When God does the Astonishing

God does that sometimes. Does the very thing you never imagined would happen. Astonishing. Times I could only look up and say thank you because what transpired could only be from Him.

I’ve had moments when I’ve been surprised by God…times when what I planned was not what He planned and my course was changed. But truly astonishing, take my breath away, full of awe and wonder moments, with the added surprise element don’t happen to me everyday. And yet, I know they’ve happened. Probably more often than I can count.

Old and New Testament moments. Like when the ram appeared when Abraham had Isaac tied to the altar. His only, longed for son, on the execution seat right before him and the ram appears.

Fishes and loaves type of astonishing moments. Like when the disciples felt doubtful at Jesus’ ability to feed thousands. And then, before their very eyes, the bread just kept on giving.

Because the BREAD always keeps on giving.

Astonishing moments, miracle moments, when our eyes can only look up and our heads can only shake in disbelief. Things unasked for. Things beyond our wildest imagination.

Things that are truly astonishing.

Like what the Lord did for us.

Astonishing.

We are having another baby, Lord willing, at the end of September.

Nothing could have prepared us for this. Nothing. This was the ultimate astonishing moment. Something we didn’t dare to dream, we didn’t dare to ask for, we didn’t dare to count on.

We’ve been given abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Bread and fishes kind of astonishing.

Because the BREAD always keeps on giving.

ps…due date is September 30th, 2014. I am currently 10 weeks along and we’ve seen this cutie via ultrasound. Pray with us that this tiny miracle will be sustained and live.

{I’m happy to answer most questions so if you have one feel free to ask.}

Move over Bob

Yesterday I went on my first run with Elizabeth. I can’t believe I just wrote that. I never thought I would want to push a jogging stroller. I didn’t register for one and later only added one to her wish list so that I could keep it on the radar in case I wanted to eventually think about running with her:)

But then Christmas came around and I forgot to delete the stroller. And my parents, who love to be active, of course jumped on the opportunity to gift our family with the jogging stroller. Not ones to say no, we now found ourselves with another stroller. One that kept taunting me from the closet. So we took it out a few weeks ago and took it for a test drive and then yesterday I got up the courage to run with it.

And it wasn’t so bad. Running with Elizabeth that is. Running while pushing a stroller is not for the faint of heart but instead a workout in and of itself. But I did love the opportunity to get a workout in and be outside with Elizabeth. So I’m coming around to sharing my “get-out-and-breathe-run” time. The nice part was that I could still put my headphones in and she was happy as a clam to just people watch and take in the scenery. Not sure how long that will last but it was nice.

After doing some research, I ended up choosing the Joovy Zoom 360 jogging stroller over a BOB. I knew it would get used often but I did not want it to be our main stroller as a jogger is a bit bulky for errands, etc. And I knew if we were going to buy it ourselves  that we did not want to spend over $250. In our neck of the woods you cannot usually find a used BOB for under $250 so I knew we had to think outside the box. I read a lot of reviews prior and thought the Zoom looked like the perfect alternative to the BOB. (This Instep is also another great inexpensive alternative as well!)

In comparison with the BOB, the Zoom is a bit heavier but it comes with the parent console, rain-shield, and tire pump. It felt heavier when running yesterday but at the same time running with a stroller does up your workout so it’s going to be tougher anyways. I love how upright the seat can be and how roomy all the pockets/under stroller storage are. I’ve never ran with a BOB so I cannot comment on the differences in run but I’m sure they are similar. Runner’s World also just named the Zoom the best budget jogger for 2013.

The seat in really wide, it can hold kiddos up to 70 pounds, and has a long seatback. The canopy has two stages which I really like so you can customize how much coverage you need. The seat recline is done by a strap, so you just let out the strap to recline and cinch it up to get upright. I’m sure this will come in handy if Elizabeth ever falls asleep.The fabric is super easy to clean and very durable. The handlebar is not adjustable but I’m only 5’3” and I had no problem pushing it.

The fold is amazing…I wish our regular stroller folded like this and it is very compact once it is folded making it really easy to transport. Overall I think the stroller is a great bargain for runners/joggers. While some may say the BOB is better (I don’t know this to be true), you are getting a great product for a fraction of the cost.

Here are some pics

Elizabeth snug as can be

From the front (illustrating the side pockets)

Handlebar console (2 drink spots and a zipper pouch for keys/phone/etc)

Huge storage basket underneath that is fully accessible

To fold you just undo the red clip on the left and pull on the wire

Compact fold

I’m hoping the ability to take Elizabeth with me will help me get out to run more often…so if anyone is interesting in joining us, let me know!

(ps…I’m not fast without the stroller and I’m definitely not fast with it)

Nursery Confusion

I know, I know. I just let you in on our thoughts for the nursery. As soon as I clicked publish the regret started setting in. After a quick run to Joann with my mother in law, I was almost certain. The curtain fabric isn’t us.

I love it, it’s cute, but it’s not us. Not sure if that makes sense but all along I just couldn’t get these prints out of my head…





And my husband loved them to boot. So they’re ordered and a new plan is slowly taking shape. Winslow and Wellesley welcome to our home:)

The Writing on the Wall

Overcast and dreary was the weather the day we found out just who you were. We knew you were special, created specifically for us, for this season, for this point in life. But we didn’t know if you were a boy or a girl.

The woman with the wand, guided the ultrasound and images of you took over the screen. Happy baby. Moving all about. Shy and stubborn all in one. We snuck a peek at your beautiful face before you huddled in safe, arm crooked near your face. And that is how you stayed as we watched the miracle of you unfold in front of us. Fingers, toes, heart beating quick. Images that show the Creator full force. He knit you together, perfectly.

”He loves us, oh how He loves us, oh how He loves us…”

His goodness towards your daddy and I is immeasurable. To think we get you, sweet baby, undoes us completely. And He loves you, oh how He does.

And once we were home, we giggled in anticipation. Then with eyes concealed, paint hit the wall, leaving the mark unveiling more of who you were. The camera clicked quietly as we opened our eyes to see beautiful you. 


Ballet slippers, the color we chose, the faintest shade of pink, met our eyes and we couldn’t hold our excitement in.  

Sweet baby girl, you are ours, and we cannot wait to meet you!

Go here for the full reveal: Gina Zeidler Photography

What Old Wives Would Say

Boy or girl?

Let’s consult the professionals…

Wives Tale                                                    Answer        B/G
Heart rate 140+ girl/under 140 boy?            HR: 155       GIRL
Craving sweet or sour?                                 Sour             BOY
Breakouts or clear skin?                                Clear            BOY
Morning sickness Y/N?                                 None            BOY  
Craving citrus?:                                            1st tri yes    GIRL  
Graceful or clumsy?                                     Clumsy        BOY 

Well it looks like the old wives would predict BOY while most of you think it’s a GIRL! Guess we’ll have to wait a couple more days to see the writing on the wall. Either way, we’re ecstatic and cannot wait to know more about our little one:)

48 hours and counting:) 

Baby B…8 Weeks

One more week has passed and that means Baby Brogle is 6 weeks old today!  Things have been a little crazy around here.  Hitting 8 weeks brought all sorts of changes to our lives.  We were set to close on our house in a week but the house under appraised.  Luckily the seller agreed to sell us the house for $15,000 less than we had agreed upon which was a huge blessing, but it took them awhile to agree.  So we’re praying we can still close on time.  Boxes have filled our living room and we’re now officially living on essentials!  After last weeks little scare, it’s good to know things are getting in order.  Also, I celebrated my birthday!

How big is baby?
This week baby is as big as a raspberry!  Such a big jump.  Blueberry to raspberry seems like quite the growth spurt to me!  Although I can’t tell any difference, we definitely saw a difference between our 6 and 7 week ultrasounds, so we can only imagine what has happened from 7-8 weeks.

How am I feeling?
I’m still feeling great though I have definitely slowed down.  After our little scare I’ve been told to rest as much as possible and am currently on pelvic rest.  Work has been really gracious and has limited my hours quite a bit which has been nice.  So if I’m not working, which is only once a week, you will find me on the couch!
How am I changing?
Somehow I’ve been blessed with a belly that distends easily.  Not sure what is really the cause, but paired with the hematoma, I’m now wearing a belly band with most of my pants.  Mainly because the Doctor does not want more pressure on my belly than necessary but also because to be honest, it’s just more comfortable.  Though I do have quite a few pairs of jeans that still fit just perfectly!
Odd little facts:

Cake eaten:  Surprisingly just one piece
Years older:  1
Favorite part of Thanksgiving:  The stuffing
Bleeding episodes:  2
Shows watched:  Far too many