lake city

Earlier in August we met up with Rory's folks for a day in Lake City. This summer has been a change of pace for two big reasons... #1: Alden. A little baby will slow you down a bit. And #2: Animals. We can't really go anywhere overnight without a whole lot of details to be passed off to someone else. So I am trying to work within the parameters of a day. Where can we go and what can we do for a day of vacation that will have us back home by 7. Lake City is one of those places.

Alden and I were, in fact, on this trip, but I don't have any pictures of us! Ha! But aren't these darling of the others? My kids are getting so big and it catches me off guard. Like every day.

We played at the playground and ate incredible donuts. And most hilariously, we took a picture (that must be on Rory's phone) while eating the donuts and gathered on one side of the picnic table. Which lifted the other side of the picnic table high into the air. Somehow we didn't tip completely on our backs, but it was so close. And slow motion. We laughed hard after the fact. Then we went out for lunch and then got on the Pearl of the Lake, a big paddle boat that takes you around Lake Pepin for 2 hours. It was an unusual fallish day for early August and windy on the boat. But it was nice to be on the water. I'd say we would love LOVED it if it was a one hour boat ride. ;)

Then we went to Redwing for ice cream and walked around a bit. It was a great day and as always, I can't wait to get back to that big water.

quick! before church!

Sunday morning we all ended up wearing some sort of blue in our outfit and I wanted a picture of me and the kids before we loaded in the minivan. So we got all lined up, but then Richard the chicken came walking by and Hattie doesn't really like chickens after our big grey rooster charged at her when she unknowingly cornered him into the raspberries. So Richard came walking by and Hattie started to panic and these are the best pictures Rory captured of that morning. In the end, they are pretty much more true and honest  of my time with my kids than all four kids and me smiling at the camera. 

grandma's gladiolas

My mom arranged gladiolas for competition again this year at the State Fair in the horticultural building. I used to do this with her before I started having kids...and one day I hope to join back in. Largely for the fair food and the excuse to get to be at the fair for two days. But also because I love the creativity you get to tap into as you play with beautiful flowers. 

After the Flower Show, my mom will bring many of her arrangements home, take them apart (the bottom flowers on the glads are often dead) and then make new arrangements to give away. But even better, she brings all the supplies for her grandkids to make their own arrangements. 

Ivar made his in a dump truck, so I think that's why Elsie made hers in a wagon... But they loved playing with the oasis (the green foam that you stick flowers in, filled with water to keep them alive) and were very, very proud of their gorgeous creations. 

And Alden was just happy to see grandma and tell her all about his day.

a hug from Hattie

"you look great. and no one is going to remember you."

This week is Jesse James Days. Actually, it's THE DEFEAT of Jesse James Days, since you wouldn't want to glorify the bad guy. Last night was Townie Night, where all of the food vendors open for the evening and the weekend begins.

I asked Ivar on Wednesday if he wanted to do the Tractor Peddle. I think that's what it's called. The thing where the kids peddle a little tractor that has a weighted wagon and see how far they can get. The kids who get the farthest get a trophy. Everyone get a can of pop. We have watched this event the last two years and I thought he might want to participate this year. He said, "I think I'd be too embarrassed having all those people watch me."

So I told him about how I spent way too much of my childhood caring way too much about what other people thought. But that when I became an adult, I realized that no adults cared if I did or didn't do something. Adults are actually cheering on every kid just for trying. My concern about what others would think was all in my head. I said to Ivar, "the funny thing about the tractor peddle is that no one is going to remember you. Think about it. Do you remember a single kid who did the tractor peddle from the last few years that we watched? I don't remember anyone! Except that one kid who cried so hard because he got nervous and I felt terrible for him. So as long as you don't cry, and you just try it, you'll get your pop and can be proud that you were brave and tried it."

He decided to do it. And was nervous all afternoon before we left. He went up to put on a clean shirt and had trouble picking which one because as he said, "I want to look nice but I don't want to be remembered."

So he chose a blue shirt and his favorite black shorts and wore his new tennis shoes and john deere hat. As we went downstairs I told him, "you look great. and no one is going to remember you."

