A Chapter Ends.

I've put off this post for a while. Mostly because Ryan's new job didn't have his computer ready for two weeks so he had to bring our only working laptop and internet-capable phone to work each day. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Without the distraction of internet I got a lot more unpacking done and even started a daily tradition of reading for 30 minutes during the girls' naps. Yay for being 5 minutes from a library and house work taking SO much less time in America!

But mostly, it just seems so final. Our China chapter is done. There's so much to catch up on. So here it goes...

 After a week of packing and weighing and removing and repacking and too many goodbyes (TOO many...), we had our final dinner in Shanghai. Our last meal with this amazing group of people who became like family as we lived life overseas together. Our last tastes of yang rou char and the most amazing, fresh, thick yogurt with honey.

 The last dance on this stage. Not many restaurants can boast of one! ;)

 Our flight didn't leave until Friday evening, so Ryan took the girls out most of the morning so I could do the final packing and cleaning. Thankfully friends were going to move into our apartment, so we were able to leave a few things that didn't sell or get claimed as give-aways. So nice to have them willing to take care of it. Then, we made that final trek to the airport after teary goodbyes. It rained. Somehow that seemed fitting...

 And while we maxed it out at 8 maxed-out checked bags, a checked stroller, 2 rolling carry on suitcases, 3 backpacks, a diaper bag, a computer bag, and a carry on stroller, these two were still the cutest carry ons. ;)

Then, as we got there early to make sure all our bags got checked (thankfully there was no issue although a few were just over 50 lbs!), we had a lot of waiting to board our almost 10-pm flight. The girls did great all things considering, and mercifully slept for most of the flight. A couple who had just adopted a little boy graciously traded seats with us, so they could be all together in the middle aisle and we could occupy the very last 2 seat across seats on the side. Turned out to be perfect, as Ellie could lay across the two seats with me squenched on the ground in front of her. That way she could sleep comfortably and I could at least put my head on the seat and close my eyes, knowing she wouldn't roll off without rolling into me! But many many times I was glad this was our last 12 hour flight!

 After such a crazy flight, chairs for the girls to walk over and a strawberry smoothie was life giving.

 And at the end of the 30 hours or so of traveling, between three flights and three airports, having Ellie sleep on the last flight was such a mercy.

 Hadassah was more energized at the thought of seeing her grandparents and being in America. She told a stewardess very excitedly, "We're going to see my grandparents! First we're going to rent a house, then we're going to buy a house, then we're gonna get a pet!"

We were a bit crazy. But as we landed on Saturday morning and Ryan had to start work on Monday morning, we wanted to move in right away. My parents had wonderfully arranged the renting of a house we chose online, so we drove three hours (in four different cars!) to move in that day. But it didn't quite go as planned. We arrived and loved the house, though the first impressions of it were with girls who couldn't stop crying as we woke them up from their long car naps, and on jet lag it felt to them like the middle of the night. We discovered the water had gotten turned off because a leak had been detected and didn't have a wrench and couldn't find the valve in the mud. And my parents didn't arrive until almost 10 pm due to both of dad's back tires on his old truck SHREDDING, with him spinning around on the highway and ending up down in the median in the rain. But he was wonderfully okay. My mom was a bit behind so was able to stop and eventually find someone to replace the tires. It was all so so crazy. I told Ryan that if our first day was anything like what our life here was going to be, it was not a good sign!

So with no water and no parents there to help, we went to a hotel for the first night. It was comfortable, and the 24 hour Walmart provided food to eat when we were all wide awake at 2 AM on jet lag. Hadassah thought it was pretty funny to use a spoon as a straw for her yogurt. ;)

 The next day was much better, as we moved in with my amazing parents' help, and we discovered a lovely park just 2 minutes drive from home, against a beautiful blue blue sky...

 My sister who lives in town had brought over a ton of stuff her friends gave her for us (I'm still amazed at their generosity to people they didn't even know!) and also made a casserole to provide our first dinner in home on Sunday evening. With stuff my parents brought too, it was starting to feel like home.

