Ordinary Miracles

It took a few stops for me to realize they were doing exactly what I hope they will always do--exploring their world with wonder. Finally, I realized I should forget the destination, we were out to see what we could see.

We visited with a neighbor working in her yard and realized we go to the same church, and she let them pet her very sweet Sheltie and play with the pool table in her garage. They climbed crepe myrtles and jumped in puddles. We saw a bird's nest and a ladybug crawled up on Wonderboy's shirt. We visited with another neighbor. (Let us trick-or-treat at your house once and they'll think you're friends for life!) They raced, and then took turns trying to walk ever so carefully on the curb, Wonderboy's soft little hands grabbing mine for balance.

All told, we went 4 blocks. Maybe. It took us about an hour. In the end, would I have won a prize for completing our original mission in record time? Wasn't the point to enjoy nice weather and spend time together?

The idea behind all this was the inspiration for the title of this blog in the first place. These children are miracles, even though children are born every day. The wonder and innocence and discovery with which they approach ordinary, everyday life is miraculous. They are surprised, entertained, scared, excited and curious about things which I take for granted. To have someone (or two, or three!) walk beside you on life's path, pointing out all the joy and mystery that would otherwise be missed, is a transformational and precious gift.

So, enjoy your walk. We did.

Answer: great. Both the baby and I are doing great. We're at 31 1/2 weeks, and everything that can be checked, measured, scanned or in any way quantified is exactly as it should be. I am getting tired and sore more easily now, and take frequent breaks. This has been my healthiest and easiest pregnancy, and so I can't complain that I'm finally having to slow down.

This child is extraordinarily active. He or she started moving earlier and more vigorously than either of the boys. The sonographer confirmed this in my most recent scan, noting that they normally record fetal movement as "good," but this time she was going to have to write, "great."

We really must find names. I'm hoping to come up with two names for each gender. I'd love to say more, but we just don't have any to share as of yet.

We've pulled the essential baby items out of storage and are trying to find places for it all. It won't be long now!

Speaking of time, I'm asking for prayers that we reach 37 weeks, which is full-term. I have full confidence this will be the case, but I'm asking for agreement anyway!

Sunday presented an interesting choice for SK. His grandfather and uncle were processing venison at the dining room table and KiSA was working on the car in the driveway. I thought, "how many little boys get the opportunity to have so much masculine influence at once?" In the end, the rhythmic motion of the meat grinder mezmerized him and kept him inside, but he did check in on his dad from time to time. WB missed the whole thing, due to a nap. Tough to be two.

Below, wrestle time! Taken at the end of October.