News for this week...

Just a quick update for y'all--which will probably be the last one until after Christmas...

On Wednesday, I officially finished all of my Christmas sewing, and have all the gifts bought, Christmas cards send out, house decorated, etc. This means that for the first time ever, I have practically two whole weeks to just enjoy myself and enjoy this time of year without all the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping (which I don't shopping like at all--unless I'm shopping for the baby, and then watch out!), and running hither and yon for different things.

Yesterday, I started cutting out a dress for Danielle. This will be the first dress that I have made for her. (I'll post a picture of the completed dress once it's finished.)


She had fun playing with scraps of fabric on the floor while I sewed.

I managed to get quite a bit of it sewn yesterday evening, and tried it on Danielle to make sure it was going to fit. I think she liked it--that, or she's a typical girl who loves trying on new clothes. :-P

Today, I did my morning chores around the house (dishes, vacuuming, laundry, etc.) sewed some more on Danielle's dress, and then my friend Rebecca came over with her daughter, Arielle. Our two babies had a fun time playing together. Although, at first, Danielle (who doesn't often have another baby to play with) didn't know what to think about Arielle, and just stared at her. But after a while, they both got to talking (as most girls do!), and seemed to make up their minds to be friends. It was rather cute. :-)

This evening I will go to my siblings' piano recital, and tomorrow begins Christmas for us (yippee!). We start with spending the day with Donald's parents and sister tomorrow, then Christmas #2 will be next Thursday with my Dad's family, with Christmas #3 on Friday with Donald's maternal family, #4 on Saturday (Christmas Day) with my family and Mom's family, and #5 on Sunday with Donald's paternal side of the family--with each one being in a different location. And yes, I know that's a lot of traveling, but at least we get to see everyone! I'm just hoping Danielle will survive all the long car rides--and be happy about it too. We shall see.

Anyway... If you don't hear from me before then, Merry Christmas, y'all!

Blessings,
Melody

Of Christmas Trees, Concerts, and Chocolate...

There is a song that goes as follows:
"Haul out the holly;
Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.
Fill up the stocking,
I may be rushing things,
but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
Yes, we need a little Christmas now."

Well, folks, I must confess that as soon as Thanksgiving is over every year, this is the way I feel--especially now that I have my own home and tree to decorate. So, Thanksgiving weekend, my darling hubby graciously brought all the Christmas things out of the attic for me, and I spent the following day (Monday) decorating our humble abode. Danielle watched in wide-eyed wonder as I plugged in the lights on the tree. She wasn't quite sure what this all was about, but I'm sure she loved how shiny and sparkly everything was.

Danielle is very mobile now, and rolls ALL over the place. The day after I put up our tree, I left the room (with her on the floor) for just a moment. I no sooner left the room, then I heard her cooing and laughing to herself. Now, normally I love her cooing and laughing....but something about this time told me that she had gotten into something (other mothers probably understand this), so I rushed back into the living room to find that she had rolled underneath the Christmas tree, and was engaged in wadding up my tree skirt and kicking at the branches above her. However, it was all so cute, that I made a photoshoot of it. Here are some of the pictures.


Last Friday evening, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Choir and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performed Handel's Messiah. My wonderful husband kindly took me and our adorable baby to hear them. It was simply WONDERFUL. Every time I hear that majestic music, my heart soars as I think of the King of kings, Lord of lords, the Lord of hosts, the Messiah, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace Who came down at Christmas, took upon Himself "a form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

I believe every Christmas season should start out with hearing The Messiah. It helps put Christmas into the right perspective. After all, as the Grinch learned, "Christmas...doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

Now I have told you about the Christmas Tree and the Concert, so perhaps you are wondering about the chocolate...

Well, I just wanted to mention that I have such a wonderful, understanding, loving husband who makes sure I am well supplied with chocolate when I need it. Why, he even (at my request) will actually go into the kitchen and cook Chocolate Oatmeal Drops for me when I'm craving them (even if it means getting ridiculed by his co-worker, who says cooking is women's work). This he did for this past weekend, and then also brought home some chocolate from the store for me. It's just a little thing, I know, but it means a lot to know he was thinking of me (especially when he was going to buy Drano for a nasty plumbing problem [our kitchen sink kept backing up, and filling up the bathtub...]), and it helps to make the Season bright.

Anyway...there is a little blog entry to let y'all know what I've been up to lately. With my pro-longed silence on my blog, I didn't want y'all to think I'd fallen off the face of the earth, so to speak. But with trying to get all my Christmas sewing (I'm sewing presents for all my siblings) and shopping done, I haven't had an abundance of time to sit and write, if you know what I mean.

Now to get back to that sewing...

Blessings,
Melody

Perspective

Life can be so busy sometimes, and it's so easy to miss the little moments that really count for eternity. Life has definitely been that way for me these last few weeks.

During the middle of October, two of my dear friends came to stay with me for a week. And while this presented a little more busyness than usual, it also gave me some much needed, soul-refreshing conversation with fellow sisters in Christ.
In talking with Chloe and Joy, I was again reminded that there is more to the world than what revolves around the doings in my household. Souls are dying out there. Babies everywhere, every day are being murdered by the thousands as parents choose to sacrifice their children to the gods of Selfishness and Convenience. I look at my baby and marvel that anyone could be so heartless.

Then, on top of friends visiting, there was traveling to be done (first to my husband's family reunion, and then later to see some of my family), the daily/weekly chores of laundry, cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, diaper changing, baby feedings, etc. It seems that there is never enough time to get it all done.

But yesterday morning, it hit me. I was so tired, and was holding my precious little baby who was wanting to be held, while thinking of all the things I needed to do: the bathrooms needed cleaning, there was grocery shopping to do, dishes to wash, laundry to fold, and the list went on. And here I was sitting here holding a baby who was only happy at that time if she was cuddling with me. I glanced down at her, and my heart melted. Her little face was tilted upward looking at me, while her hands clutched my shirt. Her eyes were filled with that baby-like trust, and she looked so happy and content to be sitting there in my lap.

It occurred to me, "You know, Melody, in the end, it won't have mattered if you always had a spotlessly clean house. But it will matter if you took out time to bestow on others--especially your own children." I then settled back and enjoyed an hour of cuddling with my precious little baby, and could not stop thanking God for her every time I looked at her.

And really, when Danielle grows up, I do not want her to remember her mother as one who was always so busy trying to keep the house "just so," that she never had time for her children. I want her to remember me as someone who loved her children, loved spending time with them, and who always had time to cuddle if they needed it. That is what will last--that is what will count for eternity. It's all about perspective. :-)


Blessings,
Melody

Thought for the day...

I just read a quote by Randy Alcorn (one of my favorite modern Christian authors), and found it really thought provoking, so I thought I would share it.

"God says, "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Rom. 12:9). This passage presumes we know the difference between good and evil. But in a culture that so often switches the price tags so that what's valuable looks worthless and what's cheap demands a high price, this doesn't come naturally. We must regularly withdraw to Scripture and ask God's Spirit to train our minds and consciences."

So true... May God grant each of us the discernment to know the difference between the valuable and the worthless--the good and the evil.

Blessings,
Melody

Life...with baby. :-)

Life with a baby can be quite challenging. However, it can also be rewarding. At times I am overwhelmed by the amount of things I have to do, and it makes me wonder how my Mom managed with 8 children...of course, by the time she had that many, I was able to help with a lot of the responsibility.

There is a never ending pile of laundry to wash--especially since I use cloth diapers. With feedings around the clock, other tasks tend to pile up, waiting to be worked in to the baby's schedule. Often as I sit and nurse, I look around and see the dust bunnies in the corners, the sink filled with dishes, the floor that needs mopping, and I wonder how I'm to get it all done. But then I look at my sweet Danielle's face, and remember that as long as I care for her and make sure her needs are met, that my day is not wholly wasted.

Danielle is growing quickly, and it seems every day she accomplishes something new. Last week, she started reaching for and grabbing the toys that hang over her play mat. We were both very happy at this feat. :-) Yesterday, she came soooo close to rolling over on her own, but unfortunately, her elbow got in the way due to her sucking on her fist.

She now is aware of things going on around her, and definitely recognizes her Mommy and Daddy. Yesterday, she greeted her Daddy when he came home from work with a big smile, and a laugh or two. She smiles when I talk to her, and coos and kicks happily when I look at her. She definitely loves her parents--and we love her. I do find it funny that when I'm around, she wants me to hold her. Yet when Daddy is around, she is content to lie in front of him and have him talk to her.

I am constantly grateful for the wonderful little swing that my grandmother gave me. Danielle enjoys her swing so much, and will remain happy in it almost indefinitely (until time to be fed or have her diaper changed). The last few nights this week, I began bringing her swing into the kitchen with me when cooking dinner, so that she'll be able to see and talk to me while I'm working. This arrangement has worked out nicely, as she stays happy the whole time I'm cooking, and I can actually get work done without having to stop and cheer her up.

This week, I started a fast pace exercise program called "Walk at Home." It is a DVD with an instructor on it who teaches you how to walk in place, combined with aerobic exercises that you can do while you're walking. With these different combinations, I can exercise the equivalent of jogging a mile in about 14 minutes. You see, I am quite determined to get back into shape and be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again as soon as possible. So, while Baby takes her morning nap, I stand in the living room sweating away (it really is quite the workout!) and burning calories. :-) Hopefully I'll start seeing results soon--results other than sore muscles, that is. :-P

So, between baby care, and trying to clean the house and cook meals in between, I stay very busy. Some days it doesn't all get done. I'm just grateful for a healthy baby and a loving husband who never walks in the door and gets upset with me because there are dishes in the sink, or the laundry didn't get washed, or I didn't manage to make it to the grocery store that day for something he needed. I married a most understanding man. :-) And, for his sake, I do try to always work one thing into my schedule...I always make sure to fix myself up every morning, so that he doesn't have to come home to a sloppy looking wife. I think men can sometimes forgive the mess if they have a well kept, clean looking wife. So, faithfully each morning, I fix my hair and throw that makeup on, and dress neatly so that he won't ever have cause to be ashamed of my appearance. And so far, it seems to be working. ;-)

Life is busy indeed, but the little bundle of joy God added to our family (who is the cause of this busyness) is definitely worth it. I wouldn't trade her for a spotless house or all the money in the world. I love my little blessing, and thank God daily that He bestowed her upon us. I love seeing her smile at me, feel her hand stroke my cheek, getting "baby kisses" (which is basically her placing her open mouth on my cheek), having her clutch on to my shirt, seeing her Daddy totally enamored with her, and knowing that my task of sustaining her life--which began while in the womb--is not yet completed, and that for now, I am her sole source of nourishment. :-)

I have a Supreme God, a loving husband, a beautiful, happy baby, a cozy home. I'm fulfilled as a woman. :-)

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:3-5).

Blessings,
Melody

The baby has arrived!

Dear all,
Most of you who read this blog have already heard this news. But for those of you who haven't, I am now the mother of a beautiful baby girl named Danielle Grace. She was born on Wednesday morning, June 30th, at 9:22 a.m. after 53 hours of labor. Yes, I know, it was long--and very painful too.

I woke up Monday morning, June 28, at 4:00 a.m. to a contraction. "This is different," I thought. As time went on, the contractions got more intense, until I finally woke my husband at 6:00 a.m. and told him that I was pretty sure I was in labor. I called my midwife and parents a few hours later to inform them. My parents insisted on coming over right away, and took me and Donald out for lunch to Panda Express (at this point, my contractions were not so intense as to keep me from eating, and I needed to keep my strength up). We then went to Costco to get some things we needed, and also so that I could walk around for a while, to try and speed things up. At this point, my contractions were coming about 8 minutes apart.

The midwives arrived that evening, and thus began the long vigil. The contractions were quite painful, but were coming irregularly. Finally, after a long and exhausting night, my midwife told me that I was experiencing Prodromal Labor, and that the baby was posterior. She suggested that I take Benadryl (to help stop/slow down the labor) and try to get some sleep, while she and her assistants went home to get some sleep. I did as she suggested, and woke up 2-3 hours later in full blown active labor (wow, were these contractions even more intense!). I informed my husband that he needed to get the midwives back. They returned, and after 16 more hours of the worst pain I've ever experienced, our little daughter finally made her appearance.

God was so gracious to me during that time, and did indeed give me grace for each contraction. There were many times during those 53 hours, when I was so exhausted that I just knew I couldn't go through another contraction. But when it came, I cried out to God for strength, He gave it, and I somehow got through that one. Christ's words in John 16 are so true: "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world." And truly, when my wonderful midwife handed Danielle to me for the first time, I started laughing and forgot all about the pain of the last few days as I held my little girl. She was definitely worth it!

