Christy & Todd: The Baby Years

Sandy Toes Christy & Todd: The Baby Years. Book #1 Robin Jones Gunn A new season begins for Christy and Todd with a pregnancy test and a disillusioning visit to the doctor. As they try to catch their balance, Todd's job swerves in a new direction; Aunt Marti overdoes her self-assigned role of preparing for the family's addition-to-come; and Christy's parents face surprising changes that might take them back to Wisconsin. Christy misses Katie more than ever, and just when she thinks life will slow down, Alissa's daughter, Shawna, comes to visit and brings all her pre-teen charms and challenges with her. A mixture of excitement and anxiety carries Christy through all the baby-bumps. Her hopes and dreams are as many as the grains of sand that cover her sandy toes after sunset walks on the beach with Todd. Christy knows that everything is about to change when she steps into one of the great mysteries of life – motherhood.

Christy is elated when her best friend and favorite redhead arrives in Newport Beach. The reason for Katie's journey from Kenya is complicated but that doesn't stop the two Peculiar Treasures from hoping for lots of memorable catch-up time. Their plans keep getting altered and Christy can tell something is wrong. Katie isn't herself. Add to that the ongoing demands Christy feels as the mother of a toddler along with her husband's determination to not cancel their vacation plans. Nothing seems to be as it should. The circumstances shift. Katie's husband, Eli arrives and the Surfin' Safari plans are back on. Gussie the Bussie is ready for the trek up the coast to Glenbrooke, Oregon, with a stop along the way to see Sierra and her husband, Jordan. The reunions continue as they spend sun-filled days with Doug and Tracy, Alissa, and Christy's brother, David. Why is it that Christy's heart feels so unsettled? It's not because of the challenges of traveling and camping with a little one. It's not because they left Eli and Katie in Newport Beach awaiting their return. It's the realization that everyone she knows has changed. What does friendship mean in this season of life? Christy finds out as she celebrates her twenty-ninth birthday with her true friend followed by a string of hellos, good-byes and many God-blessed salty kisses.

Christy's life with Todd and their two little ones in their cozy Newport Beach cottage is everything she ever hoped for. So why is it she can't find balance and a sense of worth in this new season? Is it the crazy mood swings and self-image dips that keep taking her down? Or is it that Todd is about to leave and take a group of students to Kenya for three weeks? Christy would love to go with him and see her best friend, Katie. As she tries to figure out what's next, Christy's brother asks for confidential advice on his love life. Christy is happy to help out. But as things go awry and Aunt Marti becomes involved, it leads Christy to evaluate her own marriage-for better or worse. The friendship that sprouts with her neighbor Jennalyn becomes a lifeline. Their heart-to-heart conversations and playdates bring about some significant changes as Christy is approaching her thirtieth birthday. On a very special night as the sun dips into the ocean, heaven seems to touch the earth. An unexpected Peculiar Treasure reaches for Christy's hand, and in that moment, all her summer promises come full circle.