Life of Advent

What a lovely view to wake up to! I love snow. I really like winter time. The air is brisk (ok sometimes sharp) the snow is so clean and sparkly looking (ok freezing) and I really like getting all bundled up in layers. I love getting into the seasonal mood of winter, but was reminded today that this season isn't about celebrating the traditions of the Christmas season, wintery-ness or even family. Of course those things are fun and great. But its about how God loved us enough to send Christ. Oh how easy it is to say 'oh right, yes of course its about Jesus, He is the reason for the season', and yet we remain to really only get excited or happy when we're wrapping gifts, baking awesome pumpkin-y goodness, or watching snow fall with a Christmas movie in. What we get excited about it, what we focus on, during this time of the year is merely a reflection of where our hearts are at. Its kind of odd, after Thanksgiving I was having a hard time getting into the 'Christmas mood', I threw in some Christmas movies, found my Pandora Christmas station and even baked some-all in attempt to get into 'the spirit'. I mean thats what you do this time of year-you get excited and snuggly with warm fuzzies in anticipation of tradition and the joy of the season. Well there is no joy without Christ. This time of the year means nothing without Him. Baking, snuggling, hot chocolate and warm fireplaces are fleeting 'nice' things that can't possibly fill one with the ultimate Spirit of this season. I've been listening to Redeemer Church's (in Kansas City) advent series sermons and have been very encouraged. Links here:
http://www.redeemerkansascity.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/20121209Cawley.mp3
http://www.redeemerkansascity.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/20121216Cawley.mp3
In this week's sermon Kevin said something to the effect of living a life of advent. How true. Loved that.
On another note: Jarrett and I had our 1 year anniversary this past Monday.

It was a busy day of work, had a sweet friend come through town, and community group that evening. Looking pretty large and in charge these days <--
But we spread our celebration out over the weekend, seeing The Hobbit and eating out over the weekend. Here is what I made for Jarrett:
                            

I tried to rust-ify it, its not exactly what I was thinking but it got the idea across :) It also ays Ruth 1:16 at the bottom, which is what the verse is from. For those who don't know, Jarrett has applied to Teach for America, we will find out January 7th if he is accepted into their program, where he will teach and what he will teach. We're excited to find out.
 We did just find out yesterday that we're cleared to celebrate Christmas in Greensburg! We're pretty excited, we haven't been able to leave town for a while, and after staying home for Thanksgiving due to bed rest we're really excited to get out for a few days. We're at 34 weeks and the doctor has said if we go into labor they won't stop it-so to start making the drive back to Wichita if we need to over the holidays. So, I'm officially off bed rest! It'll take a while for me to get back into fighting (walking) shape since I've been pretty sedentary for a while, but I'm more than ready to get out and about. Also very ready for out little guy to get here. But we're ok with him gaining a bit more weight before making his appearance.
Since being put on bed rest a little over 4 weeks ago, I learned to knit (thank you Whitney Cox for the beginner's lesson!) I have since youtubed a few techniques and after making several scarves and infinity scarves, I finally got down my first hat! Its actually my 2 week old niece's Christmas gift, so sshhh! don't show her! Its absolutely tiny and I have no guarantee that I did it accurately but after 4 failed attempts and 3 days on the final product, I've convinced it'll be good.

birthdays and gallbladders

Well I got to share my birthday with my brand spankin' new niece! Congratulations to Cody and Carissa Schaef! She was a healthy 8 lbs 10 oz and 20 inches long.

Jarrett holding Lily a few hours after she was born!

Mom has recovered well after 3 days of prelabor and over 12 hours of active labor. Miss Lily has to stay a bit longer in the hospital until her jaundice clears up. Grateful for a beautiful healthy baby and a smooth delivery though! Pray for the new family of 3! We have their shitzu Mack keeping Koa company while his parent's prep to bring Lily home. I think he hates us and is ready for his real parents.

After cheating my bed rest and visiting the hospital we came home to sleep and relax for the rest of the day. I had family come visit that afternoon who brought some dessert and lovely presents. My splurge present: 

My excuse is that I'm soon to be surrounded by boys and its ok for me to remain girly.   :)

I also got some yarn and a knitting pattern magazine, which I entirely plan on utilizing over the next 2 weeks!

Yesterday I had a meeting with a surgeon and he has confirmed that I have a very irritated gallbladder. While he thinks I should be fine (in pain, but not in danger of it rupturing) for the next 4-8 weeks he definitely recommended having it removed soon after baby Atlas is born. He seemed surprised at how early the irritation set in, usually its the 2-3 pregnancy and closer to the end of the term. Until we have our son and get it removed I can avoid 'attacks' by restricting my diet. For anyone that has information on gall bladder friendly recipes-share them!!! So far we've discovered I can't eat any meat, dairy or fried foods. And that carbonation after I eat helps the discomfort pass sooner. Regardless of what I eat the skin in front of where my gallbladder is is very sensitive to touch and I generally have to sit awkwardly to allow it space so its not getting kicked/smushed.

We're at 32 weeks this week and getting excited to meet our dude. We know patience is a virtue, because the longer he is inside the less likely an extended stay at the hospital will be. I'll admit I get discouraged easily, especially after the past 4-5 weeks of already having a very painful gallbladder-makes it difficult to look at 3-7 more weeks of it. Bed rest is going well. I cheat often but have been trying to listen to my body and keep a sane mind :) half way done!