Friends, Fam and a Sermon

 My beautiful sister in law!

Me and sweet Caroline!

Last weekend I had two very dear peeps in town; my sister in law and one of my girlfriends from San Diego.  I sometimes struggle with being so far from my best friends and family; maaking friends at this stage of life has proven to be challenging.  It's hard to think about having a baby with none of my best-ies to be here and celebrate with me.  Nevertheless, this was a great weekend. And to top it off, Andy preached 4 sermons this weekend at a local church with a total of about 1200 members.  I'm so, so proud of him.  You can listen to his sermon here.   

Back in Time: Your Daddy

This entry was written January 17th.

Well little nugget, today is day 55 and I feel like poo.  For the size of a blueberry, you sure are causing a lot of disruptions in my belly.  I haven't gotten out of bed in 3 days, everything smells foul, and I'm starving but I can't eat anything besides toast.  Your father has been a gem throughout all my miserable complaining.  He's cooking, cleaning, and working really, really hard for you.  I was feeling particularly awful the other night and he insisted on drawing me a bath.  Yes, sweet child, you hit the jackpot when it comes to Daddy's. 

Hearts beating

There is a heart beating in my belly and I can't get over it.  Who knew the sound of a racing heart beat could bring me peace and joy like waves of the ocean?  But there it was, swooshing, making the most beautiful sound.  Wow.  I'm dumbfounded at God's creation of the body; the intricacies that make us whole.  Keep beating little nugget, keep beating. 

12 Weeks

How far along:12 weeks!

How big is baby: According to my baby bump app, it's the size of a plum.  2.1 inches and approximately .49 oz.

Total weight gain: 3 pounds

Sleep: Sleeping a lot better through the night, minus getting up to pee.

Maternity Clothes: Not yet, using the rubber band trick for my pants though--I can't button them anymore.

Food cravings : I wish.

Food aversions: Almost everything, especially chicken. 

Challenges: Functioning with constant nausea.

Movement: not yet

Boy or Girl?: I have a feeling it's a girl.

What I’m looking forward to: Getting my appetite back.

What I miss: Food. 

Next appt: This afternoon! We get to hear the baby's heartbeat!

Back In Time: Hello Nugget

(I wrote a few blog entries during the very beginning stages of pregnancy, this is the first).

January 15, 2012

According to my own calculations, I'm 52 days, or 7 1/2 weeks pregnant.  I know I won't post this blog for another 4 weeks or so, but I wanted to to keep a "journal" of this time in my pregnancy.  Most of our friends and family already know...it's not a matter of waiting to tell people to make sure I get through the first trimester, rather, it's a bit incredibly overwhelming and it seems that everyone has advice once you share you're pregnant, and I honestly just want to "be," for the time being.  

According to my baby bump app...lil nugget is the size of a blueberry, and he/she is causing a lot of nausea.  Some days are worse than others, but I'm really looking forward to the part of pregnancy where I can eat like a pig normally.  Andy and I are superduper excited to be parents, and very soon I think I'll be begging everyone for advice, until then, these little journal entries will be stored away until the right day.

A Sweet Anniversary

A quick trip to Victoria for our 2nd anniversary couldn't have been timed better.  We've both been working crazy hours, the pregnancy has been rough (being sick), and by going to Canada we were forced to unplug.  No cell phones, no computers; just Andy and Ruthy time, and it was glorious. 

We definitely want to come back in the spring when everything is in bloom; February is a pretty dreary time to be here, but even with that said, it was still breathtakingly beautiful. 

We spent the first two days walking and driving around the city.  The buildings are stunning; I don't know much about Canadian history, but I kinda want to learn now.  The downtown area is just bustling with people, great shopping and fantastic food. 

I was praying I would get an appetite and that my nausea would magically disappear.  The first day and a half I was feeling pretty good and was actually able to get something down besides toast, unfortunately the nausea hit again later, but I didn't let it spoil my trip. We had an absolutely wonderful time.  This was definitely an anniversary to remember!

Check One Off the Bucket List

For the past few years I've been dreaming about visiting Victoria BC.  It's only a short ferry ride from Seattle; I've just never planned a trip.  But guess what Andy and I are doing this weekend?!  Our 2nd anniversary is February 20th, and there just happened to be a killer LivingSocial deal for a hotel stay in Victoria, so we booked it and we are officially going there!  *SQUEEL*

 This is where we're staying!!

I'm praying that my nausea isn't too bad and that I'll be able to truly enjoy a weekend away...I'll take a ton of pics, don't worry.  Have a great weekend!

Post Valentine's Day

 It was brought to my attention that Andy and I always smile with our mouths open...I guess we do. 

I'm overwhelmed at all the love and encouragement from yesterdays announcement.  I wasn't planning on sharing the news on Valentine's day, it just kinda happened.  Valentine's was pretty low key this year because I've been so nauseated and can't eat any delicious food that is usually consumed on Valentine's day, so hubby and I just spent the day relaxing, snuggling, and doing a little DIY photo shoot for the announcement.  The weekend before we did go to a little Valentine's shindig that was quite fun and had a photo booth set up--super cute right?   Such a great idea for a party...all you need is a camera, tripod, a cute background and fun props.   Definitely want to do this at my next party!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

Yep.  It's true, 11 weeks today! 

Showered With Love

I was so excited to finally throw Lindsy's baby shower!  If you haven't been to her blog, you should!  You can read through her process of beginning the foster to adopt program. 

The night before my friend Rachelle and I stayed up and created such cute little things for the shower!  I know this is crazy, but I've actually never been to a baby shower before, so Rachelle was instrumental in helping me organize the whole thing. 

I stole almost every idea from Pinterest--seriously, how did I plan my wedding without Pinterest?

 Veggie cups...pour the ranch dressing in and chop your vegetables. So easy and no clean up!

 Clothes pin line for well wishes, wisdom and words.

 Blue punch with pineapple sherbet!  So easy and a big hit!

The new mama with her sweet baby boy. 

The Day!

I'm beyond excited for my friend and neighbor Lindsy.  Today they are picking up a 5 month old baby boy through a local foster to adopt agency.  It's been a crazy long emotional process for them and it's all happening today!  I've been planning her baby shower not knowing if it was going to be for a boy or a girl...I guess we can update a few things for this weekend! I can't wait to meet the little one!

7 Years Sober

Today marks my husbands 7th year of sobriety.  I couldn't be more proud of the person he is today and the people he has impacted and influenced.  From the minute he told me on our very first date that he was an alcoholic, until today, I've never doubted or was skeptical of the man he is.  I never knew the "old Andy,"  but his life and experiences have molded him into the most compassionate, humble, and intentional person I've ever known.  I'm lucky to call him my husband.

Rough Days

I'm married to an amazing man.  I've been having some really hard days lately...well, weeks actually.  My husband is picking up all the slack and hasn't complained once.  I don't think I've expressed my gratitude enough, yet he still rubs my back, goes downstairs to grab me a glass of water in the middle of the night, draws me a warm bath, is cooking his own meals, and grocery shopping, and he's tolerating my whining and irritability.  If there were a husband of the year award, he'd definitely be the winner.