WayfaringStrangers

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...