He did great. He peddled hard and it was heavy. His pull put him right in the middle of the pack of 6 year olds. He got his Dr. Pepper that we let him drink at 7pm. He was proud and I was more proud. And guess what? I will remember him. And how fun it was to watch him be brave.

labor day 2017

Today we loaded the four kids up and took off for Ikea. Rory drove the truck and I drove the minivan so we could bring home a table for homeschooling. So far we have done our lessons on a folding table and I've had dreams of Rory building me a custom table since last spring. But it never was built so I found one at Ikea that would do the trick.

Before we left Rory informed me that the cost of gas would be $22 for this 2-vehicle, round trip excursion. He's always full of fun facts like that! 

So we drove to Ikea. Our minivan was rocking out to Days of Elijah, my kids very favorite song since family Bible camp. We listened to this version from youtube on repeat. For 45 minutes. There's no God like Jehovah!

We arrived at Ikea at 11:00 with the rest of Minnesota. But we were in this. I actually love a good crowd. My Fear Of Missing Out is completely cured in a crowd because when we're milling about "like ants on a dropped ice cream cone" as Rory put it, you are definitely not missing out. You are in it. 

So we wound our way around the top floor of the store, stopping to look at tables and chairs and Ivar cried that he felt unsafe with all the people and did I know where Hattie was? And why do you like this place? I told him it is good that he now knows he doesn't like big crowds and to be grateful we hadn't brought him to the State Fair. 

We made it to lunch and found out that as long as you spend $100 in purchases (like a table!), Ikea would cover your lunch, up to the same amount. You can only imagine the mayhem. The family in front of Rory bought a $104 lunch! Honestly, I'm impressed. The Swedish meatball meal is only $4.99. You would have to really work hard to get to $104. Rory bought $35 worth of chicken strips, meatballs, drinks, cheesecake, ginger cookies and spaghetti. I nursed Alden, everyone ate a good meal and Ivar said maybe he did like Ikea.

So we rallied. We went downstairs for Ikea Round 2 and found a whole lot of things we never knew we needed and put them in our cart. About half way through Hattie started yelling "all done! all done!" from the cart and we fed her bits of ginger cookie to keep her quiet. 

Finally we got to the area with the ginormous ceiling fans and found aisle 17, bin 25 and grabbed two cardboard boxes that held our future homeschool chairs. Then we went to aisle 24 and found bin 22. And it was empty. Our table was sold out. The one that we drove an extra vehicle to pick up. The one that was going to tip our receipt over $100 so Ikea would buy our lunch. 

So Rory left to find a worker just to be sure, Alden stretched and kicked his legs on a tall stack of big brown boxes, Hattie was strategically fed another whole ginger cookie, Elsie sang a happy song to herself while dangling her feet on flat boxes and Ivar cried that he never wanted to come here again. I think most people were thinking the same thing.

So we got in line to pay for the chairs and the impulse buys in our cart and the lines were crazy long. Alden was fussy so I brought him and Ivar and Elsie over to the exit where there were couches facing each other. We all sat on one couch and people watched. Lots of people came and went on the other couch facing us. But at the very end there were three people who took a seat. And I think they had special needs, though I'm not totally sure. But there was something a little off. Lots of snuggling and for a while napping. But then the girl got her phone out and cued up the camp classic, "Baby Shark." She put it on speaker phone as loud as it went and as the verses played she joyfully did all the hand actions like the best camp counselor I've seen. "Mama shark duh, duh. Duh, duh, duhduh." She smiled and bounced as she opened and puckered her fingers for grandpa shark. And we just stared, watching the whole, entire song. Maybe we shouldn't have. But I think she was fine with the audience. And you would have stared too. Plus, it was basically the best thing that had happened to us all day.

We loaded the minivan and there was another special request for Days of Elijah. Shocker. Again we sang the 8 minute song on repeat with Judy Jacobs all the way home, "Behold he comes! Riding on the clouds!" And then I asked God to redeem our day. The kids wanted to know what redeem meant, and I told them that God can take our wasted time and effort and restore it. To make the day count for something.

When I got out of the car Rory commented that when I first asked him to build a table I had elaborate plans. But when he saw what I was wanting at Ikea, those tables were way simpler to build and he'd be happy to build one like that. We got out a tape measure and we talked through the perfect length. Then he drove to Menards. He's been working since supper and just moments ago he finished the most perfect home school table, custom for our space. It won't be ready for our first day of school tomorrow because I want to paint it, but I love it. 

