Spring Happenings

The day after Olivia turned 2, and we made the announcement about our coming little one, Andrew also received some news. His company offered him a new position, which if accepted, would mean our family would be heading back to TEXAS! Our hearts have always longed to return to "the home country", so when the offer was made, he and I were thrilled. It's been bittersweet as our excitement is also weighted down by our sadness to leave some dear friends, this home we've come to love, and the church where we've been so greatly blessed by the Word.

It's been over 3 weeks since Andrew accepted his new job, and the time since then has been a complete whirlwind. Just within that short period of time, we've made several trips to Texas for work, had company stay for 5 days, spent an ungodly number of hours searching for a new home, have pared belongings down for showing, and I specifically have entered an intense regimen of house cleaning. Oh yes, and in that mix we've had several days of bad weather, two of which produced some deadly tornadoes, and forced us to take cover. I have a feeling that my adrenaline will eventually resume normal and I'll either have a hysterical fit, or just sleep for a day or two. Sleep sounds nice.

Not to toot my own horn, but making the house ready for pictures and showing, while being pregnant and having an active little person has been no small feat. I always thought I kept a pretty clean house, but quickly realized how much more needed to be done. Something about the idea of strangers peeking in closets and under cabinets has taken my organization, daily routines, and elbow grease to a whole new level. We're talking spotless, y'all. As in, "Hey friend, you can eat off my floors" kinda clean. The house is beautiful, and maintaining it has been very time consuming. And exhausting. I'm plumb worn out. On the bright side, this new routine has made for a decent exercise program. ;)

Right now we're in a hurry-up-and-wait mode until our house sells. We can't seriously look for a new place down south until this one is sold, or at least under contract. The sign is FINALLY in the yard, so at least people can begin looking, and hopefully start the showings. I'm not super excited about being under the gun to flee my home at any given moment, but we'll do whatever it takes. Renting was so much easier, but we've loved making this place our own and improving as we've seen fit.

Especially after Friday's tornadoes, I wasn't sure I could take any more excitement. With this in mind, please imagine my utter horror when yesterday at lunch, I look across the table to see Olivia up-chucking her food. She let out a big belch and out it flowed. I sprung towards her and grabbed her bib in time to help direct the flow onto her plate and highchair tray. At least it would be contained, right? Andrew ran in the opposite direction to the sink to grab a bowl. Upon his return, he witnessed Olivia hurl some more and began gagging and doubling over himself. One or two more waves of regurgitated food was expelled before it was all over, but by the time I was able to turn to Andrew, it appeared he might be the one in need of the bowl. I couldn't help but laugh. Andrew is such a strong man, able to handle so many things, but have him witness a vomiting episode, and it's the pregnant lady with the sensitive nose that has to come to the rescue! Recounting this has me laughing pretty hard. To his credit, Andrew gladly ushered Olivia to the bath to get her cleaned up, and then later mentioned that this was quite the story for my blog. He may have a weak stomach, but at least he's got a sense of humor!

You will all be relieved when I tell you Olivia does not have the flu. She perked right up after it all and went about as her normal cheery self. My best guess is that she had a really big air bubble in her tummy that wouldn't be set free without a show. I'll take a rogue air bubble over the flu any day! Especially with my hubby having to be away some days, and needing to keep the house clean. That kind of sickness if something this pregnant lady can do without!

The only other current news I have to share is that we suspect one of our newer hens may be starting to lay. Last week I found a very small egg in the bottom run and was nerdily excited to see it wasn't from one of the other hens eggs! In case I haven't said it before, yes, it is possible to distinguish which egg comes from which chicken. It takes a bit of snooping, and research to know what breed lays what size and color, but this lil' pearl wasn't from Milk Toast or the Dread Pirate Roberts. Hooray for more huevos!

Well friends, it's on this note that I will sign off. Many thanks in advance for your prayers for the quick sale of our home! This is another opportunity to remember that God is sovereign over everything and will bring about the sale in His good timing. I just pray it's sooner than later!