Today's Coffee: Moka Java from World Market

Grinning through the pain, walking Mgirl around
the hospital. 

Well, I've done it again. Lots has happened since the last blog and lots more is going to happen. The most obvious new change to our lives is that our precious little girl has joined us! She was born on Thanksgiving morning! 

Russell family holding Mgirl before they left!

Long story short, she was an emergency c-section, due to being breech and transverse, and my water breaking that morning. She was perfect. We were so thankful, because even though we didn't want a c-section, the Lord was so merciful to us. One of the many blessings shown to us that day was in fact, the c-section. Of course, that wasn't quite what I wanted, but due to a couple very large tumors on both my ovaries, the Lord gave wisdom and he created the perfect circumstances for both of them to be removed after M was born, thus making it so that I would only have one surgery and not have to go back in March. 

Such a little man after his haircut. Look like T? I think so!

Recovery has been quite frustrating to me. Most everyone that knows me, knows how hard it is for me to ask for help. I don't like doing it, and therefore - I just won't. So, not being able to lay down in bed without help, or walk (even for short distances) was very aggravating. The process has also been sanctifying. Relying on others for meals, or watch W, and the big one - not be able to conduct our Lessons and Carols Concert.
 I'd planned since last Christmas for this program. 
Selected all the pieces and scripture passages, worked out a script, arranged carols for the instrumental groups, coached the groups, worked on a processional, and just general logistics. 
And it happened 8 days after M was born. I could barely walk, let alone stand for an hour, and I knew that I wouldn't be able to direct it. 
What a blow to my professional ego. 
I wanted to do it, I wanted to stand up there and conduct Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming. I wanted to whisper to the children that were nervous. I wanted to give thumbs up to each group and mouth 'awesome job!' after they sang and played. But, the Lord meant for me to sit and listen. 
So… I did.
 I sat next to M in her carseat and just attended the concert. (Of course, I had also created in the weeks before her birth an entire contingency plan if I couldn't be there). 
I learned a lot sitting there. Of course, I learned much about the technical side - how the acoustics worked with where each choir was seated, certain consonants that need more intentional diction and enunciation. But I also saw the blessing of it all. Hearing the story of Jesus' birth - and really listening to the children of our church sing (and sing quite well, I might add!) about the hardships, and the journey to the manger. What a story. 
Needless to say, I needed to sit and listen this year. 
I needed to be reminded that our Savior and Risen King was born in Bethlehem, as a totally dependent baby boy - and that he was to grow up, only to die on a cross - - for me. 
I needed that this year. 

Baby M is amazing. 
She was 8 lbs 5 oz at birth and at 2 weeks already up to 8 lbs 15 oz. She was 20 inches long and yes - her head was 14 3/4 inches (the exact same as W) (woot 95th percentile!) 

5 weeks old with a bow on her head!

We sleep just about as well as you would expect. :) Mgirl is eating about every 3-4 hours and we can occasionally get a 5-6 hour stretch out of her. W has started waking up in the middle of the night to check on everybody and ask for juice. It's precious and terrible all at the same time. 

Thomas precariously holding W to put star on top of our tree!

Merry Christmas!

Both kids were not ready for this pic... but I like it!

Christmas was extra special this year - we surprised everyone in Greenville by showing up at different Christmas events on Christmas day (they were all expecting us late afternoon the day after). We had been planning this for a long time and I can't believe we didn't let the cat out of the bag! It was such a great time with our families - we loved being in Greenville - and we got to worship at Second Pres again! We are so thankful for that rock-solid church and it's devotion to the preaching and teaching of God's word. It was wonderful to see old friends again and to worship alongside them. 

Our VERY EARLY Christmas morning in the hotel… on the way to Greenville! 

Our lives have been quite exciting the past month and a half, concerts, weddings, worship services, M's birth, Christmas, New Years, and a trip to Greenville… and it's going to get a little crazier with the start of the new semester. Lessons, choirs, strings, and preparing to open Covenant Conservatory in the summer/fall. 
But, the Lord is gracious and steadfast in his love and strength. As we start this new year, we are striving to walk with the Lord more each day. I am personally striving to be open to asking for help when I need it. We are trusting that the Lord will take care of us as we persevere each day to being bold in our beliefs, and being prepared for the battle everyday that is presented before us. He is faithful. 

In Christ,
Julie