Introducing...

The ever-growing and soon to be newest member of the McKean family. We had a twelve-week ultrasound this morning, and since everything looked great, have decided to tell the world that on or around March 12th, we will be welcoming our little one into the family. I'm not sure why blogger insists on posting the picture rotated like this, but I think you can get the idea. There's a baby in my tummy...I'm not just gaining weight because I think it's fun.

Thanks to all of you--many, many thanks, for praying for us and encouraging us after we lost our first baby. Even though very few people knew that I was pregnant again, I received a letter that bolstered me along in the rough early stages, many people told me they were praying for me, and I know that it is true because there is no other way to explain the amount of peace I've had with this baby.

As I was praying the day that I found out that I was pregnant (after 4 pregnancy tests because I couldn't believe it), I felt like God gave me the word, "expect." He wanted me to expect the best thing. And, the best thing was to hear the heart beat. We heard the heart beat at 9 1/2 weeks, and when the mid-wife told me that my chances of miscarrying after hearing the heart beat were only 5%, I knew they were less, because He was there with me, telling me to expect the best thing. How can I fear when He's on my side? Not to say that I am not a doubting Thomas sometimes. But, I try to remember that He's bigger. He is mighty and able.

And so, in case any of you were wondering why we've been so absent lately from activities, or why we've turned down an opportunity to hang out with you, or why we've been acting strangely...it's because I've been experiencing morning sickness for most of the day and haven't been functioning at 100%--or even 10%. Morning sickness can't account for all the strangeness...I mean, Chris is just rather odd sometimes, and he's not sick. But, for the unexplainable withdrawal from human contact...there is a reason. And, a new reason to pray...that it all goes away very, very soon.

Thank you for being true friends and lifting us up when we were down. And, for not asking me if I've developed a new love affair with a doughnut.

Very Bad Dogs

You may not know this about me, but I am a strict and harsh disciplinarian. For example, when it was discovered that Sophie had retrieved a fully wrapped granola bar from the bedside table and managed to devour it in a few short minutes--I told her she was a very bad dog and ordered her to the wicker chair to think over her evilness. Well, she looked really cute there and then Trudy decided she didn't want her little sis to be alone so she hopped over to the chair too. I rounded out the punishment with a nice, firm picture taking which I am certain they will not soon forget.

Hey, I Did That!

People are making headlines right now for eating bizarre and "wonderful" foods from Beijing. Last night on the television they were talking about eating fungus soup. I didn't have the soup when we were there, but I did order the fungus (like a mushroom), and it was yummy. We ate some of the best food I've ever had...I still crave it. There are quite a few pictures on the internet of people sampling the fried scorpian from the Night Market. We tried that too. And so, in the spirit of the Olympics and an ode to our trip, I thought I would post some pictures of some of the strange and wonderful food we sampled.

Sunday Funday

Sometimes the Sabbath is just begging to be celebrated out in the open. With a picnic, admiring His creation. I've missed our trips to Pecos this year and with one thing or another, we've been unable to find the time to go. This Sunday was our first chance, and I somehow had the upper hand in the deal making. Chris agreed to a picnic, which is no small feat and agreed to take both the dogs--God does indeed still work miracles! Loaded down with sandwiches, crusty bread and cheese (a picnic essential), and lots of pickles, we struck out for Holy Ghost trail (a sanctioned Sabbath spot if I ever heard of one).

Oh, it was beautiful. There is something incredibly blissful and peaceful and soul-calming about sitting beside a stream with flowers and trees all around you. And, a husband who caves every once in awhile to your demands. And, two dogs. It may have been the happiest moment I've had for a few months.

We weren't able to go far on the trail because the monsoon season is upon us, and it was obvious from the intense green and the abundance of wildflowers that the Pecos had received it's share of summer showers. I've never seen it so lush. The butterflies were out in full force enjoying especially the wild sunflowers.

Chris discovered the wild raspberry bushes shortly after we arrived, so they served as dessert. Raspberries always make me think of my sister-in-law Carrie. I'll do anything to try and get her to move to ABQ once she and Jacob leave China. And telling her about all the berries is really just a shameful bribe.

The rain began too soon for my taste, but it very sweetly held off until we'd finished our lunch and hiked a few miles along the stream. God's glory is never so evident to me as when I am in the mountains, enjoying His Creation like He meant it to be enjoyed.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things:

The other evening, Chris asked me what some of my favorite moments were of us together. We've had so many moments. But, I'd just like to highlight a few of my most favorite:



1. When Chris was trying to tell me how he felt for me (finally!), I thought he was asking me for Christian dating advice, and I wouldn't speak to him for a week.

2. After our first date, he said, "thank you for spending time with me." I am not into romantic, gushy stuff...but, I thought that was one of the sweetest things anyone had ever said to me.

3. When Chris proposed, he was so nervous he put the ring on the wrong finger. And, then accused me of not helping him out by putting it on the right finger (I was really distracted by the diamond).

4. In 8th grade I had a boyfriend who wasn't Chris, but I spent most of my time at the Pampa football games with Chris's arm around my shoulder.

5. When Chris surprised me out of the blue one day and said I could finally get a puppy. And, then surprising me again with Trudy who he said was the ugliest dog he'd ever seen.

6. Chris telling me he'd loved me the moment he met me and actually remembering the first time we'd seen each other at church just before we started 4th grade.

7. Before we were dating, staying up til 5 in the morning listening to Chris discuss Einstein's theory of relativity ( I didn't have a clue what he was talking about, but he looked so cute and was so excited that I didn't have the heart to tell him none of it made sense to me).

8. Again, before we were dating, we were watching the Texas vs. Oklahoma game (this is a big deal, folks), and we went to get a cup of coffee together. We sat down at a table and didn't say a word, but just grinned at each other. Just being with him made me happy, and I think he felt the same.

9. Chris would call this our first date (he's wrong) when he took me out for Pho for the first time. And, he didn't eat but insisted on paying for mine. I was a pretty independent girl at the time, and we weren't even dating yet, but he was such a gentleman (except for trying to sneak a kiss in later that evening).

10. I know I should say my wedding day, but being married is more memorable than one day and my favorite trip with him was snorkeling in Cozumel. We held hands while we snorkeled. And we snorkeled all day!

My friend, Sarah and her cute son, Owen
Mom & Hips
Favorite Husband & Sweet Trudy Lou

I don't have much to write about, so I thought I'd post some pictures of some special people who I was able to spend some time with this week.