New rooms

Isaac helping to wash his walls on which he drew

I'm feeling sleepy but it's been a productive day.  Josiah's room is now officially Isaac's room.  I'm thanking God for the idea that popped into my head sometime this week.  I really wasn't sure about it but I decided to ask Isaac (after Graham said he was fine with it) if he would like to change rooms.  Right away he told me that he would like to be in Josiah's room and he's been excited about it ever since.  The switch happened today.  My parents dropped by to lend a hand and it didn't take very long. 

Isaac's old room is set up just as it was when Isaac was a newborn, though it is still a mess with a number of Josiah's things that I haven't dealt with yet.  Earlier this week I sorted all of our bins of baby clothes.  Everything was mixed up but now all the bins are labelled.  It will feel good to wash the newborn clothes and have them put away ready for the new baby.  It will also be odd to be prepared ahead of time but I think I'll like the feeling.

Isaac in his new room (not wanting to smile for the camera)

Isaac is very happy with his new room and I think it will be good that the new baby won't be in Josiah's old room.  I was thinking that I would picture myself rocking Josiah each time I rocked the new baby in the chair.  I'm sure that will still happen, and I'll be glad for the memories, but the different room will be helpful.   

I'm often picking up a few things at the grocery store on Saturday evenings.  I'm not sure if it's just at this time or all the time but the music that's played is often emotional and slow and even without knowing the words I'm always thinking of Josiah and I walk around in a bit of a fog.

I realized the other Sunday that we'd passed the six-month mark without me even noticing.  I guess I'm  further away from when he was alive every day and also closer to seeing him again. 

Graham and I are trying not to be anxious about this baby's arrival.  We're trying to follow Philippians 4:6-8 (below).  I have some labour angst (both previous births were a little traumatic in different ways) but mostly we're wondering what feelings will be brought up and how we'll do with lack of sleep.  I'm definitely more emotional when I'm tired, not to mention the crazy hormones that will do their thing.  I've also not had a birth in which  I deliver and then they hand me the baby and leave.  Both Isaac and Josiah were whisked away within a few minutes - I guess that's my comfort zone (I'm sure that sounds a little ridiculous).  I had NICU and CCCU nurses telling me what to do and I'm so thankful I did.  Of course, we're not hoping for drama.  Have I mentioned that I'm not a great juggler?  However, God has always provided and I know He'll be with us through the birth and transition period.  We will welcome our gift from God with joy.   

I enjoyed reading a book about parenting powerful children.  I think Isaac and I have some power struggles because my natural bent is to be a little too controlling.  I think being aware of this will hopefully help me to parent him better.  I'm also very challenged by the book Radical which I've mentioned previously. 

Thanks for your prayers!

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Philippians 4:6-8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.