The rain continues

I think our fridge is somehow working again. But, we got in a wreck today in the van. Not a big deal and not much damage. But we will have to get it fixed and therefore will be to one car with no a/c for a little while. We are thankful we are all OK. Streed wasn't with us. We were on our way back from the Ultrasound appointment. As we were sitting in the car waiting for the cop during the daily afternoon monsoon I just thought, "Another one for the blog".

Streedella

We are anxious to see what baby Ella is going to look like. I constantly hear, "How can she be prettier than Streed?" Poor thing, her beauty is compared to that of her brother. But, maybe that's not such a bad thing.
A few nights ago I took a bobby pin from my hair. Streed was quite curious. So, I put it in his hair. What do you think? Could this be what baby Ella looks like in a few years?

Belly Cam

According to everyone I am carrying Ella differently than Streed. Apparently my belly is HUGE. From my point of view it is not. From everyone else's point of view it is. I must admit that I do freak out when I walk past a plate glass window and catch a side view.

Ella's room

We decided to convert Chip's office into a nursery. This seemed to be the best option. So, Chip now has an air-conditioned 8x10 shed/annex in the back yard. He actually loves it--it is quiet and free from interruptions.

Little Ella's room is not yet finished but we are getting close. The pics are as you look in the door, up close of the fabric and looking into the closet. Chip worked really hard when we first returned home. But, school started Monday and he got busy. At least we have a crib up.

When it rains...

It pours. I used to think this was just a saying by those who are pessimistic. But, it is in fact true. Our computer had been on the fritz for months now. Well, last week it officially CRASHED, of course without us retrieving anything. Then, as Chip was trying to cut our weed infested yard the lawn mower broke. Now, our refrigerator is dripping and will not stay closed without something heavy propped in front of it. It is one of those times when you just laugh when another (expensive) thing breaks. Plus, when we returned home from Brazil our less than two year old digital cameral broke as well, right in time for the upcoming birth. I guess we can live without a digital camera for a while. My faithful blog readers will just have to wait until I have time to get pictures developed and then find the time, energy or desire to walk out to Chip's shed/office to scan, download and post them.

OK. I am finished complaining. Basically I was just letting you feel our pain. But, I am online so we did purchase a computer today. We WILL be good stewards of it and keep it constantly protected from viruses all the days of its life.

Well...it's been a while

Just in case you were wondering, we are alive and kicking in Louisiana. I realize I haven't written in over a month. Shame on me. We arrived in the states on July 22. I was greeted in New Orleans with a cold turned sinus infection...for 2 weeks. At my doctor's visit during this time I learned the baby was already 6 lbs and still had 2 months to grow. So, this info plus my sickness zapped me of any energy I had. Plus, we were still on the road until Aug 8 when we FINALLY retured home.

Brazil #12: BABY NAME

We finally decided on a baby girl's name. We thought we might hear something while in Brazil that we liked and we did. "Ela" in Portuguese means girl. I have learned a lot this summer about my role as a wife and mother. It has been a new experience since I haven't been working to be home all day every day. Plus, we have been living with a couple who have three kids. Amy has been a great example to me of what Titus 2 means about being a "worker at home". She stays busy BUT her family is well cared for. Also, God has taught me so much about Himself and the fact that His word is living and active because He is living and active. He has met me where I am each time I have read his Word this summer. I have truly seen my need for DAILY dependence on Him, maybe for the first time.

With all that being said, one day Chip spent time with God and said, "Her name is Ella". I was fine with that. I really was torn between that and Isabella. But, considering all I have learned I am happy that her name will represent Brazil and all that I have learned this summer. I hope to pass all of this down to my little girl, Ella Claire. We decided to add an "l" for spelling purposes.

Brazil #11: HOME STRETCH

Today is Friday July 14. We leave next Friday night and arrive in New Orleans on Saturday morning the 22nd. The summer has been long but has gone by fast at the same time. We had a going away party a few nights ago for the Brazilian students. Streed and I were able to go for a little while. Most of the students I knew have already gone home since they have taken their final exams. I am looking forward to coming home and going to see my doctor--since I am almost 8 months pregnant. However, I am dreading the heat with every fiber of my being. It is about 80 degrees here and I am dying. I am sure I will adjust.

BRAZIL #10: The Progression

There was a power struggle over taking a picture in Streed's new hat.
1. Refusal
2. I'll do it my way
3. Surrender

BRAZIL #9: Rio de Janeiro

We spent the weekend in Rio. Our hotel was on Copacabana Beach. We toured the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain.