Celebrating Caleb

Having two boys so close in age has already proven to be convenient.  As we prepare for Baby #2's arrival, we have bought virtually nothing.  So when some sweet friends recently asked if they could throw a baby shower for our coming little one, I shared with them that we really do not need anything.  They knew, however, that I would appreciate a very small get-together with a few friends to pray for him and for my upcoming labor and delivery.

So on Friday night when our plans to have dinner with our dear friends, the Frantzes, were conveniently cancelled in such a way that the night was freed to have a "women's ministry meeting" at my friend Jill's home, I should have known something was up.  Paul was home in perfect time to watch Luke while I headed to the meeting with my notebook in hand.  And when Jill's four children greeted me with wide-eyed smiles at the door, I should have known something was up.  But since they're such sweet, happy kids, I entered their house without suspicion, only to soon discover a group of my friends yelling "Surprise!" with balloons, flowers, some of my favorite snacks, and a cake in hand.  It was valued time of fellowship and prayer over our coming little guy.  

Here are some pictures of the memorable night:

Mariah did a great job on this!  She has mastered the art of making pretty cakes that taste excellent (something that I've yet to accomplish!).

Sweet friends. 

If Luke would have known that this little one was going to be there, he wouldn't have minded being the only boy there!

Love my friend Meg!

How encouraging it was to have friends lovingly pray over Caleb and our family as we transition in the months to come.

I have enjoyed getting to know these girls!  

Sweet Susan to the left and the organizer of the evening, Jill, to the right.  Grateful for these godly friends!

It was such a treat to get to see Lindsay as she was in town from Michigan.  I miss this girl!

Our babies are going to be BFF!

This evening reminded me to praise God for graciously giving us such dear friends! I have been incredibly blessed by each one of these girls!  

36 Weeks and A Tribute to Krispy Kreme...

I love Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.  It probably has to do with the fact that I worked there during the summer of 2004 while at a Campus Crusade for Christ summer project in Clearwater Beach, FL.  A few things resulted from my experience as the "doughnut stacker" at the end of the conveyor belt:  1) a respect for the hard work that goes into every box of creme-filled doughnuts that you see at your local grocery store.  The people who provide those wake up at 3:30 a.m. to stuff creme in the doughnuts, pour glaze over them, and stack them into boxes; 2) a deep appreciation for the marketing of doughnuts (For what it costs to make them, the profit is ridiculous!); and 3) a chipmunk face by the end of the summer.  The perks of the job were revealed through some serious weight gain that summer!

My sweet friends, Bethany and Elise, and I try to get together weekly for girl time and play time for our little ones who were born months apart from each other.  It's always a useful time to catch up on each other's lives and to provide great social interaction for our little ones.  Two of the three of us are currently pregnant.  And we've both been craving Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  So this week was a "play date" for the pregnant moms and Bethany, and the kids were sweet to tag along.  By the looks of these pictures, it's not difficult to assume that they had a blast as well!

I'm indoctrinating him at 15 months.  Look how happy he is to be at Krispy Kreme!

But let's be honest- he's much more excited  about devouring the hat.  

Sweet E!

Such troopers for appreciating the pregnancy cravings of friends!

The mommy-to-be with her soon-to-be 1-year-old!

Look how sweet and still this little one is as she compliantly poses for a picture with her hat on.

Here's what happens to Luke's hats.  Notice we have no picture with mommy like the ones seen above.  

It was hard, but I was kind enough to bring some of these home for Paul.  (Okay, I admit that two of these were my breakfast this morning!)

And here is Baby #2 at 36 weeks!  I am very thankful that this little boy is no longer breech, and today my doctor informed me that he will stay that way.  Thank you, Lord!

We can't wait to meet our little surprise miracle.  It's just a waiting game from here!