Showered With Love

Our friends blessed us with a sweet baby shower yesterday! We had it at our house so everyone could see the nursery and our new house. We had so much fun and felt so loved! It was awesome to have all our friends together and to see some friends we hadn't seen in awhile. And "George" made out great with the goods!! And he'll be stylin' in his new clothes and cute shoes (I'm a sucker for baby shoes and socks!!!)!

We played a relay game that brought lots of laughs! I had to drink apple juice from a bottle...not an easy task!!! And R. got to eat mystery baby food. You can see by his face that it wasn't that great!!! We think it was sweet potatoes but no one could say for sure!!!

Thank you, dear friends, for blessing us so much!!!! We love and appreciate you!

Gonna Miss You, Girl!

This weekend my good friend, Hannah, moved away to start a new adventure. While we knew from the first time we met that this event was inevitable, it doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye. I have to share how we met 'cause it's too cute! A mutual friend of ours that I knew in WA and Hannah knew in CA introduced us by email when she learned Hannah and her husband were moving here for school. Hannah and I met up for coffee one night, discovered neither of us had eaten dinner but only a banana, and ended up chatting over Chilis. We totally hit it off and I have been so blessed by her friendship the last year and a half. True friends you can share anything and everything with are hard to come by and so I'm so glad to know Hannah. You rock, girl, and I'm gonna miss you terribly, but I pray many blessings in the new chapter of your life! Now we'll just have to plan a little visit!!! I love you, friend!

A Much More Manageable Speed

I feel so much better this week after finalizing everything with my job and knowing that none of my co-workers hate me for leaving! And I'm stress free again! Praise the Lord! Stress is such a horrible, debiliating infirmity!

This week has been all about taking it easy and slowing down the pace. I've had to realize that I just can't keep up my usual speed while this much pregnant! So, I've been working on my quilt while watching movies and doing little things around the house with frequent breaks.

Tuesday night we went to a friend's birthday party that was all about relaxing and star-gazing! I don't know if I've ever really taken the time to just watch the stars! It was beautiful! And it felt so great to just sit there and enjoy the beauty of God's design!

Little man is growing stronger all the time. He's still dancing in there! Smile. I'm almost certain that he has shifted and is now completely head down with his feet up! His kicks feel different and he's kicking higher than ever before. The other night I'm pretty sure I felt the outline of his foot! It's so cool and surreal. I still find myself awed that there's really a BABY in there! It's so amazing!!

8 months pregnant!

Once again I'm amazed at how quickly time flies! 8 months pregnant! The fact that we will soon have a little boy in our house is starting to sink in. I'm so excited to meet him!! When R and I are out about town, we keep commenting on how it won't be much longer before we have our little man with us...at church, at the coffee shop, in the car, at our new home.

This morning the worship leader at church was talking about one of the other worship team members who has a new little one and he referred to the baby as a "human pet". That made me laugh! Well, our little human pet is getting strong and more and more squirmy! A few times today he's surprised me with the strength of his movements. I would say kicks, but I totally can't figure out what body part I'm feeling! Maybe I'll be able to figure that out soon!

One of the hardest decisions ever......

Yesterday I quit my job. No two weeks notice, just, I'm not coming back. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but in just a few days the stress was making it so I couldn't sleep and I started experiencing strange pains and discomforts. It didn't look like the stress was going to lessen for quite awhile and I had already reached the breaking point, so R and I decided I couldn't keep going and risk complications with my pregnancy. Thankfully my boss was totally understanding! I don't think I could have handled it if he had gotten angry with me about quitting 'cause I already felt so guilty about leaving them in the lurch. I think it will take a few days to feel like myself again. I'm super tired and just have no energy. But hopefully this will give me the opportunity to finish the quilt I've been quilting for like a year! I would love to finish it before "George" comes along and it gets shelved for longer! Needless to say, it's been quite the week and I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend and sleep, sleep, sleep!

Carseat Safety 101

R and I went to the carseat safety class tonight that's offered at the hospital. We went in wondering what on earth they could possibly talk about for a whole two hours and left feeling like we need to tell the world about all the things we learned that we had no idea about before the class. There's so much more to it than just putting the carseat in correctly!!

One of the biggest surprises was the after-market products that simply aren't safe for our babies! I decided I had to share some of what we learned on here in case someone reading this didn't get to go to a carseat safety class.

So, those mirrors that you can get to put on the back window or attach to the headrest so that you can look in your rearview mirror and see your baby? Yeah. Those aren't safe apparently. The ones that attach by suction to the back window are known to come off or even break during a crash and they end up hitting the baby in the face at the speed the car is traveling at the time. The kind that attach to the headrest are dangerous during a crash because when the carseat raises up the baby's head strikes the mirror rather than the soft seat. Our instructor told us about a baby in the Dallas area who now has brain damage after the corner of a kleenex box that was in the back window struck the baby between the eyes. In other words, don't have loose items in the car that could fly around.

By the way, the back of the rear-facing car seat (the part closest to the front of the car) is actually supposed to be able to raise up and move in the event of a crash. This is to keep the baby from absorbing the impact the way that someone does when they tense up in anticipation of a crash. Car bumpers are now designed to cave in during a crash for the same reason 'cause stationary objects are what absorb the crash impact and the movement helps to alleviate some of this. For the same reason, it's important that the carseat is not wedged against the back of the front seat. Also, if your car has a latch system you should use either the latch system or the seatbelt pass-through, but not both because use of both has not been crash tested

Those cute little things that wrap around the straps and look like they'd make the baby more comfortable? Well, they're not considered safe because they come down too far and make it so that the strap that connects the two side straps can't come up far enough and so there's too much room around the baby's head and the baby could fly out of the seat during a crash.

The comfort pillows that keep the baby's head from moving from side to side are dangerous if they're too long and come down under the baby's butt. The danger is that the pillows can work down too far as the baby wiggles around, or just over time, pushing the baby's head forward which can cause the baby not to be able to breathe. A good rule of thumb is that if it came with the carseat it has been safety tested for use with the carseat.

The window screens that attach by suction are dangerous because, as with the mirrors, these can come off during a crash and strike the baby. Our instructor said that the force of an object is the weight of that object multiplied by how fast the car is traveling. So, if an item is 10 pounds and the car is traveling at 50mph, the impact of that object would be as if it were 500 pounds. Thus, even if the item doesn't weigh much all by itself, when combined with speed it can be really deadly.

