Introducing...

Baby GIRL Osborn!

Chris and I are so excited! She looked healthy and was quite the wiggleworm during the ultrasound. We feel so incredibly blessed and can't wait to meet the lil' lady.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

The Memory Monster

My father has an incredible memory. He was a junior high teacher & coach, then later an administrator for his career. He remembers pretty much every kid that came his way. He also remembers who they were related to, what activities they participated in, etc. He remembers facts - not surprisingly, he was a history major. We have always marveled at his memory. Don't even try to beat him at Trivial Pursuit.

And now, there is my son who I am beginning to think takes after his Papa in more than just his looks. It is so amazing to watch the little guy learn and think. He seems to have a sharp memory - and yesterday he surprised us with it.

Back on September 6th, I blogged about Sam's reaction to our local fireworks. (And no, I did not remember the date - I had to go back and search!). Since that time, we don't think he has seen fireworks again. Certainly not from our front yard. Yesterday the TV was on and there was a segment on the show about pyrotechnics and these guys whose hobby it is to make cool fireworks. Sam saw that and started talking about seeing fireworks in our front yard. So apparently he remembered that from way back in September.

Unfortunately, he also remembers what Mommy tells him. So already I have a little checker who tells me that I said he could do this, or have that... Oh my. I need to be more careful about what I say around him now.

****

This blog has been such a great way for me to remember all the little things about Sam that I haven't gotten around to writing down or scrapbooking, so I am happy that I have this with #2. Already I feel like I have forgotten important facts about Sam's first year of life that I wanted to preserve, so having the blog to begin #2's life will be such a blessing.

Speaking of #2, I felt him/her for the first time last Sunday. I probably felt other movements beforehand, but this was the first time I felt I could say it was the baby for certain. And since that time, I have been daily blessed with the signs of life growing and moving inside me. Next Monday is our ultrasound. I can't wait to get a glimpse of this little one!

God's Country

While I was in Idaho, I took my mom and co. to the airport very early in the morning. I was channel surfing on the radio on the way back to stay awake and heard a country gospel song and stopped. It was Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

I stayed on that station for a while and found out it is called God's Country. A country station that only plays gospel or inspirational music. Being at home and listening to country music got me reflecting.....

Since I graduated from high school and ventured out of my home state, I have always been teased about being from Idaho. I've heard it all, so next time you make fun of it and think you are being original...well, you ain't.

While reflecting, I realized how truly blessed I was to grow up in Idaho in the two small communities that I did. These are just some of the things that I am thankful for:

• A neighborhood where you truly knew and experienced life with your neighbors.
• The fact there wasn't a lot to do was not a bad thing - we had to be creative and I have incredible memories because of that.
• Living in a place where having faith in God or strong moral values was not ridiculed.
• A sense of community - not only within my neighborhood, church, school, and groups, but in the community at large. Something my children will not experience living here.
  

I am proud to be from Nampa, Idaho.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful to be home.

I am thankful for my family.

I am thankful for my dear brothers & sisters in Christ.

I just got home from spending the past week + in Idaho taking care of my dad while my mom was out of town for a conference. I am so thankful that most of my worries did not come true. God answered our prayers that my dad's health was stable while I was there and I didn't have to make any major decisions about his health or care for him other than meals, chaffeuring, and company. Sam was a great help to me and provided a lot of entertainment and delight for both my father and I.

However, this week was not without its struggles. They included the stomach flu for Sam, a modified version for my dad and I, my parents' dog and an unfortunate collision with a car (he is fine and only a bit bruised), running between Sam and the dog during the middle of the night trying to clean up after them, difficulty sleeping, and general fatigue. And my poor mom came home with a terrible cold, so the time away wasn't as much of a respite as she had hoped.

During this time, I felt covered in prayer by my family and friends. I felt God's presence in the midst of all the daily chores and struggles. When I was at my tiredest and the situation was the most stressful, I was able to shoulder on and laugh at the situation because God gave me a better attitude. I am so thankful that I have a relationship with the Creator of this universe and I know that He is with me.

One of my dear friends Carrie gave me a gift before I left for Idaho. That gift was such an incredible blessing to me while I was gone. Carrie gave me an envelope for each day that included a prayer that she had wrote and Scripture. As God so often does, He led Carrie to write what I needed to hear or meditate on each day - the verses just really matched what I needed that day. It was such a special treat for me to have that envelope to open each day. Carrie, thank you so much. I know that you shared that God put it on your heart to do - but you were obedient and took the time to do it. Thank you so much.

I am thankful.

The quotes of my seasoned traveler

Sam and I flew to Idaho last night. As always, I start out a bit apprehensive about how he will behave, how will I get from Point A to Point B with him and luggage in tow. This trip he did awesome (for the most part - aren't there always exceptions with kids?!). Some highlights:

Walking through the security gate alone

Finding a quarter on the ground, "MONEY, Mommy! MONEY!"

Walking up to the cash register and greeting the cashier with a confident Hi!

Paying for a treat for the plane with that quarter.

While toting his rolling backpack through the terminal, making sure to wave Hi to everyone while still stepping on all of the fish on the tiled floor.

Sitting in his seat buckled the whole flight.

And to prove that he has been paying attention all the previous times we've flown, the first question he asks after he is buckled in his seat is, "Peanuts?!"

Once we were up in the air, we are looking at the mountains and the clouds and he says, "See I'ho (translation: Idaho) yet, Mommy?!

It was a joy to fly with him. Granted it isn't the same as being able to relax, read a magazine, sleep, or watch a movie while flying, but it is fun to share in the excitement, remembering how something that has become routine for me is actually pretty amazing.

We then were picked up curbside by my mom and Sam's two cousins, Dexter (age 6) and Robby (age 3). The three of them were all together in the backseat of the car, snuggled up to each other in their crowded car seats. It was fun to hear their giggles, their tickle games, and their who can make the loudest noise games. They are all growing up so fast and it is cool to watch their little relationships develop as they learn to interact and play with each other.

Thank you Lord for a safe flight and a pleasant travel companion.

Baby Song

I had an OB appointment today. I brought Sam along with me. While we were listening to the heartbeat, Sam says, "baby song!"

I love that - it is a true song, a wonderful melody that is assuring and life-giving.

I recorded it on my cell phone so I could share it with Chris. Sam keeps asking to listen to the "baby song".

So precious! I can't wait to see him as a big brother and to meet this little one with such a precious song.