36 and 37 week pictures

My belly seems to be staying the same or shrinking...at least that is how I feel. Alan sees it getting ever larger. Of course our doctor says everything looks great and that we are right on target. Oak is head down and has dropped or engaged. So, the little guy could arrive any day. We can't wait to meet him, but we are trying to enjoy each slow, quiet day we have together, just the two of us, right now, before life dramatically changes.

It is difficult sometimes, when you know life is going to change and everyone keeps advising that we should enjoy our peaceful time while we have it, yet realistically there is no way to prepare or understand what the change will hold. Maybe that is why we are getting anxious...we are aware of the impending change...at other times in our lives we did not know change was coming when it did.

We continue to be in prayer about a job...we know God has a plan and we are patiently awaiting wherever He takes us. It is an exciting time with so much changing...yet God has told us to sit and be quiet for these past weeks...it is an incredible lesson in trust and faith. Thank you for your prayers and support during this transition time.

35 Week Pictures of Poppa and Momma Carter

We are trying to post pictures of Oak, while he is still in my tummy, more regulary (since it doesn't look like we will be having any more sonograms before he arrives). Several of our friends insist on seeing belly pics every week since we are not living near them any longer. So here is my belly today in its full, round glory...(my dad doesn't get the idea of showing naked bellies during pregnancy. I told him that it is kind of a new thing with our generation to be proud of how beautiful and big you are when pregnant:).

All has been going well. I have been having some dizzy spells in the last few days, but still keeping up with walking each day, trying to swim often, and some strength training. We had our first birthing class on Monday night and it was really fun. We met a great couple who just moved to GR about 3 months ago...so they are looking to make new friends, too.

Hoping you are having a happy Wednesday, July 11!

Northern Michigan

We went up north for the past 3 days with my parents and my brother and his wife to a cottage on Lake Michigan. Growing up in Michigan, I had become accustomed to the beauty of the lakes, forests, and white sand beaches...and quite frankly, I took it for granted...I thought it was the norm. But, after living in different parts of the world for the past 11 years, I now have a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of Michigan. I honestly believe that every part of the world has a unique beauty to it, but I now truly appreciate the real beauty of my home state. Most people would say, "are you sure you are talking about Michigan?" And I would reply, most definitely, yes, and you need to visit. This state has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen, and for our Californian and Floridian friends, they are natural, white sand beaches, with crystal clear, fresh water...we do not import the sand:). There are also trees, rivers, islands, small mountains, and amazing animals in abundance. Like I came to believe about Colombia after our 3 years of travelling its vast oceans and mountains, Michigan is an outdoor paradise-and we are really enjoying it this summer.

Anyway, this past weekend, we enjoyed the sound of the crashing waves, the fresh breezes, the soft white sand, the warm sun, and the frigid, yet refreshing water...along with great times with family crashing waves (Oak liked that), reading, resting, eating, and playing cards! This is summer!

July 4th

What a blast and crackle the 4th of July was this year. Not only did I get to grill up brats, steaks & ribs, but Liz and I also went downtown to watch the firworks. It was great. We camped on a little hill about 50 yards from where they shot off the 'works. We laid down on the grass and enjoyed as the rockets exploded above us. It is good to be back in the States for this, but we miss our dear friends from Bogota a lot.

Shout out to:

Ben & Sarah

Gabe& Erin

Andres & Kim

Raul & Joy

& Suz ,who would have brought the booze- no really, but tell Yvette hello.

Liz and I are also missing our Dallas clan too. We can't wait to get down there for a visit.

Shout out to:

Mom, Dad, & Ric with Bri

Todd & Cat & little Bella (we got your pic on our frig)

The Henrys (T-Hen Hook'em)

The Austin Crew (and Sue too)

We can't wait to reconnect soon.