For older children using booster seats that don't have a back, they could be killed by the shoulder strap of the seatbelt, or seriously injured by the lap belt because the shoulder strap is not in use. Our instructor recommended the booster seats that have a back on them that keep the shoulder strap at the right level so that it goes across the shoulder like it's supposed to rather than going along the side of the neck. When the shoulder strap goes along the neck, a child could actually be decapitated in a crash because the seatbelt is designed to lock, but the force of the impact and speed of the car still throws the child forward into the seatbelt. If the seatbelt is at the shoulder where it's supposed to be, then it's not a problem, but when it's against the neck, or soft tissue, it can be dangerous. The same thing with the lap belt. It's meant to go around the hips, but when worn up too high where the soft tissue is, injury can occur to the vital organs. This can happen in a backless booster seat because the child can scooch down causing the belt to hit at the wrong spot.

I'm sure there's more I'm probably forgetting, but I had to pass along what we learned. I'm certainly not intending to put fear into anyone, but I know I'm really glad to have learned about this stuff now so that these preventable injuries can be avoided. Who knew carseat safety could be so involved!!! We now have our carseat properly installed and ready for the little man! Yay!!!!

It's a Jungle Out There!!!!!

Finally! I'm posting house pictures!!! Here's the mostly finished nursery!! We went with a jungle theme as you can tell! R. made the tree in the corner and I made the curtains and quilt...I'll have to post a more detailed picture of the quilt later. The room was already that color when we moved in so it was ready for us! Now I can't wait for the sweet baby boy who gets to live there!!!!!!

30 weeks!!?!?!

When we first got pregnant it seriously felt like I was going to be pregnant FOREVER! Now I cannot believe that we've already reached 30 weeks!!! Yikes! It's kinda scary thinking how quickly the time has gone and to realize that the time that's left is going to be over in a hiccup! Speaking of hiccups, little man gets them now almost every day! I can't help but feel sorry for him! I hate the hiccups! It's a miserable feeling!!! His movements are getting so much stronger and more pronounced now! It's wild to look down at my belly and watch it move in a wave as he moves inside of me! I can hardly wait to hold my sweet son!!!!

My sweet mom-in-law sent me clothes shopping so last week a friend and I went to get me a few more maternity dresses. I'm wearing one of them in this picture! Dresses seem to fit the most comfortably 'cause some of my shirts don't seem long enough and I find myself pulling on them to make sure they're covering all of me!!!

A Little Relaxation

Thursday night was the first night R. and I have just hung out together doing nothing since we closed on the house on July 1st!!! Why we push ourselves so hard I can't really say...I mean it's not like we have a deadline for getting everything settled in, but we both tend to be over-achievers so I guess that explains it a little. So we relaxed and finished watching "The Four Feathers". R. hadn't seen it so it was fun to get a movie that I had seen and for him to like it! Then last night we just chilled and I showed him what I'd been working on in the nursery! The nursery is really coming together! I can't wait to bring my little boy home to his pad!!! He's spoiled already! Smile.

Today I caught up on some much needed sleep!!! I've been having trouble sleeping long enough! I wake up early with my mind running a top speed and so I end up just getting up and doing what needs doing. This morning I woke up early again and ate breakfast, but then went back to sleep and was shocked to wake up and realize it was 11am!!! And I feel so much better!!!! Thanks to my sweet husband for encouraging me to go back to sleep!!!

Tonight we're having friends over for burgers! And I baked a rhubarb pie! Yum! It's our first time to host anyone at our new place! Yay!!!

Making Preparations

Today I washed all the sweet, little outfits and blankets and sheets, etc to get ready for our little boy. Laundry was never so much fun! Holding those little socks and onesies and hats made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! I can't wait to dress our little boy in all the cute outfits and to wrap him up in the soft blankets! So beyond adorable!!!

Friday night we were TOTALLY blessed by R's co-workers!! They threw us a baby shower and literally showered us with gifts!!! We got the most adorable outfits and toys and stuffed animals, and then to top it all off, the office pooled their funds and got us the crib and changing table we were hoping for!! WOW!!! We were simply blown away by their generosity!! We never expected so much and it's a HUGE blessing!!!

I can't wait to put everything together so I can actually post nursery pics!!! It's coming together but it's still a ways away from being done. But we're much closer now then we were before. He's coming soon!!! I can hardly wait!

3D

We had our doctor visit and 3D ultrasound today!!! It's so amazing to get to see facial features! Getting a glimpse of what he looks like just makes it all the more real that we're really having a sweet little baby!!!! As far as the Tech. Nurse can tell, he weighs 2 pounds, 10 ounces right now. This puts him right on track!! We got to see him stick out his tongue, yawn a few times, and suck on his upper lip! I think we were disturbing his nap time, so he wasn't as active as he was for our last ultrasound. But it's obvious that he's gonna be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute!!!!!

Conspicuous

Last night we had another child-birth class. After the lecture part of the class in which we discussed pain medications and medical reasons for inducing, we had a practical exercise. Sondra, our instructor, had four stations set up where we tried different pain management techniques. To experience pain we had to hold ice cubes in our hand for a full 60 seconds. I've decided I like the birth ball while R. massages my back and tells me I'm doing a great job. We'll see what actually works on the big day, but it's nice to get an idea of what helps take my mind off the pain.

I must admit that I feel really conspicuous these days with my belly size. And class is probably the worst. There are 4 pregnant mommies in the class. All the other women are expecting girls...I don't know if that makes it different, but seriously, I'm the biggest one there and my due date is that latest of all of them!!! One girl only has 5 weeks to go!! Ah! I keep telling myself it's okay and not to let it bother me, but it's really hard not to feel like people are looking and commenting about me. And it's hard not to panic when I think about the fact that I'm only going to get bigger! Yikes!!! I'm already thinking about my getting-back-in-shape strategy after "George" is born! Thankfully we now live just 5 minutes away from the gym so I should be able to go in the mornings while R. is getting ready for work and can be home with the little man. And I went this morning just to feel better about myself...it helped.