 This chair was amazingly free from one of my sister's friends, and it has been SO comfortable. From bed time stories to cuddling jet lagged kids in the middle of the night, it has been a back saver!

 Then early Monday morning, Ryan was ready to go to work. First day at NASA. This man is seriously amazing. He did his first week still on jet lag, with long days learning things to craigslist pick ups in the evenings. He is incredible.

 And while unpacking plus jetlag plus girls ALSO on jetlag is NOT a good mix, it was aided a ton by our back yard. It's so easy to go outside. And our kitchen window overlooks it, so I can let them out as I do dishes. And tea parties are so much easier outside where I don't have to clean up the water they inevitably spill.

 Even amid the mess and stress of unpacking, with more whining and clinging that comes with jet lag, these two are such a bright spot amidst the chaos.

And having the help of grandparents all week was what made it possible. My parents stayed the first few days, then Ryan's mom arrived with her car stuffed full of wedding gifts we'd left stored in their basement. It's so nice to have a kitchen full of those amazing dishes and tools again! And we are enjoying this stroller friends in China gave (since elevator doors aren't wide enough for it there and sidewalks have poles on them preventing it from getting through!).

 We even found a park in OUR neighborhood, so perfect to walk to on warm evenings after dinner...

We truly love it here. What a wonderful, amazing blessing God has given to move us to this location of our dreams.

 And He keeps giving above and beyond! Mid way through the week we discovered that we had brought home an extra special gift from China! :D And yes, it gave me extra motivation to do as much as I could before morning sickness hit full force!

 We continued our letter-of-the-week fun the second week here, with treasure hunts for letter T made so much easier with our OWN back yard!

 And one of the best things about it is that the girls can go outside in their pj's! :) Our yard backs up to an open, empty field which adds a nice amount of privacy and nature. And yet we're just 5-10 minutes from so many stores and restaurants! It's crazy after being in China, where many things did NOT look appetizing, to pass so many things here that look delicious! ;)

 Our living room is great for twirls...

 And our yard has a little garden plot that Hadassah tends each day, pretending to water and dig and plant. Soon I hope to plant actual flowers and herbs to give her nurturing bent something to tend. :)

 We're swinging. OUTSIDE. Pretty much every day.

This one is LOVING all the outside time and being able to see grandparents more often, with them just a 3 or 4 hour drive away!

 There are wildflower bouquets given me,

 and picnics outside in the many green spaces around.

These two sweeties will continue to grow, and another will be added for them to embrace. Life is full and so so blessed.

We definitely do miss China. Especially the people. Goodbyes said on another continent are so much harder because there's no way of knowing if we will ever see those people again. Thankfully there are friends we know we'll see in heaven one day, but so many that don't have that assurance. We try to keep in touch, but it's not the same across the ocean....

But somehow "reverse culture shock" hasn't hit yet. Maybe because things are so much easier here. Laundry that was dirty that morning is clean and dry and in the closet again by noon. I hardly even have to iron as the dryer does it for me! My floors are not continually covered in dust so I don't have to sweep as often. The back yard and plentiful parks to drive to keep the girls happy and busy. And while the choices of what to buy can seem overwhelming, I'm loving the access to ALDI, the Walmart 5 minutes drive away, and the carts I can bring with kids and groceries straight to MY car waiting in the parking lot. No more struggling out the door with babies and bags in hand, hoping to find a taxi! And somehow, after a week of fresh air, Ellie's constant stuffiness, running nose and deep rattling cough disappeared. She'd had it for at least 6 months so it is pretty amazing (and wonderful!) to have it gone in a week!

I know there will be things we continue to miss. The cherry blossoms are full in bloom I've heard, and we're not there to see it. I miss walking 5 minutes over to my friends' house. We'll miss evenings discussing everything from politcs to parenting with our closest Chinese friends that felt like sister or brother despite the culture difference. As we've hardly gotten to know anyone as we're visiting a new church each week trying to find a place to land, the absence of community after having one so strong is especially hard. But, a new chapter is ahead. A new time to grow and connect and reach out. Only God knows exactly what it will look like.

And, as the China chapter ends, I'm bringing this blog to a close as well. It will stay online, and who knows, we may use it every now and then when we need a long post format. But with life just getting busier with a new baby on the way, and an ache for a more private life especially now that we're stateside, it's time. I'm relishing not being as connected online, with more time for reading and sewing and, hopefully soon, more in person connections. Of course I'll stay on email and Facebook and phone for long distance friends I definitely want to stay in contact with. But, at least for now, being an active blogger is a chapter that is ending once again.

To God be the Glory. Great things HE has done.

Looking forward to our Little One

In addition to taking Hadassah's 2 year-old pictures, our friend Lexi from Griffin Photography also blessed us with a family maternity photo shoot! Armed with pinterest ideas, we had such fun! Lexi's sweetness and laid-back personality was so easy to work with. Pretty crazy to think that I taught her ballet when she was little and now she's taking our pictures!

We had to put off the pictures twice due to plans changing and then rain, so I was relieved to still be pregnant when we finally got them in, right on the 39th week of pregnancy mark!

Lexi managed to capture some great shots, despite fading light and a toddler's fleeting smiles! Below are some of my favorites.

 I couldn't walk through pregnancy without this man. He literally has my back, knowing how to pop it in just the right places, and giving me massages that prevent (or help take away) headaches... My husband is such a blessing!

 It's still so amazing to think about a BABY being inside of me. Even having gone through it makes the realization so much more amazing... I will miss feeling her sweet movements inside soon, but not her feet in my ribs! ;)

 We are blessed to be parents to TWO children... one in and one out!

 One low, one high :)

 All because two people fell in love...

 So thankful for this gift of life.

 I love our Eliana Grace so much already!

 And he loves her too :)

 It such a blessing to be able to look forward together!

And even with young children, the romance doesn't die... love and life together just gets better!

 I'm so excited for Hadassah to be a big sister... Already she loves giving Ellie hugs and kisses through the belly :)

She seems to sense the excitement of it all.

 And she loves to feel her little sister move when she can. I can't wait until they can see each other!

 Pink booties soon to be used again... 

We are so thankful and excited! We'll be holding another little one in perhaps just a few more days!!

36 weeks pregnant and a Bridesmaid in Idaho!

As usual, I'm late... tomorrow marks week 38! But, better to post milestone pictures sometime than never. These were from the busy week 36 of pregnancy. During that week, we flew to Idaho, I was in a wedding, and we flew to Alabama! So grateful the Lord sustained us all during that week and gave us a wonderful time. Now the countdown is on to see if week 40 pictures will be taken with baby in the belly or in my arms! ;)

For some reason, it seems, my closest friends like to get married when I'm having a baby. So this was my second time being a bridesmaid in my 3rd trimester... But I loved it and was so glad my friend still wanted me to be in the wedding, and that God worked it out that we could go. Missing this wedding, when I had prayed so much for my friend and watched her story unfold from afar, would have been so hard. So while I wouldn't necessarily encourage people to take two plane rides at 36 weeks pregnant, I can say that it is possible and it was definitely worth it!

My friend also picked a wonderful wedding dress. An "infinity dress," the top could be wrapped any way you desired, and though the "one size fits all" had me a bit worried at first, I can safely attest that it even fits pregnant - very pregnant! - women! The color was beautiful and the fabric comfortable, and it was perfect for my friend's amazing fall + country wedding.

I had no problem being a bridesmaids and all the activity that comes with that, though I did sit down and put my feet up at the reception during the dancing when I wouldn't have normally done that! But with Ryan gone to put Hadassah to bed (he was amazing taking care of her most of the weekend so I could do things with friends!), and when I tried one dance only to have a friend say "you better not go into labor on us!" and then felt a strong Braxton Hicks contraction, I decided I'd better play it safe and not do anything to encourage labor!

