Little Women (and Men, too)

We're into week three of this family of four, finding rhythms, out of our sweats and pajamas, and back to Monkey Monday. Some random-ness below for anyone interested in the happenings of a rather simple and quite content family.

Karisms
- Playing her guitar like a cello: sitting in her rocking chair, using Mrs. Potato Head's arm as a bow
- "Mommy, can we go buy a cello after nappers?"
- Playing "midwife" elaborately. She goes through the whole appointment, even uses a picture frame as her computer. Hand sanitizer goes on the stethoscope and is later wiped off with tissues. Lots and lots of bandaids are used.
- Playing "coffee" by using dried kidney beans and coffee filters. She offers me and Trevor "medium decaf", and it sure is delicious.
- "Let's read the milkman!" (we have a couple vintage stories - Eloise Wilkin & Virginia Lee Burton - they both have milkmen. Hilarious)
- She is glued to Judah, I'm so humbled by her sweet, welcoming spirit

Judah-stats
- He is thriving, very sweet, more alert and looking around every day
- People say he has long fingers, a nicely shaped head, and looks like Karis when she was an infant
- His umbilical cord fell off on Sunday and Karis was excited to do tummy time with him

Mom-marvels
- Trying to savor the moments and not zoom into life's details too quickly . . .
- Amazed by the gift of creation
- Thankful for family and friends to love on us and our children (thank you, all!)
- Loving that it's cold outside so we can hunker down in our home
- Writing this quickly so am definitely missing a lot but just have to feel like I finished something!

Sometimes I look at Judah and I wonder who he will become. I can picture him being a man and I envision him being lively, strong in character, soft in heart. He will surely be well taken care of, Karis is protective and proud of her little brother. Come to think of it, pretty sure we say "Little Brother" more than we say "Judah". We've enjoyed almost two weeks of having family around, they were all so wonderful to dote on Karis and give Judah cuddles (which means I got some needed baths, naps, quiet times). We're thankful. This week we'll find out what some "new normals" are around here.

Some book quotables from the last few days:

From The Divine Hours (a prayer book we use during mealtimes and bedtime):

Psalm 127:3
". . . he gives to his beloved sleep"

I laughed out loud when I read this. I think Trevor must be the beloved in our house right now! And Karis. 2 out of 4 isn't bad, I guess.

I've also been loving some more Little Women in the wee hours of the nursing night time. There was a chapter about Meg and Mr. Brooke's parenting and marriage strategies/challenges. I know I was smiling as I related to the descriptions . . . Meg giving everything to her babies and having nothing left for her husband . . . feeling worn out but not able to let go of the tasks that she feels are hers to do. Good reminders, lots to think about. Marmee gives her some solicited advice and to me, reveals the sage that she is. Advice I feel is for me as well:

"You have only made the mistake that most young wives make - forgotten your duty to your husband in your love for your children. (talking about her own marriage, she says) Each do our part alone in many things, but at home we work together, always.

Go out more: keep cheerful as well as busy, for you are the sunshine-maker of the family, and if you get dismal there is no fair weather. Then I'd try to take an interest in what John likes . . . don't shut yourself up in a bandbox because you are a woman . . . take your part in the world's work, for it all affects you and yours. no time is so beautiful and precious to parents as the first years of the little lives given them to train. . . through your children you will learn to know and love one another as you should."

The chapter ends (as does this post) in this way:

"This is the sort of shelf on which young wives and mothers may consent to be laid, safe from the restless fret and fever of the world, finding loyal lovers in the little sons and daughters who cling to them, undaunted by sorrow, poverty, or age; walking side by side, through fair and stormy weather, with a faithful friend, who is, int he true sense of the good old Saxon word, the 'houseband', and learning, as Meg learned, that a woman's happiest kingdom is home, her highest honor the art of ruling it, not as a queen, but a wise wife and mother."

Two for One

So . . .

Just like that, our boy is HERE! There's so much my heart and mind are wanting to write, and hopefully will get to soon . . .

Judah Robert Ryan was born quickly and health-fully on December 28th at 8:48am. WOW, I can hardly believe it. He is one week old as of just a few hours ago . . .

More to follow for sure, we are filled with PRAISE (the meaning of Judah). It's all too much.


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And here is your two-for-one deal: below is a post that was in progress (you know, on my "to do list") before Judah's arrival.


Karis-isms (pre baby Judah!)

