I was just thinking. . .

I'm back!!

2007-04-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

I had some pics of Allie taken for Easter - can't get any cuter!!
Allie and her 2nd cousin Clay had fun hanging together.
Uncle Ross is training Allie to be a coke drinker - I think Uncle Reid will have something to say about that!
Well it seems forever since my last post! I don't have access to a computer as frequently as I did and the time to blog seems to have disappeared! We have been enjoying some wonderfully warm weather and I have taken advantage of it by taking Allie out for walks and play time at the play ground - she loves it! It's so nice to be able to get out and enjoy the sun.
We also had a fun packed Easter week. My grandparents as well as my Aunt and Uncle and cousin and her baby came up for a visit and it was like a week of vacation! We had a great time playing games, eating good food and just hanging out. Allie, of course, loved all the attention and got a little spoiled - it took me a few days to "unspoil" her and get her on her regular routine again. She also had her first two teeth pop up a few weeks ago almost with out incident - save one rough night! She is also on the verge of crawling and loves to walk (with help of course) and pull herself up to stand (still a little unsteady though=). I am enjoying her stationary stage because it won't last much longer and I will have a little person to chase around. She is a very very energetic baby and much to my dismay does not like to cuddle! I wish I had half her energy! She is so much fun and I am thankful to have a fun and happy girl!
Last night Josh took me out for my birthday to the cutest little restaurant! We dropped Allie off with her Uncle Matt and Aunt JoAnna and took off for a relaxing evening. We sat on the porch of the restaurant overlooking a lake and watched the sunset - it was so pretty and so very relaxing! I especially enjoyed my free dessert of creme brulee (which is one of my favorites) and thankfully no one sang ( I think it would have been a little out of place!)
Not too much longer before school is out! I am looking forward to having family here for Graduation and then heading off for the beach at the end of May for a week. Both Josh and I are more than ready for a vacation and it can't get here soon enough!

this and that

2007-03-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

So things have been a little crazy for us these past few weeks! A couple weeks ago Allie came down with a stomach bug and we ended up taking her to the emergency room on Sun. It wasn't as serious as it sounds, but she woke up at midnight and I went to check on her and she had thrown up all over herself and the crib. Well, the next morning I tried feeding her and she puked after only half the bottle after that I tried giving her little sips of water and she threw that up! So off we went to the Dr.! She was fine, we just worked through a loss of appetite and a lot of puking through out the week. I just hated seeing her so sick! She's not much of a cuddler but she was that week! Poor baby!
Now she is back to her happy, smiley self! She is enjoying her food (almost too much!) so far she has tried, carrots, banana, zucchini, peaches, and sweet potatoes and she loves them all. We are also working on drinking from a cup and she is getting better and sitting by herself for longer periods of time.

Yesterday, I was able to go to Green Bay with my cousin JoAnna for some long overdue shopping! Josh stayed with Allie and although I missed her it was so much fun to have the day free and take my time, (something I no longer take for granted!) I always have so much fun shopping for Allie and love finding the sale racks! Although with all the adorable easter dresses out now, It was not easy to pass up, but I did practice some self restraint (my husband was thankful=)
I am also on a mission to get in shape for the summer! We just purchased a treadmill (thanks to the Fipps =) and we are loving it. We ended up mounting a flat screen computer monitor that we had, and hooked it it up to the TV, so we no longer have to stare at a blank wall while on the treadmill.
Well that's all for now, hopefully pictures will be up with my next post, and maybe even a video (we caught Allie giggling non-stop every time we said the word "peas" it was pretty funny. ( I know it's just not as interesting with out any pictures!).

Catching up

2007-02-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

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Hello all - sorry it's been so long since my last post. Things are going well for us here. Well, besides the fact that the thermometer outside is reading -28 (that's with windchill) Yes, I am just fine staying home in my cozy little apt. We have been keeping busy with Youth Group and church activities. On Sunday we had a big Super Bowl party. I was having fun until Allie threw up all over herself, me and the chair we were sitting in (which was not mine). Needless to say, our evening of fun was abruptly ended. However, Allie was not sick. After she threw up, she looked up and gave me a big smile that seemed to say " how did I do mom?" I concluded that our disaster was merely a result of teething (somthing that I attribute to the majority of her unusual behavior as of late). I have included a picture of my newly accessorized outfit after the event.

