Pregnancy update...

She is still inside!

Ok, you may not really understand the significance of this... so let me explain.  Marc was born at 5am when I was 34 weeks and 3 days.  Today, for baby #2, it is 10:30am and I am 34 weeks and 3 days. Perhaps a small success... but I am thrilled that our baby girl has now officially been "cooking" longer than Marc was.  Our doctor visit yesterday went well, and she said that the baby looks strong and healthy (and LARGE for her supposed age), and if she comes any time now will do just fine.  Hooray!  Now.. let's see if we make it through Christmas and the New Year!

Whenever this baby arrives, we are excited to welcome her into the world and our family.  We trust the the Lord knows just the right time for her to come, and anxiously await that day!

Happy 4th Anniversary!

Yesterday Jarrod and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary.  These 4 years have gone by quickly, and  each year gets better and better.  So glad I get to spend the rest of my life with this man!

Jarrod surprised me coming home with roses and the urge to "go get ready" because we had reservations at a very nice traditional Korean restaurant, the Samwon Gardens.  This place is special to us because Mr. Lee (Jarrod's former employer in Seoul) took us to this same restaurant 5 years ago, during my first visit to Seoul.  He arranged a babysitter to come and take care of Marc (the first person other than Mom and Dad to put Marc to bed at night... tear! ;)

 So, with that we left on what will possibly be our LAST (for a while) pre-baby date night, - a night complete with tasty food, great atmosphere, and wonderful company. :)

The garden area was decorated with Christmas lights, making the evening magical...

 ...despite the COLD. ;)

AND then... Dessert! YUM.

 Over the course of the evening we were able to reflect on our marriage and together decide on goals for this coming year,  highlighting both a Fruit of the Spirit and one of the Five Love Languages to focus on for the year.  I am excited about the direction we are heading and the journey we are on together.
Thank-you, Sweetheart, for a wonderful evening!

the creative genes...

Marc loves to be creative.  One of Marc's favorite activities is coloring - he especially likes to color a picture that Daddy or Mommy drew for him.  :)

He also loves stickers, and arranging them.. and rearranging them... and trying them out in different places around the house until he finds the spot he wants to put them. :)

It is so fun to watch him and wonder what is going on in his mind.  He is always busy!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I know, I know, you are thinking that we have broken the "wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate" rule. BUT. I live in Korea, and the Korean thanksgiving was in September. :)  No, really - we really enjoy the Christmas holiday and in an attempt to fully enjoy this season, we decided to decorate (...two) weekends ago.

Marc was really helpful (and Jarrod was REALLY patient) putting together our tree this year.

Marc thought that the Christmas lights were great, and really liked putting all of the "balls" on the tree.  He found a nice branch and would stick them in... only occasionally launching one into the next room. :)

Marc thoroughly enjoyed setting up the decorations, and surprisingly, he is leaving the tree and ornaments alone now that we have them on the tree.  At least once a day, he will point at the tree (generally when he wakes up in the morning) and say "Wow!"

This Christmas season is extra special for us as we get to share it with our son.  He still doesn't really get the concept of presents, but knows that he gets to play with some new "toys" that light up and play fun music.  He is really a "blank slate" when it comes to what Christmas is all about - it is a joy to teach him that Jesus in the reason for the season!

Marc just saw this picture and said, once again, "Wow!"

May you enter into this holiday season with renewed wonder at the miracle of Christ's birth as you share the joy of Christmastime.

My Husband ROCKS

"In Love, serve one another" Galations 5:13

As this pregnancy continues (30 weeks on Sunday!), I have found myself able to do less and less around the house.  Somedays it seems like all I can do is keep up with Marc's shenanigans... and our house suffers for it.  Jarrod has really picked up the slack recently and done some (less desirable) chores around the house on his days off.  

I am so thankful for how he serves me and shows me his love by taking this burden off of me.  It blesses my heart even more to see how he is modeling this servant attitude for Marc.  

Jarrod and Marc are such buddies - Marc loves it when they play with toys together (Mom doesn't know how to play with cars or figurines in the same way..), go to the park, read stories,  or watch cartoons... and Marc knows that his daddy is the one to pull on when he wants to get in the bathtub.  

I could not ask for a better father and husband; I am so thankful for him!  What else can I say... my husband ROCKS! 

Yongsan Family Park

So, I thought I knew a lot about this city, but it seems like I always discover another hidden treasure if and when I look.  Today was one of those days.  Less than 10 minutes away from my house is a delightful park that has open fields, wooded paths, lakes, and a playground! :) Marc rounded up his ball this morning, and we set out to discover the park together.   

We couldn't have chosen a better day, the sun was out and shining brightly - and we were able to thoroughly enjoy the beautiful (and unseasonable) 70*F weather in November!  
Marc LOVED it there, sometimes I think he even forgot about me.. he was having such a good time exploring!

 (click on the pictures to enlarge!)

 Near the end of our time there, a Korean daycare came to the park and played on the playground.  Marc was super interested in what they were up to - and when everyone went to the field for song time, he wanted to join them!

We love Fall!  It is definitely our favorite season to be in Korea!

Getting Ready

Yesterday (Sunday) marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester. Hooray!  For this baby, I do not want to be caught off guard.  With Marc, I had great intentions and planned when I was going to wash his clothes and crib stuff... only to go into labor the day before my planned preparation date.  So - not only do we already have clothes washed and put away (LOVE the little girl clothes!!), and a gift for Marc from his sister ready (well, not wrapped...), but we are starting to talk about this new baby coming with Marc.  I am pretty sure he has NO idea the changes that are truly in store for him, but he is enjoying getting to play with his "baby".

 Look Mom! I can help!!

 Hmmm.. that looks pretty good!

 Maybe I'll have a try...

 How do you get this stuff out?! 

If you look at the picture, you can even see Marc pulled out a diaper and proceeded to place the baby doll on the diaper, in perfect diaper changing position. :) I didn't even have to train him!  Now, with a little guidance, I may just have a willing assistant when it comes to diaper changes. ;)  What a good big brother!