...we definitely do have news! And more news. Initially, this blogging hiatus resulted from pregnancy nausea, as during the duration of that, I have little energy or desire to do anything besides the necessary. We discovered I was pregnant the day after my birthday, on February 25. I am now almost 29 weeks, due around November 6 with our second boy! Nausea has passed as of 19 weeks, praised be God, and I am feeling quite well. Baby boy is doing well and kicking non-stop, it seems. We are so happy that Michael will have a robust playmate!
In other BIG news, the Steele family is now living in Austria (you'll note the blog title change reflects this)! I am still getting over the shock of it myself. :) Andrew was unexpectedly laid off from his job in early May, and after going back and forth between job prospects and the idea of returning to school, this is the course he has chosen. He has been accepted to the International Theological Institute located in Trumau, which is about 20 minutes south of Vienna. After the decision was made in mid-June, it was a rush to have a big garage sale and exit our rental home. We then spent a week camping on the Olympic Peninsula with my Mom's side of the family for our annual family reunion and then spent a few weeks with my family in Dallas before we flew out last week. We were able to see my paternal grandparents, and finally introduce them to Michael. It was so lovely to be able to spend quality time with everyone before we departed. All the 7 Stone siblings were even in 1 place at 1 time for a few evenings! Michael loved spending time with his aunties and uncles.
Our flight from Dallas to Amsterdam was about 9 hours and went very smooth. Michael was extremely well behaved and slept twice. We were fortunate to have a row of 4 seats to ourselves. We arrived in Amsterdam 7:30am local time and after we used the internet and phone to confirm our pick-up ride, we went right to sleep in something called the "Yotel-Motel." It is basically a hotel located inside the airport, and is comprised of small cubicle rooms which include a bed and bathroom. We all slept deeply for 5 hours and felt much better.
After, we walked about the airport, picked up some coffee and sat down to eat a meal. Michael enjoyed waving and calling out loud hellos to almost everyone who passed; he also enjoyed watching the movement of the airplanes.
We boarded our flight to Vienna around 8pm; a quick 2 hour flight with Michael sleeping the whole time. Upon our arrival, we were dismayed to see that my suitcase was not anywhere to be found. All other 5 pieces of luggage had arrived. I filed a claim while we waited for our ride from ITI. Unfortunately, the guy waited inside the airport for us, while we were waiting curbside for 1.5 hours. We did not yet have a working cell phone for Europe, and were quite exhausted trying to juggle the stroller, car seat, 4 pieces of luggage, plus 4 carry-on's, and keep Michael's spirits up. Thankfully, we found each other and after a short ride, we arrived in Trumau. And 4 days later my suitcase arrived - this pregnant woman had been getting very anxious...thank the Lord!
Our first few days here have been mainly filled with grocery shopping, unpacking, and lots of sleep. We have walked around the town a bit, and rode into a larger town nearby with some other students for shopping. More updates soon...we miss our family and friends! And learning more about complete trust in God every day...
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