Making the most

Now that I can count the days left on two hands before baby comes, I think even more often about appreciating these pre-baby days with Scotty- doing what we like to do, when we like to do it. This weekend was full of those moments. Friday night we had a huge bonfire/birthday party at our land for our friend Tim. About 20 people came and we roasted sausages, hotdogs, and marshmallows over the fire, talked, laughed, juggled hot coals (Scotty and Tim started it), and enjoyed the true gift from the Lord that this property is for us. About 10:30 I hit a wall and announced to Scotty I must return to the house before I fell over from sleepiness... Saturday, I was able to spend most of the morning cooking dinner and dessert for some friends that were coming over in the evening. I've also constructed the reputation in our small group for making "yummy things" and so I made one of our favorite cake recipes- oatmeal with coconut icing. Small group, even though a huge part of our ministry, is also one of those special times I know will change when the baby comes along. I won't be able to sit still and uninterrupted for 2 hours to chat, listen, and share what the Lord is teaching me. Hopefully I won't have to miss many of these meetings and I always pray that the baby will conveniently take a nap during this time, but we'll see what reality has in store. I love to hear things like "coming to this group challenges me in my own personal walk with the Lord" or "I like to hear the perspectives and experiences of other believers because it teaches me so much and makes me want to grow more"- it is a gift that these people really are learning from the Word and from each other. They are also like aunts and uncles for our unborn baby. One family that we are particularly close to called us several times when the moon completed its cycle, sure that meant that I must have gone into labor. When they couldn't get a hold of us (probably because we were asleep), their 10 and 12 year old sons pleaded that they all go to the hospital together, convinced I was there. I love that people are so excited about our little girl! And Saturday night, we had the chance to have a sweet couple over for dinner who are super excited about doing medicine on the mission field, and a turn of events had us invite them last-minute to spend the night. That would not have been as stress-free with an infant around! Sunday afternoon was all-out relax. I took a nap, took a walk with Scotty, and made a come-back win in Backgammon. I have so appreciated these last few years, just me and him. As much as I think about how a baby will change our lives and our marriage- I am extremely grateful that the Lord has created her and can't wait to start this next phase of life.