the baby's heartbeat on our Amazon purchased fetal heart doppler. It may sound a bit paranoid, but really it is pretty entertaining for us! Mark has listened to the heart and assures me that it is making good whooshing noises. And now we are just waiting for a month to pass so we can find out if it is a little girl or boy. I get the feeling it is a boy, but Mark says I'm wrong...so we will just have to wait and see! As Mark and I get more acquainted with our baby, our dog has been getting more attached to us. In the picture above, Mark is demonstrating the nightly routine of "snuggle time" with Davy Crockett which is now a prerequisite (for him) before going to bed in his kennel. What to do with this furry toddler when the baby comes!

And I've finally stopped getting sick at work, yeah! It is a terrible thing to have a post brain surgery patient tell you "Honey, you look pale. Do you need to sit down? I have some crackers by the bed." Oh well, humility is a good thing and sometimes God teaches you that when you think you are playing the role of healer, helper or teacher you are really the one who might benefit from healing, helping or teaching even from those you thought sicker than yourself.

On a different note, I have been really encouraged lately from some great praise music and I thought I would share the lyrics of one with you. It can be downloaded free from http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2008/05/01/i-have-shelter/

I have a shelter in the storm When troubles pour upon me Though fears are rising like a flood My soul can rest securely O Jesus, I will hide in You My place of peace and solace No trial is deeper than Your love That comforts all my sorrows

I have a shelter in the storm When all my sins accuse me Though justice charges me with guilt Your grace will not refuse me O Jesus, I will hide in You Who bore my condemnation I find my refuge in Your wounds For there I find salvation

I have a shelter in the storm When constant winds would break me For in my weakness, I have learned Your strength will not forsake me O Jesus, I will hide in You The One who bears my burdens With faithful hands that cannot fail You’ll bring me home to heaven