More Ordinary Miracles

*Tried to post this last night... hope it comes through today! :)

An inspiring message this morning and one of those spring evening backyard conversations just moments ago reminded me of my intention to post some of these each week or so. So now while I'm up thinking about other important things in life (like whether or not to make brownies), here are some more of the small, yet profound, everyday details for which I am grateful. Consider yourselves tagged, if you'd like!

1...That lately throughout the day Hope will look at one of us and say “hans, hans” with her own hands wide open. Then she’ll hold onto our fingers for several priceless moments while she goes about whatever she was doing.
2...That for the past few Sundays when Joe holds Hope during worship, without any prompting, those same little hands often find themselves lifted high into the air.
3...That you generous souls remind us that a sunkissed little girl in a summertime sundress can really make you smile (Mr. Benny, you did GOOD!)


4...That I'm having a summer baby which somehow gives me the right to consume as many ice-cream cones, milkshakes, and smoothies as my heart (womb?) desires. For crying out loud the Steak and Shake is directly across from my OB’s office.
5...That right before bedtime it is a requirement to not only kiss Hope goodnight, but to also not forget “Bobo,” her favorite bear. She usually lifts him up and everything for this final smooch before she'll roll over and call it a night night.
6...That this relaxing three day weekend, full of grilling out and bonfires and finishing up baby projects, comes to us by way of remembering the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom.
7...That date night included laughter, really good conversation, lots of hand holding since we actually had all four of them free (in public, no less!), and movie theater candy.

8...That Tucker seems to be trained on the wireless fence (please, oh please, let me not jinx us!) and he has since made the other dog in our house his best friend. Seriously, we have never seen Tuck so happy-- or calm!
9...That having someone else cook dinner every other night makes my meals more fun and her meals taste so good, especially when that same someone has demanded to take over the mopping and vacuuming in these final weeks. Twist my arm, right?
10...That one of Joe's dearest friends, dating all the way back to middle school, and his wife just welcomed their daughter Lily into the world! We cannot wait to meet her for ourselves just as they traveled to meet Hope after she was born. Congratulations also to Grandpa and Grandma P., who were like second parents to us while we lived in Tidewater… another beautiful granddaughter joins the family! Here are two pictures from memory lane we hope to recreate, this time with your little bundle in our arms.