Church Update

I have been meaning to write this particular update for several weeks, but you know how it is, right? Anyway, Zach and I chose a new church home last month, Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana. Some of you might remember that it's the church we visited on our first trip to Indiana back in May, but when we moved here in the summer we just weren't sure it was the right place for us. We began attending a Baptist church in the area but after nearly five months there we found ourselves pretty discontent. We still felt like strangers, and we didn't feel the church was helping us grow spiritually. It was hard to contemplate leaving, though, because the pastor and his wife really had made efforts to reach out to us, though no one else had.

The first Sunday we decided to revisit Sovereign Grace we immediately felt it was where we belong. Countless people introduced themselves to us and we were invited to a Care Group (small group Bible Study), which we've now been attending for a few weeks. The people at Sovereign Grace are passionate for Christ and that passion overflows into a love for people.

I still pray for our old church. They have a caring pastor who desires to see the congregation grow in numbers and maturity. But it's just not the right place for me and Zach. I am so thankful that God has led us to a place where we can worship Him with likeminded people and hear His Word preached well.

Do I Look Happy?

Because I am. Happy, that is, whenever I sit in my new chair. It arrived yesterday and it is the most comfortable piece of furniture I have ever owned. It was a bit of a splurge for us as far as nursery items go, but I think it was worth it. As soon as our kiddos (Lord willing, Austin will have at least one sibling) are a little bigger, this chair is going to move across the hall into my bedroom. I think I will be spending more time in the nursery for the next six weeks, though, now that there's a great place to sit and relax!

Surprise Shower

I went to Women's Club Book Group today expecting to just enjoy a nice discussion about our latest read, eat lunch, and come home, but after the discussion the ladies surprised me with a little baby shower! I was completely shocked, especially since I have only been part of the group for a few months. Austin received some cute clothes, a handmade sweater, some miscellaneous baby gear, and of course some books. I have been touched over and over again by how warmly the ladies of the IUP Women's Club have welcomed me into all of their activities. They have helped me enjoy my first year in Indiana so much.

Organizing

In general, I like to organize things. So I have spent quite a bit of time this past week doing a project that was fun for me on several levels: organizing all of our new baby things in Austin's room. I never would have guessed that it would take so long just to take tags off and to take things out of packages! Then on to the washing, sorting, and folding. But I am so happy with the results. The nursery seems pretty ready to welcome a new baby.

Sorting stuff into piles as it came out of packages

A closet full of cute clothes

Diapers, onesies, sleepers, blankets, towels, burp cloths...babies need so much stuff!

And while we're on the subject of baby stuff, I have a question for my mommy friends: what do newborns wear most for the first month or two? So far we have more clothes for the 3-9 month sizes than anything else so I think we might need to get more small stuff, but if so what should I get? I'd love some suggestions.

Missouri Shower

I was going to do a blog post about the baby shower that my mom and sister threw for me this past weekend, but I think that what you really need to do is check out Megan's post about the shower. It is cute and funny and has good pictures. My sister is so clever--I would never have thought to put anything on the cake besides "Welcome Austin" or something kind of boring like that. Also check out the personalized onesie that she bought for my little guy. So adorable! Austin has a wonderful aunt, that's for sure.

So I am back in Indiana now and don't anticipate doing any more traveling until after Austin arrives, which incidentally is just about eight weeks away. I can't believe his arrival is getting so close! After my baby showers, I feel like we have everything we need to be ready for him; it just needs to get organized in his room. I am really getting anxious for this little one to make his appearance!