Off for a Weekend Away

We were gone last weekend for a 24 hr. prayer and planning retreat for the youth ministry at our church. We had a great time receiving words from the Lord and hearing what his heart was for the young people. We also had a great time laughing. That's priceless.

Never a Good Shot

So I had it in my mind to start taking more pictures of my kids. I used my PC Points to buy a cool new camera, but STILL no good shots. What is going on? I have photographed a number of weddings, taken great pics of the boys a few years ago, and have done many a family photo for other people. But when it comes to my own kids, it's a no go. After deep contemplation, I realize what is going on. The only shots that are successful are those from far away, this is because:

1. Malachi has officially balked at the idea of smiling for the camera. He will have none of it. Just an idea a 4 yr. old got in his head, and is not willing to budge. The only solution is an ambush.

2. Luca simply never stops moving. He moves constantly and will not pose, and even if he does, it's for .3 seconds.

So... the pictures you see are the best I can get where there isn't a blur of movement.

After my final ultrasound in Wpg. yesterday (all is clear) we took the boys to St.Vital Park. We fed the ducks which was a huge highlight for the boys. I was a bit anxious about all the poop on the walkways, rocks and grass. (As pictured) We met our friends Cliff, Krista and little Luis for a picnic, and then headed off to the BDI for ice-cream. A nice old fashioned family day.

And Life Goes On...

So we are back in the swing of things. Trying to squeeze out some fun for the boys during a dark time. The sun really is shining most days again, and the peace that passes all understanding permeates my heart. I cry a little each day for our baby, but each day the tears are a wee bit smaller, the sobs a bit shorter, and my dry eyes are back a bit quicker. And so it is well with my soul.

Malachi was such a trooper. He was a little man of big faith - he would lay hands on me daily and pray that the baby would come back to life. On that note - he also told my Mom that she was getting old, and soon she would die, but that was okay, because he would just lay hands on her and raise her from the dead too. That's what God wants grownups to say.

Luca being only two, would put his chubbly little hands in the air and say.. "baby gone? Mommy baby gone?"

Tony stepped right up to bat in the last few weeks and let me rest. He played with the boys day in and day out. Rugby, basketball, bike trailer rides and warm water in our upgraded pool. (We went from a tupperware size to a 6 foot long one that even grownups can lounge in for some respite.)

All in all we are thankful. God his cemented some new truths about Himself in our hearts. He has reminded me again and again of the miracle that is Malachi and Luca. That as they were formed within me, their little hearts kept beating, and their little fingers kept forming, and they were perfect, and if that isn't a miracle, I don't know what is.

Today I Brushed My Teeth... and other milestones

Today I woke up and brushed my teeth.
Today I said 'baby' without crying.
Today I ate a strawberry and it actually tasted like something.. delicious red sweet goodness.
Today I looked in the mirror and thought I really should do something about my hair.
Today I looked forward to tomorrow.

I bet the sun'll come out tomorrow....

Summer Days are Here Again

So the timing couldn't be better in one sense: I'm 2 months pregnant and exhausted, and Tony is off work until the end of this first trimester, the really exhausting part. I sleep until all hours, and try not to miss too much of the fun as the boys are out in the pool on hot days, and in the puddles on cool ones. I don't want this summer to pass in a blur of heartburn, indigestion and catnaps... this is, after all, my last summer EVER with only 2 little men.

Unexpectedly Expecting

You read the headline right. We are unexpectedly expecting a third baby, due next February. Of course, we are in the very early stages, but I wear my news on my sleeve, and so there it is. We pray for safety and good health for the wee Clark the third...