Halloween

William loved the hay stack at the Halloween Hike at Botanic Gardens...it was just a gigantic pile of hay that you can crawl around in, but it was a hit.

Also at the Halloween Hike...this was an accident waiting to happen, but thankfully he did not get his head stuck through the bars.

Bob the Builder (and his Daddy)






Bob the Builder again...and his mom. Ok, I am in costume, too. I thought it was pretty obvious who I was, but apparently not because I don't think anyone at our Halloween party even noticed I was in costume. I know I wear some weird outfits, but I don't typically wear a mini skirt over my already too small maternity jeans. Any guesses?







What about now?

Scroll down for the answer...

JUNO!

38 weeks and 3 days

I know it has taken forever to post the nursery pics, but we just finished it. Now we're just waiting for Hazel. So, here are the before and after. It is nothing earth shattering, but we did it quickly and cheaply (HJ even put the door up himself.) Hope you enjoy! I'm off to drink some more raspberry tea to try to get things moving a little! Oh, and Hazel's middle name is Anne...just in case you were wondering (same as my mom's middle name plus the added -e in honor of Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables- my favorite books. I hope she takes after both of the Ann(e)'s for whom she is named).

Before

After

Last Hint

I think most people have figured it out now, but here's the last hint just in case. Look at the post titles of all the hints!

Extra Hintage

latest pic of baby sis

So, I decided to post 2 hints today so I can tell the name tomorrow.

Hint #4

Baby Sis's three initials will be the reverse initials of one of her grandparents. (I know, there is only one choice if you know all the grandparent initials, but I thought the family deserved a little advantage.)

Zoo Trip and the Third Tip

We headed to the zoo this afteroon, and it was 90 degrees despite the fact that it is almost mid-October. William really liked the rocks and the water in the exhibits better than anything, but we did get to see the pandas and these adorable monkeys. The adult monkeys were all taking turns (really it looked like fighting) with the baby monkey, who was just learning to climb around. Shepherd came with us for his first ever zoo trip...he snoozed most of the time but woke up to catch some of the odors coming from the giraffe exhibit...stinky!

Ok, so on to the important part...I'm sure you all watched the video before you read the post anyway, right?

Hint #3, by William

Another Hint and a Song

Tonight's hint was going to be a video of William saying Baby Sister's name, but he was slightly uncooperative and just kept saying "Bye Rye" (bike ride) and "Nall none" (all gone) to tell me that he and HJ had gone on a bike ride this afternoon and that all the granola bars in the box were gone. Oh well, I will just move up a later scheduled hint to tonight.

This is a more serious hint and a few of my thoughts. We have been so amazed by God's faithfulness to our family, in general and in this pregnancy. Even in the little things, God's timing is just right as usual. For example, even though I only have 4 weeks of maternity this time around, I will have a few more days because part of it will be over Thanksgiving. And, I will have some extra time off at Christmas just a few weeks after I go back to work. I know, these are small things, but they are reminders of God's graciousness even in the details of our lives. As we were looking at names, we were struck by the meaning of one particular name (which happens to be the name we chose). The name means "God sees". I am so grateful that He does see, and that he provides for our every need.

This song is from Sandra McCracken's latest album. As I was listening to it, I kept thinking how it was so applicable to my current place in life...then I read a review and found that she wrote it a few days before she had her second child, a little girl. So, here it is...I think it is such a beautiful reflection on the waiting time of pregnancy. (You can listen to it here.)


Hidden Place

I was made in a hidden place
there from your love I could not escape...if I tried
In wonder and in a trembling state
we wait to meet this child

I cannot see with human eyes
the secret plans you have devised
my heart is full as I contemplate
the frailty and the fullness
oh I marvel at your goodness...to me

how soon the fog will lift
we will hold her like a gift
but for now i rest in this in between
in the heavy clouds of this waiting season
knowing you are as close as the clothes i wear
these hours my soul will savor
you surround me as i waver
who am i to have known such favor

I was made in a hidden place
there from your love i could not escape...if I tried


P.S. Clarification on Hint #1...the hint was that there are 5 letters in her name. The picture was not the hint. Sorry for the confusion.

Hats for ...

Yesterday, we made the final name decision over probably my most favorite meal in Memphis (Molly's Chimichanga at Molly's La Casita...the beans there can seriously not be beat). So, we thought we would add a little suspense and have a little guessing game for the next few days! There will be 5 hints- one for each of the letters in her name...and that was the first hint. Happy guessing!