Life is precious

This morning, I read the heartbreaking story of James Camden Sikes.  I followed a link on Facebook, posted by the photographer who took Gabriel's newborn pictures (I love her work, especially of babies).  I had no idea what my heart was getting into.

I fought tears as I read Katie's version of the story, but could fight them no longer when I watched the video that they put together.

I'm in tears again as I write this, having just read some of Kara Sikes' posts about dealing with her loss.  It's so hard to read because I keep imagining myself in her shoes.  What if it had been my sweet Gabriel?  How would I have dealt with the loss of my precious baby boy?

I think the thing I hate most in the world is babies and children dying.  To me, there is no greater evidence of the Fall.  Death is hard to deal with no matter who is dying, but there is just something wrong with life being snuffed out before it's even had a chance.

I've been sitting here, weeping, for the past half-hour trying to decide how to end this post.  I hear Gabriel stirring from his nap in the other room and I want nothing more than to just cuddle him, if he'll let me.

I vow to cherish every single moment with my baby boy (and my baby girl, too, when she comes).

I'm so grateful to God for the gift(s) he's given me.

Clean Canvas

Yesterday, we moved into our new apartment.  It's adorable!

Upsides:  two stories, three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and an amazing view of our resort-style pool.  Downsides:  teeny kitchen, small master bedroom, no laundry room (washer and dryer are in the kitchen).

I'll post pictures once I get everything put away.  The unpackers took everything out of boxes, so there is literally stuff everywhere.

I'm super excited to start organizing and decorating.  I've been compiling decor ideas for a few weeks now.  It's sad -- Drew and I have been married for over three years now, and the most decorating I've ever done is buy a bedspread, hang pictures, and try to find knick-knacks for our entertainment center.

Well, I'm definitely going to make up for it now!  I like to think of it as a fresh start on a clean canvas. :)

I'm finally gave in and joined Pinterest to keep my ideas organized.  So far I've loved it!  It hasn't hurt that the people I follow like to pin pictures of scrumptious desserts, complete with recipes.  Unfortunately, I doubt my midwife will agree.  Whatever.  I'm pregnant, I crave sugar.  Let's conveniently ignore the fact that I tend to crave it even when not pregnant. :p

Anyway.  Pinterest.  It's been really helpful having all my ideas in one place.  I've also subscribed to some home decor catalogues, just for the ideas.  I can't wait to get started!

Hello, Houston

Well, folks, today is my first full day in Houston.  I'm sitting here in our cutely-furnished temporary apartment trying to take it all in.  Everything feels so surreal because I just got back from a 6-week vacation.  I arrived back in Dallas on Saturday night and drove down to Houston Sunday morning.

It's so weird to realize that I'm not living in Dallas anymore.  I almost can't even comprehend it!  Part of me thinks that I'm still on vacation--just spending a week or so in another new place.  But at the same time, another part knows that this is permanent.

Maybe when we move into our new apartment on Sunday, things will start making sense again.

In other news... Gabriel finally said "Ma-Ma" today.  He's said it two or three times before, just baby babbling, but today he repeated it when I asked him to and he seemed to finally make the connection between me and the word.  I'm very happy.  I've been waiting my whole life to hear the name.

Funny that he picked our first day in Houston to say it.  I guess I needed some cheering up today.  Thanks, God.

-TL