Things Are Looking Good

Well, it's been a long time - too long, I think. The last 5 weeks have been pretty miserable for me. This pregnancy has brought on some nasty sickness lasting all day, every day. UGH! Tomorrow will bring me to the 11 week mark, and I've noticed over the last few days that the sickness is beginning to subside. Phew! Now it's pretty good during the day, and gets bad again in the evenings - that's bearable. BUT, before being able to feel the baby kick and move, this is the best indicator that everything is okay inside, so I'll take it! Also, I can feel my little uterus growing down low in my belly. That seems to make this all seem more real. It's still hard to believe we're having another baby! Can't wait to meet our under 9 pound little girl...that's what you guys concluded for us, anyway. Whatever we have, and however much he or she weighs (I can say that because I'm having a c-section!), the baby will be a wonderful blessing!

Today Jon started his long awaited kitchen job. I mentioned before how tense life has been for Jon due to his unemployment since August. He's had jobs here and there, and while this is another of those "here and there" jobs, he's still happy to be working. He's also a bit nervous because he's never installed a kitchen by himself before, but he's such a great worker and I'm confident in his abilities! So, this will be about three weeks of work for him...and three weeks of sanity, too! (That's the best part!) Also, things may be working out for him to do another kitchen, finish a basement and do some other jobs around people's houses. So, things are looking up for him getting some work.

Another new part of today is that Caleb started at a new school. The school that he's been attending since June is a fabulous school, but we came to find out that it is THE MOST expensive school in the area, by far! Oops! We went into it with Massachusetts prices in mind, so at the time of enrollment it sounded reasonable. Boy were we wrong! It was not the place for an unemployed family on WIC...haha! So, he started at a great new school where his Children's Pastor from church is his teacher, and one of his best friends is in the other 4 year old class. Makes for a great transition. He was very excited about it!

About the time Jon's job finishes and after Caleb's first month of school, we will be heading off to Scotland for a month to be with Jon's family. (You may wonder, where is this unemployed family on WIC getting the money to go to Scotland? Jon's extended family has been SO kind to gift us with some finances to help with our airfare, because no, it's not cheap to fly a family of five across the ocean!) The last time we were together was when Hannah was just 6 weeks old, so it will be great to spend some quality time with his parents and sisters and their families. We really miss them! Plus, they have never been around for any of the kids' birthdays. Hannah will turn 1 while we are there, so we're excited to be able to celebrate that special occasion with Jon's family! (And...it's the coast of Scotland, so no matter what we do, it will be beautiful!) We're hoping to leave the kids for a couple days and get away, maybe to Ireland, as a couple. We don't often get to have this opportunity, and what better place to have a few days together?!

So, there are changes happening in our lives, and they are great changes! Thanks to those who have prayed for Jon's job, and for this baby. So far, so good! Oh yeah, and HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!

Below are a couple pictures from Christmas...