Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Ripe


(Daddy is away for what will be, Lord willing, his last trip for awhile... his father is now battling kidney and lung cancer, and the surgery to remove the tumor-laden kidney is beginning in moments... please keep everyone in your prayers, friends~ you know my husband's story... here, and here...)




:: I am ripening. Actually, I may already be fully ripe. Little Man's head is dropped and engaged (or, as we like to refer to it- locked and loaded!), so a comfy pillow follows me all morning, from dining room table to teacher's chair. Flat surfaces hurt! But I am so grateful for the presence of my sixteen-year-old sister, who has come to stay until the baby does~ she anticipates needs before even I do, and as we work side by side in the kitchen and the schoolroom, her easy laughter and delight in my children helps me to keep things light. And her piano playing... a peaceful smile covers my face when I hear the music of Emma pour out of her.


:: Gratitude pours from me when Corban, my nine-year-old, drops happily to his knees to tie my laces before an outing. It is humbling to let him do so, yet I feel such delight as I watch him tie so carefully... "Would you like a double knot, Mama?


:: Summer clothes have all been switched out for fall and winter, and my baby shower on Sunday supplied Little Man with a 0-3 month wardrobe, for which we are so thankful. It is good to know that when life speeds up in the next week or so, my other children will have what they need- one less thing to worry about come Sunday morning worship!

:: I tested negative for Group B Strep, for which I have always tested positive, and so now we are excited to have some time to labor at home- something we've never gotten to do! We're praying for enough time to put my thoughts in order and leave the other children in a peaceful place.




:: While life hangs in the balance, as it does for Kevin's father, and new life makes its presence known more and more, as it does with Little Man, I find myself prayerful over even little things... the violet sitting in the dining room window... the worry over remembering how to put the bassinette together again... but it is a good place to be.




Love to you all~ I will surely keep you posted!


All photos by Beth

20 fellow travelers shared:

MammaMayMiller said...

What beautiful pictures!! You are a gorgeous family :o) And I can't wait to 'meet' your little man when he arrives...
Be peaceful my friend and keep your eyes fixed on Him!
All my love
Rachel

Kelly T said...

Glad to hear/see an update. What a beautiful family!

Anonymous said...

Wishing you a peaceful and wonderful delivery, Elise! I'm so glad your sister can be there. Prayers for you...

Amico Dio said...

Elise,

I'm so sorry to hear about Kevin's dad. I will most certainly keep everyone in prayer.

Your photos are so beautiful! You guys are just amazing. Baby will be here very soon, huh?

:)

Anonymous said...

It's so hard to believe that your little man will soon grace your arms! Time flies and it is wonderful to see you take this journey in your life. Many blessings to you & your family, prayers for all too!

Melissa said...

Life is always such a mixture. I will pray for you family during this 'busy' time and will wait anxiously for photos. ;)

Maxine said...

Will be praying for your family in all the joys and sorrows. God's blessings with your delivery.

Sandi said...

YIpeee! The time is almost here!
I await those first pictures and the story of his entry into this world. I have a sweet 8 year old....they are so helpful aren't they...she gets my shoes for me because bending is still hard after the section. Such blessings!

Sorry to hear about your FIL. Bitter sweet times.

Mercy said...

what a beautiful person you are Elise... and what a beautiful family you have. God has surely opened the gates of heaven and poured His blessings on you. May He also show His grace and mercy to Kevin's father.
Love in Christ,
Mercy

Joy said...

So sorry to hear about Kevin's dad...I had no idea. We'll definitely be praying for Him, and also for you as you grow close...

What sweet pictures!

Anonymous said...

Peace be with you, sweet Elise, as you bring a new Prince into the family. (We're all royalty, you know :) He is already blessed with a Mama who will whisper "the kingdom is REAL!" all his days.

love,
Cathy

Stacy said...

So nice to read an update, here, Elise!

Bless you, friend.

Praying for you as you are about ready to have that baby!

~Stacy

~nanashouse~ said...

Oh My, from losing my Daddy in June to the awaiting of your little man. God knows and understands. I just love the time of waiting at home~~laboring as long as I can before I go to the hospital. I always wanted to deliver at home but my pregnancies are over the top crazy :-{

Bless you as you complete your time.

Beverly said...

Praying for your family in light of the situation with Kevin's dad. Loving those pictures that Beth took, and feeling anticipation with you as you wait to meet your little man!

Sheila said...

Gorgeous photos! I'm going to show my photographer that one by the tree as inspiration for this weekend when we get our family photos taken.

Anonymous said...

You're such a gorgeous family! With only more of that to add within the month. I love you all and will keep the whole family in my prayers.

Kake

Jennspiration said...

Elise,
I am praying for Mr. Hooper, I pray that he recovers. He is such a wonderful man...I remember he was a substitute teacher at my high school every once in a while and everyone loved him!

I am also praying that you will have an easy delivery. I love the pictures! Especially the one with eveyone's hands on your belly!

Love ya!

Miriam said...

Oh blessings, blessings! And such beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing.

Sherry said...

Your family is beautiful. I'm so glad you have your sister with you. I'm praying for you and for your husband and father in law. Please keep us updated.

Nicole said...

I absolutely Love these pictures. You guys have a beautiful family and Baby Gideon will make it that much more beautiful. Love you guys!!!

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