And I'm Back

We're finally moved into our house! Well...we're getting moved into our house!! All of our stuff is here and we're living here, but we still have some major organizing to do! The big move happened on Saturday and we were so blessed to have lots of help from friends and family! I think there were around 18 people helping us! We were super blessed!!! The truck was loaded and unloaded before noon! Praise the Lord!!!

Now we're just trying to get everything together and I'm learning that I have to pace myself much more than I have been lately. Yesterday I finished organizing the kitchen and my back promptly let me know it would be taking a break! Ouch!! Back pain is no fun! So I read and took a nap and let R. make dinner. I don't sit around very well, though. And especially not when there's so much to do! AH!

We're very happy with our new home, however. It's great to be in a neighborhood and to have our own yard. We took the doggies for a walk last night and didn't have to load them up in the car to get somewhere to walk! It was great!

On the baby front...I'm at 28 weeks now!!! 7 months pregnant! It really is going fast now and I'm so excited to meet the little man!!! He's moving so much these days and getting stronger. Sometimes I catch my breath with his little kicks!!! That makes me think of last week's birthing class!!! The instructor brought a fake belly/boob suit for all the Dad's-To-Be to wear. It weighed 32 pounds and they all got strapped into it and then had to perform a task that the mother requested. I made R. turn over in bed 'cause I think that's one of the hardest things to do. We all laughed so much!!! I think it was good for the guys to realize how difficult carrying a bowling ball around in the belly can be!!!

The sweetest thing on the baby front, is that little "george" recognizes his Daddy's voice!!! He can be completely still and when R. leans down to my belly and calls his name he starts moving and kicking!!! It's so sweet!!! I can't wait to meet the little guy!!!

I better post this before it gets any longer! Pictures to come of our little house and growing belly!

A Home of Our Very Own

After over a year of house searching, we have finally found a home!! Next month we'll do the big move! I can't wait! It's so perfect for us! Sweet wood floors, a fenced yard for the puppies, huge shade trees and most importantly, more room for our growing family!!! The baby room is even painted the perfect color for our own nursery decor!! The Lord really outdid Himself on this one! And the timing couldn't be better!!! Yippy!!!!!!!

Dancin'

So I woke up at 2 something this morning. I'm not exactly sure what actually woke me, but as I lay there trying to fall back to sleep I got to enjoy a little dancing party on the inside. Little "George" has gotten so active and last night...or really early this morning it totally felt like he was dancing in my belly!!! It's so sweet to feel him and to have that tangible reminder that there really is a baby in there!!!

6 Months

Saturday marked 24 weeks and thus 6 months of pregnancy!!! I can't say how great it feels to see the end in sight!!! It's getting better all the time and even though I'm growing I'm actually feeling less awkward. I told R. I'll probably just figure out how to get up and negotiate myself around and our little boy will be born! Smile.

"George" is moving every day now and his little jabs are getting stronger. My favorite part is that R. can feel him. It's such a joy to share that together and know this is our little baby! I saw a woman at church on Sunday holding a new baby boy and my heart squeezed thinking of when we'll get to hold our own!!!

Babymoon 2008

Destination: Puerto Rico!!!

R. and I have been wanting to go on an international trip together ever since we were married. So, we decided to just go ahead and do it as our last little romantic getaway before the little man arrives. We decided on Puerto Rico because it's actually pretty close and inexpensive to travel there from Texas. And we're so glad we did!!! It was WONDERFUL!!!

We left on the 30th of May and got to the island late that night. Our first flight was late because of some mechanical problems so we were worried we would miss our connecting flight. But, even though we got to the gate 30 minutes after departure time, we were just in time to board the plane! Praise the Lord!!! It was the last flight out that night so we would have been stuck in Miami!!

Our initial introduction to international travel on our own was a little bumpy and adventuresome! The first thing we learned is this: when booking a hotel on the internet it is advisable to stick with "name-brands" such as the Holiday Inn or Intercontinental or something more familiar. We booked our first two nights at the Beach House Hotel...don't! We got there right around midnight. They had a very loud beach party going on when we arrived and it just so happens that the only room left that they had reserved for us was right next to said party. While the room smelled clean it didn't exactly feel welcoming!! And they were totally out of bar soap for the whole hotel. Oh goody!

We hadn't really had meal since lunch so we decided to go out and find something to eat and see if there was anything else available for accommodations. To make a long story short, after a couple miles of walking and a couple hours later, the Lord totally took care of us and we were able to find a room at the Intercontinental. We had a beautiful view and the MOST comfortable bed ever!! Phew!

Puerto Rico is such a beautiful island and the people are so incredibly friendly!! My absolute favorite part about the whole trip was the fact that there's so much diversity on the island without segregation!! There are lots of mixed marriages and a group of friends would be made up of black, white, latino, all together speaking Spanish. They were simply Puertorican! It made me realize how much tension is present when R. and I are out in public, with the looks we get sometimes. To have this tension completely absent was so wonderful and freeing! So much so that it's kind of been a culture shock to return to the states and see everyone all segregated again. That's not how it's supposed to be and we got a glimpse of what it should look like and it was beautiful.

The island is small, but has a little of everything. Huge palm trees with coconuts, ocean of course, mountains, green everywhere! The architecture is so cool and colorful. The picture below is a city street in Old San Juan! It's so much fun!! Walking around there kinda felt like we'd stepped into a movie!!



R. took me snorkeling for my first time! He was such a patient instructor and it was so COOL! We stayed close to the shore, but we still got to see plenty! As soon as we stuck our faces in the water we saw a beautiful silvery blue fish and then later a papery looking fish that almost blended in with the ocean floor. I'm so glad R. encouraged me to do it!!! Way cool!!!

We spent a lot of time on the beach, walking in the sand and swimming in the ocean. Definitely my idea of a perfect vacation!! And the weather was perfect too!!! Not hot, but warm and comfortable!! It rained a little bit every day, but it never affected our plans.



We did a little exploring and ventured out in our little rental car. One night we went to the Phosphorescent Bay. This was great! There's some kind of algae that grows in the water there and when the water is stirred from swimming or something of that nature, it glows. We took a boat ride out into the bay and a diver got out and swam in the water so we could see it! Then on the way back we saw fish jumping and the water would glow where they landed! SWEETNESS!!

