Sunday, August 11, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
It's a Beautiful Day
What a busy, wonderful day today has been. Today was:
1. Keal's birthday
2. My last day of summer
3. Our 16 week checkup!
And while I am finally sitting down for what feels like the first time today, today has been the perfect end to summer and perfect way to celebrate my fabulous hubby and your awesome daddy.
The day began with my mom and I heading to my school to make the finishing touches on my room before Open House tomorrow. From there, it was off to the mall for my mom to pick up Keal's gift. Next stop a craft store and finally lunch! It had been a whirlwind of a morning, but fun time spent with my mom.
Somewhere in the midst of our running, I had texted Keal, "If you're so slow today, you should ask off for your birthday. Come to the doctor with us!" Well when he didn't respond, I assumed work had picked back up and he couldn't get off.
Together, my mom and I headed into our appointment. While in the waiting room, I had to make some financial decisions and wanted to run it by Keal first. So, I gave him a call, but got no answer. As I disappointedly put my phone away, I looked up to see Keal standing at my chair! He had been able to get off and join us at the appointment. What a great guy - surprising me on his birthday!
Today, we got to get another peek at you, and your "Zsu Zsu" got to "meet" and see you in person for the first time. I know you are constantly growing and changing every day, but seeing these changes on screen is always amazing to me. There you both were, just a wiggling and moving like crazy, all snuggled up next to each other. Today I even saw your adorable noses! You are now so big, that's it difficult to see you both at the same time. And to think, just a few weeks ago you weren't even an inch long!
From here, we said goodbye to Zsu Zsu and began the birthday festivities. First off, a scrumptious meal at a place Keal had been dying to try, Burgers and Mussels. From there, an early movie. And finally, we wrapped our evening up with pie to go (your father doesn't care for cake, so he always gets birthday pie instead) and enjoyed it on the back patio.
Shew. I'm tired just retelling this exhaustingly, perfect day!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Maternity Shopping: Pants and Shirts and Bras, Oh My!
Well, today my mom and I ventured out for two very critical and important endeavors.
The first, maybe more crucial part of our day: half-off cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory. After working and setting up my classroom today, we met for a late lunch / early dinner / afternoon snack / call it what you will! It was such a nice afternoon, relaxing and chatting over some scrumptious food.
Afterwards, we headed to the mall to peek at some maternity clothes and just start getting some ideas. Good gracious was it overwhelming / exciting. So many things to think about: work clothes, lounge clothes, PJs, leggings, bras, nursing pads, nursing bras, underwear...the list goes on and on. I keep thinking, okay how much of this is really necessary? How long can I stretch (quite literally) my regular wardrobe until I have to cave into this maternity stuff.
So, for fun, I tried a couple outfits on. And even more fun was the bump I tried on too! To make sure everything's fitting just right, and to be able to envision yourself in these clothes with a real bump, there was a bump to wear in the dressing room. I still can't believe this is my life, but it was very exciting to see what I could look like in a few months!
We ended our day with a few adorable outfits and essentials from your Grandma to kick off my maternity wardrobe. (You'll quickly learn, she is way too good to everyone and is such a giver of everything - time, work, you name it, she would be willing to do it. She already loves you two so much. It is exciting to watch her start stepping into this new role in her life!)
It was a perfect day and some very nice, laid back time with my Momma Lou. I am lucky to have had such a wonderful role model in my life growing up. I hope one day you can say the same about me. She was a fabulous nurturer and I owe my tender heart to her. I love that I can say, that as I entered my adulthood chapter of life, our relationship began to shift to that of a close friendship. There aren't many who I would call very close friends and I love that she is one of them! I know you will love her too!
The first, maybe more crucial part of our day: half-off cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory. After working and setting up my classroom today, we met for a late lunch / early dinner / afternoon snack / call it what you will! It was such a nice afternoon, relaxing and chatting over some scrumptious food.
Afterwards, we headed to the mall to peek at some maternity clothes and just start getting some ideas. Good gracious was it overwhelming / exciting. So many things to think about: work clothes, lounge clothes, PJs, leggings, bras, nursing pads, nursing bras, underwear...the list goes on and on. I keep thinking, okay how much of this is really necessary? How long can I stretch (quite literally) my regular wardrobe until I have to cave into this maternity stuff.
