WayfaringStrangers

I'm 10 days from my due date and Behn and I are excitedly waiting for our baby to make his arrival! I'm not the most patient person in general, so it's hard for me not to know when he will be born. But God's timing is perfect! Today was nice. Behn and I went grocery shopping, then did some cleaning (nesting?). I spent the afternoon with my friend Kate and we baked lots of delicious Christmas cookies. Right now we have a fire going, the tree is lit up and pretty, and I feel very content and blessed.

Being that I am less than a month from my due date(!), Behn and I decided not to travel anywhere for Thanksgiving this year. Instead Behn, Hannah and I had a family meeting to discuss the menu and the three of us made our own little Thanksgiving dinner here in Lexington. I'm pretty proud of us- Thanksgiving dinner can seem a daunting task, but everything turned out pretty good. Really, if the worst thing that happens is that the marshmallows on the sweet potato casserole get burned, that's pretty successful, right? We missed being with our other family members, and especially thought of Seth in Afghanistan and Emily missing him. We did have two friends over. Hannah's friend Tony flew in from Minnesota and Behn invited a co-worker over. The menu: turkey, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, salad, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pies. Pretty darn traditional and delicious! Breakfast Sweet Rolls: Putting the turkey in the turkey bag (Yes, used

Due to the fact that I am now in my last month (theoretically, at least) of pregnancy, Behn and I decided to go on one "last" date. Sure, they'll be dates in the future, Lord willing, but from now on things are changing. We'll either have to find a sitter (live-in Aunt Hannah will be great for that!) or bring baby along. So we went out and enjoyed a worry-free evening in Waynesboro, enjoying each other's company, thinking of so many blessings, dreaming about Baby Boy, and hashing about life. It was so fun! We went to Outback Steakhouse, Target (yes,this qualifies as a major part of a good date for us), Starbucks, and then to a movie. We spent much of today finishing organizing the baby's room, making space in our room for his bassinet and changing station, and painting a nightstand for him. We are getting ready. I still want us to pack our hospital bags before the end of the day- you can never be too prepared!

About a year ago I made a short post on this blog about how much I miss the Philadelphia Sports teams. Since we've made the move down here to beautiful Virginia, the Flyers have reached the Stanley Cup final, and the Phillies have reached the World Series (again) and NLCS. Thanks to technology I can keep up with what is happening with my teams. I've gone to the bars a few times to watch games too. But today was different. Today, it was as if Philadelphia sports reciprocated my feelings and paid me a visit. Two days ago my co-worker showed me the front page of the News Gazette. Charlie Manuel was to visit Buena Vista, his hometown, and was to be accompanied by former Eagle and NBC sportscaster Vai Sikahema. They were both to speak at Southern Virginia University on Friday, right in town. This was something that I simply couldn't miss. I texted almost everyone I knew of the news. Today I made sure to bring my red Phillies tee to work, as well as some Charlie Manuel photos for

I've been wanting to make this post for a while...but I was waiting to make sure all the announcements had been made first... Our baby boy is getting 3 new cousins!! Can you believe that?? Three of my lovely sisters-in-law are expecting babies as well. Here's a picture of all of us in September: Of course, he already has one adorable little cousin (who's getting a sibling): So far, our baby is the only boy...but there's still one "unknown" so we'll find out soon if he's flying solo or will have a little boy cousin to get into trouble with. I am SO excited for our family! All of these babies are precious and will be so loved. My mother-in-law said she thinks God is raising up a new generation and I agree. All of these babies are prayed over and will be told of Jesus' love at the earliest age. I wish we all lived closer together, and maybe in the future we will. But we're still able to rejoice with each other and the kids will be best friends

Having friends where you live.... (I could not get these guys to take a serious picture) ...makes all the difference. (sorry it looks like your head is on fire, Ana)

This is our sweet little dining area...so bright and sunny! The table that Dad Trader found for us and the chairs that I bought off a friend fit perfectly. Sometimes I wish we had a bigger table, but whenever we move, this one seems to be the perfect fit.

We've lived in our new rental almost 2 months now, and I haven't posted pictures. It took a while to settle in, and there are still things to be done, but I wanted to post a few pictures for those of you who can't make it down here. As other rooms are "finished" (read: clean), I'll take and post pictures of them, too. Living room- excited to try to fireplace. We also love the big bay window. We decided to eliminate cable TV from our lives and from our living room. The tv, which we only use for movies, is now in the guest room.

