One week til lift off!

Sadly, I found out none of the computers in this house will take my camera's card, so I can't upload any pics. You'll just have to wait and trust me that Malachi is getting even cuter. :)

We booked our plane tickets!!!! We fly out October 5th at 7am. Can't WAIT. I miss Michael a TON. This time away has definitely made my heart grow fonder. By the time we reunite, it will have been a month! I know that's nothing compared to what other people have to endure (shout out to you, Erin), but it was tough nonetheless. I now realize what a great daddy he is to our boys. Here's a short list of what I've come to appreciate all over again:

(Disclaimer to my fam: Know that you have been great to us while we've invaded your home. I appreciate ya'll as well!! There's just no replacing Daddy, as you know!)

- He's incredibly patient. Way more than me.
- He makes the extra effort to play and have fun with Josiah. Little man has missed that.
- He comes and takes the crying baby from me, without asking.
- He speaks encouraging words.
- He makes me laugh. A lot.
- He will (gently) force me to have time alone because he knows I need it.

Ok, obviously this list isn't exhaustive, but it's hard to think when a baby is screaming. *sigh*

Speaking of the little screamer, he's doing better. Week 2 and 3 were pretty bad. Cried all the time. Even right after he ate--isn't that when he's supposed to be the happiest? haha I've tried many things, but he's finally beginning to calm down and actually sleep by himself. Not sure what worked and what didn't. Still trying everything. Perhaps he just misses his daddy?!

T-7 days!!

Josiah's song

You know the classic "clean up" song. And you know "happy birthday." Well, when Josiah cleans up, he combines the two. Goes a little like this...

"Cleam up, cleam up, happy to you" Repeat.

Love that kid.

Baby is here!

Ok, so I'm almost 2 weeks late. And I'm not even going to post much today. I'll write more when I don't have a child in my lap. Oh, wait....

Malachi Li joined us August 29th at 10.12am. He weighed in at 7lbs. 8oz. (TINY compared to Josiah's 8.12!!) and 20inches. He's been so fun to hold and cuddle!

I don't even have a pic for ya...so sad. Next time!

Yay! A home!

We FINALLY got word that we'll actually have a place to live once we get back to China. This has been a year-long battle of broken promises and lots of waiting. We packed up our apartment since the school promised they would move our stuff, but we kept our expectations floor-level low. To our surprise, they actually moved it! We're expecting to have a 3 bedroom, brand-new apartment....WITH an elevator! Yippee! No more climbing 80 stairs multiple times a day! Although, that could affect my plan to lost the post-baby weight quickly...hmm... Maybe biking with both kids (baby strapped and Josiah in his seat on the back) will make up for it!

It'll be a whirlwind unpacking and such when we get back. Michael will be there the 2nd week of September, so he'll be able to start the unpacking process. I'm sure it'll only be bachelor-style though. :) The plan is still for my parents, the kids and I to go back late September/early October, after all the baby's travel docs come in. So in order for this timeline to happen, this baby needs to come SOON!

39 weeks. C'mon buddy. It's much more fun out here.

Ready, ready, ready!

You all know this point of pregnancy...near the end and just waiting for the arrival of the little one. I've been there for a week now. Officially have 2 weeks until "due date," but when is that ever accurate anyway?! I'm just REALLY hoping he comes early for several reasons. The whole pregnancy, I've felt he's going to arrive early..but that could be 1 day in his little mind. He would....

After he arrives, it's going to be a crazy whirlwind of events. We'll spend about 1 week in KC while I recover enough to make a 4 hour road trip. Then we'll head to Branson and scurry around getting last minute items, loads of paperwork for Baby, and packing to return to China. It's going to be nuts! But, thankfully, my family will be there to help AND my parents are coming back with us to help us get settled and see what we do there. Sooo thankful.

My closest friends threw me a baby sprinkle yesterday at the Melting Pot (fondue restaurant). Uhhh..YUM. It was so fun! I love those girls. They have been so genereous, giving, and loving this summer. I might miss them more this coming year. Thank heavens for Skype!

Ok, off to do some jumping jacks or something... ;)

Time Away

My parents and brother took over Josiah for a few days so Michael and I could get away. It was great! We went 1.5 hours south to Eureka Springs, AR. It was quiet and not loaded with tourists. Awesome! We stayed at a quaint bed and breakfast (LOVE those) that was peaceful and had delicious breakfast. Oh, yum. We really didn't do much but relax, eat, and choose baby #2's name. (yes, still a secret) I call that a successful trip!

I look huge, but I guess that's what happens at 36.5 weeks.

We're in Branson for a few more days, meeting friends and hanging with family. Then we'll head to KC to wait for baby to arrive. Any bets he'll arrive early? Late? On time? I've been feeling and hoping early the whole time--we'll see!

whoa, hiatus

It's been a while, eh? We've been here a month already! Say what?!

We've loved being back in the good ol' US of A. We've spent tons of time with friends and family, with only more to come. The food has been great, although our bodies tend to disagree most of the time.

We're now in B-town chillin' with my family. I've been shopping nearly every day. :) That's what you're supposed to do in a town of outlet malls, right?! Just trying to follow the rules!

I'm almost 35 weeks along. CRAAZY. I keep feeling like this baby is going to come early..we'll see. Let's just hope we make it back to KC to have him, since that's where we have it all planned out!

Josiah is loving Grammie, Papa, and Unlce "Ecic" in person. They definitely make him laugh..and spoil him, I guess like they're supposed to.

Let the fun continue!

PS. I am currently forming a "you know you're in a small midwest town when..." list. Because some things are that funny to me.