On our last day there we visited an old fort built in the 1500's by the Spaniards. I've never felt this way when visiting historic sites before, but I could really sense the presence of history! I could almost see the soldiers walking across the courtyard and hear the cannon fire over the walls. It was amazing how preserved it was for being so old!!!



I have to say it was the best vacation I've ever had and we so enjoyed our time together! I highly recommend it as a place to visit!! We've even talked about going back again!! I could tell more, but then this post would be REALLY long!!

Thirty Thursday

R. turned 30 on Thursday! I decided to be nice to him; no black balloons or anything like that! Instead we had a group of friends over and ate pizza and tres leches cake (our favorite!) and R. and the guys played video games while us ladies talked. We had a good time!! My husband is so much fun! I'm so glad to share moments like birthdays together!!

Early Arrival

A co-worker asked for prayer for her friend’s grandson. He was born 3 months early. So far the prognosis is good, but if you think of it please pray for little Garrison.

Shopping

It's getting hot here in central TX and my belly is getting bigger! That's a recipe for new summer clothes. But it's becoming more difficult to find clothes that fit right! If I try a medium my belly starts to feel contrained, but a large is too big through the shoulders. Go figure! What on earth am I gonna wear when I'm 6, 7, & 8 months pregnant?!? One would think that since I'm shopping for maternity clothes they would make the belly area big enough for a pregnant belly! Hello!!! Alas. Well, I'm happy to say that from behind you still can't tell I'm pregnant!!! And I hope to keep it that way!!! All BABY!

Half-Way There!!!!!!!

Tomorrow marks 20 weeks of pregnancy and 20 weeks until we meet our little BOY! I’m feeling him move now throughout the day. It’s so sweet to feel his little pokes and know that’s my baby! It also makes it seem so much more real and I feel my love for him growing with that deepening reality.

Yesterday I felt a little poke from him while I was working. Just after his little poke the song “I Get a Kick Out of You” started playing on my computer! He already has good timing! Smile.

Our house is in total flux right now! We’re shifting furniture all around in order to clear out what will be his nursery. Thankfully since a major cleaning spree yesterday, the living room is in order so there’s one room in the house that’s not in total disarray! And I made and hung the curtains in the nursery! They turned out GREAT! We’re doing a jungle theme! R. is making a 3D tree in the corner and we’ll have more stuffed animals than any one child could need…but it will be so cute and it’s so much fun!! And it’s so precious to see how excited R. is to make a fun place for our baby!

If I counted how many times I almost slip and say his name each day…… It’s so fun to have this secret shared between R. and me, but it’s so hard not to tell the whole world the name we’ve already given our son!! But it will be so fun to announce the name when he’s born, so I don’t want to spoil it! Secrets are so much fun!

Old Tricks & New

I may have said this before; I’ve certainly thought it. But I’m glad to be pregnant in this day and age and not 30 years ago! For one, maternity clothes are CUTE! But even better are the little comfort things that some brilliant person took the time to invent and market!!!

Sleep has much improved since I got a pregnancy wedge put out by Boppy! It’s just like it sounds. It is simply a piece of soft foam that starts out about 4 inches think and gradually gets thinner. I tuck it under my belly when laying on my side and it takes away that uncomfortable feeling of the belly leaning off to the side. It gives just the right support without putting any pressure on the belly.

Then there’s the pregnancy belt. I don’t know about anyone else, but I feel like my belly is hanging heavy especially by the end of the day. The belt is an elasticized band that connects with velcro. It’s worn under the belly and around the lower back and supports the belly perfectly!! I can walk farther and do more without getting so tired!!! I’m glad R. got this for me so early in my pregnancy so that I will have the help all along!

Finally the old trick! I thankfully have not had much trouble yet with bloating and retaining water, but occasionally like this morning I will wake up and my wedding ring fits tight. R. shared a trick that his sister S. swears by and it WORKS! Put a little lemon juice in your water. That’s it! It works and it works quickly! And it’s cheap and harmless!!

Our Growing Family

R. and I went to a beautiful, outdoor wedding last night and took the opportunity for a couple family photos! My sweet love is so beautiful!!! I can't wait to see what our little BOY looks like!!

Stay-at-Home-Moms

I heard the following on the radio this morning:

Morning Edition, May 9, 2008 · If stay-at-home moms made a salary, one study estimates that it would be $117,000 — and most of the paycheck would come from overtime.

I’m so thankful to have a husband who not only supports me in staying home with our little boy, but recognizes that staying home is hard work!! A shout out to all of you stay-at-home-moms!!! Keep up the good work!!!

The Moment of Truth

It's the moment of truth! All the votes are cast and counted. 29 said GIRL. 14 said BOY. Today was our ultrasound. It was absolutely AMAZING to watch our little one moving around like crazy and to see the feet and spine and hands and know that's our little baby! And, R. got the priviledge of telling me the big news. WE'RE HAVING A BOY! Surprise!!!! We were so certain it was going to be a girl! But there's no doubt about it! We're having a little man!! And I hope he's just like his Daddy!! The tech-lady says it looks like he weighs about 8oz and projected our due date as October 7th instead of October 2nd. When we first found out we were pregnant I calculated the baby would come around the 9th, so the 7th sounds more accurate to me! Smile.

After we left the office, I headed straight for Target to buy a little outfit! I've been dying to purchase clothes and I definitely think boy clothes are cuter! So, considering the fact that our BOY isn't due until October, I ended up just getting him some little sleep outfits since most of the clothes out now are for summer. But they're so cute and jungle themed like his room will be!!!

And in case you're wondering...yes we have his name picked out....no we're not sharing!!! For that you'll have to wait until he's born!!!!

Chiropractic Care

I don’t know what people did/do without chiropractic care! Somehow I wrenched my shoulder the end of last week (I think I did something adventurous like sleep on it wrong!) and I suffered with it all weekend. I couldn’t do much of anything without pain and since I don’t want to take any pain medicine right now, there wasn’t much I could do about it. Yesterday morning I went to the chiropractor first thing and today, after a restful night without pain, I feel like a new person!! Thank the Lord for giving the wisdom to understand how the body works together with all of its muscles and ligaments!!!!!