We're definitely, officially having a boy! At our 12-week ultrasound, we were told it was a boy, but the baby was so little we weren't sure if we believed the diagnosis. Then at our 20-week ultrasound, "he" was breech the whole time and the doctor never got a very good look at what she needed to see. We were a little discouraged, but decided to go ahead and say it was a little boy and that our son was on the way. Unless there were complications, we weren't supposed to get another ultrasound. A few weeks ago, Behn and I started talking about getting one of those 3/4D ultrasounds, just to make sure he was a he, especially since we have been given SO many cute boy clothes...but there aren't any of those 3/4D places around here out in the boonies. Plus, it's a little pricey. So, we resigned ourselves to the fate of possibly being a little suprised if our baby was a girl. Today at my routine appointment, I was telling the doctor I was a little nervous that at

Behn and I have been holding out for Labor Day weekend for months. It's been a crazy summer, and we haven't been able to spend much time together. We were never able to celebrate out 2 year anniversary in June since we had family visiting (and moving in) at that time, so we decided to put it off until life calmed down. Well, we finally made it to this weekend! Behn and I decided to get away and camp. We haven't camped since we moved to VA (which i s a crying shame), so we packed up and headed out. The weather was perfect for camping: cool and clear. Is Autumn creeping in? That's ok with us! The campsite was a little crowded (Labor Day weekend) but we really enjoyed the time in the fresh air and around the campfire. It has been such a treasure to spend time talking and dreaming and thinking on the past and the future. The baby has been very active this weekend too, he must know his parents are finally relaxed and are talking about him a lot. We are so blessed!

Emily is here for the week! Today we went to church and later hiked for a while. It's so nice to have her around! Behn now has 3 Cathey girls in his house (well, 2 Traders and 1 Cathey, but you know what I mean) and we are all having a blast spending time together. Fun times!

Today Behn and I went to a community festival in town that we went to one year ago. My, how much has changed in a year! We ran into several people that we knew (last year we didn't know anyone ). Last year I didn't have a job, we lived in a different house, Behn wasn't in grad school, and we weren't having a baby. It's been a good, but busy and challenging first year in Lexington. It's been a busy summer. Ukraine, lots of visitors, a little trip here and there, plus busy with work. Mom and Dad Trader came to help us move a few weeks ago. They were SO helpful! Last weekend Matt and Rachael were here. We had a great time showing them Lexington and the mountains and just hanging out together. And now Emily is here for a week to spend time with us. It's wonderful that we now have extra space for visitors to enjoy when they come visit. I'll post pictures of the house when we have it all pretty and unpacked. It's a work in progress...

I am 20 weeks pregnant today, which (supposedly) means I'm about 1/2 through my pregnancy! My appetite is really increasing and the baby is growing. Next week we'll know for sure if this little person is a boy or a girl! Also, we're moving to a new rental. We are going to be living in a beautiful little Cape Cod out in the country. It's perfectly positioned between Buena Vista and Lexington and it is so adorable. We needed a bigger place for the baby and all the company I'm sure we will be having, and also now Hannah (who moved here in June) has her own bedroom and bathroom. Praise God for providing for our every need.

This weekend (Thursday night- Sunday morning) Behn, Hannah, and I trekked to upstate New York to spend time with Emily. We have had an amazing time...Emily and Seth's home is so cozy and welcoming We have missed Seth's presence, his humor and his guitar playing immensely. We were here last year at this time...how much a year has changed things. Seth is deployed, being brave fighting abroad. Behn and I have moved to a new state and have a baby to look forward to in 6 months or so. Emily has a new job. But we see God's hand in all things. We've really enjoyed each other's company and the memories we have made. Friday we were pretty chill. Since we got in at 3:30 a.m., we slept in and spent most of the day hanging out, watching movies, going on a walk. Yesterday we had our energy back and went out to Watertown and Sackett's Harbor. Sackett's Harbor is the cutest little place you will see. It's right on Lake Ontario and is so picturesque and quaint. We had l

Two Years

I cannot believe I am almost 13 weeks pregnant already! Being pregnant in Ukraine did cause some challenges, but overall it did not hinder the trip. It was nice that Jess and I had the same things going on and could talk about and enjoy this special time together. This week we had our first ultrasound. We are in awe of this little life, a life that we did not create, but that God created in His wisdom. The baby was so cute and energetic! I think it really set in for Behn, to see that little person on the screen. He can't stop talking about it and looking at the pictures. We are in love! The day I found out I was pregnant was a Sunday morning. We were in shock and disbelief that this actually may be happening, after so much prayer and wondering if this was going to happen for us. That morning in church we sang the beautiful hymn, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty." This hymn will forever reflect God's goodness to us and remind of us how He worked in our lives to create

Behn and I are back from Ukraine! Actually we got back late Sunday night, but were quickly accosted by returning to work and fighting jetlag. We're still a little off on the sleep schedule. We went to bed at 8:30 last night (a Friday) and were up at 6:15 this morning (Saturday). Anyway, Ukraine. The trip was amazing! Each day we learned more about the world and the special people in it. We were able to minister and serve, as well as to be served and ministered to. The wonderful, Christian family who hosted us are now fast friends. We love Ruslan, Archie and each of their amazing 12 children. How inspiring for us to live with a family who seeks to honor God through loving orphans! We got to spend a few days playing with the kids in orphanages. We briefly visited the shelter in the town where we were staying, but spent the majority of our time in Tulchyn. This orphanage is the one that Luke and Jess' church, Crossroads Presbyterian, has been particularly involved in. For Luke and