- "Mommy, I'm going to make a phone call. Can you please be quiet?"
- "We're all dressed in our best!" (what Karis tells Trevor when they are all suited up for going outside)
- "Mommy, is baby brother going to be born today, or next time?" (asked after I told her we were leaving for a midwife appointment)
- "I like to write m&m's with feet and kitty cats with tails"
- "Is baby brother kicking really hard?"
- "Someday, when I'm big, I can go see The Hobbit!"
- "Mommy's gingerbread has a baby belly" (true - they gave out homemade gingerbread people at church one Sunday, and even had special ones for the pregnant mommas with a baby gingerbread embedded into the belly)
- "I need to go wash my dishes!"
- "Do you want to put some sugar in your tea? Do you want to join me?"
- "I can't wait to have my guac" (you know, guacamole. atta girl)
- "Someday I'll have a phone that works and I can talk to her"
- "Can I please have some berries with my gingerbread stomach?" (she ate a gingerbread man piece by piece, and thought the red  hot candies were berries)
- "I want baby brother to come out right now" (said with her stomach on my belly: 12/18 - a day I had been contracting a lot)
- "I made a fancy feast for us!" (included tea, meatballs and ice cream - she even used a cookbook and utensils)

The festivities have been fabulous and relaxed this season. We made a little family memory a few weeks ago when we used some of Trev's hotel/travel points to spend the night in a hotel 5 minutes down the road. We arrived in a snow-storm, ate pizza, explored the hotel, swam, opened up "new-to-her" pj's for Karis and ate popcorn in bed. Karis got the huge bedroom so we could traipse around the living room area . . . and sleep on the less-than-full-size pull out (discovered that after lights out for K). Cozy! I crashed early and Trevor was entertained by Predators. Christmas-y, right? We had a blast, a fun family memory.

The night was most memorable for me because I was up almost every half hour with contractions, thinking "Oh boy, this is it. How are we going to get to the hospital . . .  I'll have to stop at home and get my bag . . . "  Well, the morning found things much calmer and the day went on as usual. Interestingly, at my midwife appointment a few days later I told her about that night.  It took her about 2 seconds to say, "Oh yeah, that happens a lot during snow storms". Huh. So, I've been watching the weather.

News in Trevor's sphere is that he's settling into his new job, we went to his work Christmas party, and he saw The Hobbit. He hosted a guys' night game party, organized Brews with the Bros, and has been an organizing machine. A good month.

We've enjoyed going through our Christmas movies, and with the help of some friends we introduced Karis to A Muppet Christmas Carol - hilarious. I got through The Family Stone without crying . . . and decided that instead of watching Little Women, I thought I might as well read it. I am loving its reminders of deep, simple faith - that life is not always easy but God is always good. That we are continually on a journey of character growth and all have obstacles to overcome - and strengths to offer. I'm loving the example of "Marmee", her mothering is beautiful and real (again, not without its trials).

I was thankful to read this passage: "I like to think He was a little child once, for then I don't seem so far away, and that helps me" (said by young Amy, who is explaining one of her paintings of Mother Mary and Jesus to her mom).

Isn't that so Christmas?

And now it's the 26th. We spent the last several days here with my parents, celebrating Christmas. We're so thankful to have had family here, I feel like we had a retreat in our home with laid back meals (thanks, mom, for the meatballs & turkey & stuffing & bounteous baked goods!), lots of decaf, Christmas music, and playing with Karis. We got to spend some time Christmas Day with the "Minneapolis Popes", also such a gift.

And of course every day we're eagerly waiting to meet baby boy - the anticipation is both exhilarating and exhausting. I remind Trevor every once in a while that most of my thoughts now are about labor/birth. I was thankful to come across a passage that I hope to remember during labor. Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

I'm not sure who was enjoying watching Santa Claus more . . . Trevor or Karis?

Daddy's shoveling helper

Cozy Christmas

Advent musings

I am having nightly dreams about either giving birth or nursing now . . . reading a couple books on those topics surely contribute to this. We're getting very excited to meet this little person, and we're especially enjoying anticipating his birth as we anticipate HIS birth during the season of Advent. This is a precious season and we're soaking it in.

Plenty of happenings and musings and Karis-isms since I 've last written:

Voting.

Karis: "What are we doing in the morning?:

Me: "We're going to go vote!"

Karis: "Where are we going on the boat?!"

Ha!

Karis-isms

- "I hear you!"
- "That sounds like a good plan!"
- "Baby sweet pea is crabby. That means she's strong"
- "I have a lot of grandmas!"
- "This is the most special day of my life"
- "Is it bubble water or regular water?"
- "I'm wearing fancy!"
- "So, um, mommy? How was the bank?"
- "These are the words that tell the pictures of the story"
- "Is daddy looking for an elk? Are you going to pull up a map?"
- "It happens. It was an accident"
- "Mommy, don't say 'pooh'! Say 'Winnie the Pooh'"
- "I have something to tell you: it's almost Christmas, after Thanksgiving" (in a whispered voice, as taught by uncle Taylor)
- "Can we see the lights of Hopkins?" (driving back to MN after being in Bis, where we make a big deal about the lights of Bismarck)
- "We had a chipmunk in the backyard one time. Uncle Drew put it in a bag" (said after reading a story with a chipmunk . . . and good memory she has, Drew did shovel a chipmunk into a bag this past summer)
- "My shirt is tucked in like daddy's!"
- "Mommy, do you need a back rub?" (um, sure!)
- "It's the star from 'Hark the Herald Angels'!" (lots of stars in Christmas books)
- "I'm going to teach Santa Claus how to sing 'Jesus Loves Me'" (I swear I didn't suggest this, came out of nowhere!)
- "Should we go in the living room in chat?" (followed by going to the living room and her showing me where to sit, how to cross my legs, and then asking me about my day)

Elk Hunting

Trevor embarked with my dad and brother for a 9 day trip to CO to "look for Elk" (according to Karis).  Our freezer if full of meat with more on the way, the great success of the trip was perhaps the adventure  & exploration of gorgeous creation they were able to share. I enjoyed a trek back to Bis with Karis to celebrate my cousin's wedding, my mom & grandma's birthdays, Karis's cousin's basketball game, a ride on the train at the mall, and just lots of hanging out and visiting - oh, and getting snowed in by a blizzard for the weekend. Cozy.

Thanksgiving. 

Trev got home from CO on a Monday and we left the next day for Thanksgiving in Bismarck. We always love our time there, it's a treat to show up and to receive abundant love (not to mention they plan the big celebrations and host it all - a gift). We always treasure our time at the Turkey Trot race Thanksgiving morning, Karis thinks she ran in it because she was running around the inside of the building. Trev DID run it, and I just socialized and sat as much as possible. Turkey dinner, a photo shoot for Karis compliments her fabulous aunt Cassie, pizza by candlelight . . . and then a weekend with extended family and more food and festivities. We are so blessed.


New Job

We returned from Thanksgiving and the next day Trev started a new job. I'm so thankful he handles transitions with ease, he's had a lot of them this month. So far, so good and we're grateful for this new opportunity he's getting. Selfishly, I'm excited that there will be less travel AND there is a Christmas party that spouses are welcome to attend. I've missed getting to know his coworkers, and so this sense of community feels like a gift.

Bond, James Bond (a.k.a. "last date")

As I did when pregnant with Karis, there's a mental list of things I want to do before this little guy enters into the physical daily reality of our family. One of them was seeing the new Bond movie (interestingly, the last Bond movie was one of my faves around the time we learned about Karis. Love full circle things like that). So, Karis got a special night with Uncle Drew & M while Trev and I went on what I fatalistically termed "our last date". You know, for a while at least. Well, at least the longest date that we'll probably have in a while. It was bliss. Love Bond. Love my husband even more.

First Sunday of Advent

My words to try to practice during Advent this year: Simplify. Savor. Slow down. I'm savoring some memories from Sunday, when Karis carried the cross to the altar during the processional ("I can do it all by myself!"). Trevor and I were in the processional and got to bow to our daughter on our way past the altar. Trevor then lit the candle for Hope and we stood together as a family to recite the readings from Genesis that started the service - I want to remember always watching Karis wander around at the front while she watched us read and then go excitedly to join the children at the front before they all walked up to Sunday School together. These are truly precious moments. We later made Advent wreaths and we're enjoying the liturgy provided to read each night: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light . . .come, Lord Jesus, come".  This is a remarkable time for us to anticipate the birth of two babies, one that is the Hope of the world, and one that was/is a hope for our family. One of our new favorite seasonal books is Little One, We Knew You'd Come, when reading it to Karis I can't help but think of our baby boy:  "We hoped, we dreamed, we watched for you. We counted the days till you were due. We waited how we longed for you".

Simplifying . . . sorry, no Christmas cookies here . . . or Christmas letters or clean floors or uncluttered toys.

Slowing down. Well, that's just kind of naturally happening, I'm not moving as quickly these days and we're doing our best to keep evenings calm.

Keeping it Real

Baby boy is kicking away and consuming most of my waking thoughts, and even some of my sleeping ones with dreams about birth and nursing. I get weepy when we read Christmas books - seeing Mary's "baby belly" and then baby Jesus . . . thinking of her courage to carry the Prince of Peace, to give birth in a manger, to "treasure all the moments in her heart".  What a brave woman! You know how they say "you forget how it all was which is why you go ahead and have more children"? Well, I'm remembering how it was, and it's making me scared. Control-lover that I am, the unknown aspects that just a few weeks ago felt so exciting and liberating to me are this week feeling a bit overwhelming: "What will labor and birth be like? WHEN will it be? Please let it be after Christmas! But God, you're in control. But really, please. How will Karis transition?" 

However, I have been gently reminded that I'm fearing the future - but WHY? The unknown can drive me crazy. When I'm rational, the fear is ridiculous and I'm actually truly excited to begin this next chapter, and feel immeasurably blessed  that our family is growing (although please let's let it grow in my belly for a couple more weeks). But I have also been gently reminded that fear is a legitimate feeling and one that when faced can be released and placed with peace . . . these reminders have come from reading Karis the Christmas narratives. I've been so struck by the normal-ness of fear, yet the freedom I can have to "fear not". 

Zachariah had fear about his son's upcoming birth. Luke 1:13 - "But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard."

Mary was fearful about Jesus' birth. Luke 1:29 - "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God."

Even the shepherds were afraid! Luke 2:9 & 10 -  ^"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'"

"Helping" at the turkey trot

Bismarck Blizzard

Rocking out after a fabulous "Friend Thanksgiving" - a dinner we shared with our small group

The best for first, recent Karisms:

- "Are you guys still talking about God?" (said during our recent small group meeting)
- "Is this for my baby brother? Can I have it?" (pulling out bib from a bag, proceeded to wear it and wanted to dine in the high chair)
- "I'm so glad of you"
- "Can I go wake up daddy?" (usually Saturday mornings, then she brings him books - and I  bring him coffee)
- "The little boy won't be there, mommy chased him away" (we think there are some dreams based on the pictures of bonneted girls on her quilt)
- "Lucky!" (said in a hilariously gruff voice, taught to her by uncles as a mimic of a local sports-radio personality)
- "I ate a cheeseburger at Cracker Barrel. They don't have crackers or barrels there" (ha!)
- "Mommy, you can have the sucker after you finish all your lunch"
- "I don't want Madeline to say 'pooh-pooh'. That's privacy. We'll save that for later " (as in, Madeline in a book says "pooh-pooh")
- "Mommy! Remember, you have stay right by me!"
- "Am I as big as you yet?" (she will also often stand in front of a mirror and exclaim, "I'm bigger!")
- "Want to come look at pictures with me?" (a favorite activity, looking at herself in photo albums while talking about herself in the third person)
- "Daddy, did you went to see a Hobbit? Was the Hobbit friendly?" (can you tell someone in the house is excited for an upcoming movie release?)
- "Baby Eliza is getting baptized! Pastor Christian is going to put water on her head!"
- "That was a little tough for you, wasn't it?" (said to Uncle T while he put her on her diaper before bedtime)


A few happenings (and maybe hormones?) recently have prompted many emotions, some of which have caused some smeared mascara and confused looks from Trevor. There was a recent tragedy on a college campus here, the loss of a beautiful woman's life (whose family happen to be dear friends of Trev's aunt and uncle). The whole story sent my heart and mind spinning with thoughts about all the uncertainties of life - I had feelings of fear for the future, for Karis's future. Wanting to hold her so close, to protect her, to make sure she always knows love and safety and security and health. I came to remember (with the help of some perceptive people who pointed out the fear in the first place) that there really is no reason to fear. So much more I could say on this, but I'm at a loss to articulate at the moment, or maybe it's too close and deep to express. All this to say, I am thankful. Life is not perfect. God is. How will we react to the bumps in the road? Where will we seek comfort? How will we let experiences shape us, change us, grow us?

We've had the great gift of having Trev's brother live with us the past couple months, and it's been illuminating to watch him navigate a new stage of life as he settles into life here after a year spent in China. His trust for the future and deep questions about life have offered a new filter to process events/thoughts/fears/hopes. We're grateful for this season.

