Two babes.

The first is my third child, due in July. Here's a picture of "Salami Shank" so dubbed by my three year old son.

Nice.

At least my older child calls it "Rosie".

Obviously, both my children have strong preferences on gender. Good thing it's not a decision I chose and have to live with the problem of being a major celebration for one and a epic disappointment for the other.

The second is my fourth. Yes, I am having two babies in one year! That's what Carolyn and I call our joint book project, The Measure of Success, due out February 1, 2014. Here's what it look like if you haven't seen it already on my Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and every where else :)

Here's a quote from the back of the book:

Discover God's view of the successful woman

Should a woman work? Can a woman be feminine, godly, and ambitious? Is work only for women who need the income? Is there any sanctified ground between the stay-at-home mom and the aspiring executive?

Whether you are married or single, young or old, and whether you work inside the home or in the marketplace, Carolyn and Nora create a rich vision for fulfillment through an understanding of the compelling foundation for the biblical call of productivity.

Far from the stone-throwing arguments that often occupy the discussion around women, work, and the home, Carolyn and Nora show how the redemptive message of the gospel allows the Bible's teaching on the role of women to coexist with ambition. It creates a fresh vision for the profit we all gain from encouraging female contribution in the home, society, and church.

If you've ever wondered whether you're living the life that most glorifies God,The Measure of Success will help you answer that question.

My bio on the back says that I ran several entrepreneurial candy and lemonade stands, so I thought would share a picture of my first with my childhood friend. Aren't we cute?? Can you read the sign on the right? It says, "Keep your cups if you wint more." That was the Dutch in me trying to be cheap and resourceful.

I can't wait to hear what you think about our latest venture! In the coming weeks, you'll hear more about how we would love to hear from our readers on their work and how they define success, as well as a few fun giveaways!

If you want to read more specifically about work for women and see less of me and my pictures, then you can check out my other site here.

Welcome little man.

Grant John Shank was born at 7:35 pm last night, following in his sister's footsteps as a change-of-shift baby. He weighed 7 lbs 12 ounces and measured longer than his sister at 20 1/2 inches despite being a week early. We adore him and he has been a very mellow baby thus far (compared to the wild indian, his sister).
The induction process went easily once it was under way. In fact, while we were waiting for everything to get straightened out (they had mistakenly scheduled me one day earlier than a full 39 weeks, which was against policy) I had dialated to twice what I measured the day before by 10am. Despite it being an early morning and long day, we are so grateful for the miracle of a healthy baby boy.

Here we go...

We are scheduled tomorrow morning at 5:30 am for an induction for baby boy's safety! God has answered my prayers that I show some progress over the last week, some signs that we are more ready to deliver. Having never had an induction, it is both exciting to know when but also scary because of all the unknowns. Thanks for all the prayers and pray for continued safety and a smooth delivery.

Baby update

Our current top name favorites are: Logan, Greyson and Grant.
We are less than a month to go here and my doctor said I am already a little dialated and effaced. Now for those of you who know, I was like this with Kate for the entire last month...but, most people have everything go by halves with the 2nd one-- half the labor time, etc. So, we might be meeting this little guy sooner than we think.
I would appreciate your prayers as these last few weeks wind down and I try to care for both myself, the little boy, as well as a very busy toddler. Kate told me yesterday that she needed "marsh-mallows RIGHT NOW". This is my daughter. She is also still cutting teeth and waking up at night, so I am progressively more tired. Therefore...off for a nap :)

Pregnancy Update

Can you believe I've only posted twice about this little boy? We have about 90 days to go and the thought that consoles me is that boys don't really want to read all the gory details of their in-utero experience like girls do. Here's a pregnant picture of me (by request) at almost 7 months.

My pregnancy has gone well this time, without any major differences. I am tired, which I expected, but it still suprises me. I realized that my pregnancy with Kate was only different because we lived with other people who did most of the cooking, cleaning, etc...all I had to do was light cleaning, laundry once a week and ironing. So it is no wonder that my home routine with a full-sized house involving cleaning, cooking, shopping, laundry, ironing added to the activity of a toddler is leaving me ready for bed so early!

He is constantly reminding me of his little life around eight pm, when I sit down at night-- I hope this is a pattern he will not continue once he is finally here! I tjink he is bigger (longer) than Kate as his little feet seems to run into my inner parts much sooner. And his head--o my. If his head is up (which I never felt with Kate) I can hardly breathe or eat...so I am expected a bigger headed, longer boy.

I may have a different allotment of energy for this baby but my heart has been more inclined to pray for him. I have sensed, with some trepidation, that God will call him to carry forth the legacy of the gospel from our families. We do not have a first named picked, but his middle name will be John, after Travis' great-grandfather, a godly man of faith. Both of our children come from strong families of faith. Both of our great-grandparents (our children great-great grandparents) have a strong and reliable heritage of a heart inclined toward faith in God.