Today Behn and I discovered the Rockbridge Farmer's Market. There is one on Wednesdays that we cannot go to because we are at work, but there is also one on Saturdays. It's at the Horse Center, and I am so glad to have found it! We bought fresh eggs, kale, and strawberry preserves and next time I think we will purchase some meat. Everything was cheaper and fresher than what you get in the store! A few weeks ago Behn and I climbed Wildcat Mountain in Natural Bridge. It was a great hike. We came upon several fallen trees and as Behn was climbing over one of them, a huge owl flew up from under the tree. It made both of us jump, but upon further inspection, we discovered that it was a mama owl who had been sitting on her nest of eggs. It was amazing to see up close, although of course we did not touch or disturb anything. She did not choose the best spot, since it's right on the trail, but hopefully it will be peaceful enough for her to raise her babies. On another note, Behn a

Yesterday around 1:30 pm a young lad stumbled into the Buena Vista Public Library. He had a hiking pack and sleeping back on his shoulders, carried a walking stick, wore a bucket hat, and, interestingly enough, was also wearing a Scottish kilt. He was sweaty and tired, and asked about local movie times in the area. I inquired about his journey and he mentioned that he started his hike in Georgia and was working his way up to Maine. This would make him a Through-hiker (one who hikes the AT from end to end, south-north or vice-versa). I've heard rumors of hikers stopping in and even met a woman last year who was on her way south. This guy is the first hiker we've had stop in and I look forward to meeting more. He signed our guest book, used the internet to check movie times (he said it's been a while since he's seen a movie, and you don't find many theaters up in the mountains). I bade the bearded hiker farewell and checked what he wrote in the guestbook: h

It is so lovely here in Virginia right now. The air just smells like flower blossoms. I am in love with the countryside. Behn and I went mountain biking on Sunday afternoon. It was intense! (Even though it was labeled an "easy trail." I guess we need to brush up on our biking.) Behn at the Lexington Resevior. It was beautiful there!

Hello there! Have you forgotten about us? If you have, it's our fault for not updating. We have been bust traveling here and there and spending lots of time in the fresh spring air. At the end of March, we drove up to Gettysburg, PA, to meet up with Seth and Emily. Oh man, we all had such a great time. Those two are so special to us. It was fabulous trekking around the battlefields, eating delicious food and catching up and laughing. We miss them so much! Then, a couple of weeks ago, we flew out to San Diego to visit James, Lydia and Ruby. What an amazing week! We did a lot of fun things (drove out to the Desert, had dinner downtown, and went to the beach of course) but especially enjoyed just talking, laughing and cooking together. We also spent a lot of time with our niece Ruby. She is such a joy! While we were out west, I got to visit my good friend Amber. We were suitemates at Cottey College and she is still one of my closest friends. We had a great day together and I am so gl

It was supposed to rain today. Behn and I had a tiring work week and we decided to take it easy and stay in all day. We were going to sleep, watch movies, maybe do some spring cleaning. But when we woke up (at 7:30! so much for sleeping in), it wasn't raining. We made breakfast. Still no rain. We went on the front porch to check out the birds on our birdfeeder- it was actually getting sunny! So we decided to DO something instead of sit around all day, as planned. We grabbed our trusty "Washington and Lee Outings Club" manual and picked a hike. We packed some sandwiches and set off! We drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and pulled over next to the trailhead of Bluff Mountain. The entire trail up to Bluff's peak is the Appalachian Trail (AT), and was really well marked. It began very steep and eventually leveled off some, until just before the summit. It was an amazing hike-not too long- and with quite a reward at the top. Absolutely amazing views: the Appalachians to t

Behn and I just went on an after-dinner walk to get some decaf coffee. We failed to remember that nothing in Lexington is open past 7 p.m. Oops! Gotta love small town life. So now we're brewing some java at our very own Trader's Coffee Shop :)

Hey all, this is Behn. It's been a while since I've posted on here. The month of February has been a very busy one. Work in the Rockbridge Regional Library System has been busy of late. A book club for boys 8-12 has started in the Buena Vista Branch, which I now manage, and the headquarters in Lexington. The book group has been formed in order to encourage reading among boys, who statistically are behind girls when it comes to literacy and reading levels. The name of the group is Guys Read!, and was inspired by John Scieszka (author of The Stinky Cheese Man et all). The group has met twice so far, with three boys attending each time. I'm confident that it'll continue to grow. We also upgraded our system database yesterday, which has gone more smoothly than expected. Overall I enjoy working with my coworkers and serving the patrons. It has been a great experience so far, a new and exciting challenge. A couple weeks ago Megan and I were able to drive up to De

Sorry we haven't been blogging! The work weeks just fly by. I would have blogged last weekend, but these two troublemakers were here ;-) They came because I found them dates to the VMI winter formal. They had a lot of fun and we loved having them around. The weekend before, we were in Delaware visiting family and spending time with these people (among others): It snowed A LOT. It was this special little girl's birthday. Actually, it was a month before her birthday but we had fun celebrating it all the same! This is Harper's Ferry on the way home from DE. It was really pretty.... ....but is it spring yet????