baby Luke is coming!

I know it's been a while since I've updated on the pregnancy. Here's the quick version...a few weeks back my doctor found that my placenta previa was worsening again which meant that a c-section was probably inevitable. He sent me to see a high-risk doctor to get a second opinion and determine if we would need to take Luke early. Based on what this doctor told me, I figured I might be able to wait til 38 weeks or so, but he said it would be up to my doctor. Yesterday, my doctor called and said it was going to be 37 weeks! And that I was scheduled for this Monday at 5pm! I was a little overwhelmed that that was less than a week away, but now I'm actually really excited that he will be here so soon. And it can't be that bad to shave three weeks off my pregnancy in this heat! So, Luke will be making his grand entrance THIS Monday, August 11th! Tomorrow I'm going to my doctor for what I guess will be my last check-up. Please be praying that everything will go smoothly, and Luke will arrive safe and sound...and for the transition in general- for all of us. I know it will take some adjusting, but I'm looking forward to life as four!

the circus after the circus

This morning we ventured off to the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus at American Airlines Center. I haven't been to the circus in years- probably back when it was in Reunion Arena. (Anybody else have fond memories of Sidekick and Maverick games back in the day? Tatu was the coolest.) Anyway, my mom and dad graciously treated the whole family to breakfast and the "Greatest Show on Earth". We got a solid 3 hours of circus mania since we got there for the pre-show at 10:30. It was a pretty cool deal. They let you walk out on the floor and watch some mini-acts up close. Lily was somewhat overwhelmed at all the people and activity. She squeezed Josh's neck and just stared at all that was going on. 

sidenote: As I watched these entertainers perform their ever so random skills, I couldn't help but wonder how they got started. I mean, do you set out to be a circus star? Are you raised from birth to climb sway poles? Are you recognized and scouted out of high school for your amazing stilt-walking abilities? And it made me wonder why there's not a reality show about the circus (or at least a documentary). I would LOVE to see what goes on behind the scenes and hear the stories of the circus family members.

After the pre-show, we found our seats and Lily seemed to relax a little now that we were a good distance from the action. The next two hours were pretty fun, although it got a little slow during the second act. Yes, there's an intermission at the circus. Come on, they've got to give you as many opportunities as they can to buy the stuff they're selling. I've never seen so many flashy, twirly gadgets in all my life. And in case you get hungry (since you're there for 3 hours- during lunchtime) they've got plenty stocked up to snack on. Mind you, it will cost $12 for that cotton candy, but hey- it comes with a super snazzy hat that is obviously worth far more.

I'd say Lily's favorite parts were the jumping poodles, the popcorn, and the cotton candy. All in all, it was a good show and a good time with the family.



By 2:00 and after our short, sweaty jaunt to the gold mini, we were ready to head home and even looking forward to an afternoon nap. But unfortunately, a nap was not to be this day- for me or my toddler. A little over half-way home on I-35, a car illegally cut over in front of us into the HOV lane (one of Josh's biggest pet peeves). Doesn't seem like too big a deal (except that it's against the law), but this car sent some debris (which looked like a pipe) flying at us. There was no dodging it, and we did the only thing we could do- drove right over it. And most of the time you just look back in the rear view mirror, wonder what it could have been, and get back to conversation. All of which we did, until we smelled gas. Not a good smell when you're traveling down the highway at 75 mph. So Josh pulled over onto the shoulder (thankfully it was a big one), and we all climbed out to notice our gasoline spilling out all over the pavement. So you've got six adults (one being 9 mo pregnant) and a 2 1/2 year old stranded on the side of 35 in 103* heat. 

Since the gas line was obviously punctured, we called 911 and waited for help to arrive. Within 5 minutes, two fire trucks pulled up on the scene. The firemen were great and even let the girls sit in the firetruck while they assessed the situation. 

The tow truck arrived (with half as much haste as the firetrucks) and carried away our beloved gold mini. Dad was a trooper and rode in the tow truck while the rest of us piled into Hillary's and Macy's cars (thank you!!!) and made our way home. 

Through this very hot inconvenience, I'm reminded of how quickly our world can change. In just one instant, when I'm not expecting it, something happens that shakes or even destroys my little safety net. And what is my reaction in that situation? What am I hoping in? Where is my joy founded? Thankfully, all that was damaged today was our minivan. We all walked away by God's grace safely and unharmed. But when the time comes when the damage might be far more costly and leave my soul aching, I long to ultimately be at peace, somehow, knowing that my hope lies with my Heavenly Father and His Sovereign will. That my joy is founded in His eternal goodness, regardless of whether He gives or takes.

Just a few weeks away from Luke's arrival, I find myself more reflective than usual. And sometimes that reflectiveness looks a lot like worry. Or maybe it's not exactly worry, but just that uneasiness about what could be around the corner. Things seem so good now. Josh and I talked about this recently, and he reminded me of several people who, in the midst of great tragedy or hardship, said they see God's grace in their circumstances. They know Him far more now than before this current trial. And it just confirms how sweet our Lord is to give grace in that moment to those who need it most. To sustain them and draw them closer still. I spend so much energy worrying about what may never happen rather than resting in the fact that if/when it does, God is there to walk me through the valley. I want to rest in that even now.

