Boy, oh boy!

I can hardly concentrate at this moment because I want to tell the world about our 2nd son, JUDAH TRIPP!! Let's rewind to 12:10 today...

Judah's profile

My generous father with incredible timing asked if he could come spend time with David and I this week. So, today I drove solo to our 20 wk. ultrasound appointment. Arriving at the Women's Group of Northwestern Northbrook Office 30 minutes early, the very sweet ultrasound technician took me right away. I told her that I expected my husband soon and said we'd start with logistical measurements. To which I responded with a text to Tripp saying, 'They took me right away, get a move on! Love you :)'.

My mind kept danced between naming that sweet little baby on the screen Anne or Judah. Having seen little boy parts before in an ultrasound, I did have my suspicions...

Finally, at about 12:30 Tripp arrived in a rush and we listened to the baby's steady heart beat. The technician took advantage of the baby's ideal and calm position and continued to measure heart and organs. By the time we arrived at the gender reveal, she had assured us that this baby was a beauty inside and out. She asked us, 'Are you ready to see what this baby is?' To which I replied, 'YES, though I'm really thinking that I'm seeing a boy here.' She responded, 'Well you're right, you've got a little boy.'

Judah's profile up close

A LITTLE BOY!!! JUDAH!!! I could not have anticipated the excitement and love that flooded my heart for my son Judah. I teared slightly and Tripp was even surprised at my enthusiastic emotions for our boy, our boy! In my heart, I had told myself that a 2nd boy would be awesome but a girl would make me feel like I'd won the lottery. I had planned to decorate Judah's room in black and white buffalo plaid and Anne's in cherry red gingham. People, I've never been so excited about black and white buffalo plaid in my life.

This past week, I had two dreams about meeting a little baby boy named Judah and today my dreams came true.

Now will be the hard part, waiting to meet him. With David's pregnancy, I savored every minute because I didn't know what it would be like to have a baby. Knowing the incredible meeting face-to-face that lies ahead in mid-July... I just want it to be mid-July. That and who wants to be pregnant for another 20 weeks?!

Our ultrasound tech ended up giving us about 20 printouts of Judah, so hopefully we'll get to posting them soon. Don't you just love that round baby belly?

2 under 2

Today marks day 5 of 10 with 2 kids under age 2. My pastor's wife is on vacation, so I'm babysitting the little guy B who she normally watches 4 days a week. Tripp and I both saw great potential in this arrangement, of which David has most benefited! We also appreciated the blessing of extra income and 'practice' with two kids. One week down, and I would confirm, yes, this has been good practice! I just wish baby #2 was coming into the word on the same developmental level and sleep schedule as David.

This is Day 1 of sharing a breakfast platter of pancakes
with yogurt to dip - BIG HIT!

To wrap up the highlights of last week, I give you...

2 UNDER 2 GREATEST HITS

1. David and B eat like college students
(this is an ENORMOUS leap from David's 'throw-it' reaction to most foods, we're eating green stuff now people!)

2. David and B speak baby lingo so well, David will call out to B from the changing table and B will respond by coming over and seeing what's up

3. David and B have trained Mom to wake up early and keep them on a good nap schedule

4. David is a little embarrassed about his lay-down-on-the-floor-and-kick-feet-tantrums in front of B, so he's learning how to manage his emotions a little better

5. David has learned 'No' but thankfully neither kid feels that's something you can say to a serious Mommy

We ventured to the park and the boys shared a
snack of cinnamon apples. Last week, David
felt that cinnamon apples were for the birds.

It has truly been an entertaining time, so I'll do my best to document highlights from the remaining 6 days!

From the Mountains to the Valleys...

Saturday night was the 2012 Miss America Pageant and I confess - I watched just about the whole thing. Poor Bronco's were loosing so badly to the Patriots that Tripp let us flip back and forth. There was just something special about TV this night. Tripp and I were caught completely off guard by this precious commercial:

Diana Dreman
Miss Colorado 2011

Then at the start of the pageant, they eliminated at least 2/3 from the running. Before announcing the remaining 3 finalists, the host extended her microphone to Miss Colorado, Diana Dreman. She asked her what dialogue was happening in her head in these last moments. Diana replied (paraphrased), "It's in God's hands and this is all for Him."

TV is perhaps the last place I expect to see my Christian brothers and sisters talking about the Lord. And sometimes due to the disparity in the entertainment industry that so snugly surrounds us, I wonder where are the redeemed? More often, I'm blessed with stories of life-changing conversions by my sister in Christ and African missionary, Christina. When I sing the song, 'Hear Our Praises', I imagine peaks in Asia or valleys in Africa and nations like Uganda or India with voices crying out to Jesus. I tried to do more online research to verify Diana Dreman's faith to no avail. So, I'm taking her at her word and encouraged that there are praises on TV from the Rockies.

The video below is from Hillsong with Darlene dancing and singing her heart out. Some may feel uncomfortable watching this video because of some of the corruption that's turned Christian worship into another entertainment industry. I've got to say, I love Hillsong enough to look past the lights and suits - Glory to God for these anthems of truth.

may our homes be filled with dancing
may our streets be filled with joy.
may injustice bow to Jesus
as the people turn to pray.

from the mountains to the valleys
hear our praises rise to You,
from the heavens to the nations
hear our singing fill the air.

may Your light shine in the darkness
as we walk before the cross
may Your glory fill the whole earth
as the water o'er seas.

from the mountains to the valleys
hear our praises rise to You,
from the heavens to the nations
hear our singing fill the air.

hallelujah.hallelujah
hallelujah,hallelujah...
hallelujah,hallelujah
hallelujah,hallelujah.......

from the mountains to the valleys
hear our praises rise to You,
from the heavens to the nations
hear our singing fill the air

Many Hats

This morning, David is not feeling well and sleeping through church, so I'm going to take the time to wrap up Give Them Grace. Made my bed to fight the temptation to cozy up and sleep in it. I would recommend this book to any parent wants to reorient their parenting ideals with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Though feeling badly since about Tuesday, David has worn many hats around the house. I think it's his playfulness that keeps me thinking, 'I don't need to take you to the doctor, do I?'. Poor kid definitely needs to see a doctor asap tomorrow. The pics are a little blurry due to iphone + wiggly child.

David's Pirate persona is 'Choops' and he's
currently responsible for wiping down the deck

Training for the Nashville Predators

An oldie, but a goodie, David loves this visor
and hosts secret games of poker in his
room with the stuffed players

This is his 'goofy' look, wearing Tripp's hat
and stacking blocks (which is an activity of
intense focus and therefore he drools, hence
the bib)