Other than that, things have been going well for us. Although if any of you are enjoying warm weather where you are, I am jealous =). Actually even though I find it hard to be thankful for the cold I was reminded the other day in of a phrase in the Psalms that says ". . .who can stand against His cold?". Even in this sub zero weather I can still praise our awesome and magnificent God and see his power all around me!

a little somthing

2007-01-22T13:22:00.000-08:00

Well, I knew it would come, sooner or later. . .the cold that we know all too well has settled in comfortably here in our Northwoods. We were enjoying a fairly mild winter and I was all too hopeful that it would last. . . not a chance. In the midst of our winter wonderland, we have kept quite busy these last few weeks. Josh took a grad class toward his Doctorate - which he thourghouly enjoyed. We have also been enjoying the company of friends and family and lots of games (which is always fun.) Allie is once again sleeping through the night and has finally worked through her cold, and we are now starting the new adventure of teething! For this I have one thing to say . . . baby oragel is a life saver. Yes, we are enjoying life in the Northwoods as we know it. Hopefully we will have pictures up soon!

Just Right

2007-01-05T16:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture we had taken of Allie - I still need a "girly one" with a dress and big bow. . . but I thought these were pretty cute! (well there are more they just won't upload. . . maybe next time=)

Allie had her 4 month check up today and she is doing great! She weighed in at 14lb and was just over 24 inches long. These last couple weeks she has been fighting a nasty cold, so yes, those 12 hour nights have ceased for the time being. We had a great Christmas and I will try to get some pics up here pretty soon (with our new camera that actually works!) . We spent a week in Ohio with Josh's family
Josh is gone with our Youth group to Camp Cobeac for thier winter retreat and I sure do miss him!
But it's nice to have my family right down the road when the days get lonely.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Happy 2007!

The gift

2006-12-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Well folks it's that time of year again - the snow is on the ground, the lights are on the tree and it's hard to escape the sights and sounds of Christmas that seem to be every where you turn! I love the smells and the memories of Christmas time and I am thouroughly trying to enjoy it. However the other day I found myself consumed with planning parties and menus and contemplating all the shopping that is still not done. I suddenly remembered that I was forgetting the whole reason we actually celebrate Christmas! I realized with all the hustle and bustle of the Holidays that the most important thin of all was slowly getting pushed aside. . . Jesus Christ!! When I stopped to think about the fact that an all powerful and magnificent God would leave His throne in heaven and choose to make himself a man in the most vulnerable form - a baby, I was overwhelmed with the fact of his incredible sacrifice and a love that we cannot comprehend. Praise God for the hope he has given us and a special time where we can reflect and celebrate this amazing gift!

Life of the Party

2006-11-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving, lots of great food and a great time with family and friends. My Gram and Gramps came down to visit and it was great to have them here!

Here are some pics of our little munchkin - she was the center of attention and she had fun playing with her two adoring uncles and great Gram and Gramps (and grandma and grandpa of course!)

Allie is three months old, growing fast and sleeping 11-12 hours at night!! Yeah!!

This and That. . .

2006-11-13T21:16:00.000-08:00

Happenings:

Well life has been pretty uneventful this past week (not a bad thing compared to the week before). Josh left for a trip for a few days and I sure did miss him. It's always a highlight in my day when he comes home from work and I missed seeing him.
We also had our first big snow storm!! Should I be happy or sad?? Well, I always love the first snow, somthing sentimental, and it is so beautiful to see everything covered in a shimmering blanket of white. Of course this one didn't last long and we are back to looking at dirty snow and frozen mud. . .but snow will come again (Hello, we're in Northern WI!)
I am enjoying getting my full nights' sleep. Allie is doing great, sleeping through the night and I am enjoying "playing" with her more since I can get smiles and coos and not just a blank stare=).
God is continuing to provide for our needs in unexpected ways and it is awesome to see him at work in our lives. I can't get over the fact of how personal our God is aware of even the smallest needs and burdens in our life. And even in my everday life I have been challenged with the fact to live in the grace He has already given me, hourly, daily. God has given me the awesome responsibility of a wife and mother and I truly need His work in my life to be changing me and growing me so that I can be all that he has planned for me to be!