Little Ellie continues to be active, and I love her movements though the pokes and jabs can be a bit painful at times! But it makes me smile, as I know she's getting cramped and pushing around for more space. I'd tell her to just hold on a week or two more at the 36 mark, but now I tell her she's welcome to come anytime if she needs a little more room. ;)

God has been so good to me. While many pregnant moms talk about not being able to sleep at this point, I have slept deeply and soundly - though maybe not enough all the time, with all the late nights to see friends and family! But I feel energetic, even more than I did at the start of the third trimester, and have very little issues to complain about. Braxton Hicks contractions often come at night, or if I'm doing a lot of walking, and my legs cramp/feel restless if I don't stretch them well. And I feel really big. And ready to be not so big. But who doesn't at this stage?

Just being with friends has been so encouraging. I feel like I've been given a little vacation before another baby comes and I'll be nursing and on call for that little one almost constantly! Hadassah has had good daddy-daughter time as well as time with grandparents, as I've been able to meet friends for lunch or thrift store shopping dates. All-in-all, these are really blessed final weeks of pregnancy.

Now for more pictures from the beautiful weekend in Idaho...

 Hadassah did amazing on the two flights we had from Louisville to Boise! She even slept, when I was pretty sure she wouldn't even nap due to flying that day. I guess getting up early helped. We saved money to do "infant in lap" for the last time before she turns to, but for a 2- and 3-hour flights, it wasn't too bad as we could switch off, and I had more room to fit her on my lap than I'd imagined! Though I was a bit stiff after holding her sleeping, I enjoyed that cuddle time and Ryan was great to stuff jackets to prop up my arm and back and help however he could!

Us "sisters of the heart" got to do a brunch together the day before the wedding. So happy to rejoice with our Gabrielle, the final one of us to walk down the aisle, as we had prayed so much for this time!

Lives change, and different seasons come at different times, but I am so glad we were able to all make it for this time to celebrate.

 The dads did great taking care of the littles while us girls had fun with wedding stuff! Hadassah loved having a cute 6-month-old companion around! When I told her we'd be seeing this little guy (who she loved watching videos of on Facebook) for the first time, she told me "I love baby Ethan. I'll give him a big hug and a big kiss!" And she did. :)

 The weather in Boise was absolutely gorgeous - not too cold or too hot, and the leaves were changing so beautifully amazing. So Hadassah got some fun fall playtime. :)

 The wedding day was absolutely perfect. Stunning blue sky. perfect weather, and Gabrielle was an absolutely beautiful bride in a dress so perfect for her.

Ryan, again, kept Hadassah well taken care of, getting her all ready for the wedding after her nap except for the pigtails, which he left for me to do. :) And he made sure she got plenty of exploring and running around time around the lovely outdoor venue before and between the wedding and reception.

 Miriam flew up from Alabama! So fun to have time with this dear friend since age 5. Sometimes way too much time passes between when we have time to talk or see each other, but we always pick up as though we've never been apart!

 My "twin" Jen flew in from Illinois, and it was so wonderful to meet her cute little guy in person and exchange mom stories. :) Such a blessing to have these sisters in Christ and have time to reconnect with them!

I love our little family. :)

 Had to get a picture of Hadassah with Aunt Gabby! I kept talking to Hadassah excitedly about the wedding that whenever we mentioned Gabrielle's wedding, even days afterwards, she would say "Aunt Gabby got married! Horray!" :)

 The felt creations served another great purpose other than for plane rides - getting a toddler to sit for a lot of the wedding and reception!

 The flowers and touches of fall decorations were perfect in every way. I always knew I'd be carrying Gerber daisies in Gabrielle's wedding, and they fit the occasion perfectly. :)

Hadassah was up an hour past her normal bed time, and close to melting down, asking to go... but when we heard the father-daughter dance was about to happen, we just had to stay for that special moment. Made me tear up watching Gabrielle dance with her dad, and then Ryan with Hadassah...

So with all the traveling, I wonder if Eliana is going to be super adventurous, after all I've put her through in pregnancy. But I am so grateful for God's grace and the gifts He's given us in allowing us to be built up by time with friends and sharing in special memories. He is so good!

Now, little Ellie, we're settled in Alabama. You can come anytime... :)