I've been pretty tired since we've been back.  It could be that there has been a lot to do since I am nesting these days.  Karis is slowly adjusting to the normal life at home.

Here is one of my favorite pictures.  It makes me laugh whenever I look at it.

We just returned from our final summer vacation to the Outerbanks (OBX).  This place has a special place in our hearts.  It's where Mike and I started our courtship and where we often go to retreat to relax, reconnect, and refocus.  Considering the fact that I'm very pregnant and Karis is very much a toddler, the vacation couldn't have gone better.  Our friends who do not have children yet were so gracious, accommodating and so tender and kind to Karis all week.  Karis had a blast going from uncle to auntie getting her fill of love and attention.  I let her enjoy it all knowing that in just a few weeks her life will change drastically. 

In the mornings, you would often find Karis crawled up next to Uncle Dave as he did his devotional.  Do you see that big smile on her face?  She loves her Uncle Davey.   Notice how close to the beach the house is.  Karis woke up early enough for her and I to catch at least the tail end of a sunrise each morning. 

Here, she is sitting with Uncle Kevin and Auntie Esther as we wait to be seated for dinner.  It was so nice not to have to be the sole entertainer for her when we went out. 

Auntie Esther playing with Karis on the water while Mommie sat and lounged and took pictures .

John singing a special song for Karis...

Jason volunteered to sit in our car on our drive back and boy, did Karis have Jason working hard in the back seat .  Thank you, Jason!!   Largely due to you, this has been one of the smoothest ride back home despite the storm. 

A local boy named Billy and his Mommie came over to play with Karis for awhile.  Karis was happy to see a little person after spending so much time with big folks. 

Karis relaxing in her pool listening to Daddy and uncles talk.  At one point, Kevin was telling us a synopsis of a book on Israel's history and whenever he mentioned the Jews, her eyes would light up and ask, "Juice?!"

These pictures were taken from the deck of the house we were staying at.  Daddy and uncles getting ready to go surfing.

Karis keeping herself busy while Daddy and uncles were away.

Karis and Daddy reunited.

The whole gang...

This marks the end of the carefree summer days for us as a party of three.  God has been so good to us. 

We went to a book reading at Barnes and Nobles on Friday and we were surprised to see Biscuit the dog make a special appearance.  Even though you can't tell from Karis' face, she was very excited.

Daddy took a picture of Mommie and Karis waiting for the choo choo train at Burke Lake on Saturday.  I don't know why I look mad, because it was a beautiful day and I was having a great time.  Do I look like that all the time?! 

I don't have any pictures, but we took a day trip to Philly on Sunday and it was such a treat to see some of my dear friends from back in the days.  Mike was so tired, but took it like a champ. 

I've heard so much about Clemyjontri Park in McLean.  We went for the first time today and I was blown away by the park.  It far exceeded my expectation and that doesn't happen too often.  It was founded by a wealthy couple who wanted to create an oasis of a sort for children of all abilities and disabilities.  Children on wheelchair can come here and have a great time.  It is an amazing place and if you have little children, you will not be disappointed.  Karis loved it of course. 

Karis on a carousal that is FREE on week days.  It's a beautiful carousel.  We went on to ride the horsey twice.

Karis coming out of a school bus.

"I know you!"

" I know you too!"

Huggie!!!!

Will and Karis playing nicely

for a minute.

I couldn't fall asleep until close to one o' clock this morning.  I felt like I closed my eyes for only a moment when I heard Karis' screaming.  I looked at the clock which said four o' clock.   Karis hardly ever wakes up in the middle of the night now, and when she does, it's more of a sleepy groan that lasts about a minute.  I could hear her shaking the railing to her crib as she screamed.  We brought her in to our room.  She must have had a nightmare... I can't imagine about what though.  We are pretty cautious as to what she is exposed to.  She seemed tired, but she was fighting sleep.  She wasn't going back to sleep... hence, neither was I.  I had forgotten how painful it is to go on very little sleep. 

I feel so blessed for our little family and this new addition.  I constantly live with that sense of gratitude.  I know I don't deserve any of it and it really is by the grace and goodness of God.  However, take away sleep, and my perspective gets cloudy very quickly.  I've been praying for my attitude towards Mike and my parenting skills with Karis and the new baby once the baby is born as I try to function on little sleep.  I'm praying for deeper dependance on God, endurance, wisdom, and patience.  Please pray for me!!  I would really love to honor God and be a blessing to my family as I go through that trying period.

It was so painful to wake up very much against my will and I could feel myself getting agitated at Karis for starting to push her boundaries so early in the morning in her quest to explore and to have her boundaries clearly drawn for her- yet again.   As I heard my sharp tone of warning, I prayed that God would help me to be loving and not live to regret today... and He is.