Well I had better wrap it up get some shut eye.

Oh the Life. . .

2006-10-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

My Weekend has been packed full of all kinds of adventures.

On Sat I made a big breakfast and Josh and I spent the morning relaxing. I was having such a good day that I decided to try and fit my wedding rings back on (I had to take them off at about 7 months pregnant) Well I got them on, and then couldn't get them off. We tried every trick in the book, but my finger continued to swell and the situation seemed hopeless. With no progress we ended up going to the Jewelry store and I had to get them cut off (sad day!) but thankfully the damamge can easily be repaired. I will never make such a dumb mistake again!! Obviously my commen sense had left me. . .blame it on 1st time mom exhaustion
On Sunday (of course) Allie had her first blow out. . .2 of them. Thankfully her outfit was spared thanks to Pampers Swaddlers (they are great!).
On Monday I was driving back from town when the car overheated and I was stranded until my mom was able to come pick me up. Fortunately the damage was minimal
In spite of my many adventures I am enjoying being a mom! Allie had her two month appt and she weighed in at 11.6lb and was 24 inches long. She is so much fun and I love seeing her big toothless smile. Being a mom is so much fun!

2006-10-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

I just love the beginning of Fall, and although it is nearly over here (snow is forecasted for the weekend) I never tire of getting that whiff of crisp clean air with the occasional hint of smoke from a nearby chimney or bonfire and seeing all the beautiful colors on the trees. About this time I start putting out my "fall decor" and then whip up a batch of my grandma's pumpkin cookies, they are SO good. It's fun to get into the "season".
That being said, things have been going well for us. Allie is growing like a weed and yesterday I was rewarded by a big gummy smile when I started showing her, her toys. She has also been waking up with a smile and a racket of noise as she attemps to talk to herself in the mornings, it is so much fun!
We have also been keeping busy with the Youth Group at church. Last week we rented the gym at the community center and had around 30 teens show up. It was nice to be able to have all that space and not be crammed into our youth room. It's exciting to see the youth group growing and new kids coming. Our youth group is quite diverse and there are alot of ministry opportunites, so we are excited to see God at work!

Well that's all for now gotta run!

Happenings

2006-09-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I must say that these past few weeks my world has changed and my life now revolves around the needs of a sweet but very demanding little girl. We have finally gotten our days and nights figured out and she has been sleeping for 5-6 hour stretches (much better than 2 hours). Allie is much more awake and alert and I am convinced I have seen her smile, but Josh says it's just her digestive system working. . .who knows? =) She is almost 5 weeks old, and is already outgrowing some of her clothes. When I took her to the Dr. last week she weighed just over 9lb. . .and gaining steadily.
Last night was the first night that Josh and I have been able to have a date since Allie came - I was so excited! We dropped the baby off at grandma's house (who is always more than willing to oblige when the need arises) and headed off to good ol' Iron Mountain. We ended up visiting and bringing dinner to a family of a girl in our youth group who has been going through a rough time, and then with limited options for places to eat we headed to Storheims - their burgers are really good (and so is the ice cream)! We had a great time just talking and spending time together. Although I must say I sure did miss our little peanut - it's the first time I left her (6 whole hours!).
I was also excited to be packing up my maternity clothes, and had so much fun getting out my normal clothes. . .(Yes I know, small thrills, but I am loving it).

Well better run - lunch time!

Some more pics (couldn't resist!)

2006-09-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

Mom, what are you doing. . .I'm too young for this!
Daddy's girl
Hmmm. . .I wonder
ahhh sleep at last!