So, for fun, I tried a couple outfits on. And even more fun was the bump I tried on too! To make sure everything's fitting just right, and to be able to envision yourself in these clothes with a real bump, there was a bump to wear in the dressing room. I still can't believe this is my life, but it was very exciting to see what I could look like in a few months!
It was a perfect day and some very nice, laid back time with my Momma Lou. I am lucky to have had such a wonderful role model in my life growing up. I hope one day you can say the same about me. She was a fabulous nurturer and I owe my tender heart to her. I love that I can say, that as I entered my adulthood chapter of life, our relationship began to shift to that of a close friendship. There aren't many who I would call very close friends and I love that she is one of them! I know you will love her too!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Goodbye First Trimester, Hello Second!
A few weeks late, but that's okay...
Well little ones, I have survived the dreaded first trimester. As hard as I tried not to, I occasionally - I really was pretty good considering who I am - worried over you two this trimester (as I'm sure I will from now until the rest of your lives!). Each new symptom had me debating, "To google, or not to google." While I did find a lot of helpful answers there, I also found some things that could make one worry. My body is going through so many changes that many of the symptoms that could be warning signs are also considered normal parts of pregnancy, so it was difficult for me to tell the difference between these (and still is difficult for me).
Everyone told me how miserable the first trimester was going to be. And some people were kind enough to even tell me how much worse it would be for me since there were two of you and double the hormones (what lovely, calming advice I received!). And while it wasn't always a walk in the park, so far I have really enjoyed every bit of being pregnant. I know you two are my sweet miracles, so I don't take for granted the fact that this could be it for me. I may only have this one chance to enjoy pregnancy. So each new ache and pain, each trip to the bathroom (and trust me, they were...and continue to be...constant!), each need for a random nap, every uncomfortable side effect, I have welcomed for they remind me that I'm growing two precious gifts!
It's fun watching your daddy enjoy this pregnancy too! He has been busy building for you two and has worked non-stop. He would get home from work and head straight out to the garage until 7, 8, and sometimes even later building our bookshelves. As my bump has begun to grow, I can see him getting even more excited. He can't take his hands off of you two. Already he is constantly tickling and kissing the two of you! When I have asked him to leave me alone or stop kissing my stomach (terrible of me, I know, but I still have my hormonal - don't touch me - moments!) he always replies, "You can't tell me to stop loving my babies! I'm hugging and kissing them." So just know sweet babies, both of your parents already love you so very much! We cannot wait to meet you.
As I say goodbye to the first trimester, there are many things I'm looking forward to experiencing during the second trimester:
1. Feeling you move for the first time
2. Having Keal feel you move
3. Finding out if you are boys, girls, or one of each!
4. Seeing how my body and bump will continue to grow and change
5. Getting my energy back (which I already have begun to experience!)
6. Seeing if I will have any crazy cravings that last
Ah, I love being pregnant! And as much as I love this, I can't imagine how much more I am going to love being your momma. I pray you keep growing strong and healthy, sweet babies. I pray you stay right where you are for quite a bit longer. I pray God keeps me healthy so that I can keep you healthy! I know God has wonderful things in store for both of your lives and I can't wait to watch them unfold. I love you so much and am already proud to call myself your mom.
Well little ones, I have survived the dreaded first trimester. As hard as I tried not to, I occasionally - I really was pretty good considering who I am - worried over you two this trimester (as I'm sure I will from now until the rest of your lives!). Each new symptom had me debating, "To google, or not to google." While I did find a lot of helpful answers there, I also found some things that could make one worry. My body is going through so many changes that many of the symptoms that could be warning signs are also considered normal parts of pregnancy, so it was difficult for me to tell the difference between these (and still is difficult for me).
Everyone told me how miserable the first trimester was going to be. And some people were kind enough to even tell me how much worse it would be for me since there were two of you and double the hormones (what lovely, calming advice I received!). And while it wasn't always a walk in the park, so far I have really enjoyed every bit of being pregnant. I know you two are my sweet miracles, so I don't take for granted the fact that this could be it for me. I may only have this one chance to enjoy pregnancy. So each new ache and pain, each trip to the bathroom (and trust me, they were...and continue to be...constant!), each need for a random nap, every uncomfortable side effect, I have welcomed for they remind me that I'm growing two precious gifts!
