Lance and I celebrated our 31 year anniversary with a trip to the beach. This is how we usually celebrate...with a beach trip. However, the usual beaches are hot and very sunny and the water is 78 - 82 degrees...we spend all our time in our swim suits and either on or under the water. However, because the economy is so bad we opted for a closer to home trip.

We hit the west coast shore of Washington State where the water is no doubt freezing we didn't venture in because the trek through the snow on the sand made us  tired. But we did manage to ride our bikes right along the place here the waves lick the shore. Sure we missed the sun, heat, sun, and did i say heat? Yet.we were together and really that is our most favorite place to be.

 

It wasn't long after we returned home that our family's latest prince arrived: Isaiah Lance Baldwin pushed into this world after only 5 hours of labor at a really neat midwife place. He was 8lbs 7oz and 22 inches long. Coralie and Josh were back home by 9am.

 It was crazy fast.

Abbie and Syl colored on a couple of signs for the house, we then decorated both the front and back doors. Later that SAME day, their friend Brooke came to shoot pictures. She is amazing, but Josh and Coralie are even more so. They look so proud/awake/happy rested in the photos. I think they only had 45 minutes of rest and yet they look stunning.

Me?

 I was rested/napped/snoozed for the following three days.

Lance would ask what was wrong? Why so tired?

"Coralie just had a baby....I'm exhausted!"

 

I practiced my knitting on little Isaiah..made him a blanket and a hat and booties. They turned out really well and I think will be my shower presents from now on.

 

Syl and Abbie have taken to being Big Sisters. Well, Abbie has reluctantly taken to it. Josh says when people ask if she's the big sister, her reply is, "No, I'm Abigail."

 

As our family continues to expand so does my awe to our Lord. He has done for us far beyond I ever dreamed and/or imagine. After five miscarriages I often felt not complete. With only two kids but wanting four, I always felt undone. But just as quickly I am reminded some folks are never given that blessing of children at all AND with eight grand-babies wearing me out, how would handle any more children?

 

God is smart. He knew exactly what He was doing when he blessed us with Josh and Jen. I am so glad He is God and I am not. Could you imagine the mess if it were otherwise ???