Ok, we we haven't quite gotten through the first quarter of the year, but its pretty close. This winter couldn't be any more different than last winter. We were pounded last year! Backing out of our driveway was a risk in itself w/ the van practically covered on each side. And then driving down our road - the two lane that became one. I remember thinking how huge the road was when the snow finally melted. This year we've barely seen any snow (however I did include a couple pics, just to prove there was some!). I think the kids have gone out to sled once or twice. They had a lot of fun, but talk about a mild winter! Not that I'm complaining, it's just been weird. I could never really figure out what month it was, since it has felt like March since the New Year. In my head I kept telling myself, "after the snow melts it will get warm and then we'll be close to welcoming Zane." Having no snow has thrown me off with that too. Luckily I came up with the idea of telling the kids, "when we get to the red flower on the calendar, then we'll be close to Zane's arrival." It's worked pretty well.
As far as the pregnancy goes, I feel like I'm gaining a ton of weight, though the Dr.'s don't seem concerned. I just know it will be even harder this time to get rid of it all. It is beginning to be more difficult turning over an night - it usually entails some sort of grunt. And often when I get out of bed, I have to limp to the kitchen before my hip settles a bit. All of this is very familiar though. I've really been treasuring up the moments that I have just laying down and watching my belly dance around. This morning Zane was really moving. I could see pokey things move across my stomach and feel all sorts of jumps and bonks. He is a mover. Hopefully he gets it out of his system now and will be laid back when he is born. I keep wondering if he is going to be bigger than Nora was. 9lb 2oz was plenty big, so I'm hoping not!! The kids are really excited about Zane. Aliza draws pictures of our family every day (no joke!) and Zane is almost always included. I love it :)
Eben had a sleepover at church with the Olympian group (our youth group) and went forward when they did an alter call. He did it last year too, but I was with him then, and I was pretty certain he didn't know what was going on. He just joined the crowd. So, last night Jared and I sat down with him and asked him what his certificate was all about. He didn't know what to say. It sounds like he just went along with the group again. We talked about what it meant and that he didn't have to go up unless he really wanted to. I think he has a better idea what it means to accept God's gift. For some reason he seemed on the verge of tears the whole talk. We aren't sure what that was about, unless he thought he was in trouble. We told him he wasn't, but he still had very glassy eyes. I know he is further along in his faith than I was at his age, and I love that! If we ever move from here, I will really miss the commitment our church has to children's ministry. I haven't seen anything like it before!
Just a few more weeks and Jen and her family are coming to visit!!! I'm so excited to see them, as are everyone else. The kids yell, "YAY" every time I remind them. They'll be here for Easter, so hopefully we can all go to the Easter Cantata at church and we'll also hit up the MOMS Club Easter Egg Hunt and Potluck! I hope its warmer than it was last year!! I won't say, "I'll fill you in on their visit next time," since I know how I am with this thing ;)
I guess that about wraps it up for now. The pregnancy pic included is me at 27 weeks. I'm 29 now, so only 11 to go. Almost to the single digits :)