So the day was redeemed. By Jehovah. And a baby shark. And a good husband who calculates the cost of gas to Ikea and takes his wife there anyway.

corn roast 2017

Last weekend we hosted one big potluck picnic at our farm. It was a gathering for families, to celebrate family and marriage. Our greatest goal for the evening was for families to make a memory together at our farm and for husbands and wives to drive home feeling encouraged and motivated to pour into their marriage. It think both goals were accomplished.

When each clan arrived we sent them on a family scavenger hunt. We used Bible Verses as the clues to direct them to the next destination. And once they arrived at a destination there was a family mission they had to accomplish. For my own sake, I'll post the scripture and missions in another post so I can use them again sometime. It was a fun way to introduce everyone to our farm and people seemed to enjoy the family missions.

There were a bit over 100 people here, and half of them were children. But it didn't feel chaotic or busy. Everyone sort of spread out all over the farm. We roasted a whole lot of sweet corn on the grill and enjoyed one massive potluck. It didn't dawn on me until the moment I walked through the line that I had thrown my dream party: a potluck at my house! I love a potluck!

When each family arrived we asked them to guess the weight of the rutabaga we had just picked from the garden. Each family had to make a group guess and the winners were the Ring family below. Guess what they won? The 11.8 pound rutabaga!

After dinner we had three couples share their marital wisdom and encouragement for couples with young families. I cannot say enough good things about the content shared. It was so motivating to me, and encouraging. My mom and dad were one of the three couples...the will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in December. FIFTY YEARS!

Rory and I worked really hard on this gathering and we worked so well together. One night we were up late as he cut out a bean bag toss in the shape of our barn and I sewed bean bags with barnyard fabric. And we were having so much fun. At one point he said, "this is called a corn roast. have you ever roasted corn?" Neither of us had. So we experimented all week with how long to soak the corn before you put it on the grill. We shredding chicken breasts 10 days in a row that we cooked in the crock pot. Rory had spread sheets of things that needed to get done that were in 8pt font. We worked hard and could barely put a sentence together the next day.

Huge thanks to my folks who helped with set up, flowers, my kids and table setting. We had awesome volunteers and worked them hard. We are grateful and thankful and look forward to hosting another mass picnic next year.

summer worship

This spring Rory and I took turns going up to the barn for quiet time. When I was up there I would read my Bible and pray. It was a really incredible time when God's Word was coming to life in all sorts of ways. (It always does, by the way, we just need to be committed to opening up the book and listening to what he is saying!)

Each day I found a new scripture and wrote it on the dry wall. For a week straight every scripture I found had something to do with trees planted and bearing fruit. It was really amazing. God was speaking and I was hearing him. 

When I went up there I would look on the walls to see what Rory had written on the walls early that morning. In a really sweet way it was sort of like leaving love notes for each other. It felt intimate to read what God had been pouring into him earlier that day.

As a result of those weeks of prayer Rory felt we should hold a Sunday night time of worship throughout the summer.  And even though I was super duper pregnant and about to add a newborn to the mix, I was totally on board. I think because the Lord had been speaking to me, too. It felt like a natural outpouring from our own times of prayer.

We started the first Sunday of June and had no agenda other than: 1) Sing and Worship 2) Pray 3) Pray for Healing 4) Seek the Spiritual Gifts. Rory and I never planned a thing. We walked out to the barn with everyone else and had no notion of how we would fill the next hour. It was truly the body being the body. If anyone had a song, or a word or a scripture or a prayer request or a testimony they could share it whenever they wanted. Our only parameters were that we began right at 7 and ended right at 8 for bedtimes.

My friend Lacy took these pictures from our last night of Worship which was on Sunday night. Every week the mix of people was different, with a few faithfuls who came every week all summer long. But as you can see in these pictures, we were overflowing with kids! This last night there were 18 kids under 8! and only 20 adults. That is a wild ratio. And great for a joyful noise. And this last night was our only night all summer when it rained a bit. Which is really loud and fun up in that metal barn!

