Family Update

Things have been quite busy around here. We are preparing for a new baby, our AC was out this past weekend, we had company for a week, and I have a lot of behind the scenes work being done as a part of my internship.

Some things seem to never change though, such as Owen wanting to nap with his vacuum cleaner tucked in next to him.
Since our visitors left we have cleaned out some of the things left behind in the refrigerator. Shawn and Tammy are organic-naturalpathics who do not use man made food-products. The result of this was some heavy whipping cream left which was unopened. Owen, Anna and I had a great time turning this into butter. I made them guess what the cream would be when it was done, but of course, they had no clue. When it turned to whipped cream, Anna exclaimed, "it's turning into a mocha!"

She loved the moment when it went from whipping cream to separated butter and water. It was like magic, minus the Harry Potter action.
Owen liked it on a cracker. He could not wait to eat more. We told him no.
Anna thought that it was really a great thing as well. Homemade butter.. what could be finer? Well, homemade bread on which to spread it!
We also went to Johnson Park for lunch today. The kids played and Lydia and I went through baby names. We may have one.... who knows. Lydia is quite excited about being delivered from this burden... I mean child. We are very excited to have three little ones. What a blessing and an honor to raise children unto the glory of God!
Owen and Anna are always telling * * * * * * * * * what the outside world is like... spankings and all. Here they are giving a pre-kiss.
I am sure that the next few weeks will be filled with pictures of our little guy. I will give a precondition now... we do not think that new borns are cute... this is a myth. But we do love them.

Slings and Things

Our friends were here this week from Albany. Tammy and Jody made a new sling for Lydia and the new baby.

You all should check out their website and order one. You can also order some clothes, hats, and bloomers to cover your bum.

Visit Scarlet Stitch.

Meet the Baby!

Meet the third Eshelman baby. We have been praying quite a bit for this little person. We have been praying that this baby, as well as Anna and Owen, love the Lord Jesus Christ from infancy. John the Baptizer was said to have leaped in the womb at the hearing of the name of Jesus. May all of our children be used for the glory of God and the advancement of Christ's Kingdom.

It will be a HOT summer!

Thought I would give further information on the news that Anna has shared. We notified family, but otherwise our dear blog readers are the only to know (and the 3 friends that knew already).

The EDD is August 24, 2007 (I estimated August 22, but I will stick with the later date). Meaning that I am considered 5 weeks (LMP) and 3 weeks gestation.

We have only known for about a week. We decided to share early and ask for much prayer during this fragile development time. There is comfort in knowing that God opens and closes the womb, and I pray for strength and pure reliance on Him.

So far I have not been sick, which is rather unusual for me, since the last 2 pregnancies have be quite different. I think I will actually "feel" better if I start getting some symptoms. Weird, I know. But, either way, this is a blessing and we rejoice! I guess my love for chocolate is gone. That is my favorite pregnancy symptom! Truly a blessing to not crave chocolate! Still deciding if I should use my previous Ob/Gyn or search out a midwife. (I like my Ob/Gyn but not so much her group.) Any recommendations on a good midwife? Nathan would like a home birth. Not going to happen. Sorry, Nathan.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6,7

What Did She Say?

A New Life on Union Avenue

There comes a time in all families lives where they feel the need to add another member to the family. Some people are able to supress this feeling with new house plants or a little cuddly puppy.

But there are those in families that desire to feel a little life growing within them. They desire to experience the development of new life and of reflecting a sense of the Creator.

Life is worth passing on to a new generation. Life is worth extending to little feet that will scurry up and down Union Avenue. Life is good when one is going to pass life on to another.





Congratulations to Steve and Janna Birn. May the Lord bless your family, keep baby from harm, and give you much grace as you carry on in the building of a Christian home.
(Did you think that Lyd and I were going to have another baby?)

Congratulations!

Congratulations are in order for our friends Aaron and Lisa Bishop. We ask for prayer as they embark on one of the greatest journeys of life! You can email Aaron and Lisa to congratulate them: aaron.bishop@thproperties.com .

A little Pickering

Congratulations to our dear friends, Justin and Marion (Lanning) Pickering.

They have announced that they will be having a baby at the end of May, Lord willing.

We pray that the Lord will bless this pregnancy and the delivery.

We look forward to welcoming the little Pickering!

Cards and gifts may be sent to:

Mr & Mrs. J. Pickering
1660 Wendler Ave SW, flat 2
Grand Rapids, MI 49507

* * There are other friends that are with child as well, but I am not sure whether it is public knowledge.