Today we celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Karis's baptism, a beautiful reminder to Whom she belongs and from Whom we have received the miraculous gift of her life and precious spirit. We light a candle, we show her pictures, we pray. It is beyond humbling to love and care for and shepherd this little heart. She often shows us glimpses of how much God loves us. She teaches us how to love others with innocence and pure joy.

Psalm 139

Yesterday we partook in our now-annual Halloween tradition: face the crazy-ness at Chipotle, donning lame costumes, consuming our reduced-rate food (that this year ended up benefitting the Chipotle charity fund). This year we welcomed a dear friend who was in town, B, as well as uncle T. Karis loved pointing out the costumes: "Mommy, she has braids! Mommy, her coat matches your's! Mommy, she has pink hair!". Then we went to our church's bonfire, Karis ran around with her friends, drank cider, ate candy, downed a hot dog. A gorgeous evening and a refreshing way to pass the evening.

Some baby boy updates: 30 weeks and counting! Hard to believe, we can't wait to meet this little guy. I'm already picturing a mini Trevor. This little guy is doing lots of dance moves, I treasure this stage of getting to know him through movements and rhythms and hiccups. I'm really eager to welcome him into the world and into our family. I'm starting to have dreams about labor, must be on my mind?!

I think one of his favorite times of day (which happens to also be one of my favorite times of day) is right after Karis's nap - all three of us very cozily (read: barely) fit into the rocker and read stories. Little boy moves, Karis rubs my stomach, and we all savor some quiet before heading into the evening hours.

Karis reading a card that came for her in the mail . . . chomping an apple

Milestones and (1/2) marathons

Are you all savoring the fall season? The favorites around here are red leaves, gourds, apples, and pumpkin butterscotch cookies. Such a delightful and delicious time of year, fresh air and crunching leaves and pink cheeks (sometimes because it's chilly, sometimes because it's warm). Fall, please stay for a long time this year.

Our little family has been enjoying some memorable events the past many weeks (I've been writing this for at least, um, 2 weeks):

Half Marathon:

Trevor and his running buddy finished the "Surly Loppit" a few weeks ago - what a rush! I told Trev I think he should do more races, it's so much fun to watch (I like running as a spectator sport at this time of life. And Karis had a blast, waiting on a blanket with her little friend waiting for their daddies to run by).

Half marathoner - no small feat, I'm proud of this guy

Toddler bed and paci-freezing:

The big transition here lately was taking down the crib (finally, I know) and giving Karis free reign in her room as she sleeps in a cute little toddler bed. I was holding my breath about it all, but it all went wonderfully well. The same night we did that, we also wrapped up her paci, put in a special jewelry box and stuck it in the freezer "for her little brother". Again, wasn't sure how that would go . . . but no problem! Karis is a champ. I was relieved. She even requested Trevor put her to bed, which hasn't happened in months. It was kind of beautiful.

First night in big girl bed

Karis also started praying by herself, melt this momma's heart. She squints her eyes intensely, folds her hands forcefully and says something to the effect of: "Thank you for safe travels. Thank you that mommy is feeling better. Thank you for my friends Julia and Lauren. In Jesus' name, Amen".

Some Karis-isms these days:
- "Are you feeling okay? Are you tired?"

- "Thank you for being so polite! Thank you for asking nicely!"

- "I want Jordan!" (and then snuggled up in a blanket with Uncle Jordan in front of the fire - the first of the fall season, so refreshing)
- "It's my baby brother!"
- "Is it a man or a lady?"
- "Is it outside our inside?"
- "Is this lunch or dinner?"
- "Is this nappers or bedtime?"
- "Good morning, baby brother!"
- "I'm going to save this for my baby brother" (books, socks, anything she can find)
- "Are we there yet?!"
- "All aboard!"
- "I'm going to teach you a game!" (and then proceeds to run around with interesting steps or throw things or whatever it is she's inventing at the moment)
- "Look it! Watch what I do!" (and then moves in some funny way, or dances, or throws something)
- "Mommy, I have to finish my work in the living room" (which is tearing paper into small pieces and putting stickers on them - I love her creativity)
- "Let's read books in bed" (this is her favorite thing to do after waking Trevor up for the day. Also love love love this)
- "Did you know you're precious, too?" (after my telling her she's precious - ah! beautiful)


We just returned from the all-important holiday of Duck Hunting in Bismarck. We fit a lot into a short amount of time: Karis got to go for donuts and the Heritage Center, a big cousin pizza party, train riding at the mall, pumpkin patch with many of her favorite people. I even got a date with MY daddy, went to the Steer, Inc. banquet where we saw many familiar faces, had good chats, and got to hear Lee Strobel share his faith story. The whole weekend was a wonderful whirlwind. Karis has been talking about the "Indians talking the buffalos", running on haybales at the pumpkin patch . . . and she's busily working in making mail for all her cousins - that's my girl!

We savored a recent fall day by going to a nearby nature center, here's Karis exploring. We ended up on a gorgeous, marshy, boardwalk path - that ended up taking us far from our car. Since my bathroom radar is on high alert these days (thank you, baby boy!), I had a painful walk back. Still a fabulous memory, Karis walked and talked to herself about having a family coffee date and all the friends she was going to meet.

Exploring Westwood Hills Nature Center

Very randomly: I came across a couple quotes from a recent quick read, Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls:

"Anyone who things he's too small to make a difference has never been bit by a mosquito" (in context, she was talking about voting - so I thought this was time appropriate)

"The place where you live - your home - is one of the most important things in a body's life" (I just kind of liked that). 

Deep thoughts: none to be expressed at this moment, need to stop and think for a while . . .  maybe someday? Maybe. Loving life on the go for now.

A dream to me . . . a dream to me

Everyone knows and can sing/hum the Cranberries' song, "Dreams", right? I have it going through my head today. All after a most wild dream came true . . .

Karis and I just got back from a long weekend with my mom (aka, grandma - the more important and identifying label whenever Karis is around). I can't even remember when the idea sprouted, but the idea grew into an all-girls adventure to somewhere I've always dreamed visiting: Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Isn't it such a wonderful mom thing to continue to want to see your children's dreams come true? I'm so humbled and thankful that my mom would even consider making such a trip happen - such a gift, one that will keep on giving in memories.

It may sound trite, but I seriously can't think of anything that could've made the trip better . . . we were blessed with safe and smooth travel, health, rest, beautiful creation, refreshment, relationship deepening, adventure. I'm reminiscing with much gratitude. I'm also reminded that I am a big believer in getting away - I came back ready to tackle things I'd been putting off, which is a great feeling. (I started this post a couple days after we got back . . . and now as I continue to piece it together I will admit my post-vacation-adrenaline-rush is wearing off)

For our record (and for your reading, if you wish). We enjoyed:

Delightful daytrips . . . 
- Day 1:Well, first, we made it, after a smooth day of travel (a layover at JFK in NYC). Phew! We enjoyed arriving in the quaint PEI airport around 10pm, walking across the tarmac in the breezy darkness to enter the customs station. A well suited man was even there to greet us, so hospitable. We found the rental car, and it only took us a little longer than expected to find the hotel (no GPS to guide us!)

- Day 2: we settled in, enjoyed the view of the water from the big window in our hotel room, and spent the day afoot. We were pleased to find that we were staying in the heart of Charlottetown and had fun exploring shops, walking to dinner and beyond. We lunched at high tables at Ristorante Diem, warmed up with delicious decaf, and all got naps (Karis loved taking her nap in her pack-n-play in the bathroom). We stumbled on a huge field, and Karis spontaneously invited (insisted?) that grandma play ring around the rosie with her, and then chase her around. Hilarious. Dinner was at Lobster on the Wharf, we felt adventurous as we worked for our food: grandma with her full lobster, me with my entire baby halibut with bone in and skin on. More ring around the rosie as we walked to COWS for cowberry ice cream and then back to the room for the evening.

- Day 3: We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Casa Mia, then perused the local farmer's market that was right in the neighborhood. We bought some fresh blueberries, then hit the road for Cavendish, home of all things Lucy Maude Montgomery. Grandma found some fabulous "music of the sea" that provided the soundtrack for the gorgeous drive through the countryside. The tour of Green Gables was refreshing and inspiring, it's not hard to imagine why LM might be inspired by her surroundings. We walked through Lover's Lane, toured the house, the barns, trekked through the Haunted Wood, and I left feeling like I would be back there someday. Karis did, after all, seem enamored by the Anne doll grandma got her. Surely after she falls in love with the books and movies she'll need to see it all again.

We lunched at KIDDS, a "tasty freeze-esque" restaurant that overlooked the ocean, with fields and haybales part of the seascape. Breathtaking.  A short winding drive along the coast led us to a  beach where Karis had the time of her life running and rolling in the soft sand. There is something so powerful in the rhythm of the ocean, I'm not surprised Karis is captivated by its surroundings. We found ice cream and then hit the road back to C-town, K napped all the way back and through our stop at a grocery store (to stock up on Canadian chocolate, of course). Pizza Delight restaurant fed us well and ended our day of adventure (well, what really ended the day was gma painting K's toenails, giving her a bath, and K talking on the phone).

