Family Update - December 2008

Alright, I've been prompted (thanks Luca) to finally update this blog, which reminds me that I also need to update my WordPress blog as well (www.patrickmiles.com). So, the last I wrote on here, our family was considering moving to the Dominican Republic. Well, the Lord made it quite clear to us that although we were passionately seeking Him in this venture, He wasn't ready for us to quite go. How did we know this?

Well, to be short, He made sure that our house didn't sell despite the great price tag. And to make sure we knew, He blessed us with our 3rd child - a surprise gift really. We became pregnant. Upon learning this news, we felt like God was telling us to stay put in Chattie for a little longer. After visiting the D.R. and spending some time in the public hospitals down there, Jenni bluntly said to me "I will NOT be having a baby down there." So we made the decision to back off the Dominican for now and focus on the family (pun intended).

So, now our focus is on the upcoming arrival of our son, Asher Kirkham Miles, who is due January 2, 2009, although may enter into this world around Christmas 2008. We shall see. All is good and exciting as we prepare for him. Gabe and Addie are both very excited while also a little nervous about how this new little brother is going to change their familial routine. This triggers some memories of when Gabe developed stress induced canker sores on his lips when Adalie first came home. We've seen a bit of regressed behaviour from both, but overall, they are super excited.

It's been fun to watch the baby's (and thus Jenni's) growth throughout the pregnancy. Jenni is still a tiny girl, but now has a "basketball" in front of her (according to the description offered by Gabe).

So, that's where we are at this point. Still praying for our friends in the D.R. but waiting on His timing.

There's more, and I'll offer up our annual Christmas update in the next week or so, where we'll share a little more of the ups and downs of our 2008.