Belle's First Two Weeks

Our little Maribelle was born two weeks ago, so I thought I'd give everyone an update on how life has been for our family of four. After a busy few days of introducing her to family, we returned home to a busy week of packing for our cross-country move! However, we have received many blessings in the form of dinners, and I could not be more thankful for our church community! Complete strangers have emailed and called asking how they can be of service to our family! Mars Hill has some of the kindest women I have ever met! The grace and love of Christ is truly being revealed through this kindness and acts of service.

As far as parenting goes...Belle has been an "easy" baby so far, and Josie is adjusting well to having a little sister. I feel fully recovered from the pregnancy, even having a "post-nesting" period full of adrenaline as I pack and organize to move to North Carolina in 2 weeks. Belle is sleeping great and is requiring me to wake her up at night to feed! Right now she is sleeping four hour long stretches at night! Josie is sometimes too helpful (i.e. trying to give her sister juice through a sippy cup), but she giggles and squeals in response to Belle's hiccups and burps. She is a little weirded out at me breastfeeding, but it is getting better. She has a hard time understanding that I can't move around while I'm breastfeeding, but who knows maybe I can master that skill soon : ) Greg is beyond supportive during all of this change. He helps me with the girls in the morning in case I need to sleep in a little. He's also helping with cloth diaper changes! I couldn't be more thankful to my husband during this time. He understands his role of husband and loves me very well.

So above all, I'm thankful for the Lord who is continuing to teach me more about his love and grace and how he proves time and time again that he is ever sufficient and providential. Having a newborn and making the biggest move of my life all at the same time may seem overwhelming (and it is!), but he has made everything work out well. I'm learning how to have faith in a stressful time, and I've also discovered I have made an idol of the future by worrying about everything. Oh how he teaches me more and more about my heart through every daily experience. I'll keep everyone updated as the move gets closer. For now, please enjoy some pictures of our Belle!