Birthdays and baby showers and ultrasounds...

The 12th I had a surprise baby shower at church. It was lovely. The weather was horrible, so maybe 1/2 of the people that were going to be there showed up, but you couldn't even tell. The food was amazing, the games were fun (I won 1 of them), and I got more clothes than this baby may be able to wear.

The 15th I had an ultrasound. My mom got to catch a fuzzy glimpse at her first grandchild. It was grainy and hard to see. I did make out cute chubby toes. I can't wait. He seems to be measuring on-point with his due date, but the Dr. will talk to me more about it tomorrow at my appointment.

The 16th was my birthday. 28 years. I never thought I'd be pregnant at 28. A mom at 28. I had just assumed that by now this would be old hat for me. I'm glad this is how it's happening though, because The Kid comes at a perfect time for us. We're mature, and ready to teach him all we know. And we're ready to learn a ton from him.

At this point I feel ready to have this baby. I feel like we're prepared and now all that's left is some last minute Christmas shopping and to enjoy the holidays with family. What a good way to finish off this pregnancy. Family, food, and fun.

OK Kid, come when you're ready.

Well color me surprised...

Friday I had a surprise baby shower at work. My co-workers gathered, there was a ton of food and even gifts. I seriously could not express how amazing they all are for doing this for me. I was surprised and had a blast. It was quite possibly one of the best lunches I've had in a long time. We sat and talked, ate, and laughed. Seriously what could be better?

I am eternally grateful for the kindness and generosity of friends.

Catching up

The 20th of February I went to a Woman's Retreat with my church. It was amazing. I had a great time. I reconnected with my best friend Cathy, I bonded with new women. I got to know the people who surround me during the week at church. I also caught up with some old friends.

Growing up I was one of the few girls at church. I grew up with the kids at church. I grew up in the midst of a bunch of boys. To this day, I find myself to fondly remember my childhood and I'll remember the bruises, scrapes, wrestling matches, games of Trip, etc. It's great to be remember the boys of my childhood. They all hold an extremely special place in my heart. Then there are the girls, the few, but extremely cherished girls.Though I may not have felt close to them, now when I see them I can't help but remember almost every adventure we had together. I had a wonderful childhood, and I am greatful to every person who had a hand in that. Especially the kids I grew up with who ended up being amazing adults.

At the retreat I saw two girls that I grew up with. I didn't recognize them until one of them came up to me and smiled. She's been battling with weight for a while and she's lost 153lbs, so I didn't even recognize her. I couldn't stop smiling and telling her how amazing she looked. I just was so happy for her. Then I saw her sister, who has lost 85lbs. How amazing is it that they have done this for themselves, and feel amazing for it? Incredible. I told them about how I had lost 40lbs, but am struggling to get over that next hump. They were telling me to keep going and no one else could do it for me, so just push myself...They inspired me. I've been at this point for almost a month. I haven't lost any more. I was frustrated. But, I've started kicking my butt again. I've started pushing myself again. And it's starting to slowly come off again.

I can tell my body is changing, and I'm overjoyed. I have been really busy and forget to put myself on my priority list. I know that by doing that everyone else wins too. So I have to make it a point to just take some time for myself and take care of me. It's good to have people to take care of, but if I don't take care of myself, I'm no good to anyone.

I am inspired.

My goodness, time has flown by

This year has been amazing. I gained a Sister-in-law, a Nephew (Liam born 12/14/08), Moved into a house we love renting, marked our 5 year anniversary and I started working out and trying to watch what I ate. There is so much more, but these are the things that really stick out in my mind.

Allyssa and Liam being added to the family has been phenomenal. It's amazing seeing Allyssa with Liam. She's a different woman. I can see that the shy girl we met not too long ago, isn't the same. She's focused on her amazingly beautiful baby boy. She's consumed with him, and it's the most darling thing to watch. She'll sit and watch him. And my heart melts just seeing that. I know next time I see Liam he'll be different. He'll look different, he'll be able to hold up his little head on his own, he may even be able to smile. I am looking forward to seeing him, and just watching him grow up to be an amazing human being.

We love the house we live in now. We're still trying to settle in, but it's happening, and I love it. Yesterday I had a day off from work, so I spent the day straightening up and doing laundry. It was so relaxing. I love the sounds of the house, the smells, the natural light, the wonderful yard. I love living there.

JT and I are 5 years into our marriage and going onto our 6th year. I'm in love with this man. I sit and talk to him and he never fails to crack me up. We sit and just talk nonsense, and it's hilarious. I love it. The most mundane things are made better by him. I think we're a great team. I cook, he cleans. I wash clothes, he helps put them away. I can't thank him enough for making my life so much better.

I am excited to see what this next year will bring. I'm about 3lbs away from having lost 40lbs. I'm excited and that just makes me want to work so much harder at this. I hope this will be the year I get pregnant and we can start growing our little family. I hope this year we prosper. I hope this year I am able to build my friendships stronger. I hope I can solidify my career. I hope I can enjoy the little things in life. Mainly I just want to have fun, no matter what happens this year.

Perfect....Just Perfect

Yesterday was my birthday. And even though I don't get that same tingle in my stomach that I used to get when I was younger, it was by far one of the most perfect days. It started with JT singing to me at midnight. Once I got to work my desk was thrashed with balloons, confetti, streamers, ribbon, etc. It was amazing. I got birthday bagels, and cakes.

Later we did some shopping for my parents, since Jason was leaving the next morning to see them. Once I got back and did some work, I got a "Can you come the conference room...There's drama" urging from Adriann. So I went. And the singing and cake with candles commenced. I'm not one to like all this attention on me, so I'm sure I was awkward, but I couldn't stop smiling. It was so thoughtful and just nice. I can't thank my friends enough.

Dinner with my family that evening. It was amazing. I wanted to have a 'mustache party', but it got postponed because of too many things going on this month. But my aunt bought us some funny nose/moustache/eye brows/glasses type things and it was hilarious! I can't begin to explain the joy of having a mini moustache party. We had cake, I got presents and money. It was fantastic. I got books, movies, little trinkets, perfume. It's like these people know me.

I keep getting things. A belated birthday pistachio cake, movies...I just don't know how to say that this last day and a half has been amazing. I am beyond happy.

Holding my breathe...

So we may have found a house. As I type this I'm trying to hold my breathe because I don't want anything to get in the way of us getting it. So I will say no more until we find out for sure.

My cousin Sharon isn't getting married anymore. And as I type this I'm holding my breathe because I'm not sure if I want it to be true or not. Her heart is broken, and there is no pain like loosing your first love.

Allyssa should be having her baby in about 2 1/2 weeks. And as I type this I'm holding my breathe because I'm so excited. I'm also sad that I probably won't be able to be there when the baby's born But watch out cuz Aunt Jachel is on the way as soon as I can get away. I want to hold that baby that's part Matt and part Allyssa. I hold my breathe due to excitement.

My friend Cathy is getting married and this weekend I get to see her in her wedding dress. As I type this I hold my breathe to hold back the tears. I'm excited and oh so happy for her.

Adriann is venturing out into a business of her own. And I'm holding my breathe that all goes well with her, and that this will kick me in the butt to realize my dreams. I'm proud of you Adriann.

I have to remember to just breathe and let the cards fall where they may.