And as God faithfully does, he gave us a really good gift this summer. My kids loved having it each Sunday night and I felt a special joy that they took such ownership in the evening, just like I felt such ownership in my church growing up. Sometimes they colored on the walls, this last time there was play dough. Sometimes they sat and sang with us. But the best part was always Sunday night after they were put to bed and we'd hear them singing the songs we sang earlier that night. There is a special joy in passing on the faith. There is nothing quite like hearing praises come out of  your little one's mouths.

an Alden smile for your Monday morning

I told Rory that when I am most exhausted, an Alden smile will move my energy meter from empty to full. Oh to get the feedback you've been earning since day one! (and while carrying that little life inside!) It's hard earned, but so worth it and so good. That smile says, "I like you. I'm glad you're my mom. Thanks for feeding me all the time. And thanks for changing my diapers right away. You might have noticed I don't like a dirty diaper one bit. So thanks for that. And you're good at what you do. I've noticed how much you have going on, and I think you're amazing."

a picture of Elsie's cucumbers

the poor me's

Well today was the day. Alden turned six weeks today and so far I have felt great mentally and physically. But today I had an epic melt down that came to a head at breakfast when I opened the egg carton and saw there were no eggs. It made me cry big, sorry tears for myself. Because, you know, we have a coop just 20 feet from our front door full of morning eggs. But I was sad I had to go and get them. And that they weren't in the carton waiting for me.

Melt downs are so funny after the fact.

In the moment I was trying to get all four kids fed and out the door so we could take Ivar and Elsie to Kid's Club. And I just didn't want to go because Elsie often is shy and needs me nearby and Hattie is a wanderer and doesn't want to stay in one place and Alden would need a diaper change and a feeding and it was a cold and dreary morning. But I couldn't bow out because Ivar worked so hard on his memory verse for the week and he was so excited to find out how they were going to make their Helmet of Salvation to go with the rest of their armor.

So I felt stuck and tired and did I mention that there were no eggs in the carton?!!

And this situation unplugged the cork and Rory got an earfull.  Everything came tumbling out about how I need to order our books for home school so they arrive before we begin the school year. There was much more, but I will spare you.

Lucky for me, I have a husband who listened to the whole sad story, walked 20 feet and returned with eggs and offered to drop Ivar off at Kid's Club so I could stay home with the other three and...eat my eggs.

I ate my breakfast, drank my coffee, took my vitamins, fed the baby, organized my thoughts in a to-do list, started with a few of the items on that list, listened to my favorite worship songs (This is my very favorite lately, and I love this one, and this one) and two hours later the kids and I went to pick up Ivar. We played at the park and I told my sad story to two girl friends and I felt the gift of complete understanding. And then we came home and I ticked a few more things off that to-do list so there isn't quite as much rolling around in my head tonight. Which feels great.

And I made sure there are eggs in the egg carton. Two of them. For me. First thing.

...and crayon on the wall

One day this week I noticed some green crayon scribbled on the wall in our sunny room. Then I saw pencil scribbled on our white window trim. Followed by yellow crayon on our hallway red wall. And then purple crayon on the kitchen cupboards and walls.

I saw all of this at the same time and I was more amazed that I haven't caught ANY of this in the act than I was at my newly embellished walls. Based on the designs, I'd say this graffiti art was done at different times, but definitely the same artist.

Anyway, it made me laugh and realize that clearly there are many things happening in my house of which I am not aware. Again, my bar is so low to keep everyone fed and reasonably happy that other things are definitely slipping through the cracks. Like toddler training on wall art.

the happiest

Tonight we were at Rory's parent's house and I said aloud to my father-in-law that I think this past month has been my happiest as a mother. I feel so content and completely grateful to have this life and the great joy of raising these four amazing kids. I don't know if I've ever been this overwhelmed with happiness with a newborn before.

And I have three reasons why I think that is true:
I've had babies before and have learned a lot along the way. 
This is a funny thing to say aloud, but I am simply improving my mothering game. I think I wrote this before, but I'll say it again...I know what to worry about and what not to worry about. And this should be the case. With all things, you get better with experience and practice. I have had a good deal of both from three other babies, and I'm better at all of it.

Alden is a sweet, calm and easily comforted boy.
This has to be said because it is true. He's just a kick back kid. And so clearly that is a major factor in this happy, blissful season. And I LOVE having a newborn. I love holding him, nursing him, burping him, laying him on my chest, watching him when he lays on my lap. I'm soaking him up, knowing how crazy fast he will grow and savoring him just as he is.

My expectations are right where they should be.
And this is the biggest factor for this happy season. I told Rory that my only goal each day is to keep all four kids fed and safe. If I add anything else onto those two goals I end up either resenting the thing I am trying to accomplish or the kids. So I have completely stripped down my commitments, things to do and personal expectations. I still get other things done but it's more bonus than expectation. I know this time of interrupted sleep is just for a time. I know that this slice of life is just a small slice. Everything will resume and life will have its demands. But as much as I am able, I'm going to reduce those demands and mostly lower my expectations of what I can accomplish in these first months.

And those three factors seem to be the secret sauce for a very happy season of motherhood. Believe me, I still have my moments. I'm generally caffeinated during the day and should go to bed earlier than I do.  But on the whole, we're just living our days as a family of six and it's a good, good life.

one week with Alden

I had someone ask me about Alden's birth story and it dawned on me that I haven't told anyone really how it all played out. Instead, I have been telling everyone about Alden's Second Day of Life story.

Alden was born after lunch on a Thursday. And we left the hospital after supper on Friday. It was just the three of us back at the farm that night and on Saturday morning our kids were coming to meet Alden for the very first time. We had a family friend offer to come and take pictures of the joyful reunion and so everyone was scheduled to arrive at 10 am. We couldn't wait to see our big three. And they couldn't wait to meet the new baby.

Rory and I were having a very peaceful moment with Alden in the nursery before everyone arrived. We were listening to Andrew Peterson's The Sower's Song, a song that holds lots of special meaning for our family. Rory was sitting in the glider rocker holding Alden and we were thanking God for this little life that had been given to our family. A huge raptor was soaring out the window, dipping down and back up in figure eights, huge and mighty.

After a while Rory asked me to look out the window to see what was attracting the bird. I looked out past the garden, and there in front of the barn was one of our sheep, all four limbs pointed straight in the air.

"Ah, Rory. This is terrible. There is a dead animal in our field."

Rory jumped up, handed me the baby and gasped. It was such a shock. We haven't had to deal with death on our farm yet, in any major way. I said to him, "the kids come in 10 minutes. they can't see that." And then our friend Jenna pulled up our lane with her awesome camera, ready to capture the joy of this epic sibling introduction. I watched her unload her car from the nursery window, while watching Rory struggle to move the huge sheep by the front hoofs. He had gloves on and finally figured out how to drag the heavy animal back behind the pole barn. Moments later he was back washing up, welcoming Jenna and then the kids arrived with Grandma and Grandpa.

At one point during the photo shoot Rory excused himself to go make a quick phone call. The vet thought it sounded like Worms had taken the sheep, and said the other mammals should all be put on a special medicated feed immediately. And that their office closed at noon, and was 30 minutes away.

Rory joined back in the pictures and we got some really fun family shots by the oak tree. And then he asked Jenna if she needed any more shots with him, otherwise he had to run a quick errand.

He took off to get the medicated feed and then spent the afternoon digging a deep hole with the tractor. My next mental picture is when I stood in the nursery window to see what he was up to and watched him heave the sheep into the hole. There was one leg that stood straight up and Rory tried to push it down but it kept popping back up into the air. The hilarity of this moment was not lost on me. I whispered to Alden, "Happy 48-hours. Welcome to the farm."

Thankfully my parents stayed for the day and kept the big three fed and occupied. Rory came in the house later in the afternoon and I asked if he was able to slow down and stay in with us. "Oh no. I have 40 chicks I need to move out to the a-frame coop. They need to be separated from the 10 chicks that will be layers. I won't be able to tell them apart much longer." So he got to work moving chicks and preparing their food and water. At dinner he told of all the sweet peas that had to be picked or they would be lost. I told him of a sweet pea pickle recipe I had seen on a favorite blog and he said, "great. we can do that tonight."

And I mentioned casually for the eleventh time that day, 'hey, remember how I was pushing out a baby just 48 hours ago?'

We got the kids to bed, Rory made pickles, worked on the sheep fence a bit and eventually we fell into bed. Sunday he woke up and got right to work on the sheep fence, a project that seems to have daily needs. Sunday night we held Barn Worship up in the barn, our family's favorite part of the week, and 30 friends from our church showed up! It was wonderful, and in light of the fullness of our life since returning home, it felt totally right.

Monday morning came and Rory's dad went to scope out a used minivan we had found over the weekend. The minivan checked out and around 10:00 Rory took off to go and trade in our jeep for the minivan. He got home at 3, just in time to lock in the baby car seat for Alden's first doctor appointment. We got home, ate dinner and loaded all four kids into their car seats for a family country drive.