My Husband

Tomorrow R. and I will be married 29 months!!! Sometimes I get overwhelmed with how very blessed I am to be married to R. He takes such good care of me and loves me so completely! He makes me laugh like no one else can and can calm me down just with his presence. He works hard at his job and pitches in at home. He loves the Lord and doesn't compromise on truth. He's caring and compassionate with others. He speaks the truth even if it's not popular. He's involved in planning for BABY and getting her/his little room ready. He's going to be SUCH a WONDERFUL Daddy!!! And I'm more in love with him today then I was on the day we wed. I'm so thankful for this sweet Love of mine!!

To Bigger and Better

Today I sent in my paper for my Isaiah distance learning class! I'm finally done with it!!! To say I lacked motivation is a decided understatement!!! Yay for completion and closure!!! Now on to getting ready for BABY!!!!

By the way...we're having a little voting contest about whether the BABY will be a BOY or a GIRL. So...feel free to add your voice and tell us what you think we're having! We're keeping a tally and will find out who's right in the end!!! Hopefully we'll find out when we go for our ultrasound next month!!!

Impermanence

It has become more and more apparent in recent days that we live in a society of impermanence. In college one expects that friends are around for only a short time and that everyone will disperse to their respective locations. That doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye, but it is nonetheless expected. After college, and after marriage, and buying a house and starting a family, there is a semblance of permanence, but this is just an illusion. We’re not a society of roots anymore, but of change. And that’s not always bad! I’m an advocate of change! Change causes us to grow and develop and learn new things. But it still comes as a surprise to realize that the friends one thought would just always be around are heading off to new experiences and new locations.

Two of my close Mommy friends are moving. One is leaving just this week and another heads out in June; thus the reality of impermanence. I’m sad to see them go and wonder who the Lord will bring into my life to fill the gap…not to replace since they’re irreplaceable…but to fill in for their absence. At the same time, I don’t begrudge them the opportunities! A part of me wishes it was us going on to new adventures. But the Lord has us here and has them going on and He’ll take care of both of us. Saying goodbyes, though, does make me think of another world in which goodbyes will cease and everyone I love will all be together with HIM. I’m glad again that this life isn’t all we get, though I am thankful for it.

Baby Paraphernalia

R. and I did some pre-registry legwork last night; meaning we went to the Baby Depot and looked at some baby items and began the decision process about what we think we want for our little one. It all started out just fine with the excitement of what we'd like for our little one. But, the night ended with me in tears feeling overwhelmed about how on earth we’re going to fit everything in our apartment without being overtaken by baby paraphernalia! (Oh the joys of pregnant hormones and emotions that can change in a nanosecond!) Bottom line is the question of whether we really need everything we think we need and what we actually do need. For such small little people, babies sure come with a lot of STUFF!

The Lookout Post

I think this is the epitome of CUTE so I had to share!!! Chewie and Chica will sit on their little stool for hours looking outside or napping until they hear something worth checking out!! And it's just as cute from out of doors!! We have sweet little doggies!!

So this is random, but I'm happy to say that after two years of marriage I'm finally learning to keep up with the laundry!! It seems to be a no-brainer, but it's a lot different to wash clothes for two people rather than one!! When I was single, I would go 3 weeks without doing laundry and then I'd do a few big loads and be done with it. Now, I really do have to wash clothes every week or it takes me a week to get it all done! And it's taken me until now to really figure this out and then actually do the laundry once a week! I guess it's a good thing since in a few months we'll go from two to three laundry-makers! Smile.

15 weeks

Friday R. and I went to our baby doctor. I wasn't sure what this visit would entail, so I was even more excited to get to hear our baby's heartbeat!!!! I almost cried it was so precious!! There's something so sweet about the sound! And our little one was running a marathon or something in there!!! 160 beats!! Last time we got to see a mini-ultrasound 'cause we couldn't hear the heartbeat. That was cool, but it's hard to tell what you're looking at on such a little screen. But a heartbeat is pretty recognizable and it makes it seem all the more real that we're actually having a BABY!

I was also really encouraged in asking our doctor some questions about child-birth and different positions and practices. The more I read and talk to others about birth and delivery, the more I REALLY want to stick with a natural approach to birth. In talking with our doctor it seems like she's very supportive of that!

New meaning to the word ‘tired’.

You’ve never been tired until you’ve been pregnant and tired! This week has particularly brought this truth home. I’ve had a nap nearly every day this week and have gone to bed early every night but one and I still feel like I could sleep for a week!

Tomorrow is the 14 week milestone. This week our sweet one can make facial expressions and even suck her/his thumb! I can’t wait until I can feel all the movements she/he is making already! It still feels so unreal that there’s really a baby in there!!

R. has been so wonderful through all the tiredness and emotional ups and downs. I certainly couldn’t do this without him!! And he’s so precious! When he comes home from work at night he gives me a kiss and then he leans down and talks to our baby inside my belly! This little one will certainly know her/his Daddy’s voice!! R. is going to be such a wonderful Dad!!!

Beautiful Christian Sister

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER

by Maya Angelou

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

One of a Kind

Today marks 13 weeks of pregnancy! Our little one is growing and changing so much! Most of the baby's development is complete already! This week he/she got fingerprints! Already unique and one of a kind! It's amazing to think that someone so small, just 3 inches, could be so intricate and detailed in design!

Date Night

Tuesday night is typically date night for us. We don’t always go out, but we try to make it time set aside to focus on each other. We plan to continue this practice after the baby comes. Anyone up for babysitting? Smile.

Last night the sky was clear and the weather was perfect. We got Starbucks coffee and drove out to a newer housing development down the road from us where we could park in semi-darkness and look at the stars through the sunroof. It was such a perfect time to enjoy the night sky and just talk without distraction.

We stayed out there a couple hours before we decided to head home. R. turned on the car and we started down the road about the same time we saw the headlights of another car turning into the development. Once the car comes into our line of vision we realize it’s a police car and he promptly turns on his lights. We pull over and he shines his search light at our vehicle and comes toward us with his flashlight shining into our car. He asks us if everything is okay. R. introduces himself and me and explains that we’re on a date looking at the stars and enjoying the night. The officer asks to see ID. R. of course includes his work ID as well…when you work in connection with law enforcement that can’t hurt!! Apparently they’ve been having a lot of theft at the construction sites. Anyways, I guess the officer thought we were legit ‘cause he let us go and told us to have a good night. We got a good laugh out of it! What were the odds that he’d be coming in at the same time we were leaving!! Smile. Date night was great!!!

