Our Story Is a Thread Woven into the Tapestry of God's Story: 17 Weeks, 41 Years and #boisebound

When I wrote my first post on this blog, I had every intention of updating it on a weekly, or at the very least monthly, basis. I had no idea a pregnancy could fly by like this one has been. That said, I am bracing myself that the second half or last quarter may slow way down.

Last Friday we marked the 17th week of pregnancy and the next day I celebrated my 41st birthday. I was thoroughly spoiled by my family and dear friends.

What's up with the #boisebound in the title, though, you ask? I'll get to that after I answer a few questions that seem to be on many of your minds.

How am I feeling?
This is probably the most common one I get. And I appreciate the interest. I have had a pretty standard answer all throughout this pregnancy: "definitely pregnant but not miserable." I have heard my share of stories of women who were quite nauseous much of the time, if not worse. I truly feel like I have nothing I could complain of. I mean, I certainly hope that after all these years of waiting I would not complain even if I were stuck in bed with a bucket by my side. But that has not been the case. There have been just enough symptoms to be reassuring.

Will we find out the gender (ahead of time, that is)?
Yes! I'm scheduled for my 20 week ultrasound on October 16th and provided Lentil cooperates and there is a gender determination made, we will avail ourselves of that information immediately. We also plan to share it soon thereafter. [Side note: I'm pretty sure my favorite gender neutral color is RED!]

Have we thought of any names yet?
Yes. We have maybe even settled on names but that is one thing we intend to save as a surprise for after the birth. So feel free to offer your suggestions but we take this naming thing very seriously, and believe it is a job that has been entrusted to us, so we really aren't worried about hurting anyone's feelings, nor will we be moved by anyone expressing a distaste for the names we choose.

Have I felt Lentil move?
Not yet. From everything I've read, I am not surprised by this. We have, however, heard the heart beat again recently and even heard a few kicks! So we know there is movement happening.

I swear it looks bigger in person than in this picture!

I think that covers the most common questions. Now about that #boisebound.

The shorter version (which is what I'll give, at least for now) is that ever since a taking a trip to Boise, Idaho a year ago, we have been praying about the possibility of relocating there. We have been knocking on doors, making connections (especially on a second trip we took there this last February--we already know some people in the church community we will be a part of) and just last week Joseph accepted a job offer.

While we will dearly miss so many here we have shared our hearts with, we are truly excited about this new chapter for our family. And we have every intention of coming back to visit.

Our target move date is November 10th (which was also the due date of my first pregnancy that ended in loss).

We covet your prayers as we continue knocking on doors, especially related to housing. And of course for the packing process. We have been married/lived in this area for over 19 years and in this house for more than 8 of those. We certainly hope to decrease the amount of belongings that have accumulated over the course of that time, but it also feels a bit daunting in the midst of other necessary preparations.

Oh, and something else to be praying for is the provision of a midwife in Boise. I have so much respect (and love!) for my midwife-friend here and cannot really imagine anyone out there who I would trust as much, nor who could put me at ease as much. But I also know that Jesus knew when He opened my womb who would be catching this baby, and also who I needed seeing me through this far. With all the other provisions we have seen, I know I can trust my Father for this one also.

Here are a few pictures from our two trips to Boise: