The Dust is Settling!

So much has happened lately, and we haven't had internet access to update the blog. So I'll probably write a few new posts as I get the chance. But first I'll check in to say where we're at.

The dust is finally settling around here. We're all moved into our new apartment. It is so wonderful to have our own space and know we're not hogging CJ's parents' house anymore! The kids have adjusted well and love their new rooms and finally having all their toys and books back. We have so much more room than we had in our old apartment. We were disappointed we didn't find a house of our own on the timeline we had, but we're thankful God opened this door, and are confident that He'll show us the perfect house at the right time. For now we'll enjoy this place! I'm enjoying being back in the town I grew up in, especially at its prettiest time, autumn. We can walk to the library, post office, park, and fire station so the kids are pleased about our location too. And, we're close to CJ's job and our families. :)

We hosted a birthday party for Charlotte a week after we moved in. I can't believe she's 2! At her request, we had a "cow party!" for her. We only invited immediate family, so it was small but sweet. We had cow balloons and purple decorations (her favorite color). She was so happy. I couldn't make her a cake, but I cut sweet potatoes into cow shapes with a cookie cutter, and CJ cut some venison into little hearts for her. I'll try to add photos soon so you can see the birthday girl!

One of the gifts Charlotte opened was a Big Sister Book! That's right, we're expecting another baby! We are thrilled that God is sending another blessing to us. Parker and Charlotte are excited and seem to understand. Charlotte LOVES babies and Parker's already a pro at this big brother stuff. The Baby is due May 2nd. I am just moving into my 13th week, so I'm hoping the constant yucky morning sickness I've experienced will soon pass. That certainly has complicated things, with our move, and everything else going on, but God's getting us through it! The kids have watched more than their share of movies lately, while I lie green on the couch, but I'll try not to feel too guilty as I'm sure soon I'll have more energy and feel better.

I have relaxed my diet a bit now that I'm not nursing Charlotte anymore. I haven't had much of an appetite, so I'm just doing the best I can. I'm determined not to worry about this baby's health. God knows what He's doing, and He is in ultimate control of the baby's health, and not me. Worrying or over-analyzing everything I do and eat will not help. I will continue eating gap-sy foods, but I'm giving myself more freedom to veer from it once in awhile. Of course, we'll hope and pray for a beautiful, healthy baby, but we'll be thankful for the carefully-chosen and unique child the Lord has decided to give us. I am so excited for our little growing family.

Charlotte's been at a standstill with her diet. I wish I could report more progress. These days she's eating organic sweet potatoes, turkey, beef, and venison. Once in awhile if I can find green beans she will eat a few, and we keep trying leek and rutabaga, but she mostly refuses them. We have backslid with her supplements too with all the activity lately in our family. We recently tried broccoli, and a week later we're still waiting for her diaper rash to fade. The doctor just suggested trying to add in something, anything, especially the more colorful veggies. I think we'll try kale next.

We have had some wonderful fund-raising events in Charlotte's honor, but they are worthy of their own posts! I'll try to write about them soon!

As always, thanks for reading, supporting us, and for the prayers! Keep 'em coming, please!