Update

2006-09-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

The story on the whole c-section is. . . I had some severe bruising and internal bleeding and upon my check-up to get my staples out, the Dr. opened part of the incision up to let it drain. I was scheduled for daily Dr visits to get it cleaned and packed (which was not fun with a small baby and 30 min drive one way).
On Friday I saw a different Dr. and she decided to re-open the entire incision again, because it was not healing like she wanted it to. She also admitted me to the hospital on Mon to recieve a wound vac which would help close and heal the incision much faster and with less scarring. However, neither the idea of leaving my two week old for an entire 24 hour period or more, or dragging her into the hospital where her chances of getting sick or getting an infection appealed to me and I was close to tears with frustration. My mom and I prayed on the way to the hospital that the Lord would work it out so I wouldn't have to stay overnight.
Our prayers were answered and we were able to work it out so that I was able to have a home health care nurse come to my house and set me up with everything, thus avoiding the hospital and frequent Dr. visits!! The Lord was gracious!! So hopefully this saga will be ending soon and my incision will begin to heal!

In the meantime I am enjoying being a mom more and more everyday. The first couple weeks were pretty overwhelming. Having my mom here was wonderful, I don't know what I would have done with out her! Aside from the encouragement and moral support, she did all my laundry, house cleaning and shopping and allowed me to get some much needed rest =). My mom is the best and I am so thankful for her!

Sorry for the Delay!! Our baby girl is here!!!!!

2006-09-06T19:32:00.001-07:00

Aletheia Diane Neighbors was born August 29h at 6:30pm. She weighed 8 1b 10 oz (and that was 2 weeks early! Yikes).

Allie came a little earlier than we had planned. It all started on Sat the 26th when I started having wierd stomach cramps and I didn't feel her moving alot. So, the Dr. told us to come in and get checked out. Turns out I was having contractions and the baby was fine - I was only 1 cm and 50% effaced so I went home.

On Mon. I was excited to have my final ob check up and then I was going to get all the shopping I needed done before Thursday and take care of last minute details. Well. . . plans changed. My blood pressure was slightly elevated and the Dr. decided that rather than take any more chances that somthing else could go wrong, I should go directly to the hosital to get induced. So I called Josh and had him pack my bag (no, I never had one packed. . .oops=) And he came up a few hours later.

They started me on Cervadil on Mon afternoon. On Tues morning I was up at 4am and at 5am I began Pitocin. I started making pretty good progress and the Nurse was hopeful that we would have a baby by 1pm - HA! Not quite.

I was supposed to get my epidural at noon, but the anesthesiologist had another emergency so I had to wait 2 more hours. So in the meantime the nurse convinced me to take a dose of Stadol. My oh my - it knocked me out - I have never felt so weird in my life. . .but it did help to take the edge off my pain. Finally at 2pm and 8cm dialted I recieved the epidural - and I cannot say enough about how wonderful it was!! My bliss was short lived when at 4pm the Nurse turned it off so I could feel enough to push. I pushed for over 2 hours and had almost no progress, I was so exhausted from all the drugs and lack of sleep and discouraged b\c nothing was happening, that finally the Dr. made the call for a c-section. I don't remember much after that, but I remember hearing Allie's first little cry and I started bawling from joy and the relief that she was here safe and sound.

We did end up having to stay in the hospital a little longer than planned due to minor complications with my c-section, as well as Allie having jaundice, so on Sat night we were more than ready to go home!

Thank for all of you who have been praying for us - it is an encouragement to read all your comments! We are all doing well, it has been a bit of a slow recovery with the set back of the c-section and a few small problems with the incision - but nothing that time won't fix =).

Sorry for the Delay!! Our baby girl is here!!!!!