- Day 4: Tim Horton's donuts was our first stop on our way out of town. We meandered to Victoria, a sea-side town southwest of Charlottetown. Our mission was to find a lighthouse, which we did, in addition to a refreshing walk around the quaint town - we stumbled upon charming shops, including a B&B that had a teahouse. We took a seat there for lunch, to sip tea, and try on hats. Such a sweet surprise and a real highlight of the trip. We drove back to C-town (K konked out again) and pulled up to the Hippopatobus tour bus just in time to climb aboard. We sat on the top and enjoyed the hour long tour of the city (Karis enjoyed sitting on gma's lap and chewing gum). We found a nice dinner at Merchantman Pub, played more ring around the rosie and walked the boardwalk, and wrapped up our outings with another trip to COWS (and had our nightly routine of roaming the hotel halls with K in her pj's - precious).

- Day 5: The night was short . . . interrupted by wrong phone calls,  right phone calls, some insomnia, and an early morning to head to the airport. We made a last stop to visit good old Tim Horton, and upon checking in for our flight were informed it was delayed. Oh well, compensatory breakfast vouchers led to some snacks (and more chocolate purchases). The connecting flight in NYC added some drama to keep us alert - by the time we ran through customs, re-checked our bags, stopped at a bathroom ("Mommy, I have to go really bad!" Oh, poor girl!), and went through security, we made it to our gate at the final boarding call. Phew! Fresca, coffee, treats, and naps brought us safely back to MN (sans luggage and carseat, but understandably so. We're thankful for loaner carseats and luggage delivery via Delta).

Fascinating "friends". . . 

I so appreciate how Karis calls everyone she meets a friend. Through her, we met some fabulous ones during our trip.

- Italy gal: a friendly Italian woman with a fabulous accent struck up a conversation with us shortly after arriving to JFK. Poor gal had been stuck in the airport all night, she was truly sweet and engaging to Karis. Maybe we'll have to go visit her homeland someday . . .
- Friendly flight attendant: the "nice man" on the small flight to PIE handed us a huge bag of peanut m&m's minutes after we sat down.  It's the little things that really make a day
- Native-to-PEI woman on airplane: my mom sat by a lovely woman, Diane, on our final flight to PEI. She had a gorgeous accent, and was so friendly and passionate about her home island. She really got us pumped up for our time there, and by the end of our time we could agree with everything she said: PEI is laid back, genuine, friendly, beautiful
- Greeter: when we arrived (in the dark) to the island, we got to walk down stairs from the airplane and across the tarmac to customs. There was a kind gentleman in a spiffy suit greeting us (only 25 passengers) as we arrived. Later we saw him again near where we retrieved our rental car.
- Melanie: from the wool store (I mean, I can still smell the sheep, seriously. They were literally making things in the back with old fashioned machines). This sweet store clerk was so engaging with Karis, and even remembered us a few days later when we re-visited the shop. She also had a fabulous accent
- Howard: a friendly local at Tim Horton's donut shop. He saw Karis with her bottle of OJ and went to get her a straw.
- Orlando man: met this random guy while Karis and I swung on a porch swing outside a shop in Victoria. Had a nice visit, and then hilariously ended up on a tour bus with him an hour later back in Charlottetown. Small Island!


Marvelous meals . . . 
- We enjoyed a long layover lunch at Stone Rose . . . there was spilled milk, roasted squash soup, and chicken sliders
- We savored sandwiches, breakfasts & coffee at some local cafes
- The culinary highlight was our first night's dinner at Lobster on the Wharf
- Donuts, bacon/egg sandwiches, and OJ were the fare at the all-over chain Tim Hortons (Karis is still talking about this one, must have been a highlight for her)
- COWS. COWS, the ice cream shop, seems to be all over and we were repeat customers for the "cowberry" ice cream. Karis just wanted the chocolate/sprinkle dipped waffle cone - a good split, I just wanted the ice cream
- Our final meal was at a pub across the street from our hotel. Although family friendly, this was the only place we visited that didn't offer a kids' menu - I really was amazed and blessed by how child/family centric the whole area is

Karisisms . . . 

