Worn Out

I've been reading The Jesus I Never Knew (Yancey) for a few days now. I picked it up (what was it, Jenni, a year ago?) with the intent of going through it with a friend, but we didn't get very far. I'm glad I decided to revisit it though, because it has been just what I needed lately. Isn't it interesting how God always gives you just what you need, even when you're not aware that you need it?
You know, that makes me realize something. I think about a thousand times a day we probably come up with some idea of some "thing" that we need. More money, more time, more friends, etc. It occurs to me that the things I really need I needn't ever ask for, because God is continually supplying these things to me - physical things like food and shelter and clothing and other things like His word, good advice, a welcome hug, or the right song or book, and even spiritual things like patience or mercy or forgiveness. Makes me think maybe I shouldn't worry so much about what I think I need and should just trust that whatever it may be, God knows and God provides. El Shaddai, all sufficient.
Anyway, the book is inspiring a lot of good thoughts that I want to share here. I've been significantly affected by the portion on the Beatitudes. But after today, I find I'm just too worn out to really go into what God was laying on my heart earlier, so it can wait for now. It might be good to let it simmer for a bit.
In the past few days I have dealt with some pretty big things emotionally and otherwise, and I find I have trouble talking about them here. Nothing's wrong with the baby or with me personally.
In fact, Claire continues to surprise me with her constant activity. She must be having more fun in there than I thought was possible, because at any moment I feel flips, kicks, and spins. My mother-in-law says both Geoff and his sister were the same when she was pregnant, so I'm hoping this means that she will be lucky enough to have her daddy's wonderful metabolism. I'm delighted to have a baby on the move, because now that I can feel her, I never have to worry about whether or not something might be wrong in there. She tells me constantly that she is well. But that not worrying thing really goes back to what I was saying earlier about God knowing our needs and supplying them before we realize that they're there. She's in his hands. She's more than fine.
But my heart has also been wrapped up with another baby, my tiny godson Malachi. I appreciate anyone and everyone's prayers while I continue to try to follow God's leading on what he would have for this baby. The situation is far too sensitive to try to share in detail here, but some of you know at least a portion of the ordeal surrounding this child and his future.
Through all that I am dealing with right now on behalf of my godson, I can step out of my life for a minute and suddenly realize the blessings surrounding me. Try it and be grateful - there is an amazing freedom and joy in just being grateful for your blessings.
Anyway, that's my somewhat disjointed post for today. I'm going to go wind down with a little Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune before tuning in to see what the Obama hubub is about...

Introducing: CLAIRE

Here she is! I am just going to put a whole bunch in here and not worry about formatting or explaining too much I think...

A little baby foot (or as my Mamaw would say "sugarfoot")

Profile - Geoff said her nose is too small to be his (he said this with relief in his voice).

Her perfect little backbone

Here's her little face - I said, "Oh, honey - she looks just like you!"

The grandmothers were both there and seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. I'm not going to post the pictures that indicated that she is a girl. Suffice it to say that she lacks certain parts that would be evident if the case were otherwise. And, in case anyone is wondering, we are not going to have the 4d ultrasound as offered. I told my husband I would rather have that $200 to spend on little Claire herself.

Sugar and Spice

And everything nice - Martha Claire, or little Clairebear as I'm already calling her, is a robust and healthy 6 ounces and is ticking away at 153 beats a minute! What a great day. I don't have the scanner hooked up at the house, so you're going to have to wait for a few pictures to post, but they're coming...

Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

We find out tomorrow! If you haven't voted yet, take your pick. I'll post some ultrasound photos tomorrow and if I ever figure out how to do it, one day I might be able to post a video, because my doctor's office is cool enough to offer to film this milestone.
The baby (hence forward to be known by an actual name and a regular he or she and not "heorshe") is the wigglin'est creature known to man. I actually felt the first movement really early, at 15 weeks 6 days. I know different women describe the feeling different ways, but for me, this was nothing like butterflies in my stomach - not in the least. My sister said something about a fish and at times, it does feel just like that, because this baby is doing some serious flips and sommersaults. I described it to Geoff as having a very irregular pounding heart in your belly. It just feels like the baby is pushing around and bumping around in there, and doing flips. And I'm seriously amazed at how often I feel movement. Everyone I've talked to keeps asking if I notice a schedule, and I'm just now getting good at really knowing these are baby movements, so I'm not sure yet. The funny/fun thing is that heorshe jumped yesterday when my coworker slammed a file drawer shut - I guess it was loud enough to startle the baby. Even Geoff is talking to the baby now, something I didn't think he would do much because he's not one to do things that make him feel silly.
On another note, Geoff is home (finally) and he passed his MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) tests. This was a big deal, especially considering he was very sick the entire 8 days of classes and testing. He returned home and went straight to the doctor to discover that he has a pretty good case of pneumonia. He's pretty pitiful, but he and the grandmothers will be coming with me tomorrow to the ultrasound. It's late in the day, so don't expect word here until late tomorrow night. :)

9 Days Seem Like an Eternity

Geoff had to go on a work trip today for training. He' s not too far away, but he'll be gone for more than a week. It's only been a few hours so far, but I'm already missing him like CRAZY. And I'm glad to know how much he's missing me too. I went online tonight and ordered him a fruit and goodies basket from Harry and David to go to his hotel room. I didn't want to pay for overnight delivery, but splurged on 2-day so he'll get it Tuesday. I also hid some little surprizes in his suitcase.
It's so nice to be so in love with each other more than five years after we married. We've built such a comforting wonderful home together that neither of us can stay away for long.
I am also thrilled to discover that my mom is coming to be my companion for the duration of Geoff's trip. So I have to get through tonight on my own (with, of course, Colson and Soozie standing guard), but mom will keep me sane after that.
I'd better get to bed now, though. This switch to daylight savings will catch up with me tomorrow I'm sure!

Sometimes It's Just the Right Song

Will post more later, but I'm off on a date with my hubs. UNBELIEVABLE SONG!

Our Hope Endures - Natalie Grant

(See lyrics below or watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1mu3F0dQz0)

You would think only so much can go wrong
Calamity only strikes once
And you assume that this one has suffered her share
Life will be kinder from here

Sometimes the sun stays hidden for years
Sometimes the sky rains night after night
When will it clear
But our hope endures the worst of conditions I
t's more than our optimism
Let the earth quake
Our hope is unchanged

How do we comprehend peace within pain
Our joy at a good man's wake
Walk a mile with a woman whose body is torn
With illness but she marches on

Sometimes the sun stays hidden for years
Sometimes the sky rains night after night
When will it clear
But our hope endures the worst of conditions
It's more than our optimism
Let the earth quake
Our hope is unchanged

Emanuel, God is with us
El Shaddai, all sufficient
Emanuel, God is with us
El Shaddai, all sufficient
Emanuel, God is with us
El Shaddai, all sufficient
We never walk alone
This is our hope

Our hope endures, the worst of conditions
It's more than our optimism
let the earth quake
let the earth quake
let the earth quake
Our hope is unchanged