Tuesday was the 4th of July and we had six visitors before noon all bringing gifts and meeting Alden. And then we took off for Mimi and Papa's for a day of play at the lake. Wednesday my sister and her girls and my folks came to help get our house ready for friends to stay here while we go to Bible Camp next week. And today is Alden's one week birthday and I haven't done a thing all morning.

With the other kids I have this memory of a really quiet, hibernating week of slowly getting to know each other. But Alden's introduction has been in full motion since he arrived. And thankfully I am feeling great. My own recovery has been the best of the four kids. I have my limits and I have my moments, but overall I have been feeling strong and able. And steady. I am sort of amazed at my own growth with baby #4. I know what to fret over and what not to fret over. I have a confidence from 3 babies before this one. Plus Alden is a sweet and peaceful boy. Obviously that helps immensely too.

Alden, you are a real farm boy. You have been born into an agrarian lifestyle and you arrived during peak season. Come October, we will all settle in for the winter and there will be slow and quiet days then. But for now, you are entering into the thick of it. And it's a fun season to enter into. Thank you for being so flexible.

Love, your also flexible Mama.

so much to say...

I cannot wait to get to start writing about this little boy and his first few days with us. But until that time comes, I have been posting pictures on instagram @thegrovestead.  (Half of which I have already shared here!)

Alden has the sweetest temperament. He sleeps a lot, which is so thoughtful of him. He fills his pants and eats like a champ and he fits right into our family. We got a minivan on Monday and immediately locked four car seats into place and took a country drive. I love that we have such a full ride. Our hearts are so full!

it's a brother!!!

It is my great joy to introduce Alden Ananias Groves, born on Thursday, June 29th at 1:16 pm. Alden was 9 pounds and 3 ounces and 22 inches long. He is darling in every single way.

Alden means "old friend" and that is exactly how it feels to have him in our family. Like a favorite pal has been added to the fold and everyone is just so glad he is here.

Ananias is named after the brave man who the Lord told to go find a blinded Saul on Straight Street. Ananias could hear the voice of the Lord. And even with some hesitation, he is obedient to go right up to the man who was responsible for killing many Christians to tell him of Jesus. Paul went on to lead the church in mighty ways, but I love that there was a faithful, listening, courageous man who the Lord used in a quieter, but hugely important way.

Alden has joined our clan like a champ. I cannot wait to write about our first 48 hours home. It has been so full. The farm is in full swing and nothing has slowed down. He is entering the family like he has always been a part of our pack and I love it so much. Ivar is positively overwhelmed with love for him and the fact that he now has a brother. He told me, "Mom, you need to come see this! It's our first brother bunk bed."

we're still here!

I told my cousin Sarah that we must be a part of the Cozy Womb Club. She carried her babies past the due date as well. My Aunt Diane is in this club and my friend Katie and so are many others. And it is a sincere waiting game. Time is measured in days and nights, because each morning you think, "well this could be it!" And every night you think, "maybe we'll wake up and go to the hospital." Every 12 hours seems to be a new set of possibilities.

The truth is, as I told Rory today, there are so many friends I know who have begged God for one more week or one more day, hoping the baby could grow strong on the inside before it came. So we are fine. The baby is healthy and doing well and tomorrow will be 41 weeks officially. Today we go to the doctor to make a plan to induce. With my whole heart I hope things start naturally, but it will not be for a lack of effort on my part! I have walked stairs, our road, done many things to try to get things moving, but it turns out a mom doesn't have a lot of control over this sort of thing.

But I have heard nonstop stories of how others have gotten their labor started. And been told many things on what I should be doing. Some are well received and others make me feel like I am doing something wrong.

My very favorite though, was my neighbor's daughter who told me that when she was 3, her mom was due with her sister. They had taken the 3 year old to the cousins to play and then picked her up to wait for the baby back at their home. While opening the door for his wife, the dad misjudged her position and opened the door into her belly with enough force that it caused her water to break on the spot! So they turned around, took the 3 year old back to the cousins and went to the hospital.

Something about the slap stick of that moment makes me laugh so hard. What a riot.

So we'll wait and continue to get things done around the house. In a great twist, we have had some wonderful family time this week. Rory is still busy, but he's on baby-mode and has been so present. We have made lots of fun summer memories this week and for that I am so grateful.

And tomorrow we have 50 baby chicks arriving! We didn't see that coming when the due date was a week ago! But this is life, and it's full and it's good.