The sweetest boy... and almost 2!

Hello! Here are a few photos from Josh's phone of our new home (though always highlighting Ezra:) Our camera is still missing in action! I was hoping it would turn up by now...

Here is our little cottage (Lake Huron speak) just blocks from the lake. We have many projects that we hope to do and some have started already. The fence that you see in this photo that connects to the back of the house? Josh has already moved that to the front of the house. And those windows on the side? We would like to turn that into patio doors so that we have direct access to the yard from the house. Right now we have to go down the driveway and open a gate to access the back yard. That's just one project we hope to accomplish this summer:) We now know how home owner's feel! We see how it could be possibly never ending...But we are so grateful for this little spot and love being here.

This photo was from the day we made the offer. Thanks Becky and Jerry for taking this photo. We now have some beautiful flowers (a sweet house warming gift) on the deck. Making it ours...

There is a wonderful strawberry patch next to the house, as well as many other gardens. The entire month of June, Ezra would wake up saying "strawberries!" ("rawbees" in Ezra speak) and we would trek outside to pick a juicy bowl-full. Here I had been feeling so blessed by God with this house and seeing Ezra picking one of his favorite fruits made me realize that not only was God looking out for Josh and me by providing this home, but He also stocked it full of blessings just for Ezra. He is so good! On another note, the strawberry season is over already and it's not even July! Reminds me we are not in Minnesota anymore.

The house has also come with a piano and it's free for the taking. Anyone?

Yesterday marked a big day for a big boy. A big boy bed! We'll say bye-bye to the crib for a few months before the baby arrrives to help Ezra adjust. Last night he transitioned wonderfully and tonight he did stellar once again! What a guy.

It's hard for me to believe my baby is out of his crib...

I know I've written already about the animal farm just a few blocks away, but it really is a gem. Here is Ezra and his "hee-haw."

Sweet baby girl. She's around 2 pounds now. And moving like a busy bee. Hmmm, more like "busy truck." And as for me, I am HUGE. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that every time I'm out in public, someone comes up to me to ask when am I due and when I say October either their eyes bug out, they ask if there's two in there, or they quickly give me looks of pity (usually accompanied by comments about how long the summer is going to be for me). For example, yesterday Ezra and I were at the playground when approached by a kind looking woman. She said to me, "You are the same size as my granddaughter! She's due on the 10th. When are you due?" To which I [now] laugh and tell her not for another 3 months. Her jaw dropped, just like all the others. Sigh. I will have to slow down and even out at some point. Right?

Lots of love to you all...

Lots of exciting news...

Hello dear ones,

Well, a quick update chalk full of super news.

#1) We bought a house! After 4 months, 3 moves, 2 previous offers, and 1 giant hope to have a place of our own, we found ourselves a little cottage just 2 blocks from the beach and a great park. We could not be happier about this blessing. It wasn't without some trials along the way, but those trials have served a great purpose: we are even more grateful than ever before. Now, if we could just find the camera (it's been packed a little too well).

We moved in this weekend, so we are still amidst many, many boxes. This is due in part to the fact that I am doing an art festival here in Sarnia this weekend. Always a lot going on at once these days! We moved in, unpacked the kitchen, and the rest is on hold until Monday.

#2) We are pregnant! Just weeks after moving here we discovered a little Canadian growing in my belly. Due date: October 3rd.

#3) It's a girl! This time around we opted to find out what this little bambino is made of and it looks like sugar and spice. Spice giving me heartburn and come to think of it, sugar, too. She is a mover...at 22 weeks and around 1 pound, I have to say I'm a little (a lot) nervous about the acrobatic feats she will attempt within me when she is 6 or 7 or 8 times bigger! I'm not afraid to say that I'm scared. I am.

We'll return with pictures of Grandma and Grandpa Rude's visit (so fun!), the house, growing Ezra, growing pregnant lady, and a few more just for fun, when we find that camera.

Our love to you all, Natalie + Josh + Ezra + Baby-on-the-way