An update! Finally

So, I am hoping to get better at updating this. I guess it's just a matter of getting into the habit. This is probably my third or fourth attempt at updating, but I always seem to get stuck after one paragraph, and then have other things that need doing!

So Seth's work in ministry is well underway. We are learning how to live life with a less predictable schedule than the past year of 9 - 5. It has definitely been a challenge for both of us. I would love to make a very detailed schedule and stick to it, but Seth prefers one with a bit more freedom, and one of his own making, which is definitely ok. I've realized though that I am someone who feels a lot more productive, and a lot happier with a schedule, and one that's made well ahead of time. On a happier note, Seth has really been enjoying his time ministering to students both at the Carleton Navigators, and with our church's young adults group. Naomi and I were even able to join him at the Navigators Fall retreat earlier this month, which was a challenge, but definitely worth it!

Naomi is growing like a weed, and definitely makes my life interesting! I really don't know where this girl came from. Her personality is so unlike mine or Seth's that we can find her a bit of a challenge at times. She is strong-willed and independent, and definitely knows what she wants! She is also such a monkey, and is always on the go and into everything. She's also the cutest thing I've ever seen, and has become much more affectionate in the past few weeks, which has been nice to say the least. Her latest "tricks" are spinning in circles, climbing into all of our cupboards, and blowing bubbles in the bath (and sometimes trying to drink the bathwater directly out of the bath). She's had a couple of rough nights this week though which might have something to do with her new molar which is just starting to make it's way through. Last night was especially rough, with little to no sleep for all of us between 3:30 and 6. I'm hoping for a better sleep tonight!

My pregnancy is going pretty well. I am now 29 weeks pregnant, and am just beginning to feel the desire for the pregnancy to be over. I can definitely feel the baby a lot more this time around, and often feel as if the baby is trying to escape through my skin. My back and ribcage are also starting to hurt a lot more, and my walking speed has slowed dramatically. I have to hold Seth's arm whenever we're walking together so that he doesn't get too far ahead of me. However we have a huge list of things to accomplish before the baby comes, and I know that as difficult as pregnancy may be, a newborn baby is not any easier, so I can definitely wait at least 8 more weeks!

Well, I'd better not be too ambitious, but I'll try to do a November update too!

Thanks for reading!

First Blog!

I have decided to start a blog! Actually I decided this quite awhile ago and now a few months after the fact I am actually taking the time to write my first one. I really enjoy reading others' blogs, and with many people being so far away, and my baby growing like a weed I thought it would be a great way to keep in touch.

The name of my blog is inspired by my mother. Before she passed away 11 months ago she jokingly told us that she had decided to write her life story, but that all she had so far was the title. The title would be "There but for the Grace of God". Throughout my mother's life, "by the grace of God" was the answer she gave to many of the questions asked of her. I think I heard her use this answer most often when others asked her how she managed to raise 9 kids. My mother was an amazing woman, and was able to overcome an abusive childhood, raise 9 children, and gracefully endure a four year battle with cancer, all by the grace of God. With my mother as an example, I hope to both live my life and end it the same way... in total reliance on God's grace.

These days, we are relying on God's grace when it comes to Seth's fundraising! Seth is beginning an internship with the Navigators of Canada at Carleton University this September. He will be helping students get to know who Jesus is and encouraging them to live Christ centered lives. In order to do this full time, he must ask others to support him both spiritually and financially. So far people have been very generous, and it is amazing to see God leading us to those who are willing to support us in this ministry.

In other news, Seth and I are expecting our second baby in January! I am now 15 weeks pregnant and am finally feeling a bit more energetic. The first trimester went by very quickly and with very little nausea (thank goodness). We are definitely looking forward to "little baby's" arrival, but are much less in touch with this pregnancy than the last. I've found that Naomi takes up so much of my attention that a lot of the time I end up forgetting I'm pregnant at all! I know that will change though once those little kicks start keeping me up at night.

Naomi is growing very quickly and is standing a lot on her own now. Yesterday she even got to a standing position while holding a soccer ball and nothing else! It's pretty funny how I find every little thing she does so impressive even though one day she's going to be walking and talking and writing essays and solving math problems and raising her own kids. I mean I know I won't be saying "Seth, Seth look! She's standing by herself!" when she's 20 years old, but right now it seems like a very big deal!

On top of standing, Naomi seems to be learning new things very quickly these days! In the past few weeks she has learned how to wave hi and bye, clap her hands, blow kisses, and pat her mouth while making a "ahwawawawawawa" sound. I'm also surprised at what she is starting to understand! At the store the other day Naomi was staring at a sales lady who kindly smiled and said hi to her. I then said to Naomi, "Are you going to say hi?", and without even looking at me she waved to the sales lady. Before I know it I'm going to have to watch every word I say!

Well I'd better head off before nap time is over!

Thanks for reading!