The Journal - Ryan and Leah's New House

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this announcement: Lily is going to be a big sister!

And oh yeah, I'm due...uh...tomorrow. As in, tomorrow tomorrow. But Lily was eight days late, so we're not holding our breath just yet. Hopefully, this explains why I've not participated in most of the house projects as of late. I'm not sure why I waited so long to announce the news this time around. Somehow, that's just how it happened.

In house-related news, Ryan got the shed put up Saturday and it looks FABULOUS. The only problem is all the photos are stuck on my cell phone, so until we can get them off, you'll just have to take my word for it.

We love our new shed! It's roomy enough for all our junk, and it was a snap (literally) to put together. Ryan got the whole thing up himself in one long afternoon, while Lily and I provided commentary, motivational support, and refills on ice water. Quite essential.

Then, he edged the bottom of the shed with some of the pavers we took out of the backyard many, many moons ago, filling the middle with more QP stone to the level of the pavers.

(I look like I have a bullet in my belly. Or that I'm pushing my sweatshirt out with my hands. Not so, my friends. Not so.)

All of the side panels snapped into the grooves in the floor (see above) — some panels took more convincing than others — and were then screwed to each other.

The whole shed came in two large boxes. Here's Ryan unloading one of the doors.

By the way, we would never, EVER let our daughter play with power tools. Um. Ever. Seems sharp little shovels are more to her liking, anyway...

That shelf running the full length of the back added extra stability. Finally, as it neared nightfall, the shed was done.

The following day, we loaded it with everything that had been sitting around the yard awaiting the shed's completion. We also put up the rest of the shelving and peg boards that came with the shed for hanging tools and storing small odds and ends. We are so happy to finally have a place to store everything! We still have to bring the bicycles, sports stuff, and other junk up from the basement, but in the meantime, it's just wonderful having a home for my garden tools!

Our little Jacob Ryan was born today. He weighed 9lb 5oz and was 21.5" long. He is our perfect little chubby buddy.

Aaron from Chicago said the following on 05/23/2008 at 19:03:03:
Congrats! :-)

Stephanie from Portland said the following on 05/23/2008 at 22:24:15:
Awwwww! So sweet. :-) Congratulations!

Bill from White Stone, VA said the following on 05/24/2008 at 05:13:19:
Yay! Congratulations!

Susan and Mark from Dallas, Texas said the following on 05/27/2008 at 23:32:13:
Dear Leah: This is a posed photograph. You look so fresh and new, like the college student we met on Rider Campus. Surely you did not just give birth. You are just as gorgeous as ever. Your rosy cheeks, fresh skin and dazzling smile and bright eyes resemble that girl we came to love and cherish.Dearest Leah it pleases me so to write to you and to give glory to the Father for your news. Mark and I are bursting with joy and give thanks to the Lord for this great gift to be reconnected with you, and to see photos of not just one but TWO precious gifts from our Father. Best wishes and congratulations to you AND Ryan. Wow. Wow. Wow. Truly God has been good and faithful to you both. Your two websites are terrific. What detail and beautiful journal entries! Mark and I look forward to checking out the past month's installments and each future month's too. To answer your question...Does this new baby resemble baby Lily? Give us a chance, and we'll post back. I will say, he resembles love. Big kisses all around to you, Ryan and your children. Blessings from our hearts, Susan and MarkYour old InterVarsity Staff workers from Rider "U"!!