Reality has HIT…
Selah woke up this morning telling me she had a dream where a man told her to “Help your mommy“. 
Well, we had a crazy evening the night before while Gabe was at singing practice for church and the kids were “stir crazy”. I guess we have had a crazy week so far…most likely to get crazier. Parents getting sleepless nights, kids not getting the normal amount of attention and 3 Dr. apointments this week during the day has made it hard on the older kids I think. Plus they all have colds :-/. My midwife told me yesterday that I am “overdoing” it…not sure how to help that with 3 other kids who have not had much attention nor been able to get out and just PLAY much with all the rain and a mom who can’t walk to the park with them yet. After 2 weeks I felt it was time for me to get out and start acting normal physically…probably not the best idea. As the midwife told me, “You’ve just had major abdominal surgery, you need lots of breaks through out the day!” She said the 6-8 week rule of taking it easy was very realistic and that it will just take longer if I kept up overdoing it… DON’T want that!!! I think I need some ideas on what the older kids can do, or some easy things I can do with them for awhile more! Although just think they might need to get OUT. Thanks Mandy for the craft you brought for them…that was a great idea and good for them to be able to do something like that!
I just realized how different it was with Essie in Bolivia. Even though I had to take a taxi or walk to the hospital 4 days after she was born c-section about 3 times per day…I still was at a mission house and did not have dishes, laundry or a house to clean looming over me …and Gabe was there the whole time for the other kids . I remembered I read through the entire Love comes softly series that they had at the N.T. mission house. I suppose having one more kid makes it different now too . So, so far The baby and I have had an appointment this week…next one is Friday for Selah to see the gastrontologist…hopefully for the last time!!
We are praying like crazy about our future plans…so many things are up in the air…our passports are “stuck” in Bolivia, we have to all get visas before leaving whenever we get our passports back, medical issues with Selah need to be completed, we don’t have a house there anymore (possibly in Jan, we would though), we don’t have a vehicle there anymore as well, nor tickets yet to get there. Most importantly, we would both like to be on the same page about going there again…and have a PEACE about it. I would like to WANT to go there without feeling nervous (or at least at peace) about health issues with the kids and I again. Please pray about these things with us when you think about it! We both want to do what God wants us to do. We were advised by another missionary who was advised by someone else to not rush the 
decision and to wait until we were BOTH SURE…and the baby is a bit older too. Good advice I’m sure.
Here is Selah with….hmmm we actually are thinking of changing his name…
bad dreams already?!
I’ll come help some next week!
I think it’s supposed to be nice anyway, so I’ll take the kids to the park! 
Oh, and are you REALLY thinking of changing his name?
Well, yeah, we got his SS card and it did not have his name correct anyway…did not have Steven in it and so I have been trying to call the SS office…just waiting for a call back…Would be great for you to come and take them to the park
I feel badly that I can’t come nab your kiddos away for a few days…Soonly though. Take it easy, the kids will survive this time and the sun is coming! I like your little bubble conversations…how do you do that? We will pray for your plans too. Would like it to be in God’s timing. I am glad Molly can come help you next week!
Well, there’s not much you can do with your passports out of the country..so take the midwive’s advice and REST! The kids look so happy to be holding baby brother and isn’t that last picture just gas? :O) Just kidding!
I love that Jesus (or an angel?) gave Selah the idea to help you! I love that her heart is turned toward God! You know, I really don’t think that the story of Samuel in the OT is that amazing…I think it’s more amazing when an adult is that available and ready to ‘hear’. Has she been a help? :O)
Hey Kari. Have your kids ever done scavenger hunts? I did one for my kids recently and it kept them busy for a good hour. Most of the work was sitting at a computer typing clues. I bet you would be good at it…you’re so creative. Plus, it would give them a chance to practice their reading. You might bury a little treasure for them in the garden (a snack?). ‘X’ marks the spot! We would love to come visit again too. Take care.