Life of Riley

I haven't given much of an update on Charles since we've been in transition. He is doing great. I think he understands that this is his home now. We've been to so many places, it's nice for him to have his own room and his own toys. He is coming up on 20 months, and I can't believe it. He is such a sweetie, but definitely testing the discipline limits these days. I think I was warned this would happen. Right before you are about to have Baby #2, your sweet, innocent angel suddenly shows his independence and defiance. I can't blame him with so many changes in his life. We have learned all about time out, and I've thought about the dreaded next step of spankings - isn't this supposed to happen at 2 or 3? With all that being said, he has grown so much lately - he says please and thank you whenever he wants something, hands out huge kisses and bear hugs and absolutely loves the beach including the wet sand and waves. The biggest change I was so proud of was moving to his "big boy" bed without many hiccups. He hasn't fallen out as of yet and only gotten out of his bed twice which is a no-no to do without mommy or daddy. I'm afraid of the biggest change this about to come - a new baby sister...we'll keep praying for that time that he will be just as excited to meet her as we are.

Jacob starts work tomorrow - back to the real world - it's been so nice to have him home with us. He's excited about starting and I'm sure a little anxious. They put him on an easy rotation with the anticipation of upcoming baby so he'll just coast right in. We have been finishing up on our house touches - painting, hanging drapes and pictures, yard work, etc. It definitely feels like our house, and we love it.

I can't believe we only have about a month until Frances arrives. I am now down to my weekly visits at the OB. They found an arrhythmia in her heart that they are monitoring. So now I go two times a week to the doctor to have ultrasounds and non-stress tests. They say it is usually something babies grow out of and just a tiny percentage that it could be a structural issue. So, please pray that it is nothing serious. I can't help but to worry, but God is in control. I wish I could have her, make sure she's alright, and put her back in my tummy to bake a while longer. I hope to post more soon and more regularly....at least until baby arrives!

We've Arrived!

It has been way too long since I've posted, but it's also been way too long since we have been settled in one house as a family. We closed on our new home in C-town last week, and I have a huge honey-do list for Jacob. It's always different when you walk into a house that is now empty and see its bare bones. You quickly realize how a new coat of paint, new knobs and nice summer cleaning is needed to spruce a place.

Unpacking is a little harder to do this time around with a curious toddler and being 34 weeks pregnant. Thankfully Jacob and his brother came a few days ahead of Charles and me to unload all the major furniture and get started on the painting. We're also redoing the kitchen - I've never had such nice stainless steel appliances!

Even with the long list of projects, we have quickly grown to love our new neighborhood and C-Town. One neighbor likened our neighborhood to Mayberry. So many people have come by welcome us. Two neighbors even brought us dinner and fresh produce. One guy invited Jacob over to poker night, and there's a Bunco night for the girls too. I've never been a part of community like this before. Seeing all this in action has really put community on my heart lately - what are our roles as believers and how can I be involved?

We went to a great church and will go back next Sunday. We would love to find one quickly because it is so much more difficult to church shop with Charles. I hate taking him from one nursery to another week after week, and I certainly don't want to be still looking in a year. Hopefully we will find a church home before Frances arrives.

We've managed to squeeze in some fun things for Charles. We've checked out the beach - he is not fond of the water, but loves the tide pools and sand. Today we visited the aquarium. Nothing like the ATL one, but it's a great way to get out of the heat. And we've been downtown numerous times just to walk around.

All in all, we have felt an overwhelming sense of belonging here - from our house and neighborhood to churches and things to do, we feel like we are home.