Whew. Hope that makes sense. It's been a long day and a really long post. I'm off to bed. :)

Happy Birthday Dear Dad

July hosts the birthdays of two of my favorite men. Josh on the 2nd, as you know from the last post and my dad today on the 23rd. These men (and Jesus) have shaped who I am today, so here's a short list of things I wouldn't have been or done had it not been for my dad...(I saw this on another blog and thought it was a fun idea.)

Without you, Dad...
1. I never would have learned to throw a spiral football.

2. I wouldn't have as much loyalty and love for Baylor University as I do.

3. I never would have learned to juggle.

4. I probably wouldn't be nearly as free-spirited (what Josh calls "messy").

5. I wouldn't have seen how to encourage and build up others so well.

6. I might not know what it means to live out love the way you do.

7. I never would have waited for a guy like Josh had you not set the standard so high.

8. I wouldn't have been as comfortable getting up to sing or speak in front of people.

9. I would not be nearly as competitive as I am (or ruthless at Monopoly).

10. I probably wouldn't appreciate a good steak dinner as much as I do.

Happy Birthday, Daddy. Thank you for who you are and how you have loved me. I hope this next year is full of joy, laughter, hope, and God's nearness. 

I love you, 

Nat

In 1977...

Jimmy Carter becomes president of the US Most of the 10,000 Vietnam War draft evaders are pardoned by President Carter Elvis Presley dies in his Graceland bathroom Congress creates a Department of Energy New York Yankees win the World Series Oakland Raiders win Superbowl XI Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup Swedish music group ABBA passes The Beatles as having most records sold Star Wars is the top grossing film The Shining by Stephen King is published "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone spends the most time at the top of the US charts Three's Company premieres Orlando Bloom, Shakira, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liv Tyler, Ludacris, and Josh Patterson are born

Today, Josh celebrates his 31st birthday. Lily must have been extra excited cause she got up a whole hour early this morning! We let Josh sleep in and Lily and I made his Breakfast Cake (recipe below). Tonight we're having the Birthday Feast at Babe's Chicken with his mom Carolyn (also her b-day!) and brother Jared. I must say, this pregnant lady is looking forward to some good southern cookin'! If you can, leave Josh a comment on his big day and check out last year's post for some pics of him growing up. Love you, babe! Happy 31st!

Breakfast cake

Mix together until the texture of meal:

2 c. flour 1 tsp. salt

1 c. sugar 1 tsp. baking powder

1 stick butter, cut into 5-6 pieces

Remove handful (1/3 to 1/2 cup) of this mix and save for topping.

Mix together in large measuring cup or bowl:

1 c. milk

1 Tbs. vinegar

1 tsp. baking soda

Add liquid mixture to dry mixture, along with 2 eggs

Mix well and pour into greased 9x13 cake pan or 10x15 jelly roll pan.

Sprinkle with topping.

Topping

Mix together:

Reserved dry ingredients

1-2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

1/2 c. flour 1/2 c. brown sugar

Lump of butter the size of large walnut (2-3 Tbs.)

Bake for 25-30 minutes at 325 degrees.

This recipe comes from Noel Piper's Treasuring God In our Traditions (a great read). I've been making it for every special day in our family: birthdays, big holidays, etc. and it's already something that Lily looks forward to. It turns out kind of like a coffee cake. Enjoy!

hilarious

i saw this on Bleecker's blog and thought it was soooo funny. 

 

Happy Father's Day

Here's a video Lily and I (and Baby Luke) made for Josh on Father's Day. I'm so thankful that, like the verse says, he is committed to passing on the works of our Lord to our children. Thanks for being such a great Daddy (and husband). We love you!

answered prayer

Well, I can't believe it, but I'm no longer on partial bed rest! Thank you so much for your prayers and offers to help over these last two weeks. I am still floored that in that short amount of time my placenta has moved up and away from the cervix and no longer presents any danger for me or Luke. I wasn't even scheduled to go into the doctor until later this month, but I called the nurse on Tuesday complaining about some discomfort. She said the doctor would want to see me and just make sure everything was still OK. He said that the discomfort was just normal pregnancy pains (the lovely loosening of the ligaments preparing for delivery), but in the process discovered my placenta had moved. He said there was hardly any chance that it could get worse again, so I could resume my normal activities. Just like that. Wow.

I am SO grateful and humbled that the Lord decided to do this. I don't understand and almost feel like a bratty little kid who was throwing her fit about the way things were. And now I feel silly for fussing cause the bed rest only lasted for two weeks rather than the 3 months I was expecting (I tend to be fatalistic). I just feel like there are so many people who are in much harder places than I was. And I feel like I don't deserve to have this happen even though it's what I wanted all along. But for whatever reason, probably for His Glory, the Lord decided to move my placenta up and put me back on my feet in just two weeks. So I want to make sure that He does receive ALL glory for what He has done. I know that lots was revealed to me about the state of my heart through this, so I want to continue to press into Him and be refined.

One sweet thing that has come out of this is my renewed passion for my role as a wife and mom. The once mundane tasks of laundry, vacuuming or running errands, have brought joy to my heart these last few days because I feel blessed that I get to take care of our household. I see the beauty and importance of my God-given responsibilities in a new light. And it's been great to be chasing after Lily again. I just want to take away from this all that the Lord intended me to, praying He will continue to reveal His purpose. Thanks again for being such wonderful friends and uplifting our family in prayer. And now may we rejoice together in what the Lord has done, with a full understanding that He would still be just as good and loving even if I were still laid up on the couch. We would still covet your prayers as I start this last trimester...crazy to think in 3 months we'll have another member of the family! Love you all.