Four Weeks of Growth

Here is a quick glimpse at the growth Daniel has experienced in the past 4 weeks. I am always amazed at how quickly my sons grow.

Coming home from the hospital on December 23. (The day I expected him to be born. Good thing we went early, the mom war was overbooked!)

Getting chubby cheeks already at two weeks.

First bottle at 3 weeks.

Trying to get that elusive smile during week 4.

One Word for 2012

Abide: to remain stable or fixed in a state ; to continue in a place; to conform to

2012 is the year of abiding. And truth be told 2011 should have been as well. I felt the Lord put it on my heart but I chose not to commit to it; I chose not to obey.

2011 brought me through the long wait of selling the house and the long wait to get pregnant. I learned patience (again) and that I am not in control (again). 2011 brought me through the difficult process of learning the value of people and relationships over material goods.

Probably the most difficult part of 2011 and the part the most clearly revealed my need to abide came in December. I came face to face with the very real, the very daily reality, that none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow. I realized how much I depend on my husband instead of the Lord. A stroke, an eye doctor, a neurologist, and a cardiologist all revealed that I don't really want God's will, unless of course it means I get what I want. It revealed hypocrisy and ugliness in my heart. Sin. Big, ugly, sin.

Abide is what I need to do in 2012. I feel a bit like God has brought me low in order to show me the joy that arises from looking up. I am too weary to be the vine.

I am the vine; you are the branch. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Daniel Jeffrey

I have been trying to blog for the last 21 days but this little man named Daniel likes to snuggle with his mama. And, frankly, I love each and every snuggle with him because I am accutely aware that this time goes by way to quickly.

His coming was a suprise and came with never before experienced labor pains. I have to say I am very thankful that my Lord saw fit to make me a c-section mom; I am also very thankful for those who study those wonderful pain blocking injections! What wasn't a suprise was that he filled my heart so quickly. Most people know I was rooting for a girl. It is still my desire to have a daughter but in no way was I dissapointed when my doctor announced, "It's a boy!" I have always loved boys (just ask my sister or my dad). And truthfully I cannot argue with God's plan for our family, who knows what Daniel will accomplish in his life.

So far Daniel has been a sweet baby who loves to eat but is not too keen on sleeping in his bed. He will eventually learn to love that crib sheet his Mama labored over the weekend before he was born! He is well loved by his brothers. In fact, one of the things that touches my heart the most has been watching John become a big brother. He adores Daniel and sings to him and loves on him and plays with him and tells him stories and worries about him when he cries. Elijah, on the other hand, is much like his father. He loves Daniel and holding him but the second Daniel gets fussy he needs the noise to stop and Mama to take him and make it stop.

Daniel is named after Daniel in the Bible. The man who loved God so much that the threat of a night with lions would not deter him from praying and seeking the Lord. The man who trusted God would protect him and was not at all suprised when those big lions were like kittens in the presence of an angel of the Lord.

Jeffrey comes from our good friend, Big Jeff. Jeff seeks the Lord, leads his family, and runs a business with so much integrity. He is generous and loving and most of all a really fun guy.

This post sort of rambles but that is the state of my brain these days. While I love Daniel, I have to say the interrupted sleep is not on the top of my favorites list.

Welcome to the Anderson family, Daniel Jeffrey. We are a crazy lot and I have a feeling you are going to fit in just perfectly.

A Belly Progression

This is me at 16 weeks. Not too shabby!
This is me at 21 weeks. Still kinda cute.

This is me at 39 weeks (9 days from baby day). You be the judge.

20 Days and Counting

There are only 20 days until Baby Anderson arrives. I spent three hours in my classroom getting things organized for my wonderful long-term sub, Emily. I only have a few more details to get ready on that front.

Then the baby room needs to be conquered. I have purchased more fabric in the last week then ever in my life. I have grand plans to make a crib sheet, curtains, and a home-made Moby wrap. Of course I say I but really I mean we because none of those things will happen without my beautiful sister, Sara. She is the sewing genius and the only one who can talk me through sewing a straight line. She would never admit to it but she really is like a sewing warrior, unafraid to conquer any project.

The excitement of the next 20 days will not make them pass any faster. The anticipation of finally knowing if our lives will be filled with more superheroes or if some princesses will finally come to the Anderson's is almost more than I can stand. As Chris constantly reminds me, it is probably the best surprise God gives us.