Happenings...

I am finally sitting down to formulate all of the many thoughts that have been floating around in my mind for the past few weeks. I went to the doctor yesterday, I am now almost 25 weeks pregnant...not bad, only 15 weeks to go!

Things have started to wind down a bit. April was a very busy month filled with lots of good stuff. First was the move from S. Francisca Ave. to Avenue C. The new house is so much better! It feels much more like home than the other house. About a week ago one of my adult students was leaving the house after her lesson, and on her way out the door she said, "I love having my lessons here, this is such a happy home." Her compliment delighted me--especially because I believe it to be true. The house itself is lovely, but as for the home being happy, that comes from Don and me. We have worked so hard in our marriage to get here, and I am relishing in it, cherishing every moment.

Sisters Lauren and Joy came for a visit the week after we moved. They were so funny and fun to have around. They stayed up late eating loads and loads of junk food, and watching TV and then slept in until noon or so the next day. It brought back memories for me of my early twenties and single life. It also made me realize those days were long behind me. I live with a 33 year old who is happiest if he gets into bed by 9 pm. He blames it on years of sleep apnea, I blame it on his 4:45 am alarm.

Does anyone out there love daylight savings the way I do? I swear it makes all the difference in the world as far as my energy level is concerned. I could never move to I don't know, say Nunavut, Canada where December leaves you with up to 24 hours of darkness. Sorry Nathan and Robin, June will be awesome with all the sunlight, but sheesh! Since we've moved the clocks forward I have been able to send my husband off in the morning with a sunrise, and been able to enjoy a few hours before sunset with him in the evenings. I think for both of us being able to be home or enjoy walks on the beach before sunset on weeknights has been terrific.

Somewhere on facebook, one of my "friends" mentioned that she couldn't stand people who go on and on about how happy they are, or how great their lives are going. It's possible I am one of those people she was referring to, what do you think?

So, I keep thinking about my little boy that's on his way. I honestly can't believe we're having a boy. I am not sure what to make of it, you see I was raised with a pride of women...not a pack of men like my husband. What do boys like? What do they need? I am good at fixing hair, throwing tea parties, and applying make up. Terrible at sports and with high adventure. When I mention to Don how concerned I am with this, he gives me a wry smile and states, "well what do you think I am here for." Thank you God that I have Don, nevertheless, are you sure you meant to give me a boy?

How about boy names. I have a million girl names I like, but with boy names I am still feeling stuck. I would love ANY input anyone has...so far we are thinking of Ethan, Evan, or Luke. Still, I am not convinced we have yet stumbled upon the right name.

Last night I woke up on two separate occasions due to high intensity kicks. This baby is feisty, and strong, and I think he is ready to stretch his legs and get on with life. Even though his gender intimidates me a bit, I cannot wait to meet him, and have been day dreaming of holding him close and drinking in his little delicious baby scent. It's going to be a beautiful thing!

Probably the strangest thing about being pregnant is all of the advice I am constantly receiving. A lot of people have such strong opinions about how to raise a child, and parenthood in general. It's definitely overwhelming, and I am constantly having to reign in my own thoughts, and ask God for wisdom and discernment. You know what I notice the most, the people giving the advice are generally the people that complain the most about motherhood. Just the other day someone told me to be sure to not quit my job because I would regret it and resent having to stay home and mother my child 24 hours a day. Talk about discouraging advice. Where are all the moms that will tell me raising a child is wonderful and rewarding? Please come out of the wood works if you are there! I so hope to enjoy this experience, and even if I have a strong willed difficult child, I pray that God grants me an abundance of love that is big enough to conquer any negativity I may feel through this process.

My life in roughly 15 weeks is going to completely change, and I am excited about it. I want to know what it feels like to lay down my life and my selfishness for another human being. I know it will be hard, and at times I will need a break (Grandma's get ready!) but I also know that through Christ I will be able to do this. "I am the vine and you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing." John 15:5.

God Bless!

It's been awhile

It's been awhile since we have posted anything on the blog... about three- and-a-half weeks actually, so here is a little catchup; Here is a shot of Rachel relaxing the other evening (she was being modest with her belly exposure unfortunately... I dig it when it shows!).

We also had our gender revealing party which turned out to be a huge success thanks to all of our friends that made it a hit. There was a strange tension that built up to the point when we cut into the cake revealing a blue icing telling everyone that we were going to have a boy! Even Rachel was nervous, and she was the one that made the cake. Everyone cheered.

Since that time we have been getting the baby's room ready. Lots of painting and trips to the store to get everything just right.

Rachel is sleeping more and is having a very fit looking pregnancy. We have researched everything we need for the little rug rat and created a list on MyRegistry.com. Only 4 more months!!!

Rare Form

Don and I had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday, and were lucky enough to be able to determine the gender of baby Speedie. The big California reveal isn't until April 10 (sorry friends!) so I am not going to spoil the surprise by giving anything away on this posting.

Anyway, the checkup went well. Speedie's growth is right on track, measuring between 20 and 21 weeks. It was nice to have Don there, although the quality of the ultrasound machine was a little disappointing after my experience at the genetic testing center. Little, tiny screen, and little tiny body parts, and I have NO idea how the doctor saw what she saw, but the good news is, she said she was 100 percent certain! Anyway, I will say this, the baby was NOT cooperating and was wiggling around so much that the doctor couldn't get a clear look. She was going to send us home without a definitive answer, when I asked her to check one last time. She did and low and behold, Little Speedie was in full cooperation on the back with legs spread wide open. Haha! I don't think I am going to have a modest child.

Next posting will be April 10, after our gender reveal party! I am excited, now I just have to figure out how to make a colored cake without food coloring...yuck. Happy Easter friends and family! Lots of love!