Almost 24 weeks:)

It is very obvious to me and everyone else that there is a sweet child growing in my belly. (I know, I know he is not actually "in my belly". But, it doesn't seem as cute to say "in my uterus")

I feel little Ben kicking and punching all the time. I am growing to love it. Of course, I loved the first couple of flitter~flutters that I felt, but as this guy has been growing he is getting much more aggressive. There are times that I am so engulfed with appreciation of this baby that I want to feel him punch me, I love to feel him hiccuping, I long to feel him twist and turn. This may be our last biological baby, and I don't want to take any of this time for granted. Sadly, I think I may have done that in the first two pregnancies. Knowing that I would have another. Then, when we had a miscarriage and the thought of maybe not having another became a reality, something switched in my mind. A true desire to appreciate and be thankful for every single day and minute swelled and became my desire. How grateful I am that the Lord saw fit to grant me the desires of my heart. Because of Him, these precious desires are becoming part of my reality.

The kids are getting more excited everyday. I think seeing my growing tummy has made it more real to them. It is a sweet time. They always come up and talk to their baby brother, telling him about their day and that they love him. It is fun to watch their love for an unseen baby brother grow. I can't help but be reminded of our Heavenly Father. We can't see Him, but we can see the works that He is doing. It is undeniable that He is here, and we can feel His moving at times, just as the children can reach up and feel Ben moving. They can't see him, but they know he is there. At first, it was a trust that what we were saying was true. That there was indeed a baby growing within me. Now, as we have continued to teach them and they see with their own sweet eyes, the progression of their trust has turned to a full on knowledge. And with wide eyes and joy in their voices, they tell others of this life that they are hoping for in December. Speaking of Ben is something that we do everyday. Talking to him, singing to him and telling others of him. It is such a beautiful picture for them of who our great God is. It is such a joy for David and I to show them Jesus in everything that we do. To talk to Him and sing to Him. To be drenched in His love and share that with others. To speak with open eyes and true joy in our hearts of the Hope that is to come.

Thank You, sweet King, for the chance to show our children who You are. Thank you for the many opportunities that you give us daily to see You, to talk to You, to sing to You and tell others of You and Your amazing love for us. Because of you, we live. Because of you, we have hope for things unseen. How great is the love You have lavished upon us!