We Survived!

Well, 2,000 miles and too many car hours later, we're here! We left Spokane Monday the 16th and arrived here in St. Louis on Monday the 23rd. We stopped in Salt Lake for a day and got to see my family, as well as fill our truck with hand-me-downs from four different houses! Then we headed to Colorado and spent three days at Luke's family cabin, which was a nice, relaxing break in the middle of a chaotic week. From there we continued east, stopping at a few places in Kansas where Luke's dad grew up and where his ancestors are buried. We saw our first fireflies in Kansas. Abby is a huge fan of those! And finally . . . we arrived and moved into our home.

Thankfully, the trip went just as smoothly as possible, aside from a few meltdowns (mostly from the kids . . . :) ) and an overall feeling of our lives being completely discombobulated. Things are still a little chaotic, but we're glad to be here! Abby has already made some friends in the neighborhood, and she and Katie are both fascinated by the little cottontail rabbits that hop around among the adjoining backyards. We'll have pictures and updates when we get our computer set up at home . . . until then, enjoy the summer, wherever you are!

Baby Update

I had a 19-week ultrasound on Friday, and Big Sister Abby's wish came true: it's a baby brother! (She's decided that one little sister is enough . . . ) He looks healthy and strong so far, and we are really excited! Abby and I picked out some tiny, blue booties for him on Monday. This is going to be a big change in our girly, pink world. I wonder if he'll mind the tea parties and Calico Critters? Hopefully not. We're also glad that now Luke won't be quite so outnumbered!

My Abby

Despite the impish incident described in the post below, I adore my Abby and find joy in her every day. Tonight before bed, she really wanted to give the baby a kiss, a hug, and a pat (via my belly!). She asked in her prayer, "Please bless that Mama's tummy won't hurt too much because of the baby." She really does have a tender heart and an amazing mind. She learns quickly and remembers everything! I'm so grateful to be her mom.

Katie's First Haircut

Here are some important facts--for the record--about Katie's first haircut:

1. It was not planned.

2. Nor was it wanted.

3. It occurred on Saturday while Luke was at work and I was grabbing an 8-minute shower.

4. It earned Abby a 2-hour time-out and a prohibition from using scissors until she goes to college.

5. It kindled in me the most wrath I have felt yet towards my firstborn.

6. It actually COULD have been worse, but it was still bad.

7. My mom put it into perspective for me by reminding me that she had her ponytail chopped off by her sister Connie when they were young. (She had the first A-line cut that is now so popular!)

8. I can laugh about it now, since the trauma has worn off.

9. When I called Luke to tell him about it, I cried. All those beautiful baby curls scattered on the floor! And Abby insisting that Katie had done it to herself!! He couldn't help laughing--he was so relieved that no one was bleeding or unconscious, after hearing my grim tone of voice.

10. Katie-Bug is oblivious to the whole ordeal. :)

Mother's Day

The other day, a friend was complaining about how lame it was to receive only an e-card from her husband last Mother's Day. Luke must have been listening more closely than I thought, because he really outdid himself on Sunday! He had to work all day, but he and Abby had picked out these gorgeous flowers the night before, so they were there to surprise me Sunday morning. He took care of dinner (with some help from the hospital cafeteria!), so my afternoon was nice and relaxing. Abby did a great job of singing with the Primary kids in church, and she wished me a Happy Mother's Day about every hour throughout the day. It was really cute! I love the cards and the handprint art she made me too. I felt very appreciated!