Back from Hannah-land

Yes, I am emerging from the depths of Hannah-land! 

Our sweet little Hannah Clare Elizabeth was born on March 16! It's been quite the experience so far- ranging from weeks of sickness to sorting out daily routines in order to get dinner made. By the way, I still can't seem to get dinner on the table before 10pm... don't judge me.

After many many hours of laboring and waiting, she finally arrives!

Our first family photo, hours after Hannah was born. We are all pretty tired!

Motherhood has been such a wonderful thing- I don't know what else to say. I now know for sure that all those telling you that children are burdensome, are liars! Of course Hannah takes our time and has certainly tried our patience with her crying (in the beginning it was about 4 hours straight for no apparent reason). But her little life has added so much to our lives- so much joy, so much peace, and so much love. I must say, also so much pride! In a good way that is! Think of it, she has done nothing except want for food, diaper changes, attention, carrying... and yet, we are so proud to be her parents. 

Here is a glimpse of these past 2 months:

I was blessed to have Mom and Dad here for a time! Unfortunately Dad had to go back before Hannah was born, but mom was able to meet her first Granddaughter!

Her favorite sleeping position. Hannah at around 3 days old, and she rolled here on her own! One of her favorite things to do in the morning is stretch and be most expressive while doing so. She will arch her back in this position and grunt and groan! 

Hannah with Daddy and Grandpa.

Little Hannah

Daddy time!

Mommy time outside

Bath time with Grandma in the kitchen sink!

After bathy time, with her elephant towel

Napping on daddy's chest

She's getting to be such a big girl!

Bathroom selfies!

Hannah at 2 months, 1 week! 

She is ready to go!

Mother-daughter love.

Still Hanging In There

It's been ages and half since I last posted. It seems so much has been going on- I think about writing a quick post, but it's easy to let it fall to the bottom of the list of things to do!

February many people were hit with some hard news. We lost a very dear and wonderful friend. My heart goes out to his wife and family, as well as to all of our friends mourning his loss. It's hard being so far away at times like these. I have been trying to remember and truly practice, that we have prayer and prayer is most powerful. Powerful for touching those still living, and powerful for those who have gone before us.

Of course there is also the bustle and anticipation of baby coming. So in the month of February, I spent quite a bit of time meditating on the preciousness of life. Much of the time we find ourselves only realizing preciousness at the time of birth or death. Lord, help us to grow our awareness of the beauty of life during its many stages of growth as well.

My parents arrived in Malaysia at the end of February! This is their first visit and it's been wonderful having them! They have been enjoying get-togethers and outings, but also some downtime. Hopefully baby will arrive before Dad has to go back next week!

Some picture updates....

At 37 Weeks

38 Weeks

39 Weeks

Mom and Dad, Uncle and Aunty at the Port Dickson military museum. 

Edwin and the Dads inside the old English train.

40 Weeks to the day... still no baby!

These last few weeks have been busy, busy. Preparing for mom and dad, preparing for baby... And as baby has not come yet, I am thankful to take these remaining days a bit easier! Thank you, Lord, for your timing. 

Christmas and New Year's

What a great and busy month it has been! I'm also plenty exhausted :) We had some good times with family and friends and lots of good food. Third trimester is beginning to slow me down a bit more, but as you see below I'm now having to keep up with two dogs, my husband, and one baby jumping around inside! Now THAT is quite a chore!

Edwin and I in front of our little Christmas tree, with our alien-eyed Meera dog (when she was an 'only dog' still). 

Introducing Rosey, our little mutt-lab-looking pup. She's a sweetie, though she also has a bit of an ornery streak ;) Characteristics include: likes to be held and carried like a baby, loves any food you are eating, and curling up on any little rug to sleep.

Rosey loves to play and torment Meera. As a result, Meera is always searching for the tightest corner that she can curl herself into, in order to escape Rosey. Here they have found something to tear up... hmm I guess we didn't need that... ?

Now here's for some late AND current belly pictures!

28 Weeks

31 Weeks

33.5 Weeks

Looking at that last one, I realize how much belly and baby have grown! I honestly don't feel that big, haha! Time is getting closer to meeting baby face to face. What an exciting, slightly scary concept! We are also excited to have my parents for a visit, starting the end of February! 

One Year

I'm about a week late, but on the 8 December, Edwin and I celebrated our one year Anniversary! I can't believe how time has flown this past year. So many things to be thankful for, so much growth- not without the growing pains- adjustments, and so many blessings. Life is full, and is seeming to get busier... and baby is not even here yet!

I was meaning to write about being thankful around Thanksgiving. Shows how behind I feel! Now we are in the beautiful season of Advent, as we ready for Christmas. December is a very busy month around here, as we have Edwin's parents' Anniversary, our Anniversary, his dad's birthday, his brother's birthday, and Edwin's birthday- all before Christmas! But we have so much to be thankful for- and that goes for everyone. It can be all too easy for us to get caught up in busy-ness of the world. For me, I am easily brought down by the state of the world and current issues. Instead, it is important to be aware of the little things we should be thankful for, and those things that even as a society, may be hard to go through, but could result in great fruitfulness.

Take some time during Advent to just sit and reflect on your life and all that you have to be thankful for. It is a time to empty ourselves of that extra baggage or attachments we may have, so we can be filled with the gifts that Jesus brings at Christmas. God bless you during this time!

Driving for our Anniversary dinner- we had some Italian!

At dinner

Baby and I at 27 weeks (though we are currently at 28 weeks). Yes, I am still able to fit into the same outfit as the last picture!

