Lots of transition

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted. Lots of changes and transition for our little guy. We moved this summer, so Eli has had a new room and house to get used to. We now live in town (Kandern), which is great! It's a 10 minute walk to BFA and 5 minute walk to both grocery stores. The best part of our location is "de train". Every Sunday, all summer long, there is a tourist train that travels to/from our small little town. It's a steam train that makes lots of noise, it pulls up almost directly across from Eli's bedroom window. He literally would jump up out of bed, on Sunday, and runs to find us yelling "it's de train, mama". His excitement brought lots of laughs and memories. Now, I wish I would have captured these moments on video. The train stopped a couple of weeks ago and I know we all miss hearing and seeing "Mr. Train".

Another transition is me staying home with Eli. Jon's position needs him to be at BFA full time. We tried to get Eli into 2 different German childcare facilities. This would have allowed me to go in from 9-12 M-F (until baby sisters birth). Under a couple of circumstances, neither worked. I tried working when BFA started, but it was challenging b/c no day had the same schedule for Eli. Plus, after a recent hospital stay, I'm homebound. Trying to prevent pre-term labor with resting a lot.

Our biggest excitement now is waiting for the arrival of Genevieve Grace, aka baby sister. We are trying to prepare Eli as much as possible for this HUGE transition. We talk to him and read him books about being a big brother. Plus he gets to hear me say be careful, 24/7, with my belly. He's excited, but I'm not sure how much is sinking in.

More exciting news, my parents are coming to visit. Unless I go into labor early (again), they should be here during the birth. It's been 1.5 years since Eli has seen them AND they have never seen me pregnant!! We are beyond excited!!

I'm so proud of my child, he has such a great heart. He's been very sick, but woke up today with no fever....so what does he do? Well, I'm sick now and he came in our room this morning to give me "monkey" (favorite toy from Oma) and blew me a kiss from the bedroom door.

Eli's prayers (they are too good to forget)
September 1st
Dear Jesus, Thank you for Miss. Doris and motorcycles.
September 7th
Dear Jesus, thank you for horses, they go way up high and Titus and Addie.
September 8th
Dear Jesus, Thank you for old train, thank you for engine and race cars.
September 19th
Dear Jesus, I pray for Jesus because he loves me!

Our community here in Germany has been unbelievable to our family. We have had dinners for about 3 weeks now and they continue until Dec. 18th. People have been watching Eli and doing some grocery shopping for us too. It's been a blessing to us and as part of our routine, we pray for the family that brings our dinner. Eli loves praying and giving thanks for his buddies and their families.

Blessings,
Valerie

Psalm 86:12 "I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever."