Some more pics...

Here are some more pictures from the hospital. We've got cute kids!

He's Here!!!!

He's here! YIPPEE!! Here's a picture of the brand new Hoyer.....Kurt Louis.

Here are his stats:

Kurt Louis
1/24/07
5:40PM PST
7lbs. 15oz. 20.5 in.

We came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon. Our first night home was a bit rocky, but we're sure he'll figure it out soon :-)

He is currently being aggressively loved by all of his siblings!

T minus one day...

Well, I'm up and moving and marvelling that in 24 hours I will be in the hospital getting ready to have this baby. I've never felt so "un-ready" before! But, by God's grace I will be ready when I need to be. God gives us what we need when we need it, and not one second before, right?

The girls helped me pack my hospital bag last night, while Gustav and Nicholas did the grocery shopping for me. I have such a wonderful family!

I covet your prayers over these next few days. My parents are in the air as we "speak," flying out for a two week visit. I pray that this baby would be born quickly, without complication. I pray that Gustav would have the opportunity to rest a bit, as he has been working very hard over the past couple of weeks. Ah, the life of a contract worker...if he doesn't work, he doesn't get paid! I pray that the children would be a blessing to my parents: cheerful, helpful, and obedient. I pray, lastly, that I would be calm, patient, and strong when I need to be. God is good, and I acknowledge that He is sovereign over all things! Next time I post an entry it will, God-willing, be with news of the newest little human blessing in our lives. Praise God!

What's in a Name?

So, I am sure some of you are wondering about my title for the blog, "75 and sunny." First off, I laughed when I started researching blog titles. I, of course, googled "blog names," "words frequently used in blogs," etc. etc. I actually found a blog with this title: "All the Good Names are Taken!" I kid you not! So, I started thinking of our circumstances for this past year...the many, many things that our family did. The ridiculous abundance of blessing from God...His provision, His care, His love, His protection. I realized just how blessed my life is.
Of course, we find ourselves in SoCal, where it really is 75 and sunny probably 300 days a year! But, it also describes my life pretty well. I'll share with you one of my favorite pieces of Scripture:

O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.

Psalm 16:5-6

Despite an occasional cold, windy day... or even week, I trust that the Lord has good things in store for me (Romans 8:28.) I know the boundary lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. I know that He remains faithful, even when I do not. I know that my life is in His hands, and boy, is that a comfort!

Our Little House

Here's the little house which we are renting right now. It's very cute, and full of charm and character...just much smaller than our previous house! Thankfully, though, the layout is nice and we feel less cramped than we thought we would! Notice that our car actually has a California plate. We bit the bullet and registered the cars (which is ridiculously expensive here in CA!) Now we just need to get CA liscenses, and we'll be all set! Chalk these things up to the irritating annoyances of moving...registrations, liscenses, finding new doctors, dentists, etc. We are almost finished with all of these things, and it will feel soooo good!

Growing Up...

What is it about a lost tooth that is so bittersweet to a mother? It's so exciting for the child. Such a step toward growing up, not to mention the excitement of knowing that a little token will be left under their pillow (if the Tooth Fairy remembers, which around here is always the BIG question.)

Yet I always have a pang of sadness, holding that little tooth in my hand, remembering the tears and sleepless nights which brought it in the first place. I have a confession to make: I have never thrown away any of my children's lost teeth. I have a little baggie in the drawer next to my bed, which contains every tooth lost by a H. child. I don't know why. I am not a pack rat...even donated my wedding dress! But I just can't part with those little teeth!

Lillian has lost 3 teeth in the past month and has another currently dangling. She is so proud. She now reads chapter books and has lost almost as many teeth as Gretchen. Ahhh, growing up! It's so wonderful. And so sad.

Here we are!

Well, here we are! The inaugural post to the blog. I would like this space to be set aside for updating friends and family on what we are doing here in sunny Southern California, where it is almost ALWAYS 75 and sunny! God has been so gracious in allowing us to move out here from Connecticut so that my super-talented husband, Gustav, can make a go at a career in music, specifically film composition. His mercies really are new every morning! Great is His faithfulness!
Stay tuned during the next couple of weeks for the newest arrival announcement...due to join our family soon! This baby is affectionately known as our "tie-breaking surprise!" We have exhibited extreme self-control (OK, "I" have exhibited extreme self-control) and not found out baby's gender this time. Gustav was perfectly happy to be surprised.
I am calling school today on account of Mommy feeling miserable...I woke up this morning singing bass and coughing continuously. So, the kiddos are tucked in watching Toy Story 2 (which arrived, praise God, from Netflix in the mail about an hour ago!)