the look

you know the look. It's 5:30 am and Josie has just woken up for her morning feeding. She eats, and then pretends to go to sleep snuggled up beside me. But then I feel something tugging at my nose, and my lips, and inside my mouth, and my hair. And groggy though I am, I open my eyes, and in the darkness I make out these two eyes with long lashes and this mouth right up against my face going for my nose. And before I can properly defend myself my nose is in that mouth and my hair entangled in those little fingers. Ah yes, the joys of motherhood.

So, we are in Vancouver and have been for about a week and a half so far. You're probably wondering what it's like and how we're holding up. We're doing well. I would post pictures of the amazing beautiful rainforest that is literally outside our front door with 100km of trails that we walk in 3 times a day as we walk Toby- the dog who belongs to the house we are currently living. Or, maybe I'd post pictures of the snow capped mountains that surround the city and are out the window of the classroom at Regent that I'm studying systematic theology with J.I. Packer in. But it's dark at 8 am when I begin class and just getting light out at 9:30 when Dave hands Josie off to me and darts to his class. And it seems to have rained every day that I think about taking my camera out so I just haven't gotten around to it.

We arrived here in the rain and in a very packed car (see previous post for pictures). We stayed with our saints of friends Simon and Shannon for a week until moving into the house we will be living in until April while the owners are elsewhere for the most part.

And wow, what a house. It is perfect in every way from the well decorated and Asian antique furniture, to the hot tub outside, and the fireplace in the kitchen (there are 4 in the house all together), the espresso machine, and comfortable bed and lots of living space. I could go on and on-- but the best part I think is that the people we are staying with are wonderfully gracious, and very active in the world helping people--- AND have 2 granddaughters who are 2 and 4 years old and live on campus. I've gotten to know the daughter who is my age and is great-- and has provided more than I could ask for with kid stuff. So blessings have been abounding. This is a picture of Josie in the basement living area when we are.

oh yes, and the dog. Tobi is a border collie who is the gentlest and most obedient dog I've met. She's eager to come and be with us, but not overbearing or at all messy. She loves walks and doesn't need a leash at all. She comes when you want her and is happy to be by herself too. And really good with Josie-- put up with her crying at night (usually if I'm up with Josie, Toby appears on the other side of the bed, wondering what is going on.)

Also, 2 former students attend UBC so it's been nice having some Tianjin connections here as well.

We are Craigslist shopping for the essentials-- first and foremost a rain cover for the stroller. Did I mention that it RAINS here? ALL THE TIME. Poor Josie- she's got a rain coat but I've been putting her legs in a plastic bag when we take the dog out in the stroller or are on campus (we park 10 min away). Hopefully we'll take care of that tomorrow. And I need some big old rainboots. Everyone wears them around here, and for good reason!!! Guess I'll just have to fit in:)

Josie news- she just got her first tooth! Finally! Maybe she'll sleep better at night now?? maybe. I just started to hear crying so time to post and go!