Feb 24, 2008

15 Weeks!

YOUR growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (sorry, everyone, we're not finding out the sex)

Still feeling great!

Feb 21, 2008

Baby Shower for Bethany!











MY dear friend Bethany is due to have her baby girl any day now, and I had the privilege of hosting her shower this weekend. Several of my friends pitched in to prepare food, so I just had to provide the home, flowers, and "paper goods." Here are a few snapshots...was so busy hostessing that I didn't get many. It was a blast getting together with my friends, but I was so worn out afterward that I took a 2-hour nap! Guess my baby needed it!

Feb 17, 2008

A Few Things I've Learned

INTIMACY with God is unmatched by anything invented, thought or valued in this world.

One gets out of marriage what one puts into it.

Life is but a breath-a moment-and each day is a gift-a clean "piece of paper"-unmarked. A chance to start over.

When you find someone with whom you can be completely "who you be"-never let him go.

The presence of a kindred spirit is like a sprinkling of fairy dust on an otherwise regular day.

Nature is God's song--His love letter--His message to me.

Laughter truly is a medicine. Couple that with a snort, and you're cured!

Holding and kissing the hand of a child gives me hope for tomorrow.

Much can be learned from our parents--their tears meant/mean something--their discipline a blessing clothed in disguise.

People will let you down, and you'll let others down--forgive, reconcile, admit wrongdoing, then move on--preferably over a shared chocolate sundae.

You're never too old for the playground--never too old to give mom a dandelion from the front yard.

Life keeps going--even when we beg for it not to. People grow up, grow out, grow better, and grow old--so love intensely while they're with you.

Vulnerability is a good thing--our hearts have things to share.

Giving God my very best will never be good enough--that's why there's grace--that's why Jesus did what He did.

Work isn't always fun, but it's necessary--so make the most of it, and do your work as unto the Lord, not for man.

The Golden Rule is not only golden, but silver and shiny and bright--and ever so true.


Feb 11, 2008

Go Wichita Thunder!

ANDREA and Brenden came to see us this weekend. We dined out (Buffet City, Coldstone Creamery, Olive Garden {on Sun after church}) and went to a semi-pro Wichita Thunder hockey game at the coliseum. They won 3 to 1 against Rio Grand Valley. I hadn't been to a hockey game in probably 10 years (last one--Tulsa Oilers) and had forgotten how "intense" the games can get with tempers flaring! While I probably wouldn't vote to go to another game anytime soon, it was still a great opportunity for quality time with family--something I'm finding I need the more pregnant I get. By the way, I'm 13 weeks, so only one more week until my second trimester begins!





Feb 4, 2008

We're Pregnant!!


SO Shawn and I are totally thrilled to share the extraordinary news of the impending birth of our first baby around August 16th! I am 12 weeks along and feeling great! I've been blessed with no nausea, but have had the usual fatigue and "hormotional-ness." God is so good to see the desires of our hearts and pour blessings on us. We've longed for this journey to begin for quite some time, and are absolutely overjoyed at the opportunity to love and rear a child. We've heard there's nothing quite like this stage in our lives, so we're going to enjoy every minute, and embrace every challenge knowing we're not alone. Updates to arrive frequently...it's about all we can think about right now! Wooh Hoo!!!!

Feb 3, 2008

SHS Winter Party

SHAWN'S work hosted a casino/Vegas-style "winter party" on Friday night. We feasted on yummy finger foods and danced our booties off to 80's faves and other fun tunes.

We spent the bulk of Saturday with Shawn's parents just visiting, shopping at Target, and dining at Ted's Montana Grill. Harold raved that Ted's had the best burger he'd ever tasted!

Enjoy the photos!