Since then, I've spent a lot of time resting and trying to recover from the birth, adjusting to motherhood, feeding my baby, and loving her. While I am more tired than I used to be, I am completely happy, and love my little snuggler. :-)
Anyway...there's a brief update for y'all. I'd write more, but alas, due to having a baby, I'm afraid I don't have much time to sit at a computer. :-P

I've included a few pictures in this post, but for those of you who don't have Facebook, and want to see more, here's a link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=375725&id=596110155&l=9033e2ec45. Also, here is a link to some photos taken by Photographer Hope Helms when Danielle was just a week old: http://www.hopesphotoblog.com/?p=1046. Enjoy!

Blessings,
Melody

My life for the last 10 months...

Wow, I cannot believe it has been about 10 months since I last wrote anything for this blog! To all of you who like to read it, I sincerely apologize for my failure to keep you updated on my life. It's not that I've been too busy...it's just that whenever I do sit down to write something, I want to tell everything--not just the basics, and it therefore takes me a long time to write, which discourages me from doing it at all. Silly, huh?

Well, let me try to give a basic rundown of the last 10 months to catch you up on what has been happening in my life.

Last I posted, I was still recovering from a car wreck. Well, I'm happy to report that due to the excellent care given me by my chiropractor, I was almost completely back to normal by my birthday (July 30), and was able to go ice skating with my siblings to celebrate. I continued to see the chiropractor through the end of August, by which time I had recovered so completely that Dr. Hodge told me that my back was stronger than it had been before the accident (I had never fully recovered from a back injury in 2007). While the wreck certainly wasn't something I was happy about, God knew what He was doing. :-)

In a previous post, I mentioned some health problems I had. Well, upon going to a doctor, I was told that while there was something wrong with me, he didn't know what, and as far he could tell, I was a perfectly normal, healthy woman. He then wanted me to come back in a month for some more tests.

However, I never went back to him. Through the story of the woman in Luke 8 who had "spent all her living upon physicians, neither was healed" until she touched the hem of Christ's garment, God convicted me that I had not sought Him for my healing. So, I decided that I would not return to the doctor, but would instead ask the Lord to heal me. Shortly afterward, a homeschooling mother (who used to be a nurse) heard about some of my health problems, and had a long talk with me and told me about some herbs and vitamins I should take to restore balance to my system. I promptly took her advice...

And...

Not only did my energy return and my emotional ups and downs even out, but about 2-3 weeks later, on October 17, 2009, I found out that I was PREGNANT!!!!

Now, Donald and I had been wanting to have a baby, but due to my health at that time, thought it impossible. Nevertheless, during that time after I decided not to return to the doctor, Donald and I began praying together to heal my body. Then, about two weeks before I discovered my blessed condition, we prayed specifically that God would bless us with a child--not knowing I was already pregnant! Before we called, He answered! Isn't God amazing???? :-D

Well, it was rather humorous...because for two weeks there, I had felt WONDERFUL and had so much energy. But, God answered our prayer for a baby, and behold, the energy was no more. In its place came nausea and fatigue. However, I decided it was a good exchange. I would much rather have the fatigue with a baby, than fatigue without a baby. :-P

The nausea stayed with me for a good 13 weeks, before mercifully departing and leaving in its place an intense, almost constant hunger. However, I did discover that the best way to keep the nausea at a minimum was to eat something every 2 hours--thereby never letting my stomach get empty. Once I discovered that that helped, crackers and granola bars found their way into my purse, so that I would never be caught without something to eat.

After finding out that I was pregnant, I guess the next big thing that occurred in my life was mine and Donald's first Christmas together.

It was so much fun getting to decorate my very own house, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Then, God had a special surprise for us: He gave us a White Christmas! Can you believe it? A White Christmas here in Texas???? It was amazing, and gave Donald and I something special to remember about our first Christmas together as man and wife. :-)

Next on the list of "happenings" is our first wedding anniversary--June 3, 2010. Can you believe that we've been married a year now? I definitely could not.

Well, Donald and I decided to be traditional with this anniversary (although, I don't think we really had a choice in the matter) by getting sick on New Year's Day with the stomach bug (for those of you who don't remember, Donald was sick with the stomach bug on our wedding day and throughout our honeymoon). On our anniversary, we both felt rather weak, but knew that we were mostly over it. So, we headed out to East Texas to spend a few days at the same resort where we spent our honeymoon.

Donald obliged me and took me out to Olive Garden that evening for dinner--despite the fact that we didn't really feel like eating (but I knew that I needed to eat something for the baby's sake, if nothing else). We discovered that while our stomachs were not ready for any of the entrees, their salad really "hit the spot." We decided that after being sick like that, our bodies were just really craving raw veggies...so we consumed an enormous amount of salad that evening. And let me tell you, nothing ever tasted so good. :-)

For just a moment, I would like to take a break from my run down of events, and reflect on my first year of marriage (or rather, on the last 478 days of marriage). I learned so much during that time, that I think it is fitting and proper to state some of it here on my blog. :-)

First of all, let me just say that God knew what He was doing when He gave me Donald for a husband. I am convinced that Donald is the only one on this earth who could have been my "Mr. Right." We are similar in so many ways, yet different in others. And our weaknesses and strengths complement each other's.

Secondly, one of the biggest things I've learned is about Romance. Yes girls, Romance--our favorite subject. :-) But, surprisingly, it is not what you think.

I'm afraid all too often, we girls tend to stereotype romance based on what we've seen in movies or read in books. I mean, what is it that you think of when you think of romance? A man looks at you with adoring eyes, whispering words of love into your ear; A man who surprises you often with roses, chocolate, candlelit dinners, or dazzling gifts of jewelry, etc. And, granted, I used to think the same way. In fact, I remember once while I was courting, one of my sisters told me that she didn't think Donald was very romantic. When she pointed that out, I told her she didn't know what she was talking about. But inwardly, I measured him against this stereotyped ruler, and thought that he might fall a little short in a few aspects. But, my idea of romance could not compare to the romance God had in store for me.

When I first got married, I am ashamed to say that some of my actions prevented me from seeing this romance. "Miss Independent, 'I-can-do-it-myself'" kept getting in the way, blinding me to the truth. Too many times, Donald would offer to help me do something, and I would protest and tell him I didn't need his help. He would then disappear with a hurt look in his eyes. While I was thinking he should be proud he had a wife who could do things for herself, he was hurt and disappointed. For, by rejecting his help, he felt as though I was rejecting him.

After several such incidences, I came to realize that one of the ways he shows his love for me is by DOING things for me. When I rejected his offer of service, in essence, I was rejecting his demonstration of love for me. How foolish can a girl get? Since I started letting him serve me in various ways, I must say that I have become the happiest little housewife possible. Now that I know that is his way of showing he cares about me, I see every little act of service as his way of saying, "I love you."

Thus...while romance can include your husband surprising you with roses, chocolate, or jewelry, that is not all that is involved. True, godly romance is loving each other through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer. It is not merely a passionate, gazing-adoringly-into-his-eyes, showering with gifts kind of love. It is a love that loves through the ordinary and mundane kind of days--Days when you have to pay the bills, go to work, do the laundry, scrub bathrooms, mow the lawn, or weed the garden (none of which sound very romantic).

True romance is working hard every day to earn a living for your family. True romance is being understanding when your wife didn't get your work clothes washed that day because she wasn't feeling well. True romance is holding a bowl in front of your wife when she is giving up the contents of her stomach, and then cleaning up afterward. True romance is calling your wife just to say that you love her, or to ask her out to dinner that night. True romance is voluntarily cooking dinner, cleaning the bathrooms, vacuuming the floors, and doing the dishes so that your tired, pregnant wife can take a break.

True romance is staying up really late disassembling the spare bedroom and putting the baby crib together in order to surprise your wife when she gets up the next morning. True romance is organizing the pantry and the laundry room cabinets to again help your pregnant wife by relieving her of a task. True romance is repainting a spot on the wall that has been bugging your wife, or mowing and weeding the lawn, painting the mail box, and fixing other things around the house. True romance is not just telling your wife she looks pretty when she's all "fixed up" for the day, but when she isn't, and her face is peppered with pregnancy-caused acne. True romance is going on an evening's walk with your wife, just sitting and talking, or driving out into the country to look at stars and marvel in God's creation.

