Baby Name and some other stuff!

We have officially decided on naming this baby Elijah and calling him 'Eli'.  And there is no taking this one back because our kids have all named something dear 'Eli' or 'Baby Eli'. It's interesting how my children perceive this baby growing in my tummy.  Sarah has conversations with Eli - especially at night when we're tucking her into bed!  Ellie played Pet Shops with baby Eli this morning, pretending that the pet shops were sliding off my belly! And Andrew? Having that sweet boy brain that he has, he is just really grateful that the numbers will be evened up in our house - 3 girls and 3 boys.  And he is looking forward to playing cars with him.  I have to admit that I cannot wait to see what life will be like when Eli comes.

I have to share this funny story about Sarah. She is really excited about Eli coming - more than she's ever been about her other siblings. And, call me crazy, but this seems to be recprocated by Eli. Every time she talks to him, he moves around like he can't wait to jump out and hug her!  So I encourage Sarah - I say things like "Eli already loves you so much - look how much he moves around when you talk to him!" So one day recently Sarah came over to talk to him and wow was he moving.  She layed her head on my tummy and I warned her - Eli might kick you, he's really moving around.  I'm not kidding when I say that seconds later he kicked Sarah's cheek so hard that she sat up with the widest eyes and a look of amazement that this unseen brother had packed a 1-2 punch to her face!  We laughed so much about it that day!

I am blessed - my Heavenly Father spoils me like crazy and I am so thankful for His unconditional love for me.  I don't deserve any of what He gives me or has done for me.  And although this life of mine is full of refining and difficulty, I count those blessings. They bring incredible joy knowing that while my Savior is making me more like Himself, He is pouring out His endless love on me.