Baby Update

I had a doctor appointment this morning. At just over twenty-six weeks, the Connor is a exactly two pounds! I thought I was just going in for a blood sugar check, but apparently, I was misinformed. It was a nice surprise, though, because I had the girls with me.

They hadn't seen anything other than ultrasound pictures, so they were through the roof with excitement at the idea of getting to see their little brother on the TV. Alana's face just lit up as I pointed out Connor's head and belly and feet.

Over the last few weeks, the fact that there's a baby in my belly has become more real to the girls, and they've actually started talking to him. Alana tries to have conversations with Connor, while Kyra sits next to me and tells him stories about "the really, really baby Connor and the really, really baby monster". Even cuter (and funnier) than that is that when they do to talk to him, they have to pull my shirt up so they can see my belly. I asked Alana why she did that (she was the one who started it). She pointed to my belly button and said matter-of-factly, "So Connor can see me."

Yeah, I thought you all could use a good laugh.

Over the last month, we managed to do some room rearranging to make room for the new baby. Connor now how his own room, and the girls have a bigger bedroom. The office stuff came down stairs and our living room became a lot more cramped. That's okay, though, it's getting tough to go up and down the stairs too much. I know, I'm a wimp.

Now we're turning our attention to purchasing some big things--a convertible bed, a new stroller, etc. In fact, two weeks ago, we purchased a "new" van! That's right, I'm well on my way to becoming a soccer mom. The van got its test run on a mini-vacation to my sister's in Kentucky for a baby shower with family and friends. It was a blast...and the van was a smooth and wonderful ride!

Lots of changes going on with this third child...and the excitement is starting to build. Less than three months to go...what are we going to do? :)

Let's Share!

I'm going to add a weekly post to my agenda here on Faith, Hope, and Suspense. On Let's Share, I'm either going to post a question for you all to answer--sometimes it may be writing related, sometimes faith related, and sometimes just having to do with life. Sound like fun?

This week, since I'm trying to get back into the spirit of writing, despite all the issues I've had the last several months, I thought I would make it a writing question.

March 15th is the American Christian Fiction Writers annual Genesis contest deadline, and it is my goal to enter this year. I'm debating on entering both The Impossible Choice and Dividing Spirits, or just Dividing Spirits. Hmmm...contemplation. Anyway, in preparation for the deadline, I've been reading over the first fifteen pages of Dividing Spirits, trying to make sure it is absoultely perfect. Perfection is an intimidating prospect...and a great subject for another day. :)

Over the last couple of years, I've read a lot about grabbing the reader in the first paragraph, and about great first lines. Many agents, editors, and professional writers emphasize how readers will often glance at the first couple of paragraphs and determine whether or not they want to purchase a book.

Here is the first paragraph of Dividing Spirits:

Axriel’s shadowed form slithered from the liquid fire. Traveling between rugged stone, he pushed forward until the vast sky opened above. Freedom. He hovered over the sacred mountaintop for the first time in ten years. The resounding calm of the night surrounded him, beckoning him from the caves of hell.

What do you think makes a great first paragraph?

If you're a writer, I'd love for you to share your first paragraph. If you're a reader, do you have any favorites that you've read recently?