Our Anniversary flower... it bloomed last year too, for our wedding day- ok, more likely for the Immaculate Conception!

25 Weeks

Little One Lawrence is 25 womb weeks today! About the size of a rutabaga, from what I read. Baby is a pretty regular mover, except when he/she is sleeping. Other symptoms I've had: a bit thicker hair (I need it!), fast growing toenails (I'm sure you wanted to know), always waking up tired, and usually an appetite for sizzling tofu. I have an aversion to onions and too much spicy food. This poses a problem when my husband pretty much always wants curry of some sort for dinner... and I make my new found recipe of split pea soup! But, he has been bearing with me well, and has never complained about my food. 

What amazes me is that with all the care taken when you are pregnant- extra vitamins... those for spinal and brain development, etc- there are still those people that contend that baby is not a baby until he is born. I just wonder, what brain and whose spinal cord do they think our body is working to develop? I just find it fascinating that all this growth and development goes on without me actually knowing what is happening. I eat food, I take vitamins and rest, I am careful, and baby forms! Ok, I know it's not nearly that easy. God is amazing like that. 

Baby News

I am finally announcing that we are expecting baby!

Most of you probably already know at this point, but it's always fun to make exciting announcements :) We are going to try as best as possible, and despite many predictions, to wait until birth to find out if baby is a boy or girl. 

Edwin and I are very excited! Of course for me the excitement comes with the (I'm assuming) usual pre-baby ups and downs- all the questions, thoughts and some worries. But, I do remind myself that baby is in God's hands and that is a beautiful thing and the safest place for him (or her) to be. 



Reality has begun to sink in a bit more, as baby grows and my belly has started to grow a little more. What an amazing, beautiful, and down-right scary thing it is to have a living being growing inside of you! I'm sure all new mothers have these mixed feelings. Sometimes I wonder how God can be so trusting of us, as to allow us to care for one of His creations. But, then again, God does not leave us alone and our children are not just our possessions to care for. This is quite relieving to me. Of course I want to be a good mom and I want the best for my children. But, I also must grapple with the fact that I will not be the perfect mother and mistakes will be made. All in all, it is more evident to me that our children are gifts. Gifts presented to us to care for and bring up; but we must also allow them to live life. Always have an open home, an open heart, an open ear (and of course the necessary parental advice!), but allow them to find their path. Afterall, my parents did this for me, and I am forever grateful for that. 

What a balancing act that is! I imagine parents for all centuries have struggled with those desires- wanting the best for their children, wanting to do things for them, but also wanting them to grow into their full person, figure things out for themselves and have that independence. We all have memories or can think of examples of things in our childhood that have scarred us for life, or had effect on how we are today. These fears can be paralyzing if we let them, and can hold us back! Despite the many fears and questions, I see that this is exactly how our Father grows us! It is exactly the questions and fears that can also motivate us to go out there and face them, and give our best shot! 

This does not mean being completely unprepared, but in my book mostly means picking up your armor of love! After seeing so many of my beautiful friends become spouses and parents, and many families growing up throughout life, I have come to the conclusion that the happiest are those with love. By love, I not only refer to the snuggly feelings that you get cuddling with your favorite animal or husband! But, the love that is worked out in the trials and hardships of life; the love that shows your family that you stick together no matter what; and the love that is determined to make things work. This is the spirit of 'be not afraid' that I would like to have the courage to take up for our family. 

I just read an article and watched a little video where Pope Francis spoke to the youth telling them to have the courage to get married and have children! (of course that is, if you do not have a vocation elsewhere!) Yes, that is what it takes- take heart and have courage! 

In response to one mother who expressed concern that her son was 30, had a girlfriend but did not want to get married, the Pope said 'stop ironing his shirts for him'! I love it! But it is true. I thought about how we can 'love' our children so much, that it can smother them and keep them from growing. However, we can also be people afraid to give up our known freedoms and familiar worlds. God asks us to take time to prayerfully consider and ponder these large steps in life, but there is usually also a time He calls us to jump in, and to do so joyfully and purposefully!  (if you are interested, the video and article link is below)

http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pope-francis-to-youth-have-the-courage-to-get-married-have-children?utm_source=LifeSiteNews.com+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=b63cdf3e02-LifeSiteNews_com_Intl_Headlines_06_19_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0caba610ac-b63cdf3e02-397574649

I'm sure I will have more thoughts to share as we near the beginning of March. But I pray for all those around my age who are faced with their vocation choices- marriage, career, priesthood/religious life. Whatever it may be, it can be a challenging time. But, these passageways are necessary for our growth as human beings, on our often rough journey in this world. Don't forget, our journey is to lead us to holiness, to teach us humbly about ourselves and about our Lord... and to lead us to Heaven to eternal happiness. And He is with us each step of the way!

Erin's wedding

As I promised, I wanted to share a few photos of Erin and Garrett Johnson's beautiful wedding! Here we go:

Setting up for the reception! This pig was just wandering around :)






                                     

Rehearsal dinner, Mr. Johnson making his speech to the Bride and Groom.

Finishing touches on the hair!

How shall we pose for pictures?

The beautiful Bride and Groom!

Ma and Pa Hart!

Pa and Kerry!

Final Blessing at the marriage ceremony.

Toasting the Bride and Groom.

First Dance!

Father daughter dance!

I got a father daughter dance too!

Mom and Pop also got on the dance floor :)

Garrett and his mom!

Cheesecake time!

The OSU Catering group- all of us that have worked there... It is a Johnson tradition, and that is how Erin and Garrett met.

God bless the new couple!