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!
