Approaching the Grand Canyon

The other day, Steve said he feels like those pioneers who rode blissfully along the Arizona plateau when they suddenly found a Really Big Hole in the middle of the woods. We, unlike the pioneers, know the Hole is coming, but we aren't really sure if we're ready for it. Take that back: we're pretty sure we're not. 

So, as pioneers do, we have packed our chuck wagon and tried to accomplish all we needed to before the Hole (aka beautiful, precious babies) appears. Countdown: approximately 2 weeks. Or, as Jacob said this morning, "So what you're saying is it could be ANY MOMENT?" Sure. If we err on the dramatic. Sure. 

Nick started and completed his driver's education course. He thinks he's 20 now. At least. He drove home from Texarkana in his new car, donated by his generous Uncle David and Daddy-O. He loves it. 

Ellie now uses the potty. That's all. Really big deal. I'm really happy. That makes us now not outnumbered when the babies come--all but two will have bladder and bowel control. Sweet.

Ellie learned to stand on Daddy's head (was inspired after watching the Flying Welendas cross the above mentioned Grand Canyon). Daddy organized the garage, and then the family had a much needed summer painting class. New rocker, pretty flower and some Pollock-inspired free form. 

High on my list of "Really Would Like to Do Before Reaching Really Big Hole" was having Ellie's birthday party. She hasn't actually had one before, so I was excited about having cake and presents and family and friends. After some initial false starting, the party proved to be plenty of fun for little kids and, though almost a month early, Ellie felt like a real three-year old.

Jacob came home! Big completion. Everyone is back in Tyler in one piece, so the babies are now invited to arrive. Please do not judge me by Nick's shirt (that he wears twice in this blog entry). It was a gift from my parents. I think it's his favorite. :)

Ellie helped me clean our baby gear. She insists the baby girl get the new car seat and the baby boy use her old one. Not sure where she gets this, but we're probably not telling her that when we're piling into the car, Mommy won't care who goes where or if the seat belts work. After all, the pioneers traveled cross country without even a seat, let alone a belt. She seems so big to me, now. I can hardly picture her fitting into this little thing.

 

And, we got Jacob to camp. That was my last adventure, which really turned out to be pretty ordinary. Thank goodness. Van, TX is great, I'm sure, I just didn't want to have my babies there. Jacob was happy and settled, it seemed, before we even got his bed made.

35 weeks today. My doctor tells us we just need to make it past 36. So that's my dad's birthday. 37 would be great, and that's Ellie's birthday. The Big Hole is coming, and I think it looks breathtaking and overwhelming and magnificent!

"Of all the hardships a person had to face, none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting." --Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns