Such a small world.

One fun thing about playing overseas is that the basketball world seems to be such a small one. Even if teammates aren't necessarily familiar faces, the chances of playing against opponents that you know are pretty high. So when we headed to Bremerhaven, Germany, last weekend we were excited to see from friends from John's college days.

The guys met at half court for a little chat during warm ups. It was so fun to see them on the same court again, even if they were playing against each other instead of with each other.


This was our first time meeting their sweet little girl. Aren't her big, blue eyes just too adorable for words?



Waiting for daddy after the game:



There he is!

Side note: I have long dreamed of the day when we have a little one in tow and John is able to come say "hi" to us after his games, or for when our little one will be able to run around on the court after his daddy's games. Now, Lord willing that John is still playing ball, those days are all the closer and the my imagining will soon be reality instead!

We had too fun getting to spend time with friends that we haven't connected with in a while. It is always nice to see familiar faces while living over here, but it's even better when there is a history of friendship behind those faces.

Six Months!

We passed the six month mark this Easter weekend! Just four more months and we'll be holding our son in our arms. As he gets bigger, his kicks and movements keep getting stronger. The other morning I woke up to what felt like little feet running across my uterine wall. They stopped for a few moments and then started up again. I imagined our little guy looked a bit like a hamster in one of those wheels running around. (Only MUCH cuter, obviously.) John responded with, "He's just getting his morning work out in," which made me laugh.

As for me, well... I am pretty sure I now need to retire almost all of my pre-pregnancy jeans. They made a good run for it, but not being able to button them any longer makes me think it is probably time to put them away. Only four weeks until we return home, so I just have to make it a little longer with only one pair of maternity jeans. ;)

Sonogram Images.

We received our CD of images from our ultrasound the other day, and I wanted to share these precious images with you. I know at least one grandma out there who will be excited to see them. ;)

But as I sit here waiting for the images to load, I have one too many thoughts rushing through my head. And, I also have tears in my eyes. Tears of joy, but tears of sorrow as well. The tears of joy come from once again looking at the images of my sweet little son. I have one of these 4D images saved as my desktop, and every time I look at it I can't help but smile.

The tears of sorrow I have come from reflecting upon Good Friday tomorrow. Being a mom, although I haven't yet met my son, brings a completely new understanding of what God did for me. For Him to send His only son, to die for me, well just thinking about it is making the tears now stream down my face. There is no greater love. I don't deserve any of His grace, yet He extends it to me time and time again. After all, it is my sins that nailed Jesus to the Cross.

But as sorrowful as that is, joy comes three days later, on Easter, when we celebrate that Jesus Christ rose again. He was victorious from the grave and extends to each of us the chance to know Him as our personal savior. For that I am beyond thankful. My life would be nothing without Christ. I can't help but to wonder how it may have turned out, who I would be today. I am still a work in progress but I am thankful that He who began a good work in me will finish it out until the day of completion. Religion may be about what we do to please "god", but Christianity is about what God does for us.

And He has done so much for me. As if the sending His son to the cross weren't enough, he has given me an amazing and Godly husband, a precious little son, a supportive and loving family, a roof over my head, food on my plate, trials to learn and grow from... the list could go on and on.

As much as I am looking forward to meeting this little guy, I am looking forward to meeting my Father face to face even more.

Yet another evidence of God's sweet grace:


I just want to kiss those little cheeks.


His perfect profile, for he is fearfully and wonderfully made.


The doctor told us he was laughing here. While I'll never know for sure if that is the case, I am going to imagine it was.


Sweet baby boy, Mommy and Daddy love you.


His tiny little foot; God's creation is truly a miracle.


I hope that your Easter season is filled with much more than plastic eggs, bunnies, and chocolates. As you carve out time to reflect on what Easter is truly about, may you be constantly reminded of God's magnificent love.