First Trimester Down!!!

It really is hard to believe that the first trimester is over! Yesterday was the 12 week mark. It sounds a lot better to think that there's only 6 months left! Yay!! I'm very happy to report that I haven't been sick once! Thanks, Mom!!! My Mom wasn't sick with either of her pregnancies and I've been hoping to follow in her footsteps. (and I hope my delivery goes as well as her's did also!)

The last few days have been pretty emotional, but after an afternoon with friends and encouragement, I feel much better. It helps to talk to someone who's been there and have them say they understand 'cause they felt the same way! And to know that they made it through the emotional minefields and now they have a beautiful little baby! It also helps to give permission to feel the way I feel and not follow that up with guilt. There's a transition involved in being pregnant and it can be really emotional at times. And that's okay! Once again I'm reminded that life and its experiences aren't what I expected...but then I'm also reminded that they've always been better than expected when it's all said and done!

Only the positive!!

My friend Bekah made a post at the beginning of her pregnancy that she only wanted to hear positive stories and comments! Well, I'm here to echo that to anyone who wants to read this!! And number one on the list is shut up about weight and size already!!!! If I hear one more person tell me they "can't believe I'm showing so soon" I just might haul off and deck them!!! And not another word about the fact that I'm hungry AGAIN! Of course I'm hungry!! I'm not the only one getting nourishment from the food I'm eating! And there's no doubt about it, I am going to gain weight! Duh! I'm pregnant! But you don't have to rub it in! I'm already struggling with the fact that I weigh more than I ever have before (darn it for looking at the doctor's chart...I won't be doing that again).

So bottom line, I'm coming up on 12 weeks pregnant. Yes, I already look pregnant. So tell me I'm adorable and keep any other opinions to yourself! Don't you think I know what I look like?!?!? Remember what your momma told you, "If you can't say anything nice, SHUT UP"!

Short but Sweet

I took my parents back to the airport this morning after a super visit from them!! They stayed with us for a week and it felt like a minute! We had a great time! On Friday they took me clothes shopping! Yay for new clothes that fit! Then over the weekend we went to R's parent's place and we got to spend time with the whole fam. Monday we took it easy. Tuesday was Mom's birthday and R. arranged for us to go get a facial while Dad stayed behind with R. at work. Yesterday we took a jaunt to Austin, had lunch at Whole Foods (yum) and went to Waterloo Records (fabulous). And today they left! No wonder the time went by so quickly! It was so good to see them and not so great to have to say goodbye! But, the baby gives the perfect excuse for them to come back in just a few months!! Way to go little raspberry!!!

10 weeks

We're now 10 weeks pregnant! I guess that means we're almost through with the first trimester. I have to say it's kinda weird the way the weeks are calculated. Since we know the day we conceived (yay for natural family planning and charting!!!) we thought we were 8 weeks pregnant, but since most people don't know the exact day doctors usually calculate based on a woman's monthly cycle. Then there's what's called gestation which is like two weeks longer than the actual age of the baby....so I guess that means I'm at 10 weeks. That's fine with me, of course! I feel like I just gained ground and have less time to wait!

Pregnancy hasn't been quite what I expected so far. I haven't been sick which is great! None of my pants fit which has been surprisingly discouraging! I think that I thought I wouldn't mind losing my waist when we got pregnant 'cause there would be a very legitimate excuse. But I don't look pregnant at this point...I look chubby! R. took me shopping last week and at one point we had to stop so he could tell me I'm beautiful and that's it's okay that I'm not skinny anymore.

It's very surreal to be pregnant. I don't know that it will begin to sink in until I start feeling the baby move and we know if we're having a boy or a girl. In those moments when I realize this is really happening I get super excited...and then totally freaked out at the same time! I never imagined that there would be so much mental adjustment involved in this process. It's a good thing we have awhile to get used to the idea!

R. has been so wonderful! He has held me when I'm feeling scared or overwhelmed. He has told me I'm beautiful repeatedly. And best of all he is so excited to be a Dad! And I know he's going to be a good one! I'm so thankful to be on this journey with my sweet husband! It really is amazing to know we're going to have OUR baby!

By the way...our baby is the size of a small plum now!!!

Drumroll please...............

WE'RE GONNA HAVE A BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our little bundle is due October 9th!!!

Little Girlfriend

Introducing our newest little girlfriend!! Little Rania was born just over a week ago to some good friends of ours. We went to visit last night and got to hold the little miss. She is so sweet and tiny! It's hard to believe that we all start out so little!!! We also got to experience the traditional Lebanese dessert that is served to guests that come to visit the new baby. It was fabulous! It kinda reminded me of Chai tea and the texture was like pudding. Yum! Below is the baby quilt that I made for Rania and I'm told she sleeps under it every night!

Coming Clean

It's not something that's easy to share. In spite of the fact that our society is more understanding about it, there's still an element of shame and stigma attached to it. But, with the hope that someone else may be ministered to, I decided to take the risk and talk about my depression. The funny thing about depression is that it doesn't necessarily look the same for everyone. For that reason at first it didn't occur to me that that was what I was dealing with. You see, depression runs in my family on both sides so it's no stranger. I always hoped that I would somehow be passed over and it wouldn't touch me, but it has.

Depression has raised it's head a few different times in my life starting back when I was just out of highschool. At that time it took the form of anxiety. In college it raised its head again in the form of loneliness and I found myself withdrawing from everyone. I think it was brought on by stress! Music school will do that to ya!

This past year it started with some life changes and disappointments. I auditioned to get into music school and was not accepted. While I was able to logically understand and even appreciate the fact that I wasn't sure I really wanted to be in music school again, it was still an emotional blow. Then I quit my full-time job to stay at home. Don't get me wrong, I was so happy to quit that job, but it was a huge adjustment. I think this change actually helped me to recognize what was going on and had been for awhile.

So often depression is only thought to be inconsolable sadness, but that's not all it is. It manifests itself through lack of motivation and confidence, procrastination, withdrawal from others, lack of direction, exhaustion, being easily overwhelmed, lashing out, discontent, negative thinking, insecurity. This is what it has been to me. It doesn't mean I'm sad all the time, or that I even feel this way all the time. However, the window I look through to observe life around me is tainted by depression and so my outlook is not always true.

Lately I've realized that I need to focus on being emotionally healthy again. I need it for me, for my marriage, for my future children and for friends and family. I know I'm usually happy when you see me socially, at church, at work and so it may be hard to imagine that this struggle could be going on. The truth is, when I'm around other people I feel on top. When you see me smiling, it's for real. It's usually when I'm alone and when I'm tired that it all comes piling in on me. Bottom line, I know I'm going to be fine. And I don't want to be treated any differently than if I had never shared what I'm going through. That's not what this post is about. It's about being honest. We all struggle! We all have weaknesses and sometimes it's in coming clean with them that we can connect with each other in a way that is real and genuine. So now I've come clean...and it feels really good.

Just had to share!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

You're all invited to come to our place and share dinner with us on our new table...just not all at the same time!! I've been saving my pennies for awhile with the hopes of getting a new dining table. The old one looked good, but really was only big enough for two people. Four could fit, but there was a lot of elbow bumping and knee knocking. So I've been keeping my eye out for just the right table...I knew exactly what I wanted! And Pier 1 had it and we bought the floor model so they knocked off 20%! Yippy!!! Let us know when you can come help us break it in!!!

Christmas in Disneyland!!!

R. and I spent the Christmas holiday with R's family in California's Disneyland!! It was my first time in California and I can see why people want to live there. It's beautiful with the mountains and the palm trees and the ocean. We only saw the ocean from the air, but it was still fabulous!! We had a great couple of days! It kinda felt like a second honeymoon. Most of the time R. and I wandered off by ourselves.

It's too complicated to coordinate 11 people for everything, so we met up with the rest of the fam at arranged times! One of those times was when me and the guys rode the Tower of Terror ride! It was awesome!! Basically you get in an elevator that plummets downward suddenly and quickly! I screamed and hugged R's arm and giggled so much!!!

Each morning (and a couple times in between) R and I got coffee at a bookstore in the park. Starbucks watch out! They made the BEST mochas I have ever had. I asked them what kind of coffee they used....some local guy roasts it! Wow! The food in the park is great too!! For Christmas dinner R and I ate at the House of Blues. Yummy! Lamb Shank, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans and cooked carrots. Oh yeah! It was a great vacation!

House Hunting

R. and I are house-hunting these days. It's such an exciting endevour...the thought of owning our own home. No more sharing a wall with the neighbors...our own private yard...we can paint anything we want whatever color we want...more space. It's exciting. And it's frustrating and tiring and time-consuming!!! If you own your home and you had a quick and simple home-buying process, consider yourself blessed!!! Until we started this process I had no idea that foundation problems were so rampant...or that carpet could be so trashed...or that neighborhoods could be so unpredictable! It has been an experience to say the least!!! Hopefully the right house comes our way soon...I'm getting tired of the hunt!!

I did it after all.

I wasn't going to decorate for Christmas this year. We're going to be out of town and everything is busy right now with house hunting and all. But then I started to feel really sad and it totally didn't feel like Christmas-time. So I broke down and put everything up and I'm so glad I did and it looks beautiful!!!!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!!!!

November 26th was our second wedding anniversary!! I surprised R. and picked out a fancy hotel in Austin and we spent the weekend celebrating. I bought a new dress for the occassion so we dressed for dinner and shared a fabulous evening together. It was so great to get away and just have time for each other without responsibilities or doggies to get home to or any contraints on our time. Every day I realize all over again how very blessed I am to have married such a precious man. God has indeed blessed me beyond my wildest dreams in R. for a husband!!! It's hard to believe two whole years have passed since we said our vows to each other! We look forward to many, many more!!! We plan to celebrate our 80th anniversary someday if we're still alive and kicking past 100!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We hosted Thanksgiving in our home this year. It was the first time since we married that we had a holiday at our place! My aunt, uncle and cousins from here in Texas came for a couple days and we had a great time together. The weather was cold enough that we were able to have a cozy fire in the fireplace and the food turned out perfect! I made my first turkey and it was delicious! We're still eating the leftovers! Smile.

Turkey Day?

So...it's a bit of a pet peeve of mine when people refer to Thanksgiving as 'turkey day'. For starters there's the whole historical aspect to the holiday. The first Thanksgiving many years ago was an intercultural feast to give thanks to God for a bountiful harvest. It took place in the early colonies and pilgrims and native americans shared the meal together. The native americans had shown the pilgrims how to grow food in this land, thus fending off the starvation that had formerly ravaged them.

Secondly, while I very much enjoy a good turkey meal with all the fixings, I am not so lame as to celebrate a TURKEY! I am not celebrating the existence of the turkey nor the consumption of the turkey. Thanksgiving would still be entirely complete if we ate spagetti...with good old beef meatballs!

For me, Thanksgiving is a time to spend with loved ones, reflecting on all that we have to be thankful for. We have been blessed on so many levels and my heart is filled with thanksgiving. This one day out of the year is set aside as a reminder not to take those blessings for granted. Thank you God! You have been so good to us.

Short Career as a Wedding Coordinator

A couple weekends ago, R. and I helped some friends out by coordinating their BIG DAY! Talk about a HUGE responsibility!! It took most of last week to recover! Thankfully the wedding turned out beautifully and the happy couple are happily hitched! As for our future in wedding coordination...we've decided to retire! Smile.

Another New Friend

We have another new little friend to welcome into the world. Little Daniel was born last Thursday to some dear friends of ours here in Texas! Apparently we are in the stage of life when most of our married friends are starting their families. It's pretty exciting to get to share this wonderful experience with them and to make cute new friends! Smile. So this is Daniel and the other picture is the quilt that I made him a few months ago. Baby quilts are so much fun to make 'cause they're so little and you don't have to worry about matching someone's house! Welcome to the world little man!!!

Our New Little Friend

I just had to share pictures of our new little friend Colin! He was born on Tuesday and we got to visit and hold him on Thursday! I don't know if I've ever held such a little baby! He's such a sweetie!!!! And in the pic with just him he's wearing the little outfit we got him! Adorable!!!

Studying

For the past month I've been studying the book of Isaiah for credit in my distance education program. Isaiah is such a rich book!!! So much of what Isaiah had to say to the people of Israel is right on for us today. God told them not to look to Egypt for help and protection because He would take care of them. They were told to wait on the deliverance that would come from the Lord's Hand, not a temporary fix that would only leave them in worse shape. This is His heart for us today as well. We don't need to look elsewhere for the answers. God will save us from whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. We need only to wait and to trust.

Waiting has become a theme this week. It seems everyone I talk to says something about it and I have had numerous opportunities to minister to others along those lines as well. Waiting is probably the hardest thing for me and it involves so much. To wait one must be patient, one must trust, and one must surrender. Whoever said waiting was passive?!?

I can't help but wonder if God is preparing us for something with so much emphasis on the need to wait on Him. Right now I don't see that there's any particular area where we're waiting for anything, so it seems kind of strange that the topic keeps coming up. I simply pray that we will receive from Him and learn whatever He is trying to teach us so we can honor Him if there is a time of waiting approaching.

Goin' Gospel!

Sunday in church I sang my first solo. The fact that I had a solo isn't necessarily significant...since it's only my first for this particular church. But, the road that I've traveled in the last 15 years to this point makes Sunday's singing ever so significant. It was for me a sign of healing...healing in the places that have been wounded by my time in music 'ministry'.
The song I sang is called "Something Happens" and it's totally a Gospel song! I got to ad lib and everything!! Our church is rather large and so there was a full choir and orchestra backing me up! Talk about an adrenaline rush! It was an awesome experience!!! I feel as if a part of me that had been missing has returned! It felt so good to minister through music again! Thank you, Jesus!!!

Twenty-Two

R. and I celebrated 22 months of marriage yesterday!! It's mind boggling to think that nearly two years have gone by already!!! I'm such a blessed woman! Last night was choir practice and I was totally surprised when the choir director said there was someone there celebrating 22 months of marriage! They sang to me and then he said that R. had e-mailed him to announce it at practice. My husband is so sweet to me! Afer I came home, we had Tres Leches Cake. It's the same kind we had at our wedding and so I picked some up for us. Yum.

Are you ready for some football?!?

R. and I went to a college football game on Saturday night. It was my first ever REAL football game! (The only other game I've ever been to was for a tiny, highschool team in Montana, in the dark and I couldn't see a thing...so I'm not counting that one.) It was fun to be there with the fans and actually see the players in real life. Much more exciting than on TV. And our team won which made it all the better!! I think I must be good luck 'cause our team isn't all that great normally. I guess I'll have to go again!!! Smile.

Well...time to STUDY! I begin my first Distance Ed. class this afternoon; the book of Isaiah!! Yay!

Chica the Fuzzy Hunter

This is R's new nickname for Chica. She'll eat absolutely anything and seems to find every piece of fuzz in the house!!

It's been awhile since I posted. The last two weeks have been crazy with adjustments and change, but for the most part it's been good. I'm enjoying my new job and love working part-time! Who new it could be so good!?! Four hours a day and then freedom! Smile. I'm finally getting a start in actually doing some of the work I was hired for, but it will probably be awhile before I get the hang of everything. The CON in working just part-time is that it takes that much longer to learn anything because I'm only there half the time. I think that is the one and only draw back!

Poor little Chewie is having a hard time adjusting to my absence. I've been reading some articles online and it is apparent that he is suffering from a serious case of separation anxiety. Poor little guy!! Hopefully he'll get over it soon and we can help him adjust through some training techniques I read about.

I have officially joined the choir at our church! It's been a long time in coming, but I think it's a good move. I'm also hoping it works out to join one of the rotating worship teams! It feels really good to sing again...though I still don't look forward to practice. But then I never liked to practice what I was supposed to practice!

Any day now my first correspondence course should arrive in the mail. After a lot of consideration and research and prayer, I really think the Lord is leading me to continue my studies through my original school in Canada and to change my major. I don't know how long it will take me to finish, but when all is said and done I will have a degree in Intercultural Studies. Yay!!! I'm really excited about this and what the Lord has for these studies!! My first course will be a study on the book of Isaiah. I've always wanted to go indepth into this book so I'm really looking forward to it!!

Lots going on these days. It's been a little hard to adjust to having the additional responsibilities, but I don't think it will take long to get used to it! God is faithful!!

Blessings to all of you dear friends and family!!

EMPLOYED!!!!!

I'm very happy to write that I've been hired at the Graduate School for a part-time Admin. position!!! It's EXACTLY the hours and schedule I was praying for!!! Yay for answered prayer!!! God is so good! I start on Monday! Yippy!!!!!

The Whirlwind We Call Life

Last week R. and I helped pack up our good friends and neighbors for their move to Minnesota. The W's lived in the complex before us and even helped us move in when all we knew of each other was their names. It didn't take long though before they became friends! It's just not the same around here without them, but we're super excited for all the good things God has in store for them in this new chapter of life.

On Friday I interviewed for a part-time job at the university. Now I'm waiting anxiously to here whether they will hire me or not. It's an ideal position, just 20 hours a week, and I would have June and July off every year! I'm hoping it works out! It would be just enough $$ to pay for my correspondence courses!!! God knows!



Over the weekend we got to see some good friends from out of town. We had dinner at our traditional place, Cheddar's, and then we came back to our place to introduce our doggies. I think they took to each other well!!! It's always wonderful to see friends and catch up!

This week? I'm exhausted! Smile. All this socializing has worn me out! Not to mention an overactive brain that's processing the changes just around the corner with the start of classes and possible employment. I love change because it keeps life interesting, but it seems that as the years go by it's harder to be flexible and adjust to it! Oh well. Life certainly isn't boring lately!!!!

Safely Home

Many of you have joined with us in prayer for little Hudson Taylor over the past year. After six months of cancer treatment, he was able to go home and be with his family for six healthy months. Last week he returned to the hospital for a checkup and doctors discovered that the cancer had returned and filled his little body. On Saturday he entered eternity and is safely home with Jesus. Please keep his family in prayer as they grieve the loss of his presence with them.