2006-09-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

Babymoon and blues

2006-08-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Last week Josh and I celebrated our 2nd year anniversary ! He totally suprised me by whisking me away to Appleton for a little "babymoon" getaway. We went to our favorite restaurant, the Melting Pot (if you've never been you have got to try it - the atmosphere is very romantic and the food is not only fun because it is all fondue, but it is absolutely delicious!) We had a blast sitting in our little corner booth and playing with our food and cracking eachother up (all in a very mature manner of course ;) Then we stayed the night and spent the next day shopping and just enjoying each other's company. The only disappointment was the migraine that decided to grace me shortly after dinner and lasted most of the night (NOT fun! Regular Strength tylenol is worthless with these). However, my sweet guy was there from packing my head with ice to getting up at 6am for dry toast to settle my stomach - he is so the best! It's hard to believe that it has already been 2 years. . . It just keeps getting better!

I remember our wedding day as truly the happiest and most fun day of my life! I smile just thinking about it. I think the thing that I am most thankful for about Josh is the fact that He truly seeks God with his whole heart and wants to please Him more than anything. He is constantly pointing me to Christ. He is so kind and patient with me even in the midst of my many failures =) and I know he is going to make a great daddy!

Ok - little change of subject - I am officially 10 days away from going to the hospital to be induced. The nursury is nearly done, we have the carseat and all other baby paraphanalia so all we need is our baby! I am praying that she will come early on her own or at least be near that point so that everything is not so forced, but I am also trusting God and he knows what is best. So if you think about it I would appreciate your prayers!

bits and pieces. . .

2006-08-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

I guess it's been a while since I last blogged! Summer is winding down here in the Northwoods; Camp is over and students will start coming this next week for pre-season! I can't believe how fast the summer has gone by - I'm thinking it would be nice to have a least another month =) But I am enjoying the last few weeks that are left. This last week my cousin' Matt and Joanna Egerdahl moved in next door! We have already had so much fun and I am looking forward to having them around for the next couple years while Matt finishes grad school.

Josh and I have been busy with work (which I am sooooo ready to be done with), church and getting things ready for the baby. The Lord has been showering us with reminders of his goodness and his promise to provide for all of our needs. Last week I was feeling a little discouraged about the mounting bills involved with having a high risk pregnancy and then with the realization of all the baby needs that are coming up. It has been so neat to see how God has truly been providing for all our needs from unexpected money gifts to bags of diapers. I am in awe of how personal our God is - He truly does care for what may seem like the smallest things in my life . . .what a comforting reassurance of His love and grace.

Well, the baby's nursery is about have done. . .got all the furniture and bedding (great deal on ebay!) So now we just need a few finishing touches! I will post pics when it's all done. (which hopefully will be soon!) Only a little less than three weeks!

Just for Fun!

2006-07-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here's our little girl! (Only 6 more weeks until we get to meet her!!) (On the right you can see her "yawning" it was neat to watch it in motion!)

The doctor said that everything looked great - she weighs about 4 lbs which is normal and he commented that she has long arms and legs! (big suprise huh?)

Here is the beautiful diaper bag my aunt made for me. She did an amazing job and I couldn't have picked out a better one. I absolutely love toile! (Thanks Aunt Jennifer!)

FYI: The monogram is the baby's initials (no name telling yet!)

Well, that's all for now, tomorrow is going to be a busy day! Our apartment complex is having a garage sale, so I am going to be up early trying to get rid of the things we no longer need (and the extra cash never hurt :o)!

Count down. . .

2006-07-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I have officially decided not to take a childbirth class! After talking it over with various people and reading all the advice some of you gave me I figured I will still survive and keep the $75 in my pocket!
I went to the doctor last week and they moved my due date up yet another week - and believe me I was not complaining. What originally started as a Sept 15 D date is now at approx Sept 2. This is only because as a diabetic, my Dr. doesn't want me to go past 38-39 weeks in order to lower any possible complications. So instead of 9 1/2 more weeks I only have 7 1/2 weeks left!
I am excited this week because I am having another ultrasound! I am going to Green Bay to my specialist and he will be checking the baby very thouroughly for any problems. And since my husband and my mom are both going to be out of town on that day I am excited to be taking my mother in law with me (she just happens to be here for a visit!).
When I was at the doctor today they asked me what Dr. I wanted for the baby and then they presented my with my hospital registration card - so needless to say, it's starting to hit home that it's not all that far away!
Josh and I are both getting excited to meet our new little family member! I was amazed the other night at how intense her movement was. We were at a fireworks display and as soon as they started going off I thought she was going jump right through my stomach! (I'm not sure if that was all due to the loud noise or from what her momma had for dinner =).

overflow. . .

