closer than a brother

Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
I came home from work this morning to find a lime green package tied up with a white ribbon sitting on my counter. A gift. I opened the card and then tore open the package. It was a baby book. Not just any baby book, but the one from my wish list. It is perfectly created for a baby whose story includes the beautiful gift of adoption. It is going to be filled with the story of our baby. Only a friend who was actually more like family would think to send us this sweet gift. There was no special occasion, no shower, just simply the kind of love that only comes from family. Our baby's life is being pieced together by beautiful acts provided by a loving family. A room from grandparents, a diaper bag from in laws, bibs from co-workers, diapers and wipes from family, books from friends. Our baby is going to be surrounded by the ultimate picture of love and family.
Dave and I could not be more blessed. We have this group of friends surrounding us that are closer than brothers. In fact many of them I truly love as my brothers. Do you ever have those moments where how blessed you are smacks you right in the face? This morning was one of those moments for me. In fact this journey has brought out many of those moments.
Dave surrounded by brothers praying over one of their own.-blessed. Overhearing Dave praying with a brother over the phone-blessed. Being encouraged by the hugs and words of encouragement every time we get together- blessed. Godly brothers who love me-blessed.
Sisters clapping and cheering (literally) when I told them that I finally ordered the furniture-blessed. Coffee with sisters who offer wisdom, support, and love- blessed. Messages from sisters far away who just want me to know that they are encouraged by what God is doing in my life- blessed. Seeing God unite sisters together through this simple blog-blessed.
I am truly blessed with friends who stick closer than brothers and sisters. My extended family continues to amaze me with their love and support. You are all truly the hands and feet of Jesus in my life. Thank you for being the embodiment of the love of Christ. You are God in the flesh to me. I feel the warmth of Jesus' arms wrapped around me through you. I am humbled by you. I am truly blessed by you.

Adding Twigs to the Nest

Well, this is the newest addition to the nest!  Hello Coach diaper bag! This is a very early Christmas present from my wonderful in laws! LOVE IT!  It is so pretty and begging to be used!
We also ordered the nursery furniture, which after much debating is almost out of stock, so I got in by the skin of my teeth! That is what I get for waiting.  I am including the link if you want to see what it looks like.  We got the crib, changer, and dresser in the cherry finish. It is on back order till Nov, but I think we will love it!  A BIG thank you to my parents for providing a beautiful bedroom for their soon to be grand baby.  After all of the doubt about preparing I have to say nesting is GREAT!

Here is the link to the furniture: http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=194cdc2&DeptID=70676&CatID=77448&SO=0&Ne=5+18+904+949+833&shopperType=G&N=4294940794&Nao=0&PSO=0&cmAMS_T=XGN3&cmAMS_C=MERCHA&cmAMS_Z=XGN3TOPOFRESULTS&CmCatId=70676|77448