6.19.2020

Surfacing
























For a few weeks after my last snapshot-laden post in April, I took more snapshots.  We woke to the phenomenon of heavy snow in mid-May and wondered if spring was on hold along with everything else, until the cherry blossoms decided that enough was enough and flooded the branches with a headier white. The world is swift and bright in spring-- the sunlight unfiltered, the green enthusiastic, all things new and glowing-- but I took few pictures. Because I now have a daughter(s) who shares my camera, which involves memory card switcheroo, I lost my memory card containing those few weeks of snapshots. I treat this often dusty space as a memory cache for me and mine, and also (and mostly) I am compulsive about proceeding in order, at least in a falsely tidy blog, so I then abandoned all will to continue shotsnaps. Plus, it's spring! We're slow-stewing in vitamin D and all the outdoor chores that really-truly never end.


















At best, I've taken a dozen pictures in the last month, and Millie is beginning to eye my (her?!) camera with the territorial gaze of a raptor. Two important events have brought me out of this temporary blog hibernation-- one of a sober nature and one of a super-duper nature.







First with the sober: for those who would, please pray for Mopsy. Last month, the hospital finally opened its doors a bit wider again, and she was able to have her overdue cancer scan. She has a new cancerous tumor that needs to be removed, and the surgery is this coming Tuesday the 23rd, followed by six weeks of chemo. Please pray for her peace, health, and continued joy, and please pray that the surgeon will successfully remove all the cancerous bits. Thanks to those of you who care enough about this dear, little mother to lift her up to our Father!

Secondly, I want to share an exchange I had with Cadence, but before I do so, you need to go here, scroll down, and read the comments on this old post.
I'll wait.










Still waiting.










Are you finished?






Okay.










HURRAH! After 14 months of perimenopause, with all of its attendant hot flashes, wacky mood swings, wacky body other-stuff, massive weight gain, even through the summer (What?! You think candy and doughnuts contributed to this? No chance!), I figured that God was probably easing me into older age and that babies to hold from henceforth would belong to other people. I so fully enjoyed Skylark's babyhood and early toddlerhood that this prospect, though strange and bittersweet like most transitions, was not rife with regret that I had not soaked up that last baby like I should have. And Skylark didn't mind being indulged by Last Baby Syndrome, at all! She was still sleeping beside our bed and still nursing at nearly 2 1/2 years old, a luxury afforded no other Owen baby. What a joy she is...







And what a complete delight and utter wonder it is to be growing a little one within right now. I haven't been to the doctor yet (give me a couple of months), but I think I'm about 20 weeks right now. This baby's greeting was a shining ray in the gloomy first days of March and will arrive in the dreary first days of November, so we're calling him or her Sunbeam, or Sunny.

I've just begun feeling the kicks and stirs of daily movement and often am filled with first-time wonder-- grateful and, at times, in awe at being included one more time in the Shaper's creation of new life.

So here's to double digits!


17 comments:

  1. Congratulations! I had a feeling you weren't done with babies yet! My grandma (who had 12 children) had her last at age 42. I am so happy to be a part of that big family, and it's fun to follow along with your family's adventures too.

    Rachel

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  2. This is such happy happy happy news - rejoicing with you!

    Also, will be holding you dear beautiful Mom in prayer.

    Love to you all.

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  3. <3 Joy, joy, joy! I was just the other day pondering your beautiful family, and wondering if you truly were at the end of the line of sweet babes. Enjoy. Soak. Love.

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  4. I love this glorious news, and you look radiant! Praise God for His abundant blessings!!
    Prayers for continued good health and safekeeping, especially for your sweet Mom whom I've consistently kept in daily prayers. ♡♡♡

    Much love!

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  5. Aunt Nancy will be in our thoughts and prayers. May she feels God's tender arms around her as she walks this road again. We love her very much!

    I was just asking the big boys if they'd heard how you were doing. I'm so thankful to see that things are going well! What joy and wonder there is in being a mother! I can hardly wait to see you next month. Much love from all of us to all of you!

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  6. Congratulations on the new edition! Love the name Sunny for a boy or girl--it has a very hippie, "summer of love" ring to it. And we'll keep your mom in our prayers.

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  7. I am so excited! What is better than babies? :)

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  8. Rachel,

    My mom had her last at 42, also! I'll be 41 1/2 when this babe is born. Think I can squeak another into the family before I turn 43? ;) Thanks for your kind words about our family. From what small stories I've heard from you, you have a rich heritage!

    Thanks, all, for joining in our joy! This little one is sure cause for celebration.

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  9. Congratulations. You look beautiful. I hope you are feeling well.

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  10. Abbie, you look positively radiant. Just Beautiful... Congratulations on Sunbeam, I'm so very happy for you :)

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  11. I missed my calling as fortune teller. Just sayin'.

    As we shared life together this past year, I heard some of your comments on the end of your child-bearing years turn more sober and resolute, as if you were preparing yourself for her being the end of the babies. I greatly admired the strength and gratitude with which you faced that possibility... and I am incredibly grateful that it was just a 'practice run' for a future date.

    Because this world needs as many Owens as it can get.

    THANK YOU GOD, FOR GIVING US ALL SUNNY!

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  12. PS. You are so beautiful!

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  13. HOORAY! And Praise the Lord for your Mom's surgery! My great-grandmother had eleven babies- the last two were born when she was 47 and 49!
    I can't wait to see this sunny baby! Congratulations!

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  14. Thanks, everybody! It's wonderful to know that Sunny has friends already.

    Sadiecp,

    A bow to your great-grandma! Wow. That gives me something worth shooting for! :)

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  15. Congratulations - Sunny is going to be the most perfect addition!

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  16. I’m know I’m dreadfully late reading this, but I still want to offer my congratulations!!!
    What a wonderful blessing each little one is!! I will keep you and Bub in my prayers!
    Blessings
    Renata

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  17. Thanks, Liana and Renata!

    I love knowing that you both still pop in to see this outdated beast from time to time. Hope all is well with you and your families!

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