I pray that for this little one, our first son, and the first grandson on both sides. I pray that whatever his name will be and whatever path he will take, that God would take hold of his heart and direct his paths.

Time for...

basketball, football, baseball and every other kind of sport...because Baby #2 is a boy!

Announcement

If you didn't catch it on facebook...Number 2 Baby is on their way-- due around late May.
I only had three weeks of feeling nauseous and fatigue--and at week 10 I am feeling much better. Sonogram pictures were done but the baby looks like a gummy bear, according to the sonographer, which is funny, but accurate. We'll get some better pictures around 20 weeks, as well as hopefully figure out if it's a girl or boy!

Myth vs Reality

What they say about "milky lips" is true. That look your child gives you of a drunken sailor after they eat, with milky white lips to prove their overconsumption, is precious.
But what is myth is that it smells good. I don't know about other mothers, but my child's breath smells like green onions. Go figure. My husband always has said that I have a strong scent. Her breath proves it.

Super Sling...

I have received several requests for information regarding the sling I use with Kate. She loves her Sleekmama sling... I got the unlined one due to the season and heat, but there are fabulous warmer ones for the winter as well. My friend Heather makes them here in the Phoenix area and they are very popular amongst my Phoenix friends. Thanks Heather for your gift and for your great product!

In the life of a mom...

You can never finish a whole cup of coffee.
I am learning that life is measured in half cups, not whole ones anymore :)

My how things change...

Can I just say that it is incredible NOT to be pregnant? Caveat: I have had an extremely easy and satisfying pregnancy with no true cause for complaint. The situation, however, merits commentary.
I feel like the incredible shrinking woman. Does every postpartum woman feel like this? I no longer have eight pounds of Kate in me, plus, what the doctor commented was "a very large placenta" (coming from the practice who was scheduling my fifth ultrasound for the day after she was born to check fetal growth) and all the other volumes of fluid and such. Every time I look at Kate I think, "How did she really fit inside me?" And...let's be honest: when was the last time you dropped 23 pounds in a week?? I still cannot button my regular pants and I have more to lose, but I have never felt so skinny in my life.
You have this incredible experience watching everything shrink before your eyes in a matter of days. Of course your belly shrinks, but I didn't realize how everything else grew too. My ankles returned, where I thought mine weren't even particularly swollen and my fingers leaned out to where my engagement ring fits again; after a few sweaty episodes, body muscle definition returned; and even my face feels thin again. I am like a swollen grape dried up into former raisin glory :)

According to...

Drew, aged three:

"Mommy, I want to go see Nora. Jesus took the baby out of her tummy! I want to go see Cake!"

Thus the nickname is born: Cupcake.
At the doctor's office yesterday, the assistant mistakenly recorded her weight in the chart as 8 lbs 15 ounces instead of 8 lbs 1.5 ounces (born 8 lbs 3 oz)-- The joke was that she better be careful with those cupcakes Erin brought over... you know, sweetie, you better watch those cupcakes...they go straight to your thighs :)

hello world

An update from the home front... we are all doing great! all eight pounds of me are eating well, sleeping pretty well (last night I only got up twice!) and doing my "business" at a rate that surprises daddy :) i have my doctor's appointment and my second car ride today. i have taken walks around the block for some tanning as well as to keep up with my highlights (did you hear that i was late because i was at the salon getting my hair highlighted?) my cord stump fell off today and boy did it stink! i also had my first bath yesterday, but i didn't get in all the way... i've had enough water for a while. we have had a lot of visitors too...they keep bringing me presents, which i love, especially the clothes.
most of all, i am a very content baby if i could say so myself, unless i get overtired. i smile at mommy and daddy all the time when i am well rested. they say that they could not be more delighted; they say that i am the most beautiful girl in the world...

Our Little Kate

Lost Mail

Every day for the past 30 days we have received a note in the mail.

My brother, Peter, inspired the family to write us a note for the big T- 30 countdown to the baby. Some of them were humorous, some were spiritual encouragement; and most of all, they were a creative reminder of our supportive and loving family back East, who try to participate fully in our lives even though they are far away. I read what I thought was the last one yesterday morning.

But when we got the mail last night, there was a stray that found it's way a little later into our mailbox.

I read T-11 this morning as the manna from heaven that God must have intended that it should be. My dad wrote, "You're in good hands... with the All-mighty God!" His words were perfect, seeing as I woke up discouraged and feeling like God is distant from this situation.

He said:

He is faithful, and will watch over your moves, your quitting, your unpacking and packing, the exams, your papers/projects, your cards, your timing belts, oil changes, your dialation, breathing and birthday, your nursing, your nursery, your waking and sleeping, your crying, your hugging, your diapers and doctor's appointments. There is great upon grace, kindness upon kindness! Ephesians 3:17 : "May he dwell in your hearts through faith...may you comprehend the breadth, lenth, height and depth and know the love of Christ".

God used that passage to remind us that He does indeed love us and have this perfectly timed. From one Father's heart to another, we are reassured that we are in good hands.

D-Day

I was reading the baby journal I started at the beginning of my pregnancy this morning, and I realized that the day I thought of as so far away is now here. How fast it has gone. How quickly time has flown. So many adventures between moving, travel, jobs, and school. And now we arrive at baby.
This delay is good for us. It gives us more to look forward to. We are anticipating this child with even greater joy. Yes, it is hard to wait. There have been moments of tears and frustration. But we believe that this was God's good plan and a sign of his great love and faithfulness.

Baby Update

My friend Becky calls it the walk of shame.
Well, I've walked it.
But I think I was glad to walk it...right home to my own bed, and not to a hospital bed.
I had very strong and regular contractions all Wednesday night (thanks to the full moon) and woke on Thursday with the same kind. We went to the doctor's and she checked me.
I was 4 cm and a little more effaced.
She told me to go to the hospital after walking 1-2 hours and if my contractions continued.
They did.
We waited even longer, then went in around 3pm.
They put me through triage and decided that I had progressed after an hour of walking to 4.5-5cm. But basically I was not in enough pain to keep me. So I went home. Ate dinner. Watched a movie. We went to sleep. At that point, my only thought was: "I don't want to be in labor right now, because I am just too tired." Thank you Lord we slept great.
So now we are back to start again. Still waiting.
This takes a lot of patience.
All I can do is pray. And walk.
So Travis and I are off on a walk.
And you can pray for us all.

Baby Update: Week 39-- We're still here...

Just waiting for this baby to pop.
It seems comfortable in there.
Everyday we have a stretch of contractions for a couple hours, but then they die down.
Please pray so that Gigi and Grammy can get their grandbaby fix soon. They dragged me through the mall for three hours yesterday in hopes of accelerating the process with some "walking" therapy.
No crazy therapies for me though. We want this baby to come in God's timing.
We are just praying that the full moon tonight will pull it out :)

Baby Update:Mommy Growth

Baby Update:Who knows the day?

There is no new progress this week and the events of the weekend were...well, uneventful. On Friday the doctor told me that I hadn't changed from the previous week's assessment: I am still 3 cm and 60-70% effaced.
I wasn't disappointed. We are excited to see what this baby is and when it comes, but only the Lord knows the day. I stopped my hiatus on exercise though over the weekend hoping to encourage things to move along because my mom arrives this morning. We are grateful that God has all things planned but we feel very impatient at times. Yesterday I was so tired that we stayed home from church. I pushed it too hard on Saturday and paid the price. Then, even after only a short morning nap, I couldn't fall asleep until almost midnight. I think insomnia is common with pregnant women but since I haven't experienced this before, I was truly annoyed. But I can do nothing but trust the Lord and wait.
This is the pattern of our lives: to wait upon the Lord. We were encouraged to read this from June 8th in Octavius Winslow's Morning Thoughts:

Now the just shall live by faith: - Hebrews 10:38.

We cannot too frequently nor too deeply study the profound meaning of these words. God will have his child perpetually looking to, leaning upon, and receiving from Him. At present we are but in an immature state. We are not, therefore, in a condition to be trusted with grace for the future. Improvident and careless, we would soon squander and exhaust our resources; and when the emergency came, we should find our selves unprepared to meet it. The Lord, in wisdom and love, keeps all our grace in His own hands, and deals it out just as our circumstances demand. Oh, who that knows his own heart, and the heart of Christ, would not desire that all his supply should be in God, and not in himself? Who, so to speak, would wish to be his own spiritual treasurer? Who that knows the blessedness of a life of faith, the sweetness of going to God in everything, and for everything, would wish to transfer his mercies from Christ's keeping to his own, or wish to hold in the present the supply of the future? Be satisfied, dear reader, to walk by faith, and not by sight. You have a full Christ to draw from, and a faithful God to look to. You have a "covenant ordered in all things and sure," and the precious promise, "As your days, so shall your strength be," to lean confidently upon all your journey through. Be content, then, to be poor and dependent. Be willing to travel on empty-handed, seeing God's heart opened, and Christ's hand outstretched to supply your daily bread. Oh! it is sweet to be a dependent creature upon God- to hang upon a loving Father- to live as a poor, needy sinner, day by day, moment by moment, upon Jesus- to trace God in ten thousand ways- to mark His wisdom here, His condescension there- now His love, and then His faithfulness, all combining and exerted for our good- truly it is the most holy and blessed life upon earth. Why should we, then, shrink from any trial, or flee from any duty, or turn aside from any cross, since for that trial, and for that duty, and for that cross, Jesus has provided its required and appropriate grace? You are perhaps exclaiming, "Trouble is near!" Well, be it so. So also Divine grace is near- and strength is near - and counsel is near- and deliverance is near- and Jesus is near- and God is near- and a throne of grace is near; therefore, why must you fear, though trouble be near? "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."