It's fun watching your daddy enjoy this pregnancy too! He has been busy building for you two and has worked non-stop. He would get home from work and head straight out to the garage until 7, 8, and sometimes even later building our bookshelves. As my bump has begun to grow, I can see him getting even more excited. He can't take his hands off of you two. Already he is constantly tickling and kissing the two of you! When I have asked him to leave me alone or stop kissing my stomach (terrible of me, I know, but I still have my hormonal - don't touch me - moments!) he always replies, "You can't tell me to stop loving my babies! I'm hugging and kissing them." So just know sweet babies, both of your parents already love you so very much! We cannot wait to meet you.
As I say goodbye to the first trimester, there are many things I'm looking forward to experiencing during the second trimester:
1. Feeling you move for the first time
2. Having Keal feel you move
3. Finding out if you are boys, girls, or one of each!
4. Seeing how my body and bump will continue to grow and change
5. Getting my energy back (which I already have begun to experience!)
6. Seeing if I will have any crazy cravings that last
Ah, I love being pregnant! And as much as I love this, I can't imagine how much more I am going to love being your momma. I pray you keep growing strong and healthy, sweet babies. I pray you stay right where you are for quite a bit longer. I pray God keeps me healthy so that I can keep you healthy! I know God has wonderful things in store for both of your lives and I can't wait to watch them unfold. I love you so much and am already proud to call myself your mom.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Blessed
Today was a day I had been dreading since we found out in November that our first try at IUI did not work. Today would have been your due date had it worked. I had anticipated being a puddle of emotional mess today.
Instead, I find myself in a state of rejoicing. Today, I find myself blessed and grateful for God's more perfect plan than my own. Today, I find myself in a state of perfect peace, trusting God's plan completely.
Back in November, a week before we found out if we were pregnant or not, I was asked to take a large role in our church camp. I had to turn down the role because I thought I would be pregnant and a week away from delivering. I wouldn't be able to attend campout this year if I was pregnant (as I thought I would be).
Today, I rejoice in the fact that I turned that role down.
Today, I rejoice in the fact that the IUI attempt did not work.
Instead, I was able to attend campout with Keal, focused not on the stress of the role I would've held, but instead focused on our own personal walks with Christ. Had I been pregnant from the IUI attempt, Keal would've been home with me, not now baptized.
It is amazing the way God works. In the swirl of our own pain, we sometimes question God's plan or doubt that He is with us. Back in November, I could not understand why God had not answered our prayers. Back in November, I felt so alone. It's amazing how hind sight is always 20/20! God never left us; He never ignored our prayers. Instead, he was whispering that he had a more perfect plan for us in store.
Today, is far from a day of sadness or pain for me. Today, I know that this was not meant to be your due date for a bigger purpose. Today, I celebrate Keal's baptism. Today, I celebrate you all, the two precious lives growing inside of me as I type. Today, I celebrate my growing family and how blessed we are. Today, I celebrate the fact that it is not your due date. Today, I celebrate my living God who has never lost sight of us and is shaping us into His perfect plan. Today, is a beautiful, blessed day!
I have been blessed
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
Instead, I find myself in a state of rejoicing. Today, I find myself blessed and grateful for God's more perfect plan than my own. Today, I find myself in a state of perfect peace, trusting God's plan completely.
Back in November, a week before we found out if we were pregnant or not, I was asked to take a large role in our church camp. I had to turn down the role because I thought I would be pregnant and a week away from delivering. I wouldn't be able to attend campout this year if I was pregnant (as I thought I would be).
Today, I rejoice in the fact that I turned that role down.
Today, I rejoice in the fact that the IUI attempt did not work.
Instead, I was able to attend campout with Keal, focused not on the stress of the role I would've held, but instead focused on our own personal walks with Christ. Had I been pregnant from the IUI attempt, Keal would've been home with me, not now baptized.
It is amazing the way God works. In the swirl of our own pain, we sometimes question God's plan or doubt that He is with us. Back in November, I could not understand why God had not answered our prayers. Back in November, I felt so alone. It's amazing how hind sight is always 20/20! God never left us; He never ignored our prayers. Instead, he was whispering that he had a more perfect plan for us in store.
Today, is far from a day of sadness or pain for me. Today, I know that this was not meant to be your due date for a bigger purpose. Today, I celebrate Keal's baptism. Today, I celebrate you all, the two precious lives growing inside of me as I type. Today, I celebrate my growing family and how blessed we are. Today, I celebrate the fact that it is not your due date. Today, I celebrate my living God who has never lost sight of us and is shaping us into His perfect plan. Today, is a beautiful, blessed day!
And I feel like I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones
That love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed
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