I'm still here!

No, Angie, Amy W., and Sara, I'm not in labor (and yes, I would call you if I was!!). But, your comment on my last entry and phone calls today made me realize that I should probably update my blog, so no one else wonders! :) I've had quite a time trying to get to blogging lately. Honestly, I haven't even been on the computer much at all! Between being busy and being exhausted, I don't climb the stairs to sit at the computer unless it's necessary. :)

But, here I am, sacrificing my nap for the sake of updating. Ha ha. Here's a little bit on each family member and what they're doing these days (beware---this will probably be a long one):

Kendyll: Although we haven't received official word of acceptance, we are confident that Providence Christian School will be Kendyll's new school next year. And, we're thrilled. We had Kendyll's "observation day", where she played and interacted with the kindergarten teachers and students. It was tough to know that she was being "evaluated" in a way, but from all reports (hers and the admission director's), she had a great time and showed her sweet spirit that we already know she has! We also had our parent interview, which was an amazing blessing. To have the admissions director pray with you to begin the time, and to pray specifically over our family, including Kendyll, Carlie, and even baby Abby Kate....it was a wonderful affirmation of why we're chosing this school, and made me feel so much peace about our decision.

On other fronts, Kendyll is busy, busy, busy preparing for big-sisterhood the second time around. She has been helping me sort baby laundry (yes, more of it!), organize all Abby Kate's diapers, wipes, and bath things, and has even been making Abby Kate some new things! Here is a picture of what I found in the bassinet a week ago. During "craft time" on one of our snowy days (when the girls have free reign with every kind of craft supply available), she made the baby two blankets out of felt. I can't wait to get Abby Kate's picture under these creations made with such love. :) She has also made a fleece "floor blanket", as Kendyll calls it, for the baby to play on. I took her a few weeks ago to the fabric store, and she picked out a beautiful tie-dyed flower fleece with every color of the rainbow on it. It should keep the baby awake, if nothing else! I helped her cut the edges and tie the knots to make the "no-sew" blanket, and she is so proud of it. Next on her project list is to make her a small blanket for the carseat. The fabric selection for that blanket is a lavender fleece with pink floral hearts. What a good big sister she will be!

We have had a renewal of chores around here too, which Kendyll--who thrives on"order" and "schedules"--has loved. We did this all summer, and had not been real consistent with it since then. So, now, we are back in full force, and are all benefiting from it. My favorite part of doing this again, was reading Kendyll's list of chores for herself. She wrote them all by herself, and brought them to me. Here's the list (with her own phonetic spelling):

*Poot my close on. (Put my clothes on.)
*Brush my teeth.
*Mak my bed.
*Set the tabll.
*Feed Annie.
*Poosh my chair in.
*Tac car of the baby. (Take care of the baby)
*Dot poosh Carlie. (Don't push Carlie)
*Don't hit Carlie.
*Don't screem at Carlie. (Do you see a theme here?)
*Don't do theegs that are rong. (Don't do things that are wrong.)

Precious. I love the phonetic spelling of a four year old because I know someday she'll get it all "right" and it won't be nearly as cute. :)

Carlie: Wow. Carlie. What do I say? She is also a big reason for no blogging lately. I have been too busy being a disciplining parent! She is in the middle of "two-and-a-half-ness", so we spend alot of time setting limits, sitting in timeout, losing privileges and having to say I'm sorry for hitting, pushing, screaming at her sister. She has inspired a LOT of reading for Mark and I lately, which has truly been a blessing. I have some great books to recommend to anyone who needs a wonderful reminder of why it is we press on in parenting as Christians, what it is to truly "discipline" and not "punish", and what our ultimate goals should be as we do this job of mommy and daddy. It has been a good time for both of us as parents, especially as we prepare to add another little girl to this craziness!

However, even in her difficult stages, I still celebrate her personality, and have no doubt that God will use her "spunk" for His glory someday. The girl does NOT back down....and someday, I hope that is a blessing for her. And, of course, she is so darn cute that I just smile so often as I watch her little facial expressions. She still makes us laugh, even when we're mad at her. How does she do that?!?

