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!