DAUGHTERS!

Did you catch the plural there?

Daughterssssss.....as in more than one. Yep.

We are having a little girl!!!!

A beautiful (you can totally tell she's gorgeous even in the ultrasound), perfectly healthy baby girl. Due this January, Olive Christianne will be India June's baby sister and our newest daughter.

AND I'M JUST SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Dia sporting her "Big Sister" shirt while being excited :)

Olive means "peaceful" and Christianne is a feminine form of Christopher, Rory's middle name, which means "bearer of Christ." (Actually, all of Rory's family has a middle name beginning with "Christ" so Olive will not just carry on her Papa's name, but his whole family's tradition.) So we have ourselves a sweet little "Peaceful Bearer of Christ" in her papa's tradition.


And with two strong personalities ahead of her (her mama and older sister), she just may be a little more on the peaceful side if you know what I mean. We instantly knew this would be her name. And just like with Dia, I cried when I heard it. With both of our children now, I realize that we are more discovering their name rather than just choosing it. We really feel that their persons and spirits are already well-established before the Lord and it's our job to "tune-in" to who they are.

Dia and Liv. Olive and India. DD and Livy. I can just see a beautiful friendship already.

In fact, when the ultra-sound tech told Dia she would have a sister, Dia cried.

"NO! Girl!"

She wanted the baby to be a girl and thought that a sister wasn't a girl. How cute is that? We explained that a sister is a girl and that was met with giggles and a hearty, "Yay!" As we've been slowly talking more and more about the baby to come now that we have a name (Dia says "Olif"--so adorable), we explained that Baby Olive will come to live with us forever and even sleep in bed with us. That night Rory went to lay his head next to Dia's and she got upset saying, "No, Papa! Baby Olif sleep there!" Without any prompting, she has also taken to kissing my belly. My prayer is that her protection over and love for this new sweetheart will carry on long into their adulthood and throughout their long lives serving the Lord together.

One of the best things about the ultra-sound is that it's done at home by an amazing and talented professional who also records our voices along with the full ultra-sound so we will have our reactions to this blessed news on a DVD to enjoy forever. Not to mention, her first glorious images to savor forever--just like with India.

The other day I went to return some shirts at a local off-the-rack department store. I prayed while in line that the Lord would grant me favor from the cashier (I didn't have my receipt and was pretty sure I was well passed the 30-day return policy deadline anyway). He completely granted me favor and the cashier even gave me a knowing look as she explained that she knew the shirts weren't worth anywhere near what she was giving me in store credit. I couldn't help but thank Him (and her, of course), but somewhere deep down I felt so unworthy of the full amount I received when I didn't really deserve it. I now think that was a teeny tiny little glimpse into the favor He has had in store for Rory and me. Knowing that we will have two healthy daughters...well, of course I haven't been able to stop thanking the Lord. But I also feel so unworthy. Children are a blessing. A blessing FROM THE LORD, He says. They are pure gifts. And here, selfish, horribly flawed, completely unqualified us gets two. Two daughters to love and raise and nurture before the Lord. I don't think I could ask for anything more!


Thank You, Lord, for Your favor! For the blessing of two daughters. They are nothing but gifts and I praise You forever for such favor. Thank You. Be with us each day and night as we learn and struggle and rejoice through parenthood. Teach us to love as You do. And to be as patient and gracious as You are. In all ways and things, let our family be a testament, a glory, an example and following of You and Your Son, our ultimate gift. Cause our home to be a living testimony and praise to You always--in strength and weakness, good times and hard. Lead us all closer to each other and nearer to You. I also continue to ask You for health and strength for all of us and Baby Olive as she continues to grow. In the name of Your Precious Son, Amen.

Baby Olive, we can't wait to meet you!