For those who are curious about where I've been hiding out since Thanksgiving, here is the back story. I have been literally in bed sick for the last 6 weeks - it was totally unexpected to be this severe. I was sick with the others, but nothing like this. Thankfully just when you think "wait, i have three kids & a husband, a home to run! i can't do this! Christmas is coming, I can't be in bed for 6 weeks!", God shows His provision by meeting the needs every step of the way. Our church community brought us meals for weeks, supportive friends did errands & dropped off care packages, Kyle's wonderful parents took the kids many days at the beginning of the downhill slide, while providing a huge prayer net with their family & friends, then a full time nanny appeared out of nowhere (i.e. arriving home on her college Christmas break) just at the time I needed to hire someone. Then my amazing parents willingly answered the call to come and help as soon as they could get here, and between my mom and dad, they were here for over a month. My parents literally did everything I could not do - cooked, cleaned, put the kids to bed, gave them baths, did laundry, went grocery shopping, drove the kids to school, took the kids on special dates, did Christmas crafts with them, etc. I laid in my bed miserable and helpless, but immensely comforted by the help that was surrounding us.
This weekend was Marin's 6th birthday, and I was able to be out of bed & visit with the family who came over to celebrate with us. Feels like a miracle. I am little by little getting back to normal, and so so so grateful for all God has done. There is nothing like a personal touch in your life to remind you that the Creator cares so much for each one of us.
My final acknowledgement goes to my dear husband, my significant other, Kyle. For some reason, that title "significant other" really has taken new meaning for me during this difficult season. He has been my lifeline. I really cannot adequately put into words the awe I have for all this man has done. He has taken over all my duties & roles, plus continuing to work, and all with an amazing happy attitude. He said to me "it's been awhile since I've really had to dig deep and do something hard, I'm due for a good challenge!" I just stared at him listening to those words, just speechless, just so humbled & blessed to be married to this man. Like I said, it's been over 6 weeks of me being completely non-functional, and if anyone has three kids under the age of five, you will understand how labor intensive it is caring for them, plus running a household, with your wife physically unable to give you any support whatsoever - it is an enormous task. I have grown so much in appreciation for Kyle, my honor and respect for him only grows as well. I'm not even doing justice to all the things I feel in my heart, but let's just say I am one lucky woman.
So there you have it, Max will be a big brother and we are well cared for & blessed by God with another wonderful addition!
