A sleepy spell has officially fallen over the little blue house today. Mostly, I’m just so thankful that there’s room in our lives and schedules to permit it–a gift that’s not lost on me at all right now. With contractions not discriminating between day and night for the past week and then some, I am one sleepy mama a lot of the time. It’s just about the greatest thing that I have help on hand and almost zero plans each day for the time being.

Grace is the real deal, if anyone should doubt it.

Our ever energetic Eloise has been extra snuggly and quiet today, nearly falling asleep at the lunch table around noon. She is just about over her afternoon nap, but today she curled up and was out in about two minutes flat. I love the dreamy napping opportunities that arise when they still do–it’s a sweet thing to see your little ones rest peacefully, isn’t it? Henry was having a rough go this morning, so I sent him upstairs for quiet reading time as well, and together, we’ve all had a good (and much needed) dose of silence for a few hours. I didn’t nap, because my mind is really busy, but I’m so appreciative of the chance to think without input coming in from all sides.

Mom has been working on a large pot of homemade chicken noodle soup in the kitchen, and it’s my very favorite. The smell wafting in from the other room is the perfect antidote to the ebbing and flowing contractions-for-days blues that I’m working hard to battle. I know baby will be here in his or her timing, and I’m really happy that God is in control and I’m not. At the same time, every time my contractions start up again, the hope wells up in me that baby is almost here; I’m just so eager to see our little one soon. Normal, end of pregnancy sentiments, to be sure.

Each night the kids go to bed saying things like, “If the baby is here in the morning…” and “When the baby comes we’ll…” and it’s all very true and good. The itch to introduce them to their newest sibling is pure and honest, and I know it’s ever closer. Tonight will call for early bedtimes for all and another chance to seek the beautiful in the ordinary (and especially in the sacred gift of carrying this baby within for as long as God has ordained).

I am so thankful for the glorious fall breeze coming in our windows all day long, the sun pouring through the trees all afternoon. It’s a great time to celebrate the time we have now, and to think of all the good that is to come.

snuggled up and cozy (and contracting like a boss 😉 ),

mm