33 Week Pictures of Momma Carter

We haven't had any new pictures of my ever-growing belly in the last 5 weeks...so here is one from last week. In 3 days, Oak will be 34 weeks old, so we only have officially 6 weeks to go until he arrives, if he arrives on time. We met with our new doctor here in Michigan last week, and she is wonderful. We are very excited because we will be able to deliver at a wonderful hospital (birthing center) here in GR where we get all of the options and choices we had been praying for. We are now spending time taking walks, enjoying the beach, spending time together, and finishing up the last minute items we need for Oak's arrival. In reality, I keep saying, all he needs is food (hopefully milk from my breast), diapers, clothes, and a car seat...and he should be fine. All of the other items are helpful, nice, cute, and fun....but definitely not needs, right!?!

Mom and I walked a 5K yesterday. It was fun to be at the race (I miss the running community in Dallas and Bogota, but hope to join a new one here in GR), even though we were a bit on the slow side. We enjoyed the weather and the people. And of course we ran the last 2 blocks to the finish line...gotta finish strong, you know?
All in all, we are getting really excited. We know life is going to change dramatically, but we are so thankful for our last 6.5 years of marriage, just Alan and I, and all that we were able to do, see, and experience together. And now, we feel so blessed to be starting a new adventure together...with a 3rd member adding himself to our family. We pray every day for guidance, strength, love, and most of all that our lives show Oak the true love of Christ!

Thank you for your support and prayers!

Definitions of Oak

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Oak as:

Pronunciation: \ˈōk\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural oaks or oak Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English ook, from Old English āc; akin to Old High German eih oak and perhaps to Greek aigilōps, a kind of oak Date: before 12th century 1 a: any of a genus (Quercus) of trees or shrubs of the beech family that produce acorns; also : any of various plants related to or resembling the oaks b: the tough hard durable wood of an oak tree2: the leaves of an oak used as decoration.

The Encyclopedia Britannica describes Oak as:

Oaks are deciduous trees that bear spring catkins (male flowers) and spikes (female flowers) on the same tree. The leaves have lobed, toothed, or smooth margins. The fruit is the acorn. They are hardy and long-lived shade trees. White oaks have smooth leaves and rapidly germinating sweet acorns; red, or black, oaks have bristle-tipped leaves and bitter, hairy acorns. Red- and white-oak lumber is used in construction, flooring, furniture, millwork, barrel making, and the production of crossties, structural timbers, and mine props. The genus includes many ornamentals and natural hybrids.

Our reasons for naming our son Oak:

1) Oak trees are a picture of life and strength giving credit to the Creator.

2) Oak trees have deep roots which drink from pure waters.

3) Oak trees are a home to many who need it.

4) Oak trees are strong & sturdy-long life.

5) Oak trees are a symbol of wisdom, strength, life, and selflessness.

6) The name is a little nutty, too.

We begin a new chapter...

So, this is our new blog. Our place to share our lives with you through words and pictures. We so enjoyed having a blog while living in Colombia, that we felt it would be a great way to continue communication now that we have returned to the U.S.

We are now living in Grand Rapids, Michigan and have enjoyed the last 2 weeks of acclimating to permanently living in the U.S. again. There are so many wonderful conveniences about living in the U.S...everything you could ever want is right at your fingertips...yet, it leaves us a little homesick for the challenge and excitement of living in Bogota. We enjoyed getting to walk everywhere, running into friends on the street, dealing with language barriers....lots of differences. We now are adjusting to the change of being "home"...and we are so thankful to God every day for all that He has provided.

In the last 2 weeks, we have enjoyed getting to see family on a daily basis, setting up new bank accounts, getting new driver's licenses, applying for jobs, meeting our new doctor who will deliver Oak, eating lots of good food, visiting the beautiful Michigan beaches, enjoying the warmth of Michigan summers, and overall trying to rest and relax. We know life is going to dramatically change in a few short weeks when little Oak joins our family.

We thank you for your prayers...please continue to pray for God's leading as we look for jobs (the next step in our lives) and prepare for Oak's arrival. We hope to see each of you sometime soon! Enjoy your July 4th celebrations!