2006-06-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking today. . .what a privelege it is, to have a God who is not only the creator of the universe, but also the one who loves me infinitley and is interested in every detail of my life. I was also thinking of the fact that so often I miss His blessings because of my inward focus - the fact is, that He wants to bless us and show us His goodness, and it's there, but so often I don't even see it until it has passed. How undeserving I am of His goodness in my life. . .as many times as I fail and miss what God is trying to teach me, He is so gracious not to give me up, but He continues to work and bless even in the midst of my many shortcomings. What hope we have as his children! Christ is better than any earthly desire fulfilled - but sometimes it is so hard to see when you are surrounded by the tangible things of this world and yet it is by faith and God's grace that we are able to immerse ourselves in what we cannot see but know is true and to believe it!

Just a little overflow from what God has been challenging me with and reminding me of - -He is so good!

Working Girl

2006-06-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Saturday and I am happy to announce that I (and my husband) now have a totally cleaned out and organized apartment!! The last two days, were long, hard work. . . (and having a belly in the way did not add to my agility or coordination). Who would have known we had so much junk in our little apt! We hauled out bags and bags of trash and plenty of boxes for garage sale items. We went through every nook and cranny (in which we found stuff we had been looking for, but never could seem to fine), and cleaned it! IT FEELS SO GOOD!! Our next project is installing new carpet and then painting - hopefully sooner than later!

Now that I have entered my third trimester of pregnancy, I feel myself beginning to lose a little of the spunk and energy I had during the second one. Obviously this is normal, and from what I hear, it's not going to get any better these next couple months. However, I choose to remain optomistic and enjoy each stage of my pregnancy. . . Last night I just sat in amazement as the baby pushed, kicked and rolled all over, I could feel her elbow poking me and moving back and forth from side to side. I still haven't totally gotten over the fact that there is a little baby inside of me. I am counting the days until I can hold her and see what she looks like =)

BTW did any of you moms go to a childbirth class? Just wondering if it helped alot, or if it is somthing you would recommend . . . or if you could do with out it. . .

Back to Reality. . .

2006-06-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

So I could just kick myself for not taking any pictures on our vacation (I know, it's pretty sad). I had our video camera and digital camera, but neither of them seemed to make their way outside the suitcase. Josh and I have never been good at taking pictures, even on our honeymoon we only used about 1 1/2 rolls of film. Hopefully that will change when little family member # 3 arrives!
Even though I have no pictures to show, we had an awesome time on vacation. We stayed at Big Cedar Lodge just outside Branson, MO were my family has been going for the last 30 years (that includes before I was born - I'm not that old yet =) . . .So there are a lot of memories and nostalgia there for us. Josh and I ended up getting a nice condo type room all to ourselves with a little porch overlooking a lake - that kind of became our favorite spot in the morning to have coffee and devotions (after we slept in of course!) We spent the week relaxing, eating out, playing games, frequenting amusement parks (of course I just watched everyone have fun on the rides because I couldn't. . .) , and my favorite pastime - - pina coladas at the poolside! I never actually was able to get in the pool, mainly because wearing a maternity swimsuit never appealed to me, but at least I was able to experience the "atmosphere".
We also celebrated Josh's birthday by taking out a speed boat and jet ski on the lake . . . I wasn't able to go ( being pregnant and all) but I wasn't alone because my cousin Mary is also expecting, so we just kind of hung out and played games while everyone else was on the lake. Over all it was a great vacation. . . a week too short, but I am so thankful for the time we had with all my family.

