Don't you just love Sundays? We were reminded in church this morning about Christ's journey to the cross. It's weird. Rob and I were watching "The Nativity Story" last night (never saw it in theatres) and being pregnant, I really felt for Mary and what she endured. Imagine no one believing you that you conceived by the Holy Spirit, you had to make this long journey into Bethleham to give birth in an animal stable with no epidural, no friends or familiy (except Joseph) and you're in your teens! Amazing! Then, this morning, thinking about what she went through as she watched her son being crucified. She had to stand back and there wasn't anything she could do anything about it! It's interesting how your persepective of things changes as you get older and become and wife and mother. Anyway, just thought I'd share that.

Friday night, the three of us went out to dinner at The Casual Clam off 9th Street. We've been there before and they've got great food. One thing Rob and I do miss is being able to take our time when we're out eating. We find ourselves rushing through dinner because Avonlea isn't entertained and loses interest in her books, coloring and other goodies I stuff in a bag to bring. We scarfed through our meal and went home to watch the movie "Blood Diamond". Let's just say that if you haven't seen it yet, you need to! You'll never want to buy diamonds again (trust me). What amazed me were some of the facts and figures at the end of the movie. The one that touched me the most was that 200,000 CHILDREN (kids under 12!) are considered child soldiers who are brainwashed, given drugs and taught to shoot innocent men, women and children at any given time. Not that I didn't know this was going on already, I was just shocked by the number (200,000!!!). I remember an Oprah (yes, I watch when I can) show a few weeks ago how she invited families to share their stories on how they adopted African children who had been effected by this. They are to be commended.

Saturday, Rob and I took Avy to The Florida Aquarium again and we didn't even walk around the aquarium. We played in the play zone the whole time. We put Avonlea in her suit and let her go to town in the water features. I couldn't help but think how fortunate we are to be able to have such a great day like that. I can't imagine what an African child (or other children worldwide) would give to have just one day like that and yet we go all the time (we even bought annual passes-totally worth the money). I only hope that Rob and I can pass on to our children how fortunate they are to live in America.






Avonlea giving bunny a treatment and then herself!




On a lighter note, Avonlea's asthma is now under control (praise God) and although she's still on two breathing treatments a day, she's usually very cooperative and the treatments are going to remain (to keep her stable) until the first week in May. She loves to practice giving her treatments to her bunny and bear. Her nurturing side is definately coming out. Rob and I had out one of her babies last night and we changed her clothes (we put boy clothes on her-oops!), socks and a diaper. I was so blessed to get a huge box of diapers from one of my students this year (newborn size) and so we have a little bag for the baby (just like we will for Lincoln), we take the baby for walks in his stroller (she has her own little stroller just her size) and we feed the baby his bottles. I'm really hoping that this will help in the transition from "only child Avonlea" to "big sister Avonlea".

I have a doctor's appointment this Thursday (they are every 2 weeks now) to check Lincoln's heartbeat. Avonlea has been having quite a fun time with her cousin Grace as I go to doctor's appointments. I'm looking forward to meeting the little guy. He's been SO active lately and I know it won't be long until our second little angel is here!