Expression

So far, one of the greatest things about being pregnant is telling people.

I will forever remember the look on my mom's face when she FINALLY got it. I told her we would need some dog-sitting services next March, since that's when the baby is due. My dad figured it out right away, but my mom couldn't figure out what I was talking about. Then the light bulb went on and she was so excited.

Our pastor literally yelled - let our a huge whoop! The man who leads our church small group literally started crying.

Interestingly, when I told my team at work, everyone was happy for me, but it was pretty obvious that there was a difference in reaction between those that are parents and those that aren't. It's like the parents know a huge secret, a wonderful secret, and they are thrilled that I'm going to find it out. The non-parents are happy, but it's different.

Expectation

I am expecting. A child. In about 34 weeks, I will have a new name: mom.

The roller coaster of physical and emotional changes has begun. My life as I knew it is already gone and it will never come back...and I have a feeling that it will continue to change forever.

With the exhaustion comes great, great joy. I can't imagine how much my joy will increase...or how much the exhaustion will increase too. Both are unimaginable!

Isaiah 63:7

I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord,
according to all that the Lord has granted us,
and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

Yes, I'm here. I really am.

Hello!

I am here. I didn't go anywhere, just got busy not posting about it.

What have I been up to? Well... hmmm... I don't know. Let's see...we had my 16 year old cousin over for a week, I sewed myself a skirt (actually it was for my cousin, but I messed it up and it only fits me), I have suffered from allergies, hubs and I have coordinated a couple weddings at our church, I painted my bedroom, I've enjoyed the sun, got our air-conditioner fixed (because I'm one of the lucky few in Seattle that has an air-conditioner, a true blessing of our new house), enjoyed several BBQs with friends, complained about the rain, am enjoying the sun again, planned a vacation to Maui, have had dinners with both our parents, and visited with a lot of friends.

More to come. Sooner this time.
- kel

Water

I've been in a bit of a hole. I don't know how else to describe it. I think I have a tendency to be depressed sometimes, although I don't usually think I'm really depressed... it seems to be far too linked to hormones or allergies. No denying it lately though, I've been in a hole and have had a hard time getting out.

I may have found my ladder again. Water.

The last couple of days, I have gone for a great walk at my new favorite park. The picture to the left is part of my amazing view for this 3 mile medicine. It's beautiful. I swear I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

The path curves along the south end of Lake Washington. Some parts of the trail offer the shade of trees. Other parts of the trail are actually a big dock (not for boats, just for walking) out on the water. The trail continues around the sandy swimming area.

Water has been a constant in my life. I love it and I need it. It flows steadily and continually, and keeps me moving steadily and continually. I spent much time on a sailboat as an infant, even before I remember it. There was one place my family lived for a few years that was not near the water, but even during that time, I spent much of my free time in a swimming pool. Ever since then, I've lived near the water. Except for a year and a half - when hubs and I lived about 30 minutes from the water. And this was an ISSUE. I used to tell him that we lived in Iowa and the air felt dusty to me. It smelled dusty. I swear it did, I wasn't just making that up. Too far from the water for sure. Thankfully, this park is only minutes from my home. Downhill. It's not even work for my car to get there... just float down the hill and exhale.

I find it interesting that water is such a friend to me. It's as dangerous as it is lovely. You can float in it, or you can sink in it. It gives and it takes. Actually, I nearly drowned when I was a toddler, but miraculously lived. That ocean gave me back to my parents and gave me life. We are friends.

I love that the oceans connect us all. I could go down my hill, get in a boat, and that water would take me anywhere in the world I would want to go. It could take me to the lovely beaches in Ocean City Maryland, southern California... or even India, Haiti, or Portugal...all beaches that I've enjoyed. The water I enjoyed today is the same water my parents are enjoying out on their boat right now.

I know that the water doesn't actually sustain me and bring me joy. I know my heavenly Father does. And all this beauty around me reminds me of His constant love. And you know what? I know He loves the water too. He spent the first days creating things out of the water, and in between the water, but left as much of it here. He didn't have to, and I'm glad he did.

Tomorrow I shall go on my three mile walk... through the trees, past the turtles that sit on the floating log, and along the floating walkways. And I shall thank God for getting me up and for blessing me with such beauty. For sustaining the sun, the breeze, the waves, and the trees. And for sustaining me.