And, now that I am back, it is time to focus on getting ready for this baby! We are going to take a couple days off work and totally reorganize and clean the apt. I am really getting into the whole "nesting" thing they talk about pregnant women having. Once we have the baby's room all organized then I'll feel like I can start to decorate and make it the perfect place for our little girl. I am on the hunt for crib bedding and curtains, and I'm looking for "shabby chic" vinatge to go with our white furniture that we will be putting in the room (the furniture was my mom's, then mine and now it will be baby's - pretty cool huh? )

Well. . . only 12 more weeks to go ! (hopefully)

Restless and Ready to Go!

2006-05-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days when being inside, sitting at your desk and staring at the computer is just about the last thing you want to be doing. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous and I am dying to go outside and let the sun soak into my skin, take off my shoes and walk through the fresh cut grass and just enjoy the smell of all the flowers that are in bloom! But I have another 1 1/2 of sitting at my desk before I can indulge in any of those things! Besides the fact that I am inside, I really do enjoy my new job, but I have never been so ready for a vacation!! We are leaving in exactly one week from today for the Ozarks in MO with my family. I keep picturing myself sitting by the pool with a good book and sipping a pina colada (one of my favorite vacation past times) and then staying up until all hours playing Rook and Settlers of Catan with all my aunt's uncle's and cousins. It's not so much the games that are fun, it's my family and all the personalities that I enjoy so much - it's a blast!

This last Saturday was the big garage sale day in town. Now I must confess that I have only been to a garage sale once in my life (I know, it's sad) I have never been a fan of them, mostly because I associate the words "garage sale" with things that have been sitting in people garages and basements for decades and you have no idea where it's been. I know that my perception is somewhat flawed because I have friends who actually find some real treasures and great bargains and I always say to myself that I need to try it sometime (there are some great things out there, you just have to hunt for them). So on Sat. we ventured out to look and see if we could find any furniture for the baby's room. I just wanted to find 1 thing, even if it took all day. Finally we found a GRACO baby swing and talked the seller into dropping the price from $20 to $13. I was satisfied so we ended our hunt and went to Dairy Queen. Over all it was a fun day and I think I just might try it again. . . maybe.

2006-05-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Some baby pics. . Finally! On the top you can see her little feet, on the one below you can see her waving the peace sign! On the bottom picture you can see her face, hands and arms! How amazing!

Yesterday I went up to Greenbay for the baby's eco cardiogram and ultra sound and was able to get some actual pictures!! (I just couldn't seem to get the clip of the dvd on my blog). It's so funny because half the time I couldn't tell what we were looking at, and then the doctor would point it out and then I could see it. It still amazes when I think of the miracle that is inside of me, what a precious gift from God!! I can't help wondering when I pray for her, the path in life that God has for her, and how he will use her, what her little personality will be etc. . . overwhelming to say in the least!! I can definitly feel her moving around now (she just kicked!) and my stomach is ever expanding, I am starting to wonder, just how far can I stretch! (got a ways to go =) . . .

After keeping a very hectic and somewhat chaotic schedule this last month, Josh and I finally enjoyed a lazy Saturday! It was so nice to sleep in have no responsibilities for the day (well no major ones anyway). I fixed a big breakfast and we were able to enjoy eachother's company over the breakfast table and share what God has been teaching us the past week. I always tell my husband that there is no one else that I would rather be with or hang out with, then him. We have so much fun together, even in somthing as simple as eating breakfast. . . I feel so blessed!

2006-05-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well, there has been nothing super exciting about my day today, except for the fact that on occasion, my belly feels like party central! This morning I was thinking what in the world to blog about, and since I was enjoying my cafe au lait so much I decided to share my thoughts on the whole coffee thing. Everyone has their quirky preferences, one of mine just happens to be coffee, so. . .

For all you coffee lovers out there, Maybe you will appreciate this. . .

