i can't think of a clever title...

Well, I had my last OB appointment yesterday. There was a little progress since last week...50% effaced and he has dropped a bit. She scheduled me to be induced next Wednesday, the 17th, unless he comes before then.

We are BELIEVING that he is coming before then!! Let's be honest. I don't want to be induced. I'm still feeling good and would rather my body go into labor on its own.

Please join me in praying that Jude makes his debut before the 17th.

God is in control and we trust Him! Thanks for your prayers!!

today

Two whole years ago today, we saw this sweet face for the first time.

Marshall and I sat together on our couch in Germany and scrolled through the email so we could finally see his face. That face took our breath away. Knocked it right out of me. Those eyes took hold of me and haven't let go since.



I expect they never will. Two years later, most of my time is spent with this little guy. What a gift God has given us. He was sooooo hard to wait for, but it was all worth it. In fact, most of the biggest blessings in our lives come with a wait.


Silas Mezmur Coen, you are a miracle! Only by God's grace are we a family. I'm honored that He orchestrated a million bajillion details so that we could come together. You are our first born son. You made me a Momma. You make my heart ache with love. You crack me up.



God's plan for your life is perfect and I can't wait to see it unfold.

still pregnant

I'm due in 2 days. I think because they told me that if I went into labor at 34 weeks, they wouldn't stop it, I feel late. But really he's not late, I've just been ready for 6 weeks....plans made, bags packed, etc. I'm still feeling good minus some swollen moments so I'm happy.

I haven't experienced any contractions yet. I had an ultrasound done on Wednesday and all is well. I got to see sweet Jude's face in 3D and it was amazing. He looks like his daddy.

Jude, we're ready when you are.

the fruit of being apart

I'd give almost anything for him to be home. To not miss our eldest son's second year or the pregnancy and birth of our second son. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself. Mostly I feel sorry for him missing so much. All of the Mommies and Daddies missing SO much.

And then I get these pictures. And then in a phone conversation he mentions another soldier coming to his office yesterday and asking to make Jesus his Savior.

And just like that, it's bearable. Just like that my eyes go heavenward instead of toward earth.

seems that i'm behind in posting

Well, well, well. It has been a while and I'm sorry about that. Life has been a little busy. I'm 38 weeks and 2 days el preggo and the end is in sight. Jude William will be here soon. This has been a beautiful pregnancy and I'm so thankful for that. Even with the Gestational Diabetes and swollen feet, I have continued to feel wonderful.



In the mean time, our eldest son is growing up before my eyes. Looking through pictures from Christmas until now (to catch up on posting) has pointed that out to me. This is a fun age! I've really loved every age, but these 2 year olds never stop moving or talking or doing or testing. :) It's amazing to watch him take in the world and figure out how it all works. I hope his transition into big brotherhood is smoothe. He tells me he'll cook for us while I recover. ;)



I've been doing lots of laundry in preparation for Jude's arrival and I had forgotten how little those itty bitty clothes are. And the diapers. Newborn diapers are tiny. They're really tiny when held up next to big brother's size 4 diaper. Oh my.



Silas went to the hospital pharmacy with me last week. He was thrilled over the helicopter out front.



Life at our house will be different soon, but I know it will be wonderful. Baby Jude, we're ready when you are!



Lord, thank You for boys! Big boys and itty bitty boys. I am blessed and it's all from You.


New, catch-up Christmas post below...

happy birthday, Jesus!

While looking through Christmas pictures for this post, I realized I did a totally inadequate job taking pictures this year!

Christmas Eve at Gaga and PawPaw's house.

The littlest cousins on my side of the family.

Christmas morning at our house. Aunt Khaki came over to celebrate with us.

Welcome to the family, Bubba! Silas hasn't slept without him since he arrived.

We made a birthday cake for Jesus and after we sang, we had it for breakfast.

Christmas afternoon at the Coen's.

The cousins on the Coen side (except for the newest baby Kendall...we missed them!).


Ummm. That's it. It was a wonderful Christmas though we missed Daddy. Next year we'll have Daddy and Jude! Woo hooooo!!!

merry christmas 2009