the mamas on the bus go up and down

it's been a week of highs and lows, as is life, right? i'll leave out the part about the woman not-so-graciously responding to joseph excitedly pulling a lego-wagon over her mother's feet in the doctor's office waiting room and save room for the pictures of my completed crochet projects at the end. some highlights and lowlights of this week:

- the exciting double stroller we've been desiring for some time is on its way to our home just in time for the new babe and joseph to share. and we got a great deal by ordering it from cotton babies AND saved $21 right before ordering by googling "cotton babies coupon codes." $21 off because of a google search? that's the best. well, technically not like the very best in the entire world, but i do like to think about where that $21 will go instead. toward a moby wrap. :)

- jeremy came home from work early on sunday evening armed with a realsimple and the potatoes i requested for that evening's brisket and mashed potatoes. the man knows the way to his wife's heart.

- this really has nothing to do with anything, but it's kind of fun.. i think this company has stolen my strategic communications heart. their little catalogue with its quirky little "small but still long winded book of why boden is quite good" is adorable. and i like their clothes, too. right now they are significantly adding to a longing for autumn and crispness and a cardigan and oh, that baby i'll have by then and warm coffee early in the morning and such.

- my sweet boy and i have had quite the challenging week. mama's getting more pregnant (or more hormonal and more easily worn-out) and joseph's getting more expressive in moments of frustration (or flailing all limbs in different directions at the same time). so, it's been really hard. this morning was especially challenging, and once we managed to get out of the house to calm things down, i spent the walk praying and reflecting on what we're doing and how and why and what i should do in future moments of extreme challenge (or moments of feeling like i should just get under the covers and hope it all goes away). parenting is hard. i think i knew that. i'm just knowing it a lot more right now. anyone else?

- potty training is still going well. going number 2, however, is not. i think we'll figure it out sooner or later. until then, there is some major resistance and awkward how do i help you not to be afraid of this and how are you, me, and this pregnant belly all going to fit in this bathroom while we try to figure it out? moments. nevertheless, joseph's pretty cute when he washes his hands, isn't he?



- recently added to my books to read list: give them grace, radical homemakers, and the well-trained mind. what's on your list?

- i think i gave myself carpal tunnel syndrome (oops) by way of incessant crocheting. but here are the finished hats. i discovered that "repetitive wrist movement" can make this common pregnancy condition worse, but i couldn't bring myself to stop before finishing this sweet little newsboy cap for a baby girl. ah well, i'll just have to deal with a tingly right hand for a bit.



yep, there have been lots of up and down moments this week. i found sweet hope in these words yesterday morning: "but this i call to mind, and therefore i have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to and end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'the Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore i will hope in him.' (lamentations 3:21-24)

i hope your weeks have been good (at the same time as possibly up and down as well). until next tuesday, friends. :)