Of One Heart, Emma On The Ice

This picture hangs in my living room. I bought it right after we moved into our first home in Minnesota because it was a beautiful representation to me of strength and sacrifice.

*Fast forward 4 years*

After a rough morning, I had just put Hannah and Ellie down for their afternoon nap and was walking with Jocelyn hoping for the same result. As I passed this picture, I glanced up and caught my reflection. I looked at it differently this time. This time I simply saw a mother, a sleep-deprived, financially-crunched mother with too many irons in the fire, simply trying to navigate her children to warmth and safety. I was touched by the parallels of Emma and myself...and every other mother out there trying to do the same. I am so grateful for a Heavenly Father who pours out his tender mercies even when I'm not at all seeking them. A shout out to all you incredible moms out there!

From then 'til now

This is basically a "picture dump" from our late summer. In backwards order of course...thanks user-UNfriendly blogger. We are totally enjoying our new little Jocelyn. We can't figure out who she looks like. She is a good baby and has already been to more activities than Hannah did in her first 6 months of life. We are so grateful to Grammie and Grandpa, Aunt Jenna, and Nannah for traveling and bearing with us in those last days of pregnancy and first days of bringing baby home. Couldn't have done it without you all, no lie!


So, yup, this is us now. Walbruch, table for 5?!?

Finally!!!!!

Jocelyn Karin Walbruch
-Wednesday September 1, 2010
-12:02 p.m.
-9 pounds 13 ounces
-21.5 inches
-Full set of eyelashes, an adorable dimple on the right cheek, two excited big sisters, a total life-saving Aunt Jenna, one RELIEVED mama, and a proud papa.




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We're thrilled beyond words...thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!

D-Day come and gone

Well, this is just no good. No good at all. NO. GOOD. I thought my 3rd child was supposed to come early if anything. I know, I know, I'm only 1 day past my due date but here's the deal: I live on the other side of the United States from all family. It's a BIG DEAL for them to come. My in laws were here all last week and even stayed an extra day to try and coax baby girl into appearing, Jenna is here until Saturday, then my mom comes Sept 2. I was so excited to have almost 4 full weeks of help/rescue and I've about gone bananas as each day of potential aid has slipped away. I've walked this neighborhood until every part of my body aches and not even a hint of a contraction.
Yes, I've been up since 4:40 scalding peaches and yes, it is now 6:00 a.m. and my AC just turned on. Help people!

Summah

"Gymnastics" in the front room




Thank goodness for friends that let us use their swimming pools! Here we are getting our snack during "adult swim." That's a very long 10 minutes by the way.






Ballet. Far from graceful but VERY entertaining.




Nate suiting up to hit the streets selling Moxie Pest Control. Although the heat is for the birds, he actually enjoys the work a lot. Funny story: One guy angrily told Nate, "you know there's no soliciting allowed in this neighborhood." Nate's reply was, "Oh, okay, if I see anyone soliciting, I'll let them know." I guess the guy actually laughed so...nevertheless I think he'll be glad to be back in the classroom NEXT WEEK. Since when does school start back in July?




I'm sure my girls think popsicles are one of the main food groups. $1.66 a bag = cheap cool treat.

Group dinner at our house:)



Discovery Place with the Mechams:
Hannah and Kirill pass on the "synthetic" rainforest rope bridge. Just felt like being outside in Charlotte, NC to me.



H the brave tries the bed of nails...(after watching 30+ previous kids)



Da bears...



Water time



Ellie and Alex working on a project



So pleased that we're having record high temperatures this summer (not). Heat index of 108? Are you kidding me? So, yes, Nate came home from church to find me in my bathing suit today. Sue me. Good news: no more indigestion. None. Nill. As you can see, this baby girls has dropped so low I feel like I'm transporting a bowling ball around with me. 36 weeks y'all!