Month 2: The Lord Will Provide

The events of this past month can be tied together in the theme "The Lord will provide." Like the ram provided to Abraham in the wilderness of Mount Moriah, God continually surprises us and makes a way when there seems to be no way.

In early June, Zac was told that he no longer had a job for the summer. A couple weeks later, we received a generous check in the mail that more than covered what he would have made in his part-time position.

Around the same time, we were surprised by an offer promising us a car when we arrive in Texas. This enabled us to offer our small, pink Escort to my younger brother. His car broke down the next day.

Fourth of July BBQ with Grandpa, Judah, Corby & Mary and Elizabeth

We had made a decision in May to not lease an apartment on the Brite Divinity School campus because it seemed over-priced and did not have a washer/dryer in the apartment. We told Nancy, the apartment complex manager, that we would look elsewhere for a better fit for our family - but God must have whispered in her ear, "They don't know it yet, but they will be living here." After weeks of frustratingly unsuccessful searches for apartments or houses within our budget and in a safe neighborhood with a good school district, we contacted Nancy again to find that she had reserved an apartment for us with our family in mind even though we were a month beyond the deadline for the down payment. It is on the first floor (so Zoë can jump and stomp to her hearts content) and has a children's play area inside and a small playground in the back. Wow.

The next day, we contacted a preschool 2 blocks away from the apartment to see if they had any openings. We missed the enrollment deadline by a few days, but they still had spots for the two-day-a-week preschool for 3 to 4 year-olds. There's a certain 3 year-old who is very excited to be going to (pre)school this fall!

Grandpa with his three grandchildren

A friend at church gave us not one, but TWO carseats. Zoë was just about grown out of the old one so this came at a perfect time, and now we have one for each vehicle (which has been very helpful with our current schedule) and will be very nice when Isaiah gets older.

Zoë & Isaiah with Uncle Judah

We have two crazy, wonderful people in our lives who are not only planning on coming to pack and move all of our stuff to Texas in August, but to also drive it all the way there. And pay for plane tickets for our entire family to fly. Wow.

God, you are so good to us. We are abundantly blessed and ever so thankful for the ways you have provided for our needs, even before we knew what we needed, and for the wonderful people you have used to do so. 

And now, an update on the kiddos!

Isaiah

2 months old
12 pounds
2 feet long

Smiling, cooing, scooching
Kicking those long legs

Discovering his fists (so fun to stick in his mouth :)
Discovering his tongue (so fun to stick out at mommy!)

Already grown out of 3 month p.j.s
Beautiful blue eyes still holding out
Loves his big sis

First trip together to the zoo...

Isaiah isn't quite sure what he thinks about the hand holding

Zoë

Big girl news! After deciding to start potty training at two years of age, Zoë was a champion at staying dry during the day right away, but struggled with nap time and night time for the entire year. We were shocked when Isaiah's birth actually brought about improvement in her potty training (rather than regression, like we've heard it can) and Zoë is OFFICIALLY fully in undies 24/7. And VERY proud of it! Way to go, Zozo! We are so proud of you, our big girl!

Is this girl ready for preschool?

She sure seems to think so! 

Backpack and all. :)

SO big!

Zoë just completed a two week swimming class (with no parents in the pool!) and conquered her fear of putting her face in the water. Woot!

She has also become very capable of fully dressing herself and putting her own shoes on. Zoë loves acting like mommy or daddy - always gathering "her things (bags/purses/toys)" together before heading out the door, pretending to go to the store or to work or to school, taking care of her little baby, and talking to Isaiah just like we do - "It's ok, Isaiah. I'm right here." "Hi, 'saiah! How you doing?" "Hi little buddy!"

Zoë with her baby in a carrier, just like mommy :)

Only one more full month here in Portland! We're soaking it all in - livin' big, lovin' our kids and watching them grow, grow and grow.