Hot showers and Nesting

Dear friends, lest any of you were wondering, you will be relieved to know that this woman has kissed the backyard camping shower goodbye and has re-embraced the civilized life. Yes, our appliances have been reunited with propane, and we've had ourselves some indoor cooking and showering. Hallelujah! I totally cried a few tears of joy while making coconut pancakes with the gas range that first night. It's been over a month since we became operational, and the convenience of our working appliances has felt like pure luxury.

While we've had propane for a month, the calendar tells me that we've been back in Texas for two! This blows me away. It's gone by quickly, but then again we've been pretty preoccupied and the days have slipped by. With what appears to be the major/urgent projects behind us, Andrew has been able to tackle unpacking his man-cave, and I've been able to turn my thoughts towards having this baby. I am 32 weeks along and can safely say some nesting instincts are kicking in. I know this because during Olivia's regular afternoon nap, it's unusual for me to go out in the rain to burn trash in the burn barrel, clean out the laundry room, wash the washing machine, dust everything in sight, and rearrange a few pieces of furniture. Not. normal.

I've had a few of these whirlwind drives to clean-decorate-organize "all the things", and though very tired when I finally sit down, the sense of accomplishment I get is quite satisfying. There are roughly 8 weeks to go til the due date (okay, so it's actually 7 weeks and a few days...but who's counting?). It seems like a long time to be pregnant when I'm up several times a night waddling to the bathroom, having my hips start to hurt, experiencing heartburn, and feeling like a fat kid when even my maternity shirts aren't completely covering my belly.

And yet, 8 weeks seems like an unbelievably short amount of time when I think of the great changes that will take place. Soon we will be a family of 4! Olivia won't be the only child, and will take on the role of big sister. There will be a precious one keeping us up at night as she adjusts to life outside the womb. I'll get to make the transition from pregnant lady to new Mommy of two. My strong man will soon have THREE women under his care! So many changes!

When my mind tries to process everything that's about to happen, it's like my brain has jumped into the spin cycle of my washing machine. It's dizzying and far too much for me to handle. I'm taking great comfort from Ecclesiastes 3: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven". Despite my need to process and prepare for what's to come, I'm challenged to be present. To live today for what it is and where God has me right now. I am Andrew's wife, Olivia's mommy, and carrier of a 4ish lb. little one. I have a home to keep, a toddler to train, a family to feed and clothe. Today I am "living large" as a woman in her eighth month of pregnancy. Parts of my life will change; some things quickly becoming a distant memory. My challenge is to live in the now, do my best with what the Lord has given me for today, and trust Him for the grace to make it through whatever is to come.

Signing off for today - Jenna