I have been a coffee lover for years, and not just of any coffee mind you, but of the high quality arabica bean (such as that found at starbucks - no Folgers thank you) . In order to enjoy my cup of coffee, it must have the right proportion, grind, water, and freshness. Now, some of you might be thinking, who cares!? Well, I do. Coffee has become an art to me. Sometimes there is nothing better than coming home after a long hard day and putting a cup of coffee on to brew and then smelling the sweet, rich aroma as you pour it into a your cup and watch the froth form at the top. And as you take that first sip of pure, sweet, richness, you feel the tension leave and that peaceful satisfaction as you linger over the perfect cup of coffee. Since I have been pregnant I have not enjoyed this luxury quite as often, but when I do, it is not taken for granted (I know I'm weirldly passionate on the subject =). But as a recommendation for the perfect coffe I would like to suggest Peets Coffee. You have to order it online and it is a little pricey, but if you feel like splurging it is well worth it. They actually roast your beans the day you order them! Everytime I get a box of it I can smell it before I even open the package! It's definitley become a family favorite!

. . .And on that note, I'm off to enjoy my weekend!!

2006-05-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am 21 weeks and counting! At 17 weeks I finally gave in and went shopping for maternity clothes with my mom. Before then I would walk in the store, look through every single article of clothing, and walk out with nothing because I was too insecure to buy somthing - I didn't know what to buy, or what would look good. I think I just needed some reassurance and affirmation! Plus, I think I was trying to hold out as long as I could before venturing into the realm of maternity clothes. (Everyone tells me you get tired of them real quick). But when you can't button your skirts and pants and your shirts can't seem to quite cover your belly, it's time. . .=) I'm also glad I had my mom along for some motherly advice, which was: buy everything BIG because you have no idea just how much your going to grow! (and I am quickly realizing just how true that is becoming!) It was some good bonding time with my mom and we had a lot of fun!

This morning as I was getting ready for work, and a lady from my church called and said that she had been to a garage sale and had picked up a few things she wanted to give to me. To my delightful suprise she had gotten one of those devices where you can hear your baby's hearbeat, and movements!!! I was soooo excited! It was unopened and I haven't tried it out yet, but I can't wait! How cool is that?! ) The package says that it works best toward the end of the 2nd trimester so it may be a few weeks before we can pick up on anything.) The sound of our little girl's heartbeat gives be butterflies everytime - it never gets old! Now we'll have to see if it actually works! =)

Well, that's about the extent of my excitement for the day. There are exactly 10 days until the end of school, which means vacation is just around the corner! I can't wait =)

2006-04-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Well, here goes my attempt at this whole blogging thing! Although I've never had a blog, I figured this would be a great way to keep everyone up to date on what is going on in our lives ( if you really care to know) especially with the upcoming birth of our little baby girl (who I can't wait to meet!) . Her name you ask? Well now, that's one secret we are keeping until her arrival =) ! We were having such a time picking a name that we both liked, that we bought a baby book of names and basically went through the thing in two days and came up with nothing. But then voile!! It came to us and we've loved it ever since! And now that I've probably peaked your curiosity even more, I'll move on. . .

If you don't already know, I have been diabetic since I was 5 years old. So when the day came that we found out I was pregnant I was ecstatic! I don't think I can express how good God has been in this area of my life! He has protected me and kept me healthy- now that doesn't mean it's been perfect or easy, or that it will be in the future, but God's grace is sufficient!

I have 4 different doctors that I see regulary (yes, I know that's alot) - 2 of them are in Greenbay -which can become quite a drive after a while (especially with gas prices, YIKES!) But needless to say I feel like I am getting great care and a lot of encouragement and support from all sides. And so far everthing is going beautifully! Praise the Lord!

I had an ultrasound a couple weeks ago and for the second time we were able to see our baby, but this time we knew it was a SHE. The doctor gave us a 3D color dvd, and the detail is so amazing, I'm still working on trying to get it on my blog. I am now a little over 20 weeks - Halfway there!!

Well, I suppose this is a start into the blogging world, and I really could keep writing, but I'll try spread it out a little!

2006-04-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

test run - I've never done this ( ha ha )