In all these things, and in so many more, my husband daily shows his genuine love for me. Thus, while others may look at Donald and think he is not very romantic because he might not fit the stereotyped romantic image, I look at my husband and see the love pouring out of him as he serves me and others. I think of Christ, and how He did not come to earth to be served, but to serve others, and remember that husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loves the church, and am so happy and grateful in knowing that I have a husband who fulfills this command in all his actions towards me.

So, when I hear of other young men showering their sweethearts with gifts that fit the "stereotyped image," I just smile and know that my husband daily gives me something far better and far more priceless than any gem money can buy: his heart of purest and rarest gold. And let me tell you, I would not trade one of those demonstrations of his love for anything money can buy. Donald has given me gifts that cannot be stolen, and will not tarnish or fade away. I thank God so much for the wonderful man He bestowed on this unworthy and undeserving girl, and am fully convinced that I am married to the most romantic and loving man in the entire world! :-)

Anyway...there is my little sermon for the day. :-) Now I will return to the previously broadcasted news schedule. ;-)

On February 2, impatient little me went in to the midwife for a sonogram. There, Donald and I were thrilled to learn that we are the parents of a little GIRL!!! Both of us had really wanted a girl, so were very excited to learn that our wish was to be granted. The name we have chosen for our first daughter is Danielle Grace. "Danielle" means "God is my Judge," and "Grace" means "Unmerited gift or favor." I truly hope that Danielle will always remember the meaning of her name, and early come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ when she realizes that God truly is her judge, that He found her guilty of sin, but pardoned her and gave her unmerited favor through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ.

So, while I am awaiting the arrival of our precious daughter, I have been keeping myself busy with lots of sewing projects. In January, I made curtains for our living room, dining room, and kitchen windows. Then, recently, I have been making a baby quilt for Danielle's room. I finished it last week, and am now working on making matching crib bumpers, a crib bedskirt, and curtains for her room. I have also kept up with my harp studies, and while I will not be taking exams again this June as originally planned (because Danielle is due to arrive mid June), I am learning my exam pieces, hoping to have them mostly learned before the baby arrives, so that it will be easier for me to prepare for the Fall exams.

Then, besides all that, I also go walking for about 30 minutes every day in an attempt to keep myself strong and ready to run the "marathon" of childbirth in June. God has blessed me thus far with good health throughout my pregnancy, and no apparent problems. Little Danielle grows bigger every day (a fact evidenced by my growing belly), and it is one of my delights now to sit and watch my belly ripple and jump as she "swims" and kicks inside of me. Donald put together a CD of him reading passages from Psalms and Proverbs with Classical/Baroque music in the background for Danielle to listen to. So, every evening, I get out the headphones, and place them at the base of my belly and let her hear her daddy read to her. She must love it because her activity greatly increases when I do that. :-)

So, here we are now almost into May, and I am now 32 weeks pregnant, with only 8 weeks left to go. While I had a great increase of energy in my second trimester, now 4 weeks into my third and final trimester, my energy is decreasing, and I am also dealing with a few other pregnancy related woes (namely, swollen ankles if I stand or sit for too long at a time). However, I am very much anticipating the arrival of my daughter, and cannot wait to see her face to face in just a few weeks.

Donald is really getting excited too. He set up the crib for me the other night, and told me later that he keeps imagining going to the bedroom door and peeking through it to look at his little girl as she sleeps. He's going to make such a wonderful father...and he already adores Danielle even before she's born. It's so cute, really. :-)

This whole pregnancy experience makes me think of Christ's return. For, just as I know neither the day nor the hour when Danielle will arrive, so I do not know when Christ will arrive. However, I do know the general time line based upon the "signs of the times" that God has given us both in pregnancy and regarding His return. Also, just as I so eagerly await the arrival of my little girl, and long to see her face, so I should have that same anticipation regarding Christ's return. Oh the joy that will fill my being when I finally see my baby! But even greater still will be the joy of seeing my crucified and risen Lord returning to claim His bride! The signs of the times are getting clearer every day for those two "happenings." They will both happen soon. Am I ready?

And on that note, I shall close this lengthy epistle, and hope to write again soon. I hope you all are doing well. May the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Blessings,
Melody

p.s., And for those of you who are wondering, we're getting another addition to the family later this year (besides Danielle). As of Resurrection Sunday (April 4), my brother Richard is now engaged to be married. And I believe I heard the date was set for September 18.