Meet me In Virginia

Our little family is now in Virginia!  We have been praying for a new job for Mike, interviewing as far as Oklahoma (that is how desperate we were), that would bring us together as a family again.   This has been an answer to our prayers, and more.  God is so amazingly generous.

Since Elaine was born (two years ago), Mike has been traveling probably 75%+ of the time--and that's counting the weekends.  In the latest months he was away Monday (or sometimes Sunday) through Friday with no weeks off, leaving us both exhausted.  I felt like a single (PREGNANT) mom that was bringing home an old fling on the weekends, except instead of being as restful and romantic as that sounds, we crammed in every responsibility we could.  Mike's life was never-ending travel and being separated from his home and loved ones. 

Anyway, we were here in time to get some Trick-or-treaters, although we didn't have the joy of forcing our toddler into a costume that she hated.  I don't think she minded just eating a piece or two of our own candy without having to work for it.  Then she turned the BIG TWO YEARS.  I still have guilt for not doing anything for it - we had only been here for three days, she is lucky she got hot food!  She's also lucky she has wonderful family who sent her gifts here ahead of time.  I switched to a basic phone (talk/text) before I got here, and Mike and I both turned in our work computers, so I was completely unplugged for about a week.  You know, it was pretty nice, and I've gotten used to not having the internet at my finger tips 24/7.

Her tea set has been a favorite, but all her birthday gifts
still get daily use.

Mike's new job is going very well, but of course he is still settling in and learning his role.  So far, he likes all the people, the company is super busy, and he seems to be making a great impression.  Being a stay-at-home mom...there are just no words.  It's not for everyone and I know more challenges will come with time, but this is my calling and it is more fulfilling for me than I could ever have imagined.  Elaine and I have been spending a lot of time at our new Church and it is a wonderful community.  We're already having a couple over for football and dinner on Sunday; they are ahead of us by a number of years, but the wife has offered to be on call to watch Elaine when the baby comes.  I.e. they're our new best friends!  And I was invited to a women's group tonight, which I am looking forward to.

Monday I turned 37 weeks.  That's four weeks or less to go!  We had some inconveniences with insurance and getting me into the doctor, but I will have my first appointment here with a midwife group on Friday.  We will be birthing at a local hospital with the midwife attending, God willing.  I feel very healthy and fairly unstressed about everything.  What people can't understand is that the obstacles we face together here in our new home seem like nothing compared to what we were looking at if we didn't move.  God has been providing every step of the way, He will take care of us to the end.

I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving!  We are hoping to join the Dardens in their new house, -they said they didn't mind me having the baby in their brand new bathtub (kidding).  Christmas is a standing invitation to have Mike's family stay with us, since we won't be ready to travel by then. The holidays should be especially interesting this year, waiting to see when Baby makes his entrance.