Salem Ann

Littlest lady had her 2 week check last week. She has been such a good eater, she came out rooting. So thankful! Any who...... she weighed in at 9 lb. 2oz. a very significant increase from her 7 lb. 13oz. birth weight. I've been exclusively nursing her, the Dr. asked if I'd been supplementing b/c of the major weight gained. I just said "God wired me to produce some hardy milk".  This has been one of many ways I've seen God providing for me and caring for me in this time of change.  Sweet girl is such a darling baby.  My first female baby to enjoy snuggling on my chest. Her spitting up is minimal, she is already sleeping a good 5 hour stretch at night (now I just need to figure out how to coordinate her feeding with that feeding pump).  I hate to say it, but if all babies were like Salem, who knows how many we would have? But alas, they are not, we are all created in own unique way, with individual strength and weakness. Her only issue for now is a clogged tear duct, and I'm praying for that to resolve.

On a side note...... to re-answer the "how are things going" question, as I seem to get it a lot.....

Last week was very difficult. I usually find my self crashing on week 2 when the adrenaline of "new" wears off. But I would have to say week 3 this time around proved to be most challenging.  I won't go into too many details but just a couple of the rated PG items on the list; i burnt my right hand and it was painful for a couple days, it was a steam burn from opening a lid on some steamed broccoli in a poor direction.  Shiloh neglected her earring maintenance and allowed for the back of her earring to grow into the back of her ear, that's right, it was embedded. We had minor surgery and a firm lecture on my bed.  Hosea had some sort of flu, thankful for the short 2 day version. I'll stop here.

Amidst the chaos of it all God is providing for me.  Mike's work schedule has loosened significantly which is unmerited favor given to him from his CO, resulting in being granted additional days off, and he has really stepped it up in intent and execution of serving within our home.  He has started taking an online class, kicking off seminary, so he has been also doing that.  He is loving it, it has put some pep-in-his-step. He has been intentional in being helpful, which is a huge blessing to me.  Additionally Salem's temperament, has been an answer to prayer, and thus provision from the hands of her creator.  We've had meals prepared and brought to us, and have been served by many eager hands.  Thank you Lord for your kindness!