Musings of How I'm Feeling..

Well, this is officially the first time that I've written on this new blog of mine.  My sister, Holly, has graciously taken over and has surprised me with so many wonderful and touching notes from so many people that I love.  I'm so thankful for her and her prodding to get this started...both my sisters are so creative and very verbal...I'm a little intimidated by writing down words myself.  But here goes...

I wanted to personally give you an update on how things are going (or NOT going) in the last few days. :)  As you can tell, I haven't had our little man yet, but I'm MORE than ready.  The nursery's ready, my house is clean and ready to go...and my last day of school (maybe forever?) is tomorrow.  I'm thinking that maybe my body will start to relax once school is over and everything there is taken care of.  Maybe THAT'S when he'll decide to come.... 

It's hard to believe that my last day of school is tomorrow.  It is so bittersweet and I'm sure there will be tears shed tomorrow by yours truly.  I have loved teaching and have loved the opportunity to invest in over 200 students' (can it be THAT MANY??) lives in the last 8 years.  There have definitely been rough days and difficult students, but there has been so many fun times.  Nothing can beat the joy of seeing my kiddos learn something new or see the pride in their faces when they see how much they've grown over a year's time.  I've gotten lots of hugs, lots of pats on my belly, and lots of words of wisdom in recent days.  So many of my co-workers have wanted me to stay home and enjoy these last few days of "solitude and freedom..."  But I think I've truly wanted to be in class and owe it to my kids to be there these last few days of school.  Most of my kids have come in every morning this week, looked around the room for me, and said "YES!  She's still here!"  It makes my decision a little easier. :)  But the reality of not teaching next year has started to sink in and I'm trying to soak in every last chance I have with them.   I'm not going to be "Mrs. Von Tobel" anymore...and although I WON'T miss hearing my name called 10,000 times during the day, I'll miss having my own classroom and being the "mother hen" of 25ish kids each year.  I'm so thankful that the Lord has given me this gift, this opportunity, and I pray that I have used it to His glory each year that He blessed me with another set of 25 little lives.

All this being said...I'm ready for this new chapter in life and excited about what it is going to bring.  I'm MORE than excited to see my little guy's face and to meet him for the first time.  To hold him in my arms and welcome him into the world.  Peter and I have SO much to learn, but I think we're up for the challenge.  :)  I think God has so much to teach us through this little guy and I'm looking forward to seeing how He's going to change me. 

I'm feeling fine...my legs have been tired after each day of teaching and he's running out of room (and kicking my ribs), but other than that, I'm feeling well.  Peter's parents are here and my parents are on-call to start driving after they get the call from us.  We're just WAITING...I know good things come to those who wait and God knows EXACTLY when he'll come...It's getting hard to be patient.  :) 

40 weeks...

I'll keep you all updated and can't wait to introduce him to all of you in the next couple of days...Thanks for your words, love, encouragement, wisdom, sweet gifts, and prayers over the last 9 months.  This baby has been loved and bathed in prayer more than he'll ever realize.  I have some amazing people in my life...and am so lucky.

 Love you all...
Heather :)