She is also very excited about being "the big sister", and talks about it constantly. She prays for Abby Kate and for Mommy's tummy all the time, and I can't wait to see her face when she really does see Abby Kate in person!

Abby Kate: This little one is hanging tight, although Mommy wonders some days how much longer she will do so! She makes her presence known constantly, and seems to prefer activity from 3:00 to 4:30 in the morning. Man, I hope she changes that tune before she arrives! I had my 36 week checkup this morning, and it looks like I've begun the "process" of preparing for delivery (is that a nice way to say that I'm dilating?? ha ha.) But, I still think it will be another couple of weeks before she actually makes her debut. We'll keep you all posted!

Me: Well, not much to say about me, except that I'm pregnant! :) Really, I've been blessed with LOTS of "me-time" lately, and I am so thankful for it. Grandma Cheri has kept the girls one or two days each week to give me some rest time. That has led to evenings out to dinner with my hubby, shopping all over Dallas all by myself for hours, lunch with friends that lasts as long as I want, and nights at home, laying on the couch without baths to give or little mouths to feed.

I've also found lots of time for "nesting", although it's been more of a "should do" attitude than the popular pregnancy "can't wait to do" feeling that so many women talk about. We have conquered every closet in the house, cleaned up the garage, kind of packed for labor, set up all stuff that is required for baby, washed her clothes, unpacked spring clothes for the girls, and sewn a few things for the baby too.

A couple of other fun things for me lately----A few friends gave me a "scrap night" type of shower, which was more fun than I could have ever imagined. And, now, Abby Kate has a scrapbook full of beautiful pages just waiting to be filled, thanks to my sweet friends! I also was surprised last week with a diapers & wipes shower at Sunshine School. Oh my! We are stocked for the YEAR!! Thank you, ladies, for making this time so fun for me!! And, for giving us so many things that we really needed. :) I also got to have a day with my mom, a special tradition we've shared with each of my "new arrivals". We had a great girly lunch, spent hours talking, and found the baby's coming home outfit at our favorite baby shop in Dallas. All three girls have received their coming home outfit and blanket from "Gammy", and I am so thankful for Mom giving them such special keepsakes. We also went a little crazy and got TWO sets of matching dresses for the three girls. Whew! This "three girl" thing is going to kill me---too many cute matching things out there!

I also had a great time at the Ladies Retreat for our church last weekend, and learned so much about being a better wife and mother, by taking care of my mind, body, and soul. I'm sure I will have more to say about those subjects, as I listen to the CD's I ordered from our speaker. She was very wise and gave such fresh perspectives on many "everyday" parts of our role in the family. It is always fun to be with all my girlfriends, and stay up way too late chatting and relaxing.

Mark: I realize I never update on Mark. Really, I just don't brag on him enough. Those of you who know him know that I don't really have to. His "good husband" and "good daddy" attributes shine through for themselves. But, he has gone above and beyond with all of us and deserves his own paragraph in this forever-long blog. He has been such an amazing daddy, taking on many of the daily responsibilities alone, and doing them much better than I ever do. Bath time, bedtime, disciplining (especially this one!), and entertaining has been mainly on his shoulders, and he is truly amazing to watch as daddy to these two girls. As husband, he's been no less amazing. The encouragement, attention, and sweet adoration he gives to me and this baby make me melt every day. He makes me feel beautiful, even when I have quite the extra poundage these days and am uncomfortable alot of the time. There is no doubt in any of our minds where his deepest devotion is, and that is to this family. Even the little things matter to me----and there is really no telling how many times he refills my water, rubs my back and feet, runs my errands (he is now chief grocery-store shopper!), fills my ice cream bowl, and straightens the house to make it easier on me. I'm so lucky. And, Mark, when you read this, I'm so thankful. :)

So, there it is. The longest update I've ever had. But, I don't want to forget this time in our family. We look forward to the next couple of weeks and even more to the weeks beyond that when sweet Abby Kate is here with us. Thank you to all my friends and family for all the ways you have helped us celebrate her. We are a richly blessed family of almost five because of so many of you.