I keep stalling actually posting anything, thinking that "maybe tomorrow" I'll have time to get pictures organized to post with the news, but that's not happening so I'm just going to say something. :-)
There continues to be a lot of activity in our lives - more than I anticipated for this time period! Matthew (and others) would probably say that's just because I overestimate how much I can get done without feeling busy.
Before I go on, what you're all wanting to know: Due date is 12 days away (9/25), and doctor says she's probably not coming early. There are more contractions now, but I don't think she's really dropped yet. (A blessing - so far I have not been very uncomfortable so the waiting isn't so bad yet.)
For actual events, we go back to late August: My dad and I went out to breakfast for my birthday (family tradition) and a couple days later mom and I went shopping for my birthday - she got our family a Pack N Play and then we went to La Bou and I had soup in a bread bowl and a frappuchino-like thing. Yumm! Thanks for the lunch, Mom! And the place for Naomi to sleep.
The next day was Sunday and we were in for a surprise when we visited Grace Valley, our Davis church family. They offered the overwhelming blessing of having an 'in-lieu-of-baby-shower' donation, and we are just humbled and blessed by their support, both in prayer and in this show of their care for us. As a result, our health expenses related to the birth will be minimal. Thank you, Grace Valley!
Next, on that Thursday my Davis friends threw an actual shower and afterwards we felt like we had the practical stuff! Thermometer and nail clippers, changing pad, clothes for when she's older, sippy cups and toddler silverware/dishes, and many families' favorite books. Anna did a beautiful job decorating her backyard and we sat outside in the evening breeze - then ate rich cake! Thank you, ladies!
The next day we moved to Aunt Miriam's house to housesit for the six kitties and to have a place with more space and privacy for the time directly surrounding Naomi's birth. We have now thoroughly invaded Miriam's space. We just feel blessed - what a privilege and provision for us! It makes it even nicer that Aunt Miriam feels the same way since it means she's free to visit her daughter's family for the first time in quite a while. Thank you, Miriam!
And the next day (so far we've only gotten to last Saturday!) our home church, Hillcrest Alliance, blessed us with a baby shower. The decorations all had animals all over them - it was a happy rainbow Noah's Ark theme. Many of them got together on a group gift and supplied a beautiful, comfortable glider, a stroller, and an activity mat. Again, the women were insightful about the practical things we really need! We now have a car seat, bathtub, diapers, Boppy, etc. Thank you, Hillcrest!
That afternoon we met with our doula (=professional labor coach) and got to know each other and talk through things. My friend Angela (who got all those great Noah's Ark decorations!!) was over to look at baby stuff and catch up a little bit before she needed to get back home, as well.
Since then, I've just been doing the last shopping trips and trying to get things more organized. On Wednesday I cooked about 10 meals and put them all in the freezer so we'll have instant food when we're most sleep-deprived. My mom and I went to Babies R Us yesterday to get some of the last needed things (and a few splurge things from gift cards :-) ). Last night I packed our hospital bag and diaper bag. Today I finished making one of those Bebe Au Lait-style nursing covers (supplies: ~$6; blanket sold online: $35). If I were to make another one, I'd make a couple small changes, but overall I'm very pleased.
So, the main thing I want to say is that God is amazingly good. We have all that we need and more. Secondly, we are starting to actually feel ready for Naomi to let us see her!
One prayer request:
We got some information this week that means our insurance situation is not as straightforward as we originally thought. The insurance company is working with us (partly because I received mis-information from one of their employees), but we ask you to pray that we will have insurance that covers the end of the pregnancy and the delivery, and that it would cost less than $900/month (what they're quoting us now). Thank you!
P.S. Quick update on the job search:
Matthew continues to send out lots of resumes, and has follow up steps with a few churches right now. Overall, we are both doing well emotionally and have found that in general we are able to rest in God and enjoy the time we have here in Roseville. However, there are good days and bad days (today we got discouraging news).
Work at Health Net is going well. Matthew put in a request for a 4 10-hour day schedule and was accepted, so he'll have Thursdays off starting this week. Also, Matthew asked if they would be willing to hire him on as a permanent employee (right now he's going through a temp agency), and they said he should apply when the position is posted again. So again, we are being provided for and blessed beyond what we need. Thank you, God!
Whew! Congratulations if you read all this... sorry I'm so exuberant! May God provide for you as well in your times of struggle.
Grandpa Hallsten came by on Sunday afternoon to get acquainted. 
We are looking forward to introducing Naomi to all of her new friends and family over the coming weeks and months. So far she seems to be hitting it off with everyone she meets. Look at the smile she put on Auntie Krista's face.