- "It's a helicopter!" (took a while to figure this one out - I never did figure it out, grandma did! Karis was pointing to mom's lobster while saying "helicopter" . . . kind of sounds similar?)
- Talking on the phone in the room, often to my dad, sometimes to no one at all. It was part of her nightly routine, and so precious
- Chattering in her pack-n-play for  a very long time before falling asleep
-  "Is the airplane getting ready for me? Are they putting Fresca on it?!" (Karis's favorite food of the whole trip was the Fresca and peanuts on the plane)
- "We're at Princesser Island!" By the end of the trip, we were almost calling it that also
- "I'm drinking purple tea!" (at the quaint tea shop)
- "I made a lighthouse!" (this, before even seeing one in person - she made a little lighthouse structure out of empty coffee creamer and butter containers at Cafe Mia)
- "Can we go talk to the nice man? Can we go get directions?" (our nightly routine, going to see the consierge to get directions, in her Rainbow Brite pajamas, of course)
- If you want to hear a funny story about Karis and a mermaid, you'll have to get in touch with me personally

Children raising (and praying for) parents

Last week Karis came with me to a meeting at church, she soaked in the time playing with her friends . . . interestingly, though, for the first part of the time she sat right by me, completely attentive to the adults and everything they were saying. Sometimes I feel like I have an "old" young girl, and I appreciate the various situations to watch her personality and thoughts evolve. After each person gave their little update, we prayed for each other - which included standing up and putting our hands on that prayed-for-person's shoulders. Karis would come over and join the prayer-ers, and I was so blessed when she laid her hand on my shoulder and joined the others in praying for me. When we were all done, she asked that we pray for her, and made sure that we stood the exact same way. Ah! It was precious.

I recently saw a book title to the effect of "how children raise their parents" - suggesting that children really shape parents' characters and personal growth. How very, very true. And now I am reminded that  children also pray for parents. I find it easy to think that such things are so one-sided, filtering from parent to child. Not so. Our (amazing) Children's Pastor said something to me that I will remember for a long time - she was saying how sweet it was when Karis prayed, but that it's more than just sweet. We forget that they can be very sincere at this young age as well . . . a humbling reminder of the beauty & purity of the child's heart.

Anyway, Karis is definitely still a young girl, she did go play with her friends during much of the meeting and around the 60 minute mark started parroting the other children with chants of "mommy, can we goooooo?". And don't get me wrong, our moments aren't all sweet - you just get to read about the good ones here.

Speaking of book titles, I recently finished Raising Your Spirited Child. And speaking of children teaching parents, the pages and thoughts of this volume reminded me that I am a spirited adult! I told Trevor he should really read this book as much for marriage as for parenting . . .

In other fun news, we had our 20 week ultrasound today. It was fabulous to be there as a family, Karis did well sitting on Trevor's lap and her favorite question was, "What is the lady doing?" to which Trevor always replied, "Taking pictures of the baby". She also wondered often, "Does it tickle, mommy?" She was curious where the baby's eyes were, that made me laugh - she finally did get to see them, probably not quite the look she was expecting.

The miracle of seeing this baby was just as astounding as it was with Karis (we even had the same tech, so it was a bit deja-vu-ish). This baby is truly "knit together in its mother's womb" . . . little feet, hands, spine, organs. Creation leaves me breathless and in awe. We love this little being to its very core, and it's thrilling to think that soon we will be family of four.

Just like Karis at that stage, this little bean was snug as a bug, comfortable to remain in a curled up (and frustratingly modest) position . . . I went in knowing that we might not get to find out the sex, and really when I saw the beauty of its form I realized that would be okay. However, the tricky tech got a good view at the very last minute (JUST like with Karis - maybe she's a tricky tech who likes to keep people in suspense?!). Clear as day, we could see that Karis has a little BROTHER! WOW. We would have been thrilled either way, of course, but it's beyond wonderful to start talking about and envisioning our SON. WOW.

As Karis and I were driving home after the ultrasound, I heard this radio blurb about "what the unborn tells its mother". Check it out - fascinating. And such perfect timing for our day, a gift. I really loved this quote from the article: "How wise of God to design the process so that when the baby is ready to be born, the mother's convenience must give way to the baby's need. Nor does the baby's birth time depend on the mother's limited understanding of the developing infant."  True, true. 

Karis holding the shirt she picked out on clearance for her baby brother - such a shopper, this one. Ha. 

At the Carver County Fair. Karis's favorite part was the dum-dum sucker she got in a commercial building.